Leukocyte selenium, zinc, and copper concentrations in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women

Preeclampsia is an important cause of maternal and perinatal mortality worldwide. The etiology of this relatively common medical complication of pregnancy, however, remains unknown. We studied the relationship between maternal leukocyte selenium, zinc, and copper concentrations and the risk of preeclampsia in a large hospital-based case-control study. One hundred seventy-one women with proteinuric pregnancy-induced hypertension (with or without seizures) comprised the case group. Controls were 184 normotensive pregnant women. Leukocytes were separated from blood samples collected during the patients’ postpartum labor and delivery admission. Leukocyte concentrations for the three cations were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Concentrations for each cation were reported as micrograms per gram of total protein. Women with preeclampsia had significantly higher median leukocyte selenium concentrations than normotensive controls (3.23 vs 2.80 μg/g total protein, p<0.0001). Median leukocyte zinc concentrations were 31% higher in preeclamptics as compared with controls (179.15 vs 136.44 μg/g total protein, p<0.0001). Although median leukocyte copper concentrations were slightly higher for cases than controls, this difference did not reach statistical significance (17.72 vs 17.00 μg/g total protein, p=0.468). There was evidence of a linear increase in risk of preeclampsia with increasing concentrations of selenium and zinc. The relative risk for preeclampsia was 3.38 (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=3.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.53–7.54) among women in the highest quartile of the control selenium distribution compared with women in the lowest quartile. The corresponding relative risk and 95% CI for preeclampsia was 5.30 (2.45–11.44) for women in the highest quartile of the control zinc distribution compared with women in the lowest quartile. There was no clear pattern of a linear trend in risk with increasing concentration of leukocyte copper concentrations (adjusted for linear trend in risk =0.299). Our results are consistent with some previous reports. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether observed alterations in selenium and zinc concentrations precede preeclampsia or whether the differences may be attributed to preeclampsia-related alterations in maternal and fetal-placental trace metal metabolism.     

Plasma protein carbonyls in nonpregnant, healthy pregnant and preeclamptic women

Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation may be implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia by causing cell (membrane) damage and impaired endothelial function. Carbonyl derivatives of proteins, or protein carbonyls, may be sensitive biomarkers of ROS-mediated damage. The aim of the study was to compare levels of protein carbonyls in plasma of preeclamptic, healthy pregnant and healthy nonpregnant women. Plasma protein carbonyls were measured in 47 preeclamptic, 45 healthy pregnant and 22 healthy nonpregnant women by using a sensitive ELISA-method. ANOVA, the unpaired t-test and Pearson's correlation were used for statistical analysis. Preeclamptic women had significantly higher plasma protein carbonyl levels than healthy pregnant women (P < 0.0001). Healthy pregnant women showed significantly higher protein carbonyl levels (P < 0.001) as compared to nonpregnant controls. The higher levels of protein carbonyls as compared to nonpregnant controls suggest that increased oxygen free radical damage occurs in normal pregnancy and to a much higher extent in preeclampsia.     

Levels and distribution of zinc,copper, magnesium,and calcium in rats fed different levels of dietary zinc

Effects of altered dietary zinc on levels of zinc, copper, magnesium, and calcium in organ and peripheral tissues were studied. When rats fed a zinc-deficient diet (1.3 μg Zn/g) for 28 d were compared with rats fed a control diet (37.5 μg Zn/g), levels of zinc were slightly lower in plasma, hair, and skin and 50% lower in femur and pancreas, whereas the levels of copper were higher in all tissue except plasma. Magnesium levels were higher than controls in the heart and lower in the spleen, whereas the calcium levels were lower in plasma, lung, spleen, kidney, and skin and strikingly higher in brain, hair, and femur. When rats fed a zinc-supplemented diet (1.0 mg Zn/g) were compared to the same conrols, levels of zinc in these were higher in all organs and peripheral tissues studied, except heart, lung, and liver; copper levels were higher in liver, kidney, and spleen; magnesium levels were significantly higher in the spleen, but were little affected in other tissues, although calcium levels were higher in pancreas, spleen, kidney, and skin and lower in plasma and hair. These data indicate that overall copper organ and peripheral tissue levels are affected inversely, and zinc and calcium levels directly, by zinc nutriture.     

