Abstract:
Abstract. Protein malnutrition interferes with the synthesis of enzymes served as antioxidants
while reducing antioxidants concentration in tissues, leading to oxidative stress. One of the most
stable markers of oxidative stress is malondialdehyde (MDA). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has
an important role in inhibiting oxidative stress and protecting the tissue from peroxidative
damage to lipids and proteins, thereby reducing oxidative stress in the tissue. This study aimed
to analyze the effect of DHA on the MDA and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in protein
malnourished rats. This study was carried out using the rat model Rattus norvegicus. After
delivery, the rats were classified into two groups, namely, the malnutrition group (MG) and the
non-malnutrition group (NMG). The MG was given low-protein diet since birth until 50 days
old. The MG was further classified into two subgroups, namely the control malnutrition group
with normal feed recovery (CMG), and the treated malnutrition group with normal feed recovery
and DHA supplementation for 6 weeks (TMG). At the end of treatment, the blood MDA and
SOD levels were assessed. The results showed that the MDA levels in the NMG, CMG, and
TMG were 812.75 μM, 647.75 μM, and 624.00 μM respectively. The SOD levels were 19.40
μM, 19.20 μM, and 26.80 μM, respectively. The Kruskal Wallis test showed a significant
difference in MDA levels between groups (p = 0.001). The posthoc test using the Mann Whitney
test showed that the MDA level in TMG was significantly different from that in NMG, but not
significantly different from CMG. The Anova test showed a significant difference in SOD levels
between groups (p = 0.000). The Tukey posthoc test showed that the SOD level in TMG was
significantly different from that in NMG and CMG. DHA has been shown to play an antioxidant
role in malnutrition. DHA can increase the levels of SOD enzymes so that oxidative stress that
occurs in malnutrition can be reduced. This is proven by the decrease in MDA levels as a lipid
peroxidation product. It can be concluded that DHA supplementation can reduce the MDA levels
and increase the SOD levels in protein malnourished rats.
