Effect of Omega-3 Supplement on Oxidative Stress Markers in Brain and Heart Tissue Homogenates of Shock Induced Albino Rats

The study evaluates the effect of omega-3 supplement on oxidative stress markers in the brain and heart homogenates in male albino rats induced with shock stress using the electroconvulsive device. 25 rats weighing averagely 110g were divided into 5 groups of five rats each with different treatment regimens. Group I served as the negative control, Group II as shock control, Group III as omega-3 control, Group IV given omega-3 supplement by oral gavage method daily for the first one week and induced stress by shock for 5 days, Group V was induced stress by shock for 5 days and then administered omega-3 supplement for one week. 1 ml Omega-3 supplement equivalent to 123mg/kg body weight was given to the rats through oral gavage method. The results shows that omega-3 supplement significantly increased (P< 0.05) the superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione values while the malonaldehyde and nitric oxide values were reduced after being exposed to shock stress, then pretreatment and post treatment with omega 3 supplement in both the brain and heart tissues of the albino rats when compared to the shock control group whose values were reduced except for the value of malonaldehyde and nitric oxide which was increased. Oxidative stress is implicated in the brain homogenates than in the heart of the albino rats induced with shock stress. The study reveals that Omega-3 supplementation shows more effective protection for these organs notwithstanding the time of administration though pretreatment with omega 3 supplement shows more ameliorating effect than the post treatment. Hence intake of omega 3 might protect our organs against oxidative induced stress.