Hepatic lipid peroxidation and trace elements--nutritional status in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The aim of this experiment was to study the interrelationships between nutritional status of chosen trace elements (Cu, Zn, Fe) and hepatic lipid peroxidation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Both copper accumulation and disruption of iron storage were observed in livers of diabetic rats. MDA 0' (baseline) and MDA 30' (produced) levels measured in the liver were negatively correlated with blood glucose levels. MDA 30' levels correlated positively with iron concentration in the liver. It is supposed that the hormonal lability during experimental diabetes caused changes in metabolism of trace elements, and subsequently influenced the rate of lipid peroxidation.