Diet enriched in saturated fatty acids alters mean arterial blood pressure and fat metabolism but not autonomic balance in rats

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a diet rich in saturated fatty acids on fat metabolism and oxidative damage and its repercussions on arterial blood pressure and autonomic balance. During pregnancy and lactation, primiparous Wistar rats received a standard laboratory diet. After weaning, the pups were divided into two groups according to their diet: a normolipidic diet (Control group, C) and a high-fat diet (Hyperlipidic group, HL). Food consumption, weight development, serum biochemical parameters, arterial blood pressure, and heart rate were evaluated. Adipose tissue was collected for oxidative stress measurements at 90 days of life (d). The HL group had a greater intake of lipids, greater abdominal circumference at 30 d, and increased oxidative stress in adipose tissue. Epididymal adipose tissue showed increased activity of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and decreased activity of β-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (β-HAD). These effects were associated with high mean arterial pressure but were not associated with changes in cardiovascular variability in time and frequency domains at 90 days. Thus, the intake of a diet rich in saturated fatty acids for up to 90 days may be related to a greater induction of oxidative stress in visceral adipose tissue, preceding the development of autonomic dysfunction and arterial hypertension in older individuals.