Effect of D-galactose on Weight Gain in Animal Model of Aging

Original Research Article D-galactose is widely used as an inducing reagent for animal models of aging. The aging model by D-galactose induction has similarities with natural old. In this study, we described the effect of D-galactose administration in rats against their body weight. Thirty healthy male rats aged 2 months were divided into 2 groups. Control group was treated with aqua sterile as placebo, while D-galactose group was treated with 3 mg/kg BW of D-Galactose orally every day for 6 weeks. The rats in both groups were measured using digital weigher every week. The data were analyzed descriptively for the average of body weight (g) each week and statistically for the average of weight gain (%) after 6 weeks using t-test. The average of body weight in control group from week-0 until week-6 were 119± 16.24; 144± 20.24; 160± 27.37; 170± 29.08; 179± 32.79; 197± 32.37; and 208± 32.07, while in D-galactose group were 129± 13.92; 151± 15.94; 164± 24.63; 173± 25.37; 182± 27.15; 192± 25.55; and 197± 25.55. Statistical analysis using t-test showed that there was a significant difference of average weight gain in both groups (p<0.05). The average of weight gain in control group and D-galactose group was 75.59%±21.19% and 53.76%±21.79%, respectively. Dgalactose could decrease the weight gain in rat model of aging.