Influence of Oleic Acid Supplementation on Reproductive and Immune Parameters in Diet-Unrestricted Female Wistar Rats

This study aimed to evaluate the immunoreproductive and endocrine effects of exogenous oleic acid in mature female Wistar rats on an unrestricted diet. Eighteen mature Wistar rats with normal oestrous cycles were randomly divided into three groups: a control group and two experimental groups (low-dose and high-dose), each consisting of six rats. For three weeks, the rats in the experimental groups received daily oral doses of oleic acid at either 500 mg/kg or 1000 mg/kg of body weight. In contrast, the control group received 0.5 ml of distilled water. After the treatment, the oestrous cyclicity, serum hormone levels, reproductive organ weights, and blood parameters were analysed through a full blood count. The results showed no significant changes (p > 0.05) in oestrous cyclicity, serum oestrogen, progesterone, or luteinizing hormone levels. However, there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the weight of the relative reproductive tract, as well as in the number of mid-cells and neutrophils. Conversely, there was a substantial decrease (p < 0.05) in the relative lymphocyte count. Overall, the research indicated that oleic acid does not influence oestrous cyclicity or levels of serum oestrogen, progesterone, and luteinizing hormone in rats on an unrestricted diet. However, it does appear to have immunoregulatory effects on inflammatory cells.