Modulation of liver antioxidant ability under chronic fascioliasis and (ZnxCu(1-x))2(OH)3Cl supplementation

Abstract

[Aim] The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant status (vitamin C, E, A, zinc, copper, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde) of rat liver in chronic stage of fasciolosis after treatment with Zn-Cu mixed basic salt.

[Methods] White Wistar rats were infected per os with 25 metacercariae of Fasciola hepatica. Application of (ZnxCu1-x)2(OH)3Cl salt started 6 weeks after the infection and was performed during 10 consecutive days.

[Results] During the chronic stage of fasciolosis in the liver, a decrease of concentrations of vitamins C, E, A and of the trace elements Zn and Cu were observed together with a reduction of the Cu,Zn-superoxid dismutase (SOD) activity and an increase of catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Malondialdehyde concentration was elevated. Application of (ZnxCu1-x)2(OH)3Cl salt increased ihe concentrations mainly of vitamin E, but also of vitamin C and of the trace element Zn. On the other hand, only the activity of SOD was enhanced after salt treatrnent.

[Conclusions] It seems that antioxidant imbalance was developed in the Fasciola hepatica infected liver rats during the chronic fasciolosis and that Zn-Cu salt improved the antioxidant defense abilities.