Erschienen in:
05.01.2021 | Original Article
Pathological changes in the mucous membrane of the small intestine due to prolonged consumption of palm oil
verfasst von:
Rhea Singh, Galina Gubina-Vakulyck, Tatyana Gorbach
Erschienen in:
Comparative Clinical Pathology
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Ausgabe 1/2021
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Abstract
Although palm oil is a very widely consumed commodity, health concerns have arisen regarding its safety over the past few decades, due to its high saturated palmitic acid content. The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the effect of prolonged palm oil consumption on the morphology and function of the small intestine (SI) as well as features of proliferation in these cells. Ten WAG male rats, separated randomly into two equal groups, were given 10 g/kg of sunflower oil (control group) and palm oil (main group), respectively, in their food rations for 5 months. Microscopic investigation and morphometric studies were done on small intestine cells after staining with periodic acid Schiff and Einarson’s (hallocyanin-chromalum) stain. Quantitative enterocyte Ki-67 expression was assessed immunohistochemically. Lipid profile and serum level of proteins were evaluated to assess the degree of dysfunction of the small intestine. Significant amount of dysfunction and intense destructive enteritis of the mucous membrane was revealed in SI of the rats orally exposed to palm oil. Moreover, Ki-67 expression was decreased in the group of palm oil rats despite significant damage. The biochemical analysis showed decrease in the serum levels of total proteins and phospholipids possibly due to damage to the SI epitheliocytes, which led to their decreased absorptive function. Increase in the levels of total lipids and triglycerides was found due to high level of saturated fatty acid content of the palm oil. Prolonged palm oil consumption promotes destruction and loss of function of the enterocytes.