Testicular zinc, copper and iron concentrations in male rats exposed to subacute and subchronic formaldehyde gas inhalation.

The level of trace elements such as Zn, Cu and Fe in testicular tissue is an indication of the condition of the tissue as these elements take over important tasks. Zinc and copper are the prosthetic groups of several metalloenzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) which is an important antioxidant enzyme in the cellular protection from reactive oxygen species. If concentrations of these trace elements decrease significantly, SOD cannot detoxify harmful oxygen species. In this study, adult male rats (wistar-albino) were exposed to formaldehyde at different periods (subacute and subchronic) and concentrations (0; 12.2; 24.4 mg.L-1). Body and testis weights were recorded and compared with control groups. The metals described above were determined in rat testicular tissue by atomic absorption spectrometry by using wet ashing. We conclude that subacute or subchronic exposure to formaldehyde have caused growth retardation and altered levels of trace elements, including copper, zinc and iron, in testicular tissue, and may induce further oxidative damage on testicular tissue leading to spermatozoal abnormalities.     

Zinc, copper and iron concentrations in cerebral cortex of male rats exposed to formaldehyde inhalation

Retrospective cohort studies and clinical findings have suggested effects of formaldehyde exposure on the central nervous system in anatomists, embalmers and pathologists. On the other hand, harmful effects of formaldehyde inhalation on the nervous system are not well documented. The concentrations of elements such as zinc, copper and iron within the cerebral cortex indicate whether physiological conditions are maintained. In this study, adult male albino Wistar rats were exposed to formaldehyde at different concentrations (0; 6.1; 12.2 mg x m(-3)) and during different periods of time (subacute-subchronic), and body weights were recorded weekly. Zinc, copper and iron concentrations were measured in the parietal cortex using atomic absorption spectrometry after wet ashing. We conclude that subacute or subchronic exposure to formaldehyde may cause growth retardation and alter zinc, copper and iron levels in the cerebral cortex.     

Alteration of trace element distribution and testis ACE activity in mice with high peritoneal aluminum

The present investigation was conducted to assess the effects of subacute aluminum (Al) exposure on testicular zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) distribution in mice. Animals were intraperitoneally exposed to 0, 13, or 35 mg Al/kg body weight/d for a period of 14 d. Al concentrations in serum and testis in Al-treated animals were significantly higher than those of controls. The serum concentrations of Fe were lower, whereas serum Zn and Cu showed a pattern comparable to that of controls. The accumulation of testicular Fe and Cu remarkably increased in Al-exposed groups, whereas the Zn concentration in testis was significantly reduced only at the highest dose of Al exposure. The values of testicular thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were also increased after Al administration, indicating increased lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. In addition, when the testicular Al was increased, the testis-specific angiotensin-converting enzyme (testis ACE) was noted. The results of this study indicated that part of the effect of Al intoxication on testis might contribute to abnormal metabolism of other minerals, such as Fe, Zn, and/or Cu. It was also suggested that reduced testis ACE activity presumably plays an important role in oxidative damage of Al-induced testicular toxicity.     

Effect of subchronic exposure to arsenic on levels of essential trace elements in mice brain and its gender difference

The interactions of toxic metals with essential metals may result in disturbances in the homeostasis of essential elements. However, there are few reports about toxic effect of arsenic (As) on the levels of essential trace elements in the central nervous system. To investigate whether subchronic exposure to As disturbs levels of main essential trace elements in the brain of mice and whether the gender difference in the response to As are altered, the concentrations of As, Iron (Fe), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn) and Chromium (Cr) in the cerebrum and cerebellum of mice exposed to As subchronically were examined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The gender difference in the changed levels of these essential trace elements was also statistically analyzed. The concentration of As was significantly higher in the cerebrum or cerebellum of mice exposed to As than that in control group (P < 0.05). It indicates that As can accumulate in brain of mice after subchronic exposure. The concentrations of Fe, Se and Cr in the cerebrum or cerebellum were significantly lower in mice exposed to As than those in control group (P < 0.05). On the contrary, the concentration of Cu in the cerebrum or cerebellum was significantly higher in mice exposed to As (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that subchronic exposure to As may decrease the levels of Fe, Se and Cr or increase the level of Cu in the brain of mice. Moreover, the significant gender difference was found relative to the effect of As on concentration of Se in cerebrum and concentrations of Cu and Se in cerebellum of mice. Therefore, more experiments are required to further understand mechanisms whereby As interacts with essential elements in brain and induces the gender difference.     

