Association Between Zinc, Copper, and Iron Concentrations in Breast Milk and Growth of Healthy Infants in Tabriz, Iran

The aims of this study were to determine the effect of breast milk zinc, copper, and iron concentrations on infants’ growth and their possible correlations with maternal dietary intake. Milk samples and information on food intake were collected from 182 lactating women. Concentrations of zinc, copper, and iron in milk were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The infant’s weight for age Z-score (WAZ) and height for age Z-score (HAZ) were calculated. The mean milk zinc, copper, and iron concentrations were 1.85?±?0.5, 0.53?±?0.3, and 0.85?±?0.2 mg/l, respectively. Only zinc mean level was lower than the recommended range. Association between zinc, copper, and iron concentrations of milk and WAZ or HAZ of infants were not significant. However, the WAZ of infants whose mothers' milk zinc was more than 2 mg/l was significantly (P?<?0.039) higher than for others. The mean dietary zinc (5.31?±?2.3 mg/day) and copper (1.16?±?0.7 mg/day) intake of mothers was significantly less than the required daily intake (RDA) recommendations (P?<?0.05). The mean dietary iron intake (11.8?±?8.2 mg/day) was significantly higher than RDA recommendation (P?<?0.001). No significant association was found between maternal mean dietary zinc, copper, and iron intakes with their concentrations in milk. Dietary consultation or/and zinc supplementation is suggested for lactating women and infants.     

Glutathione Peroxidase 1, Selenoprotein K,and Selenoprotein H May Play Important Roles in Chicken Testes in Response to Selenium Deficiency

The current study was designed to determine the beneficial effects of zinc supplementation on expressed levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) and glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT1) genes in newborns of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed among 40 women with GDM. Patients were randomly allocated to intake either 233 mg zinc gluconate (containing 30 mg zinc) (n?=?20) or a placebo (n?=?20) for 6 weeks. PPAR-γ and GLUT1 mRNA levels were quantified in umbilical cord blood of newborns of women with GDM. After 6 weeks of intervention, the change in serum zinc levels was greater in women consuming zinc than in the placebo group (+11.1?±?13.4 vs. ?4.8?±?17.3 mg/dL, P?=?0.002). Quantitative results of RT-PCR demonstrated that compared with the placebo, zinc supplementation resulted in a significant increase of expressed levels of PPAR-γ mRNA (P?<?0.001) and GLUT1 mRNA (P?<?0.001) in umbilical cord blood of newborns of women with GDM. Taken together, the current study demonstrated that zinc supplementation for 6 weeks among GDM women increased the mRNA levels of PPAR-γ and GLUT1 in their newborns compared with the placebo group.     

Anaemia, Folate, Zinc and Copper Deficiencies Among Adolescent Schoolgirls in Eastern Sudan

Anaemia is a widespread problem especially in the tropics. Among adolescent girls, it has negative consequences on growth, school performance, morbidity and reproductive performance. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of anaemia, iron, folate, zinc and copper deficiencies amongst adolescent schoolgirls in New Halfa, eastern Sudan, and to examine the relationship of these micronutrients with haemoglobin (Hb) levels. Out of 187 adolescent schoolgirls, 181 (96.8%) had anaemia (Hb?<?12 g/dl); 21% had mild anaemia (Hb 11.0–11.9 g/dl); 66.8.1% had moderate anaemia (Hb 8.0–10.9 g/dl), and 12.1% had severe anaemia (Hb?<?8 g/dl), respectively. Iron deficiency (S-ferritin?<?12 μg/l), iron deficiency anaemia (<12 m/dl and S- ferritin?<?12 μg/l) and folate deficiency (S-folate?<?3 ng/ml) were prevalent in 17.6%, 16.5% and 69% of these girls, respectively. Nine percent and 5.9% of these girls had zinc (<75 μg/ml) and copper deficiency (<75 μg/ml), respectively. Twenty-six (14%) girls had ≥2 micronutrient deficiencies. S-ferritin and zinc were significantly lower in patients with severe anaemia. Haemoglobin levels were significantly positively correlated with zinc levels (r?=?0.161, P?=?0.03) and with copper levels (r?=?0.151, P?=?0.03). Thus, interventions are required to prevent and control anaemia in this setting. Further research is needed.     

