Decreased adipose tissue zinc content is associated with metabolic parameters in high fat fed Wistar rats

Background. Limited data on adipose tissue zinc content in obesity exist. At the same time, the association between adipose tissue zinc content and metabolic parameters in dietary-induced obesity is poorly studied. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to assess adipose tissue zinc content and its association with morphometric parameters, adipokine spectrum, proinfl ammatory cytokines, and apolipoprotein profi le in high fat fed Wistar rats. Material and methods. A total of 48 adult female Wistar rats were used in the present study. Rats were fed either control (10% of fat) or high fat diet (31.6% of fat). Adipose tissue zinc content was assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Rats' serum was examined for adiponectin, leptin, insulin, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Serum glucose and apolipoprotein spectrum were also evaluated. Results. High fat feeding resulted in a signifi cant 34% decrease in adipose tissue zinc content in comparison to the control values. Fat pad zinc levels were signifi cantly inversely associated with morphometric param- eters, circulating leptin, insulin, tumor necrosis factor-α levels and HOMA-IR values. At the same time, a signifi cant correlation with apolipoprotein A1 concentration was observed. Conclusion. Generally, the obtained data indicate that (1) high fat feeding results in decreased adipose tis- sue zinc content; (2) adipose tissue zinc content is tightly associated with excessive adiposity, infl ammation, insulin resistance and potentially atherogenic changes.