Silicon bioavailability studies in young rapidly growing rats and turkeys fed semipurified diets

Two experiments were conducted using completely randomized designs to study the bioavailability of Si from three sources to growing rats and turkeys fed semipurified diets. The basal diets were dextrose-egg albumin for rats and dextrose-casein for turkeys. The Si sources were tetraethylorthosilicate (TES), sodium silicate (NaSil), and sodium zeolite A (NaZA). Rats and turkeys were supplemented at 500 and 270 ppm Si, respectively, from each source. A control group of unsupplemented rats and turkeys was included in each experiment. In general, irrespective of Si source, Si supplementation slowed (p < 0.05 orp < 0.01) growth rates in both rats and turkeys. Although dietary Si supplementation reduced (p < 0.05) plasma Mg levels and liver Zn concentrations in rats, it increased (p < 0.05) plasma P and reduced (p < 0.05) plasma Cu levels in turkeys. Rats on TES had significantly slower (p < 0.05 orp < 0.01) growth rates (5–10%) than those on NaSil or NaZA. In rats, NaZA and TES reduced (p < 0.05) hemoglobin concentrations and plasma Zn, respectively. However, plasma Mg levels were higher (p < 0.05) in TES than NaSil-or NaZA-fed rats. The source of the dietary Si did not affect (p < 0.05) the organ weights of rats and their mineral concentrations. Turkeys on TES diets grew at a significantly faster (p < 0.05) rate (15%) than those on NaSil or NaZA diets during the first 2 wk of experimentation. However, after 4 wk, there were no significant (p > 0.05) differences in growth between the Si sources. In turkeys, NaZA increased (p < 0.05) hematocrit levels and plasma Mg levels. Turkeys on NaZA diets had larger (p < 0.05) hearts and livers than those on NaSil but not TES. Liver Mn content was higher (p < 0.05) in turkeys on NaSil than TES or NaZA. Heart Zn was lower (p < 0.05) in turkeys on NaSil than TES, but not NaZA.     

Effects of Ellagic Acid on Copper,Zinc, and Biochemical Values in Serum and Liver of Experimental Cholestatic Rats

Ellagic acid (EA) is a natural polyphenolic compound. Although, modulator effects of EA on copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) levels in some liver diseases have been reported in experimental animals, its effects in obstructive jaundice (OJ) has not been clarified. We aimed to evaluate potential effects of EA on Cu and Zn levels in liver and serum of cholestatic rats. Forty Wistar albino rats were equally divided into four groups. First group was used as controls. Second group received EA (60 mg⁻¹ kg⁻¹ day⁻¹) for 8 days. Third was OJ group, and fourth group was OJ plus EA group. After 8 days, blood and liver samples were obtained. Higher serum and liver Cu and lower serum and liver Zn levels were found in OJ group (p < 0.05) compared with other groups. However, these differences reached to significant levels for Cu in serum and for Zn in lever. Higher serum copper levels were decreased, and lower liver Zn levels were increased by EA treatment in cholestatic rats (p < 0.05). Also, higher Cu/Zn ratio in OJ group was decreased by EA treatment both in liver (p < 0.05) and in serum (p < 0.05). Significantly higher serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase values were found in OJ and OJ + EA groups compared with the control and EA groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, result of the current study indicated that ellagic acid has modulator effects on Cu and Zn levels in liver and serum of cholestatic rats.     

Effect of zinc supplementation from different sources on growth, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolic profile, and immune response of male guinea pigs

