Preparation and Evaluation of Two Special Foods in Rats with Liver Cirrhosis

Two special diets for liver cirrhosis have been formulated (I and II), prepared in bakery form and evaluated in liver cirrhotic rats. Both diets contain protein of high Fisher ratio and oil rich in medium chain triglycerides. Proximate analysis of both formulas and their contents of amino acids and fatty acids were assessed. Special diets were evaluated in cirrhotic rats. Liver cirrhosis was induced in rats by intra-peritoneal injection of CCL4 (at a dose of 0.2 ml/kg rat body weight/day for 3 consecutive days per week) for 10 weeks. Proximate analysis showed that % fat, protein and carbohydrates in formula I was 29.48, 19.3 and 35.2 and in formula II was 28.73, 19.1 and 38.1. Amino acids profile revealed that branched chain amino acids (BCAA) were 126.2 and 120 mg/g protein in formula I and II respectively. The Fisher ratio of formula I and II was 1.912 and 1.632 respectively. GLC analysis of fatty acids showed that the contents of medium chain fatty acids were 42 and 55.2% of total fatty acids in formula I and II respectively. Feeding cirrhotic rats on either of the special formula showed improved liver function reflected by significant reduction of the activity of transaminases (ALT and AST) and total bilirubin and the significant increase in total protein and albumin in plasma. There was also significant decrease in plasma level of malondialdehyde (MDA) indicating reduction in oxidative stress compared to control cirrhotic rats. Both formulas produced increase in body weight gain compared to control cirrhotic rats. In conclusion, both special formulas in the present study improved liver function and reduced oxidative stress in cirrhotic rats reflecting their potential beneficial use in patients with liver cirrhosis.