EJMS

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effect of nuts (peanuts, Pistachio and Cashew) supplementation against the complications of ethanol-induced pancreatic injury in rats. Forty male albino rats were divided into 5 groups. Group (1): rats were fed on standard diet and drinking tap water for 8 weeks (control), group (2): rats were fed on standard diet for 8 weeks and received ethanol in drinking water (15% v/v) ad libitum for the last 4 weeks (ethanol), groups (3, 4 and 5): rats were fed on standard diet supplemented with (1%) of ground peanut, pistachio and cashew, respectively for 4 weeks then fed on standard diet and received ethanol in drinking water (15% v/v) ad libitum for another 4 weeks. The results showed that ethanol administration caused significant increase in plasma glucose, amylase and lipase enzymes activity as well as plasma and pancreatic malondialdehyde levels. While plasma insulin and reduced glutathione in blood and pancreas showed a significant decrease. On the other hand nut supplementation resulted in significant amelioration of glucose homeostasis, pancreatic enzymes secretion and antioxidant status. Also peanuts, pistachio and cashew supplementation before alcohol administration could improve lipid profile that was indicated by decrement in triacylglycerols, total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol concomitant with increment in high density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels. Our results showed that, supplementation with peanut, pistachio and cashew nuts before ethanol administration have significant recovery effects on histological changes of pancreas. The histopathological findings of pancreas sections confirmed the biochemical results.