PREVENTIVE ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION EFFECT ON REDOX STATUS IN RAT MODEL OF MAFLD

Abstract

Background. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Antioxidant trace elements as cofactors of antioxidant enzymes and metalloproteins are involved in this process. Zinc being an important antioxidant may have a positive effect on the treatment of liver pathology. The study aimed to assess the effect of preventive zinc supplementation on MAFLD in rats. Materials and Methods. A total of 26 three-month-old female Wistar rats were used in the present study. The activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase, some redox status markers, such as ceruloplasmin, oxidized tryptophan, dithyrosines, total thiols, carbonyls, TBARS, and uric acid were evaluated. Oxidative stress biomarkers were studied spectrophotometrically. Results. MAFLD was accompanied by hyperuricemia and a decrease in serum dityrosines. The addition of Zn to the diet prevented the development of steatosis, decreased the level of oxidized tryptophan in the liver, and paradoxically caused hyperuricemia in the MAFLD model used. Zn supplementation had a positive effect on the prevention of MAFLD, had a little effect on redox status of animals but caused paradoxical hyperuricemia. Future studies are needed to establish the mechanisms of the Zn effect at the cellular level.