Effects of Pomegranate Seed Oil on Oxidative Stress Parameters and Lipid Profiles in Ovariectomized Rats

This study was designed to determine the effect of pomegranate seed oil (PSO) treatment on oxidative stress and lipid profiles in ovariectomized (OVX) rats.Design: Experimental studyAnimals: 24 female Wistar ratsProcedures:The rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham-operated (SHAM), SHAM with PSO treatment (SHAM + PSO), ovariectomized (OVX), and ovariectomized with PSO treatment (OVX + PSO). OVX and SHAM rats were treated with PSO (200 mg/kg/d) or normal saline solution (in a volume similar to PSO), orally using a stomach tube for 8 weeks. Although a significant decrease (p < 0.01) in serum total antioxidant status (TAS) concentration in the OVX group was observed when compared to the SHAM group, no significant difference was observed for TAS between OVX + PSO and SHAM groups. Rats of the OVX group presented a significant increase in LDL cholesterol concentration (p < 0.05), when compared to SHAM + PSO group. However, no significant difference was seen for LDL cholesterol between OVX + PSO and SHAM + PSO groups. No significant differences were seen for superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, triglyceride, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol between groups. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: The results of the present study showed that PSO might have some beneficial effects on the antioxidant status and LDL concentration after ovariectomy in rats.