Hematology and plasma biochemistry in rats fed with diets enriched with fatty fishes from Amazon region

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Rats fed diets enriched with fatty fish from the Amazon region had Hematology and plasma biochemistry analyzed. METHODS: Forty Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control group fed a standard diet; mapará group fed a diet enriched with Hypophthalmus edentatus; matrinxã group fed a diet enriched with Brycon spp.; and tambaqui group fed a diet enriched with Colossoma macropomum. After thirty days the rats had an red blood count and plasma biochemistry. RESULTS: Hematocrit and hemoglobin levels were higher in rats fed tambaqui and matrinxã than in those fed the standard diet of mapará. However, mapará increased cholesterol, especially low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. All fish-enriched diets reduced triacylglycerols. CONCLUSION: Diets enriched with fatty fish from the Amazon region reduce triacylglycerol and increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, especially the diet enriched with tambaqui. Tambaqui and matrinxã affected hematocrit and hemoglobin levels, but not mapará. Further research is needed to determine the benefits of diets enriched with fatty fish from the Amazon region.