Effects of sardine and squid-liver oils on lipid metabolism in rats fed a low-protein diet

Two kinds of fish oil (sardine oil : SA and squid oil : SQ) were given to rats fed a low-gluten diet (5%) for 4 weeks. The weight gains showed a decreasing tendency throughout the experimental period in the order of control (corn oil) group>SQ group>SA group. Serum protein, albumin and monoamine oxidase [1.4.3.4] activity were significantly higher in the SA group than in the control, although the iron content in the serum of both experimental groups decreased. Furthermore, total lipids and triacylglycerols in the liver of rats in the SA group were significantly lower than in the control. The level of TBARS (2-thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance) in the liver of rats in the SQ group was significantly lower than in the control and SA groups. Histologically, fatty liver was less severe in the SA group compared with the control and the SQ group. These hepatic histological observations corresponded to the biochemical results.