The Effect of Bladder Wrack Algae on Biomarkers of Obesity among Experimental Rats

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Abstract

This study was done to find out the effect of Bladder wrack (Fucus Vesiculosus) algae (BWA) on biomarkers of obesity among experimental rats. Thirty-six adult albino rats (weighting 140 ±10 g) were divided into 2 main groups, the first group is the negative control group (n= 6 rats) was fed on standard diet and the second main group is experimental group (n= 30 rats) and this group was fed on high fat diet (20% animal fat) for four consecutive weeks to induce obesity, then was further subdivided into 5 subgroups (n= 6 rats each group); the 1st group (positive control group) was fed on the standard diet; the 2nd group (2.5% BWA powder) was fed on standard diet plus 2,5% of BWA powder; the 3rd group (5.0% BWA powder) was fed on standard diet plus 5.0% of BWA powder; the 4th group (1 ml alcoholic extract of BWA) was fed on standard diet plus  1 ml injected with a dose of BWA extract; and the 5th group (2 ml alcoholic extract of BWA) was fed on standard diet plus 2 ml injected with a dose of BWA extract. The intervention continued for 28 consecutive days. By the end of the experiments period, body weight gain, feed efficiency ratio, feed intake and relative organs weight were estimated. Also, blood samples were collected for determination of serum liver enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP), blood lipid profile (TG, TC, LDL, HDL, VLDL), and Atherogenic Index (AI). Also, heart sections were obtained for histopathological examinations. The results showed that weight gain of rats treated with BWA powder and injected extract were significantly lower than control group. Also, liver enzymes and blood lipids biomarkers showed significant decrease when compared with control group. The level of HDL of treated rats increased significantly than corresponding values of control group. In conclusion, moderate amounts of Bladder wrack algae either powder or extract improved the obesity biomarkers among experimental rats. Therefore, we recommended those tested Fucus vesiculosus by a moderate amount to be included in our daily diets and drinks ..

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