Effects of high-fat diets on inflammation and antioxidant status in rats: Comparison between palm olein and olive oil

Palm olein (PO) and olive oil (OO) are widely consumed in the world. PO is considered harmful to health, whereas OO is considered healthy. This study aims to discover the effects of consumption of these oils on antioxidant status and inflammation that can be beneficial for consumer. This was an experimental study in male wistar rats fed a diet containing 30% of each oil. Rats had free access to food and water. After being fed for 12 weeks, animals were sacrificed and liver and aortic blood were collected. Plasma was used for the determination of interleukin-6 and oxidative stress parameters (Superoxide dismutase, Gluthation peroxidase, Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, Thiol groups and isoprostane). The inflammation and oxidative stress status as well as the expression of several genes/proteins were also analyzed in liver homogenate. No significant differences were observed between PO and OO in plasma and liver levels of the studied inflammation and oxidative stress parameters. We noted that the consumption of PO does not promote inflammation and oxidative stress. This study will help the researchers to uncover the critical areas of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of olive oil and palm olein consumption.