Serum leptin and ghrelin concentrations of maternal serum, arterial and venous cord blood in healthy and preeclamptic pregnant women

Preeclampsia, a common complication of pregnancy, is associated with alteration in the concentration of leptin in maternal blood. The action of leptin is antagonistic to that of ghrelin. Here, we compared the levels of leptin and ghrelin in maternal serum and in arterial and venous cord blood between healthy pregnant women and those suffering from mild and severe preeclampsia. The levels of leptin in maternal and newborn's blood were elevated in both mild and severe preeclamptic patients (p < 0.05). Moreover, serum ghrelin levels were negatively correlated with blood pressure and leptin/ghrelin ratio was decreased in preeclampsia (p < 0.05). We concluded that increased production of ghrelin may represent a compensatory hypotensive mechanism in preeclamptic women.     

Changes in iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, and zinc levels in different tissues of riboflavin-deficient rats

To clarify the changes of mineral levels in different tissues of riboflavin-deficient rats, Wistar rats were separated into three groups. One group was fed a diet ad libitum that was deficient in riboflavin. The other two were fed either the complete diet that was weight-matched to the riboflavin-deficient group or fed a complete diet ad libitum. In riboflavin-deficient rats, the hemoglobin concentration and riboflavin contents of blood, liver, and kidney were significantly decreased, compared with weight-matched and ad libitum-fed controls. The mineral concentrations of tissues are summarized as follows: The iron (Fe) concentration in the heart, liver, and spleen was decreased in the riboflavin-deficient group compared with the other groups. Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in tibia were decreased in the riboflavin-deficient group compared with the other two groups. Copper (Cu) concentration was increased in the heart and liver when the riboflavin-deficient group was compared with the other groups. Zinc (Zn) concentration was increased in tibia when the riboflavin-deficient group was compared with the other groups.     

Serum reference levels of selenium,zinc and copper in healthy pregnant women at a prenatal screening program in southeastern mediterranean region of Turkey

ProjectThe aim of the study was to investigate the serum reference range for Selenium (Se), Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu) levels in women of 10–14 (group I) and 16–20 (group II) weeks of gestation and compare them with those in non-pregnant healthy women and healthy men.ProcedureThis cross-sectional study was performed in 351 pregnant women [group I (n: 177) and group II (n: 174)], 30 non-pregnant women and 30 men as controls. The levels of Se, Zn and Cu levels were determined on flame and furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer using Zeeman background correction.ResultsIn the 10–14 weeks of gestation Se, Zn and Cu serum levels were 44.85±9.23, 81.30±31.94 and 132.33±38.24 ug/dl, in 16–20 weeks of gestation were 47.18±10.92, 74.25±22.47 and 164.86±39.69 ug/dl, in non-pregnant women were 55.38±8.81, 121.41±29.22 and 104.75±39.14 ug/dl also in men 72.24±9.28, 134.85±15.95 and 78.29±20.90 ug/dl, respectively.ConclusionA significant low level of serum Se, Zn and a high level of Cu in the pregnant women in the 10–14 and 16–20 weeks of gestation were detected when compared with that of non-pregnant women and men.     

Hair and serum calcium, iron, copper, and zinc levels during normal pregnancy at three trimesters

The hair and serum levels of calcium, iron, copper, and zinc levels were measured in a group of 70 healthy pregnant women and in 66 age-matched healthy controls living in the Tianjin city of the People’s Republic of China. The study subjects were classified into three subgroups according to gestational age. The hair concentrations were measured by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, whereas those in sera were established by atomic absorption spectrometry. The hair concentrations of Ca, Fe, Cu, and Zn in the three groups of gravida were lower or significantly lower than those in controls. In sera, the differences did not show statistical significance in most cases. A deficiency of calcium was observed in subjects in the last trimester of gestation. This reinforces the importance of supplementation with calcium during pregnancy.     

