Dietary Enrichment with Omega -3 Fatty Acid Potentiates Leptin Permeability through the Blood-Brain Barrier in Wistar Rats

Abstract

Obesity is an excessive accumulation of fat which causes several health implications. It is a risk factor for most disabilities and non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, etc. The present study aimed to show the effect of short and long-term supplementation of an enriched diet with different concentrations of omega-3 fatty acid on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and serum leptin ratio, adiposity and lipid profile in albino Wistar rats. Serum-leptin ratios and indicators such as lipid profile, feed consumption, and adiposity index were obtained to ascertain the effect of the enriched diet on health and wellness. Forty Wistar rats divided into four groups of ten were used, comprising of five males and females; Groups A, B, C and D. The group A, the control, was fed with rat chow and water alone. Groups B, C and D were fed with rat chow supplemented with 10%, 20% and 40% omega-3 fatty acid respectively. The permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) with leptin significantly increased across the experimental groups in a concentration-dependent manner. Practical Applications: Omega-3-fatty acids, also called polyunsaturated fatty acids are well known for their cardioprotective properties. ALA, α-linoleic acid, eicosapentanoic acid (EPA), and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) have been collectively referred to as omega-3 fatty acids. ALA, an essential fatty acid, can be converted into EPA and DHA. These polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are obtained from fish-oil and other kinds of seafood. Dietary consumption is essential for a better blood lipid profile and reduced risk for cardiovascular disease. In the present study, supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids improved blood-lipid profile, increased HDL which are essential in preventing obesity. Equally reported here is that concentrations of serum-leptin and CSF were used to derive the leptin ratio. There was also a significant decrease in the adiposity index across the groups. The feed consumption and CSF leptin were given as r=-0.46 for the short term diet, while r=0.34 for the long term diet group. Data of the study indicate that omega-3 fatty acid enrichment had a diminishing effect on both adiposity and appetite, but enhanced the permeability of leptin through the blood-brain barrier in the Wistar rats. The relevance of this study is that omega-3-fatty acid food supplementation could aid in weight management and assist in the prevention and control of obesity.