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Role of the spleen in lipid metabolism

M Fatouros1, K Bourantas, E Bairaktari

  • 1Department of Surgery, University of Ioannina, University Hospital, Greece.

The British Journal of Surgery
|December 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

The spleen plays a role in lipid metabolism and may influence atherosclerosis. Splenectomy in rats led to altered triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels, especially with a high-fat diet.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Metabolic Research
  • Surgical Pathology

Background:

  • Observations suggest a link between splenectomy, low cholesterol, and ischemic heart disease.
  • Hypersplenism is associated with low cholesterol levels.
  • The spleen's role in lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis warrants investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the spleen's role in lipid metabolism in an experimental animal model.
  • To determine the effect of splenectomy on serum lipid profiles.
  • To assess the influence of diet on these effects.

Main Methods:

  • 32 rats underwent either splenectomy (n=16) or sham operation (n=16).
  • Rats were fed either normal chow or a high-fat diet.
  • Serum lipid levels (total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL cholesterol) were measured pre-operatively and at 3 and 6 months post-operatively.

Main Results:

  • Splenectomy significantly increased serum triglyceride and decreased HDL cholesterol in rats on a normal diet compared to controls.
  • Rats on a high-fat diet showed increased triglyceride and decreased HDL cholesterol, with more pronounced changes in splenectomized rats.
  • These findings indicate the spleen influences lipid metabolism.

Conclusions:

  • The spleen plays a significant role in regulating lipid metabolism in rats.
  • Splenectomy can exacerbate dyslipidemia, particularly under a high-fat diet.
  • These findings suggest a potential link between splenic function and atherosclerosis development.

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