Comparative study on the effects of high fat diet and capsicum diet on the digestive organs of guinea pigs

Abstract

Abstract This study examined the different effects of high-fat and capsicum diets on the digestive organs of guinea pigs. Hartley guinea pigs (n = 24) were divided into the high-fat diet (HFD), capsicum diet (CD), and control (C) groups. Guinea pigs in the C, HFD, and CD groups received maintenance feed, high-fat, and capsicum diets, respectively. After 12 weeks of modelling, serum samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumour necrosis factor-α, while haematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe morphological changes. Blood lipid levels and inflammatory markers in the serum of guinea pigs in HFD and CD groups were significantly elevated than those in the serum of guinea pigs in the C group (P < 0.01). Inflammation and blood lipid disorders were more severe among guinea pigs in the HFD group than among those in the CD and C groups (P < 0.001). Pathological examinations revealed that high-fat and capsicum diets induce damage to the liver, stomach, gallbladder, and colon. Specifically, high-fat diets exhibited more significant effects. High-fat or capsicum diet consumption can damage the digestive organs, causing abnormal lipid metabolism; however, high-fat diets exhibit more significant effects on the digestive organs.

Keywords

• High-fat diet
• Capsicum diet
• Digestive organs
• Lipid metabolism
• Comparative medicine