Evaluation of Iron in Serum and Urine and their Relation with Thyroid Function in Female Goitrous Patients

In many developing countries, women are at high risk of goiter and iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Iron deficiency adversely affects thyroid metabolism and may decrease the efficiency of thyroid hormones in areas of endemic goiter. The aim of the present study was to compare the level of iron (Fe) in biological samples (serum and urine) and serum thyroid hormones, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxin (FT4) of goitrous female patients (GFPs; n = 69) with those of nongoitrous women as control subjects (n = 117), age range 21–45 years. The biological samples were analyzed for Fe concentration using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer, prior to microwave-assisted wet acid digestion. The validity and accuracy of the method was checked by the certified sample and with those obtained by conventional wet acid digestion method on the same CRM and real samples. The overall recoveries of Fe in serum and urine were found in the range of 97.2–98.6% of certified values. The results of this study showed that the mean values of Fe in serum and urine samples of GFPs were significantly reduced as compared to control subjects (p = 0.002 and p = 0.015, respectively). The mean values of FT3 and FT4 were found to be lower in GFPs than in the age-matched healthy control women; in contrast, high mean values of TSH were detected in GFPs (p = 0.003). There was a positive correlation between serum Fe concentration and TSH (r = 0.85, p = 0.01), FT3 (r = 0.95, p = 0.003), and FT4 levels (r = 0.98, p = 0.007) in GFPs. It was observed that iron deficiency is prevalent in GFPs, so the need of Fe supplementation will be required to improve the efficacy of thyroid metabolism in goitrous women.     

Correlation Between Dietary Zinc Intakes and Its Serum Levels with Depression Scales in Young Female Students

It has been suggested that mood disorders and depressive status may be accompanied by lowered zinc status in the body, and adequate consumption of zinc increases a general perceived well-being. The main objective of this study was to assess the correlation between serum zinc concentrations and dietary zinc intakes with depression scores in university female students. In the first phase, Beck's depression questionnaire was applied in a random sampling of 308 selected 20–25-year-old female students (one third of total students in Ahvaz Jondi-Shapour University of Medical Sciences Golestan dormitories) to assess the major depressive disorder (MDD) scales. Then, in the second phase, 23 students who identified as having moderate and severe depression were selected as the case group, and 23 healthy age matched were chosen as the controls. Each of them completed a 12-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire containing the main food sources of zinc in the usual dietary patterns and also a 24-h food recall questionnaire to assure the daily zinc intakes. Daily zinc intakes were obtained by multiplying each portion size by its zinc content using food tables. A 5-ml blood sample was taken for further serum zinc status using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry technique. Pearson's r was used to show the correlation between quantitative variables. Both daily zinc intake and serum zinc concentrations of MDD group were about two thirds of healthy index (p < 0.01). Depressed individuals used to eat lower servings of red meats and chicken as the main food sources of zinc in students' usual diets (p < 0.001). Consumption of other foods as the sources of zinc was not significantly different in two groups. A linear significant correlation between dietary zinc intakes and its serum levels was seen in samples (r = 0.62; p < 0.001) and MDD students (r = 0.55; p < 0.001). There was a linear inverse correlation between Beck questionnaire scores and serum zinc concentrations in all of the investigated students(r = -0.65; p < 0.001) and MDD girls (r = −0.71; p < 0.001). Beck questionnaire scores and diatary zinc intakes were also inversly correlated (r = −0.58; p < 0.001). However, no statistical correlation was seen between these two variables in MDD cases. In depressed female students, dietary zinc intake is correlated to its serum concentrations; however, the serum zinc levels are inversely correlated to depression scales. Consumption of the main dietary sources of zinc such as red meats and chicken should be encouraged in young depressed girls.     

Safe Range of Iodine Intake Levels: A Comparative Study of Thyroid Diseases in Three Women Population Cohorts with Slightly Different Iodine Intake Levels

