Abstract
Zinc (Zn) is a vital micronutrient for over 300 enzymatic reactions and multiple biochemical and structural processes. Sensitive biological markers of Zn status are needed, especially in delineating varying stages of Zn deficiency. Our objective was to evaluate the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus) as a model to test dietary Zn deficiency and to assess the sensitivity of a potential Zn biomarker, erythrocyte linoleic acid: dihomo‐γ‐linolenic acid (LA:DGLA) ratio. Diets identical in composition except for Zn concentration were formulated and birds (n=12) were randomly separated upon hatching into two dietary groups, Zn(+) and Zn(‐) (42 and 2.5µg/g Zn, respectively). Zn intake, BW, and serum Zn were measured weekly. Blood was collected weekly for erythrocyte fatty acid analysis. After 4 wks, tissues were collected for gene expression analysis. BW, Zn intake, and serum Zn were higher in the Zn(+) vs. Zn(‐) group (P<.05). Hepatic Δ6‐desaturase, TNFα, IL1β, and IL6 gene expression were higher in the Zn(+) group (P<.05). The LA:DGLA ratio was significantly elevated in the Zn(‐) group compared to the Zn(+) group (22.6±0.5 and 18.5±0.5, % w/w, respectively, P<.001). This study suggests erythrocyte LA:DGLA ratio is able to differentiate Zn status between subjects with varying levels of Zn deficiency, and may be a novel biomarker to assess dietary Zn manipulation in vivo.
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