The effects of diet-induced obesity on the distribution of systemic trace elements

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Derek Matthew Pierce (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Keith Erikson

Abstract: Background: Iron, copper, manganese, and zinc are essential trace elements critical for cellular and physiological process, such as catalytic enzymatic reactions, gene regulation, and signaling cascades. These elements must be maintained through homeostatic regulation for one’s health. The importance of trace element homeostasis is seen in system organs, liver, spleen, and adipose tissues where dysregulation has been thought to be associated with liver disease, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Obesity is associated with increased risks for altered systemic trace element status, such as with iron, but the effects of diet-induced obesity (DIO) between strains and sexes remain unclear. Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine strain and sex differences in the distribution of systemic trace elements due to diet-induced obesity (DIO). Methods: Male and female C57BL/6J (n=36) and DBA/2J (n=36) mice were fed either a high-fat diet (60% Kcal from fat) or a control diet (10% Kcal from fat) for 16 weeks. Food intake and body mass were measured weekly. At the end of the 16 weeks, blood, liver, and spleen tissues were collected. Iron, Copper, Manganese, and Zinc concentrations were measured using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. Trace element and inflammatory related genes were analyzed in the liver, spleen, and adipose tissue. Results: Key findings from this study included mouse models developing obesity-induced iron deficiency without anemia and decreased hepatic hepcidin expression in high fat diet group. DIO is sufficient in altering systemic trace elements and gene regulation. There were marked decreased levels of systemic copper, altered iron homeostasis and the potential of hepatic manganese and zinc toxicity in high fat diet mice. There were mixed significant ceruloplasmin expression and increased gene expression of IRP-1 between strains and sexes, decreased HAMP expression, increased DMT-1in both sexes, only in C57 strain, and lastly HIF-1a gene expression remained near normal levels in male mice. Conclusions: These observations of altered trace element status and gene regulation indicates that these changes brought on by obesity may be amplified or attenuated depending on strain and sex.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2020
Keywords
Copper, Diet-Induced Obesity, Iron, Manganese, Trace Element, Zinc
Subjects
Obesity $x Nutritional aspects
Trace elements in the body
Trace elements in nutrition

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