Iodine excess may lead to thyroid diseases. Our previous 5-year prospective survey showed that the prevalence and incidence of hypothyroidism or autoimmune thyroiditis increased with iodine intake. The aim of the present study was to investigate the optimal range of iodine intake by comparing the prevalence of thyroid diseases in three areas with slightly different levels of iodine intake. In 2005, 778 unselected women subjects from three areas with different iodine intake levels were enrolled. Levels of serum thyroid hormones, thyroid autoantibodies, and urinary iodine were measured, and thyroid B ultrasounds were performed. Among the subjects with mildly deficient iodine intake, those with adequate intake, and those with more than adequate intake, the prevalence of clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism was 0, 1.13, and 2.84%, respectively (P = 0.014); that of thyroid goiter was 24.88, 5.65, and 11.37%, respectively (P < 0.001); that of serum thyrotropin values was1.01, 1.25, and 1.39 mIU/l, respectively; and that of serum thyrotropin/thyroglobulin ratio was 7.98, 6.84, and 5.11, respectively (P < 0.001). In conclusion, median urinary iodine 100~200 μg/l may reflect the safe range of iodine intake levels. Serum thyrotropin/thyroglobulin ratio might be a better index of evaluating iodine status.     

Correlation Between Iodine Intake and Thyroid Function in Subjects with Normal Thyroid Function

Excessive iodine intake is known to induce hypothyroidism in people who have underlying thyroid disorders. However, few studies have been performed on subjects with normal thyroid function without a history of autoimmune thyroid disease. We hypothesized that high iodine intake may cause a subtle change in thyroid function even in subjects with normal thyroid function. We analyzed 337 subjects (64 men and 273 women; mean age, 49 years) who showed normal levels of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) and thyroglobulin antibodies (Tg-Ab) by measuring the urinary iodine excretion, free T4 (FT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The results showed urinary iodine excretion had negative correlation with FT4 (γ = −0.11, p = 0.043) and showed a positive trend with TSH (γ = 0.10, p = 0.068). We found that 61.7% of subjects had circulating TPO-Ab within normal reference range. In all subjects, TPO-Ab levels were negatively correlated with FT4 (γ = −0.17, p = 0.002) and positively with TSH (γ = 0.13, p = 0.021). In conclusion, high iodine intake can negatively affect thyroid hormone levels in subjects with normal thyroid function. Population-based study will be helpful for further clarification.     

Relationship Between Serum Calcium and Magnesium Concentrations and Metabolic Syndrome Diagnostic Components in Middle-Aged Korean Men

It is thought that calcium and magnesium may be related to metabolic disorders such as obesity and metabolic syndrome; however, to date, there have been few studies investigating the association between serum calcium and magnesium levels and metabolic syndrome in middle-aged male adults. We aimed to investigate the association between serum calcium and magnesium levels and metabolic syndrome in Korean middle-aged male adults. Study subjects included 213 men aged 30∼60 years. MetS risk score is determined by adding the number of risk factors, waist circumference, triacylglyceride (TG), HDL cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure (BP). The study population was divided into three groups according to the MetS risk score: group I (MetS risk score ≤1; n = 106), group II (MetS risk score = 2; n = 51), and group III (MetS risk score ≥3; n = 56). The serum Ca, according to increase of MetS risk score, was significantly higher (p < 0.001), and there was no significant difference in serum Mg concentration among the three groups. Subjects with high TG and high BP had higher serum calcium levels than those without such abnormalities. Subjects with higher glucose had lower serum magnesium levels than those without such abnormality. The correlation analysis indicated that the serum Ca had positive correlations with the MetS risk score (r = 0.1769, p < 0.01), serum TG (r = 0.2516, p < 0.001), and DBP (r = 0.2246, p < 0.01). The correlation analysis indicated that the serum Mg had an inverse relationship with serum glucose (r = −0.2404, p < 0.001). In conclusion, serum Ca had positive association with TG and BP, while serum Mg had negative association with serum glucose after adjusting age and BMI among the middle-aged Korean male adults.     

Functional Effects of Short-Term Treatment with Amiodarone on Thyroid Tissues of the Rabbit

The effect of short-term treatment with Amiodarone on thyroid gland tissue was studied in a group of 26 New Zealand albino rabbits. Ten rabbits were left untreated and served as controls; the remaining animals were treated with 10 mg/kg/day Amiodarone. The serum levels of serum triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were measured at days 0 (baseline), 7, 30, and 45. The serum selenium levels were also measured, but only on days 0 and 45 of the experiment. At the end of the experiment the animals were sacrificed and the levels of selenium, T3, T4, and iodine were determined in thyroid tissue. After 30 days treatment the values of T3 were significantly lower than those of the untreated controls or the baseline levels (p < 0.001). The T4 level was significantly lower and the TSH value was significantly higher after 45 days of Amiodarone (p < 0.001). In thyroid tissue the T3, T4, and iodine levels were significantly higher in the treated group when compared to untreated controls (p < 0.05). These results show that Amiodarone induces changes in the hormone levels in both serum and thyroid tissues, as well as in the amount of iodine taken up by the thyroid gland in rabbits.     

