Heliyon (Nov 2024)
Efficacy of goldenberry in improving obesity-induced hemoglobin conformational structure changes in wistar rats: A biophysical perspective
Abstract
The relationship between obesity and the conformational structure of hemoglobin (Hb) has not been extensively investigated. This study aims to elucidate the dielectric parameters that distinguish the Hb molecule under obese conditions and following treatment with goldenberry (GB) extract, compared to a control group. The dielectric parameters analyzed include the loss factor (D), relaxation time (τ), dielectric increment (Δε), relative permittivity (έ), dielectric loss (ε''), conductivity (σ), and Cole-Cole parameters (α), measured across a frequency range of 20 Hz to 3 MHz. Significant differences in dielectric parameters were observed between obese rats and those treated with GB extract. Obese rats exhibited higher dielectric values compared to the control group, while rats treated with low and high doses of GB extract showed marked changes in Hb conformational structure. This study highlights the potential of dielectric parameters as biophysical markers for detecting hemoglobin conformational changes. Furthermore, it suggests that dielectric behavior could serve as an early indicator for assessing the severity of obesity and its related complications.