INFLUENCE OF LONG-TERM FEEDING OF PALM OIL ON THE LIPID-COMPOSITION OF PERIRENAL ADIPOSE-TISSUE IN RATS

The composition of perirenal adipose tissue in Wistar strain of rats f ed palm oil (PO) fat at 5% and 20% in diet for a period of 18 weeks wa s studied. Peanut oil (PNO) at 5% and 20% were used as controls. Under the experimental conditions, the saturation index was higher in anima ls fed diet containing PO compared to those fed PNO. There was no sign ificant difference with reference to 12:0, 14:0 and 18:1 fatty acid le vels, whereas linoleic acid (18:2) showed a proportional relationship between the intake and perirenal adipose tissue levels. There was a si gnificant correlation of dietary intake of linoleic acid and the U/S r atio in the adipose tissue. Linoleic acid (18:2, n6) levels were incre ased in 20% PNO groups as compared to those fed PO. However, palmitole ic acid (16:1) did not show a proportional relationship between the in take and adipose tissue levels. Thus, our studies show that more satur ated fatty acids are incorporated in the PO group than in the PNO grou ps at the end of 18 weeks feeding.