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Abstract
Background: To study the effect of Nicotinic acid
(Niacin) on body weight in NZW rabbits on atherogenic
diet.
Methods: In this experimental study, forty adult male
New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits were randomly
assigned to four groups A, B, C and D, each comprising ten
rabbits. Group A served as Pure Control and received
standard animal house diet (concentrated diet). Group B as
treated control was given atherogenic diet (concentrated
diet + 0.5% cholesterol), Group C as an experimental group
was given Niacin in a dose of 15mg/kg b.w mixed in
atherogenic diet (concentrated diet + 0.5% cholesterol) for
two months. Group D served as an experimental group
received atherogenic diet (concentrated diet + 0.5%
cholesterol) for two months then was shifted to standard
animal house diet (concentrated diet) mixed with Niacin in
a dose of 15mg/kg b.w. Rabbits were weighed at the
beginning of the experiment and then before their
sacrifice.
Results: - The mean initial body weight (Wi)of rabbits
in group A,B,C and D was 1.875±0.094, 1.670±0.067,
1.660±0.085 and 1.805±0.038 kg respectively. The mean final
body weight(Wf) of rabbits was 1.850±0.099, 1.920±0.046,
1.695±0.069 and 1.745±0.052 kg respectively. ANOVA
showed significant (p<0.05) difference in mean values of
body weight among the groups. Post Hoc test using Least
Significant Difference (LSD) showed significant
difference (p<0.05), when weight change was compared
among the groups.
Conclusions: - Atherogenic diet produced increase in
body weight of rabbits. Less weight gain was seen in
rabbits on atherogenic diet with niacin supplementation.
Marked response to reduction in body weight was
observed in rabbits with cholesterol restriction and niacin
supplementation