Essential trace elements in milk and blood serum of lactating donkeys as affected by lactation stage and dietary supplementation with trace elements

The aim of this trial was to study the concentration of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), cobalt (Co) and iodine (I) in milk and blood serum of lactating donkeys, taking into account the effects of lactation stage and dietary supplementation with trace elements. During a 3-month period, 16 clinically healthy lactating donkeys (Martina-Franca-derived population), randomly divided into two homogeneous groups (control (CTL) and trace elements (TE)), were used to provide milk and blood samples at 2-week intervals. Donkeys in both groups had continuous access to meadow hay and were fed 2.5 kg of mixed feed daily, divided into two meals. The mixed feed for the TE group had the same ingredients as the CTL, but was supplemented with a commercial premix providing 163 mg Zn, 185 mg Fe, 36 mg Cu, 216 mg Mn, 0.67 mg Se, 2.78 mg Co and 3.20 mg I/kg mixed feed. The concentrations of Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Se, Co and I were measured in feeds, milk and blood serum by inductively coupled plasma-MS. Data were processed by ANOVA for repeated measures. The milk concentrations of all the investigated elements were not significantly affected by the dietary supplementation with TE. Serum concentrations of Zn, Fe, Cu Mn and Se were not affected by dietary treatment, but TE-supplemented donkeys showed significantly higher concentrations of serum Co (1.34 v. 0.69 μg/l) and I (24.42 v. 21.43 μg/l) than unsupplemented donkeys. The effect of lactation stage was significant for all the investigated elements in milk and blood serum, except for serum manganese. A clear negative trend during lactation was observed for milk Cu and Se concentrations (−38%), whereas that of Mn tended to increase. The serum Cu concentration was generally constant and that of Co tended to increase. If compared with data reported in the literature for human milk, donkey milk showed similarities for Zn, Mn, Co and I. Furthermore, this study indicated that, in the current experimental conditions, the mineral profile of donkey milk was not dependent on dietary TE supply.     

Serum concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mo and Co in newborn lambs following systemic administration of Vitamin E and selenium to the pregnant ewes

This study was conducted to determine the effects of systemic administration of Vitamin E and selenium to pregnant ewes at the late stage of gestation on serum concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mo and Co in their offspring's. Pregnant Lori–Bakhtiari ewes (n = 14) were randomly assigned to receive Vitamin E and selenium (treatment group; n = 7) or distilled water (control group; n = 7), once 3 weeks and again 1 week before parturition. Blood samples were taken from jugular vein of lambs at parturition and once a week during the 4 week of age. Serum concentration of Fe, Cu, Zn, Mo and Co was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometery.

At parturition, serum concentration of Cu, Zn, Mo and Co were identical in lambs of both groups, while the serum concentration of Fe (mean ± S.E.) was significantly higher in lambs of control (210.83 ± 9.05 μg/dl) than treatment group (140.71 ± 17.8 μg/dl).

From parturition to the forth weeks of age the serum concentrations of Fe and Cu were increased (P < 0.05) in lambs of treated group which was concomitant with a reduction in Zn concentration.

In conclusion, increase in serum concentrations of Cu and Fe during the first 4 weeks of age in lambs of ewes given vitamin E and selenium compound, could disturb the Zn:Cu and Zn:Fe ratios which in turn lead to zinc deficiency.     

High fructose intake significantly reduces kidney copper concentrations in diabetic, islet transplanted rats

