Introduction: Obesity creates health problems by increasing the risks of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Obesity leads to insulin resistance, higher blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Adipose tissues synthesize adiponectin which acts as anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anti-atherogenic agent. Meanwhile, vitamin E is an antioxidant that acts as an anti-inflammation.
Aim: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of vitamin E supplementation to metabolic markers on diet-induced obesity in mice.
Materials and methods: Twenty-four mice (Mus musculus, L) aged four weeks were divided into six groups which were fed different diets and given vitamin E in different dosages or methods. The period of treatment was 18 weeks. The mice body weights were measured every week; blood sugar and cholesterol levels were measured every six weeks, and the adiponectin level measurement was done at week 18.
Results: A repeated measures ANOVA showed that body weight and cholesterol level within groups were not significantly different [F(15, 54)=1.417, 0.173 and F(10, 36)=1.391, 0.224 respectively]. The glucose levels were found to be significantly different [F(7.646, 27.526)=2.625, 0.030]. There was no significant difference in the adiponectin levels.
Conclusions: Vitamin E supplementation could not prevent the increase of body weight, the elevation of blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and also could not increase adiponectin level.
Keywords: adiponectin; cholesterol; glucose; obesity; vitamin E.
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