Changes in the Serum Levels of Trace Elements Before and After the Operation in Thyroid Cancer Patients

The present study aims to examine the changes in the serum levels of trace elements before and after the operation in thyroid cancer patients. The study registered 50 individuals, of whom 25 were female and 25 were male. The patients were allocated to four groups: group 1: male thyroid cancer patients group (n = 15), group 2: female thyroid cancer patients group (n = 15), group 3: male control group (n = 10), group 4: female control group (n = 10). The subjects in groups 1 and 2 were the patients who were post-operatively diagnosed with a pathological malignancy in the thyroid tissue samples. Blood samples were collected from all subjects before the operation, immediately after the operation, and on the post-operative day 15. Additionally, thyroid tissue samples were taken from all subjects post-operatively. Some elements in the blood and tissue samples were determined using the atomic emission method. Zinc and selenium levels of groups 1 and 2 in the pre- and post-operative measurements were significantly lower than those in the control groups (p < 0.05), but were higher in the thyroid tissue (p < 0.05). Serum zinc and selenium levels measured in the subjects on the post-operative day 15 were similar to those measured in the controls. Our study show that changes in the serum and thyroid tissue levels of trace elements like zinc and selenium, which play a critical role in thyroid function, might be associated with the pathogenesis of thyroid cancer.     

Altered Cerebrospinal Fluid Concentrations of TGFβ1 in Patients with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling participates in pathogenesis of epilepsy. TGFβ1, as a transmitter of TGFβ signaling, might be a useful marker for predicting the prognosis of patients with epilepsy. The present study aimed to measure TGFβ1 level in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and non-resistant epilepsy. A total of 43 patients with epilepsy were recruited, 28 were non-resistant epilepsy subgroup, 15 drug-resistant epilepsy subgroup. 11 patients with intracranial infection and 11 individuals with primary headache were used as controls. The concentration of CSF and serum TGFβ1 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The concentration of CSF-TGFβ1 was 209.26 ± 81.07 pg/ml in the drug-resistant epilepsy subgroup, 121.80 ± 40.32 pg/ml in the non-resistant epilepsy subgroup, 552.17 ± 456.20 pg/ml in intracranial infection control, 133.80 ± 68.55 pg/ml in headache control, respectively. TGFβ1 level was significantly increased in the drug-resistant epilepsy subgroup compared to the non-resistant epilepsy subgroup. TGFβ1 level in intracranial infection control was higher than that in the non-resistant epilepsy subgroup. There was no statistically difference of CSF-TGFβ1 between the non-resistant epilepsy subgroup and headache controls, between the resistant epilepsy subgroup and intracranial infection controls. TGFβ levels are increased in the CSF of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. High CSF-TGFβ1 levels may be a potential screening biomarker of antiepileptic drug resistance in patients with epilepsy.     

Oxytocin plasma concentrations in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: correlation with autistic symptomatology

Findings from research in animal models and humans have shown a clear role for the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) on complex social behaviors. This is also true in the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Previous studies on peripheral OT concentrations in children and young adults have reported conflicting results with the initial studies presenting mainly decreased OT plasma levels in ASD compared to healthy controls. Our study therefore aimed to further investigate changes in peripheral OT concentrations as a potential surrogate for the effects observed in the central nervous system (CNS) in ASD. OT plasma concentrations were assessed in 19 male children and adolescents with ASD, all with an IQ > 70 (age 10.7 ± 3.8 years), 17 healthy male children (age 13.6 ± 2.1 years) and 19 young male patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a clinical control group (age 10.4 ± 1.9 years) using a validated radioimmunoassay. Analysis of covariance revealed significant group differences in OT plasma concentrations (F(2, 48) = 9.574, p < 0.001, η ² = 0.285; plasma concentrations ASD 19.61 ± 7.12 pg/ml, ADHD 8.05 ± 5.49 pg/ml, healthy controls 14.43 ± 9.64 pg/ml). Post hoc analyses showed significantly higher concentrations in children with ASD compared to ADHD (p < 0.001). After Bonferroni correction, there was no significant difference in ASD in comparison with healthy controls (p = 0.132). A significant strong correlation between plasma OT and autistic symptomatology, assessed by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, was observed in the ASD group (p = 0.013, r = 0.603). Patients with ADHD differed from healthy control children by significantly decreased OT concentrations (p = 0.014). No significant influences of the covariates age, IQ, medication and comorbidity could be seen. Our preliminary results point to a correlation of OT plasma concentrations with autistic symptom load in children with ASD and a modulation of the OT system also in the etiologically and phenotypically overlapping disorder ADHD. Further studies in humans and animal models are warranted to clarify the complex association of the OT system with social impairments as well as stress-related and depressive behavior and whether peripheral findings reflect primary changes of OT synthesis and/or release in relevant areas of the CNS.     