Copper and Resveratrol Attenuates Serum Catalase, Glutathione Peroxidase, and Element Values in Rats with DMBA-Induced Mammary Carcinogenesis

In this paper, a hypothesis was assessed whether or not the intoxication with copper and supplementation with copper plus resveratrol would result in changes in the activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase and moreover if the characteristic changes would appear in concentrations of copper, iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc in the serum of rats with chemically induced carcinogenesis. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into study groups which, apart from the standard diet, were treated with copper (42.6 mg Cu/kg food as CuSO₄·5H₂O) or copper plus resveratrol (0.2 mg/kg body) via gavage for a period from 40 days until 20 weeks of age. In cancer groups, the rats were treated with a dose of 80 mg/body weight of 7,12-dimethyl-1,2-benz[a]anthracene (DMBA) given in rapeseed oil at 50 and 80 days of age to induce mammary carcinogenesis. The control groups included the rats kept in the same conditions and fed with the same diet as the animals from the study groups, but not DMBA-treated. The activity of catalase significantly decreased in groups of rats with mammary carcinogenesis that were supplemented with copper (p?<?0.05) or copper plus resveratrol (p?<?0.001) in comparison with the control groups that received the same diets. In cancer groups of nonsupplemented rats, the increase of glutathione peroxidase activity was observed. The process of carcinogenesis and the applied supplementation significantly altered the concentrations of trace elements in serum, in particular as concerns iron and copper. The mean serum iron levels in rats with breast cancer were significantly lower than those in the control groups (p?<?0.001). The mean serum copper levels significantly decreased in the groups of rats with mammary carcinogenesis that were supplemented with copper or copper plus resveratrol in comparison with the control groups that received the same diets (p?<?0.001). The characteristic changes in iron content and the zinc/copper and zinc/iron ratios in blood may be used as one of the prognostic factors in breast cancer research.     

Effects of Zinc Glycinate on Productive and Reproductive Performance,Zinc Concentration and Antioxidant Status in Broiler Breeders

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of zinc glycinate (Zn-Gly) supplementation as an alternative for zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄) on productive and reproductive performance, zinc (Zn) concentration and antioxidant status in broiler breeders. Six hundred 39-week-old Lingnan Yellow broiler breeders were randomly assigned to 6 groups consisting of 4 replicates with 25 birds each. Breeders were fed a basal diet (control group, 24 mg Zn/kg diet), basal diet supplemented with 80 mg Zn/kg diet from ZnSO₄ or basal diet supplemented with 20, 40, 60 and 80 mg Zn/kg diet from Zn-Gly. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks after a 4-week pre-test with the basal diet, respectively. Results showed that Zn supplementation, regardless of sources, improved (P?<?0.05) the feed conversion ratio (kilogram of feed/kilogram of egg) and decreased broken egg rate, and elevated (P?<?0.05) the qualified chick rate. Compared with the ZnSO₄ group, the 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly group significantly increased (P?<?0.05) average egg weight, fertility, hatchability and qualified chick rate, whereas it decreased (P?<?0.05) broken egg rate. The Zn concentrations in liver and muscle were significantly higher (P?<?0.05) in 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly group than that in ZnSO₄ group. Compared with ZnSO₄ group, 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly group significantly elevated (P?<?0.05) the mRNA abundances of metallothionein (MT) and copper-zinc superoxide (Cu-Zn SOD), as well as the Cu-Zn SOD activity and MT concentration in liver. Moreover, the 80 mg Zn/kg Zn-Gly group had higher (P?<?0.05) serum T-SOD and Cu-Zn SOD activities than that in the ZnSO₄ group. This study indicated that supplementation of Zn in basal diet improved productive and reproductive performance, Zn concentration and antioxidant status in broiler breeders, and the 80 mg Zn/kg from Zn-Gly was the optimum choice for broiler breeders compared with other levels of Zn from Zn-Gly and 80 mg/kg Zn from ZnSO₄.     

