Serum Iron,Zinc, and Copper Concentration in Premature Graying of Hair

Premature graying of hair with unclear etiology, which is known as premature canities, is a common cause of referrals to the dermatologists. We assessed the relationship between serum iron, copper, and zinc concentrations with premature canities. This study was conducted on patients under 20 years old suffering from premature canities, having a minimum of ten gray hair fibers, and referring to university hospitals of Isfahan (Iran). The results were compared with age–sex-matched controls. Demographic data and disease characteristics were recorded for two groups. We studied serum iron, copper, and zinc concentrations of 66 patients and 66 controls using atomic absorption and Ferrozine methods. The mean age of studied cases was 17.8 ± 2.0 years, and the mean age of the onset of canities was 15.5 ± 3.2 years with no significant difference between males and females (P > 0.05). Serum copper concentration was significantly lower in patients compared with controls (90.7 ± 37.4 vs. 105.3 ± 50.2 μg/dL, P = 0.048), but serum iron concentration was significantly lower in controls compared to patients (88.8 ± 39.5 vs. 108.3 ± 48.4 μg/dL, P = 0.008). Also, there was no significant difference between patients and controls in serum zinc concentration (114.8 ± 67.8 vs. 108.2 ± 49.9 μg/dL, P = 0.285). According to these results, among copper, zinc, and iron, a low serum copper concentration may play a role in premature graying of hairs in our society. Further studies are needed to find the underlying mechanism of this relationship.     

Serum Copper,Zinc, and Magnesium Levels in Patients with Chronic Fluorosis

Although there are many studies on effect of fluoride on trace elements in experimental animals, few studies exist on serum trace elements levels in patients with endemic fluorosis. We aimed to determine the serum levels of trace elements including serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and serum levels of minerals including calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K) in patients with endemic fluorosis. The study group consisted of 30 patients with endemic fluorosis (17 females, 13 males, mean age 33.53 ± 9.85 years). An age, gender, and body mass index matched 30 healthy volunteers comprised control group (21 females, ten males with a mean age 33.93 ± 7.39 years). Urine fluoride levels of chronic fluorosis patients were significantly higher than that of control subjects as expected (1.92 ± 0.10 mg/l vs. 0.41 ± 0.09 mg/l, respectively; P < 0.001). Serum Cu levels (89.14 ± 16.77 μg/dL vs. 102.69 ± 25.04 μg/dL, respectively, P = 0.017), serum Zn levels (77.98 ± 20.58 μg/dL vs. 94.57 ± 35.87μg/dL, respectively, P = 0.032), and serum Mg levels (1.92 ± 0.18 mg/dL vs. 2.07 ± 0.31 mg/dL, respectively, p = 0.022) was significantly lower in chronic fluorosis patients than in controls. There were no statistically significant differences between the fluorosis group and control group with respect to serum levels of Na, K, Ca, and P. We concluded that chronic fluorosis is associated with reduced serum levels of Cu, Zn, and Mg.     

The −112G > A polymorphism of the secretoglobin 3A2 (<Emphasis Type="Italic">SCGB3A2</Emphasis>) gene encoding uteroglobin-related protein 1 (UGRP1) increases risk for the development of Graves’ disease in subsets of patients with elevated levels of immunoglobulin E