The Association Between Effective Dose of Magnesium and Mild Compulsive Exercise on Spatial Learning,Memory, and Motor Activity of Adult Male Rats

The relationship of minerals and trace elements with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is complex. Alterations in their metabolism can be induced by the diseases and their complications. To study the role of trace elements in IBD patients’ serum zinc and copper and their related enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), activity were measured in patients with IBD patients as well as in healthy subjects. In addition, the correlation between serum trace element levels, albumin, total protein, urea level, copper/zinc ratio, and disease activity (DA) was determined in these subjects. Serum samples were obtained from 35 patients (19 ulcerative colitis (UC) and 16 Crohn’s disease (CD)) in the active phase of the disease and 30 healthy control subjects. Serum levels of zinc, copper, SOD activity, albumin, total protein, and urea were measured. The results were compared between the two groups using independent Student’s t test in statistical analysis. Serum levels of zinc, SOD activity, albumin, and total protein were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in patients than controls, while serum urea level was significantly higher in patients compared to controls. Copper concentrations did not differ between patients with IBD (mean ± SD, 58.8 ± 20.7 μg/d) and controls (55.57 ± 12.6 μg/d). Decreased levels of zinc and SOD activity are associated with increased inflammatory processes indicating inappropriate antioxidant system in patients with IBD. Additionally, lower levels of albumin and total protein with higher level of urea reflect metabolic problems in liver system.     

The Diagnostic Value of (1 → 3)-Beta-<Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">d</Emphasis>-glucans and Galactomannan Assays in Children Suffering from Bacteremia in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

The value of (1 → 3)-beta-d-glucans (BG) and galactomannan (GM) assays on diagnostic invasive fungal infections (IFIs) has been observed in adult ICU and in children with hematological malignancies. Only scant data evaluated non-hematological in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Here, we retrospectively analyzed the role of bacterial infection to the reactivity of BG and GM assays in PICU. The results showed that the overall prevalence of bacteremia was 13.8% (65/470). The most common underlying disease was pneumonia (81.8%), followed by congenital heart disease (43.2%). The median levels of GM and range for each group [A: without bacterial infection nor IFIs (n = 151); B, patients with bacterial infection (n = 36); C, patients with bacterial infection and IFIs (n = 8)] were, respectively: 0.14 (0.01–1.34), 0.21 (0.06–1.34), 0.14 (0.02–0.99). No significant difference was found among three groups (P = 0.66). The median levels of BG and range for each group (A, B, C) were, respectively: 50.00 pg/mL (16.20–548.20 pg/mL), 50.00 pg/mL (16.10–597.60 pg/mL), 268.7 pg/mL (50.9–4224.00 pg/mL). Patients with bacteremia and IFIs showed significantly higher BG levels than these who with or without bacteremia (P = 0.003), but there was no significant difference between control subjects and patients with bacteremia group. We also observed the GM and BG levels in Gram-negative and Gram-positive groups. No significant difference was found between two groups. In conclusions, the results showed that bacteremia was unlikely cause of false-positive results of the BG and GM assays in PICU.     