Serum Trace Element Levels in Febrile Convulsion

Febrile convulsion is the most common disorder in childhood with good prognosis. There are different hypotheses about neurotransmitters and trace element changes in biological fluids which can have a role in pathogenesis of febrile convulsion. In this study, serum selenium, zinc, and copper were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry in the children with febrile convulsion (n?=?30) and in the control group (n?=?30). The age and sex of the subjects were registered. Selenium and zinc were found to be significantly lower in febrile convulsion cases than in the control group (p?<?0.0001 and p?<?0.0001, respectively). There was no significant difference in the value of copper between the two groups (p?=?0.16). While selenium and zinc levels were 44.92?±?10.93 μg/l and 66.13?±?18.97 μg/dl in febrile convulsion, they were found to be 62.98?±?9.80 μg/l and 107.87?±?28.79 μg/dl in healthy children. Meanwhile, copper levels were 146.40?±?23.51 μg/dl in the patients and 137.63?±?24.19 μg/dl in the control group, respectively. This study shows that selenium and zinc play an important role in the pathogenesis of febrile convulsion.     

Modulation of Testicular and Whole Blood Trace Element Concentrations in Conjunction with Testosterone Release Following Kisspeptin Administration in Male Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The present study investigated the role of kisspeptin-10 on reproductively significant trace elements in relation to testosterone release in male rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus. Groups of rabbits were exposed to single 1 μg kisspeptin dose (i.v., saphenous vein), while simultaneous groups were pretreated with a kisspeptin antagonist, peptide-234 (50 μg) 20 min before administering kisspeptin. Sequential blood sampling was done through marginal ear vein puncture at staggered time intervals: 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 24 h to determine serum testosterone. Testes and whole blood were collected at 4 and 24 h post dosage to determine trace element concentrations through atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In testes, zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and Fe concentrations showed significant increases at 24 h, while copper (Cu) concentration was found elevated at 4 and 24 h both (P?<?0.001). In whole blood, Zn and Cu concentrations were significantly elevated at 4 and 24 h, while Mn and cobalt (Co) concentrations showed increases only at 24 h (P?<?0.001). Blood iron concentration was not altered in the blood. In contrast, no change occurred in testicular Co, and chromium or nickel concentrations in either testes or blood. Compared to control and predose groups, serum testosterone levels increased gradually and peaked at 2 h (P?<?0.001) post kisspeptin treatment but declined thereafter. Pretreatment with antagonist abolished all increases in trace elements and testosterone concentrations. The present study provides first evidence that reproduction- and fertility-related peptide “kisspeptin” modulates testicular and blood trace elements and that this action is likely GPR54-dependent.     

The Influences of Chromium Supplementation on Glycemic Control,Markers of Cardio-Metabolic Risk,and Oxidative Stress in Infertile Polycystic ovary Syndrome Women Candidate for In vitro Fertilization: a Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Trial

