Accumulation of toxic elements in liver and bile in hyperlipidemy

Heavy metal accumulation in higher concentration may inhibit enzyme activities, modify metabolic pathways, influence acute-phase protein synthesis and gene expression. The presence of Zn, Cu, Cd, Mn and Ni can modulate the function of tumor suppressor protein p53. DNA repair system is a sensitive target for Ni and Cr ions, consequently, the risk of tumor formation may increase. Therefore, we were interested in whether the concentration of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni and Cr elements in liver and bile in alimentary induced fatty liver would show any alteration compared to the controls in rats. Male Wistar rats were fed with fat-rich diet (2% cholesterol, 0.5% cholic acid (CA) or deoxycholic acid (DCA) and 20% sunflower oil added to the basal diet) for 12 days. Ten rats were kept on normal chow, 10 rats were fed with DCA and 10 rats with CA. Histopathological examination was performed to evaluate the tissue degeneration. Element concentrations were determined with ICP-OES. Significant changes were detected in the concentrations of Fe and Ni in the liver, but no significant decrease in Zn, Cu and Mn contents in this short-term experiment. The fatty liver accumulated Cr and Ni whereas the concentration of Fe, Zn, Ni, Cr enhanced in the bile. Significant increase in the concentration of Ni and Fe, and non-significant one of Zn in the bile was measured. The correlation between concentrations of the d-field elements in the liver were modified except Zn and Mn in hyperlipidemy. Consequently, attention should be paid to the lipid-rich diet consumption, because it may involve risk for accumulation of toxic elements in the liver.