The role of cystatin C in vascular remodeling of balloon-injured abdominal aorta of rabbits

This study aimed to evaluate the role of cystatin C (CysC) in the vascular remodeling of balloon-injured abdominal aorta of rabbits. Forty-eight New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: the balloon-injured injury group (n = 16), the CysC monoclonal antibody group (n = 16), and the sham-operative group (n = 16). Serum CysC levels were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Changes in adventitial area, adventitial thickness, lumen area (LA), neointimal area (IA), internal elastic lamina area (IELA), external elastic lamina area (EELA), vascular remodeling index (VRI) and residual stenosis (RS) were measured by the Leica image analysis system. Immunohistochemical analysis of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were performed. Serum CysC levels of rabbits in the balloon-injured injury group were significantly higher than those in the CysC monoclonal antibody group and the sham-operative group (both P < 0.05). At 6 weeks after balloon injury, the adventitial area and thickness, LA, IA, IELA and EELA in the balloon-injured injury group were also higher than those in the CysC monoclonal antibody and sham-operative groups (all P < 0.05). In addition, the balloon-injured injury group showed higher VRI and RS than those of the CysC monoclonal antibody group (both P < 0.05). The positive expression of α-SMA in the vascular adventitia and media in the balloon-injured group were higher than that of the CysC monoclonal antibody and sham-operative groups. The balloon-injured group also showed a stronger expression of α-SMA in the neointima than that of the CysC monoclonal antibody group. There was a strong positive expression of PCNA in the vascular adventitia and neointima in the balloon-injured and CysC monoclonal antibody groups. However, the number of PCNA-positive cells in the balloon-injured group was higher than that of the CysC monoclonal antibody group (25.45 ± 4.21 vs. 6.75 ± 1.11, P = 0.003). Our findings provide empirical evidence that serum CysC levels may play an important role in the vascular remodeling of balloon-injured abdominal aorta of rabbits.     

Effects of Mild and Moderate Hypothemia Therapy on Expression of Cerebral Neuron Apoptosis Related Proteins and Glial Fiber Acidic Protein After Rat Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation

To explore the effects of different degrees of hypothermia on brain tissue apoptosis after cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Cardiac arrest for 5 min induced by asphyxia method was used to create CPR model. 30 SD rats were randomly divided into control group (normothermia), 33 °C hypothermia group and 30 °C hypothermia group with ten rats in each. Rats in control group received routine treatment at 25 °C room temperature after CPR; Rats in mild hypothermia and moderate hypothermia groups were given hypothermia treatment 0.5 h after CPR. Brain tissue in all groups was taken 24 h after CPR, and immunohistochemistry was used to detect the caspase-3 in cerebral cortex and glial fiber acidic protein (GFAP) expression in astrocyte. Western blotting was used to detect Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression, and histopathological change was observed in brain tissue. Compare to the control group, caspase-3 expression in cerebral neurons in hypothermia group was significantly decreased (p<0.01), which was significantly lower in 30 °C group than that in 33 °C group (p > 0.05); GFAP level in hypothermia groups was significantly increased (p < 0.01), which was higher in 30 °C hypothermia group than that in 33 °C hypothermia group (p < 0.05); Bcl-2 expression level in hypothermia group was significantly increased (p < 0.01), which was higher in 30 °C hypothermia group than that in 33 °C hypothermia group (p < 0.05); The level of Bax had no significant difference among the three groups. Hypothermia-regulated GFAP expression by decreasing caspase-3 expression and increasing Bcl-2 expression to promote brain cell signaling transduction, and further inhibited cell apoptosis and reduced brain injury. Moderate hypothermia therapy is more effective than mild hypothermia in preventing brain injure.     

Mannose-Binding Lectin (MBL) and MBL-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2) in women with malignant and benign ovarian tumours

Mannose-Binding Lectin (MBL) is a serum pattern recognition molecule, able to activate complement in association with MASP proteases. Serum levels of MBL and MASP-2, activities of MBL–MASP complexes, single nucleotide polymorphisms of the MBL2 and MASP2 genes and/or their specific mRNA expression in ovarian sections were investigated in 128 patients suffering from primary ovarian cancer (OC) and compared with 197 controls (C), encompassing both patients with benign ovarian tumours (n = 123) and others with no ovarian pathology (n = 74). MBL deficiency-associated genotypes were more common among OC patients than among controls. The O/O group of genotypes was associated with ovarian cancer (OR 3.5, p = 0.02). In A/A homozygotes, MBL concentrations and activities were elevated in the OC group and correlated with C-reactive protein. Moreover, high MBL serum levels were associated with more advanced disease stage. No differences in distribution of the MASP2 +359 A>G (D120G) SNP or MASP-2 serum levels were found between cancer patients and their controls. However, the highest frequency of the A/G (MASP2) and LXA/O or O/O (MBL2) genotypes was found among OC patients with tumours of G1–2 grade (well/moderately differentiated). Furthermore, MBL deficiency-associated genotypes predicted prolonged survival. None of the parameters investigated correlated with CA125 antigen or patients’ age. The local expression of MBL2 and MASP2 genes was higher in women with ovarian cancer compared with controls. It is concluded that the expression of MBL and MASP-2 is altered in ovarian cancer, possibly indicating involvement of the lectin pathway of complement activation in the disease.     