The human secretoglobin 3A2 (SCGB3A2) gene encoding secretory uteroglobin-related protein 1 (UGRP1) resides on the chromosome region 5q31-33 that harbors a susceptibility locus to several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including asthma and Graves’ disease (GD). Recently, association between the marker rs1368408 (−112G > A), located in the promoter region of the SCGB3A2 gene, and susceptibility to GD was found in Chinese and UK Caucasians. The study aim was to evaluate whether this polymorphism confers GD susceptibility in a large population cohort comprising 1,474 Russian GD patients and 1,619 controls. The marker rs1368408 was studied using a TaqMan allele discrimination assay. Serum levels of UGRP1 and immunoglobulin E (IgE) were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analyses. Association between the allele A of SCGB3A2 and a higher risk of GD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.33, P = 2.9 × 10⁻⁵) was shown. Both affected and non-affected carriers of the higher risk genotype A/A had significantly decreased levels of serum UGRP1 compared to the subjects homozygous for G/G (93 ± 37 pg/ml vs. 132 ± 45 pg/ml, P = 0.0011 for GD patients; 77 ± 28 pg/ml vs. 119 ± 33 pg/ml, P = 0.0019 for controls). Serum IgE levels were significantly higher in non-affected subjects homozygous for A/A compared to control individuals homozygous for G/G (153 ± 46 IU/ml vs. 122 ± 40 IU/ml, P = 0.0095). Our data suggest that the carriage of the SCGB3A2 −112A/A variant increases the risk for GD in subsets of patients with elevated levels of IgE, a hallmark of allergic asthma. Therefore, the SCGB3A2 −112G > A polymorphism may be considered as a likely marker linking susceptibility to allergy/asthma and GD on chromosome 5q31-33.     

Trace Elements in Obese Turkish Children

The quality of the diet of obese children is poor. Eating habits may alter micronutrient status in obese patients. In this study, we determined the serum levels of selenium, zinc, vanadium, molybdenum, iron, copper, beryllium, boron, chromium, manganese, cobalt, silver, barium, aluminum, nickel, cadmium, mercury, and lead in obese Turkish children. Thirty-four obese and 33 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. Serum vanadium and cobalt levels of obese children were significantly lower than those of the control group (0.244 ± 0.0179 vs. 0.261 ± 0.012 μg/l, p < 0.001, and 0.14 ± 0.13 vs. 0.24 ± 0.15 μg/l, p = 0.011, respectively). There was no significant difference between groups regarding the other serum trace element levels. In conclusion, there may be alterations in the serum levels of trace elements in obese children and these alterations may have a role in the pathogenesis of obesity.     

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.     

Thymidylate synthase and methionine synthase polymorphisms are not associated with susceptibility to childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Kurdish population from Western Iran

In order to determine the influence of polymorphism in thymidylate synthase (TS 28-bp repeat) and methionine synthase (MS A2756G) genes on the susceptibility to acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 73 children with ALL and 128 age and sex matched unrelated healthy individuals from the Kermanshah Province of Iran were screened. The genotyping of TS 28-bp repeat and MS A2756G polymorphisms were performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR–RFLP, respectively. The frequency of TS 2R allele in patients and controls were 41.5 and 38%, respectively (Odds ratios (OR) = 1.13, 95%CI 0.73–1.74, P = 0.56). The allelic frequency of G allele of MS was higher (25%) in patients compared with healthy subjects (23%) (OR = 1.09, 95%CI 0.67–1.75, P = 0.71). Considering MS AA and TS 3R3R genotypes as reference indicated that individuals with MS GG + TS 2R2R genotypes have 1.3-fold increase in the risk of ALL (OR = 1.3, 95%CI 0.6–2.7, P = 0.5). Our results showed that neither TS 28-bp repeat nor MS A2756G polymorphisms are risk factors for susceptibility to ALL in Western Iran.     

Comparative Analysis of Serum Manganese,Zinc, Calcium,Copper and Magnesium Level in Panic Disorder Patients

