Alterations of trace elements (Zn, Se, Cu, Fe) and related metalloenzymes in rabbit blood after severe trauma

To investigate the status of the trace elements (TEs) and related metalloenzymes activities in the injury and repair process after severe trauma, we established a rabbit model of severe trauma whose Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 22. Concentrations of blood selenium (Se) and serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and ferritin were measured on D0 (before injury), and day (D) 1, D2, D3, D6, D9, D14, D21, D28 after trauma, respectively. The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO), the contents of lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum biochemical profile were detected synchronously. In addition, the morphologic changes of major organs were observed at different time intervals. Results showed that blood Se and serum Zn, Fe contents decreased significantly within 2 weeks after injury. Serum Cu concentration was significantly reduced on D1 but normalized quickly. Serum ferritin level increased during the first week while following an obvious decrease thereafter. The blood GPx activity dropped markedly from D1 to D6, the serum Cu/Zn-SOD activity decreased on D1 and then increased significantly within 2 weeks, and the blood MPO-positive stained cells increased within a week after trauma and followed by a decrease from D14 to D21. The serum MDA increased significantly on D6. Seven of 34 rabbits died in 4–6 days after injury. Biochemistry values and pathological features revealed these rabbits died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Our experiment suggested that the circulating TEs status is dramatically modified in response to trauma, which might be a factor in MODS.