Forty weaned male guinea pigs of 208.20±6.62 g mean body weight were divided into 4 groups of 10 animals in a randomized block design. All of the guinea pigs were fed a basal diet [25% ground maize hay, 30% ground maize grain, 22% ground chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), 9.5% deoiled rice bran, 6% soybean meal, 6% fish meal, 1.45% mineral supplement (without Zn) and 0.05% ascorbic acid] and available green fodder. Group I served as the control (no Zn supplementation), whereas 20 ppm Zn was added in the diet in groups II, III, and IV either as zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄), zinc amino acid complex (ZAAC), and ZnSO₄ ⁺ ZAAC in equal parts, respectively. Experimental feeding lasted for 70 d, including a 3-d digestibility trial. Blood was collected through cardiac puncture from four animals in each group at d 0 and subsequently at the end of experimental feeding. After 40 d of experimental feeding, four animals from each group were injected with 0.4 mL of Brucella abortus cotton strain-19 vaccine to assess the humoral immune response of the animals. After 10 wk of study, four animals from each group were sacrificed to study the concentration of Zn, Cu, Co, Fe, and Mn in the liver, pancreas and spleen. Results revealed no significant difference in the feed intake, body weight gain, and digestibility of the nutrients, except for crude protein (CP) digestibility, which was significantly (p<0.05) lower in group IV. Although concentrations of serum glucose, Ca, and P and the albumin:globulin (A:G) ratio were similar in the different groups, the total protein, albumin, and serum alkaline phosphatase activity were higher in all of the Zn-supplemented groups on d 70. The serum Zn levels at the end of experimental feeding were significantly higher in groups II and III, whereas serum Mn levels were found to be significantly (p<0.05) higher in groups III and IV. The organ weights (as percentage of body weights) did not show any differences among the treatment groups. Although the Mn concentration was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the pancreas, the Cu concentration was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in the spleen in all of the Zn-supplemented groups. The humoral immune response (antibody titer values) on d 14 of vaccination was significantly (p<0.05) higher in all of the Zn-supplemented groups. It was concluded that the 20-ppm level of Zn in the diet might be adequate for growth and nutrient utilization in guinea pigs, but supplementation of 20-ppm zinc significantly improved the immune response and impact was more prominent with the ZAAC (organic source) compared to ZnSO₄ (inorganic source).     

Effect of long-term swimming exercise on zinc,magnesium, and copper distribution in aged rats

Trace element content of different tissues might be altered by both age and exercise training. We aimed to determine the effects of a 1-yr swimming protocol (60 min/d, 5 day/wk) on tissue levels and the distribution of zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), and copper (Cu) in aging rats. Three groups were formed: sedentary and trained old groups and a young control group. Tissue Zn, Mg, and Cu concentrations were measured in the kidney, heart, liver, lungs, and gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. Kidney zinc concentration significantly decreased in the sedentary old group compared to the young control group (p<0.01) and was significantly higher in the trained old group compared to the sedentary old group (p<0.01), whereas Zn levels in the soleus muscle significantly increased in the sedentary old group in comparison to young controls (p<0.05). Tissue Mg concentrations remained unchanged. The sedentary old group exhibited a significant decrease in kidney Cu concentration compared to the young control group (p<0.01). Although kidney Cu levels also decreased in trained old rats in comparison to young controls (p<0.05), they were significantly higher than in sedentary old rats (p<0.01). The decrease in kidney Zn and Cu content as a result of aging was partly prevented by long-term swimming exercise.     

Anemia associated with changes in iron and iron-59 utilization in copper deficient rats fed high levels of dietary ascorbic acid and iron

The influence of dietary copper, iron, and ascorbic acid on iron utilization was examined in a 2×2×2 factorial experiment. Male Sprague-Dawley weanling rats were fed copper-deficient (Cu-, 0.42 μg Cu/g) or copper-adequate (Cu+, 5.74 μg Cu/g) diets that contained one of two levels of iron (38 or 191μg Fe/g) and ascorbic acid (0 or 1% of the diet). These eight diets were fed for 20 d, and rats received an oral dose of 4 μCi iron-59 on d 15. Compared to Cu+ rats, the Cu− rats had 27% lower hemoglobin levels with 45, 59, and 65% lower cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) activities in the liver, heart, and bone marrow, respectively (p<0.0001). High dietary iron or ascorbic acid did not alter hemoglobin in Cu+ rats. However, hemoglobin was 23% lower in Cu− rats fed the highest, rather than the lowest levels of iron and ascorbic acid. Liver CCO was decreased (p<0.02) in Cu− rats fed high iron. Among Cu− rats, ascorbic acid did not influence CCO but decreased hemoglobin by 17% (p<0.001), reduced the percentage of absorbed iron-59 in the erythrocytes by 91% (p<0.05) and depressed the percentage apparent absorption of iron (p<0.05). These results suggest that the effects of elevated dietary iron and ascorbic acid on iron utilization are influenced by copper status.     

