AbstractBackground Menopause is associated with increases in visceral adipose tissue (VAT), reductions in lean mass, and a reduced energy expenditure. The ovariectomized (OVX) rat model can be used to model these changes, and to test potential interventions that may attenuate this response. Red rooibos (RR), due to its high polyphenol content, may counter the effect of low estrogen levels. Objective To determine if consumption of RR can blunt the changes to body composition, metabolic outcomes and movement that occur in the OVX rat model. Methods 56 female, 6-month-old, Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n=14/group): SHAM-WATER, SHAM-RR, OVX-WATER and OVX-RR. RR (2.6 g RR/kg body mass) was provided ad libitum for 12 weeks. At baseline and endpoint, body composition was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and metabolic measures and movement were measured using a Promethion metabolic caging system. Results RR did not attenuate OVX-induced changes. As expected, OVX resulted in a higher whole-body percent fat mass, a lower percent lean mass, and a higher body mass when compared to SHAM rats (p p p = 0.072). There were no differences among groups for metabolic measures (energy expenditure, gas exchange). OVX rats also had a trend of a longer long lounge time (p = 0.065) and total lounge time (p = 0.070) compared to SHAM. Conclusions RR intervention did not attenuate the changes to body composition, metabolic or movement outcomes observed in the OVX group. This study provides insights into the progression of body composition and metabolic changes in the OVX rat model, contributing to a better understanding of the physiological impacts of estrogen deficiency.
Feld et al. (Fri,) studied this question.