Plasma zinc levels during pregnancy and its relationship to maternal and neonatal characteristics: a longitudinal study

Forty consecutive healthy pregnant women aged 17–38 yr who attended the antenatal clinic of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ankara University in their first trimester participated in the study. The pregnant women were followed up longitudinally until the end of their pregnancy. Forty healthy age-matched nonpregnant women were used as a control group. Each pregnant woman was interviewed and a special questionnaire recording dietary history (3-d recall) and socioeconomic status (SES) was used. Birth weight, height, and head circumference of the newborn were measured and a complete physical examination was done for each neonate by the same observer. Blood samples were obtained at each trimester and zinc determinations were made using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results of plasma Zn measurements were available in 39 pregnant women. There were 23 women of low SES (mean plasma Zn level: 59.0 ± 6.9 μg/dL) and 16 of high SES (mean plasma Zn: 70.3 ± 5.2 μg/dL). The difference between the mean plasma Zn levels of these two groups was significant (p<0.001). The nutritional status in our study appeared to be an important factor responsible for low plasma Zn levels during pregnancy. However, we did not find any correlation between plasma Zn levels and anthropometric parameters of the newborn and pregnancy outcome. Further studies using larger sample sizes are needed to clarify the role of plasma Zn levels on maternal features and fetal outcomes in Turkey.     

Should chronic obstructive pulmonary disease outpatients be routinely evaluated for trace elements?

We searched for serum concentrations of trace elements and correlated them to malondialdehyde (MDA), which is an indirect marker of oxidative stress, in order to clarify if routine evaluation is necessary in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) outpatients. Serum concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and magnesium (Mg) were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and iron (Fe) by a ILLab 1800 autoanalyzer with ILLab test kits. Serum MDA concentrations were detected in terms of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) spectrophotometrically. Serum Cu, Zn, Mg, Fe, and MDA concentrations in patient and control groups were all in the normal reference range. The results respectively were as follows: Cu:123±29.2 and 122.2±23.4 μg/dL; Zn: 87.8±17.8 and 96.9 ± 12.9 μg/dL; Mg: 2.3±0,5 and 2.04±0.28 mg/dL; Fe: 73.8±35.5 and 80.7±51.2 μg/dL; MDA: 1.09±0.11 and 0.95±0.06 nmol/L. MDA was not correlated to Cu, Zn, Mg, or Fe (p>0.05 for all). The serum Zn concentration of COPD group was lower than the control group (p=0.042), whereas the Mg concentration was higher (p=0.021). There was no statistical difference in other study parameters. Oxidative stress was not increased in clinically stable, regularly treated COPD patients. Although there was no deficiency in trace elements (Cu, Fe, Mg, and Zn), serum Zn was close to the lower limit of the reference value. There is no need for routine evaluation of trace elements in clinically stable, regularly treated COPD outpatients.     

Masochistic Dreams: A Gender-Related Diathesis for Depression Revisited

Masochistic dreams, as defined by Beck (1967), are reportedly more prevalent among women and individuals with past or present depression. However, it is unclear whether these prevalence differences are a function of depressogenic personality traits or fluctuating mood symptoms. In the present study, 30 men and 30 women without histories of major depression slept two consecutive nights in a sleep laboratory and reported their dreams from each REM period on the second night. Dream content from this sample was compared to that of 60 depressed participants who were studied previously under the same protocol. Analyses did not support a heightened prevalence of masochistic dreams among women or depressed individuals. Interestingly, the masochistic dreams of the non-depressed sample were equally distributed across the night, whereas depressed individuals tend to report masochistic dreams closer to morning. This hypothesized pattern suggests that masochistic dreams may be pathognomic of depression in that their occurrence near the end of the night affects morning mood with negative dream residue.     

Selenium, zinc, and copper concentrations in the blood and milk of lactating women

