Effect of dietary palm olein oil on oxidative stress associated with ischemic-reperfusion injury in isolated rat heart. BMC Pharmacol. 2004;4:29. [PMID: 15535879 PMCID: PMC535348 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2210-4-29]

Bionanofactory for green synthesis of collagen nanoparticles, characterization, optimization, in-vitro and in-vivo anticancer activities

Collagen nanoparticles (collagen-NPs) are promising biological polymer nanoparticles due to their exceptional biodegradability and biocompatibility. Collagen-NPs were bio-fabricated from pure marine collagen using the cell-free supernatant of a newly isolated strain, Streptomyces sp. strain NEAA-3. Streptomyces sp. strain NEAA-3 was identified as Streptomyces plicatus strain NEAA-3 based on its cultural, morphological, physiological properties and 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The sequence data has been deposited under accession number OR501412.1 in the GenBank database. The face-centered central composite design (FCCD) was used to improve collagen-NPs biosynthesis. The maximum yield of collagen-NPs was 9.33 mg/mL with a collagen concentration of 10 mg/mL, an initial pH of 7, an incubation time of 72 h, and a temperature of 35 °C. Using the desirability function approach, the collagen-NPs biosynthesis obtained after FCCD optimization (9.53 mg/mL) was 3.92 times more than the collagen-NPs biosynthesis obtained before optimization process (2.43 mg/mL). The TEM analysis of collagen-NPs revealed hollow sphere nanoscale particles with an average diameter of 33.15 ± 10.02 nm. FTIR spectra confirmed the functional groups of the collagen, collagen-NPs and the cell-free supernatant that are essential for the efficient capping of collagen-NPs. The biosynthesized collagen-NPs exhibited antioxidant activity and anticancer activity against HeP-G2, MCF-7 and HCT116 cell lines. Collagen-NPs assessed as an effective drug loading carrier with methotrexate (MTX), a chemotherapeutic agent. The TEM analysis revealed that the average size of MTX-loaded collagen-NPs was 35.4 ± 8.9 nm. The percentages of drug loading (DL%) and encapsulation efficiency (EE%) were respectively 22.67 and 45.81%.

Addition of palm olein to lard-supplemented diet indicates myocardial dysfunction and augments oxidative stress by authophagy-lysosome pathway in rats

This study evaluated a prolonged effect of palm oil addition to lard-supplemented diet (PLD) on the oxidative status, lysosomal enzyme activities, markers of hepatotoxicity and basic lipid profile in female rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats received PLD (10% of total fat: 7.5% from palm oil and 2.5% from lard), and the control group received lard-supplemented diet (2.5% fat) from 28 days of age for 14 weeks. Histopathological evaluation of the liver from animals fed the PLD showed slight steatosis and signs of mild chronic inflammation. Reduction of extramedullary hematopoiesis and an increased ratio of red/white pulp were observed in the spleen. PLD induced oxidative stress (evaluated in the liver, heart, spleen, muscle and kidney) evidenced by an increase in conjugated dienes and malondialdehyde in all tissues except the muscle; protein carbonyl derivatives were increased as well. The changes in the antioxidant enzyme activities in the evaluated tissues were ambiguous except for the prominent increase in the heart. Lysosomal enzyme activities showed a tendency to increase in the heart and kidney and to decrease in the muscle and spleen. The De Ritis ratio, which is a biomarker of hepatotoxicity, was higher in the heart from animals fed the PLD. The palm oil addition to the lard-supplemented diet-induced prominent oxidative stress, particularly in myocardial tissue with involvement of the authophagy-lysosome pathway.

Role of Oleic Acid in the Gut-Liver Axis: From Diet to the Regulation of Its Synthesis via Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase 1 (SCD1)

The consumption of an olive oil rich diet has been associated with the diminished incidence of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Several studies have attributed these beneficial effects to oleic acid (C18 n-9), the predominant fatty acid principal component of olive oil. Oleic acid is not an essential fatty acid since it can be endogenously synthesized in humans. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) is the enzyme responsible for oleic acid production and, more generally, for the synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). The saturated to monounsaturated fatty acid ratio affects the regulation of cell growth and differentiation, and alteration in this ratio has been implicated in a variety of diseases, such as liver dysfunction and intestinal inflammation. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of the impact of gene-nutrient interactions in liver and gut diseases, by taking advantage of the role of SCD1 and its product oleic acid in the modulation of different hepatic and intestinal metabolic pathways.

