Changes in zinc, copper and selenium status during adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats

Abstract

Trace elements such as zinc, copper and selenium are involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. In order to obtain more information about the overall movements of these minerals during the evolution of an experimental chronic inflammatory process, trace element levels were determined in five body compartments of the rat at several time intervals after induction of adjuvant arthritis. Rapid and significant changes in plasma zinc and copper levels and in liver zinc levels were observed. These modifications occurred as early as those in biochemical parameters of inflammation such as serum fibrinogen and ceruloplasmin, and preceded the appearance of any clinical symptom of the disease. Inverse correlations were found between plasma zinc levels and these two biochemical indices. Other modifications in trace element levels were observed two weeks after disease induction, the most important being a considerable increase in liver copper levels. Although food intake of affected animals decreased with the progression of the disease, there was no evidence of depletion in zinc and copper levels over the study period. A redistribution of body zinc between different biological compartments (mainly plasma and liver) occurred simultaneously with an accumulation of copper in several organs. The decreasing selenium status of animals was not clearly related to the inflammatory process.

Effect of Santolina oblongifolia on ACII-immunized animals

“…This finding is in agreement with previous reports concerning trace element status in animals [7] and in human RA [1,2]. Additionally, the growth rate of arthritic animals was significantly delayed, and the arthritic process aggravated [9].…”

“…Many studies have shown that, during the development of arthritic disease in animals, there is a wide range of biochemical and clinical alterations, similar to that found in humandisorders [16]. Both AA and RA are disablinginflammatory systemic diseases capable of altering the nutritional status ofaffected individuals, and thereforetheir body weight and status of trace elements such as Zn and Cu [7]. Recently, we found that the injection of carrageenan aggravated the course of AA (ACII) in Wistar male rats, a strain with a limited susceptibility to arthritic processes [9].…”

“…Rapid and significant modification in fluid and tissue Zn and Cu levels were observed in arthritic animals. These alterations occurred as early as those in biochemical parameters ofinflammation, and preceded the appearance ofany clinical symptom ofthe disease [7].…”

Therapeutic management of copper deficiency in buffalo heifers: Impact on immune function

“…Sharma and colleagues (1996) advocated the use of Cp:Cu ratios in the diagnosis of induced copper disorders in ruminants. Although serum ceruloplasmin activity is decreased by copper deficiency, the relative activity of this enzyme increases during infection and inflammation (Beisel 1976;Conforti et al 1982;Neve et al 1988). Increases in plasma copper and ceruloplasmin are associated with normal acute-phase immune response induced by IL-1 (Klasing 1988).…”

CuSO4 as an Inhibitor of B Cell Proliferation

“…Rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis, which is known as an animal model for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), exhibit an elevated copper level in the serum and liver (1,2). The copper con centration in the serum and synovial fluid of patients with RA is also known to be signifi cantly elevated over normal values (3).…”