Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Chlorella vulgaris on glucose metabolism in rats fed a high fat diet. Sixty 6-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: normal diet group (N group) and high fat diet group (H group); then the rats in each group were further divided into three subgroups and fed either Chlorella-free diets or diets with 5% (C5) or 10% (C10) (wt/wt) Chlorella for 9 weeks. Serum leptin concentration was significantly lower in the NC10 and HC10 groups than in the N and H groups. The fasting glucose concentration and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance of the HC10 group were significantly lower than those of the H group. Glutamate transporter 4 protein expression was significantly higher in the HC10 group than the H group. In conclusion, 10% Chlorella intake was more effective for blood glucose regulation than 5% Chlorella intake in rats fed a high fat diet. Chlorella intake may prevent insulin resistance in Wistar rats fed a high fat diet.