EFFECTS OF ORAL ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION IN EARLY NEONATAL LIVE ON DEVELOPMENT OF OBESITY AND METABOLIC SYNDROME IN ALBINO RATS

Background: Zinc (Zn) is the most common trace element in eukaryote cells and the second most abundant trace element in human tissues and secretions after iron. Zinc is required for normal growth and development from in uteri to puberty. There is a lack of evidence on Zn as a potential therapeutic agent to reduce weight and improve metabolic parameters in obese adults. Aim: to evaluate Zn supplementation’s effects in early neonatal life on the development of obesity in adult life. Methods: Sixty male albino rats were used. The animals were divided into three equal groups 20 rats for each. ZnSO₄ supplemented diet was given to rats mothers of group 2 from the first day of delivery, and it was given to rats immediately after weaning until the end of the study. After six weeks, all experimental rats were given a high carbohydrate, high-fat diet. All rats were monitored for body weight, food and water intakes, abdominal circumference; Systolic blood pressure, and Fasting blood sugar was measured in rats after 1, 6 and 12 and 18 wk. After eighth of fasting. At the end of the 18 weeks and After 12 h of night fasting, morning blood samples were collected for chemical analysis. Results: The oral zinc leads to a significant decrease in BW, FI, WI, AC, BG, TC, LDL, TG, ALT, AST, urea, and creatinine, while serum insulin, HDL, serum zinc, and IL-6 were significantly higher in oral zinc supplemented groups.