Effects of High Levels of Dietary Silicon on Bone Development of Growing Rats and Turkeys Fed Semi-purified Diets

Two experiments were conducted using a completely randomized design to study the effects of high levels of silicon (Si) supplementation on bone development, structure, and strength in growing rats and turkeys. Rats were supplemented at two dietary Si levels: 0 and 500 ppm; and the turkeys were supplemented at four dietary Si levels: 0, 135, 270, and 540 ppm in semi-purified diets of dextrose-albumin for rats and dextrose-casein for turkeys. The experiments lasted 8 and 4 weeks for the rats and turkeys, respectively. Physical, mechanical, and chemical parameters of bones were measured. All the physical and mechanical measures of bone size and strength were not different (P > 0.05) between treatments in rats and turkeys except the moment of inertia, which was lower (P < 0.01) in rats on the 500 ppm Si level of supplementation. There were small but consistent reductions in structural and strength parameters with Si supplementation which were not wholly due to differences in bodyweights of the rats and turkeys. Although bone mineral composition was not affected (P > 0.05) by Si supplementation, plasma magnesium (P = 0.08) in rats and plasma calcium (P < 0.05) in turkeys were reduced by high levels of Si supplementation. The antagonistic relations of high Si levels with calcium and magnesium were deemed to be the mechanisms through which high Si imposes its deleterious effects on bone size and strength.     

Microelements in seminal plasma of infertile men infected with Ureaplasma urealyticum

The purpose of this study was to assess the association among male infertility, infection of Ureaplasma urealyticum (Uu), and microelements in seminal fluid. Semen analysis and cultivation of Uu were carried out on 160 samples of seminal fluid. The concentrations of microelements, such as arsenic (As), molybdenum (Mo), magnesium (Mg), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and zinc (Zn) in the samples were measured by an inductively coupled plasma quantometer (ICP). The ratios Cu/Zn and Cd/Zn in the poor spermatic quality group were obviously higher than those in seminal plasma of the group with normal spermatic quality (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively), whereas the concentrations of As, Mg, Mo, and Pb showed no difference in the two groups. The ratios Cu/Zn and Cd/Zn and the concentrations of As and Mg in seminal plasma infected with Uu were markedly higher than those not infected with Uu (p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.05, and p<0.05, respectively), whereas the concentrations of Mo and Pb showed no statistical difference. The ratios Cu/Zn and Cd/Zn and the concentrations of As and Mg in seminal plasma of the semen with poor spermatic quality and Uu infection were obviously higher than those not infected with Uu (p<0.05), whereas the concentrations of Mo and Pb showed no statistical difference. Abnormally high ratios Cu/Zn and Cd/Zn as well as an overdose of As were found to be predisposed to Uu infection. Uu infection resulted in an increase of the ratios Cu/Zn and Cd/Zn and the concentrations of As and Mg in seminal fluid, which therefore caused spermatic quality decline.     

Essential trace elements selenium, zinc, copper, and iron concentrations and their related acute-phase proteins in patients with vivax malaria

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the status of plasma essential trace elements selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) concentrations and their related acute-phase proteins, ceruloplasmin (Cp), ferritin, transferrin (Tf), and albumin levels in patients with vivax malaria. Plasma Cu and Zn concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Se concentrations were determined by graphite furnace AAS. Fe, Cp, Tf, and albumin levels were determined by colorimetric methods. Plasma Se, Fe, and albumin levels were found to be significantly lower (p<0.01, p<0.001, and p<0.05, respectively) and Cu, Cp, and ferritin levels and Cu/Zn ratios were significantly higher (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.05, respectively) in patients when compared with those of healthy subjects. Plasma, Tf, and Zn levels were not found to be significantly different (p>0.05) in patients and controls. There were positive important correlations between Cu and Cp (r=0.908, p<0.001), Zn and albumin (r=0.633, p<0.001), and negative correlations between Fe and ferritin content (r=−0.521, p<0.05) and Fe and Tf (r=−0.616, p<0.01) in the patients group. Our findings demonstrated that plasma essential trace elements Se, Cu, and Fe change, but these changes might be dependent on acute-phase proteins, which were regulated as a part of defense strategies of the organism, induced by hormonelike substances.     

