Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) and Plasma Glucose Level Changes Due to Dietary Fat and Beta Carotene in Wistar Rats

Background: Beta-carotene (βC), an antioxidant present in fruits and vegetables responsible for the yellow coloration of these plants has been used for ages as remedies against different ailments. The present study was aimed at investigating tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and plasma glucose level changes due to dietary fat and β-carotene in Wistar rats.

Methods: Thirty (30) male Wistar rats were grouped into 6. Group A was the Control and received distilled water, Group B received high fat diet of 60% fat and 40% rat chow, Group C received 300 mg/kg body weight (bwt) of βC, Group D received high-fat diet for 12 weeks and was treated with 300 mg/kg bwt of βC for 2 weeks, Group E received 300mg/kg bwt of βC for 2 weeks and then high-fat diet for 12 weeks while Group F received high-fat diet for 12 weeks and then treated with 150 mg/kg bwt of βC for 2 weeks. At the end of 14 weeks, the animals were sacrificed; blood samples collected and the livers were harvested, homogenised and assayed.

Results: The results showed a significant decrease in plasma glucose level in Groups C and D when compared to Groups A, B and F (P≤0.05). The result of TNF-α assay showed that the TNF-α was significantly higher in Group B compared with the other Groups and was significantly lower in Group E compared to the treatment Groups (P≤0.05).

Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that β carotene can be effective in reducing blood glucose and that consumption of dietary fats sequel the increase in TNF-α and as such could predispose to dietary obesity and cancer in humans and animals.