Trace element status is known to be altered in the diabetic state, although the factors affecting trace element homeostasis in this condition are not well understood. The authors examined the effects of a high fructose diet (40% wt:wt) vs a control diet on the copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) concentrations in the kidney, plasma, and red blood cells of islet transplanted (TX) and shamoperated (SHAM) rats. Male, Wistar Furth rats made diabetic by streptozotocin injection (55 mg/kg, iv) were given an intraportal islet transplant (1000 islets); control animals were shaminjected, shamoperated (SHAM). Rats within TX and SHAM groups were assigned to either a high fructose diet (40% fructose, 25% cornstarch, FR) or a purified control diet (33% cornstarch, 33% dextrose, CNTL) containing identical amounts of mineral mixture for a period of 6 wk. Kidney Cu concentration was significantly elevated among hyperglycemie TXCNTL rats (224 ± 25 nmol/g wet wt), but was markedly reduced in hyperglycemic TXFR rats (109 ± 14 nmol/g) relative to normoglycemic controls. This occurred in spite of similar levels of glucose, insulin (fed and fasted), insulin secretory capacity, body weight, and food intake in the TXCNTL and TXFR groups. Among the subgroup of rats with normal glucose levels post-TX, kidney Cu levels normalized and were unaffected by dietary treatment (normoglycemic TXCNTL = 60 ± 5 nmol/g; normoglycemic TXFR = 40 ± 2 nmol/g). Kidney Cu concentrations also were unaffected by fructose feeding in SHAM animals (CNTL, 60 ± 4 nmol/g and FR, 51 ± 5 nmol/g). Kidney Zn and Fe concentrations were similar among the treatment groups. Plasma and red blood cell (RBC) Cu, Zn, and Fe concentrations were also similar among the groups. Since fructose feeding led to a substantial reduction of kidney Cu concentrations in the presence of hyperglycemia, the authors suggest that this model can be useful in examining effects of altered kidney Cu accumulation in the diabetic animal.     

Concentrations and distribution of Fe,Zn and Cu in tissues of the white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) in relation to elevated levels of metals and low pH

This study examines whether the process of lake acidification influences the accumulation of Fe, Zn and Cu in the tissues of the white sucker (Catostomus commersoni). Concentrations of Fe, Zn and Cu were measured in the liver, kidney and muscle of white sucker sampled from 4 acidic (pH range 4.8–5.3), 1 slightly acidic (pH = 5.8) and 3 circumneutral (pH = 6.3, 6.4) lakes located in south-central Ontario, Canada. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients were used to determine relationships between average elemental concentrations in the 3 tissues and both sediment and water metal concentrations plus lake pH, DOC and alkalinity. Despite the 1000-fold difference in H+ concentration among the 8 study lakes, tissue concentrations of Fe, Zn and Cu did not correlate with lake pH. Average Fe, Zn and Cu tissue concentrations did not correlate with metal concentrations in lake water. Only Zn concentrations in the liver and muscle were correlated with Zn concentrations in the sediment (r = 0.83 and r = 0.88, P < 0.05). Iron and Cu were regulated by the white sucker over a wide range of lake pH and metal concentrations in both the water and sediment. In contrast, Zn tissue concentrations were correlated with sediment Zn concentrations, the latter are thought to result from Zn inputs of anthropogenic origin.     

The effect of humic acid and Na2EDDHA on the uptake of Cu,Fe, and Zn by barley in sand culture

Summary Humic acid affected nutrient uptake differently in sand culture. It generally increased Cu uptake, slightly, though insignificantly, increased Fe uptake and practically had no effect on Zn uptake. Such results agree fairly well with the relative stability of humic acid with these metals.When humic acid was added to sand culture at increasing concentration of the metal, it considerably increased dry weight, Cu uptake and Cu concentration through decreasing its toxicity to plant. With Fe, however, humic acid and Na₂EDDHA slightly increased Fe uptake at lower Fe concentration (30 ppm) but significantly reduced both Fe uptake and Fe concentration in plant at higher concentration of Fe compared to the control treatment. Humic acid reduced Zn uptake and Zn concentration in plant at concentrations of 0.5–1.5 ppm Zn, and guarded against Zn toxicity which developed at higher concentration of Zn when no humic acid was added.     

The Dietary Acrylamide Intake Adversely Affects the Serum Trace Element Status

Acrylamide is an organic chemical which occurs in foods widespreadly consumed in diets worldwide. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the serum trace element levels (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cr, Se, Co, Ni, V, As, Mg, P, Li, K, Al) in Wistar rats exposed to acrylamide. Acrylamide was administered to the treatment groups at 2 and 5 mg/kg?body weight (bw)/day via drinking water for 90 days. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used for the determination of serum trace element concentrations. Serum Zn, Se, Co, V and Mg concentrations of 5 mg/kg bw/day acrylamide-treated male rats were lower, whereas serum As concentration was higher than the same parameters of the controls rats. Similarly, serum Zn, Se, Co, V and Mg concentrations were decreased in 5 mg/kg?bw/day acrylamide-treated female rats compared with control rats. On the other hand, there were no significant differences between serum Fe, Cu, Mn, Cr, Ni, P, Li, K and Al concentrations of all groups. The results from this study provide evidence that dietary acrylamide intake adversely affects the serum trace elements status.     