Comparative analysis of serum zinc,copper, magnesium,calcium and iron level in acute and chronic patients of visceral leishmaniasis

ProjectChronic visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an increasingly common problem in disease endemic states of India. Identification of prognosis risk factor in patients with VL may lead to preventive actions, toward decreasing its mortality in chronic individuals. Though serum Zinc levels are decreased in patients of VL, limited information is available regarding trace elements status in acute and chronic VL patients. The present study was undertaken to compare serum trace elements concentrations in acute and chronic VL patients.ProcedureAcute (mean age = 28.64 years), chronic (mean age = 23.68 years) VL patients and healthy controls (mean age = 23.05 years) who agreed to provide blood specimens for laboratory investigations participated in this study. Serum zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) were measured spectrophotometrically using chemistry analyzer.ResultsSerum Zn concentration was comparatively much decreased in chronic VL than to acute ones (p = 0.007) while serum Mg was higher in chronic VL than acute (p = 0.002) ones. There was no statistically significant difference between acute and chronic VL in serum concentrations of Cu, Fe and Ca.ConclusionsSerum Zn levels were much decreased and serum Mg were increased in chronic VL as compared to acute cases. The serum concentrations of Fe and Ca did not show any difference between two groups. The serum Cu was increased in both groups but more in chronic ones. Serum Zn and Mg could be a potential prognosis factor for chronic VL patients. We hypothesize zinc supplementation as a chemo preventive agent for chronic VL cases, particularly in endemic areas.     

Short communication serum copper,zinc, and calcium concentrations in lice-infested sheep

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in serum concentration of copper, zinc, and calcium in sheep naturally infested with lice (Bovicola caprae, Linognathus africanus, Linognatus ovillus, and Linognattus pedalis). Twenty sheep naturally infested with lice and 20 healthy sheep were used as subjects. Blood samples were collected from the sheep before and 8 and 15 d after treatment with Avermectin, a veterinary antiparasitic drug. The samples were analyzed for their serum copper, zinc, and calcium concentrations by atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentrations of these elements in the infested animals were lower than in the healthy controls, mainly because the general condition of the affected sheep was poor. When the infested animals were treated with an ectoparasitic drug, the serum levels of the studied elements rose to normal ranges while the health of the animals improved.     

Factors influencing plasma zinc levels in low-income pregnant women

Plasma zinc (Zn) concentrations were measured in 4376 indigent women (86% African-American), at a mean (±SD) gestational age of 15 (±7.8) wk to determine the relationship between various maternal characteristics and plasma Zn levels during pregnancy. Mean plasma Zn levels were lower in African-American women than in Caucasian women, in multiparous women than in primiparous women, and in women with body weight >69.9 kg than in those with body weight ≤69.9 kg (p≤0.001 for each comparison). There were no significant differences related to maternal age, marital status, education, or smoking habit. Multiple regression analysis, including maternal prepregnancy weight, race, age, parity, smoking habit, education, and marital status indicated that race, parity, and pregnancy weight were significantly associated with maternal plasma Zn levels, adjusted for gestational age. Maternal race was the best predictor of plasma Zn concentrations among the population of pregnant women studied A significant proportion of variance in maternal plasma Zn levels remained unexplained after taking into account various maternal characteristics. The reasons for lower plasma Zn levels in African-American women, compared to Caucasian women, during pregnancy are unknown.     

Serum copper,zinc levels,and copper

Serum copper and zinc levels were determined in 20 healthy women and in 100 women with gynecological tumors. Malignant and benign tumor cases were separated according to their postoperative, histopathological examinations. The stages of malignant and benign tumors were also established histologically. Seventy benign and 30 malignant genital tumors (carcinoma of cervix in situ, cervix, ovary endometrium, and vulva) of the patients were differentiated histopathologically. The serum Cu/Zn ratios of patients were increased significantly from the control group (0.32±0.35) to the benign group (1.22±0.63) and from the benign group to the malignant group (2.24±1.03). Nine of 30 malignant cases were determined as false negative (30%) and 15 of 70 benign cases were determined as false positive (14.2%) according to the serum Cu/Zn ratios of patients. Serum copper levels of 30 malignant and 10 benign tumor cases showed linear correlation with serum ceruloplasmin values.     

