Reduction of Lipid Profile and Adipocyte Size in Rats Fed on High-fat Diet Using Camel Milk and Whey Protein Mixture

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of oral administration of Camel milk (CM) and whey protein (WP) (1.5 % and 3.0 % in water) - either alone or in a mixture - on obesity parameters and lipid profile in rats fed on a high-fat diet. The results revealed that feeding rats on CM or WP significantly reduced body weight gain, adipocyte size and the weight of perirenal adipose tissue, especially when CM was mixed with 1.5 % WP. Feeding rats on CM, WP or a mixture of CM and WP led to a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the levels of LDL and total cholesterol and an improvement (p < 0.05) in the fasting glucose levels. In conclusion, consumption of CM, WP or a mixture of CM and WP reduced the number of large adipocytes and increased the number of small adipocytes, resulting in reduction of the body weight of the rats.