Total Iron,Heme Iron,Zinc, and Copper Content in Rabbit Meat and Viscera

The aim of this study is to determine the content of total iron (TFe), heme iron (HeFe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) in different cuts of meat and viscera from rabbit. Five young New Zealand rabbits were used in the study. Samples in triplicate were obtained from three meat cuts (foreleg, hind leg, and loin) and from main viscera. TFe, Zn, and Cu concentrations from samples were determined by wet acid digestion followed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), while HeFe was determined by acid extraction followed by AAS. Mean TFe, HeFe, Zn, and Cu in meat was 0.83 ± 0.09, 0.56 ± 0.11, 0.95 ± 0.35, and 0.08 ± 0.01 mg/100 g, respectively. TFe content was less than 1 mg/100 g in all meat cuts. Sixty-seven percent of iron content was HeFe. The cut of meat with highest Zn concentrations was the foreleg with 1.33 ± 0.12 mg/100 g. Cu content was low for all meat cuts. TFe, HeFe, Zn, and Cu content in viscera varied greatly. The spleen was the organ with the highest TFe and Zn concentrations (82.79 ± 9.22 mg/100 g and 3.49 ± 0.63 mg/100 g, respectively). Nevertheless, the lungs had the highest concentration of HeFe (5.79 ± 0.90 mg/100 g), accounting for 91% of the total iron. The liver had the highest Cu content (3.89 ± 0.89 mg/100 g). Rabbit meat has low TFe concentration, similar to that of poultry, and most of the iron is HeFe. The amount of minerals in viscera closely depends on their function.     

Serum Concentration of Copper,Zinc, Iron,and Cobalt and the Copper/Zinc Ratio in Horses with Equine Herpesvirus-1

The serum concentrations of copper, zinc, iron, and cobalt and copper/zinc ratio were investigated in horses infected with equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). Nine horses were naturally infected with the virus and nine healthy horses served as controls. The concentrations of copper, zinc, iron, and cobalt were determined spectrophotometrically in the blood serum of all horses. The results were (expressed in micrograms per deciliters) copper 2.80 ± 0.34 vs 1.12 ± 0.44, zinc 3.05 ± 0.18 vs 0.83 ± 0.06, iron 2.76 ± 0.17 vs 3.71 ± 0.69, cobalt 0.19 ± 0.37 vs 0.22 ± 0.45, and copper/zinc ratio 0.72 ± 0.38 vs 1.41 ± 0.36 for control vs infected group, respectively. In conclusion, copper and zinc concentrations of the infected group were lower than the control group (p < 0.001), whereas iron concentration and the copper/zinc ratio of the infected group were higher than the control group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001). The cobalt concentration was not found to be statistically different between two groups. It might be emphasized that copper/zinc ratio was significantly affected by the EHV-1 infection, so it could be taken into consideration during the course of infection. An erratum to this article can be found at     

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.     

Determination of Zinc,Copper, Iron,and Manganese in Different Regions of Lamb Brain

The levels of zinc, copper, iron, and manganese were measured in the hippocampus, thalamus, gyrus cinguli, hypothalamus, and in the prefrontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital cortexes of lamb brain by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Standard addition method was also applied to samples and it was observed that there was no matrix interference affecting the determination of elements interested. In the determination of Cu, a slotted tube atom trap was used to improve sensitivity. One-way analysis of variance was used for the statistical evaluation of the results for each element. Limit of detection results for Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn were found to be 24, 4.5, 60, and 25 ng/mL, respectively. Region-specific differences were found for all elements interested. Mn concentration ranging from 0.29 ± 0.04 to 0.61 ± 0.04 mg/kg was found to be the lowest in all brain regions among the all elements interested.     

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.     

Topotecan Treatment and Its Toxic Effects on Hematologic Parameters and Trace Elements

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of topotecan, a topoisomerase I-inhibiting anticancer agent, on hematologic parameters and serum levels of trace elements. The study was conducted on three groups consisting of 16 and 18 rabbits in the study groups and 15 rabbits in the control group. Rabbits in group I (n = 16) received high-dose topotecan intravenously (i.v.; 0.5 mg/kg once daily), while rabbits in group II (n = 18) received low-dose topotecan i.v. (0.25 mg/kg once daily) for 3 days. The 15 rabbits comprising the control group did not receive topotecan. Serum samples were collected from each rabbit on the first day, before the treatment, and on the 15th day of treatment. Erithrocytes, hemoglobin, white blood cell count, thrombocyte count, and trace elements such as selenium, copper, lead, zinc, and cobalt were analyzed. Hemoglobin levels and erythrocyte counts were lower in both study groups than in the control group. However, thrombocyte and leukocyte counts were similar in all three groups (p > 0.005). Serum trace element levels (copper, lead, zinc, and cobalt) did not differ significantly between groups. However, serum selenium levels were significantly lower in both study groups than the control group (p < 0.001). The results revealed that topotecan treatment causes a decrease in erythrocyte counts and hemoglobin levels due to bone marrow suppression, and these effects must be taken into account during treatment. In addition, selenium supplementation might be helpful in cancer patients receiving topotecan to increase the effect of the chemotherapeutic agent.     

