Changes in Biochemical Parameters Related to Lipid Metabolism Following Titanium Treatment in Rat

Titanium salts are widely used in pharmacy and industry as intensely white permanent pigment with good covering power in paints, paper, toothpaste, plastics and food dyes. This ion is a redox-active transition metal and may cause oxidative damages to lipids, proteins and DNA molecules. In spite of abundant literature, questions about the side effects of titanium ions still remain to be answered. In this study, the effects of titanium on biochemical parameters related to lipid metabolism were investigated. Male Wistar rats were treated with different doses of titanium for a period of up to 60 days. Blood samples were then collected for analysis. Lipid-related parameters in plasma were measured by standard methods. It was shown that titanium reduced plasma VLDL and triglycerides concentrations but increase in LDL-C and cholesterol levels were seen in all experimental groups. Titanium also showed to inhibit lipoprotein lipase activity. The finding that titanium increases LDL and cholesterol concentrations should be considered seriously, especially in people exposing to titanium compounds for a long period.