Zinc deficiency negatively affects alkaline phosphatase and the concentration of Ca, Mg and P in rats

Abstract

Zn is an essential nutrient that is required in humans and animals for many physiological functions, including immune and antioxidant function, growth, and reproduction. The present study evaluated whether Zn deficiency would negatively affect bone-related enzyme, ALP, and other bone-related minerals (Ca, P and Mg) in rats. Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were assigned to one of the three different Zn dietary groups, such as Zn adequate (ZA, 35 mg/kg), pair fed (PF, 35 mg/kg), Zn deficient (ZD, 1 mg/kg) diet, and fed for 10 weeks. Food intake and body weight were measured daily and weekly, respectively. ALP was measured by spectrophotometry and mineral contents were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrophotometer (ICP-MS). Zn deficient rats showed decreased food intake and body weight compared with Zn adequate rats (p<0.05). Zn deficiency reduced ALP activity in blood (RBC, plasma) and the tissues (liver, kidney and small intestine) (p<0.05). Also, Zn deficiency reduced mineral concentrations in rat tissues (Ca for muscle and liver, and Mg for muscle and liver) (p<0.05). The study results imply the requirement of proper Zn nurture for maintaining bone growth and formation.

Zinc Deficiency Increases Serum Concentrations of Parathyroid Hormone through a Decrease in Serum Calcium and Induces Bone Fragility in Rats

“…Numerous studies have shown evidence of the important relationship between adequate zinc intake and bone health, and that low dietary levels and plasma concentrations of zinc are associated with increased osteopenia, osteoporosis, and fracture risk in humans and animals (4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33). However, no studies have documented the relationship between zinc deficiency and bone metabolism, including mechanical parameters, mineral contents, and the hormones related to bone remodeling.…”

Effects of thirty elements on bone metabolism

“…It is also needed in prostaglandin synthesis and for antioxidant defenses [81,303]. Numerous in vivo studies and human observations have confirmed that zinc deficiency leads to bone growth retardation, various skeletal abnormalities, and osteopenia [304][305][306][307]. A variety of additional symptoms have also been described, such as abnormal development of ribs and vertebrae, agenesis of long bones, club foot, cleft palate, micrognathia, impaired ossification, defective mineralization, and bowing of the long bones [64].…”

Protective Effect of Zinc; Against Salt Induced Macroscopic Changes in Humerus and Femur of Rats

“…He proposed that the positive influence of zinc on periosteum and bone tissue area, mimicking growth hormone or insulin like growth factor effects, results in bone formation causing the increase in weight. 45 This observation has been seen by Adeniyi 35 and Cho 46 who witnessed increase in weight gain after zinc diet. As increase in the body weight is a parameter of bone formation 28 therefore it is concluded that increase in weight after zinc diet might be due to enhanced bone formation, hence our conclusion is being reinforced by the above researcher's findings.…”