The Effects of Gum Arabic on Fertility in Obese Female Rats

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction: Obesity and its related health concems is increasing worldwide, evidence of etiological links between the obesity and reproductive problems such as infertility, ovulation dysfunction, preterm delivery, fetal growth disorders were reported , The mechanisms linking obesity to these pathologies are related to metabolic derangement and oxidative and nitrosative stress in the body Gum Arabic has proven a safe dietary fibre . The aim of this research is to study the potential effects of Gum Arabic on reproductive health problems associated with obesity induced by western diet. Materials and methods: Females Westar rats weight about 120 -130 gram, were divided randomly into two groups distinguished by dietary composition, Control group (n=l 0). were fed only standard rodent chew diet. Obese group n=20 were fed Cafeteria diet (varying menu of sausage, cheese, snacks, peanuts, chocolate, biscuits) for 8 weeks, By the end of week 8, 10 obese rats as indicated by 20 % Of initial weight randomly selected and received addition of 10% Gum Arabic dissolved in tap water (100 g/l). Food intake, weight gain, glucose tolerance test (GTT )and the insulin tolerance test (ITT) were recorded at two weeks interval . Then rats were transferred to a mating cage and cohabite with proven fertility male rats ( 1:1). Mating, fertility, fecundity index were calculated. The number of live pups and their body weights were recorded. In the firstl estrous phase after the intervening day, rats were anathatazied and dissected afterwards, ovaries were removed. One ovary was for antioxidant and nitric oxide measurements and the others was fixed in 10 % fonnaldehyde for 24 hours, dehydrated, embedded in paraffin for histopathological assessments. Results: Results showed Cafeteria fed-rats developed obesity when compared to control group mean (334.7 i 8.0) (138.2 i 1.5) (P < 0.05). The rats fed a cafeteria diet showed significant increase in food intake compared to those fed standard chow diet (p<0.05), Gum Arabic oral supplementation significantly lowered weight in week 12, weight had retumed to normal by week 17 also significantly reduces the quantity of food ingested by rats in the experimental group which aligns with weight reduction. Obese rats exhibited disturbed glucose and insulin tolerance test (GTT) (ITT) compared to controls (P <.00l). ln week 10 substantial improvement in glucose tolerance and insulin resistance were noticed (P = .001) . Regarding lipid profile, Triacylegleceride (TAG) and cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the CAF-fed rats compared to the control group TGA mean (70.70i1.20) (lll.40:k2.50) p (.0001) while cholesterol (67. 50il. 19) (85. 5011. 36) p value (. 000l);CAF diet-induced obesity resulted in a considerable increase in LDL levels and significant reduction in HDL level . A substantial drop in LDL and a rise in HDL was seen in obese rat treated with Gum Arabic (p <0.05). The mating index was found to be 100% in all groups. The fertility index and fecundity index were lower in obese rats( p<0.05) and significantly increased in obese rats treated with GA. Number of live fetuses were declined by obesity (mean 12 1 0.97) in comparison to rats female fed standard diet (l5 11.45) (P< 0.05). Ovaria.n Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Nitric Oxide (NO) concentrations raised in CAF diet group compared to control , Mean MDA (27. i 3.0) ( 50.4i5.3)( P =.001) and mean NO level (49.4=kl 1.0) (l SO.lil9.4)( p . 0001) for control and obese respectively ,While catalase level was decreased in ovarian tissues mean (1 .4i0.3)(l .01 0.2) (P<0.05) for control and obese group correspondingly. GA treatment significantly lowered ovarian MDA and NO and lead to increased catalase (p<0.0S) . There was a statistically significant difference in NO level in obese treated with a GA and a control group (p =. 002). Obese rats, on the other hand, had a remarkable cyst-like appearance of follicles, thickened follicular walls and decreased granulosa cell layers, fewer antral follicles, but more fluid, After four weeks of gum Arabic follicular walls were thinner and cystic changes were less visible. Conclusions: Gum Arabic oral administration improves the reproductive outcome that was disturbed by obesity induced by westem diet, this was through strong antioxidant effect on ovarian tissues which correlated to weight reduction and improvement in glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and lipid profile.