Physiological and Anthropometric changes in the Offspring of Albino Rats fed on Dietary cholesterol in the presence of Plasmodium malariae

Abstract

The present study has examined the physiological and physical changes in young albino rats fed cholesterol supplemented diet in presence of plasmodia. Plasmodium malariae was established intrauterine in offspring of animal infected with the parasites and fed on 2% cholesterol supplement in diet. Mean serum cholesterol level obtained from control animals (Group A) was 121+1.3 (mg/100ml of blood). The mean serum cholesterol obtained from animals removed from cholesterol diet (Group B) on the day of litter was 123+1.4(mg/100mI of blood). Mean serum cholesterol obtained from animals on cholesterol supplemented diet in the presence of plasmodium parasites (Group C) was 519+1.5 (mg/100ml of blood). Animals on cholesterol supplemented diet in the presence of parasites showed significantly higher (P<0.0001) level of serum cholesterol than the other two groups. The weight of animals in groups A and B was significantly higher (P<0.0001) than the weight of animals’ in-group C, The group B animals died six weeks after birth probably due to development of early atherosclerosis. Cholesterol diet evidently elevated serum level of cholesterol. Plasmodium parasites put down completely the fledging immunity of the animals. The study further highlighted the danger of elevated serum cholesterol level in the presence of malaria.