Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
2
Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
3
Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
4
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Higher Educational Complex of Saravan, Saravan, Iran
5
Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
6
Quality Control Unit, Golnaz Vegetable Oil Company, Kerman, Iran
10.30466/vrf.2025.2053508.4665
Abstract
Obese and overeating children are at risk of obesity and its complications in adulthood. Research on childhood obesity encounters numerous challenges in mammals. Broiler chicks are a suitable animal model for studying childhood obesity. Genetically, broiler chicks exhibit high growth rates. They are hyperphagic, hyperglycemic, and capable of accumulating abdominal fat, and their diet can be managed from birth. Soybean oil, which is rich in omega-6 (n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acid linoleic acid and low in omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-6 : n-3 ratio = 7.50), is widely utilized in human nutrition. However, conflicting findings have been reported regarding the efficacy of this oil in humans and rodents. Effects of a soybean oil-enriched diet (4.00% total fat as a control vs. 11.00% total fat as a treatment) on metabolic disorders in broiler chicks were evaluated from hatching to 36 days of age. Results showed no changes in food intake, body weight, appetite-regulating neuro-peptide mRNA levels, blood triglycerides, or hematological parameters. In contrast, the relative abdominal fat, blood cholesterol, aortic wall thickness, intima layer, and area of fat cells increased significantly in treatment group compared to control group. Signs of liver fat infiltration (steatosis) and changes in the aortic intima layer, including increased distance between elastin fibers, were observed. In conclusion, in middle-term-fed broiler chicks, a model for childhood obesity using soybean oil high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids leads to early atherosclerosis, fatty liver, adipose dysfunction, and hypercholesterolemia, without impacting body weight or food intake.
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