Abstract

The effects of different dietary fats and of physical exercise on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in rats were studied. Rats, weighing 131 +/- 10 g, were fed for 6 weeks synthetic diets whose fat content represented 40 of their total energy content. The following fats were studied: sunflower oil, fish oil, and animal fat (lard + butter). Control rats were sedentary, the experimental ones were exercised for 30 min daily on a level running board at a speed of 18-20 m/min. In exercised rats given polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), i.e. sunflower or fish oil, an increased HDL-cholesterol and a decreased LDL-cholesterol were found. Physical exercise induced increases in serum free fatty acids (FFA), the highest one in rats given animal fats. The same rats had also highest increases of triglycerides (TG) in the heart and highest decreases of TG in the m. gastrocnemius. Physical exercise also increased blood glucose and decreased lactate concentrations. Our results suggest that changes in biochemical parameters in rats, induced by physical activity, depend on the kind of dietary fats. This may have practical implications in preventing civilization diseases in top level sports men. Verf.-Referat