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of chromium intake on glycemic control, markers of cardio-metabolic risk, and oxidative stress in infertile polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women candidate for in vitro fertilization (IVF). This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was done among 40 subjects with infertile PCOS candidate for IVF, aged 18–40 years old. Individuals were randomly allocated into two groups to take either 200 μg/day of chromium (n?=?20) or placebo (n?=?20) for 8 weeks. Biochemical parameters were assessed at baseline and at end-of-trial. Compared with the placebo, taking chromium supplements led to significant reductions in fasting plasma glucose (??2.3?±?5.7 vs. +?0.9?±?3.1 mg/dL, P?=?0.03), insulin levels (??1.4?±?2.1 vs. +?0.4?±?1.7 μIU/mL, P?=?0.004), homeostatic model of assessment for insulin resistance (??0.3?±?0.5 vs. +?0.1?±?0.4, P?=?0.005), and a significant increase in quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+?0.004?±?0.008 vs. ??0.001?±?0.008, P?=?0.03). In addition, chromium supplementation significantly decreased serum triglycerides (??19.2?±?33.8 vs. +?8.3?±?21.7 mg/dL, P?=?0.004), VLDL- (??3.8?±?6.8 vs. +?1.7?±?4.3 mg/dL, P?=?0.004) and total cholesterol concentrations (??15.3?±?26.2 vs. ??0.6?±?15.9 mg/dL, P?=?0.03) compared with the placebo. Additionally, taking chromium supplements was associated with a significant increase in plasma total antioxidant capacity (+?153.9?±?46.1 vs. ??7.8?±?43.9 mmol/L, P?<?0.001) and a significant reduction in malondialdehyde values (?0.3?±?0.3 vs. +?0.1?±?0.2 μmol/L, P?=?0.001) compared with the placebo. Overall, our study supported that chromium administration for 8 weeks to infertile PCOS women candidate for IVF had beneficial impacts on glycemic control, few variables of cardio-metabolic risk, and oxidative stress.     

The Effects of Magnesium and Zinc Co-Supplementation on Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress,and Gene Expression Related to Inflammation in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Magnesium and zinc are known to exert multiple beneficial effects including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. To our knowledge, data on the effects of magnesium and zinc co-supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress and gene expression related to inflammation in subjects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are scarce. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of magnesium and zinc co-supplementation on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress and gene expression related to inflammation in subjects with PCOS. This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 60 subjects with PCOS diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria, aged 18–40 years old. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups to take either 250 mg of magnesium oxide plus 220 mg of zinc sulfate (containing 50 mg zinc) supplements (n?=?30) or placebo (n?=?30) twice a day for 12 weeks. Biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress were assessed at baseline and at end of treatment. Gene expression related to inflammatory cytokines was assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of PCOS women with RT-PCR method. After the 12-week intervention, compared with the placebo, magnesium and zinc co-supplementation significantly decreased serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (??1.6?±?2.4 vs. +?0.1?±?0.7 mg/L, P?=?0.001) and protein carbonyl (PCO) (??0.14?±?0.28 vs. +?0.02?±?0.07 mmol/mg protein, P?=?0.002) and significantly increased plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels (+?60.7?±?69.4 vs. ??1.5?±?141.5 mmol/L, P?=?0.03). Results of RT-PCR demonstrated that compared with the placebo, magnesium and zinc co-supplementation downregulated gene expression of interleukin-1 (IL-1) (P?=?0.007) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (P?=?0.03) in PBMCs of subjects with PCOS. Overall, magnesium and zinc co-supplementation, compared with the placebo, for 12 weeks among PCOS women had beneficial effects on serum hs-CRP, plasma PCO, TAC, and gene expression of IL-1 and TNF-α. Clinical trial registration number: http://www.irct.ir: IRCT201706075623N121.     

The Effect of Enriched Milk with Selenium and Vitamin E on Growth Rate, Hematology, Some Blood Biochemical Factors, and Immunoglobulins of Newborn Goat Kids

