Evaluation of tissue metal and trace element content in a rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease using ICP-DRC-MS

• NAFLD was characterized by hepatocyte steatosis and ballooning.
• Insulin resistance, altered lipid profile and increased ALT activity was revealed.
• NAFLD is associated with decreased total hepatic Co, Cu, I, Li, Mn, Se, Zn levels.
• Hepatic Se and Mn levels remained decreased after adjustment for protein content.
• Lower serum I, Li, Mn, and higher Co, Se, V, Sr levels were detected in NAFLD.

The primary objective of the study was to assess the level of metals and trace elements in liver, serum, and hair of rats with diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using inductively coupled plasma dynamic reaction cell mass spectrometer (ICP-DRC-MS). 56 female 3-months-old Wistar rats divided into two equal groups were fed either standard (10% calories from fat) or high-fat high-carbohydrate diet (60% calories from fat in chow and 10% sucrose solution) for 6 weeks. Serum was examined for insulin resistance markers, lipid profile, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity. Liver histology was assessed after hematoxylin and eosin staining. Metal and trace element concentrations were assessed by means of ICP-DRC-MS. Overfed animals were characterized by higher values of morphometric parameters. Liver examination revealed large and small droplet steatosis, hepatocyte ballooning and necrosis, being characteristic for NAFLD. Animals with NAFLD were characterized by insulin resistance, atherogenic changes of lipid profile and increased ALT activity. Significantly decreased hepatic Co, Cu, I, Li, Mn, Se, Zn levels were observed in rats with NAFLD. At the same time, only hepatic Mn and Se levels remained decreased after adjustment for total protein. Overfed animals were characterized by significantly lower I, Li, and Mn levels in blood serum, whereas concentration of Co, Se, V, and Sr exceeded the control values. In general, the results of the study demonstrate that NAFLD significantly affects metal and trace element status in experimental animals.

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