The aim of the study was to determine Se, Zn, and Cu concentrations in blood plasma and milk of lactating women from central Poland who were in different stages of lactation and to investigate the relationship between the content of trace elements in mothers’ blood and concentrations of microelements in their milk. Se and Zn concentrations in blood plasma of mothers were the lowest and Cu was the highest on the first 4 d of lactation (colostrum, n=43) and were found to be 34.9±11.8 μg/L, 0.51±0.13 mg/L, and 1.70±0.55 mg/L, respectively. The highest plasma level of Se and Zn and the lowest content of Cu could be observed between d 10 and 30 of lactation (mature milk, n=41), and were found to be 54.3±14.6 μg/L for Se (p<0.001), 0.76±0.20 mg/L for Zn (p<0.001), and 1.03±0.30 mg/L (p<0.001) for Cu. The results of Se, Zn, and Cu determination in breast milk samples demonstrate a pattern of decline in their concentration with advancing stages of lactation. We found out that Se, Zn, and Cu concentrations were the highest in colostrum (n=43) and amounted to 24.8±10.1 μg/L, 8.2±2.8 mg/L, and 0.45±0.11 mg/L, respectively. The content of all determined microelements declined significantly during the time of lactation. Statistically significant linear correlation was found between concentrations of Zn in blood plasma and milk in the first stage of lactation. Weak but statistically significant linear correlations were also found between plasma Se content in plasma and in transitional and mature milk of breast-feeding women.     

Postpartum depression and infant feeding practices in a low income urban settlement in Nairobi-Kenya

Background

Postpartum depression can compromise caregiving activities, including infant feeding practices, resulting in child malnutrition. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of postpartum depression on infant feeding practices and malnutrition among women in an urban low income settlement in Nairobi-Kenya. We conducted a cross-sectional study based in Kariobangi North Health Centre in Nairobi County. The study sample included 200 mother-infant pairs visiting the Maternal and Child Health clinics for infant immunization at 6–14 weeks postpartum. We assessed postpartum depression using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. Infant feeding practices were assessed based on World Health Organization infant and young child feeding guidelines. Nutritional status (weight for age) was ascertained using infants’ growth monitoring card (percentiles and z-score). We conducted logistic regression analyses to determine the relative odds of non-exclusive breast feeding and infant underweight among mothers with postpartum depression.

Results

The prevalence of PPD was 13.0% (95% CI 8.3–17.7%). Taking into account differences in socioeconomic status of depressed and non-depressed mothers, non-depressed mothers had a 6.14 (95% CI 2.45–13.36) times higher odds of practicing exclusive breastfeeding than mothers who were depressed. Mothers with PPD had a 4.40 (95% CI 1.91–11.93) time higher odds of having an underweight infant than mothers without depression.

Conclusions

This study contributes towards filling the knowledge gap regarding the adverse effects of postpartum depression on infant health in sub-Saharan Africa. We recommend more research on PPD using longitudinal designs to establish temporal ordering of these important public health problems and development of community-based interventions to address post-partum depression.

     

Copper,selenium, and zinc concentrations in human milk during the first three weeks of lactation

Human milk samples were analyzed by neutron activation analysis (NAA) for three essential trace elements (Cu, Se, and Zn). Mothers' milk samples were collected from 25 lactating mothers from the Central Hospital, Tripoli, Libya. The average concentration level of Cu, Se, and Zn declined from 0.84 +/- 0.06 mg/L, 104 +/- 9.46 microg/L, and 16.1 +/- 2.67 mg/L at d 0 to 0.39 +/- 0.045 mg/L, 41.8 +/- 6.66 microg/L, and 4.95 +/- 1.3 mg/L, respectively, at d 20 of lactation. Copper and Zn levels in the Libyan mothers' milk were in agreement with reported levels from other countries, whereas Se was at a higher level. The Cu daily intake level is slightly higher than the RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) value. Selenium and Zn have higher intake levels than the RDA values but within the tolerable upper intake levels.     

Determination of thirty-two elements in human autopsy tissue

Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine the concentrations of 32 elements in the human liver and kidney and 20 elements in the bone, obtained from 70 autopsied dead individuals (54 males, 16 females) between 18 and 76 yr of age from the North Bohemia territory of the Czech Republic. Geometric means, median, minimal-maximal range, as well as distribution and correlation analysis were calculated. Some significant differences among tissue concentrations of trace elements of the women and men were found. In the liver, medians of the concentrations of some elements were higher for men than that for women (Al: 770 vs 610 microg/kg; As: 42 vs 27 microg/kg; Cd: 1800 vs 1390 microg/kg; Rb: 3955 vs 3210 microg/kg; V: 160 vs 105 microg/kg). On the contrary, the content of other elements for men was lower (Bi: 0.8 vs 3.2 microg/kg; Cr: 57 vs 72 microg/kg; Hg: 228 vs 325 microg/kg; Zn: 57.1 vs 68.5 mg/kg). In the kidney of men, there were higher contents of Al (360 vs 245 microg/kg) and Hg (135 vs 75 microg/kg) and lower contents of Zn (47.7 vs 59.7 mg/kg) and I (135 vs 220 microg/kg) than those of women. In the case of bone, the concentrations of Cu and Rb were higher for men (1410 microg Cu/kg and 405 microg Rb/kg, respectively) than for women (655 microg Cu/kg and 285 microg Rb/kg, respectively). On the contrary, the content of Mn was considerably lower for men (110 microg Mn/kg) than for women (215 microg Mn/kg).     