Synovial fluid and plasma selenium, copper, zinc, and iron concentrations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

In recent years, a great number of studies have investigated the possible role of trace elements in the etiology and pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoartritis (OA). We studied synovial fluid and plasma concentrations of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) in patients with RA and OA and compared them with sex- and age-matched healthy subjects. Plasma albumin levels were measured as an index of nutritional status. Plasma Se, Cu, and Zn concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and Fe concentrations were determined by the colorimetric method. Although plasma and synovial fluid Se concentration were found to be significantly lower (p<0.05, and p<0.05, respectively), Cu concentrations were significantly higher in patients with RA than those of healthy subjects and OA (p<0.05 and p<0.05, respectively). There were no significant differences in plasma and synovial fluid Zn concentrations and albumin levels among three groups (p>0.05). On the other hand, synovial fluid Cu and Fe concentrations were significantly higher in patients with OA than those of healthy subjects (p<0.05). There was a significantly positive correlation between synovial fluid Se−Cu values and Zn−Fe values in patients with RA. Our results showed that synovial fluid and plasma trace element concentrations, excluding Zn, change in inflammatory RA, but not in OA. These alterations in trace element concentrations in inflammatory Ra might be a result on the changes of the immunoregulatory cytokines.     

Significance of serum trace element status in patients with rheumatic heart disease

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 μg/L vs 1.06±0.29 μg/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.     

Interaction of dietary zinc and growth implants on weight gain,carcass traits and zinc in tissues of growing beef steers and heifers

In two separate studies, 60 beef heifers (379 kg BW) and 60 beef steers (348 kg BW) were randomly assigned to six treatments in 2×3 factorial arrangements. The treatments were with or without Synovex^® implants combined with either a control diet or diets supplemented with 200 ppm Zn from ZnSO₄ or zinc methionine (Zn-Met). Near the mid-point of the feeding periods, cattle were vaccinated with a modified live virus and subsequent titers and concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG) were measured. Liver and blood samples were obtained 1 week prior to the start of the experiments and at intervals during the experiments. In experiment 1, average daily gains of beef heifers were (P<0.05) affected by the interaction of implant and source of dietary Zn. Compared to control and ZnSO₄ treatments, supplementation with Zn-Met increased (P<0.05) the concentration of Zn in serum. Antibody titers and concentrations of IgG in serum were highest (P<0.05) in heifers fed ZnSO₄ compared to heifers fed the control or Zn-Met supplemented diets. The Synovex-H^® implant reduced the concentrations of Zn and Cu in liver. In experiment 2, Synovex-S^® implants improved (P<0.05) weight gains of steers supplemented with 200 ppm dietary Zn from ZnSO₄ compared to non-implanted steers. However, the implant had no effect when Zn-Met was the dietary Zn source. The implant increased (P<0.05) concentrations of Zn in liver of steers supplemented with 200 ppm dietary Zn and reduced Zn in liver of steers fed the control diet. Implanted steers had higher (P<0.05) Cu status and IgG concentrations in serum than non-implanted steers. Steers supplemented with either ZnSO₄ or Zn-Met had greater (P<0.05) concentrations of Zn in liver and plasma than steers fed the control diet. These results indicate both the level and source of Zn supplementation in diets of feedlot cattle affect their response to growth implants.     

