Diet Composition for the Management of Obesity and Obesity-related Disorders

Assessing the Performance of a Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire With a Low Socioeconomic Status Population Using Rasch Analysis

Parents and preschool teachers play a key role in shaping children's dietary behaviors. Knowledge of nutrition and healthy dietary choices is a key component to improve dietary habits and reduce the prevalence of obesity and associated co-morbidities. Using valid and reliable instruments is necessary for accurate assessment of knowledge to tailor interventions and measure effectiveness specific to the population of interest. The objectives of this paper are to (1) identify potential gaps in the baseline nutrition knowledge among parents and teachers using a previously validated questionnaire prior to a preschool obesity prevention intervention; and (2) assess the instrument's reliability and construct validity for a low socioeconomic status population using a post hoc Rasch analysis. Participants included 177 parents and 75 teachers who participated in a Head Start intervention study. Knowledge scores, instrument reliability, and item fit and difficulty were assessed using a Rasch analysis; t-tests were used to determine differences in scores between parents and teachers. Parents answered 38% of questions correctly while teachers correctly answered 46% of the questions. Adequate item fit and reliability were indicated for Sections 1 and 2 of the Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (NKQ). Section 3 demonstrated less adequate reliability. The items were found to adequately and reliably define the unidimensional measures of the three components of knowledge represented in this instrument, providing evidence of construct validity. However, Rasch measures indicated the NKQ overall was difficult for participants. Recommendations for improving the instrument for nutrition education/intervention and research practice areas related to obesity and obesity-related conditions are addressed.

Comparison of the low-calorie DASH diet and a low-calorie diet on serum TMAO concentrations and gut microbiota composition of adults with overweight/obesity: a randomized control trial

This study compares two diets, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and a Low-Calorie Diet on Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) levels and gut microbiota. 120 obese adults were randomly allocated to these three groups: a low-calorie DASH diet, a Low-Calorie diet, or a control group for 12 weeks. Outcomes included plasma TMAO, lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and gut microbiota profiles. After the intervention, the low-calorie DASH diet group demonstrated a greater decrease in TMAO levels (-20 ± 8.1 vs. -10.63 ± 4.6 μM) and a significant decrease in LPS concentration (-19.76 ± 4.2 vs. -5.68 ± 2.3) compared to the low-calorie diet group. Furthermore, the low-calorie DASH diet showed a higher decrease in the Firmicutes and Bactericides (F/B) ratio, which influenced TMAO levels, compared to the Low-Calorie diet (p = 0.028). The current study found the low-calorie DASH diet improves TMAO and LPS in comparison to a Low-Calorie diet.

The effect of whole egg consumption on weight and body composition in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

BACKGROUND

A limited number of studies have directly examined the effect of whole eggs on body weight and composition in adults, and they have led to inconsistent results. This study aimed to summarize the evidence on the effect of whole egg consumption on body weight and body composition in adults from clinical trials.

METHODS

Online databases were searched from inception to April 2023 for clinical trials that directly or indirectly assessed the effect of whole eggs consumption on anthropometric measures including body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and fat-free mass (FFM) in adults. A random effects model was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 32 controlled clinical trials were included in the systematic review. The analyses revealed that whole egg consumption has no significant effect on body weight (n = 22), BMI (n = 13), WC (n = 10), and FFM (n = 4, P > 0.05). The subgroup analyses showed that whole egg consumption has an increasing effect on body weight and BMI in studies that lasted more than 12 weeks and in unhealthy participants (P < 0.05). A significant increasing effect on BMI was found in studies that the control group did not receive any egg (P < 0.05). Moreover, in studies that there was no significant difference in energy intake between the intervention and control groups, weight, and WC were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Additionally, in studies that participants in the control group received another food or supplement, studies with calorie restriction, and studies on healthy subjects, whole egg intake significantly decreased BMI (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although whole egg consumption had no adverse effect on body composition and body weight, in overall, it might increase body weight in long term. Egg consumption beneficially affects BMI in healthy people and during weight loss diet.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

This systematic review and meta-analysis is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO, Registration number: CRD42022308045).

