Abstract

The advance of global economy affects developing countries that are facing a major public health problem. The prevalence of obesity triggers a series of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs). Several studies have suggested that the chia seed (Salvia hispânica L.) may be an alternative to combat NCDs, as it is rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). This research is an experimental work in which 24 Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (G1, G2, G3 and G4), out of which G1 was the control group (ad libitum + saline); G2 received a hyperlipidic and hyperglycemic diet (HHD); G3 was given HHD + 0.2 g ground chia and G4 was given HHD + 0.4 g of ground chia, for 4 weeks. The objective was to evaluate biochemical parameters (total cholesterol (TC) and lipoproteins, triglyceride (TG), glucose, homocysteine and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and histomorphometric of rats on a diet with chia seed, as well as to ascertain the safety of such treatment proposed evaluating its hepatotoxicity [aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)]. There was no decrease, however, in dyslipidemia parameters (total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides) and glucose. The concomitant administration of chia to a hyperglycemic and hyperlipidemic diet was not able to alter these parameters, however with regard to histomorphometric analysis, there was a significant result (p < 0.08) with regard to the thickness of the right ventricle (RV), which leads to a possible cardioprotective effect.

Key words: Chia seed (Salvia hispânica L.), dyslipidemia, biochemical parameters.