Background and objectives. Ovariectomy leads to an alteration of estrogen status associated with body mass and lipid metabolism. The pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.) is a good source of bioactive components. Therefore, this study aimed to define whether ovariectomy and pumpkin in a diet affected the body composition, and lipid blood parameters in rats.
Methods. This study included thirty female Wistar rats (three months old). The rats were randomly assigned into three groups: group 1 (n = 10) consisted of rats in the control group (C) fed the standard diet, group 2 (n = 10) consisted of ovariectomized rats (O) fed the standard diet, and group 3 (n = 10) consisted of ovariectomized rats fed the diet with pumpkin (P). The diet compositions were analyzed. The body composition, blood lipid profile, free fatty acids (FFA), lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1), total antioxidant status (TAS), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), leptin, and adiponectin concentrations in serum were determined.
Results. The diets in the three groups are similar in fat and other component content. Obtained results demonstrated that an ovariectomy significantly increased body mass, fat tissue, leptin, and lipids concentration in serum. Pumpkin in the diet markedly decreased LOX-1, triglycerides, and leptin levels in ovariectomized rats. Conclusion. Ovariectomy promotes obesity and disturbs the lipid profile in rats. The addition of pumpkin to the diet improves lipid metabolism in ovariectomized rats.