Association between dietary fatty acid patterns and obesity indices in Jordanian adults: A cross-sectional study

Background

The ratios of fatty acids in different diets and their connection to chronic diseases including obesity and CVD have been researched. The current study set out to detect the dietary fatty acid patterns among Jordanian adults and their relationships with obesity indices.

Methods

The data of 1096 adults were extracted from a household food consumption patterns survey study. Food intake was analyzed, and fatty acid patterns were determined. After anthropometric measurements, obesity indices were calculated.

Results

Two fatty acid patterns were determined (High fatty acids from Protein and Olive Oil sources pattern, and the low Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) pattern), explaining an overall variance of 41.78% and 24.31%, respectively. A significant difference in obesity scores through fatty acids pattern quartiles was only seen among female participants. Q4 of the "High fatty acids from Protein and Olive Oil sources" pattern had a significantly higher means of body mass index (25.12 ± 0.46; p = 0.015), waist-to-height-ratio (0.51 ± 0.01; p = 0.002), weight-adjusted waist index (10.13 ± 0.09; p = 0.021) and body roundness index (3.61 ± 0.15; p = 0.007) compared to Q1, while Q4 of "Low EPA and DHA" pattern had significantly higher means of waist circumference (WC) (86.28 ± 1.34) and a body shape index (ABSI) (10.12 ± 0.30) in comparison to Q1 (WC = 81.55 ± 1.08 and ABSI = 9.07 ± 0.22; p = 0.025, 0.013; respectively). In females, there was a significant association between the "High fatty acids from Protein and Olive Oil sources" pattern and all the obesity indices.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that an increase in the high fatty acids from Protein and Olive Oil sources pattern is associated with a reduction in obesity indices, which is opposite to the low EPA and DHA pattern. This was a sex-specific association.

Fighting Obesity-Related Micronutrient Deficiencies through Biofortification of Agri-Food Crops with Sustainable Fertilization Practices

Obesity is a critical medical condition worldwide that is increasingly involved with nutritional derangements associated with micronutrient deficiencies, including iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium, and vitamins A, C, D, and E. Nutritional deficiencies in obesity are mainly caused by poor-quality diets, higher nutrient requirements, alterations in micronutrient metabolism, and invasive obesity treatments. The current conventional agricultural system is designed for intensive food production, focusing on food quantity rather than food quality, consuming excessive agricultural inputs, and producing nutrient-deficient foods, thus generating severe health and environmental problems; agricultural food products may worsen obesity-related malnutrition. Therefore, modern agriculture is adopting new biofortification technologies to combat micronutrient deficiencies and improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. Biofertilization and nanofertilization practices are increasingly used due to their efficiency, safety, and reduced environmental impact. Biofertilizers are preparations of PGP-microorganisms that promote plant growth by influencing plant metabolism and improving the nutrient uptake, and nanofertilizers consist of synthesized nanoparticles with unique physicochemical properties that are capable of increasing plant nutrition and enriching agricultural products. This review presents the current micronutrient deficiencies associated with obesity, the modern unsustainable agri-food system contributing to obesity progression, and the development of bio- and nanofertilizers capable of biofortifying agri-food crops with micronutrients commonly deficient in patients with obesity.

Obese outbred mice only partially benefit from diet normalization or calorie restriction as preconception care interventions to improve metabolic health and oocyte quality

