Hesperidin Protects from High-Fat Diet-induced Oxidative Stress in Experimental Hyperlipidemic Wistar Rats

Abstract

It has been reported that a high-fat diet (HFD) causes systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, which may damage the structural integrity of erythrocytes and alter their ability to withstand deformation. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of HFD feeding on erythrocyte reactive oxygen species levels, osmotic fragility, membrane malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO), and Na⁺K⁺-ATPase activity in male Wistar rats, as well as the protective role of hesperidin in maintaining these parameters. The rat hyperlipidemic model was produced by treating it with an atherogenic suspension once daily for 30 days and supplementing it with hesperidin doses of 100 mg/kg body weight (orally) for 30 days. We found a significant rise in ROS production, osmotic fragility, PCO, and MDA levels, as well as a decrease in Na⁺K⁺-ATPase activity. Hesperidin supplementation protects HFD-fed rats from oxidative damage and maintains the integrity of erythrocytes.