The effects of zinc deficiency and supplementation on lipid peroxidation in bone tissue of ovariectomized rats

This study aims at investigating how zinc deficiency and zinc application affect lipid peroxidation in bone tissue of ovariectomized rats. The study included 40 adult female rats of Sprague-Dawley species. Group 1 (n = 10): control group were fed with normal diet. Group 2 (n = 10): the group fed with normal diet after being ovariectomized. Group 3 (n = 10): the group fed with zinc-deficient diet for 6 weeks after ovariectomy. Group 4 (n = 10): the group which was given intraperitoneal zinc (3 mg/kg day zinc) in addition to normal diet for 6 weeks after ovariectomy. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were determined in erythrocyte, plasma and bone tissue. Group 3 had the highest plasma MDA levels compared to Groups 1, 2 and 4 (P < 0.05). These values were higher in Group 2 than in Groups 1 and 4 (P < 0.05). Bone and plasma MDA levels in Groups I and 4 were not different. Bone and erythrocyte GSH levels in Group 4 were higher than those in all other groups (P < 0.05). The lowest levels of bone and erythrocyte GSH levels were observed in Group 3 (P < 0.05). These values were higher in Group 2 when compared to those in Groups I and 3 (P < 0.05). This study demonstrate that zinc deficiency increased bone tissue damage in ovariectomized rats and that zinc supplementation prevented this damage. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.