Levels of selenium, zinc, copper, and antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with leukemia

Essential elements, mainly selenium and zinc, were involved in protection against oxidative stress in cells. Oxidation could lead to the formation of free radicals that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including leukemia. Leukemia is a neoplastic disease that is susceptible to antioxidant enzyme and essential elements alterations. This study was undertaken to examine the levels of essential elements, antioxidant enzymes activities, and their relationships with different types of leukemia. Serum selenium, zinc, and copper concentrations, red blood cell glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, plasma Cu−Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu−Zn SOD) activities and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were determined in 49 patients with different types of leukemia before initial treatment. Serum selenium and zinc concentrations were lower in leukemia patients than those of controls (p<0.01). Serum copper concentration was higher in leukemia patients than that of controls (p<0.01). The activities GPx and Cu−Zn SOD were significantly increased in leukemia patients, especially with acute leukemia (AL), acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL), and acute nonlymphoid leukemia (ANLL) (p<0.05), whereas no difference was found between those of chronic myelogeneous leukemia and the controls. The levels of LPO were normal as controls. Serum selenium concentration was not correlated with GPx, and serum levels of zinc and copper were not related to Cu−Zn SOD. Serum zinc levels had a negative correlation with the absolute peripheral blast cells, whereas serum copper had a positive correlation with the absolute peripheral blast cells. Increased GPx and Cu−Zn SOD activities and normal levels of LPO, which were a protective responses, were an indicator of mild oxidative stress; it mights indicate that the essentials elements alterations in leukemia patients were mostly dependent on tumor activity. Changes of their levels demonstrated that there are low selenium, zinc, and high copper status in leukemia patients. The decrease of plasma zinc and increase of the Cu/Zn ratio could be the index that showed an unfavorable prognosis of acute leukemia.     

Mineral content of water and food in fluorotic villages and prevalence of dental fluorosis

The fluoride (F), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and phosphorus (P) content in potable water and food samples (cereals, pulses, and vegetables) from endemic and nonendemic villages for fluorosis were analyzed. It was found that the F content in water was significantly higher (p<0.01) in endemic villages (4.20±1.6 ppm) than control villages (0.63±0.15 ppm), whereas the Ca, Cu, and Mg contents were found to be significantly lower (p<0.05) in endemic villages compared to control villages. However, there was no significant difference in Zn and P contents between the villages. Foods (cereals, pulses, and vegetables) grown in endemic villages contained significantly higher (p<0.01) fluoride content as compared to control villages. There was no significant difference in Ca, Mg, P, and Zn contents in food grown in endemic and control villages. Copper content in cereals (p<0.05), pulses (p<0.01), and vegetables (p<0.01) in endemic villages was found significantly higher as compared to control villages. The overall prevalence of dental fluorosis in six endemic villages was 97.4% in boys and 96% in girls, which was significantly higher (p<0.01) than that of control villages, where it was 10.5% in boys and 8.3% in girls. The prevalence of dental fluorosis was positively correlated (r=0.125, p<0.01) to fluoride and negatively correlated to Ca and Cu content in drinking water in endemic villages.     

The Effects of Chromium Histidinate on Mineral Status of Serum and Tissue in Fat-Fed and Streptozotocin-Treated Type II Diabetic Rats

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of chromium histidinate (CrHis) against experimentally induced type II diabetes and on chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) in serum, liver, and kidney of diabetic rats. The male Wistar rats (n = 60, 8 weeks old) were divided into four groups. Group I received a standard diet (12% of calories as fat); group II were fed standard diet and received CrHis (110 mcg CrHis/kg body weight per day); group III received a high-fat diet (HFD; 40% of calories as fat) for 2 weeks and then were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) on day 14 (STZ, 40 mg/kg i.p.; HFD/STZ); group IV were treated as group III (HFD/STZ) but supplemented with 110 mcg CrHis/kg body weight per day. The mineral concentrations in the serum and tissue were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Compared to the HFD/STZ group, CrHis significantly increased body weight and reduced blood glucose in diabetic rats (p < 0.001). Concentrations of Cr, Zn, Se, and Mn in serum, liver, and kidney of the diabetic rats were significantly lower than in the control rats (p < 0.0001). In contrast, higher Fe and Cu levels were found in serum and tissues from diabetic versus the non-diabetic rats (p < 0.001). Chromium histidinate supplementation increased serum, liver, and kidney concentrations of Cr and Zn both in diabetic and non-diabetic rats (p < 0.001). Chromium supplementation increased Mn and Se levels in diabetic rats (p < 0.001); however, it decreased Cu levels in STZ-treated group (p < 0.001). Chromium histidinate supplementation did not affect Fe levels in both groups (p > 0.05). The results of the present study conclude that supplementing Cr to the diet of diabetic rats influences serum and tissue Cr, Zn, Se, Mn, and Cu concentrations.     

