Influence of zinc administration on its tissue concetration and activity of serum antioxidant enzymes in rats at physical activity

Aim. To investigate the effect of zinc supplementation at physical exercise on the distribution of the metal in the tissues and the activity of serum antioxidant enzymes.

Methods. Physical activity was simulated using the treadmill. Laboratory animals were distributed to 6 even (n=12) groups. The first and fourth groups of animals received no zinc-containing additives and were imposed to low and high physical activity, respectively. Animals of the 2 and 3 as well as 5 and 6 groups received 5 and 15 mg/kg/day of zinc asparaginate intragastrically and were imposed to low and high physical activity, respectively. The zinc concentrantion in the organs and tissues was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The activity of antioxidant enzymes was determined by spectrophotometry.

Results. Administration of zinc asparaginate to the laboratory animals with low physical activity resulted in a dose-dependent increase of the metal concentration in liver and kidney parenchyma and blood serum, as well as in increase of serum glutathione peroxidase activity. Intensive physical activity for 14 days was accompanied by a significant increase in serum and kidney tissue zinc level. At the 7-day exposure to zinc at physical activity, a dose-dependent increase in zinc concentration in the organs and increase of serum glutathione peroxidase activity was registered. Zinc administration together with physical activity for 14 days did not result in a significant change in the balance of metal in the body of animals. In contrast to the 7-day exposure, a combination of factors studied for 14 days was accompanied by increased activity of superoxide dismutase, but not glutathione peroxidase.

Conclusion. Physical activity of different duration has a significant effect on the zinc kinetics at oral administration, and the activity of serum antioxidant enzymes in laboratory animals.