STUDY QUESTION

Can diet normalization or a calorie-restricted diet for 2 or 4 weeks be used as a preconception care intervention (PCCI) in Western-type diet-induced obese Swiss mice to restore metabolic health and oocyte quality?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Metabolic health and oocyte developmental competence was already significantly improved in the calorie-restricted group after 2 weeks, while obese mice that underwent diet normalization showed improved metabolic health after 2 weeks and improved oocyte quality after 4 weeks.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Maternal obesity is linked with reduced metabolic health and oocyte quality; therefore, infertile obese women are advised to lose weight before conception to increase pregnancy chances. However, as there are no univocal guidelines and the specific impact on oocyte quality is not known, strategically designed studies are needed to provide fundamental insights in the importance of the type and duration of the dietary weight loss strategy for preconception metabolic health and oocyte quality.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Outbred female Swiss mice were fed a control (CTRL) or high-fat/high-sugar (HF/HS) diet. After 7 weeks, some of the HF mice were put on two different PCCIs, resulting in four treatment groups: (i) only control diet for up to 11 weeks (CTRL_CTRL), (ii) only HF diet for up to 11 weeks (HF_HF), (iii) switch at 7 weeks from an HF to an ad libitum control diet (HF_CTRL) and (iv) switch at 7 weeks from an HF to a 30% calorie-restricted control diet (HF_CR) for 2 or 4 weeks. Metabolic health and oocyte quality were assessed at 2 and 4 weeks after the start of the intervention (n = 8 mice/treatment/time point).

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Changes in body weight were recorded. To study the impact on metabolic health, serum insulin, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol and alanine aminotransferase concentrations were measured, and glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were analyzed at PCCI Weeks 2 and 4. The quality of in vivo matured oocytes was evaluated by assessing intracellular lipid droplet content, mitochondrial activity and localization of active mitochondria, mitochondrial ultrastructure, cumulus cell targeted gene expression and oocyte in vitro developmental competence.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Significant negative effects of an HF/HS diet on metabolic health and oocyte quality were confirmed (P < 0.05). HF_CTRL mice already showed restored body weight, serum lipid profile and glucose tolerance, similar to the CTRL_CTRL group after only 2 weeks of PCCI (P < 0.05 compared with HF_HF) while insulin sensitivity was not improved. Oocyte lipid droplet volume was reduced at PCCI Week 2 (P < 0.05 compared with HF_HF), while mitochondrial localization and activity were still aberrant. At PCCI Week 4, oocytes from HF_CTRL mice displayed significantly fewer mitochondrial ultrastructural abnormalities and improved mitochondrial activity (P < 0.05), while lipid content was again elevated. The in vitro developmental capacity of the oocytes was improved but did not reach the levels of the CTRL_CTRL mice. HF_CR mice completely restored cholesterol concentrations and insulin sensitivity already after 2 weeks. Other metabolic health parameters were only restored after 4 weeks of intervention with clear signs of fasting hypoglycemia. Although all mitochondrial parameters in HF_CR oocytes stayed aberrant, oocyte developmental competence in vitro was completely restored already after 2 weeks of intervention.

LARGE SCALE DATA

N/A.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

In this study, we applied a relevant HF/HS Western-type diet to induce obesity in an outbred mouse model. Nevertheless, physiological differences should be considered when translating these results to the human setting. However, the in-depth study and follow-up of the metabolic health changes together with the strategic implementation of specific PCCI intervals (2 and 4 weeks) related to the duration of the mouse folliculogenesis (3 weeks), should aid in the extrapolation of our findings to the human setting.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Our study results with a specific focus on oocyte quality provide important fundamental insights to be considered when developing preconception care guidelines for obese metabolically compromised women wishing to become pregnant.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This study was supported by the Flemish Research Fund (FWO-SB grant 1S25020N and FWO project G038619N). The authors declare there are no conflicts of interest.

Effects of dietary supplementation of different oils and conjugated linoleic acid on the reproductive and metabolic aspects of male mice

The present study was carried out to examine first, if diets enriched with 320 g of the base diet with common dietary oils including fish oil, olive oil, hydrogenated sunflower seed (H-SFS) oil, flaxseed oil and sunflower seed oil (SFS) could induce weight gain and alter reproductive and metabolic characteristics of male mice. Second, whether the addition of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA, 10% of the diet) could ameliorate any negative effects. In this cross-sectional study, 90 four-week-old male NMRI mice were used in two consecutive experiments. A high level of dietary oils negatively affected some reproductive and metabolic characteristics of male mice (p < 0.05), specifically, sunflower seed oil enrichment resulted in higher HDL levels and apoptosis of germinal epithelial cells. An olive oil-enriched diet caused an increase in plasma triglyceride concentrations and germinal cell apoptosis, as well as a decrease in sperm concentration and perturbed spermatogenesis. When CLA was fed in conjunction with dietary oils it successfully mitigated some of the negative reproductive and metabolic characteristics. We conclude that male reproductive processes are affected by high dietary oils, even before signs of obesity are evident. Inclusion of dietary CLA may provide some benefit to offset negative effects, although further studies are required.

