The Utile Efficacy of Zinc and Selenium on Induction of White Adipose Tissue Browning



Hasani M ; Ahmadi E ; Monfared V ; Khazdouz M ; Heshmati J ; Vahid F ; Vafa M ; Jafari A
Source: Reports of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Published:2025

Abstract

Background: We investigated the effects of zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) (co)-supplementation (individually and in combination) on the browning process of white (WAT) to brown adipose tissue (BAT). Method: We randomly allocated obese male Wistar rats (n= 40) into five groups that were fed a high-fat diet (HFD). The control group received only HFD. The intervention groups were as follows: 1) Zn administered zinc sulfate; 2) Se administered sodium selenate; 3) Se+Zn administered combination; 4) CRD placed on a calorie restriction diet. After eight weeks of intervention, the expression of selected genes, UCP-1, PGC-1α, PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, PRDM16, and were assessed. Histological assessment of adipose and the liver tissues was also conducted using the H&E stain method. Results: The findings revealed that, expression of UCP-1 was significantly increased in the Zn, Se, and Se+Zn groups in both WAT and BAT. It was highest in the HFD + Zn + Se (P< 0.001, P= 0.029) group. In addition, there was a decrease in UCP-1 gene expression in the CRD group, however, it was not statistically significant. Further, the expression of PPAR-γ and ZAG gene was significantly enhanced in the HFD + Zn (P< 0.001, P= 0.029) and HFD + Zn + Se (P< 0.001, P= 0.007) groups, rather no significant difference was found in the HFD + Se (P> 0.05) group. Furthermore, morphological changes in tissues were consistent with the outcomes of molecular experiments. Conclusion: The findings from this study suggest that Zn and Se supplementation, particularly when combined, may effectively enhance WAT browning and thermogenesis. This could provide a promising avenue for addressing obesity through novel therapeutic strategies. © 2025 Varastegan Institute for Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.