Preventive Effects of the Mushroom (iVolvariella/ii /iivolvacea/i) on Leukocyte Parameters, Albumin and Alanine Aminotransferase in Wistar Rat on a High-fat Diet

Consumers are now showing a strong interest in bioactive foods such as mushrooms, which have beneficial effects on human health and reduce the risk of diet-related diseases such as obesity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with powdered iVolvariella volvacea /i(Vv) mushroom on leukocyte parameters, albumin and alanine aminotransferase to the Wistar rats induced rats on a high-fat diet for 42 days. Rats weighing an average of 96.2 ± 1.3 g were fed control diets and diets based on mushroom powder at different percentages: negative control diet or distilled water (DW), positive control diet or high-fat diet (HFD), 5% diet (Vv 5% and HFD), and 10% diet (Vv 10% and HFD). Blood samples were collected from the animals at the beginning of the experiment (day 1) and again on day 42. Leukocyte parameters were measured using a BC-30s hematology analyzer, and albumin and alanine aminotransferase levels were measured using an automated spectrophotometer. The results showed that the consumption of 10% Vv mushrooms slowed the increase in the rate of WBC (20.8%) unlike the positive control group (53.1%). Neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were lower than in the positive control group (15.9% vs. 57.5% and 12.78% vs. 61.35%, respectively) with the 10% Vv dose, which is thought to be related to the overall immune response of animals fed this mushroom. Significantly reduced levels (P 0.05) of the liver enzyme ALT were observed in the Vv 10% diet (16.50%) compared to the fat diet (68.50%), which helps prevent hepatic steatosis. Albumin levels, which increased significantly (p 0.05) in the Vv 10% group (15.80%) and decreased significantly in the positive control group (16.95%), were influenced by protein intake. In summary, leukocyte parameters, the liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase and albumin levels were close to those of non-obese rats; therefore, Vv consumption could have benefits for human health.