Effect of Alteration in Vitamin D Level On Adipose Tissue Metabolism In Obese Rats

Abstract

Serum 25(OH)D was significantly lower in all HCD groups, including the high vitamin D supplemented group, compared to control group, which could be explained by vitamin D sequestration or dilution in the excess adipose tissue. To demonstrate the effect of different doses of vitamin D on metabolic parameters, serum fasting glucose and lipid profile were measured and it was found that, compared to the HCD+SVD group, HCD+HVD group showed significant decrease in serum total cholesterol and LDL-c levels, while it showed a non-significant change in serum glucose. This may indicate that vitamin D can exert a protective role against the increase in serum cholesterol. Moreover, serum glucose level was also improved compared to the HCD+LVD group despite the significant body weight difference. Thus, higher vitamin D supplementation could improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. However, the 12-week high-caloric diet did not lead to significant changes in the serum levels of triglycerides, VLDL-c and HDL-c in the different groups