Effects of iron,copper, zinc,calcium, and magnesium on human lymphocytes in culture

The effects of simultaneous changes of calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc concentrations were evaluated in normal human T and B lymphocytes, cultured in cation-depleted media. Optimal concentrations for thymidine incorporation (TI) in both cell populations were Fe and Zn 15 μM and Cu 5 μM; for t cells Ca 2 mM and Mg 4 mM; for B cells Ca 4 mM and Mg 6 mM. TI decreased with increasing molarity of cations and the decrease was particularly apparent with Cu. Minimal amounts of Ca and Mg (0.5 mM) were necessary for growth, even in presence of optimal concentrations of Fe, Cu, and Zn. Fe and Cu showed synergistic stimulatory effects at low concentrations and synergistic inhibitory effects at high concentrations. Antagonism between Fe and Zn, Cu and Zn, and Ca and Zn was also demonstrated. CD4/CD8 increased with PHA stimulation in presence of Zn, and decreased with ConA stimulation in presence of Zn or Fe. The results demonstrate: (1) the relationship and interdependence of Fe, Cu, and Zn concentrations in modulating the growth of normal lymphocytes; (2) the stimulatory effects of Fe on B cells and Zn on CD8 positive cells; (3) the inhibitory effect of Cu at concentrations lower than those of Fe and Zn; (4) the requirement of Ca and Mg in certain concentration and ratio for the action of the other cations; and (5) the Ca and Mg requirement for the growth of B cells higher than T cells.     

Hair concentrations of calcium, iron, and zinc in pregnant women and effects of supplementation

In this investigation, the concentration levels of hair elements of calcium, iron, and zinc were measured in pregnant women from Tianjin metropolis, China. The subjects were 93 cases of pregnant women who had been suffering from calcium, iron, or zinc deficiency judged by blood tests at the mid-term of the second trimester or early in the third trimester. Of these 93 cases, 82 subjects had their hair element levels measured when the blood tests were conducted. Then, they were supplied with mineral element nutrients of gluconic acidic zinc (noted as Zn-nutrient), gluconic acidic calcium (Ca-nutrient), or/and ferrous sulfate (Fe-nutrient) which were correspondent to the deficient element(s) for more than 2 mo before 84 subjects returned to hospital for further diagnoses and had their hair element levels measured for the second time. Finally, in the third trimester or nearparturient phase, 13 subjects had their hair element levels measured again. Except for the deficiencies of calcium, iron, or/and zinc, these subjects were all healthy without symptoms of any diseases. The concentrations of hair Ca, Fe, and Zn were measured by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry. These concentrations of the three hair elements measured at three different times were statistically analyzed. From the analyses, it was clear that hair concentrations of Ca, Fe, and Zn could reflect the effects of supplementation. Also, the mutual resistant effects among Ca-, Fe-, and Zn-nutrients were revealed. However, by appropriate combination, the mutual resistant effects could be depressed and mutual promotional effects might be enhanced. Finally, it could be concluded that mineral element deficiencies might be convalesced by adequate compensations of mineral element nutrients.     

Comparison of angiotensin-converting enzyme, malonaldehyde, zinc, and copper levels in preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a syndrome of unknown etiopathogenesis. Recent studies carried out on preeclampsia have focused on the increase in free radicals in the feto-placental unit with poor perfusion. It is believed that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has a role in the poor perfusion of the placenta. It is uncertain whether there is a pre-existing impairment in RAS in pre-eclamptic pregnant women or not. In the present study, we measured angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), malonaldehyde (MDA), zinc, and copper levels in the placental tissue of 16 pre-eclamptic pregnant women and compared them with those in 20 healthy pregnant women. Whereas ACE activity and MDA were found to be high in the placentas of pre-eclamptic patients, zinc and copper levels were low and there was a negative correlation between ACE activity and zinc concentration. These findings suggest that high ACE activity might play a role in the increase in tissue hypoxia and consequent lipid peroxidation through vasoconstriction; zinc deficiency in the placental tissue might cause insufficiency of superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant enzyme. Furthermore, deficiency in placental zinc also plays a role in the biosynthesis of connective tissue, maintaining its integrity, which might have an impact on the structure of the spiral arteries     