Effects of different proteins on the metabolism of Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn in rats

Many factors are known to influence trace element metabolism and one of them is dietary protein. The present study examines the effects of casein, soybean protein, and peanut protein on the metabolism of the Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn in growing rats. The results showed that Zn, Fe, and Mn excretions in the feces of peanut protein-fed rats (PPERs) were similar to that of casein-fed rats (CPFRs) (p>0.05), whereas all of the Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn excretions in the urine of PPFRs were significantly higher than that of CPFRs (p<0.05), but its apparent absorption rate (AAR) of Cu, Fe and its apparent retention rate (ARR) of Cu were all higher than that of CPFRs (p<0.05). Hepatic Zn content of soybean protein-fed rats (SPFRs) was higher than that of CPFRs and PPFRs (p<0.05 respectively) and serum, renal, and femoral Cu contents of SPFRs were significantly lower; however, hepatic Cu, and renal Mn contents were significantly higher than that of CPFRs (p<0.05, respectively); The hepatic Fe content of SPFRs was significantly higher than that of CPFRs and PPFRs (p<0.01, respectively). To sum up, compared to casein, soybean protein might be a good dietary source to make up for Zn and Fe deficiency, and also peanut protein to make up for Cu and Fe deficiency.     

Alterations in plasma essential trace elements selenium, manganese, zinc, copper, and iron concentrations and the possible role of these elements on oxidative status in patients with childhood asthma

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the status of plasma essential trace element selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) concentrations and the effect of these elements on oxidative status in patients with childhood asthma. Plasma Se, Mn, Cu, and Zn concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) and Fe concentrations, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined by the colorimetric method. The plasma MDA/TAC ratio was calculated as an index of oxidative status. Plasma albumin levels were measured to determine nutritional status. Plasma Fe concentrations, MDA levels and the MDA/TAC ratio were significantly higher (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.01, respectively) and Se and Mn concentrations and TAC were lower (p<0.01, p<0.05, and p<0.01, respectively) in patients when compared to the healthy subjects. Plasma Zn, Cu, and albumin levels were not found to be significantly different in patients and controls (p>0.05). There were positive relationships between plasma MDA and Fe (r=0.545, p<0.001) and TAC and Se (r=0.485, p<0.021), and a negative correlation between TAC and MDA values (r= −0.337, p<0.031) in patients with childhood asthma. However, there was no correlation between these trace elements and albumin content in patient groups. These observations suggest that increased Fe and decreased Se concentrations in patients with childhood asthma may be responsible for the oxidant/antioxidant imbalance.     

Serum and tissue levels of six trace elements and copper/zinc ratio in patients with cervical cancer and uterine myoma

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between trace elements and the incidence of cervical cancer. Tissue and serum levels of six elements (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ca, and Se) and the Cu/Zn ratio in 40 cases of patients with cervical cancer, 30 cases of uterine myoma, and 50 healthy subjects were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry; the selenium content was determined by atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The results showed that the tissue contents of Zn, Se, and Ca were significantly lower and the Cu and Fe concentrations and Cu/Zn ratio were significantly higher in cervical cancer tissue than that for paired nonlesion tissue (p<0.02 and p<0.001, respectively). The serum levels of Zn, Se, Ca, and Fe were lower and Cu and Mn levels and Cu/Zn ratio were higher in patients with cervical cancer than in healthy subjects (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively) and in the uterine myoma group compared with healthy subjects (p< 0.05–0.001). There are no significant differences in the contents of six elements and the Cu/Zn ratio between uterine myoma tissue and paired nonlesion tissue. The results showed also that the Fe level and Cu/Zn ratio were significantly higher and the Zn and Se levels were significantly lower in cervical cancer tissue than in uterine myoma tissue (p<0.01 and p<0.001, respectively). The serum Cu level and Cu/Zn ratio were significantly higher in the cervical cancer group than the uterine myoma group (p<0.01). Data were also analyzed using multivarate logistic regression. After adjustment for age, occupation, life habit, and other covariates for the development of cervical cancer, the odds ratios were 22.64 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.64–90.88, p=0.001) for Cu, 0.11 (95% CI: 0.034–0.373; p=0.005) for Zn, and 0.60 (95% CI: 0.36–0.99, p=0.01) for Se. Thus, the serum and tissue levels of Cu increase and the deficiency of Zn and Se may be risk factors for the development of cervical cancer.     