有色稻米Fe、Zn、Cu和Mn含量及与种皮颜色相关分析

用AAS方法测定了弥勒县相同生态条件下种植的27份有色稻和34份普通稻糙米4种矿质元素含量,并对有色米和普通米Fe、Zn、Cu和Mn含量进行了比较研究。结果表明,有色稻米4种矿质元素含量明显高于无色稻米,其差异均达显著水平,其含量高低依次为Zn>Fe>Cu>Mn;对黑、褐、红、黄、绿5种不同种皮颜色的稻米4种矿质元素含量进行比较研究,发现稻米Fe含量(mg/kg)依次为黑>绿>褐>红>黄,Zn含量(mg/kg)依次为绿>红>黑>褐>黄,Cu含量(mg/kg)依次为黑>褐>红>黄>绿,Mn含量(mg/kg)依次为褐>黑>红>黄>绿;并且Fe和Mn含量在不同颜色稻米间差异均达显著水平,与有色米种皮颜色密切相关,而Zn和Cu差异不显著,与有色米种皮颜色关系不大。黑米和褐米富Fe、Zn、Cu和Mn,绿米富Fe和Zn,红米富Zn和Cu,黄米4种矿质元素含量较低,Fe、Cu和Mn均低于普通稻米。     

Iron,copper, and zinc status in rats fed supplemental nickel

Literature data concerning the effect of increasing dietary Ni concentrations on Fe, Cu, and Zn status in rats are sparse and, in part, controversial. Therefore, the effects of the addition of either 0, 3, 50, or 100 mg Ni/kg diet on Fe, Cu, and Zn status of rats were investigated in two separate experiments. Purified diets were used that were composed according to the established nutrient requirements of rats. Ni in kidney was increased with increasing Ni intakes. Dietary Ni did not significantly influence Fe concentrations in plasma, liver, kidney, femur, and spleen. Likewise, the addition of Ni to the diet did not alter Cu status. Zn concentrations in femur were significantly decreased after feeding the diets with 100 mg Ni/kg. However, Zn in plasma, liver, kidney, and spleen was not affected. It is concluded that variations in dietary Ni concentrations have no major impact on Fe, Cu, and Zn status in rats.     

Effects of citrus flavonoids on redox homeostasis of toxin-injured liver in rat

In order to evaluate the effect of diosmin-hesperidin containing drug on redox balance and Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn concentrations of toxin-injured liver, Wistar albino rats were subjected to thioacetamide administration (500 mg TAA/l in their drinking water) with and without drug (425 mg/kg body weight/day). Animals were treated for 30 days. No significant change in the concentration of Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe in the liver was measured in TAA-treated animals compared to control. Diosmin-hesperidin mixture treatment increased levels of Fe and Zn and decreased concentration of Cu of the liver in TAA-treated animals. These alterations were not significant. Decrease of both the total scavenger capacity (TSC) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in liver homogenates were observed in TAA-treated rats. The diosmin-hesperidin-supplemented diet also significantly decreased the TSC and activity of SOD in liver of both the control and toxin-treated animals. On the basis of results it seems that high dosage of the diosmin-hesperidin mixture induces slight changes in the Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe content of the liver, however it may decrease the scavenger capacity and the activity of SOD when applied either alone or together with thioacetamide.     

Comparative study of zinc, copper, manganese, and iron concentrations in organs of zinc-deficient rats and rats treated neonatally with l-monosodium glutamate