Serum Levels of Trace Elements and Heavy Metals in Patients with Acute Hemorrhagic Stroke

Trace elements are essential components of biological structures, but alternatively, they can be toxic at concentrations beyond those necessary for their biological functions. Changes in the concentration of essential trace elements and heavy metals may affect acute hemorrhagic stroke. The aim of this study was to measure serum levels of essential trace elements [iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and magnesium (Mg)] and heavy metals [cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb)] in patients with acute hemorrhagic stroke. Twenty-six patients with acute hemorrhagic stroke and 29 healthy controls were enrolled. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (UNICAM-929) was used to measure serum Fe, Cu, Pb, Cd, Zn, Co, Mn and Mg concentrations. Serum Cd, Pb and Fe levels were significantly higher in patients with acute hemorrhagic stroke than controls (p < 0.001), while serum Cu, Zn, Mg and Mn levels were significantly lower (all p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the groups with respect to serum Co levels (p > 0.05). We first demonstrate increased Cd, Pb, and Fe levels; and decreased Cu, Zn, Mg, and Mn levels in patients with acute hemorrhagic stroke. These findings may have diagnostic and prognostic value for acute hemorrhagic stroke. Further studies are required to elucidate the roles of trace elements and heavy metals in patients with acute hemorrhagic stroke.     

Serum Trace Elements and Electrolytes Are Associated with Fasting Plasma Glucose and HbA<Subscript>1c</Subscript> in Postmenopausal Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The primary aim of the research was to assess the level of trace elements and electrolytes in serum of postmenopausal diabetic women. Sixty-four postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and 64 age- and body mass index-matched controls were examined. Serum trace elements were assessed using inductively coupled plasma dynamic reaction cell mass spectrometry (ICP-DRC-MS). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) levels were evaluated using Randox kits. The obtained data demonstrate that DM2 patients were characterized by 42 and 34 % higher FPG and HbA_1c levels, respectively (p < 0.001). The level of Cu and Se in diabetic postmenopausal women was increased by 10 and 15 % in comparison to the respective control values (p = 0.002 and <0.001). Serum Mn, Zn, and Ni concentrations were lower than the control ones by 32 % (p = 0.003), 8 % (p = 0.003), and 23 % (p = 0.046), respectively. FPG and HbA_1c levels directly correlated with serum Se (p < 0.001) and Cu (p = 0.014 and p = 0.028) concentrations and inversely related to Zn (p < 0.001) and Tl (p = 0.023 and p = 0.029) levels. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between serum Zn and Se and FPG and HbA_1c levels. It is proposed that Zn and Se play an important role in DM2 pathogenesis. Further studies are required to assess the intimate mechanisms of the observed differences.     

Zinc Metabolism and Metallothioneins

Variation of serum trace elements was previously reported in schizophrenia (SZ) patients; however, whether such variation is resulted from the antipsychotic treatment remains obscure. A case control study consist of 165 SZ inpatients and 614 healthy controls measured serum magnesium (Mg), Copper (Cu), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (Phos), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) to investigate the relationship of trace elements and SZ. The SZ patients were further followed up (average 3.8 weeks) to evaluate the effects of antipsychotic treatment on the trace element concentrations using repeated measures ANOVA analysis. The results showed that higher concentrations of Mg and Phos and lower concentrations of Ca, Fe, and Zn were significant in SZ patients than that of controls (P < 0.01). The age was positively correlated with Fe and Cu, and negatively correlated with Ca, Phos, and Zn in controls (P < 0.05). Fe in male SZ patients was significantly higher than in female (P < 0.001), as well as in paranoid SZ and acute SZ (P < 0.05). Phos significantly increased after risperidone, clozapine, and aripiprazole treatment (P < 0.05), while Cu was decreased after clozapine and aripiprazole treatment. Zn significantly decreased particularly in mixed type SZ, acute SZ, and schizotypal SZ after antipsychotic treatment. These results suggested that higher concentration of Phos and lower concentration of Fe and Zn have important implications for the risk of SZ and the antipsychotic treatment is likely to result in the decreased Fe and increased Phos in the clinical subtypes of SZ.     