The Effect of Vitamin A Supplementation on Various Elements in Elite Taekwondo Players

The present study aims to examine the effects of both physical activity and vitamin A supplementation on trace element metabolism in individuals engaged in taekwondo. The study registered seven healthy male national taekwondo players whose mean age was 21.86 ± 0.34 years and mean weight was 64.86 ± 2.72 kg. The subjects were supplemented with oral administration of 100 mg vitamin A (retinol) for 6 weeks, and concurrently, they were subjected to taekwondo training 5 days a week. Before starting the vitamin A supplementation, blood samples were taken from the subjects twice, once at rest and once after exhaustion. Similarly, at the end of the 6-week vitamin A supplementation, two blood samples were taken from the subjects, once at rest and once after exhaustion, in order to determine (by atomic emission) and compare serum cobalt, molybdenum, calcium, cadmium, chromium, copper, manganese, sodium, nickel, phosphorus, sulfur, iron, boron, and zinc (mg/L) levels. Values of boron and nickel dropped significantly after 6-week vitamin A supplementation (p < 0.001). Reduced levels of boron and nickel we obtained in the present study are believed to result from the antioxidant effect of long-term vitamin A supplementation.     

Iron Dialyzability from Hospital Duplicate Meals: Daily Intake

Both total and dialyzable iron levels and corresponding dialyzability were determined in 108 duplicate meals during 36 consecutive days. Total mean iron fraction of 5.90 ± 4.97 mg was found in the meals. The iron supplied by the meals is directly and significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with macromicronutrient content (carbohydrates, fiber, and protein). The mean iron dialyzability (4.81 ± 3.25%) was low and not significantly different among the three primary meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Significant interactions of several minerals on iron levels were found (p < 0.05). Iron dialyzability was only statistically influenced by zinc dialyzability in meals (p < 0.05). The dialyzed iron fraction present in meals was significantly correlated with protein and ascorbic acid levels (p < 0.01). The mean iron daily dietary intake was 17.7 ± 6.91 mg. The hospital meals provided enough iron. Foods of animal origin are primary sources of iron in diet.     

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.     

Anaesthesia of free-ranging Northern chamois (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rupicapra rupicapra</Emphasis>) with xylazine/ketamine and reversal with atipamezole

One-hundred and fifty-five free-ranging Northern chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) were anaesthetised in the course of a restocking programme using xylazine plus ketamine. Mean ± SD dosages for xylazine and ketamine were 1.9 ± 0.5 and 2.2 ± 0.7 mg/kg, respectively. In 57 chamois, sedation was reversed using 0.3 ± 0.1 mg/kg atipamezole. Although all the anaesthetic dosages tested immobilised free-ranging Northern chamois, shorter induction times (4.8 ± 2.6 min), deeper sedation with no reaction to handling in >90% of the animals and quick reversal (4.0 ± 2.7 min) were obtained using 2.5 mg/kg xylazine plus 3.0 mg/kg ketamine reversed with 0.25 mg/kg atipamezole. Under the conditions of this study, suggested standard doses are 63 mg/animal xylazine plus 76 mg/animal ketamine reversed by 6.3 mg/animal atipamezole. This anaesthetic protocol improves the results from the previous study of Dematteis et al. (Vet Rec 163:184–189, 2008) using xylazine alone.     