Regulation of adiponectin gene expression in adipose tissue by thyroid hormones

Available experimental data suggest that adiponectin and thyroid hormones have biological interaction in vivo. However, the effects of thyroid hormones on adipose adiponectin gene expression in thyroid dysfunction are unclear. We induced hyper- (HYPER) and hypothyroidism (HYPO) by daily administration of a 12 mg/l of levothyroxine and 250 mg/l of methimazole in drinking water of rats, respectively, for 42 days. The white adipose tissues and serum sample were taken on days 15, 28, 42 and also 2 weeks after treatment cessation. Analysis of adiponectin gene expression was performed by real-time PCR and 2^−ΔΔct method. The levels of adipose tissue adiponectin mRNA in the HYPO rats were decreased during the 6-week treatment when compared to control rats (<0.05) and were increased significantly 2 weeks after HYPO cessation (P < 0.05). This decline in adiponectin gene expression occurred in parallel with a decrease in T3, T4, fT3 and fT4 concentrations (P < 0.05). In opposite to HYPO rats, adipose adiponectin gene expression was increased in HYPER rats during the 6-week treatment in parallel with an increase the thyroid hormones concentrations (P < 0.05), and its expression was decreased 2 weeks after HYPER cessation (P < 0.05). Adiponectin gene expression levels showed significant negative correlations with concentrations of LDL (HYPO; r = −0.806, P = 0.001 and HYPER; r = −0.749, P = 0.002), triglyceride (HYPO; r = −0.825, P = 0.001 and HYPER; r = −0.824, P = 0.001) and significant positive correlations with concentrations of glucose (HYPO; r = 0.674, P = 0.004 and HYPER; r = 0.866, P = 0.001) and HDL (HYPO; r = 0.755, P = 0.001 and HYPER; r = 0.839, P = 0.001). The current study provides evidence that adiponectin gene expression in adipose tissue is regulated by thyroid hormones at the translation level and that lipid and carbohydrate disturbances in a patient with thyroid dysfunction may be, in part, due to adiponectin gene expression changes.     

Plasma Zinc,Copper, and Serum Thyroid Hormones and Insulin Levels After Zinc Supplementation Followed by Placebo in Competitive Athletes

Intense physical activity is associated with biological adaptations involving hormones and trace elements. Zinc supplementation may affect plasma copper concentration, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid hormones, insulin, and glucose homeostasis, but data in athletes are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate in competitive athletes (cyclists, n = 7, 32 ± 8 years) the effect of zinc supplementation (22 mg/day as zinc gluconate) during 30 days, and discontinuation using placebo (maltodextrin) during the following 30 days, on plasma zinc and copper concentrations, serum thyroid hormones, insulin and glucose levels, and HOMA2-IR. Compared to baseline, plasma zinc and Zn:Cu plasma ratio increased, but plasma copper decreased after zinc supplementation (day 30) and discontinuation (day 60) (p < 0.05). Zn supplementation and discontinuation had no effect on TSH, T3, and T4. Fasting serum insulin and HOMA2-IR increased (27% and 47%, respectively) on day 60 compared to baseline (p = 0.03), suggesting a delayed effect of zinc supplementation. Moreover, plasma zinc was positively associated with serum insulin (r = 0.87, p = 0.009) and HOMA2-IR (r = 0.81, p = 0.03) after zinc supplementation (day 30), indicating that supplemental zinc may impair glucose utilization in cyclists.     

Chromium Status and Glucose Tolerance in Saudi Men With and Without Coronary Artery Disease

Chromium deficiency is associated with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and dyslipidemia. Hence, the objective of the current study was to investigate chromium status among Saudi men with and without established cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its relationship to glucose tolerance, lipid profile and other established CVD risk factors. We measured serum and urine chromium concentrations, fasted lipid profile, plasma glucose, and serum lipid peroxide in 130 Saudi men with an established history of myocardial infarction and 130 age-matched controls without established CVD. Patients with established CVD had higher serum triglycerides (p < 0.05) and plasma glucose (p < 0.0001) and lower serum and urinary chromium concentrations (p < 0.0001) than controls. Serum chromium was inversely correlated with plasma glucose among cases and controls (r = −0.189, p < 0.05 and r = −0.354, p < 0.00001, respectively). Plasma glucose (OR 1.127, CI 1.0–1.269, p < 0.05), serum chromium (OR 0.99, CI 0.985–0.995, p < 0.0001), and urinary chromium (OR 0.988, CI 0.981–0.995, p < 0.001) were independently associated with the presence of established coronary disease applying this model. While chromium metabolism appears to be altered in individuals with CVD, it is unclear whether chromium supplementation would be effective in CVD prevention among patients with IGT. This would need to be tested in long-term outcome trials.     

