Effect of resveratrol on mesenteric adipose tissue and the cerebellar cortex of a rabbit model of high-fat diet: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Background Obesity is always associated with chronic inflammation and is considered a major risk factor for neurodegeneration. Resveratrol (RES) has attracted wide attention for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiaging effects. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate whether RES can ameliorate the histological changes encountered in mesenteric adipose tissue (MAT) and the cerebellar cortex in a rabbit model of high-fat diet (HFD). Materials and methods Male New Zealand rabbits (2–2.5 kg each, n=40) were divided into four equal groups. Group I was fed a standard diet and served as the control group. Group II was fed HFD for 12 weeks. Group III was fed HFD and received a daily dose of RES at 5 mg/kg. Group IV received a standard diet and RES. Histological, immunohistochemical, and morphometric studies were conducted on MAT and the cerebellar cortex. Results After HFD administration, there was significant increase in the size of adipocytes of MAT, together with heavy mononuclear cellular infiltration and massive hemorrhage. Significant increase in the area% of tumor necrosis factor-α-positive cells was also detected. The cerebellum exhibited hemorrhage in its pia mater. Significant reduction in the number of Purkinje cells was also detected. Some Purkinje cells appeared with deeply stained nuclei. Prominent perineural spaces were observed around some Purkinje and some basket cells. Tau protein immunoreactivity was significantly expressed in most Purkinje cells and in some basket and granule cells as well. Some Purkinje cells were seen deeply insinuated between granule cells. In group III, supplementation of RES was found to alleviate most of the deleterious actions of HFD on the MAT and the cerebellar cortex. Conclusion RES can ameliorate most of the obesity-related histological alterations.