Association of some indicators of protein, lipid and mineral metabolism with heavy metals in organs and tissues of romanov sheep

The development of non-invasive methods for assessing toxic load and understanding the mechanisms by which chemical elements influence metabolism are pressing issues in veterinary and zootechnical sciences. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between the elemental composition of organs and tissues and key biochemical markers of protein, lipid, and mineral metabolism in Romanov sheep in Western Siberia. The research was conducted on clinically healthy Romanov rams (n = 24–25). A correlation analysis was performed using the Spearman-Pearson method. A number of statistically significant correlations were established, revealing the mechanisms by which elemental status influences interior parameters. In terms of protein metabolism, negative correlations were found between albumin and copper in muscles (r = -0.492), as well as urea and arsenic in hair (r = -0.421), which may indicate suppression of the synthetic function of the liver. A positive correlation between urea and lead in muscles (r = 0.425) indicates increased catabolism. In lipid metabolism, a high positive correlation was observed between HDL and blood lead (r = 0.612), likely representing a compensatory response to oxidative stress. A positive correlation between cholesterol and zinc in the liver (r = 0.473) emphasizes the role of zinc as a cofactor in its synthesis. In mineral metabolism, copper and zinc accumulation in the myocardium was associated with a K/Na imbalance, likely indicating inhibition of ion pumps. Serum chlorine and magnesium levels were negatively correlated with cadmium and zinc deposition in muscle tissue (r = -0.451 and r = -0.426, respectively). The data obtained can be used to develop early diagnostic and health monitoring systems for sheep exposed to anthropogenic pollution.