A new alternative for intravenous lipid emulsion 20% w/w from superolein oil and its effect on lipid and liver profiles in an animal model

PURPOSE

Intravenous lipid emulsion (IVLE) was first used to prevent essential fatty acids deficiency. IVLE with α-tocopherol was reported to provide protection against parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease. This study aims to determine the optimal parameters and conditions in developing a physically stable IVLE from superolein palm oil (SoLE 20%) and its effect on lipid and liver profiles in an animal model.

METHODS

SoLE 20% was prepared using superolein oil and MCT oil (1:1), stabilized with egg lecithin and homogenized using a high pressure homogenizer. Mean droplet size was used as the response variable and was measured using laser diffraction and dynamic light scattering method. Physical stability at 4 °C, 25 °C and 40 °C storage temperatures were determined based on particle size and distribution, polydispersity index, zeta potential, viscosity, vitamin E contents and pH. Sterility and pyrogenicity were also investigated. Rabbits were administered with 1.0 g/kg SoLE 20% for 5 h and repeated daily for 3 days to investigate its effect on blood lipid and liver enzymes profile.

RESULTS

SoLE 20% was succesfully prepared using the optimized parameters of 800 psi, 7 cycles and 1.2 g lecithin. The IVLE prepared had a particle size of 252.60 ± 4.88 nm and was physically stable for 4 weeks at different storage temperatures. SoLE 20% had a high content of natural vitamin E, remained sterile and pyrogen free. It was also safe for intravenous administration and did not alter the blood lipid (p > 0.05) and liver enzymes profiles (p > 0.05) of the rabbits.

CONCLUSION

The optimal parameters to develop a stable superolein based IVLE are 800 psi homogenization pressure, 7 homogenization cycles and using 1.2 g lecithin as the emulsifier. SoLE 20% is safe for intravenous administration and does not significantly alter lipid and liver enzymes profiles of the rabbits.

Palm oil and threats to a critically important food source

The oil palm, an ancient tropical tree species that originated in West Africa, has a history of centuries-long use both as a food and a medicine. Based on its higher saturated fatty acid composition, primarily palmitic acid, concerns have been flagged about its nutritional attributes. Elevation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol effects of the associated palmitic acid is far less profound than animal sources of this fatty acid and is linked with multiple health benefits. Recently, the European Food Safety Authority raised issues about potential health risks of the chloropropanols, heat- or acid-induced food contaminants created during the refining of all edible oils, and some hydrolyzed proteins. Despite the fact that the levels of 3-monochloropropane1,2 diol and its glycidyl esters are generally <800 ppb and without demonstrated toxicological effects in humans, the chloropropanols in palm oil appear to be a lightning rod for global criticism. The toxicological data are reviewed and evaluated, and an approach for mitigation of the emerging challenge is suggested.

Phycoerythrin averts intracellular ROS generation and physiological functional decline in eukaryotes under oxidative stress

