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.     

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.     

Intra-erythrocyte Magnesium Is Associated with Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase in Obese Children and Adolescents

This study aims at determining the association between markers of hepatic injury and serum, urinary, and intra-erythrocyte magnesium concentrations and dietary magnesium intake in obese children and adolescents. In a case–control study, 42 obese children and adolescents (8–18 years) and 42 sex- and puberty-matched controls were studied. Serum, urinary, and intra-erythrocyte magnesium levels, indices of insulin sensitivity, and liver enzymes were measured. Dietary magnesium intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Obese children and adolescents exhibited insulin resistance as determined by a higher fasting insulin and the HOMA-IR (p < 0.001) and lower QUICKI indices (p = 0.001); in addition these subjects had significantly higher intra-erythrocyte magnesium (IEM) concentrations, than non-obese ones (3.99 ± 1.05 vs. 3.35 ± 1.26 mg/dL of packed cell; p = 0.015). Among liver enzymes, only gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) was significantly higher in obese than in non-obese subjects (22.7 ± 9.4 vs. 17.1 ± 7.9 U/l; p = 0.002). A positive association was found between GGT and IEM in both groups; however in multivariate analysis, in obese subjects, only GGT (p = 0.026) and, in non-obese subjects, only age (p = 0.006) remained as significant predictors of IEM. In conclusion, increased IEM concentration was seen in insulin-resistant obese children and adolescents; furthermore, serum GGT was associated with IEM, independently of body mass index and HOMA-IR.     

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 Levels of Cu,Se, and Zn in Adult Rural/Urban Residents in Ghana: Paradigm Shift?

Deficiencies in Cu, Se, and Zn impair one or more biochemical functions, and excess are associated with toxicity. Baseline studies on the Ghanaian population are scanty. The study was undertaken to determine whether significant rural/urban differences in the serum levels of Cu, Se, and Zn did exist. Forty males/60 females from rural and 50 males/50 females from urban Ghanaian communities were sampled. Serum Cu, Se, and Zn were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Cu level for rural and urban subjects was 997 ± 333 and 979 ± 290 μg/L, respectively (p = 0.68). However, Cu levels were significantly higher in the rural females (1,063 ± 367 μg/L) than the rural males (898 ± 249 μg/L; p = 0.0085). Se levels for rural/urban subjects were 97 ± 36 and 87 ± 31 μg/L, respectively (p = 0.03). Zn levels in the rural/urban subjects were 312 ± 218 and 150 ± 102 μg/L, respectively (p = 0.002). Additionally, Zn was significantly higher in rural females (428 ± 204 μg/L) than the urban females (166 ± 103 μg/L; p = 0.0002). Finally, Zn was significantly higher in rural females (428 ± 204 μg/L) than males (172 ± 116 μg/L; p = 0.0028). In conclusion, Cu, Se, and Zn were higher in the rural group compared to the urban group, and the generally low Zn levels were confirmed in another cohort follow-up study.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Dialysability of Magnesium and Calcium from Hospital Duplicate Meals: Influence Exerted by Other Elements

Total and dialysable magnesium and calcium levels and corresponding dialysabilities were measured in duplicate meals (n = 108) during 36 consecutive days. The interaction exerted by other nutrients and energy on them was also performed. Total mean magnesium and calcium fractions of 113.9 ± 98.3 and 337.2 ± 278.9 mg/meal respectively, were found. The Mg and Ca levels supplied by meals are positively (p < 0.05) correlated with macronutrient contents (carbohydrates and proteins). The mean dialysable Mg and Ca fractions were 56.9 ± 36.3 and 127.4 ± 112.3 mg/meal (50.4 ± 13.2 and 37.8 ± 10.7% as dialysabilities, respectively). Total Mg and Ca levels are significantly correlated with corresponding element dialysabilities (p < 0.05). For both minerals, significant correlations between their total and dialysable fractions and between their dialysable level and dialysabilities were noted (p < 0.01). The mean Mg and Ca daily dietary intakes (DDI) were 341.7 ± 68.0 and 1,011.6 ± 424.4 mg/day, respectively. For Ca and Mg the existence of similarities in their behaviour in meals and absorptive processes has been found. Duplicate meals with raw vegetables are good sources of bioaccessible Mg. High Ca dialysability has been found in the analysed meals. The fish and products constitute a good source of bioaccessible Ca. Mg, Ca, zinc, and chromium levels enhanced significantly the Mg dialysability. The Ca dialysability rose significantly with dialysable Ca and chromium fractions (p < 0.05).     

