Hypercholesterolemia in rats produced by an increase in the ratio of zinc to copper ingested

Toxicological Profile for Zinc

“…Increases in serum cholesterol levels were observed in two studies where rats were fed either 2.8 or 10 mg zinc/kg/day as zinc acetate for 2-7 months (Katya-Katya et al 1984;Klevay and Hyg 1973). Other studies have shown no effect on total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, or serum triglyceride levels in rats ingesting 3 or 25 mg zinc/kg/day of unspecified zinc compounds (Fischer et al 1980;Woo et al 1983).…”

“…Oral exposure to high levels of zinc has caused anemia, decreased levels of HDL cholesterol, and pancreatic damage in humans (Black et al 1988;Chandra 1984;Chobanian 1981;Hooper et al 1980;Murphy 1970) and animals (Allen et al 1983;Aughey et al 1977;Drinker et al 1927d;Katya-Katya et al 1984;Klevay and Hyg 1973;Maita et al 1981;Straube et al 1980). The mechanisms involved in the pancreatic damage have not been elucidated.…”

“…The anemia and possibly the decreased HDL cholesterol levels are thought to be caused by a zinc-induced copper deficiency, although the levels at which this occur have not been well-characterized. Although it is generally accepted that the anemia is the result of copper deficiency, the relationship between zinc and copper levels and HDL cholesterol levels has been extensively debated (Fischer et al 1980;Katya-Katya et al 1984;Klevay and Hyg 1973;Murthy and Petering 1976). …”

“…One study (Marrs et al 1988) was located regarding other systemic effects in animals following inhalation exposure to zinc for an Aughey et al 1977;Bentley and Grubb 1991;Drinker et al 1927c;Jenkins and Hidiroglou 1991;Katya-Katya et al 1984;Klevay and Hyg 1973;Maita et al 1981;Straube et al 1980;Walters and Roe 1965). One acute dermal study evaluated dermal irritancy in animals (Lansdown 1991).…”

“…Data suggest that humans and animals have similar target organs of zinc toxicity (Allen et al 1983;Aughey et al 1977;Black et al 1988;Blanc et al 1991;Brown 1988;Chandra 1984;Chobanian 1981;Drinker et al 1927bDrinker et al , 1927dHoffman et al 1988;Hooper et al 1980;Katya-Katya et al 1984;Klevay and Hyg 1973;Lam et al 1982Lam et al , 1985Lam et al , 1988Maita et al 1981;Moore 1978;Murphy 1970;Smith and Larson 1946;Straube et al 1980;Sturgis et al 1927). Toxicokinetic studies have been performed in both humans and animals following oral exposure; however, data are limited for inhalation and dermal exposures.…”