Investigation of serum lipid concentration in miceplaced on experimental diet

Author: 
Obaalologhi Wilfred

Background: Lipid abnormalities such as low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL- C), levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and elevated triglycerides are linked to an increased risk of chronic heart disease (CHD) and cardiovascular events which act as predictors of the disease process since excessive intake of cholesterol is likely to lead to hyperlipidaemia. Method: A total of forty (male and female) mice aged between 2 and 12 months were used. The animals were maintained in group cages, and fed with water and experimental food ad libitum six weeks prior to start of the study.Blood samples collected in EDTA-containing tubes following heart puncture, and allowed to cloth and then centrifuged at 12 000 rpm for 2 minutes for serum cholesterol and triglyceride analysis, using standard routine enzymatic method. Result: The serum triglyceride showed (no significant) increasein the 4 to 6 months old male mice (5.47 to 5.70mmol/L).However, there was a decrease in the 12 month old male mice.There was significant increase in the serum triglyceride level from 2 to 6 months female mice (2.23 – 6.83mmol/L), but recorded a slight decrease in its level (5.5mmol/L) in the 12 months old female mice. There was a steady increase in cholesterol in male and female mice with increasing age (2 to 12 months). Conclusion: Age of mice studied have direct influence on the blood serum levels of cholesterol and triglyceride. While the male mice appear to be at a slightly higher risk of raised cholesterol level than the female mice, there is a tendency for the female mice to risk a raised serum TAG level.

Paper No: 
14425