Enhanced Zinc Intake Protects against Oxidative Stress and Its Consequences in the Brain: A Study in an In Vivo Rat Model of Cadmium Exposure

Abstract

We examined, in a rat model of moderate environmental human exposure to cadmium (Cd), whether the enhanced intake of zinc (Zn) may protect against Cd-caused destroying the oxidative/antioxidative balance and its consequences in the brain. The intoxication with Cd (5 mg/L, 6 months) weakened the enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase) and non-enzymatic (total thiol groups, reduced glutathione) antioxidative barrier decreasing the total antioxidative status and increased the concentrations of pro-oxidants (hydrogen peroxide, myeloperoxidase) in this organ and its total oxidative status. These resulted in the development of oxidative stress and oxidative modifications of lipids and proteins. The co-administration of Zn (30 and 60 mg/L enhancing this element intake by 79% and 151%, respectively) importantly protected against Cd accumulation in the brain tissue and this xenobiotic-induced development of oxidative stress and oxidative damage to lipids and proteins. Moreover, this bioelement also prevented Cd-mediated oxidative stress evaluated in the serum. The favorable effect of Zn was caused by its independent action and interaction with Cd. Concluding, the enhancement of Zn intake under oral exposure to Cd may prevent the oxidative/antioxidative imbalance and oxidative stress in the brain and thus protect against injury of cellular macromolecules in the nervous system.

Zinc Essentiality, Toxicity, and Its Bacterial Bioremediation: A Comprehensive Insight

“…Zn intake and its excess is also reported to be associated with the modulation of gastrointestinal flora and immune systems ( Skalny et al, 2021 ). In this light, it is also important to note that excessive intake of this element can have negative effects, such as disturbances in the levels of other elements, particularly copper, which can subsequently result in copper deficiency anemia, reduction in the copper-dependent enzymes, and cholesterol metabolism dysregulation ( Terrin et al, 2020 ; Brzóska et al, 2021 ).…”

The Beneficial Impact of Zinc Supplementation on the Vascular Tissue of the Abdominal Aorta under Repeated Intoxication with Cadmium: A Study in an In Vivo Experimental Model

“…The daily intake of Zn in particular groups treated with 30 and 60 mg Zn/L was elevated by 79% and 151%, respectively, compared to its consumption with the standard diet (1.253 ± 0.024 mg/rat (mean ± SE)). The measurements of Zn concentration in the serum (the main biomarker of the body status of Zn) ( Supplementary Table S3 ), liver, brain, and bone tissue revealed that such elevation of the intake of this bioelement (both alone and under the treatment with Cd) did not result in its excessive content in the body [ 5 , 6 , 7 ].…”

“…This element can also be used in the management of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 [ 4 ]. Among numerous favourable effects of the supplementation with Zn, there are also experimental data on its protective impact against the toxic action of some heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd) [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ].…”

“…Taking into account the role of Zn in the functioning of the circulatory system [ 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ] and the available data on its interactions with Cd [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 36 , 37 ], it was justifiable to suspect that the supplementation with this element may be one of the potential effective strategies against harmful cardiovascular outcomes of Cd. Zn and its associated transporter proteins are necessary for the proper integrity and function of both large vessels and microvessels [ 32 , 35 ].…”

Neuroprotective (Antioxidant, Antiamyloidogenic, and Antiexcitatory) Effects of Trévo^TM against Cadmium Chloride Neurotoxicity in Adult Male Wistar Rats

“…Through oxidative stress, Cd can oxidize functional lipids and proteins on the membrane, further damaging the brain tissues. The high consumption of oxygen and the low levels of antioxidants in the brain make it more vulnerable to Cd poisoning compared to other organs [11].…”