Background: Orlistat is a pancreatic lipase inhibitor licensed for obesity treatment. It is considered to be a safe drug for long term use but many adverse effects were observed such as pancreatitis. B-carotene is a precursor of vit. A which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing effects.
Objective: This study aims to clarify the pancreatic structural changes after Orlistat administration and the possible protective role of B- carotene in adult female albino rats.
Materials and Methods: Fifty adult female albino rats were divided into four groups: Group I (10rats) was control. Group II (10rats) was administered B-carotene at a dose of 0.52 mg/kg/day, orally for 5 weeks. Group III(20rats) was administered a therapeutic dose of Orlistat (32 mg/kg/day) dissolved in 1 ml distilled water orally for 5 weeks then 10 rats were scarified(subgroup III a) and the others 10 rats left without intervention for another 5 weeks(subgroup III b). Group IV (10 rats) was administered B-carotene as group II one hour before the administration of orlistat as group III a for 5 weeks. At the end of the study, each rat was weighed, blood samples were obtained for estimation of blood glucose level and pancreas were dissected and prepared for histological study.
Results: Orlistat treated rats showed a highly significant decrease in body weight and a highly significant increase in blood glucose level. There were signs of B cells inhibition in anti-insulin immunostaining. Destructive changes of acinar cells with marked reduction of secretory granules and strong positive reaction for iNOS reactions were observed. These changes were confirmed by electron microscopic examination. These changes were reversible in withdrawal group. B- carotene coadministration showed amelioration of the histological changes.
Conclusion: B- carotene supplementation has ameliorating effect on pancreas against the deleterious effects of orlistat.