In vitro antioxidant virtue and life-prolonging effect of phycoerythrin (PE; a pigment protein isolated from Phormidium sp. A09DM) have been revealed in our previous reports (Sonani et al. in Age 36:9717, 2014a; Sonani et al. in Process Biochem 49:1757-1766, 2014b). It has been hypothesized that the PE expands life span of Caenorhabditis elegans (bears large resemblance with human aging pathways) due to its antioxidant virtue. This hypothesis is tested in present study by checking the effect of PE on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and associated physiological deformities using mouse and human skin fibroblasts, C. elegans, and Drosophila melanogaster Oregon R ⁺ and by divulging PE's structural attributes responsible for its antioxidant asset. PE treatment displayed noteworthy decrease of 67, 48, and 77 % in ROS level in mouse fibroblast (3T3-L1), human fibroblast, and C. elegans N2, respectively, arisen under chemical-induced oxidative stress. PE treatment delayed the development of paraquat-induced Alzheimer phenotype by 14.5 % in C. elegans CL4176. Furthermore, PE improved the locomotion of D. melanogaster Oregon R ⁺ under oxidative stress with simultaneous up-regulation in super-oxide dismutase and catalase activities. The existence of 52 Glu + Asp + His + Thr residues (having metal ion sequestration capacity), 5 phycoerythrobilin chromophores (potential electron exchangers) in PE's primary structure, and significant hydrophobic patches on the surface of its α- and β-subunits are supposed to collectively contribute in the antioxidant virtues of PE. Altogether, results support the hypothesis that it is the PE's antioxidant asset, which is responsible for its life-prolonging effect and thus could be exploited in the therapeutics of ROS-associated abnormalities including aging and neurodegeneration in eukaryotes.

Kinetin improves motility, viability and antioxidative parameters of ram semen during storage at refrigerator temperature

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of kinetin on ram semen quality during cold storage. Ejaculates were collected using an artificial vagina from five Qezel rams. Ejaculates which met the criteria (volume of 0.75-2 ml; minimum spermatozoa concentration of 2.5 × 109 spermatozoa/ml and forward progressive motility of 80%), were pooled, diluted with extender without kinetin (control) or enriched with 25 (K 25), 50 (K 50), 100 (K 100) and 200 (K 200) μM kinetin at a final concentration of 500 × 106 spermatozoa per mL. Spermatozoa motion characteristics were evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis. In addition, percent of viability (spermatozoa showing no color was considered to be alive) and spermatozoa with intact plasma membrane (spermatozoa with curled/swollen tail was considered healthy) were determined. Moreover, amounts of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant activity (AOA), nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were determined in the seminal plasma and spermatozoa at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h of storage. Higher percent of total and forward progressive motility was observed in K 25, K 50 and K 100 groups compared to control group at 72 h of storage (P < 0.001). Moreover, K 25 (78.61 ± 1.11%), K 50 (82.46 ± 1.08%) and K 100 (82.96 ± 1.49%) groups showed higher percentage of viability compared to control (72.38 ± 1.49%) at 72 h of storage (P < 0.05). Semen enrichment with kinetin resulted in the higher percent of intact plasma membrane of spermatozoa at 48 and 72 h (P < 0.001). Amounts of MDA were lower and amounts of AOA were higher in K 50 and K 100 groups compared to control at 48 and 72 h (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in NO levels and SOD activities of seminal plasma and spermatozoa among groups during the experiment. The present experiment revealed that kinetin at proper concentration could enhances spermatozoa kinematics, viability, spermatozoa plasma membrane functionality and amounts of AOA and reduces the level of lipid peroxidation during chilled storage of ram semen.

Palm oil and the heart: A review

Palm oil consumption and its effects on serum lipid levels and cardiovascular disease in humans is still a subject of debate. Advocacy groups with varying agenda fuel the controversy. This update intends to identify evidence-based evaluations of the influence of palm oil on serum lipid profile and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, it suggests a direction for future research. The sources of information were based on a PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journal online and Medline search using key words including: palm oil, palmitic acid, saturated fatty acids and heart disease. Published animal and human experiments on the association of palm oil and its constituents on the serum lipid profile and cardiovascular disease were also explored for relevant information. These papers are reviewed and the available evidence is discussed. Most of the information in mainstream literature is targeted at consumers and food companies with a view to discourage the consumption of palm oil. The main argument against the use of palm oil as an edible oil is the fact that it contains palmitic acid, which is a saturated fatty acid and by extrapolation should give rise to elevated total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. However, there are many scientific studies, both in animals and humans that clearly show that palm oil consumption does not give rise to elevated serum cholesterol levels and that palm oil is not atherogenic. Apart from palmitic acid, palm oil consists of oleic and linoleic acids which are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated respectively. Palm oil also consists of vitamins A and E, which are powerful antioxidants. Palm oil has been scientifically shown to protect the heart and blood vessels from plaques and ischemic injuries. Palm oil consumed as a dietary fat as a part of a healthy balanced diet does not have incremental risk for cardiovascular disease. Little or no additional benefit will be obtained by replacing it with other oils rich in mono or polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Effects of red palm oil and rooibos on sperm motility parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus characterized by hyperglycaemia could affect sperm quality as a result of increased oxidative stress. This study was performed to investigate the effects of red palm oil (RPO), aqueous rooibos tea extracts (RTE) as well as their combination (RPO + RTE) on sperm motility parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Diabetes was induced by a single administration of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) and the rats were treated with red palm oil (2 ml/day) and / or aqueous rooibos tea extract (2%) for 7 weeks. Sperm motility parameters were measured using Computer Assisted Sperm Analyzer (CASA).

