Oral Supplementation Effect of Iron and its Complex Form With Quercetin on Oxidant Status and on Redistribution of Essential Metals in Organs of Streptozotocin Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Abstract Background and aims: Quercetin, is a polyphenolic antioxidant compound. It is able to form complex with metal ions such as iron and exerts a broad range of biological activities like improving metabolic disorders. This research aims at investigating the effect of oral supplementation of iron (2.5mg Fe/Kg/day) and its complex form (molar ratio 1:5; 2.5mg/25mg/Kg/day) with quercetin (25mg/Kg/day) on lipid metabolism, oxidant status and trace elements contents in organs of Wistar diabetic rats (45 mg/kg/rat.ip of streptozotocin) during eight weeks of experimentation. Material and method: To achieve this, liver and adipose tissue enzymes activities, NO•, O2−•, TBARs, carbonyl protein levels in plasma were analysed. Metals (Cu, Fe, Mg, Zn) analysis of organs were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Results: Iron supplemented alone induced a noticeable disorder in lipid, lipoprotein, lipases and oxidant status. Yet, it caused an imbalance in the redistribution of metals in the organs of diabetic and non diabetic rats. Iron-quercetin complex was shown as less harmful and more beneficial than iron supplemented alone. Conclusions: This complex could reverse oxidative stress and iron deficiency mostly caused by the diabetic disease but at the same time it induces an imbalance in redistribution of other essential metals.