Distinctive gene expression profile in women with history of postpartum depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a disease which incorporates a variety of depressive states differing in nature and severity. To assist in the understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease, we aimed to ascertain a molecular mechanism underlying PPD development. We applied microarray technology to characterize gene expression of euthymic women with a history of PPD and compared the results with healthy controls. Our study demonstrated that women who considered euthymic on a clinical level, in fact, had an altered molecular profile when compared to participants with no PPD history. We identified nine genes significantly distinguished expression in post- depressive women; they may serve as a diagnostic tool for the detection of a predisposition to PPD. Our findings contribute significantly to the understanding of PPD etiology and its pathogenesis, offer a plausible explanation for the risk of the PPD recurrence, and may also contribute to clinical treatment.     

Updating of normal levels of copper,zinc and selenium in serum of pregnant women

Selenium, copper and zinc status is important in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to establish updated normal ranges for these elements in serum of pregnant women from the Spanish region of Aragon, and to study variation in levels with respect to gestational period and maternal age. The study group consisted of 159 pregnant women who did not suffer from serious pathologies. These samples were classified into four gestational-period groups. Zn and Cu determinations were obtained by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy in a Perkin-Elmer 1100B apparatus, and Se was determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman correction, in a Perkin-Elmer 4110 ZL apparatus. The concentrations of Cu, Zn and Se averaged 73.61±43.67 μg/dL, 65.37±12.87 μg/dL and 99.59±21.74 μg/L, respectively. The Cu/Zn ratio increased from first trimester to the third trimester (2.07–3.49). There was no significant correlation between Zn and Se levels, but a significant correlation was found between Cu and Se levels (p<0.05) and between Cu and Zn levels (p<0.001). Serum Zn and Se levels decreased over gestation, while serum Cu concentrations increased; in all cases the variation occurred mostly in the first 3 or 4 months, with mean levels then remaining fairly stable until the end of pregnancy. Maternal age did not influence levels of any of the three metals.     

Positive effects of DHEA therapy on insulin resistance and lipids in men with angiographically verified coronary heart disease--preliminary study

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of DHEA therapy on insulin resistance (FIRI, FG/FI) and serum lipids in men with angiographically verified coronary heart disease (CHD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included thirty men aged 41-60 years (mean age 52+/-0.90 yr) with serum DHEA-S concentration<2000 microg/l, who were randomized into a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. Subjects completed the 80 days study of 40 days of 150 mg oral DHEA daily or placebo, and next groups were changed after 30 days of wash-out. Fasting early morning blood samples were obtained at baseline and after each treatment to determine serum hormones levels (testosterone, DHEA-S, LH, FSH estradiol and IGF-1) and also metabolic profile (total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglicerides, HDL-cholesterol, insulin, glucose, fasting insulin resistance index--FIRI and FG/FI ratio). RESULTS: Administration of DHEA was associated with 4.5-fold increase in DHEA-S levels. Relative to baseline DHEA administration resulted in a decrease in insulin levels by 40% (p<0.005) and fasting insulin resistance index (FIRI) by 47% (p<0.004). Also total cholesterol levels and LDL-cholesterol levels decreased significantly (from 222.9+/-6.6 mg/dL to 207.4+/-6.6 mg/dL and from 143.9+/-6.9 mg/dL to 130.5+/-6.0 mg/dL respectively; p<0.05). Glucose levels dropped significant below baseline values after DHEA (p<0.001). Estrogen levels significantly increased after DHEA (p<0.05). While changes of serum concentrations of testosterone, LH, FSH, IGF-I, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides were not statistical significant. Tolerance of the treatment was good and no adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: DHEA therapy in dose of 150 mg daily during 40 days in men with DHEA levels<2000 microg/l decreased total cholesterol concentration, insulin and glucose levels and fasting insulin resistance index (FIRI). This therapy may be a beneficial against CHD risk factors.     

