Effects of Melatonin on Serum Lipid Profile and Hepatic Diacylglycerol O-Acyltransferase (dgat) Activity in Fructose-Treated Rats

Student: Favour Chioma Donatus (Project, 2025)
Department of Physiology
University of Ilorin, Kwara State

Abstract

High fructose intake causes dyslipidemia and metabolic disorders by altering liver lipid metabolism. Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT), a key triglyceride synthesis enzyme, is crucial in fructose-related lipid storage. Melatonin, a pineal hormone with antioxidant properties, shows therapeutic potential for metabolic conditions, though its effects on fructose-driven dyslipidemia and DGAT activity remain unclear. This study investigated melatonin's effects on serum lipid profile and hepatic DGAT activity in fructose-treated rats. Twenty-eight male Wistar rats (200-250g) were randomly divided into four groups (n=7): Control (normal saline 1mL), Fructose (400 mg/kg), Fructose (400mg/kg) + low-dose melatonin (4 mg/kg), and Fructose (400mg/kg) + high-dose melatonin (8 mg/kg). Treatments were administered daily via oral gavage for 10 days, with melatonin given 15 minutes before fructose. Blood was collected through cardiac puncture under chloroform anesthesia, and liver tissues were harvested. Serum lipid parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL cholesterol) and hepatic DGAT activity were measured using standard assays. Data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA. Fructose treatment significantly increased total cholesterol (34.39 ± 0.82 vs 16.84 ± 0.94 mg/dL, p

Keywords
Melatonin fructose dyslipidemia metabolic syndrome lipid profile fructose-treated and DGAT activity.
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