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Volume 17, Issue 4 (2025)
Iran J War Public Health 2025, 17(4): 371-376 |
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Received: 2025/06/28 | Accepted: 2025/08/20 | Published: 2025/08/30
Received: 2025/06/28 | Accepted: 2025/08/20 | Published: 2025/08/30
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Hussein B. Effects of Dietary Zinc on Serum Proteins, Liver Enzyme Activities, Oxidative Stress Markers, and Biochemical Parameters in Male New Zealand White Rabbits. Iran J War Public Health 2025; 17 (4) :371-376
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Authors
B.A. Hussein *
Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, Al-Manara College for Medical Sciences, Maysan, Iraq
Abstract (370 Views)
Aims: Zinc is an essential trace element involved in numerous metabolic and regulatory processes in both humans and animals. This study investigated the influence of different dietary zinc levels on selected physiological indices, putative immune-related markers, liver enzyme activity, and blood biochemical parameters in male New Zealand White rabbits.
Materials & Methods: Thirty New Zealand White male rabbits, 6-8 weeks of age, were randomly assigned to three groups (n=10 per group) and maintained under standard laboratory conditions for 25 days. The control group received a basal diet, while the two treatment groups were fed diets supplemented with 6 or 9mg zinc/kg feed.
Findings: At 6mg/kg, zinc supplementation increased serum albumin and total protein concentrations, indicating improved protein status and antioxidant protection. The higher level (9mg/kg) significantly reduced serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase activities, suggesting better hepatic function and less hepatocellular damage, although only minor changes were observed in glutathione and malondialdehyde values. Zinc-supplemented rabbits showed decreased blood glucose concentrations, consistent with enhanced insulin sensitivity and more efficient carbohydrate metabolism. In contrast, the higher zinc dose was associated with slight elevations in serum cholesterol and urea, which may reflect an emerging metabolic imbalance.
Conclusion: Moderate dietary zinc supplementation supports liver function and metabolic health in adult male rabbits while maximizing physiological benefits and minimizing potential adverse effects.
Materials & Methods: Thirty New Zealand White male rabbits, 6-8 weeks of age, were randomly assigned to three groups (n=10 per group) and maintained under standard laboratory conditions for 25 days. The control group received a basal diet, while the two treatment groups were fed diets supplemented with 6 or 9mg zinc/kg feed.
Findings: At 6mg/kg, zinc supplementation increased serum albumin and total protein concentrations, indicating improved protein status and antioxidant protection. The higher level (9mg/kg) significantly reduced serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase and glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase activities, suggesting better hepatic function and less hepatocellular damage, although only minor changes were observed in glutathione and malondialdehyde values. Zinc-supplemented rabbits showed decreased blood glucose concentrations, consistent with enhanced insulin sensitivity and more efficient carbohydrate metabolism. In contrast, the higher zinc dose was associated with slight elevations in serum cholesterol and urea, which may reflect an emerging metabolic imbalance.
Conclusion: Moderate dietary zinc supplementation supports liver function and metabolic health in adult male rabbits while maximizing physiological benefits and minimizing potential adverse effects.
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