Zinc has an antihyperglycemic effect. Zinc can also influence the production of leptin,
a satiety factor that reduces appetite and blood sugar level. In this study, we investigated
the effect of zinc supplementation on food intake and circulating leptin and glucose
concentrations in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Male diabetic mice received
zinc supplementation (20 ppm) from drinking water for two weeks. The results showed
that zinc treatment did not affect body weight gain, body fat content or food intake
in these diabetic mice. However, zinc supplementation markedly ameliorated the hyperglycemia
of diabetic mice. After zinc treatment, serum leptin concentrations tended to increase
in the diabetic mice. This study suggests that zinc is a mediator of leptin production.
Leptin - Hyperphagia - Diabetic Mice - Tumor Necrosis Factor