Dietary oleoyl-estrone delays the growth rate of young rats

Background Oleoylestrone administration induces the rapid loss of fat prese rving body protein. Aim of the study We intended to check whether the fat-s hedding effect of oleoyl-estrone arrests growth in young rats,limiting the buildup of protein and fat. Methods Oleoyl-estrone diluted in a powdered hy perlipidic diet (33 mu mol/kg) was given for 30 days to 30-day old Zucker l ean (Fa/?) rats. Their body weight and food consumption were followed daily ; on day 30 of treatment (60-day old rats), whole body composition (lipid, protein) was determined, and plasma energy parameters and leptin were measu red. Results Oleoyl-estrone-treated rats grew more slowly than controls fed the hyperlipidic diet alone, and on day 60 their lipid content was about h alf that of controls. Protein content per kg was identical in both groups, but treated rats tended to accumulate less nitrogen and energy because of t heir smaller size. No changes in plasma glucose, urea, triacylglycerols or total cholesterol were observed, but oleoylestrone-treated rats showed lowe r circulating leptin than controls. Conclusion Despite limiting the accumul ation of lipids, oleoyl-estrone slowed, but did not arrest growth of young rats, nor elicit a loss of fat or protein.