Effect of lithium on hepatic and serum elemental status under different dietary protein regimens

Abstract

Lithium carbonate at the dose level of 1.1 g/kg was administered in diet to normal (18% protein), low-protein- (LP; 8%) and high-protein (HP; 30% diet)-fed rats for a period of 1 mo. The LP diet resulted in a significant decrease in the hepatic levels of zinc, iron, copper, manganese, calcium, and serum levels of calcium and sodium. The HP diet caused a marked decrease in copper and calcium levels in liver, but an increase in potassium levels in serum was observed. Lithium treatment to normal rats led to a significant reduction in the hepatic contents of zinc, copper, potassium, calcium, and serum contents of potassium and sodium, whereas an elevation in serum contents of calcium was noticed. Administration of lithium to protein-deficient rats increased the hepatic concentration of manganese and serum concentration of calcium and the levels almost reached the normal limits. On the other hand, there was a marked depression in potassium contents in the serum of LP- as well as HP-fed rats following lithium treatment when compared to LP and HP groups, respectively.

Protective Effects of Zinc on Oxidative Stress Enzymes in Liver of Protein-Deficient Rats

“…In our study, the levels of zinc decreased in proteindeficient rats, but returned to normal following zinc supplementation. The observation of depressed Zn levels in the liver of protein deficient rats in the present investigation we in conformity with previous studies 34,13 . Abnormalities in zinc metabolism leading to its deficiency are generally attributed to various factors like, malabsorption, malnutrition, decreased intestinal zinc binding factors or the increased excretion of the zinc via the gastrointestinal tract or via urine are of common occurrence in chronic liver disorders 35 .…”

“…Persons afflicted with protein malnutrition are deficient in a variety of micronutrients. Protein deficiency has been shown to decrease the hepatic levels of zinc, manganese, copper, calcium and magnesium in experimental animals 13,14 . Alterations in the levels of trace elements result in number of diseases like hypoalbuminemia, and anemia in malnourished children 15 .…”

Relationships between silicon content and glutathione peroxidase activity in tissues of rats receiving lithium in drinking water

“…Li administration can affect functions of thyroid and parathyroid glands causing hypothyroidism (Engin et al 2005) and hyperparathyroidism (Livingstone and Rampes 2006). Mutual relationships between lithium and both macro-and micro-elements homeostasis have already been reported (Carney and Jackson 1998;Tandon et al 1999;Sharma and Iqbal 2005). Studies concerning different cytokines have displayed its complicated effect, resulting from the increase in both proinflammatory and negative immunoregulatory ones production (Maes et al 1999;Szuster-Ciesielska et al 2003).…”

Glutathione mediated reductive activation and mitochondrial dysfunction play key roles in lithium induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in liver

“…ATPase, hepatic phase II drug metabolizing enzymes and hepatic trace elemental profile (Tandon et al 1997(Tandon et al , 1999. Lithium stimulates transamination reaction in hepatic and renal tissues and inhibits the levels of serum alanine and aspartate transaminases (ALT and AST) (Ahmad et al 2011).…”