The purpose of the study was to determine the serum concentration of trace elements of panic disorder patients and to find out the relationship between trace element levels and nutritional status or socio-economic factors. The study was conducted among 54 panic disorder patients and 52 healthy volunteers. Patients were recruited from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University by random sampling. Serum trace element concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (for Mg, Zn, Ca, and Cu) as well as graphite furnace (for Mn). Data were analyzed by independent t test, Pearson’s correlation analysis, regression analysis, and ANOVA. The serum concentration of Mn, Zn, Ca, Cu, and Mg in panic disorder patients were 0.37 ± 0.30, 0.67 ± 0.20, 99.91 ± 15.15, 0.83 ± 0.23, and 21.14 ± 3.72 mg/L, while those were 0.4163 ± 0.2527, 0.86 ± 0.3, 106.6073 ± 18.6531, 0.8514 ± 0.3646, and 21.37 ± 2.03 mg/L in control subjects, respectively. The serum concentration of Zn decreased significantly (p = 0.001) in patient group. But the differences of the concentration of Mn, Ca, Cu, and Mg between patient and control group were not significant (p = 0.522, p = 0.065, p = 0.800, and p = 0.712, respectively). Socio-economic data reveal that most of the patients were very poor and middle aged. Mean BMIs of the control group (23.74 ± 2.71 kg/m²) and the patient group (22.62 ± 3.74 kg/m²) were within the normal range (18.5–25.0 kg/m²). There was no significant relationship between serum zinc level and BMI of patients (r = 0.038; p = 0.809). So the decreased level of serum zinc in panic disorder patients was not because of other reasons, but rather it may provide a prognostic tool for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.     

Serum Magnesium Level is Negatively Associated with Fasting Serum Glucose Level in Korean Adults

Several studies have observed an inverse association between serum magnesium and fasting glucose levels. However, there have been sparse data on Koreans. The present study was designed to evaluate the association between serum magnesium and fasting serum glucose levels in Korean adults. A total of 949 Korean adults who visited an outpatient at a university hospital were included in this study. We compared mean values of clinical data according to the tertile of serum magnesium level using analysis of covariance. Association between serum magnesium and fasting glucose levels was evaluated using multiple regression analysis. Odds ratio (OR) was calculated to determine the association between hypomagnesemia and abnormal glucose metabolism. Fasting serum glucose levels decreased significantly from the lowest to the highest tertile of serum magnesium level (108.0 ± 1.4, 106.5 ± 2.1, 102.5 ± 1.7 mg/dl, respectively, p = 0.015), whereas blood pressure and lipid profile showed no significant associations. Serum magnesium level was negatively associated with fasting serum glucose level (β = −0.114, p = 0.001). Participants with hypomagnesemia had significantly higher OR for abnormal glucose metabolism compared to those with normomagnesaemia (OR = 2.28, 95%CI 1.29–4.02). There was a negative association between serum magnesium and fasting glucose levels in Korean adults. In addition, hypomagnesemia was associated with abnormal glucose metabolism.     

Serum Parathyroid Hormone Levels in Chronic Endemic Fluorosis

Endemic waterborne fluorosis is a public health problem in Isparta, a city located in southern Turkey. Fluoride is a cumulative element that increases metabolic turnover of the bone and also affects the homeostasis of bone mineral metabolism. There are number of similarities between the effects of excess parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fluorosis on bone. So fluoride might show its effect via PTH. We aimed to determine PTH levels in patients with endemic fluorosis to estimate the possible toxic effects of chronic fluoride intake. Fifty-six patients with endemic fluorosis and 28 age-, sex-, and body-mass-index-matched healthy controls were included in this study. Endemic fluorosis was diagnosed according to the clinical diagnosis criteria of Wang. The urine fluoride levels of fluorosis patients were significantly higher than those of control subjects as expected (1.9 ± 0.1 vs. 0.4 ± 0.1 mg/L, respectively; P < 0.001). PTH levels in fluorosis group were significantly higher than control group (65.09 ± 32.91 versus 47.40 ± 20.37, respectively; P = 0.01). The results of our study demonstrate that serum PTH levels are increased in patients with endemic fluorosis. Fluoride, by interfering calcium balance, may be the cause of secondary hyperparathyroidism.     

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.     