RESULTS

Hyperglycaemia negatively affected the sperm progressive motility significantly at p<0.05. There was a significant decrease (p<0.05) in sperm linearity (LIN) in the diabetic group when compared with the normal control group. RPO supplemented diabetic rats exhibited increased progressive sperm motility, sperm linearity (LIN) and wobble (WOB). Significant decreases (p<0.05) in straight line velocity (VSL) and average path velocity (VAP) of the sperms were observed in all the diabetic groups when compared to the control group. Significant (p<0.05) elevated levels of WOB and LIN were observed following RTE treatment and co-administration with RPO respectively.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests that red palm oil and / or rooibos administration exhibited no adverse effects on sperm motility parameters but rather showed some beneficial effects.

Antioxidants and human diseases

Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the development of human diseases. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) that includes hydrogen peroxide, hyphochlorus acid, superoxide anion, singlet oxygen, lipid peroxides, hypochlorite and hydroxyl radical are involved in growth, differentiation, progression and death of the cell. They can react with membrane lipids, nucleic acids, proteins, enzymes and other small molecules. Low concentrations of ROS has an indispensable role in intracellular signalling and defence against pathogens, while, higher amounts of ROS play a role in number of human diseases, including arthritis, cancer, diabetes, atherosclerosis, ischemia, failures in immunity and endocrine functions. Antioxidants presumably act as safeguard against the accumulation of ROS and their elimination from the system. The aim of this review is to highlight advances in understanding of the ROS and also to summarize the detailed impact and involvement of antioxidants in selected human diseases.

Novel in vitro cardiovascular constructs composed of vascular-like networks and cardiomyocytes

The interaction between different cardiac cells has shown to be important for critical biological properties including cell survival, proliferation, differentiation and function. The improvement of culture conditions with different cell types and to study their effects on cardiomyocyte viability and functionality is essential. For practical applications including general toxicity testing, drug development and tissue engineering it is important to study whether co-cultures have additional advantages over cardiomyocyte monoculture. Two multicellular in vitro cardiovascular constructs devoid of added biomaterial were developed in this study. In the first construct, neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (CM) were seeded on vascular-like network formed by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human adipose stromal cells (hASC). In the second construct, CMs were seeded on vascular-like network formed by HUVECs and human foreskin fibroblasts. The ability of these two vascular-like networks to support the viability and functionality of CMs was analyzed. Different culture media compositions were evaluated to support the development of optimal cardiovascular construct. Our results demonstrate that both vascular-like networks markedly improved CM viability and functionality. In the constructs, co-localization of CMs and vascular-like networks was seen. Multicellular constructs also allowed synchronized contractility of CMs. Serum-free medium supplemented with vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor was found to provide the most optimal conditions for cardiovascular construct as an entity. In conclusion, when combining a vascular-like network with CMs, the viability and functionality of CMs was markedly improved. The results suggest that the cardiovascular constructs developed provide a promising new tool for the assessment of toxicological and safety pharmacological effects of compounds in vitro.

