toxicity of margarine on liver enzymes (aspartate amino transferas and alanine amino transferase) in rats

background: margarine contain trans fatty acids as major sources of dietary free radicals, and oxidative stress. effect of oral administration of margarine on hepatic enzyme was investigated in wistar rats. methods: thirty six (36) adult wistar rats were uniformly divided into three groups of control , margarine 15% and 20%, twelve rats in each groups (6males & 6 females). margarine was added to the second and third groups chow as 15% and 20% (w/w) respectively. after four months, their blood samples were obtained and the serum levels of aspartate amino transferase (ast) and alanine amino transferase (alt) were measured. results: serum levels of ast and alt in margarine groups were higher than control groups, but it was not significant. treatment of rats with margarine were not significantly alter the serum levels of liver enzymes in all groups. conclusion: this result suggests that consumption of margarine may not be toxic at the doses investigated.