Zinc,Manganese, Calcium,Copper, and Cadmium Level in Scalp Hair Samples of Schizophrenic Patients

The purpose of the study was to determine the concentration of trace elements present in scalp hair sample of schizophrenic patients and to find out the relationship between trace elements level and nutritional status or socioeconomic factors. The study was conducted among 30 schizophrenic male patients and 30 healthy male volunteers. Patients were recruited from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University by random sampling. Hair trace element concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy and analyzed by independent t test, Pearson’s correlation analysis, regression analysis, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Mn, Zn, Ca, Cu, and Cd concentrations of schizophrenic patients were 3.8 ± 2.31 μg/gm, 171.6 ± 59.04 μg/gm, 396.23 ± 157.83 μg/gm, 15.40 ± 5.68 μg/gm, and 1.14 ± 0.89 μg/gm of hair sample, while those of control subjects were 4.4 ± 2.32 μg/gm, 199.16 ± 27.85 μg/gm, 620.9 ± 181.55 μg/gm, 12.23 ± 4.56 μg/gm, and 0.47 ± 0.32 μg/gm of hair sample, respectively. The hair concentration of Zn and Ca decreased significantly (p = 0.024; p = 0.000, respectively) and the concentration of Cu and Cd increased significantly (p = 0.021; p = 0.000, respectively) in schizophrenic patients while the concentration of Mn (p = 0.321) remain unchanged. Socioeconomic data reveals that most of the patients were poor, middle-aged and divorced. Mean body mass indices (BMIs) of the control group (22.26 ± 1.91 kg/m²) and the patient group (20.42 ± 3.16 kg/m²) were within the normal range (18.5−25.0 kg/m²). Pearson’s correlation analysis suggested that only Ca concentration of patients had a significant positive correlation with the BMI (r = 0.597; p = 0.000) which was further justified from the regression analysis (R ² = 44%; t = 3.59; p = 0.002) and one-way ANOVA test (F = 3.62; p = 0.015). A significant decrease in the hair concentration of Zn and Ca as well as a significant increase in the hair concentration of Cu and Cd in schizophrenic patients than that of its control group was observed which may provide prognostic tool for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. However, further work with larger population is suggested to examine the exact correlation between trace element level and the degree of disorder.     

Serum heat shock protein 27 antigen and antibody levels appear to be related to the macrovascular complications associated with insulin resistance: a pilot study

Heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) is over-expressed when cells are exposed to stressful conditions that include oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes and insulin resistance. We have investigated the concentrations of serum Hsp27 antigen and antibodies in subjects from different glycaemic categories, who either did or did not have established CVD. Serum Hsp27 antigen and antibody levels (immunoglobulins M and G (IgM and IgG)) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) in 68 individuals: 26 with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), 10 with (+) and 16 without (−) a history of CVD and 42 individuals with varying degrees of glucose intolerance (GI; 21 with and 21 without a history of CVD). Insulin sensitivity was determined in each subject using indices derived from the homeostasis model assessment of sensitivity and the insulin sensitivity index for glycaemia. Serum Hsp27 concentrations were significantly higher in GI (+CVD) subjects compared to GI (−CVD) subjects (p = 0.03), NGT (−CVD) subjects (p = 0.02) and NGT (+CVD) subjects (p = 0.04) and were positively correlated to fasting plasma glucose for all subjects (r = 0.28, p = 0.03). IgM antibody levels were significantly higher in GI (+CVD) subjects compared to NGT (−CVD) group (p = 0.02) and were inversely related to fasting insulin concentrations (r = −0.27, p = 0.04) and the 2-h insulin concentrations (r = −0.29, p = 0.03) for all subjects. Serum IgG antibody levels were higher in GI (+CVD) group compared to GI (−CVD) group (p = 0.06). In conclusion, Hsp27 and its antibody concentrations appear to relate to the presence of cardiovascular complications in patients with GI.     

