The effect of zinc deficiency and zinc supplementation on element levels in the bone tissue of ovariectomized rats: histopathologic changes.

Objective: Study aimed to determine the effects of zinc supplementation/deficiency on the histological structure and elements levels in bone tissue in ovariectomized rats.

Methods: The study included 40 Sprague-Dawley type adult female rats, divided as follows: Control, ovariectomized, ovariectomized + zinc supplemented, ovariectomized + zinc deficient groups. At the end of the study bone tissues (femur) were collected to determine the levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iron, aluminium, chrome, lithium, lead, nickel, and manganese. The bone tissue was examined for histopathology.

Results: Ovariectomy leaded to significant decrease in magnesium. Zinc supplementation to ovariectomized rats restored the reduced calcium, phosphorus, zinc. However, zinc deficiency in ovariectomized rats further reduced calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and manganese levels. Zinc deficiency in ovariectomized significantly increased Al, Cr, Li, Pb, and Ni levels. Tissue integrity was impaired due to ovariectomy and zinc deficiency.

Conclusion: Ovariectomy and zinc deficiency leads significant decreases elements of the bone.