The effects of a zinc-deficient (ZD) diet on the growth and trace element concentrations of various organs (body hair, liver, kidney, gastrocnemius muscle, and femur) of male rats were studied. Furthermore, these trace element concentrations of the above-mentioned organs in male rats neonatally treated with l-monosodium glutamate (MSG) are compared with those of the ZD rats. The ZD rats showed growth retardation compared to rats fed a zincadequate diet (controls). The feed efficiency of the ZD rats was only one-fifth of the controls. This is one reason why the ZD rats showed retarded growth. Body hair concentration of zinc (Zn) in the ZD rats was significantly lower than in the controls. On the other hand, copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) concentrations in the body hair were significantly higher in the ZD rats than in the controls. Moreover, the apparent absorption rate of these trace elements was significantly higher in the ZD rats than in the controls. The reason for the decrease in Zn contents of the body hair in the ZD rats is probably the reduced dietary Zn intake. Liver and kidney concentrations of Zn in the ZD rats were significantly lower than in the controls. Femur Zn concentrations in the control rats showed higher values than in the ZD rats. Cu and Mn concentrations in the femur in the ZD rats showed higher values than in the controls. Ninh et al. suggested that growth retardation in ZD rats is the result of a decrease in protein biosynthesis. The results of this study support their theory. The reasons for the use of MSG-treated rats in this study are as follows. (1) We reported on the head hair concentration of the above-mentioned elements from pituitary dwarfism (human growth hormone deficient) patients. In that study, the sample was restricted to head hair from pituitary dwarfism patients. More detailed physiological data may be obtained by the used of MSG-treated rats. (2) We took notice of many resemblances between the pituitary dwarfism patients and the MSG-treated rats in morbidity. The MSG-treated rats showed a severe growth retardation compared to NaCl-treated controls. Zn concentration in the body hair was significantly higher in the MSG-treated rats than in the NaCl-treated controls. For the other trace element concentrations, there were no significant differences between the MSG-treated rats and the NaCl-treated controls. The concentrations of these trace elements in the liver of the MSG-treated rats were lower than in the NaCl-treated controls. In the MSG-treated rats, the concentrations of Zn and Cu in the femur were higher than in the NaCl-treated controls. However, the Fe concentration in the femur of the MSG-treated rats showed lower values compared with NaCl-treated controls. The results of this study suggest that the reduction of rat growth hormone (rGH) secretion and/or its synthesis are a consequence of the impairment of rGH anabolic effects. Furthermore it indicates that MSG-treated rats are useful as an in vivo model for the study of the effects of GH.     

Changes in iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, and zinc levels in different tissues of riboflavin-deficient rats

To clarify the changes of mineral levels in different tissues of riboflavin-deficient rats, Wistar rats were separated into three groups. One group was fed a diet ad libitum that was deficient in riboflavin. The other two were fed either the complete diet that was weight-matched to the riboflavin-deficient group or fed a complete diet ad libitum. In riboflavin-deficient rats, the hemoglobin concentration and riboflavin contents of blood, liver, and kidney were significantly decreased, compared with weight-matched and ad libitum-fed controls. The mineral concentrations of tissues are summarized as follows: The iron (Fe) concentration in the heart, liver, and spleen was decreased in the riboflavin-deficient group compared with the other groups. Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in tibia were decreased in the riboflavin-deficient group compared with the other two groups. Copper (Cu) concentration was increased in the heart and liver when the riboflavin-deficient group was compared with the other groups. Zinc (Zn) concentration was increased in tibia when the riboflavin-deficient group was compared with the other groups.     

Сhanges of trace elements in the cerebellum and their influence on the rats behavior in elevated plus maze in the acute period of mild blast-induced brain injury

BackgroundIn connection with the widespread use of explosive devices in military conflicts, in particular in Ukraine, is relevant to detect the biometals changes in the cerebellum and determine the presence of their influence on the behavior changes of rats in the elevated plus maze in the acute period of a mild blast-traumatic brain injury (bTBI).MethodsThe selected rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: Group I - Experimental with bTBI (with an excess pressure of 26–36 kPa), Group II - Sham and Group III - Intact. Behavior studies was in the elevated plus maze. Brain spectral analysis was with using of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis, after obtaining the quantitative mass fractions of biometals, the ratios of Cu/Fe, Cu/Zn, Zn/Fe were calculated and the data between the three groups were compared.ResultsThe results showed an increase in mobility in the experimental rats, which indicates functional disorders of the cerebellum in the form of maladaptation in space. Changes in cognitive activity also is an evidence of cerebellum suppression, which is indicated by changes in vertical locomotor activity. Grooming time was shortened. We established a significant increase in Cu/Fe and Zn/Fe ratios in the cerebellum, a decrease in Cu/Zn.ConclusionsChanges in the Cu/Fe, Cu/Zn, and Zn/Fe ratios in the cerebellum correlate with impaired locomotor and cognitive activity in rats in the acute posttraumatic period. Accumulation of Fe on the 1st and 3rd day leads to disturbance of the Cu and Zn balance on the 7th day and starts a "vicious cycle" of neuronal damage. Cu/Fe, Cu/Zn, and Zn/Fe imbalances are secondary factors in the pathogenesis of brain damage as a result of primary bTBI.     