Clinical significance of serum epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EPCAM) levels in patients with lung cancer

Cellular adhesion molecules might be good markers in some types of malignant tumors, thus providing useful information in diagnosis and prognosis. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical significance of the serum levels of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EPCAM) in lung cancer patients. One hundred and thirty lung cancer patients were enrolled in this study. Serum EPCAM levels were determined by the solid-phase sandwich ELISA method. Age- and sex-matched 34 healthy controls were included in the analysis. The median age was 58 years, ranging 35–80 years. The majority of the patients had NSCLC (83.8 %) and stage IV disease (60.8 %). There was no significant difference in the serum EPCAM levels between lung cancer patients and healthy controls (p = 0.16). Moreover, known clinical variables including age of patient, gender, histology, stage of disease, and response to chemotherapy were not found to be correlated with serum EPCAM concentrations (p > 0.05). Similarly, no prognostic role was found for outcome (1-year survival rate 62 vs. 65.1 %, p = 0.89). In conclusion, serum EPCAM concentrations have no diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic roles in lung cancer patients.     

Urinary zearalenone measured with ELISA as a biomarker of zearalenone exposure in pigs

The suitability to assess zearalenone (ZEA) exposure in pigs of a commercial ELISA kit for ZEA analysis in urine was tested. A daily dose of 0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 μg synthetic ZEA per kilogram BW was administered via the feed to four gilts per dose group, and after 3 and after 7 days of ZEA intake, urine samples were assayed with the ELISA which has a relative cross-reactivity of 42 % with α-zearalenol. The concentration of urinary ZEA equivalents (ZEA plus 42 % of α-zearalenol present) did not differ between day 4 and day 8 (P?=?0.50) within each dose group. The urinary ZEA equivalent/creatinine ratio was tightly correlated with ZEA intake (r?=?0.95). The urinary ZEA equivalent/creatinine values at 0 and 40 μg/kg BW were distinctly different from those of the intermediate dose levels, whereas there was some overlapping of the individual values at the dose levels 5, 10 and 20 μg/kg BW. The urinary ZEA equivalent/creatinine ratio can be used as a biomarker for ZEA exposure in pigs provided that urine samples of several animals receiving the same diet are assayed, either separately or after pooling.     

Analysis of Hair Trace Elements in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Communication Disorders

The primary objective of the present study is analysis of hair trace elements content in children with communication disorder (CD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A total of 99 children from control, CD, and ASD groups (n = 33) were examined. All children were additionally divided into two subgroups according to age. Hair levels of trace elements were assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The difference was considered significant at p < 0.01. The obtained data demonstrate that children with CD are characterized by significantly increased hair lithium (Li) (96 %; p = 0.008), selenium (Se) (66 %; p < 0.001), arsenic (As) (96 %; p = 0.005), beryllium (Be) (150 %; p < 0.001), and cadmium (Cd) (72 %; p = 0.007) content, being higher than the respective control values. In the ASD group, hair copper (Cu), iodine (I), and Be levels tended to be lower than the control values. In turn, the scalp hair content of Se significantly exceeded the control values (33 %; p = 0.004), whereas the level of iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) tended to increase. After gradation for age, the most prominent differences in children with CD were detected in the elder group (5–8 years), whereas in the case of ASD—in the younger group (3–4 years old). Taking into account the role of hair as excretory mechanism for certain elements including the toxic ones, it can be proposed that children suffering from ASD are characterized by more profound alteration of metal handling and excretion in comparison to CD.     

