Effect of trans fatty acids on the antioxidant system, ATPase levels, and essential element levels in the brain of rats

Objective: To demonstrate the effect of trans fatty acids (TFAs) on the antioxidant system, ATPase activities, and essential element levels in the brain of rats. Material and methods: 48 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group (corn oil only), low-, medium-, and high-dose TFA groups (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 150 mg/kg TFA solution). Rats were administered 0.2 mL/100 g solution for 12 weeks. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, the levels of ATPase, and the levels of essential elements were tested. Results: In rat cortex and serum, the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in medium-and high-dose TFA groups as well superoxide dismutase (SOD) in all TFA groups were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05), while the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) after TFA intake was obviously increased (p < 0.05). In addition, the activities of Na+ K+-ATPase, Mg2+-ATPase in all TFA groups, and Ca2+-ATPase in the medium-and high-dose TFA groups were significantly decreased compared with the control group. The levels of magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe) in all TFA groups, and zinc (Zn) in the medium-and high-dose TFA groups were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Long-term intake of TFAs probably induces a dysfunction of the nervous system by affecting antioxidant system, ATPase activities, and essential element levels in the brain of rats.