The Content of Selected Chemical Elements in the Hair of Young Men of the Bantu Language Group from Tanzania Versus Environmental and Social Conditioning

Research works that would determine the content of chemical elements in black population organisms on the basis of hair analysis are not numerous. There are no studies referring to black populations living in indigenous environment, like the Mafinga region, Iringa District in Tanzania examined by us. The aim of the study performed was to analyse the content of chemical elements Fe, Ca, Mg, Zn and Cu in easily available biological media like hair. The material was collected in October 2005 and March 2006 during anthropological examination, which came from young males (n = 91), students of a secondary school. Large Ca concentration range was found for the total number of subjects (680.20 to 2,089.70 μg/g d.m.). Mean Fe content in hair for the total number of subjects was 11.19 ± 3.70 μg/g d.m., while that of Mg 6.84 ± 2.02 μg/g d.m. Mean Zn concentration for the total number of subjects was 91.06 ± 39.22 μg/g d.m., being significantly higher in younger group than in older one (p = 0.039). Mean Cu concentration in hair for the total number of subjects was 7.50 ± 2.90 μg/g d.m Body mass index (BMI = kg/m²) was calculated for the subjects showing that out of 91 men participating in the study 15.4% was characterised by mediocre nutrition. No statistically significant correlations were found between BMI and the analysed chemical elements. The analysis of the content of trace elements in the hair of the examined young males showed deficiencies in Zn, Cu, Fe and significantly in Mg.     

Influence of Therapy with Metformin on the Concentration of Certain Divalent Cations in Patients with Non-insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Research was performed on a group of 30 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), who never received antidiabetic medication before, and on a group of 17 healthy adults. The patients were administered treatment with metformin, 1,000 mg/day. Plasmatic and urinary concentration of magnesium have been measured, copper and zinc along with the concentrations of glucose, HDL, LDL, cholesterol, tryglicerides, HbA1c, and total erythrocyte magnesium, in advance and after 3 months of treatment. Data showed significant differences in the NIDDM group vs the control group: for plasma magnesium—1.95 ± 0.19 vs 2.20 ± 0.18 mg/dl, p < 0.001; urine magnesium—237.28 ± 34.51 vs 126.25 ± 38.22 mg/24 h, p < 0.001; erythrocyte magnesium—5.09 ± 0.63 vs 6.38 ± 0.75 mg/dl, p < 0.001; plasma zinc—67.56 ± 6.21 vs 98.41 ± 20.47 μg/dl, p < 0.001; urine zinc—1,347.54 ± 158.24 vs 851.65 ± 209.75 μg/24 h, p < 0.001; plasma copper—111.91 ± 20.98 vs 96.33 ± 8.56 μg/dl, p < 0.001; and urine copper—51.70 ± 23.79 vs 36.00 ± 11.70 μg/24 h, p < 0.05. Treatment with metformin for 3 months modified significant erythrocyte magnesium—5.75 ± 0.61 vs 5.09 ± 0.63 mg/dl, p < 0.001 and urine magnesium—198.27 ± 27.07 vs 237.28 ± 34.51 mg/24 h, p < 0.001, whereas it did not modify significant the plasmatic and urinary concentration of the other cations. The erythrocyte magnesium concentration was inversely correlated with HbA1c (r = −0.438, p = 0.015). The plasma level of copper was positively correlated with HbA1c (r = 0.517, p < 0.003), tryglicerides (r = 0.534, p < 0.003), and cholesterol (r = 0.440, p < 0.05), and the plasma level of zinc was inversely correlated with glycemia (r = −0.399, p = 0.029). Our data show a significant action of metformin therapy, by increasing the total intraerythrocyte magnesium concentration and decreasing the urinary magnesium elimination, positively correlated with the decrease of glycemia and HbA1c in NIDDM patients.     

Plasma Leptin,Plasma Zinc,and Plasma Copper Are Associated in Elite Female and Male Judo Athletes

The purpose of this study was to compare plasma leptin, plasma zinc, and plasma copper levels and their relationship in trained female and male judo athletes (n = 10 women; n = 8 men). Blood samples were obtained 24 h after training to measure plasma zinc, copper, and leptin levels. Subjects presented similar values to age (22 ± 2 years old), body mass index (24 ± 1 kg/m²), plasma zinc (17.2 ± 2 μmol/L), copper (12.5 ± 2 μmol/L), and leptin (5.6 ± 1.3 μg/L). However, height, total body mass, lean mass, fat mass, and sum of ten-skinfold thickness were higher in male than female. Plasma leptin was associated with sum of ten skinfolds in male (r = 0.91; p < 0.001) and female athletes (r = 0.84; p < 0.003). Plasma zinc was associated with leptin in males (r = 0.82; p < 0.05) while copper was associated with plasma leptin in females (r = 0.66; p < 0.05). Our results suggest that young judo athletes lost sex-related differences in leptin levels. Plasma zinc, plasma copper, and energy homeostasis may be involved in regulation of plasma leptin.     