The Attenuation of Lung Ischemia Reperfusion Injury by Oxymatrine

To investigate the protective effects of oxymatrine (OMT) on lung ischemia reperfusion injury (LIRI) in rabbits, models of LIRI in rabbit were used. Thirty-two rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: control group (n = 8), ischemia reperfusion group (I/R group, n = 8), OMTl group (n = 8), OMT2 group (n = 8). Lung tissue samples were collected at 40, 80, 120 min time-points after lung ischemia reperfusion. TNF-α, 1I-8, IL-10, apoptosis index (AI), and index of quantitative assessment of histologic lung injury (IQA) were measured in each group. TNF-α and IL-8 in I/R group were significantly higher than those of the control group and OMT2 group (P < 0.01), but in OMT2 group they were significantly lower than those of OMTl group (P < 0.05). IL-10 in OMT2 group and OMTl group was significantly higher than that of I/R group (P < 0.01). But in OMTl group it was significantly lower than that of OMT2 group (P < 0.05). AI in I/R group was significantly higher than that of OMT2 group and the control group at 80 min after lung ischemia reperfusion (P < 0.01). IQA in OMTl group and OMT2 group was significantly lower than that of the I/R group (P < 0.01). Oxymatrine can protect against LIRI in rabbits by upregulating levels of IL-10 and downregulating levels of TNF-α and IL-8, inhibiting the alveolar cells apoptosis and inflammatory response, and attenuating the acute LIRI.     

Late Remote Ischemic Preconditioning Provides Benefit to Patients Undergoing Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

To assess whether late remote ischemic preconditioning (L-RIPC) is effective in myocardial protection in patients with ischemic heart disease undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). L-RIPC is exerted by newly synthesized cardioprotective proteins. The cardioprotective effects of L-RIPC are more durable. 200 consecutive patients undergoing elective PCI were randomized to receive L-RIPC (induced by three 5-minute inflations of a blood pressure cuff to 200 mmHg around the upper arm, followed by 5-min intervals of reperfusion) or control (an uninflated cuff around the arm) at 18 h before PCI. Creatine phosphokinase (CK), its cardiac isoenzyme (CK-MB), troponin I (TNI), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were measured at 24 h after PCI. Adverse events’ rates at 6 months were assessed. Compared with the control group, patients in L-RIPC group were observed with significantly lower incidences in Chest pain score >1 and ECG ST deviation >1 mm (P < 0.05). The median TNI, CK, and CK-MB concentrations at 24 h were lower in the L-RIPC group (0.009 vs. 0.036 ng/mL, 123 vs. 186 IU/L, 15 vs. 27 IU/L; P < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in hs-CRP between two groups. At 6 months, the adverse events’ rate was lower in the L-RIPC group (P = 0.036). L-RIPC is effective in myocardial protection in patients undergoing elective PCI and reduces adverse events’ rate at 6 months.     

BMI and levels of zinc,copper in hair,serum and urine of Turkish male patients with androgenetic alopecia

ObjectiveMale pattern androgenetic alopecia is characterized by progressive hair loss from the scalp. It is known that imbalances of some trace elements play a role in the pathomechanism of many forms of alopecia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of zinc and copper in hair, serum and urine samples of Turkish males with male pattern androgenetic alopecia and to compare with healthy controls.Material and methods116 males with male pattern androgenetic alopecia and 100 controls were involved in this study.ResultsLevels of zinc and copper in hair were decreased significantly in the patients (p < 0.05), although zinc and copper levels of serum and urine were not different between patients and controls (p > 0.05). Body mass index of patients were higher than control group. In addition, in the group with body mass index of 25 and lower zinc level in hair and urine, copper level in serum were significantly higher (p < 0.05). Body mass index was negatively correlated with hair zinc levels.ConclusionWe thought that decreased zinc and copper levels in hair may play a role in the etiology of male pattern androgenetic alopecia. In addition, obesity by making changes in the balance of the trace elements in hair, serum and urine may play a role in male pattern androgenetic alopecia. Hence, assessing the levels of trace elements in hair of male pattern androgenetic alopecia patients may be more valuable compared to serum and urine for treatment planning.     