Maternal and neonatal scalp hair concentrations of zinc, copper, cadmium, and lead: relationship to some lifestyle factors

Postpartum scalp hair samples from 82 term-pregnancy mother/ neonate pairs were analyzed for their concentrations of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Maternal and neonatal Zn concentrations had geometric means (and 99% confidence intervals) of 122.5 microg/g (117.9--131.5 microg/g) and 146.9 microg (141.5--156.7 microg/g) respectively. Corresponding Cu values were 18.4 microg/g (17.6--23.8 microg/g) and 6.7 microg/g (6.3--7.6 microg/g). Those of Cd were 0.49 microg/g (0.47--0.69 microg/g) in the mothers and 0.57 microg/g (0.55--0.86 microg/g) in the neonates. For Pb, they were 7.95 microg/g (7.60--9.32 microg/g) and 4.56 microg/g (4.39--5.56 microg/g). Cigarette smoking, despite its relatively low prevalence (19.5%), was associated with lower Zn and higher Cd and Pb concentrations and in lower Zn/Cd and Zn/Pb molar concentration ratios. Smoking also altered interelemental relationships, particularly those of Zn with Cd and Pb and those between Cd and Pb. Smoking frequency appeared to show negative dose-response effects on maternal and neonatal Zn concentrations, Zn/Pb molar concentration ratios, and birth weight. Mothers with a history of oral contraceptive (OC) usage had significantly higher Cu concentrations and lower Zn/Cu molar concentration ratios than non users, with the highest Cu concentrations and lowest Zn/Cu values being associated with third-generation OCs. No similar effects were elicited in the respective neonatal Cu concentrations. Neither alcohol consumption nor prenatal supplementation with iron and/or folic acid had discernible effects on the maternal or neonatal elemental concentrations. The data from this study suggest that in a given population of term-pregnancy mothers and neonates, significant interindividual variations in hair trace element concentrations can occur, irrespective of commonality of general environment, and that lifestyle factors, including cigarette smoking and OC usage history, can be significant contributory factors to such variations. The data are discussed in relation to the effects of smoking-associated exposure to Cd and Pb exposure on Zn availability for placental transfer, as well as on the quantitative maternal Zn supply levels to the fetus resulting from the known tendency of smokers to have lower dietary intakes of Zn.     

Significance of serum trace element status in patients with rheumatic heart disease: a prospective study

It is known that certain trace elements can affect various heart diseases. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the changes in concentrations of certain serum trace elements in patients with chronic rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Serum analysis of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) trace elements was assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. RHD patients had significantly lower serum concentrations of Se and Zn than control subjects (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). However, the serum Cu concentration was significantly higher in RHD patients than in controls (1.93 +/- 0.59 microg/L vs 1.06 +/- 0.29 microg/L; p < 0.001). Similarly, the Cu/Zn ratio in RHD patients was higher than in control subjects (4.70 +/- 0.92 vs 1.68 +/- 0.45; p < 0.001). Additionally, no significant correlation was found among these trace element concentrations and the functional capacity classes (p > 0.05). RHD patients had decreased serum Se and Zn element concentrations and increased serum Cu element concentration. We suggest that Se and Zn deficiency might be contributory factors in the development of rheumatic heart disease, and a high Cu concentration and a high Cu/Zn ratio might reflect an ongoing inflammatory process in this disease.     

Determination of copper and zinc levels in human hair

The Cu and Zn levels of both 607 men (1–85 y old) and 649 women (1–92 y old) were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Sex does not influence Cu (14.89±0.89 μg/g and 15.26±0.79 μg/g hair for males and females, respectively) and Zn contents (200.97±9.68 μg/g for men and 209.81±9.49 μg/g hair for women). Age influences Cu and Zn concentrations, but only significantly in females: Cu levels decrease over 60 y of age; whereas Zn levels increase significantly from age groups 2–5 to 20–40 years. Hair color influences Cu concentrations in both males and females. In males, white hair containes less Cu than black hair; in females, white hair's Cu levels are significantly lower than those of dark blond, red, light brown, and brown hair. There are no significant differences in Zn concentrations with respect to different hair colors, in either males or females.     