Urine Iodine Levels in Preeclamptic and Normal Pregnant Women

The aim of this study was to investigate the urine iodine concentration in women with severe preeclampsia and in healthy women in Erzurum, Turkey. Urine specimens were obtained from 40 severe preeclampsia and 18 healthy pregnant women. Urinary iodine levels were determined by the Foss method based on the Sandell–Kolthoff reaction. The urinary iodine level for women with severe preeclampsia was 4.25 ± 2.7 μg/dL, lower than 20.89 ± 6.4 μg/dL of urinary iodine for healthy pregnant women (p < 0.001). Blood magnesium concentration was found to be 1.63 ± 0.05 mg/dL for women with severe preeclampsia, which is lower than that of healthy pregnant women (1.87 ± 0.05 mg/dL; p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between urinary iodine level and blood magnesium level in pregnant women with preeclampsia (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.43; p < 0.01). However, there was no correlation between urinary iodine level and blood magnesium level in healthy pregnant women. There was no difference in thyroid hormone levels (T4, TSH, FT4) between women with severe preeclampsia and healthy pregnant women. However, there was a difference in T3 thyroid hormone levels between women with severe preeclampsia (1.86 ± 0.4 μg/dL) and healthy pregnant women (1.45 ± 0.3 μg/dL; p < 0.001). There was also a difference in FT3 between women with severe preeclampsia (2.77 ± 0.4 pg/mL) and healthy pregnant women (2.41 ± 0.5 μg/dL; p < 0.01). Urinary iodine excretion is currently the most convenient laboratory marker of iodine deficiency. The method is useful for the rapid and low-cost assessment of iodine deficiency. Our results suggested that urinary iodine concentration might be a useful marker for prediagnosing preeclamptic women. In addition, iodine supplementation may also be considered for preeclamptic therapy.     

Serum copper levels and not zinc are positively associated with serum leptin concentrations in the healthy adult population

Leptin, the obesity gene protein product, is a hormone with multiple physiological functions in the human. However, there are few reports in the literature on its role in trace element metabolism in the normal population. Therefore, we investigated the association among serum leptin, zinc, copper, and zinc/copper ratio in 570 healthy men and women aged 15 yr and older. Serum leptin assay was done with a commercial enzymelinked immunosorbent assay kit; serum zinc and copper levels were measured by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Serum leptin was found to be positively associated with age (r=0.254, p<0.001), sex (r=0.406, p<0.001), body mass index (BMI) (r=0.553, p<0.001), and serum copper (r=0.419, p<0.001), but negatively associated with the zinc/copper ratio (r=−0.423, p<0.001). There was no significant association between serum leptin and zinc (r=−0.131, p>0.05). When the confounding effects of age, sex, and BMI were removed, serum leptin was still positively associated with serum copper (r=0.197, p=0.02) and the serum zinc/copper ratio (r=−0.182, p=0.03). These results suggest that copper and not zinc has an effect on serum leptin levels.     

Effect of different iodide intake during pregnancy and lactation on thyroid and cardiovascular function in maternal and offspring rats

ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the impact of different iodide intake during pregnancy and lactation on iodine concentration in urine and serum, fatty acid metabolism, thyroid and cardiovascular function in maternal and offspring rats.MethodsPregnant rats were randomly assigned to four groups: normal adult iodide intake (NAI, 7.5 μg/d), normal pregnant iodide intake (NPI, 12.5 μg/d), 5 times (5 HI, 62.5 μg/d) and 10 times higher-than-normal pregnant iodide intake (10 HI, 125 μg/d). The maternal rats were continuously administered potassium iodide until postnatal day 16 (PN16). Thyroid function was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The iodine concentration in urine and serum were detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expressions of Krüppel-like factor 9 (KLF9) and thioredoxin reductase 2 (Txnrd2) were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Characteristic distribution of KLF9 expression and its interaction with TRβ was assessed by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining. Serum fatty acids were analyzed by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). Cardiac function and blood pressure were measured by echocardiography and a non-invasive tail-cuff system.ResultsHigh iodide intake (5 HI and 10 HI) during pregnancy and lactation results in increased urinary iodine concentration (UIC), serum total iodine concentration (STIC) and serum non-protein-bound iodine concentration (SNBIC) in both maternal and offspring rats, along with significantly increased FT3 and its target gene expression of KLF9. In maternal rats of both 5 HI and 10 HI groups, systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly higher, the increased SBP was significantly correlated with the increased UIC (r = 0.968, p = 0.002; r = 0.844, p = 0.035), KLF9 (r = 0.935, p = 0.006; r = 0.954, p = 0.003) and the decreased Txnrd2 (r = −0.909, p = 0.012; r = −0.912, p = 0.011). In maternal rats of 10 HI group, cardiac hyperfunction with increased LVEF, LVFS and decreased LVESD were observed. The increased LVEF and decreased LVESD were significantly correlated with UIC, STIC and SNBIC (r = 0.976, p = 0.001; r = 0.945, p = 0.005; r = 0.953, p = 0.003; r = −0.917, p = 0.01; r = −0.859, p = 0.028; r = −0.847, p = 0.033), LVEF, LVFS and LVESD were significant correlated with KLF9 (r = 0.950, p = 0.004; r = 0.963, p = 0.002; r = −0.990, p = 0.0002) and Txnrd2 expression (r = −0.979, p = 0.001; r = −0.915, p = 0.01; r = 0.933, p = 0.007), and the decreased LVESD was correlated with decreased epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) metabolites: 5,6-EET, 8,9-DHET and 11,12-DHET (r = 0.999, p = 0.034; r = 1.000, p = 0.017; r = 1.000, p = 0.017). While in offspring rats, no significant change in SBP and cardiac function was found. STIC and SNBIC were much lower than those in maternal rats, and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) metabolites (9-HEPE, 15-HEPE and 14,15 DiHETE) were significantly increased.ConclusionIn addition to thyroid hormones, STIC, SNBIC, KLF9, Txnrd2, EET and EPA metabolites might be promising biomarkers in high iodide intake-induced thyroid and cardiovascular function.     

Low Birth Weight and Normal Birth Weight Newborns of Kolkata, India: Comparison of Some Maternal Risk Factors

This study compared several maternal risk factors of low birth weight (LBW) between 204 normal birth weight (NBW) and 133 LBW newborns from Kolkata, India. Based on their birth weight (BW), newborns were classified as LBW (BW < 2.5 kg) and NBW (BW ≥ 2.5 kg). Results revealed that means for maternal age (MA, p < 0.05), gestational age (GA, p < 0.01), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration (p < 0.05), and per capita daily income (PCDI, p < 0.05) were significantly higher among mothers of NBW. Correlation analyses revealed that MA (r = 0.119, p < 0.05), GA (r = 0.583, p < 0.01), PCDI (r = 0.118, p < 0.05), and Hb (r = 0.138, p < 0.05) were significantly positively correlated with BW; PCDI was also significantly positively correlated (r = 0.142, p < 0.01) with Hb. Stepwise regression analyses with BW as the dependent variable revealed that GA (t = 7.915, p < 0.001) and Hb (t = 2.057, p < 0.05) were the most important predictive variables. The effect of Hb, independent of GA, was statistically significant (change in F = 4.231, p < 0.05). Because GA is not modifiable in pregnant women, there is a need to increase Hb levels among pregnant mothers. Most importantly, appropriately targeted preventive strategies, including iron supplementation, need to be implemented for health promotion.     