Palm Lipid Emulsion Droplet Crystallinity and Gastric Acid Stability in Relation to in vitro Bioaccessibility and in vivo Gastric Emptying

It is poorly understood how the physical state of emulsified triacylglycerol (TAG) alters colloidal behavior in the gastrointestinal tract to modulate lipid digestion and absorption. We, therefore, aimed to investigate the individual and combined effects on fatty acid (FA) bioaccessibility using the dynamic TIM-1 in vitro digestion model and integrate the results with those from a human clinical study. Four 20% oil-in-water emulsions with overlapping particle size distributions contained either partially crystalline solid (palm stearin) or liquid (palm olein) lipid droplets at 37°C and either the colloidally acid-stable Tween 80 (2.2%) or acid-unstable Span 60 (2.5%) emulsifier. Experimental meals were fed to the TIM-1, and jejunal and ileal dialysates were analyzed over 6 h to measure free FA concentration. Cumulative FA bioaccessibility was significantly higher for the liquid stable emulsion compared to all others (p < 0.05), which did not differ (p > 0.05). Emulsified TAG physical state was associated with differences in overall bioaccessibility (higher for liquid state TAG) in the colloidally stable emulsions, but this difference was blunted in droplets susceptible to acidic flocculation. In contrast, human postprandial TAG concentrations did not differ significantly between the emulsions. The discrepancy may relate to differences in in vivo gastric emptying (GE) as evidenced by ultrasonography. When the in vivo differences in GE were accounted for in follow-up TIM-1 experiments, the findings aligned more closely. Cumulative FA bioaccessibility for the liquid stable emulsion no longer differed significantly from the other emulsions, and SU’s bioaccessibility was the lowest, consistent with the in vivo observations. This work highlights the potential for TAG physical state and colloidal stability to interactively alter behavior in the gastrointestinal tract with implications for FA absorption, and the importance of establishing and improving in vitro–in vivo correlations in food-nutrition research.

Relationship between dietary macronutrient composition and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in lean and non-lean populations: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

The current study aimed to customize dietary changes for lean patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

DESIGN

The current study was done with a population-based cross-sectional design. The FFQ was used to analyse dietary macronutrient intake and ultrasonography results for NAFLD diagnosis. The study subjects were divided into the lean and non-lean groups based on their BMI (< 25 and ≥ 25). Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between dietary macronutrients and NAFLD. Substitution analyses were also performed.

SETTING

Amol and its suburban areas in Iran.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults in the age range of 18 to < 65 with full relevant data.

RESULTS

Among the total study subjects (2308), 46·7 % had fatty liver. The substitution of polysaccharides for animal protein and SFA in the lean group resulted in a significant NAFLD reduction, whereas the substitution of SFA for all types of macronutrients, except for n-6 and mono-disaccharides, led to a significant increase in NAFLD (P < 0·05). In non-lean participants, the substitution of MUFA for mono-disaccharides resulted in a significant reduction of NAFLD (P < 0·05). In this group, the substitution of SFA and mono-disaccharides for MUFA, and n-6 for all macronutrients, except vegetable protein and SFA, were significantly related to an increase in NAFLD (P < 0·05).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower lean NAFLD is correlated with increasing polysaccharides in exchange for SFA and animal protein intake, whereas lower non-lean NAFLD is correlated with increasing MUFA in exchange for mono-disaccharides and reducing n-6 and SFA.