Serum Arsenic and Lipid Peroxidation Levels in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Previous studies have shown that oxidative stress is one of the main underlying mechanisms of arsenic-induced cellular damage. The aim of this study was to assess the serum levels of arsenic and its relationship with lipid peroxidation in MS patients from Tabriz, as the third polluted city of Iran. The study population included 38 MS female patients and 38 age-matched healthy controls. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and arsenic levels were measured using thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, respectively. The results showed that the arsenic (P?<?0.01) and MDA (P?=?0.03) levels were significantly higher in patients with MS than those in control. Moreover, serum levels of arsenic and MDA were positively correlated in MS patients. The elevated levels of serum arsenic might explain the increased oxidative stress in MS patients. We suggest that high arsenic levels in serum may lead to MS development, and therefore, exposure to this metal should be limited.     

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.     

Serum sulfatides as a novel biomarker for cardiovascular disease in patients with end-stage renal failure

Sulfatides, normal components of serum lipoproteins, may play an important role in cardiovascular disease due to their various modulatory functions in haemostasis. The incidence of cardiovascular disease in patients with end-stage renal failure undergoing maintenance hemodialysis has been reported to be approximately 10 to 30 times higher than that in the general population. To elucidate the possible roles of serum sulfatides in this high incidence, we measured the level of sulfatides in 59 such patients, by converting them to lysosulfatides according to a recently developed quantitative, qualitative, high-throughput technique using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry. The mean level of sulfatides in patients 3.58 ± 1.18 nmol/ml was significantly lower than that in age-matched normal subjects (8.21 ± 1.50 nmol/ml; P < 0.001). Patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis over a longer period had lower levels of sulfatides. When the mean levels of sulfatides were compared between patients with cardiovascular disease (N = 22) and those without the disease (N = 37), the level in the former group 2.85 ± 0.67 nmol/ml was found to be significantly lower than that in the latter group 4.01 ± 1.22 nmol/ml (P < 0.001). These findings reveal a close correlation between low levels of serum sulfatides and a high risk of cardiovascular disease in these patients. Determination of the level of serum sulfatides can contribute to predictions of the incidence of cardiovascular disease in patients with end-stage renal failure undergoing maintenance hemodialysis.     

Study on Blood Biochemical Diagnostic Indices for Hepatic Function Biomarkers in Endemic Skeletal Fluorosis

The aim of the study was to determine the relationship of fluoride in drinking water to liver function in individuals living in normal and seven endemic fluorosis areas of Punjab, India. The concentration of fluoride in drinking water of different areas varied from 5.9 to 24.5 mg/L. Study group consisted of 705 patients in the age group between 20 and 60 years (mean age of 39.35 ± 11.27) affected with osteodental fluorosis were compared with 300 age- and sex-matched controls (with mean age of 35.28 ± 8.25 years). Biochemical data was analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with post hoc Tukey–Kramer and Bonferroni multiple comparison tests. The relationship between hepatic enzymes was calculated by Pearson’s correlation and linear regression. The results revealed significantly (P < 0.001) higher concentration of serum fluoride in patients when compared to control. The mean activities of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP), alkaline phosphatase (ALKP), acid phosphatase (ACP), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), and alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) were significantly (P < 0.05–0.001) elevated in patients from all fluoride areas. ANOVA with post hoc Turkey–Kramer and Bonferroni multiple comparison test demonstrated a significant (P < 0.0001) variance in the activities of cAMP, ALKP, ACP, AST, and ALT in fluorotic patients, with elevation in water fluoride levels. Maximum elevation of 196.14% (ACP), 99.31% (cyclic adenosine monophosphate; cAMP), 72.08% (ALT), 60.14% (AST), and least 21.35% (ALKP) was recorded in patients exposed to 24.5 mg/L fluoride in drinking water. There was positive correlation between water fluoride, serum fluoride and AST (r = 0.77, 0.91), ALT (r = 0.82, 0.90), ALKP (r = 0.88, 0.97), and ACP (r = 0.74, 0.85). Pearson’s correlation demonstrated highly significant (P < 0.05) positive relationship between water fluoride and cAMP (regression equation: Y = 0.9807 ×+ 22.081 Y = 0.9807 \times + 22.081 , = 0.84; r = 0.92, P < 0.05). The increased levels of transaminases in fluorotic patients suggest alteration in liver functions. The level of alkaline and acid phosphatase was increased during fluoride intoxication which is also an early marker of hepatic cell damage because of its specificity and catalytic activity. The elevated levels of enzymes are reflective of bone disorders, which are characterized by increased osteoblastic activity. There levels increased several times if cellular damage occurs in the liver. The results suggest that fluoride exposure intensifies the activities of hepatic function enzymes in osteofluorosis.     

