Mechanism of protective effect of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) against experimental obesity and hepatic steatosis in rats

The purpose of this study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of spirulina (SP) against cafeteria diet (CD)-induced obesity, oxidative stress and lipotoxicity in rats.The rats were separated into four groups and given the following treatments daily for eight weeks: control with standard diet (SD 360 g/d); cafeteria diet (CD: 360 g/d); spirulina (SP 500mg/kg) Body weight (b.w) per oraly (p.o.) and CD+SP (500 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.).

Our result suggest that the treatment of the (CD) increased the body, liver, and abdominal fat weight. Additional severe hepatic alteration, serum metabolic parameters disturbances and lipotoxicity associated with oxidative stress in response to the CD-induced obesity. However, SP treatment significantly reduced all the liver alteration of CD feed and lipid profiles disorder associated with obesity.