International Journal of Biochemistry Research & Review

High dietary salt intake has been associated with alterations in lipid metabolism and increased cardiovascular risk. This study evaluated the effects of omega-3 fatty acids and quercetin supplementation on lipid profile and atherogenic indices in a high-salt-fed Wistar rat model. Thirty-five male Wistar rats weighing 180-220 g were randomly assigned to seven groups of five animals each. The groups comprised a normal control, two sham controls receiving dimethyl sulfoxide or olive oil, a high-salt-fed group, and three high-salt-fed treatment groups receiving omega-3 fatty acids, quercetin or their combination. High-salt feeding consisted of 8% NaCl in feed and 1% NaCl in drinking water. Omega-3 fatty acids and quercetin were administered orally once daily at 14.29 mg/kg body weight and 20 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for 42 days. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were assessed. In addition, the atherogenic coefficient, cardiac risk ratio, and atherogenic index of plasma were calculated. Compared with the control groups, high-salt feeding resulted in elevated serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, accompanied by a reduction in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The high-salt-fed group also showed increased atherogenic indices. Omega-3 fatty acids, quercetin and their combined treatment improved the altered lipid parameters and reduced the elevated atherogenic indices compared with the untreated high-salt-fed group. The combined treatment generally showed greater improvement than either supplement alone. These findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acids and quercetin may attenuate high-salt-induced dyslipidaemia in male Wistar rats.