Levels of cadmium and mercury in the hair of Atlantic walruses (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) from Svalbard,Norway

Hair samples of 15 adult male Atlantic walruses (Odobenus rosmarus rosmarus) collected from anaesthetized individuals at Svalbard, Norway, were analysed for cadmium and total mercury. The mean level of cadmium was 0.860 ± 0.321 μg/g dry weight (median = 0.811, range = 0.349–1.51 μg/g dry weight) and the mean level of mercury was 0.235 ± 0.100 μg/g dry weight (median = 0.251, range = 0.121–0.424 μg/g dry weight). Levels of cadmium and mercury in hair of walruses from other areas are not known. Both cadmium and mercury levels in hair of walruses from Svalbard are relatively low compared to the levels found in the hair of other marine mammal species. It has been documented from a number of marine species, including marine mammals such as ringed seals and polar bears, that both cadmium and mercury levels at Svalbard are lower than in other areas. It is uncertain as to what degree levels in hair reflect levels in internal organs in walruses. In rare and highly endangered species or populations tissue samples can be difficult to collect. In walruses, it is possible to collect hair from anaesthetized individuals or at the haul-out sites during moult, to monitor heavy metal levels of the population. Accepted: 6 December 1998     

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.     

The Study of Cu and Zn Serum Levels in Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy (IDCMP) Patients and its Comparison with Healthy Volunteers

Changes in the cupper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) concentrations have been reported previously in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCMP). As a result of controversial results, the aim of this study was to compare the Zn and Cu concentrations and Zn/Cu ratio of IDCMP patients to healthy volunteers. In addition, the correlation of Cu and Zn levels with age has been evaluated. The study population consisted of 18 IDCMP patients and 27 healthy volunteers. IDCMP patients had normal angiography with echocardiography supporting cardiomyopathy without pericardial and valvular diseases. Exclusion criteria were renal or hepatic insufficiency, alcohol usage, and intake of supplements containing Cu or Zn within 1 week ago. Cu and Zn levels have been assayed with atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 10 software with independent sample t test for comparing the level of Cu and Zn of IDCMP patients with normal subjects and Pearson correlation to determine the correlation between numeric data. P < 0.05 was considered as significant differences. There was a trend for a lower Zn level in IDCMP patients compared to healthy volunteers. (0.97 ± 0.25 mg/l vs. 1.12 ± 0.42 mg/l, respectively). The mean Cu levels of IDCMP and normal subjects were 1.33 ± 0.20 mg/l and 1.31 ± 0.23 mg/l, respectively. There was a significant difference in Zn/Cu ratio among patients based on the NYHA classification of heart failure (P = 0.003). Age was negatively correlated with Zn levels in IDCMP group (P = 0.037) and positively with Cu levels in healthy volunteers (P = 0.012). A lower Zn level in IDCMP patients compared to healthy volunteers and specially a significant difference in Zn/Cu ratio of patients based on their NYHA classification would suggest a critical role of zinc and Cu imbalance in development of IDCMP.     

