Nutrición Hospitalaria ()

Effects of flaxseed flour on the lipid profile of rats submitted to prolonged androgen stimuli

  • Ilma Cely de Amorim Ribeiro,
  • Carlos Alberto Soares da Costa,
  • Vivian Alves Pereira,
  • Gilson Teles Boaventura,
  • Mauricio Alves Chagas

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3305/nh.2014.30.4.7301
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 30, no. 4
pp. 825 – 830

Abstract

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Background: The chronic use of steroid hormones can lead to alterations in the lipid profile such as an increase in LDL and decrease in HDL levels . The effect of flaxseed on lipid profiles has been widely investigated. Aim: Evaluate the lipid profile of adult male Wistar rats fed with flax based meals and submitted to androgenic hyperstimulation. Material and Methods: Forty Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 10 animals: the Control group (CG); Flax group (FG) fed a flaxseed flour-based meal; Induced group (IG); and the Induced group (IGF) that was fed a flaxseed flour-based meal. The induction was done by using silicone pellets filled with testosterone propionate (1mg), sealed with a surgical adhesive and substituted every 4 weeks. Results: Triglycerides (FG: 71.16 ± 21.95; IG: 99.16 ± 26.00 and IGF: 86.33 ± 27.16 mg/dL) and HDL-cholesterol (FG: 23.05 ± 1.67; IG: 29.06 ± 7.24 and IGF: 26.06 ± 3.56 mg/dL) were significantly lower in the experimental groups. The FG and IGF (41.16 ± 3.97 and 49.66 ± 11.25 mg/dL, respectively) showed significantly lower levels of cholesterol than the other groups(CG: 78,85 ± 11.58 and IG: 70,83 ± 14.85 mg/dL). Regarding LDL levels, the IG showed significantly higher concentrations (21,93 ± 8,84 mg/dL) than the others groups (CG: 7,81 ± 5,37; FG: 3,88 ± 1,32 and IGF: 6,66 ± 7,24 mg/dL). Conclusions: The flaxseed has a relevant effect on the lipid profile of animals submitted to androgenic hyperstimulation.

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