Effectiveness of Cod Liver Oil Emulsion as An Anti-Hyperuricemic Agent in Mice

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, the prevalence of hyperuricemia has increased substantially in recent decades. The progressive increase in serum levels of uric acid levels may be linked to the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity, as well as the increase in consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, foods rich in purines, and alcohol. Cod liver oil contains high levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) as well as vitamins A and D. Many of the benefits of cod liver oil are believed to derive from its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of cod liver oil emulsion as an anti-hyperuricemia agent in mice. Subjects and Method: This was an experiment conducted at the laboratory, Bandung Institute of Technology, in Bandung, West Java. A sample of 24 Swiss Webster rats was selected for this study, and was randomly assigned to 6 groups: (1) Uric acid induction with high purine food 100 mg/kg BW; (2) Uric acid induction and allopurinol 26 mg/kg BW dose; (3) Uric acid induction and vitamin A 650 IU/kg BW dose; (4) Uric acid induction and cod liver oil emulsion 150 mg/kg BW dose; (5) Uric acid induction and cod liver oil emulsion 300 mg/kg BW dose; and (6) Uric acid induction and cod liver oil emulsion 450 mg/kg BW dose. The independent variable was cod liver oil emulsion. The dependent variable was uric acid level. The data were analyzed by paired t test. Results: Cod liver oil emulsion of 150, 300, and 450 mg/kg BW doses reduced uric acid as much as 57.10%, 40.83%, and 49.70%. Conclusion:Cod liver oil emulsion of 150, 300, and 450 mg/kg BW doses are effective to reduce uric acid in mice.