Development of atherosclerotic model through margarine diet induction in Wistar rats

Purpose: To develop and analyze the relationship between dyslipidemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the progression of atherosclerosis.Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial (RCT) on male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) induced with a high-fat diet (margarine supplementation) for 4 weeks. A total of 12 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control and study groups (n = 6 in each group). Control group received standard diet for 4 weeks, while the study group received a margarine-based high-fat diet to induce atherosclerosis over the same period. After 4 weeks, the rats were euthanized under anesthesia. Lipid profiles (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides), inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-α), oxidative stress markers (reactive oxygen species; ROS), foam cell formation, and tunica intima thickness were assessed and compared using unpaired t-test. Regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between LDL and TNF-α. P < 0.05 was consideredstatistically significant.Results: The study group exhibited significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, and reduced HDL levels compared to control group (p < 0.05). Also, foam cell formation, tunica intima thickness, ROS levels, and TNF-α expression were higher in the study group compared to control group. Regression analysis showed a strong positive correlation between LDL and TNF-α (r = 0.73, p < 0.05).Conclusion: Margarine diet induces dyslipidemia and contributes to the progression of atherosclerosis. Therapeutic interventions that target a decrease in lipid levels, as well as modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress, may be potential targets for preventing and treating atherosclerosis.