Changes of Oxidative Stress Markers and Lipid Profile induced by Heat Stress in Albino Rats

Abstract

Background: Overproduction of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) leads to oxidative stress and is a major environmental insult that can cause disruption of metabolic and physiological homeostasis. This study aimed to study the effect of heat stress on oxidative stress markers and lipid profile in albino rats and its alleviation effect with vitamin E supplementation.

Methods: Twenty-five male albino rats (3–5 months old, 190–240 g) were randomly divided into five groups of five rats. There were three groups under heat stress (37°C) for 3, 5, and 7 hours per day for 28 days, and one group was kept under normal conditions. The fifth group was given an oral vitamin E supplement along with 7 hours of heat exposure per day. The fifth group received an oral vitamin E supplement with 7 hours of heat exposure per day. Measurements of serum lipid profile and biomarkers of oxidative stress were performed.

Results: The heat stress significantly affected the serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein and malondialdehyde levels as well as the catalase and the superoxide dismutase activities, and significantly reduced the activities of glutathione and glutathione peroxidase (p < 0.05). The most significant changes were seen after 7 hours of daily exposure to the heat. There was a significant improvement in antioxidant status and in lipid peroxidation and dyslipidemia with vitamin E supplementation.

Conclusion: Albino rats exposed to heat stress show evidence of oxidative damage and lipid metabolic disturbances through increased level of lipid peroxidation and reduced levels of antioxidant defenses. Vitamin E has been shown to be effective in relieving these harmful effects, suggesting that it could serve as a protective antioxidant against heat stress-induced metabolic dysfunction and oxidative damage.