Zinc,Copper, Iron,and Selenium Levels in Brain and Liver of Mice Exposed to Acrylonitrile

The mechanism of toxicity of acrylonitrile (AN) has not been fully defined. The research described herein was undertaken to investigate the possible effects of AN on the levels of metallic elements in liver and brain of mice. Thirty-two mice were randomly assigned to four separate groups and treated intraperitoneal (i.p.) once daily for 1 week. Mice in the control group received normal saline, and mice in the three exposure groups received 5, 10, or 20 mg AN/kg b.w. Samples of brain and liver were collected immediately after decapitation. Tissue levels of trace elements (zinc, copper, iron) were determined with flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer or double channel atomic fluorescence absorption spectrophotometer (selenium). Mean brain weights of AN-treated mice were increased as a function of dose compared to controls, but there was no significant change in the ratio of liver/body weight in the four groups. While mean brain zinc decreased as a function of AN dosage, mean liver zinc of the low-dose group significantly increased (p < 0.05); mean liver copper in the medium-dose AN group was significantly higher compared to controls (p < 0.05); however, mean brain copper was increased, but the difference did not attain statistical significance in the three AN groups when compared with the controls (p > 0.05). Mean brain iron levels were significantly decreased in the middle-dose AN group (p < 0.05), but there were no consistent changes in liver iron. Tissue levels of selenium in brain and liver were similar for the control and AN treatment groups. AN induces significant and differential changes in the levels of zinc, copper, and iron in brain and liver. These changes likely play a pivotal role in mediating AN toxicity, most likely via changes in cellular redox status.     

Effects of deoxynivalenol (DON) in the lactation diet on the feed intake and fertility of sows

A diet contaminated with 2.8 mg deoxynivalenol (DON)/kg was fed at 6 kg per day to 32 mycotoxin-exposed pluriparous sows (M) during lactation. The 31 control sows (C) received 6 kg of an uncontaminated diet. Although more contaminated diet was refused (P = 0.05), DON exposure had no effect (P > 0.1) on body weight loss of the sows during lactation (M: 27.9 ± 12.3 kg; C: 29.7 ± 10.2 kg), the number of weaned piglets (M: 9.8 ± 1.4; C: 9.7 ± 1.6) and their daily weight gain (M: 266 ± 70 g; C: 272 ± 64 g). Several sows were culled after weaning for reasons unrelated to the experiment. Compared with the remaining 21 C sows, the remaining 26 M sows had an identical interval between weaning and the next farrowing (M: 120 ± 1 days; C: 120 ± 1 days) and a similar litter size (M: 14.5 ± 2.7; C: 14.9 ± 3.0; P > 0.10). The daily intake of 17 mg DON during lactation thus did not affect the reproductive performance of the sows.     

Determination of Trace Elements in Three Mushroom Samples of Basidiomycetes from Shandong,China

We have determined the trace element composition of three mushrooms of Basidiomycetes, used in traditional Chinese medicine using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Metal concentrations in mushrooms were 203–401 mg/kg for iron, 22–51 mg/kg for manganese, 84–116 mg/kg for zinc, 24.1–41.3 mg/kg for copper, 1.6–5.6 mg/kg for lead, 3.3–4.4 mg/kg for chromium, 9.3–11.5 mg/kg for nickel, 0 mg/kg for vanadium, and 55.3–71 mg/kg for magnesium. The trace metal concentrations in mushrooms are hardly affected by the ecosystem and soil where they grew, as well as by the mushroom species and trace metal species. The results can be used to set new standards to control the quality of the three mushrooms of Basidiomycetes—Ganoderma lucidum, Coprinus comatus, and Grifola frondosa.     

Study on the Trace Elements in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Swertia chirayita</Emphasis> (Roxb.) H. Karsten

An attempt has been made to analyze some trace elements and electrolytes like Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Co, Na, K, Ca, and Li present in the Swertia chirayita roots and leaves. The concentration of Ca in all the samples was more than 1,346.0 mg/kg and the concentration of other elements was found in the order K > Ca > Fe > Na > Mn > Zn > Co > Cu > Li in different samples of S. chirayita.     

The Effect of Level and Source of Dietary Selenium Supplementation on Eggshell Quality

A 16-week-long experiment was performed to compare the effect of sodium selenite (SS) and selenium-enriched yeast (SY) supplementation on eggshell quality and also to evaluate breaking force correlation with other parameters of shell quality originating from hens fed with selenium supplementation. One hundred Shaver 579 hens (27 weeks old) with similar body size were randomly divided for five dietary treatments: basal diet without selenium supplementation and basal diets with two levels of selenium supplementation (0.4 or 0.8 mg/kg) via SS or SY. No adverse effect of Se inclusion in hen's feed, regardless of its source, on shell breaking force, shell deformation, shape index, shell thickness and shell percentage, were observed throughout the current study (P > 0.05). Moderate correlations were found between breaking force and nondestructive shell deformation for all diets (P < 0.05). There was no significant overall correlation between egg breaking force and shell thickness or/and percentage shell in the presence of selenium supplemention (P > 0.05). Shape index in all four selenium-supplemented groups was not related to the breaking force (P > 0.05). Selenium supplementation of up to 0.8 mg/kg, regardless of its source, in the diet of laying hens in their first phase of laying does not adversely affect eggshell quality.     