Engineering microscale topographies to control the cell-substrate interface

Cells in their in vivo microenvironment constantly encounter and respond to a multitude of signals. While the role of biochemical signals has long been appreciated, the importance of biophysical signals has only recently been investigated. Biophysical cues are presented in different forms including topography and mechanical stiffness imparted by the extracellular matrix and adjoining cells. Microfabrication technologies have allowed for the generation of biomaterials with microscale topographies to study the effect of biophysical cues on cellular function at the cell-substrate interface. Topographies of different geometries and with varying microscale dimensions have been used to better understand cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation at the cellular and sub-cellular scales. Furthermore, quantification of cell-generated forces has been illustrated with micropillar topographies to shed light on the process of mechanotransduction. In this review, we highlight recent advances made in these areas and how they have been utilized for neural, cardiac, and musculoskeletal tissue engineering application.

Involvement of inflammation and adverse vascular remodelling in the blood pressure raising effect of repeatedly heated palm oil in rats

Oil thermoxidation during deep frying generates harmful oxidative free radicals that induce inflammation and increase the risk of hypertension. This study aimed to investigate the effect of repeatedly heated palm oil on blood pressure, aortic morphometry, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups: control, fresh palm oil (FPO), one-time-heated palm oil (1HPO), five-time-heated palm oil (5HPO), or ten-time-heated palm oil (10HPO). Feeding duration was six months. Blood pressure was measured at baseline and monthly using tail-cuff method. After six months, the rats were sacrificed and the aortic arches were dissected for morphometric and immunohistochemical analyses. FPO group showed significantly lower blood pressure than all other groups. Blood pressure was increased significantly in 5HPO and 10HPO groups. The aortae of 5HPO and 10HPO groups showed significantly increased thickness and area of intima-media, circumferential wall tension, and VCAM-1 than other groups. Elastic lamellae were disorganised and fragmented in 5HPO- and 10HPO-treated rats. VCAM-1 expression showed a significant positive correlation with blood pressure. In conclusion, prolonged consumption of repeatedly heated palm oil causes blood pressure elevation, adverse remodelling, and increased VCAM-1, which suggests a possible involvement of inflammation.

Cardiovascular effects of edible oils: a comparison between four popular edible oils

Edible oils form an essential part of the modern diet. These oils play a role as an energy source, and provide the diet with many beneficial micronutrients. Although a popular conception may be that fat should be avoided, certain edible oils as a dietary supplement may play an important role in the improvement of cardiovascular health. CVD has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Dietary supplementation with different oils may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. While olive oil and sunflower-seed oil are known to reduce serum cholesterol, fish oil has become well known for reducing potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Recently, red palm oil research has shown beneficial effects on cardiac recovery from ischaemia-reperfusion injury. It is clear that dietary supplementation with edible oils may play a vital role in reducing the mortality rate due to heart disease. The specific benefits and disadvantages of these oils should, however, be explored in greater depth. The present review will attempt to identify the benefits and shortcomings of four popular edible oils, namely olive oil, sunflower-seed oil, fish oil and palm oil. Additionally the present review will aim to reveal potential areas of research which could further enhance our understanding of the effects of edible oils on cardiovascular health.

Dietary palm olein oil augments cardiac antioxidant enzymes and protects against isoproterenol-induced myocardial necrosis in rats

Wistar rats, 150–200g, of either sex, were fed daily with commercial rat diet supplemented with palm olein oil in two doses (5% v/w (n = 16) and 10% v/w (n = 16) of diet) for 30 days. Control rats (n = 16) were fed with normal diet. On the 29th and 30th days, 8 rats from each group were administred isoproterenol (85 mg/kg, s.c., 24-h interval). On the 31st day, all rats were sacrificed and myocardial tissues were studied for thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), antioxidant enzymes and light microscopic changes, along with the ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP). A significant rise in myocardial superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and FRAP level were observed in rats fed with palm olein oil. Isoproterenol caused an increase in myocardial oxidative stress in control rats, as evidenced by an increase in myocardial TBARS level, reduction in FRAP and myocardial SOD, catalase and GPx activity, along with focal necrosis of cardiac muscle fibres on light microscopy. The rise in myocardial TBARS and depletion of SOD and catalase activity following isoproterenol administration were prevented in palm-olein-oil-supplemented diet-fed rats at both doses. Isoproterenol-induced myocardial light-microscopic changes were also prevented in the treated groups. The results suggest that dietary palm olein oil caused augmentation of myocardial antioxidant enzymes and protected against isoproterenol-induced myocardial necrosis and associated oxidative stress.

