The Effect of Cadmium Absorption on Ghrelin and Malondialdehyde Levels in White Rats (Rattusnorvegicus)

Abstract

Cadmium is expected to affect the absorption of other nutrients and appetite through the competition with the nutrients, causing damages to cell membranes through lipid peroxidation reactions. Damaged intestinal cells may disrupt the secretion of one of digestive hormones, ghrelin, theorexigenic hormone. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of cadmium exposure on the levels of ghrelin and malondialdehyde (MDA) in rats (Rattusnorvegicus). The study used post-test-only control group design, with 2 groups of white rats: control group (P0) was given placebo and treatment group (P1) was exposed to cadmium. Parameters measured were the levels of MDA and ghrelin. The results showed that there was no difference in body weights (p=0.057) and ghrelin concentrations (p=0.910) between the white rats in the control group and the treatment group. There were significant differences in the levels of MDA. The treatment group had a higher MDA level compared with control (p=0.001). It was concluded that the cadmium exposure for 4 group did not affect the secretion of ghrelin hormone and body weights of white rats, but might cause lipid peroxidation in white rats, as evidenced by the increased MDA level.