Serum levels of antioxidant vitamins, copper, zinc and magnesium in children with chronic rhinosinusitis

Reactive oxygen species including hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide which are produced by activated granulocytes play an essential role in many biochemical processes and diseases. Oxidant-mediated tissue damage may be important in the development of chronic sinusitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum levels of antioxidant vitamins and elements in 24 children (14 boys and 10 girls, age range: 7-12 years, mean age: 9.2 years) with chronic rhinosinusitis, compared to 20 age and sex matched healthy children. Blood samples were collected in the morning before breakfast and prior to any medication. Vitamin A, E and C levels were determined using reagent kits for high performance liquid chromatography. Cu, Zn and Mg levels were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. Vitamin E, vitamin C, Cu and Zn levels were significantly lower in the patients group than in the control group. However, vitamin A and Mg levels did not differ. In conclusion, serum levels of antioxidant vitamins and elements may be important in the pathogenesis and treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis in children.     

Effect of aldosterone on the serum zinc, copper, and magnesium concentrations in the rat

Possible regulation of trace metal metabolism by various steroid hormones has been reported by a number of investigators. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of aldosterone on the serum copper, zinc, and magnesium concentrations in the rat. Male and female rats were infused with aldosterone for up to 72 h and the serum copper, zinc, and magnesium concentrations were determined. The serum zinc concentration exhibited a transient decrease with a nadir at 24 h. No significant change was observed in serum magnesium or copper that was directly attributable to aldosterone. The mechanism by which aldosterone affects the transient serum zinc decrease was not demonstrated, but several possibilities were discussed.     

Comparison of serum total calcium, dialyzable calcium, and dialyzable magnesium in well and sick neonates

We studied the relation of serum total calcium, dialyzable calcium, and dialyzable magnesium in 61 well and sick newborn infants aged 7-76 h. The infants' serum total calcium, dialyzable calcium and magnesium concentrations (ion chromatography method) were studied in comparison with the infant's history and sickness scale. We found that serum total calcium and dialyzable magnesium were lower in sick infants compared to well infants. Both serum total and dialyzable calcium concentrations initially decreased and then increased by about 30 h of age. Serum dialyzable magnesium concentrations increased with our infants' age. Serum total calcium values correlated significantly with the infant's birth weight, gestational age, 1-min Apgar score, respiratory distress, severity of sickness, serum bilirubin and sodium concentrations.     

Tissue and blood levels of zinc, copper, and magnesium in nitric oxide synthase blockade-induced hypertension

The aim of this study was to determine the levels of tissue and blood zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg) in nitric oxide (NO) synthase blockade-induced hypertension. A group of albino rats received a NO synthase inhibitor, N ^G -nitro-l-arginine-methyl ester (l-NAME, 60 mg/kg/d) in their drinking water for 21 d. l-NAME intake caused a progressive rise in this group’s resting mean arterial blood pressure compared to a control group (p<0.01). There were no differences between the groups with regard to tissue and blood levels of Zn or Cu; however, Mg concentrations were significantly lower in the hypertensive rats’ erythrocytes (20.2% reduction from control levels), cerebral cortex (17.0%), heart (9.1%), renal cortex (12%), renal medulla (16.7%), and in the tissues of the caval vein (23.7%), mesenteric artery (29.8%), renal artery (18.4%), and renal vein (22.1%). There were no significant Mg concentration changes in the hypertensive group’s plasma, cerebellum, liver, duodenum, or aortal tissue. These findings suggest that Mg depletion may play a role in the blood pressure rise that occurs in the model of chronic NO synthase inhibition-induced hypertension.