Investigation of free radical scavenging enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation in liver tissue of zinc deficient rats

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the lipid peroxidation and free radical scavenging enzyme activities in liver tissue of zinc (Zn)-deficient rats and investigate relationship among these parameters in either group. 16 Male rats with a weight of 35-40 g were used for the experiment. The rats were divided into control (n = 8) and Zn-deficient groups. After 4 weeks of feeding, the rats were killed by cervical dislocation and liver tissues were removed. Biochemical measurements in liver tissue were carried out using a spectrophotometer. Catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S transferase activities, total (enzymatic plus non-enzymatic) superoxide scavenger activity, superoxide dismutase, non-enzymatic superoxide scavenger activity, superoxide dismutase activities and Zn level in the Zn-deficient group were significantly lower than those of the control group, whereas malondialdehyde level was significantly higher than those of the control group. Slightly increased non-enzymatic superoxide scavenger activity was not significantly different from the controls. The results obtained in this study demonstrate that Zn-deficiency causes a decrease in antioxidant defence system and an increase in oxidative stress in liver tissue in rats.