Introduction:The fat distribution in the body determines the risk of cardiometabolic
problems such as heart disease and diabetes. Some dietary supplements,
such as selenium and zinc, possess lipolytic and anti-angiogenic functions, which may
be a useful strategy in reducing the risk of cardiometabolic complications. This study
evaluated the effect of zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and their combined supplementation
on cardiometabolic risk factors in male Wistar rats in two nutritional models, including
caloric restriction (CR) and high-fat diet (HFD).Methods and Materials:The 48 male Wistar rats were divided into three diet groups
(HFD and CR and normal diet (ND)). The HFD group was subdivided into four
groups (N=8 rats in each group) that received (HFD+Se), (HFD+Zn), (HFD+Zn+Se),
and HFD alone as the control group, respectively. After 8 weeks of intervention,
biochemical tests were performed on serum levels, including measurement of lipid
profile (triglyceride, Cholesterol, LDL and HDL) and glycemic indices (fasting blood
sugar, insulin and insulin sensitivity markers).Results:The results showed that supplementation significantly improved the lipid
profile (P <0.001). A comparison of glucose homeostasis indices in the study groups
also showed a significant difference. The serum level of glucose was higher in the HFD
group than in the intervention groups (P <0.001). Also, the rate of improvement of lipid
profile and glycemic indexes in the group receiving the combination of two
supplements showed a better trend than those receiving zinc and selenium alone.
However, the values were statistically significant only for glucose homeostasis indices
(P <0.001).Conclusion:Although obesity is a multifactorial condition, controlling other risk factors,
zinc and selenium and their combined supplementation can lead to promising solutions
for the treatment of obesity-induced glucose and lipid homeostasis disorders.