Effets of Pistacia lentiscus Virgin Fatty Oil on Lipidemic Profile and Carcass Characteristics in Hyperlipidemic Oryctolagus cuniculus Rabbits

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate Pistacia Lentiscus Virgin Fatty Oil (PLVFO) effects on lipidemic profile and carcass characteristics in rabbits. 15 male adult rabbits were allocated in three groups of 5 each. The first was not treated and served as control (CRL), the second was gavaged by Egg Yolk (EY) at a dose of 7 mL kg^-1 BW (6/7 days), the third was treated as EY and then PLVFO was applied at a dose of 1 mL kg^-1 BW (6/7 days). At 28th day of experiment, the biochemical profiles were determined and then animals were sacrified for anatomo-pathological studies and carcass characteristics investigation. PLVFO has resulted in non significant decrease of total cholesterol, a significant decrease of LDL-C (PLVFO Vs EY, ANOVA, p<0.01) and a significant increase of HDL-C (PLVFO Vs EY, ANOVA, p<0.001) with a significant amelioration of atherogenic index (PLVFO Vs EY, ANOVA, p<0.01). This oil has also increased non significantly ALT with a significant increase of AST (PLVFO Vs EY, ANOVA, p<0.01). Anatomo pathological investigations have not shown significant disturbances by PLVFO, this later has reduced significantly dissectible fat (PLVFO Vs EY, ANOVA, p<0.05). The study concludes that PLVFO prevent hyperlipidemia and obesity at tested dose. However, its prolonged use may increase transaminases enzymes activities.