Abstract: Objective To observe the cell apoptosis, oxidative stress reaction and expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax in kidney of dietary zinc deficiency mice during growth period, and discuss the mechanism of renal cell apoptosis induced by zinc deficiency. Methods Thirty weaning male mice were randomly divided into zinc-deficient group and zincadequate group, and 15 mice for each group. Zinc-deficient group was fed with zinc deficiency diet (0.85 mg/kg), while zinc-adequate group was fed with enough zinc diet (30 mg/kg). The TUNEL method was applied to observe the cell apoptosis, and the apoptotic index was measured. The content of SOD and MDA were detected to observe the oxidative stress reaction in kidney. The expression levels of Bcl- 2 and Bax protein were detected by Western blot assay. Results Compared with zinc- adequate group, the cell apoptosis and oxidative stress reaction were increased in zinc-deficient group. The expression of Bcl- 2 decreased, and the expression of Bax increased. The ratio of Bcl-2 and Bax declined in kidney of zinc deficiency mice. Conclusion Diet zinc deficiency in growth period may result in the decreased antioxidase, the increased oxidative stress reaction, and the changed Bcl-2 and Bax expression, which promote the occurrence of cell apoptosis in kidney.

Key words: zinc, apoptosis, kidney, oxidative stress, bcl-2-associated X protein, zinc deficiency