SERUM ZINC STATUS, OXIDATIVE STRESS & CHRONIC LOW GRADE INFLAMMATION IN HIGH FAT DIET FED RABBITS.

Hyper lipidemia or a high level of serum triacylglycerol and cholesterol is a risk factor for premature atherosclerosis. Oxygen free radicals have been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis. Zinc has an important role in states of cardiovascular diseases. Serum zinc is a micronutrient with known antioxidant like activity; it might be relevant to assess its role in the atherogenesis. The present study aimed to know the effects of high fat diet on serum Zinc status with response to the oxidative stress. In this study 12 rabbits were divided into two groups. Group-I (G-I): 6 rabbits were fed with standard diet, Group-II (G-II): 6 rabbits fed with group-I diet and egg yolk. After six months blood samples were collected. Serum Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and Triglycerides levels were significantly higher in G-II I (P= < 0.05). Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels also shows difference between G-I and G-II (P= < 0.05). Highly sensitive C - reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were higher in G-II (P= < 0.05). Serum Zinc levels were significantly reduced in G-II (P= < 0.05). In G-II serum Zinc is negatively correlate with total cholesterol, (r=-0.39, P= < 0.05) MDA(r=-0.44, P= < 0.05) and hsCRP(r=-0.53, P= < 0.01). Positive correlation was observed between MDA and hsCRP (r= 0.47, P= < 0.05). The present study concludes that dyslipidemia is associated with oxidative stress and low grade inflammation with reduction in the Zinc status.