Serum thyroglobulin as a biomarker of iodine excess and thyroid disease occurrence in adults

BackgroundThyroglobulin (Tg) is considered a sensitive indicator of iodine deficiency. However, the usefulness of Tg as a biomarker of excess iodine is uncertain. The present study aimed to determine the influence of different iodine intake on serum Tg levels, evaluate the influence of thyroid diseases on the distribution of Tg, and identify the factors that may affect Tg levels.MethodsA cross-sectional survey with a total of 1208 adults was conducted in different water iodine areas in China. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC), water iodine concentration (WIC), serum Tg, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroid antibodies were measured. The thyroid volumes and nodules were measured by B-scan ultrasound.ResultsBased on the WIC data, subjects were divided into three groups. Based on the median urinary iodine concentration (MUIC) data, the iodine levels were adequate, more than adequate, and excess for the WIC < 10 μg/L group, 10 μg/L ≤ WIC ≤ 100 μg/L g, and WIC > 100 μg/L groups, respectively. The median Tg was significantly higher in the excess iodine group than in the adequate iodine group and the more than adequate iodine group (14.6 μg/L vs.12.7 μg/L, P = 0.042; 14.6 μg/L vs.12.5 μg/L, P = 0.004). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that excess iodine intake, goitre, thyroid nodules, and hypothyroidism were significantly related to higher serum Tg levels.ConclusionSerum Tg level can be a promising biomarker of excessive iodine intake, but other factors, especially the presence of thyroid disease, should be considered when using this parameter.     

Increased serum HSP70 levels are associated with the duration of diabetes

The evolutionary conserved family of heat shock proteins (HSP) is responsible for protecting cells against different types of stress, including oxidative stress. Although the levels of HSPs can be readily measured in blood serum, the levels of HSP70 in patients with different durations of diabetes have not been studied before. We quantified serum HSP70 levels in a healthy control group (n = 36) and two groups of type 2 diabetic patients, defined as newly diagnosed diabetes (n = 36) and patients with diabetes duration of more than 5 years (n = 37). The clinical characteristics and biochemical parameters were evaluated in the studied population. We found that serum HSP70 levels were significantly higher in patients with diabetes when compared with controls (p < 0.001) and it was higher in patients with disease for more than 5 years than in newly diagnosed patients (p < 0.001). Serum HSP70 was inversely correlated with fasting blood sugar in patients with diabetes for more than 5 years (r = −0.500, p = 0.002), positively correlated with the history of hypertension in newly diagnosed patients (p < 0.001), and positively correlated with age in patients with diabetes (r = 0.531, p = 0.001). Serum level of HSP70 is significantly higher in patients with diabetes and correlates with the duration of disease. Higher HSP70 in prolonged diabetes versus newly diagnosed diabetes may be an indicator of metabolic derangement in the course of diabetes.     

A Pilot Study on Zinc Levels in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

The aim of the study was to evaluate zinc levels in three biological compartments (serum, erythrocytes and hair) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as compared to healthy individuals. Zinc levels in serum, erythrocytes and hair (in 74 patients with RA and 30 healthy individuals) were assessed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The mean hair zinc content was significantly lower in RA patients as compared to healthy individuals (p < 0.001). Moreover, a positive correlation was observed in the RA patient group between the erythrocyte zinc levels and the prednisone dose (r _s = 0.48, p < 0.05), and a negative correlation was found in this population between the serum zinc levels and disease duration (r _s = −0.42, p < 0.0006). In conclusion, it seems that hair may be a useful complementary study material for evaluating “zinc status” in rheumatoid arthritis patients.     

Selenium Levels in First-Degree Relatives of Diabetic Patients

The present study was conducted to evaluate the serum selenium levels in first-degree relatives of diabetic patients (FDR) according to controls. Insulin resistance, serum lipid levels, inflammation markers, and blood pressure were also studied in these patients. Serum levels of selenium in FDR were significantly lower than control group (74.65 ± 5.9 vs 88.7 ± 8.7 μg/dl, p < 0.0001). HsCRP, HOMA-IR, insulin, homocysteine levels were significantly higher in FDR according to the control group (1.32 ± 0.9 vs 0.63 ± 0.4 mg/dL, p < 0.0001; 2.07 ± 0.84 vs 1.51 ± 0.69, p < 0.0001; 9.26 ± 3.8 vs 6.8 ± 2.98 μU/MI, p < 0.0001; 15.7 ± 7.4 vs 11.5 ± 5.1 μmol/L, p < 0.0001, respectively). There was significant correlation between selenium levels and hsCRP (r = − 0.450, p < 0.0001). There was also weak significant correlation also between HOMA-IR and selenium levels (r = −0.227, p = 0.003). There was a correlation between systolic blood pressure and BMI (r = 0.365, p < 0.0001). But there was no correlation between selenium levels and blood pressure or other parameters. HsCRP, HOMA-IR, homocysteine levels in individuals with selenium levels < 80 μg/L (n = 78) was significantly higher than hsCRP HOMA-IR, homocysteine levels in individuals with selenium levels ≥ 80 (n = 91; 1.23 ± 0.98 vs 0.81 ± 0.76 mg/dL, p < 0.003; 1.99 ± 0.88 vs 1.64 ± 0.74, p < 0.005; 15.0 ± 7.6 vs 12.9 ± 5.7 μmol/L, p < 0.049, respectively). Selenium deficiency may contribute to cardiovascular disease risk in FDR.     

