Protective effects of intermittent fasting and chamomile extract against margarine-induced oxidative stress in mouse...

Oxidative stress induced by diets rich in trans-unsaturated fatty acids is well-documented. However, their organ-specific effects and the potential of antioxidant interventions remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of margarine intake, with or without chamomile water decoction (CWD) or intermittent fasting (IF), on oxidative status in young C57BL/6J mice over 16 weeks. Margarine-fed mice had elevated lipid peroxide (LOOH) levels in the kidneys (females) and cortex (both sexes), while levels were lower in muscle and unchanged in the heart of both sexes. Activities of glutathione-dependent enzymes were higher in both sexes of margarine-fed mice. The addition of CWD to margarine provided antioxidant protection in female kidneys and heart, but caused oxidative damage in male heart. The margarine with IF demonstrated tissue-specific antioxidant benefits. Thus, margarine induces oxidative stress in a sex- and tissue-specific way. CWD and IF can counteract these effects, offering potential protective strategies against margarine-induced oxidative stress.