Serum Selenium Level in Healthy Koreans

Of trace elements in the serum of living organisms, selenium (Se) is an essential mineral and plays the role of an antioxidant as selenoproteins protecting the organism against oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide, other lipid hydroperoxides, and their derivatives. The aim of this study was to determine the mean serum Se levels in healthy Korean volunteers (50 males and 50 females) by using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry method. The samples were collected at the Health Promotion Centre of Kangnam St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, the Catholic University of Korea, Kangnam District, Seoul in accordance with procedures approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Catholic University of Korea. The mean serum Se level in healthy subjects was 112.05 ± 30.42 μg/l. For gender, it was 120.81 ± 27.37 μg/l for females and 103.29 ± 31.05 μg/l for males. From the study result, there was a significant difference between the mean Se concentrations of gender groups (p = 0.0035). Also, the study indicated no effect of age on Se levels (p > 0.05) in the healthy individuals.     

Plasma Zinc Concentration,Body Composition and Physical Activity in Obese Preschool Children

Zinc (Zn) deficiency and obesity can be observed together in some developing countries. Zn deficiency may enhance fat deposition and decrease lean mass accrual, which in turn, appears to influence physical activity (PA), although this has not yet been evaluated in obese children. The objective of the study was to find out the association between measurements of plasma Zn and serum leptin, body composition, and PA in Chilean obese preschool children. Seventy-two 18- to 36-month-old obese children [weight-for-length/height z score (WHZ) > 2.0 SD], belonging to low socioeconomic communities, participated in the study. Plasma Zn, serum leptin, weight, waist circumference, height, total body water (TBW) assessed by deuterium isotopic dilution technique and daily activity, measured by registering 48 h with an accelerometer, were evaluated. We found 82% of children with WHZ > 3 SD. The geometric mean Zn intake was 6.2 ± 2.5 mg/day. The mean plasma Zn was 91.8 ± 11.4 μg/dL, with 10% of the children having levels <80 μg/dL. No correlation was found between plasma Zn concentrations and either weight, WHZ, or waist circumference. Serum leptin was lower in males than in females (2.9 ± 2.8 vs 6.8 ± 5.0 ng/mL, respectively; p < 0.001). TBW was different between males and females (56.2 ± 5.4 vs 52.8 ± 4.3% body weight, respectively; p = 0.004), but no significant association was found between TBW and plasma Zn. Moderate + intense PA, (as percentage of wake time), was greater in males than in females (6.3 ± 3.1% vs 3.4 ± 2.3%, respectively; p < 0.001), but it was not significantly correlated to plasma Zn. In conclusion, plasma Zn was not associated with body composition as assessed by TBW, serum leptin, or with the magnitude of physical activity in Chilean overweight preschool children.     

Chronic Fluoride Exposure Has a Role in Etiology of Coronary Artery Ectasia: Sialic Acid/Glycosaminoglycan Ratio

The sialic acid/glycosaminoglycan ratio was determined in 35 coronary artery ectasia patients and 35 control subjects to determine the possible role of fluoride in the etiology of the disease. The coronary artery ectasia patients and controls were selected from subjects who underwent coronary angiography. The mean serum sialic acid level was significantly lower in patients with coronary artery ectasia (CAE) than in controls (340.3 ± 28.6 vs. 427.0 ± 15.9 μg/mL, respectively; p < 0.001). The mean serum glycosaminoglycan level was significantly higher in patients with CAE than in controls (5,013.1 ± 158.6 vs. 3,833.6 ± 237.1 μg/mL, respectively; p < 0.001). The sialic acid/glycosaminoglycan ratio in patients with coronary artery ectasia was significantly lower than in controls (0.068 ± 0.007 vs. 0.111 ± 0.005; p < 0.001). There was more than 38.7% reduction in this ratio in patients with CAE when compared with controls. We demonstrated that chronic fluoride exposure has an important role in pathogenesis of coronary artery ectasia.     

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.