SHBG,plasma, and urinary androgens in weight lifters after a strength training

Previous studies with different results have suggested that total and bioavailable testosterone levels are modified by physical exercise. Such changes may be related to modifications in cortisol levels and could be reflected in some urine androgens. To determine how weight lifting training may affect serum and urinary androgens, we measured total serum testosterone (T), cortisol, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and urinary testosterone, epitestosterone, androsterone, and etiocholanolone, in a group of 19 elite weight lifters after 20 weeks of training. SHBG increased (from 27.5 ± 9.5 to 34.7 ± 8.1 nM, p < 0.05) whereas T/SHBG decreased significantly (from 1.10 ± 0.4 to 0.85 ± 0.3, p < 0.05). Serum total testosterone and cortisol did not change significantly. In urine, androsterone and etiocholanolone decreased significantly, whereas testosterone and epitestosterone remained unchanged. Changes in T/SHBG were related positively with changes in urinary androgens (r = 0.680, p < 0.01), and changes in SHBG were negatively related with changes in urinary androgens (r = −0.578, p < 0.01). These results suggest that intense physical activity may have an influence on the elimination of androgenic hormones due mainly to changes in their transporting protein SHBG.     

Relationships Between Respiratory Function Disorders and Serum Copper Levels in Copper Mineworkers

The aim of this study was to investigate the respiratory function disorders that could be related to dust exposure during the production of copper mine in copper mineworkers (CMWs). The study included 75 male CMWs (mean age, 32.0 ± 7.1 years, 58.6% smokers) and 75 male age- and smoking status-matched healthy control subjects. Serum Cu level was significantly higher in the CMW group (0.80 ± 0.62 μg/ml) than the control group (0.60 ± 0.39 μg/ml) (p = 0.017). Significant negative correlations were found between serum Cu level and forced expiratory volume in first second (r = −0.600; p < 0.001) and between serum Cu level and forced vital capacity (r = −0.593; p = <0.001) in CMWs. Serum Cu level was significantly higher in the restrictive type pulmonary function disorders group (1.36 ± 0.62 μg/ml) than obstructive type (0.90 ± 0.55 μg/ml) and normal pulmonary function pattern group (0.53 ± 0.43 μg/ml) (p < 0.001). Patients with radiological parenchymal abnormalities had significantly higher serum copper levels than those without abnormalities (1.53 ± 0.52 vs. 0.71 ± 0.52 μg/ml, respectively; p = 0.002). In conclusion, result of the study has shown a negative association between pulmonary functions disorders and radiological abnormalities and serum Cu levels in CMWs.     

Dynamic Changes of CD4<Superscript>+</Superscript>CD25<Superscript>+</Superscript> Regulatory T Cells in NOD.H-2<Superscript>h4</Superscript> Mice with Iodine-Induced Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Iodine is an essential trace element for thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism, either low or high intake may lead to thyroid disease, but the pathogenetic mechanisms by which iodine interacts with the thyroid autoimmune are poorly understood. We investigated the dynamic changes of CD4⁺CD25⁺ regulatory T cells in NOD.H-2^h4 mice with iodine-induced autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT), and explore potential immune mechanism of AIT induced by iodine. NOD.H-2^h4 mice were randomly divided into two groups, and received plain water or water containing 0.005% sodium iodide. Eight weeks after iodine provision, the incidences of thyroiditis, relative weights of thyroids, and serum thyroglobulin antibody titers in the iodine-supplied groups were significantly increased compared to the control groups (p < 0.05). The AIT mice had fewer CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ T cells and reduced Foxp3 mRNA expression in splenocytes compared with the controls (p < 0.01), and maintained relatively low levels during the development of thyroiditis. The changes described above aggravated gradually with the extension of iodine treatment. These data suggest that CD4⁺CD25⁺ regulatory T cells may be involved in the pathogenesis and development of AIT induced by iodine.