To evaluate the metabolic parameters, CK-18 levels, and liver histopathology in high-fat diet-induced obesity in rats.
Approach:
Study Design: Rats were fed either a normal-fat diet (NFD) or a high-fat diet (HFD) for eight weeks.
Assessments: Body weights, metabolic-liver parameters, and CK-18 levels were assessed at study end. Liver histopathological changes and NAFLD activity score were examined.
Key Findings:
HFD group showed increased final body weight (335.8 ± 20.2 g vs 291.5 ± 6.25 g; p<0.001).
Increased glucose (186.4 ± 46.9 mg/dL vs 130.0 ± 16.2 mg/dL; p=0.011), insulin (4.30 ± 0.70 IU/L vs 2.23 ± 0.82 IU/L; p<0.001), HOMA-IR (2.03 ± 0.79 vs 0.73 ± 0.34; p=0.003), ALT (72.34 ± 12.35 U/L vs 55.43 ± 5.75 U/L; p=0.009), and CK-18 (1.46 ± 0.18 ng/mL vs 0.88 ± 0.18 ng/mL; p<0.001) levels were observed.
Decreased AST/ALT ratio in HFD group (1.16 ± 0.09 vs 1.32 ± 0.14; p=0.020).
All HFD specimens showed ballooning (8/8) and half showed steatosis (4/8).
CK-18 values tended to co-occur with higher ALT levels and ballooning formation within the HFD group.
Interpretation:
HFD-induced obesity was associated with increased CK-18 and hepatocellular changes, particularly ballooning, without overt steatohepatitis.
Limitations:
Study conducted on rats, which may not fully represent human physiology.
Limited duration of the study (eight weeks) may not capture long-term effects.
Conclusion:
CK-18 levels were elevated in the HFD group, indicating potential hepatocellular injury in obesity.
