Hypolipidemic Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Comparison with Rosuvastatin in Induced Hyperlipidemic Albino Rats ‎

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There is evidence that omega-3 fatty acids, i.e. eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found in oil of fish, can help prevent and treat atherosclerosis by averting the development of plaque and blood clotting. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids and rosuvastatin on lipid profile, liver function enzymes, renal function tests, hematological parameters, blood glucose, malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in hyperlipidemic rats. In the current study, 32 male albino rats, aging between (8-10) weeks and weighing (200–250 g) were randomly selected. The rats were housed under highly standard laboratory conditions exposed to a photoperiod of 12:12h light: dark and maintained at 22±2 ºC. The rats were divided into 4 groups, each of which contained eight individuals. The first group received a standard diet throughout the experimental period. The second group represented the model, as the laboratory rats were given chow (5% cholesterol+0.5% cholic acid) for six consecutive weeks. The third group received omega-3 oil at a concentration of 35 mg/kg daily. The fourth group received a daily dose of rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg). The results revealed that after six weeks of therapy, omega-3 fatty acids significantly decreased serum total cholesterol (TC), serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) when compared to hyperlipidemic rats. In addition, daily administration of rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg) for six weeks significantly attenuated serum TG, LDL-C, and TC levels when compared to hyperlipidemic rats.