Effect of vitamin A and E on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in diet-induced obese wistar rats

In the present study, we investigated the biochemical alterations and gene expression of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism after oral administration of vitamin A and E for 2 months in diet-induced obese Wistar rats. Vitamin A and E administration reduced significantly the increase in body weight and food intake and normalized the alterations in lipid profiles in obese rats compared to normal rats. Moreover, both vitamins decreased the fat accumulation in liver tissues of obese rats. Finally, they up-regulated mRNA expression of Pyruvate Kinase (PK) and Glucose Transporter-2 (GLUT-2), and increased lipolysis and cholesterol metabolism through up-regulation of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), Sterol Responsible Element Binding Protein-1a (STREBP-1a) and STREBP-1c mRNA expression. In conclusion, vitamin A and E regulate gene expression of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and also ameliorate changes associated with obesity induced by high fat diet in Wistar rats.