CHANGES IN COPPER METABOLISM UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF HELMINTHS
The article presents information about changes in copper metabolism under the influence of helminths and their consequences. Trace elements, like vitamins, have high biological activity and even in small doses exert a powerful influence on the regulation of various physiological functions of the body. The high activity of trace elements is due to their close interaction with biologically important and active organic substances [1].
It is known that copper participates in oxidative and hematopoietic processes, converting iron into an organically bound form and actively contributing to the formation of the main respiratory pigment, hemoglobin, which increases oxygen uptake by tissues [9].
Animal deviations in normal metabolism can be caused by an imbalance of trace elements in the body. A deficiency of trace elements leads to various reproductive disorders, resulting in the birth of weak, non-viable animals with low vitality. Changes in the balance of trace elements in animals can contribute to the development of numerous endemic, physiological, and genetic diseases [4].
During our research, we observed the development of signs of microelementosis at the stages of parasitic invasion in all groups of experimental animals, which led us to analyze the dynamic changes in copper levels in the blood, as one of the most important trace elements playing a significant role in the functioning of the body.