The Reference Intervals of Hair Trace Element Content in Hereford Cows and Heifers (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bos taurus</Emphasis>)

Numerous observations suggest a possible connection between the levels of Mg, Zn, Fe, and Zn and the incidence of depressive symptoms. Depression is two to three times more common in women than in men. The menopausal period is extremely conducive to depressive disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the severity of depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women depending on the levels of Mg, Zn, Ca, Cu, and Fe. The study included 198 healthy postmenopausal women at the average age of 56.26 ± 5.55 years. In the first part of the study, standardized research tools were used, namely the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The second part involved biochemical analysis of Mg, Zn, Ca, Cu, and Fe levels in blood serum. The lowest Cu levels were observed in women without depressive symptoms (1.07 ± 0.22 mg/l) and the highest in those with severe depressive symptoms (1.19 ± 0.17 mg/l), (p ≤ 0.05). The lowest Mg levels were observed in women with depressive symptoms (14.28 ± 2.13 mg/l), and the highest in women without depressive symptoms (16.30 ± 3.51 mg/l), (p ≤ 0.05). The average serum Mg levels (15.75 ± 3.23 mg/l) decreased compared to the reference values (18.77–24 mg/l). What is striking is a potential relation between the levels of Mg and Cu and depressiveness. Our results indicate to a higher vulnerability to depression in a group of women with lower levels of Mg and higher levels of Cu.     

The Severity of Depressive Symptoms vs. Serum Mg and Zn Levels in Postmenopausal Women

The aim of this study was to assess the severity of depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women, depending on serum Mg and Zn levels. The study involved 171 postmenopausal women from Poland, who were not using menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). The intensity of depressive symptoms was evaluated using a standard research technique, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The plasma Mg and Zn concentrations were measured. Depressive symptoms of different severity levels were diagnosed in 36.8 % of the women. The mean serum Mg level was 1.53?±?0.28 mg/dL, and Zn level was 72?±14 μg/dL. The women with higher serum Mg and Zn levels had less depressive symptoms, and this observation is a precious information which can be used when planning depressive disorder prevention programmes.     

Correlation Between Serum Testosterone Level and Concentrations of Copper and Zinc in Hair Tissue

Testosterone deficiency is associated with late-onset hypogonadism. Micronutrients including copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) influence testosterone synthesis. The association between micronutrient concentrations in hair tissue and serum testosterone was studied in Korean men. The subjects were 88 men 40-60?years of age who visited the health promotion center and an outpatient clinic of family medicine at a university hospital from March 2006 to February 2008. Population sociological features of the subjects were acquired by self-administered surveys and interview, height and weight were measured, serum total testosterone was determined in the morning, and Cu and Zn were quantified from hair tissue collected in the morning. Subjects with normal testosterone group had a significantly higher Zn level compared to low testosterone group (P?=?0.003). Significant negative correlations were evident between total testosterone and Cu level (r?=?-0.252, P?=?0.022), and the Cu/Zn ratio (r?=?-0.288, P?=?0.008). Normal testosterone is associated with a higher Zn level. Decreased serum testosterone is significantly associated with a high level of Cu and elevated Cu/Zn ratio in hair tissue.     

Iodine and zinc, but not selenium and copper, deficiency exists in a male Turkish population with endemic goiter

Although endemic goiter has been shown to have a high prevalence in Turkey, little is known about the concentration of urinary iodine, plasma selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in these patients. We studied on 140 male patient with endemic goiter (mean age: 22.2 ± 0.19 yr) and 140 healthy male subjects (mean age: 21.8 ± 0.28 yr). Daily urinary iodine excretion was determined by the ionometric method. Plasma Se, Zn, and Cu were determined by using atomic absorption spectrometry. Daily urinary iodine excretion was found to be significantly lower in the patient group (38.7 ± 2.26 μg/d) than that of controls (50.73 ± 2.56 μg/day,p = 0.001). Plasma Zn concentrations were also found to be significantly lower in the patient group (1.04 ± 0.03 μg/mL) than that of controls (1.16 ± 0.02 μg/mL,p = 0.001). No significant difference was determined in Se and Cu concentrations between the patient and control groups. Our study shows that a moderate iodine deficiency exists in both patients with endemic goiter and control subjects, which indicates the important role of iodine deficiency in the etiopathogenesis of endemic goiter in Turkey. Zinc deficiency may also contribute to the pathogenesis of endemic goiter. However, Se and Cu do not seem to have any role in the etiopathogenesis of endemic goiter in Turkey. A community-based iodine fortification program throughout the country may be proposed to take over the problem, which also can prevent the contributing effects of other element deficiencies that occur when iodine deficiency is the prevailing factor.     

