Heat exposure raised oxido-inflammatory indices and altered metabolic hormones in rats

Herein, we assessed the effect of ambient heat on metabolic hormones, redox, and inflammatory indices in male and female Wistar rats. Wistar rats, comprising male (10) and female (10), and weighing between 130 and 150 g, were divided into two (2) groups of five (5) rats per group: control and heat-exposed. Rats were exposed to ambient heat (39 ± 2^oC) over 21 days and necropsied to harvest blood and liver samples for biochemical analyses. Heat exposure increased the levels of rat plasma cortisol, C-reactive protein, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide. In contrast, heat exposure led to lower levels of rat plasma and liver superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione. The level of NF-κB was raised in heat-exposed male rats relative to the control. Furthermore, heat exposure modulated the levels of rat plasma leptin, ghrelin, and insulin relative to the control. Additionally, heat exposure caused lower levels of alkaline phosphatase in rat plasma. Collectively, heat exposure caused oxidative stress and inflammation in the rats, which might have modulated the metabolic hormones. The modulation of the metabolic hormones was pronounced in the female rats than their male counterparts. The findings contribute to UN SDGs 3 and 13 (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3-good health and well-being; 13-climate action).