Effect of intermittent fasting during acrylamide exposure on blood copper, zinc and lead levels in rats

INTRODUCTION: Zinc and copper are responsible for certain physiological functions in the body. On the other hand lead is a toxic trace element. In this study, effect of intermittent fasting on blood zinc, copper and lead levels during acrylamide exposure was studied.
METHODS: Forty female adult Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 groups (n=10 in each group). First group: control group without any administration, second group: acrylamide group in which 20 mg/kg/day acrylamide was administered for 30 days, third group: intermittent fasting group in which 12 hours of fasting were administered overnight for 30 days, fourth group: intermittent fasting and acrylamide group in which 20 mg/kg/day acrylamide and 12 hours of intermittent fasting was administered for 30 days. At the last day of experimental procedure blood was withdrawn under anesthesia. Zinc as well as copper levels were measured from plasma samples in flame unit and lead was measured from erythrocyte packages in combustion unit of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer.
RESULTS: In acrylamide group, zinc was lower (p<0.05) whereas copper (p>0.05) and lead levels (p<0.05) were increased. In intermittent fasting group zinc level was higher whereas copper and lead levels were lower compared to acrylamide group (p<0.05). In acrylamide+intermittent fasting group lead level was significantly lower (p<0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Results indicate an augmentation of toxic copper and lead elements due to acrylamide administration whereas a decrease in zinc which is an important element for growth and immune system. On the contrary, intermittent fasting decreased such untoward effect of acrylamide and increased potential detoxification of toxic chemicals.