The Effects of FeCl<Subscript>3</Subscript> and Fe–EDTA on the Development of Psoriasis

The effects of FeCl₃ and Fe–EDTA on the development of psoriasis were studied in the mouse model of vaginal epithelium and tail epidermis. The mitoses of vaginal epithelial cell in female mice of their estrogenic stage and the formation of granular cell layers in male mouse tail scale were observed. Mice were randomly divided into eight groups and treated with normal saline, methotrexate, and different doses of two iron forms, FeCl₃ and Fe–EDTA, respectively, for 10 days. To explore the influence of FeCl₃ and Fe–EDTA on the excretion of Cu, Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Se, the concentration of those elements in liver and kidney was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. The different doses of FeCl₃ or Fe–EDTA could obviously inhibit the mitoses of vaginal epithelial cell (p< 0.05) and promote the formation of granular cell layers in mice tail scale (p < 0.05). No statistically significant results were found between the groups of FeCl₃ and Fe–EDTA, and between experimental groups and methotrexate group acted as the positive control (p>0.05). Compared with the negative group, the concentrations of Cu, Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Se in liver and kidney of experimental groups and positive control group were not significantly changed (p > 0.05). FeCl₃ and Fe–EDTA are as effective as methotrexate on inhibiting hyperplasia of epidermal cells and increasing the formation of granular cell layers, and the concentrations of Cu, Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Se in liver and kidney of experimental groups and positive control group were not significantly changed compared with the negative group, possibly retarding the development of psoriasis.     

Leptin concentration and the Zn/Cu ratio in plasma in women with thyroid disorder

We investigated the possible correlation between the leptin concentration and the Zn/Cu ratio in the plasma of women with thyroid disorder. Forty women with hypothyroidism (n=20) or hypothyroidism (n=20) and 20 euthyroid controls were recruited. The results showed that the women with thyroid disorder (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism) had higher plasma leptin concentrations than the normal controls (p<0.05). Moreover, the plasma leptin concentration had no correlation with plasma thyroid hormone levels in the separate groups, nor among all the participants considered together. A strong correlation (p<0.005) between leptin and adiposity was only observed in euthyroid women. Plasma values of Zn and Cu and the Zn/Cu ratio were not markedly different among women with altered thyroid status. However, a weak correlation (r=0.28, p=0.032) between leptin and the Zn/Cu ratio was found from the pooled data of all participants and retained after adjustment for adiposity. We suggest that there may exist an interaction between the plasma leptin level and thyroid hormone-induced abnormality for selected minerals.     

Selected trace elements and esterase activity of carbonic anhydrase levels in lambs with pneumonia

The levels of, zinc, copper, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Mg, K, Na, and Cl and the activity of carbonic anhydrase were determined in lambs with pneumonia. A significant decrease of p<0.01 level in Zn concentration, in Cu level (p<0.001) and significant increases in K and Na levels (p<0.05) and of the Cu/Zn ratio (p<0.001) were observed in the study group. The carbonic anhydrase activity was decreased in the study group, but the decrease was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Also, nonsignificant decreases of Fe, Mg, and Cl and increase of the Mn concentration were also observed in the lambs with pneumonia (p>0.05). Our results suggest that the significant element changes reported here and the Cu/Zn ratio, but not the activity of carbonic anhydrase, can be used as indicators of pneumococcal infection.