The influence of oral administration of silicon on chromium concentrations in blood and chosen tissues of rats

Anna Boguszewska-Czubara; Anna Hordyjewska; Irena Musik; Kazimierz Pasternak; Jadwiga Jaworska-Adamu; Radosław Szalak

Authors

Anna Boguszewska-Czubara Chair and Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Poland Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2203-1636
Anna Hordyjewska Chair and Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Poland Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3104-8464
Irena Musik Chair and Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Poland Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5497-3081
Kazimierz Pasternak Chair and Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Poland Author
Jadwiga Jaworska-Adamu Department of Animal Histology and Anatomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8639-7429
Radosław Szalak Department of Animal Histology and Anatomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland Author

Keywords:

chromium, silicon, rats

Abstract

Silicon is an essential nutrient. It has been found to take part in many life processes of animals related to tissue regeneration and maintaining healthy connective tissue and bones. It causes anticancerous, antiatherosclerotic and antidiabetic actions and beneficial effects on several human disorders, as for example osteoporosis, ageing of skin, hair and nails, atherosclerosis, wound healing and immune functions. Trivalent chromium compounds are recognized as essential for proper tissue functions in human. It actively participates in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and this is the reason why it is popular as a supplement in diet for patients with diabetes and with parallel disturbance of lipid metabolism. Is has ability to increase muscle mass and reduce body fat in obese individuals. Chromium may also inhibit key enzymes in the synthesis of cholesterol, thus improving the lipid profile of individuals with dyslipidaemia. Results of our studies confirmed influence of orally administered silicon on concentrations of chromium in liver and blood of experimental animals, while no interactions between administered silicon and chromium concentrations in brain and kidneys were found.

Metabolism of silicon in human beings remains unknown and that is the reason for further studies concerning its utilization and its interactions with other elements and nutrients are needed.

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