Effect of zinc supplementation on superoxide dismutase activity in patients with ulcerative rectocolitis.
BACKGROUND
Ulcerative rectocolitis is characterized by diffuse mucosal inflammation and oxidative stress. Thus, the organism activates the antioxidant defence system in an attempt to reduce the excessive production of reactive oxygen species or neutralize them.


OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the effect of zinc supplementation on the activity of the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) in patients with ulcerative rectocolitis.


METHODS
The study included 24 patients, aged between 20 and 59 years and diagnosed with ulcerative rectocolitis, in the remission stage of the disease, who were divided into two groups: experimental - deficient in zinc (n=12) and control - normal or high zinc (n=12). Only the first group underwent supplement intervention, in the form of zinc gluconate (30 mg Zn/day), taken daily in the morning, fasted for 60 days. Plasma and erythrocyte zinc concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The erythrocyte SOD activity was determined in vitro according to the methodology recommended by the manufacturer Randox.


CONCLUSIONS
Zinc supplementation caused a significant increase in the plasma concentrations of the mineral, and showed a significant reduction in erythrocyte zinc, remaining within normal limits. The SOD activity was high in patients of both the experimental and control groups, with no difference after supplementation.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that zinc supplementation improves the homeostatic condition of the mineral, with no change in SOD activity, as a marker of oxidative stress in patients with ulcerative rectocolitis.
Graduate Program in Food and Nutrition. Federal University of Piauí. Teresina. Piauí. Brazil.. nadirn@uol.com.br.
Juliana
J
Paz Matias
Department of Nutrition. Federal University of Piauí. Teresina. Piauí. Brazil.. nadirn@uol.com.br.
Danilla Michelle
DM
Costa e Silva
Graduate Program in Food and Nutrition. Federal University of Piauí. Teresina. Piauí. Brazil.. nadirn@uol.com.br.
Kyria Jayanne
KJ
Clímaco Cruz
Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo. São Paulo. Brazil.. nadirn@uol.com.br.
Kelcylene
K
Gomes da Silva
Graduate Program in Sciences and Health. Federal University of Piauí. Teresina. Piauí. Brazil.. nadirn@uol.com.br.
Mayara
M
Monte Feitosa
Graduate Program in Food and Nutrition. Federal University of Piauí. Teresina. Piauí. Brazil.. nadirn@uol.com.br.
Leydiane Gleici
LG
Oliveira Medeiros
Department of Nutrition. Federal University of Piauí. Teresina. Piauí. Brazil.. nadirn@uol.com.br.
Dilina
D
do Nascimento Marreiro
Department of Nutrition. Federal University of Piauí. Teresina. Piauí. Brazil.. nadirn@uol.com.br.
Nadir
N
do Nascimento Nogueira
D000328:Adult; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D005942:Gluconates / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D011350:Proctocolitis / Q000201:enzymology / Q000628:therapy*; D013054:Spectrophotometry, Atomic; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000097:blood*; D055815:Young Adult; D015032:Zinc / Q000097:blood / Q000172:deficiency
D005942:Gluconates; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D015032:Zinc; C030691:gluconic acid