Early triggers of moderately high-fat diet-induced kidney damage

Most of the obesity murine models inducing renal injury use calorie-enriched foods, where fat represents 60% of the total caloric supply, however, this strategy doubles the standard proportion of fat ingestion in obese patients. Therefore, it is crucial to study the impact of a high-fat intake on kidney physiology that resembles common obesity in humans to understand the trigger mechanisms of the long-term consequences of overweight and obesity. In this study, we analyzed whether chronic feeding with a moderately high fat diet (MHFD) representing 45% of total calories, may induce kidney function and structural injury compared to C57BL/6 mice fed a control diet. After 14 weeks, MHFD induced significant mice obesity. At the functional level, obese mice showed signs of kidney injury characterized by increased albuminuria/creatinine ratio and higher excretion of urinary biomarkers of kidney damage. While, at the structural level, glomerular hypertrophy was observed. Although, we did not detect renal fibrosis, the obese mice exhibited a significant elevation of Tgfb1 mRNA levels. Kidney damage caused by the exposure to MHFD was associated with greater oxidative stress, renal inflammation, higher endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress, and disruption of mitochondrial dynamics. In summary, our data demonstrate that obesity induced by a milder fat content diet is enough to establish renal injury, where oxidative stress, inflammation, ER-stress, and mitochondrial damage take relevance, pointing out the importance of opportune interventions to avoid the long-term consequences associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome.

In vitro digestion of emulsified lard-based diacylglycerols

BACKGROUND

Diacylglycerols as a fat substitute in meat products is a growing area of interest. This study was conducted to analyze the digestion rate, digestion extent, and changes in interfacial properties of lard, glycerolized lard (GL), and purified GL (PGL) in an emulsions system by pH-stat in vitro digestion.

RESULTS

PGL had significantly higher hydrolysis rate and final digestion extent than lard (P ≤ 0.05) during in vitro digestion. The analysis on diameter variations of lard, GL, and PGL during digestion indicated that the surface- and volume-weighted mean particle diameters of all samples had the same variation trend, but variation degree was different. Concurrently, the ζ-potential analysis of the lard, GL, and PGL during the digestion process showed that the absolute values of the ζ-potentials of the three types of lipids increased at first and subsequently decreased. The microstructure changes results for lard, GL, and PGL showed there was no obvious flocculation, and the particle size of lard throughout the digestion process was larger than that of GL and PGL.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that lard-based diacylglycerols had high digestibility characteristics and could be applied as a functional lipid in meat products to improve human health. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Low-carbohydrate high-fat weight reduction diet induces changes in human gut microbiota

Obesity has become a major public health problem in recent decades. More effective interventions may result from a better understanding of microbiota alterations caused by weight loss and diet. Our objectives were (a) to calculate the fiber composition of a specially designed low‐calorie weight loss diet (WLD), and (b) to evaluate changes in the composition of gut microbiota and improvements in health characteristics during WLD. A total of 19 overweight/obese participants were assigned to 20%–40% reduced calories low‐carbohydrate high‐fat diet for four weeks. Protein and fat content in the composed diet was 1.5 times higher compared to that in the average diet of the normal weight reference group, while carbohydrate content was 2 times lower. Food consumption data were obtained from the assigned meals. Microbial composition was analyzed before and after WLD intervention from two sequential samples by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. During WLD, body mass index (BMI) was reduced on average 2.5 ± 0.6 kg/m² and stool frequency was normalized. The assigned diet induced significant changes in fecal microbiota. The abundance of bile‐resistant bacteria (Alistipes, Odoribacter splanchnicus), Ruminococcus bicirculans, Butyricimonas, and Enterobacteriaceae increased. Importantly, abundance of bacteria often associated with inflammation such as Collinsella and Dorea decreased in parallel with a decrease in BMI. Also, we observed a reduction in bifidobacteria, which can be attributed to the relatively low consumption of grains. In conclusion, weight loss results in significant alteration of the microbial community structure.

Hepatic synthesis of triacylglycerols containing medium-chain fatty acids is dominated by diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 and efficiently inhibited by etomoxir

Objective

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) play an increasing role in human nutrition. In the liver, one fraction is used for synthesis of MCFA-containing triacylglycerol (MCFA-TG), and the rest is used for oxidative energy production or ketogenesis. We investigated which enzymes catalyse the synthesis of MCFA-TG and how inhibition of MCFA-TG synthesis or fatty acid (FA) oxidation influences the metabolic fate of the MCFAs.