Diminished Selenium Levels in Hemodialysis and Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

In this cross-sectional study, selenium (Se) levels in the sera of 35 hemodialysis (HD) patients and 34 patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for more than 3 months were compared with the serum Se levels of 34 healthy volunteers. The observed Se levels of 100.8 ± 51.9 μg/L in the sera of the HD patients and of 65.5 ± 32.1 μg/L in the sera of the CAPD patients were significantly lower than the 134.9 ± 81.2 μg/L of the controls, with p = 0.002 and 0.02, respectively. Furthermore, the Se levels were significantly higher in the HD rather than the CAPD patients (p = 0.01). In the spent dialysate effluent fluid of 32 of the CAPD patients Se was undetectable, in the remaining two CAPD patients the Se levels were 1.9 and 4.6μg/l, respectively. The low Se levels of HD and CAPD patients as compared to healthy persons are attributed to diminished Se retention due to chronic oxidative stress.     

Increased serum heat-shock protein 70 levels reflect systemic inflammation, oxidative stress and hepatocellular injury in preeclampsia

It has been previously reported that serum levels of 70-kDa heat-shock protein (Hsp70) are elevated in preeclampsia. The aim of the present study was to examine whether increased serum Hsp70 levels are related to clinical characteristics and standard laboratory parameters of preeclamptic patients, as well as to markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein), endothelial activation (von Willebrand factor antigen) or endothelial injury (fibronectin), trophoblast debris (cell-free fetal DNA) and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde). Sixty-seven preeclamptic patients and 70 normotensive, healthy pregnant women were involved in this case-control study. Serum Hsp70 levels were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Standard laboratory parameters (clinical chemistry) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were determined by an autoanalyzer using the manufacturer’s kits. Plasma von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF:Ag) levels were quantified by ELISA, and plasma fibronectin concentration by nephelometry. The amount of cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of the sex-determining region Y gene. Plasma malondialdehyde levels were measured by the thiobarbituric acid-based colorimetric assay. Serum Hsp70 levels were increased in preeclampsia. Furthermore, serum levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, bilirubin and CRP, serum alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, as well as plasma levels of VWF:Ag, fibronectin, cell-free fetal DNA and malondialdehyde were also significantly higher in preeclamptic patients than in normotensive, healthy pregnant women. In preeclamptic patients, serum Hsp70 levels showed significant correlations with serum CRP levels (Spearman R = 0.32, p = 0.010), serum aspartate aminotransferase (R = 0.32, p = 0.008) and LDH activities (R = 0.50, p < 0.001), as well as with plasma malondialdehyde levels (R = 0.25, p = 0.043). However, there was no other relationship between serum Hsp70 levels and clinical characteristics (age, parity, body mass index, blood pressure, gestational age, fetal birth weight) and laboratory parameters of preeclamptic patients, including markers of endothelial activation or injury and trophoblast debris. In conclusion, increased serum Hsp70 levels seem to reflect systemic inflammation, oxidative stress and hepatocellular injury in preeclampsia. Nevertheless, further studies are required to determine whether circulating Hsp70 plays a causative role in the pathogenesis of the disease.     

Serum p53 protein and anti-p53 antibodies are associated with increased cancer risk: a case–control study of 569 patients and 879 healthy controls

The aim of this study to determine whether serum p53 protein and antibodies are associated with malignant tumors. A case–control study was conduct in 569 patients with various types of malignant tumors and 879 healthy controls. Serum p53 protein and antibodies were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).The rate of positive p53 protein in patients with various malignant tumors was 4.22% compared with 0.34% in healthy controls (P < 0.001). The rate of anti-p53 antibodies in patients with various malignant tumors was 14.59% compared with 1.02% in healthy controls (P < 0.001). The adjusted odd ratio (OR) for p53 protein was 17.55 (95% CI = 4.98–61.94). The adjusted odd ratio for anti-p53 antibodies was 14.27 (95% CI = 6.75–30.16). The study strongly suggested that serum p53 protein and antibody are associated with increased cancer risk and can be used as early serological markers in the diagnosis of malignancies tumors.