Effects of a western-style diet high in cholesterol and saturated fat on the rabbit exocrine pancreas

Abstract

Despite the well-known cardiovascular effects of an atherogenic diet, there are no data relating to its effect on the exocrine pancreas. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the consequences of this eating pattern on the exocrine pancreas. Twelve New Zealand rabbits were randomised to one of two dietary groups, control group (C) and hypercholesterolemic (HCHOL), that were fed for 50 days with a standard chow or a diet containing 95.7% standard chow, 3% lard, and 1.3% cholesterol, respectively. Pancreatic enzyme activity, cholesterol, and membrane fatty acids were determined by established methods. The activity of pancreatic lipase (6.46 ± 0.948 vs. 1.40 ± 0.460; P < 0.05), colipase (8.93 ± 2.138 vs. 2.36 ± 0.512; P < 0.05), and chymotrypsin (18.54 ± 3.125 vs. 9.69 ± 1.363; P <0.05) were greater in group HCHOL than in group C. The HCHOL diet increased monounsaturated fatty acids and decreased saturated fatty acids in pancreatic plasma membranes compared with the standard chow. These results suggest a homeostatic adaptation of the pancreas to an atherogenic diet and a greater resistance to the development of lesions than exists in other organs. Further studies are needed, given the lack of research on this issue.