Date of Publication

2023

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Biology

Subject Categories

Biology

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Honor/Award

N/A

Thesis Advisor

Gliceria B. Ramos

Defense Panel Chair

Patricio Elvin D.L. Cantiller

Defense Panel Member

Glenn L. Sia Su
Miriam P. De Vera

Abstract/Summary

ABSTRACT

A plant-based diet may sometimes be inadequate in some necessary nutrients; thus, lipid-based food fortification may act as a nutritional intervention. In this study, Amaranthus dubius commonly known as “Kulitis” was utilized due to its nutritional value to supply several macro- and micronutrients. The plant extract was fortified with peanut oil to provide the needed essential fatty acids during the period of pregnancy. This study aims to assess the embryonic implantation status, histoarchitecture of the maternal liver and kidney and the growth increment of the neonates. ICR female mice were randomly assigned into the 1) Natural Control group (NC) supplied with a standardized nutritional pellet, 2) Peanut Oil (PO) group was given with feeds with 0.6ml peanut oil, 3) A. dubius-minus-oil group (A-O) was given 1ml purée-extract of A. dubius without the addition of peanut oil then 3) A. dubius -plus-oil group (A+O) was given with food pellets containing 1ml Amaranth extract with 0.6 ml peanut oil. The results of this study on the gross morphology assessment of the uterine horns from the PO and A+O groups appeared to show improvement when diets are fortified with peanut oil. The consumption of these two treatments during pregnancy may possibly have a supportive effect on the embryo in comparison to the other groups. Assuming that peanut oil and amaranth extract have additional varied macro- and micronutrients, this may indicate that diversifying the diet of pregnant murine mothers may enhance embryonic post implantation status. Surprisingly, the differences on embryonic implantation status came out to be not significantly different. Histology assessment of the maternal liver and kidney revealed both normal and abnormal histoarchitectures. There was an observed occurrence of abnormalities in a milder degree affecting some murine mothers. However, no significant differences were found among these tissue samples. Still, it retains most of the histoarchitecture integrity indicating that the organ function is not greatly compromised and hampered. In terms of the birth weight and length, it has also been shown that A. dubius and Peanut oil can positively affect the neonates as it may support proper growth and development. There is a progressive growth each week and the differences were found to be significant. In conclusion, the results of this study provided additional information in using dietary peanut oil-based A. dubius as a valuable source of nutrition during the period of pregnancy. It may positively affect the maternal health by influencing the uterine receptivity and maintaining the histoarchitectures of the liver and kidney. Its advantageous effects in neonatal development can be supported by a normal progress with no occurrence of obesity and stuntedness among the pups.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Physical Description

x, 165 leaves

Keywords

Amaranths; Peanut oil

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Embargo Period

2-10-2024

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