Long term excessive zinc supplementation in diet induced alteration in serum lipids, hormones and minerals profile in wistar rats and has carry over effect in their F1 generation rats

The use of the zinc in various areas such as animal husbandry, agricultural techniques and multivitamin supplements has increased in recent decades and will increase over time. In this study, the impact of Zn overload for long period in the body, and their carry-over effect on the next generation is determined. Three groups of rats were fed on basal diets having 20 mg Zn in one kg diet (group-1), control group, 50 mg Zn in one kg diet (Group-2) and 80 mg Zn in one kg diet (Group-3) for 180 days. The F1- generation rats obtained from each group of parent rats were fed only on rat pellet diet. The investigation revealed that body weight rise with increased concentration of Zn in parent and F1-generation rats. The blood lipid profile in serum showed an increase in triglycerides, cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol whereas lowered level of high-density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels was recorded in both generation of rats. A significant increase in serum Insulin, HbA1c, and C-reactive protein level was recorded in group-2 and 3 rats while no significant changes in the FI- generation of rats. In F1- rats, Zn showed increase in its level while decreased level of Mn and Cu in the kidney and liver of group-F1-2 and F1-3 was observed in comparison to their control counterparts. The results of the study suggest long term treatment of diet rich in Zn induced alteration in serum lipids, hormones and profile of minerals and has carry over effect to their F1- generations.