Intralipid minimizes hepatocytes injury after anoxia-reoxygenation in an ex vivo rat liver model

OBJECTIVE

Ischemia-reperfusion injury is a determinant in liver injury occurring during surgical procedures, ischemic states, and multiple organ failure. The pre-existing nutritional status of the liver, i.e., fasting, might contribute to the extent of tissue injury. This study investigated whether Intralipid, a solution containing soybean oil, egg phospholipids, and glycerol, could protect ex vivo perfused livers of fasting rats from anoxia-reoxygenation injury.

METHODS

The portal vein was cannulated, and the liver was removed and perfused in a closed ex vivo system. Isolated livers were perfused with glucose 5.5 and 15 mM, and two different concentrations of Intralipid, i.e., 0.5:100 and 1:100 (v/v) Intralipid 10%:medium (n = 5 in each group). The experiment consisted of perfusion for 15 min, warm anoxia for 60 min, and reoxygenation during 60 min. Hepatic enzymes, potassium, glucose, lactate, bilirubin, dienes, trienes, and cytochrome-c were analyzed in perfusate samples. The proportion of glycogen in hepatocytes was determined in biopsies.

RESULTS

Intralipid attenuated transaminases, lactate dehydrogenase, potassium, diene, and triene release in the perfusate (dose-dependant) during the reoxygenation phase when compared with glucose-treated groups. The concentration of cytochrome-c in the medium was the highest in the 5.5-mM glucose group. The glycogen content was low in all livers at the start of the experiment.

CONCLUSION

Intralipid presents, under the present experimental conditions, a better protective effect than glucose in anoxia-reoxygenation injury of the rat liver.

Renal cortex remodeling in streptozotocin-induced diabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats treated with olive oil, palm oil and fish oil from Menhaden

We studied the effects of edible oils intake on the renal cortical structure of streptozotocin-induced diabetic (Db) and non-diabetic spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Male SHR divided into 5 groups were studied during 6 weeks: one non-diabetic SHR group and four diabetic SHR groups (three groups received by gavage olive, palm or fish oil). Kidneys were analyzed by light microscopy and stereology. Oils intake did not change the plasma glucose levels. The blood pressure (BP) was lower in SHR-Db than in SHR, but SHR-Db-fish oil showed the lowest BP. Creatinine clearance was different between diabetic SHR and non-diabetic SHR, but not between treated SHR-Db and untreated SHR-Db. The renal cortex showed scars surrounding obsolete glomeruli with inflammatory infiltrate mainly in untreated SHR-Db. The olive oil, palm oil and mainly fish oil intake retard the usual loss of glomeruli and attenuate the renal cortex adverse remodeling of Db and non-Db SHR.

Long-term intake of edible oils benefits blood pressure and myocardial structure in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and streptozotocin diabetic SHR

The beneficial effects of edible oils long-term supplementation in blood pressure (BP) and cardiac structure were investigated in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and streptozotocin diabetic (Db) SHR (45 mg/rat i.p.). Twenty-five 12-week old male SHR were divided into four SHR-Db groups and one SHR group, SHR-Db groups each receiving, respectively, olive oil, palm oil and fish oil, and another SHR-Db group with placebo by gavage on a daily basis for 6 weeks. Myocardial structures were analyzed through light microscopy and stereology. In SHR-Db, the BP and the myocardium were significantly altered by oil supplementation. The BP, the interstitial fibrosis and cardiomyocyte size showed a significant decrease in treated SHR-Db than in SHR or untreated SHR-Db. The myocardial microvasculature and number of cardiomyocytes were higher in all treated groups, especially in fish oil group. Long-term edible oil supplementation showed beneficial effects decreasing BP levels and offsetting adverse myocardial remodeling in diabetic SHR.