Biochemical observations in rats fed with cycads, Nigerian-like and western-like folic acid supplemented diets

Alterations in antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation was studied in 90 Wistar albino rats exposed to cycads and fed with Nigerian-like and western-like diets supplemented with folic acid. The animals were divided into three diet classes of 30 animals each. One group was fed with a wholly compounded Nigerian-like diet (NLD) which was low in protein and high in carbohydrate and fiber. Another group was fed with a western like diet (WLD) which was high in protein and fat, while the third group of animals was fed with a normal diet which served as the control class. The animals of each class were further divided into three subgroups of ten rats each. In each subclass, one group received the diet alone; another group received the diet and cycads, while the third group received the diet and folic acid. Low levels of catalase, feed intake and faecal output was observed with experimental animals fed NLD as compared to WLD and normal diet (ND) fed animals. High levels of antioxidant enzymes: super oxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione reductase as well as low levels of lipid peroxidation was observed with the addition of folic acid to the diets of experimental rats. These results suggest the role of folic acid in diet and colon carcinogenesis.Key words: Antioxidant enzymes, cycads, diets, folic acid, lipid peroxidation