Differentially expressed serum proteins from obese Wistar rats as a risk factor for obesity-induced diseases

Abstract

Obesity is a chronic disease that negatively affects life expectancy through its association with life-threatening diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Expression proteomics combined with in silico interaction studies are used to uncover potential biomarkers and the pathways that promote obesity-related complications. These biomarkers can either aid in the development of personalized therapies or identify individuals at risk of developing obesity-related diseases. To determine the serum protein changes, Wistar rats were fed standard chow (low fat, LF), or chow formulated high fat (HF) diets (HF1, HF2 and HF3) for 8 and 42 weeks to induce obesity. Serum samples were collected from lean and obese rats at these time points.