Advances in Biology & Earth Sciences

Heat stress disrupts lipid and phospholipid metabolism in rabbits, affecting membrane integrity and cell adaptive capacity. To mitigate these effects, nanotechnology-based organic compounds of trace elements are being explored for their ability to enhance membrane stability and cellular functionality. This study aimed to investigate the effects of citrate nanoparticles of zinc, selenium and germanium on blood plasma's lipid and phospholipid composition in rabbits under moderate and severe heat stress. Young rabbits of the Thermon White breed were observed from days 35 to 78 of age. Experimental animals were kept under moderate (27.8-28.9°C; 83.4-87.7% RH) and severe (28.9-30.0 °C; 77.1-87.4% RH) heat stress conditions. Groups I-III received the same feed and water as the control group, with additional administration of zinc citrate (60 mg/L), selenium citrate (300 μg/L) or germanium citrate (62.5 μg/L) in drinking water for 24 hours, respectively. Blood samples were collected on day 14 of the preparatory phase and on days 14 and 29 of the experimental phase. Supplementation with citrate nanoparticles positively influenced lipid and phospholipid profiles under moderate heat stress. Zinc and germanium citrate led to increased total lipids (P < 0.001) and non-esterified fatty acids (P < 0.01) and decreased triacylglycerols (P < 0.05). Under severe heat stress, the observed changes were less pronounced. These findings suggest a regulatory effect of zinc, selenium and germanium citrate nanoparticles on lipid metabolism, supporting physiological adaptation to heat stress and reducing its negative consequences.