Elements in Sera of Elite Taekwondo Athletes: Effects of Vitamin E Supplementation

Many researchers have emphasized the relation between nutrition and development and sustaining performance. Two methods are commonly employed to identify the interaction between physical activity and nutrition. The first consists of administering food with a variety of contents to people engaged in physical activity and observing their performance responses, and the other is concerned with determining the effects of physical activity on nutrition. Therefore, it can be said that there has been a growing interest in the explorations into the relation between exercise and vitamins, minerals, and elements. The present study reports the effects of 6 weeks administration of 300 mg/day vitamin E on the distribution of serum elements in elite taekwondo athletes. Seven male athletes, mean ages 22.1 ± 0.5 years weighing on average 66.4 ± 2.4 kg were included in the study. The athletes had been practicing taekwondo for 10–12 years. Resting blood samples were collected in duplicate before and after supplementation for determination of serum levels of cobalt, boron, cadmium, chromium, nickel, manganese, sulfur, copper, iron, zinc, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and calcium. Supplementation resulted in significant increases of all elements relative to values before supplementation (p < 0.001), with the exception of boron and sulfur, which remained without change. The results of the present study demonstrate that vitamin E supplementation crucially influences the element and mineral metabolism in elite athletes.     

Effect of Selenium Supplementation on Blood Status and Milk,Urine, and Fecal Excretion in Pregnant and Lactating Camel

Ten pregnant female camels divided into two groups received, after a 2-week adaptation period, an oral selenium (Se) supplementation (0 and 2 mg, respectively) under sodium selenite form for 6 months from the three last months of gestation up to the three first months of lactation. Feed intake was assessed daily. Blood samples and body weight were taken on a biweekly basis, both in dams and their camel calves after parturition. Feces and urine samples were collected monthly and milk on a biweekly basis. The Se concentration in serum increased significantly in the supplemented group and was threefold higher than the concentration compared to the control group, respectively, 305.9 ± 103.3 and 109.3 ± 33.1 ng/mL. The selenium concentration increased in similar proportion in milk (86.4 ± 39.1 ng/mL in the control group vs 167.1 ± 97.3 ng/mL in treated group), in urine, and feces. The gluthathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity varied between 18.1 ± 8.7 IU/g hemoglobin (Hb) in control group and 47.5 ± 25.6 IU/g Hb in treated group but decreased after parturition in both groups. Vitamin E did not change significantly and was, on average, 1.17 ± 0.72 and 1.14 ± 0.89 ng/mL in the control and treated groups, respectively. Significant correlations were reported between serum Se, milk Se, GSH-Px, and fecal and urinary excretion or concentration. Blood values in camel calves were similar to those of the dams. The results seemed to confirm the sensitivity of camel to Se supplementation with an important increase of selenium in serum and milk.     

Changes in Serum Zinc Levels Associated with Giardiasis and Dietary Zinc Intake in Mice

The association of giardiasis with the malabsorption of zinc remains controversial. This study investigated changes in serum zinc levels in Giardia-infected mice subjected to different dietary zinc regimens. Thirty-five mice (strain C₃H/H_eJ) were randomly categorized into two groups. The first group was inoculated with 5 × 10⁶ Giardia trophozoites (n = 18), and the second group remained Giardia free (n = 17). Each group (Giardia infected and Giardia free) was randomly classified into three subgroups and given low (9 mg Zn/kg), normal (33 mg Zn/kg), and high levels (288 mg Zn/kg) of dietary zinc over a 2-week period for acclimation. Fourteen days post-Giardia infection, all of the mice were euthanized and blood samples were collected. The number of trophozoites was quantified (hematocytometer), and serum zinc levels were determined via atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Significant increases in the median weights were only found in the Giardia-free mice (p < 0.05). A higher final median weight was found in the Giardia-free group when compared with that of the Giardia-infected group given low dietary zinc (p = 0.013). In the Giardia-infected group with low dietary zinc, the geometric mean of trophozoites was 3,498 ± 101 (SE) per milliliter. The Giardia-infected group had lower serum zinc levels than did the Giardia-free group with the high dietary zinc regimens (p < 0.05). Our results are consistent with studies among human populations, but further studies are required to elucidate the actual mechanism governing the zinc–giardiasis interaction.     

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.