Effect of automobile exhaust on the distribution of trace elements and its modulation following Fe,Cu, and Zn supplementation

The effect of automobile exhaust on the distribution of trace elements with special reference to Pb and its modulation following Cu, Zn, and Fe supplementation, in mouse organs, has been studied using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence technique. Seven elements, namely K, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, and Pb, were detected in all the organs. The maximum concentration of Pb was found in lungs followed by that in liver and kidney. The effect of automobile exhaust was found to be significant on the concentrations of Fe and Pb; their concentrations were found to increase in all the organs. However, the concentrations of Cu and Zn were found to be decreased significantly in the liver. In the animals given Fe, Cu, or Zn supplementation along with motor exhaust, the percentage change in the concentration of Pb in lungs was decreased, and that of Fe was increased significantly. In kidney, no significant change was observed for the animals given Cu and Zn, whereas for animals given Fe, the level of Pb decreased significantly. In liver, the reduction in the level of Zn in the exhaust-exposed animals was made up and the level of Pb was reduced following Zn supplementation. These results clearly indicate that Fe and Zn play an important role in Pb metabolism and tend to lower the absorption of Pb. The effect of Fe is more pronounced than that of Zn, whereas the effect of Cu seems to be insignificant.     

Effects of iron,copper, zinc,calcium, and magnesium on human lymphocytes in culture

The effects of simultaneous changes of calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc concentrations were evaluated in normal human T and B lymphocytes, cultured in cation-depleted media. Optimal concentrations for thymidine incorporation (TI) in both cell populations were Fe and Zn 15 μM and Cu 5 μM; for t cells Ca 2 mM and Mg 4 mM; for B cells Ca 4 mM and Mg 6 mM. TI decreased with increasing molarity of cations and the decrease was particularly apparent with Cu. Minimal amounts of Ca and Mg (0.5 mM) were necessary for growth, even in presence of optimal concentrations of Fe, Cu, and Zn. Fe and Cu showed synergistic stimulatory effects at low concentrations and synergistic inhibitory effects at high concentrations. Antagonism between Fe and Zn, Cu and Zn, and Ca and Zn was also demonstrated. CD4/CD8 increased with PHA stimulation in presence of Zn, and decreased with ConA stimulation in presence of Zn or Fe. The results demonstrate: (1) the relationship and interdependence of Fe, Cu, and Zn concentrations in modulating the growth of normal lymphocytes; (2) the stimulatory effects of Fe on B cells and Zn on CD8 positive cells; (3) the inhibitory effect of Cu at concentrations lower than those of Fe and Zn; (4) the requirement of Ca and Mg in certain concentration and ratio for the action of the other cations; and (5) the Ca and Mg requirement for the growth of B cells higher than T cells.     

Evaluation of trace elements and oxidative stress levels in the liver and kidney of streptozotocin-induced experimental diabetic rat model

In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship among trace elements (Cu, Fe, Zn and Mg) on oxidative and anti-oxidative substances in liver and kidneys tissues in streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rat model. The mean levels of Fe and Cu were found significantly higher in the liver and kidneys of the diabetic rats, in comparison to the control rats. On the other hand, the mean levels of Zn and Mg in the liver and kidneys of the diabetic rats were significantly lower than in the control rats. The liver and kidneys malonaldehyde (MDA) levels of the experimental group were found to be higher than in the control group (p < 0.001; p < 0.01, respectively) after 4 weeks of the experimental period. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and glutathione (GSH) levels in the liver tissue of STZ-induced diabetic rats were found to be lower in the experimental group than in the control group (p < 0.01). SOD activity and GSH concentration in kidneys of the diabetic rats were significantly diminished with respect to the control group (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the present results indicate that the increase of Fe and Cu together with decreas of Zn and Mg concentration in liver and kidney of STZ-induced diabetic rats may be involved in disturbances of oxidative balance in both the tissues. Therefore, these findings may contribute to explain the role of impaired ion metabolism of some elements in the progression of diabetic oxidative complications.