Serum Zn Levels and Cu/Zn Ratios Worsen in Hemodialysis Patients,Implying Increased Cardiovascular Risk: A 2-Year Longitudinal Study

The objective of this study was to analyze serum Zn and Cu concentrations and Cu/Zn ratios in 116 hemodialysis patients (HPs) over a 2-year longitudinal study at four time points (6-month intervals). The relation exerted on these values by 26 biochemical and nutritional indexes, the age and drug consumption of the patients, and the etiology of their disease were also evaluated. A healthy control group (n?=?50) was also studied. Mean serum Zn concentrations were lower (p?=?0.009) and the Cu/Zn ratios higher (p?=?0.009) in HPs than in controls. Serum Cu levels in HP did not differ to those of controls. At all four sampling times, the mean serum Zn levels and Cu/Zn ratios were lower and higher, respectively, in HPs than in the controls. There was a significant reduction in serum Zn levels and an increase in Cu concentrations and Cu/Zn ratios in HPs from the second to the fourth sampling. Serum Zn levels of the HPs diminish with age older than 50 years. Serum Cu levels were significantly higher in patients consuming antihypercalcemic or anti-infarction drugs, whereas serum Cu levels and Cu/Zn ratios were significantly lower in those treated with diuretics. Diminished Zn levels were negatively correlated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in HPs; however, enhanced Cu/Zn ratios were positively correlated with total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Both findings indicate an increased cardiovascular risk. We conclude that this study contributes the first evidence of a correlation between marked dyslipidemia and worsened Cu/Zn ratios in HPs, implying an increased risk of diseases associated with elevated oxidative stress, inflammation, and depressed immune function, such as cardiovascular diseases.     

Whole blood serotonin and platelet activation in depressed post-myocardial infarction patients

Depression is an independent risk factor for post myocardial infarction (MI) mortality. Abnormalities in platelet function have been proposed as one of the mechanisms involved in increased cardiovascular risk among patients with depression post-MI. Depression in somatically healthy patients has been associated with increased platelet activation. Some but not all studies showed changes in blood serotonin level. Increased platelet activation and blood serotonin level have been associated with increased risk of cardiac events in patients with MI. The goal of this study was to investigate whether 1) depressed post-MI patients have higher markers of platelet activation as measured by plasma levels of beta-thromboglobulin (betaTG), platelet factor 4 (PF4) and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and higher serotonin (5-HT) levels than non-depressed post-MI patients and 2) treatment with the antidepressant mirtazapine decreases platelet activation. In this study, 25 depressed post-MI patients were asked for blood collection before start as well as after 8 weeks treatment with mirtazapine or placebo. The control group (n=22) consisted of non-depressed post-MI patients, matched for age, gender and time elapsed since MI. Plasma levels of betaTG, PF4 and sCD40L were not statistically different between the groups, but 5-HT levels were significantly higher in depressed patients. Treatment with mirtazapine resulted in a non-significant decrease in betaTG and PF4 and platelet 5-HT levels. Platelet and whole blood 5-HT, but not platelet activation was significantly increased in depressed post-MI patients. Treatment with mirtazapine showed a non-significant decrease in platelet activation and platelet 5-HT.     

Effects of gender on exercise-induced growth hormone release.

We examined gender differences in growth hormone (GH) secretion during rest and exercise. Eighteen subjects (9 women and 9 men) were tested on two occasions each [resting condition (R) and exercise condition (Ex)]. Blood was sampled at 10-min intervals from 0600 to 1200 and was assayed for GH by chemiluminescence. At R, women had a 3.69-fold greater mean calculated mass of GH secreted per burst compared with men (5.4 +/- 1.0 vs. 1.7 +/- 0.4 microg/l, respectively) and higher basal (interpulse) GH secretion rates, which resulted in greater GH production rates and serum GH area under the curve (AUC; 1,107 +/- 194 vs. 595 +/- 146 microg x l(-1) x min, women vs. men; P = 0.04). Compared with R, Ex resulted in greater mean mass of GH secreted per burst, greater mean GH secretory burst amplitude, and greater GH AUC (1,196 +/- 211 vs. 506 +/- 90 microg x l(-1) x min, Ex vs. R, respectively; P < 0.001). During Ex, women attained maximal serum GH concentrations significantly earlier than men (24 vs. 32 min after initiation of Ex, respectively; P = 0.004). Despite this temporal disparity, both genders had similar maximal serum GH concentrations. The change in AUC (adjusted for unequal baselines) was similar for men and women (593 +/- 201 vs. 811 +/- 268 microg x l(-1) x min), but there were significant gender-by-condition interactive effects on GH secretory burst mass, pulsatile GH production rate, and maximal serum GH concentration. We conclude that, although women exhibit greater absolute GH secretion rates than men both at rest and during exercise, exercise evokes a similar incremental GH response in men and women. Thus the magnitude of the incremental secretory GH response is not gender dependent.