Elemental Zinc Is Inversely Associated with C-Reactive Protein and Oxidative Stress in Chronic Liver Disease

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is associated with the destruction of liver parenchyma cell. It is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in most of the developed countries. Oxidative stress and altered levels of different trace elements in serum have been documented for different diseases including inflammation and many liver diseases. This study aims to evaluate the serum level of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), antioxidant vitamin C, C-reactive protein (CRP), and zinc (Zn) in CLD patients and to establish a correlation among the study parameters with the severity of inflammatory conditions of CLD. In this study, CLD patients and healthy volunteers were recruited. Total cholesterol and triglyceride were determined by colorimeter using enzymatic method. Serum non-enzymatic antioxidant vitamin C, reactive oxygen species nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined by UV-spectrophotometric method. Trace element (Zn) levels were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. Independent sample t test and Pearson’s correlation test were performed for statistical analysis using the statistical software package SPSS, Version 20. Studies showed that the MDA (p < 0.001), NO (p < 0.001), and CRP levels were significantly higher in CLD patients than in control subjects. The antioxidant vitamin C (p < 0.001) and trace element zinc (p < 0.001) were comparatively lower in the CLD patients than in control subjects. Elemental Zn showed an inverse relationship with MDA, NO, and CRP but positively correlated with antioxidant capacity, whereas MDA showed a positive correlation with CRP level. Thus, we conclude that attenuated level of Zn and antioxidant in serum play an important role in the inflammatory status of CLD patients by elevating the concentration of MDA, NO, and CRP.     

Association of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ gene Pro12Ala and C161T polymorphisms with cardiovascular risk factors in maintenance hemodialysis patients

The Pro12Ala and C161T polymorphisms in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) have been shown to be associated with carotid artery atherosclerosis. It remains unclear whether these two polymorphisms are associated with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Therefore, the PPARγ genotypes in 99 HD patients and 149 controls were determined, and clinical characteristics among the different genotypes were compared. We found that the frequency of the Pro12Ala and C161T polymorphisms in HD patients was similar to that in healthy controls, but C161T polymorphism and T allele frequencies in HD patients with CVD were lower than that in HD patients without CVD. Carotid artery plaque (CAP) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in HD patients with CT + TT or Pro12Ala genotypes were also less than that in patients with CCor Pro12Pro genotypes, respectively. HD patients with CT + TT genotype had lower serum C reactive protein (CRP) levels, as well as higher triceps skin fold (TSF) thickness, mid arm circumference (MAC) and mean mid arm circumference (MMAC) than HD patients with CC genotype (P < 0.05). Moreover, CIMT of the Pro12Ala-CT161 subgroup was less than the Pro12Pro-CC161 and Pro12Pro-CT161 subgroup, and, CAP amounts of the Pro12Ala-CT161 subgroup was less than the Pro12Pro-CC161 subgroup. Our results indicate that the Pro12Ala and C161T polymorphisms were associated with some important risk factors for CVD in HD patients in the Han Chinese population.     

Melatonin Acts as Antioxidant and Improves Sleep in MS Patients

The relationship between the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) and sunlight’s ultraviolet radiation was proved. Oxidative stress plays a role in the pathogenic traits of MS. Melatonin possesses antioxidative properties and regulates circadian rhythms. Sleep disturbances in MS patients are common and contribute to daytime fatigue. The aim of study was to evaluate 5 mg daily melatonin supplementation over 90 days on serum total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and its influence on sleep quality and depression level of MS patients. A case–control prospective study was performed on 102 MS patients and 20 controls matched for age and sex. The Kurtzke’s Expanded Disability Status Scale, magnetic resonance imaging examinations, Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), Beck Depression Inventory questionnaires were completed. Serum TOS and TAC levels were measured. We observed higher serum levels of TOS in all MS groups, while after melatonin treatment the TOS levels significantly decreased. The TAC level was significantly lower only in mitoxantrone-treated group and it increased after melatonin supplementation. A strong positive correlation between T1Gd(+) number lesions and TAC level in interferon-beta-1A group was observed. AIS group mean score above 6 defining insomnia were observed in interferon-beta-1B-group, glatiramer acetate-group and mitoxantrone-group: 6.62 ± 2.88, 8.45 ± 2.07, 11.1 ± 3.25, respectively. After melatonin treatment the AIS mean scores decrease in glatiramer acetate-group and mitoxantrone-group achieving 5.25 ± 1.14 and 7.08 ± 2.39, respectively (p < 0.05). Finding from our study suggest that melatonin can act as an antioxidant and improves reduced sleep quality in MS patients.