Methods

FA metabolism was followed by time-resolved tracing of alkyne-labelled FAs in freshly isolated mouse hepatocytes. Quantitative data were obtained by mass spectrometry of several hundred labelled lipid species. Wild-type hepatocytes and cells from diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT)1^−/− mice were treated with inhibitors against DGAT1, DGAT2, or FA β-oxidation.

Results

Inhibition or deletion of DGAT1 resulted in a reduction of MCFA-TG synthesis by 70%, while long-chain (LC)FA-TG synthesis was reduced by 20%. In contrast, DGAT2 inhibition increased MCFA-TG formation by 50%, while LCFA-TG synthesis was reduced by 5–25%. Inhibition of β-oxidation by the specific inhibitor teglicar strongly increased MCFA-TG synthesis. In contrast, the widely used β-oxidation inhibitor etomoxir blocked MCFA-TG synthesis, phenocopying DGAT1 inhibition.

Conclusions

DGAT1 is the major enzyme for hepatic MCFA-TG synthesis. Its loss can only partially be compensated by DGAT2. Specific inhibition of β-oxidation leads to a compensatory increase in MCFA-TG synthesis, whereas etomoxir blocks both β-oxidation and MCFA-TG synthesis, indicating a strong off-target effect on DGAT1.

Diet: A Specific Part of the Western Lifestyle Pack in the Asthma Epidemic

The Western lifestyle is a complex concept that includes the diet as the main axis of different factors which contribute to a detrimental effect on health, lower life expectancy and low quality-of-life. This type of diet is characterized by being high in calories, mainly provided by saturated fats, and rich in sugars that can lead to changes in immune cells and their responsiveness, by different mechanisms that have yet to be totally clarified. Inflammatory processes are perpetuated through different pathways, in which adipose tissue is a major factor. High fat stores in overweight and obesity accumulate energy but the endocrine function is also producing and releasing different bioactive compounds, adipokines, known to be pro-inflammatory and which play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma. This review therefore explores the latest evidence regarding the adverse effect of the Western diet on adipose tissue inflammation and its causative effect on the asthma epidemic.

The ameliorating effect of carotenoid rich fraction extracted from Dunaliella salina microalga against inflammation- associated cardiac dysfunction in obese rats

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The carotenoid-rich fraction of Dunaliella salina improves serum inflammatory markers.

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The fraction has the ability to improve various disorders associated cardiac dysfunction in the high-fat diet treated rats.

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The fraction attenuates fibrotic cardiac tissue and congestion of myocardial blood vessels.

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The mentioned promising activities may be related to that fraction acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.

The carotenoid rich fraction of microalgae Dunaliella salina (crf-DS) have been receiving great attention, due to they abilities to protect and improve various disorders. The objective of this study is to explore the therapeutic efficiency of crf-DS on obesity-assciated cardiac dysfunction in the high-fat diet (HFD) treated rats. These rats were orally administered with crf-DS (150 mg /kg body weight), for six consecutive weeks in comparison with reference drug(orlistat). Specific cardiac biomarkers were examined including; adiponectin, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), glucagon, troponin-I (cTnI). The cell adhesion molecules (VCAM and ICAM), C-reactive protein (CRP), collagen type II (Col II), collagen alpha-1 (III) chain (Col3A1), lipoxygenase activity (LOX), as well as histopathological examination of cardiac tissue were investigated. Results indicated a significant reduction(P ≤ 0.05) in adiponectin and glucagon levels in serum of obese rats. However, cTnI, PAI-1, cell adhesion molecules, CRP, Col II, and Col3A1 and LOX levels declared marked increase. Histopathological examination of cardiac tissue showed fibrosis with severe congestion in the myocardial blood vessels. On the other hand, rats medicated with a crf-DS demonstrated noticeable ameliorating effect in all the measured parameters. Beside, myocardial tissue of obese rats showed no alteration. Hence, It could be concluded that, oral supplementation with crf-DS is able to attenuate cardiac dysfunction in obese rats. Further extended work is needed to exploit, the possible application of D. salina as nutraceuticals and food additives.