Ameliorative Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Quercetin on Lipid Metabolic Disturbances Induced by High Salt Intake in Wistar Rats

Abstract

High dietary salt intake has been associated with alterations in lipid metabolism and increased cardiovascular risk. This study evaluated the effects of omega-3 fatty acids and quercetin supplementation on lipid profile and atherogenic indices in a high-salt-fed Wistar rat model. Thirty-five male Wistar rats weighing 180-220 g were randomly assigned to seven groups of five animals each. The groups comprised a normal control, two sham controls receiving dimethyl sulfoxide or olive oil, a high-salt-fed group, and three high-salt-fed treatment groups receiving omega-3 fatty acids, quercetin or their combination. High-salt feeding consisted of 8% NaCl in feed and 1% NaCl in drinking water. Omega-3 fatty acids and quercetin were administered orally once daily at 14.29 mg/kg body weight and 20 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 42 days. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were assessed. In addition, the atherogenic coefficient, cardiac risk ratio, and atherogenic index of plasma were calculated. Compared with the control groups, high-salt feeding resulted in elevated serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, accompanied by a reduction in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The high-salt-fed group also showed increased atherogenic indices. Omega-3 fatty acids, quercetin and their combined treatment improved the altered lipid parameters and reduced the elevated atherogenic indices compared with the untreated high-salt-fed group. The combined treatment generally showed greater improvement than either supplement alone. These findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acids and quercetin may attenuate high-salt-induced dyslipidaemia in male Wistar rats.