Thirty male and female (n?=?15 for each one) Markhoz newborn goat kids (aged 7?±?3 days) were distributed in a randomized block design in a 2?×?2?+?1 factorial arrangement: two levels of sodium selenite as a source of selenium (0.2 or 0.3 ppm Se), two levels of α-tocopherol acetate as a source of vitamin E (150 or 200 IU Vit E), and one control treatment with six repetitions per treatment (each replicate included three male and three female kids). Animals were fed daily by Se-Vit E-enriched milk (Se-Vit E treatments) or non-enriched milk (control treatment). Growth rate, hematology, and serum biological parameters were measured. The levels of serum albumin (P?<?0.01), serum globulin (P?<?0.05), total serum protein levels (P?<?0.01), erythrocyte counts (RBC) (P?<?0.001), hemoglobin (P?<?0.001), hematocrit (P?<?0.001), leukocyte counts (WBC) (P?<?0.001), IgA (P?<?0.05), IgG (P?<?0.01), and IgM (P?<?0.01) significantly differed among treatments, while no significant differences were observed for calcium, lymphocyte, neutrophil average daily gain and body weight among treatments. Kids feeding by enriched milk with 0.3 ppm Se and 200 IU Vit E had significantly higher serum total protein, globulin, RBC, IgA, IgG, and IgM compared to control and those fed by enriched milk to 0.2 ppm Se and 200 IU Vit E had significantly higher WBC counts.     

Effects of Iron Glycine Chelate on Growth, Tissue Mineral Concentrations, Fecal Mineral Excretion, and Liver Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Broilers

The study was conducted to determine the effects of iron glycine chelate (Fe-Gly) on growth, tissue mineral concentrations, fecal mineral excretion, and liver antioxidant enzyme activities in broilers. A total of 360 1-day-old commercial broilers (Ross?×?Ross) were randomly allotted to six dietary treatments with six replications of ten chicks per replicate. Broilers were fed a control diet with no Fe supplementation, while five other treatments consisted of 40, 80, 120, and 160?mg Fe/kg diets from Fe-Gly, and 160?mg Fe/kg from ferrous sulfate, respectively. After a 42-day feeding trial, the results showed that 120 and 160?mg Fe/kg as Fe-Gly improved the average daily gain (P?<?0.05) and average daily feed intake (P?<?0.05) of broilers (4?C6?weeks). Addition with 120 and 160?mg Fe/kg from Fe-Gly and 160?mg Fe/kg from FeSO₄ increased Fe concentration in serum (P?<?0.05), liver (P?<?0.05), breast muscle (P?<?0.05), tibia (P?<?0.05), and feces (P?<?0.01) at 21 and 42?days. There were linear responses to the addition of Fe-Gly from 0 to 160?mg/kg Fe on Fe concentration in serum (21?days, P?=?0.005; 42?days, P?=?0.001), liver (P?=?0.001), breast muscle (P?=?0.001), tibia (P?=?0.001), and feces (21?days, P?=?0.011; 42?days, P?=?0.032). Liver Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase activities of chicks were increased by the addition of 80, 120, and 160?mg Fe/kg as Fe-Gly to diets at 42?days. There were no differences in liver catalase activities of chicks among the treatments (P?>?0.05). This study indicates that addition with Fe-Gly could improve growth performance and iron tissue storage and improves the antioxidant status of broiler chickens.     

Changes in Serum Copper and Zinc Levels in Peripartum Healthy and Subclinically Hypocalcemic Dairy Cows

The objective of this study was to determine the levels of serum copper and zinc in subclinically hypocalcemic peripartum dairy cows in comparison to healthy animals. Blood samples were taken from 219 multiparous Holstein cows near parturition (from 4 weeks prepartum to 4 weeks postpartum) and 51 cows with subclinical hypocalcemia. The results showed that the serum copper concentration increased gradually at 1 week prepartum and remained high for the first 4 weeks postpartum in the healthy periparturient dairy cows. The serum zinc concentration reached a nadir at 1 week postpartum and subsequently increased gradually to baseline. The serum zinc concentration was significantly decreased (P?<?0.01) in dairy cows with subclinical hypocalcemia compared with healthy cows. There was no significant difference in the serum copper concentration between cows with subclinical hypocalcemia and healthy cows. These data demonstrate that the concentrations of copper and zinc in serum change dramatically during the peripartum period in dairy cows, which is a tremendous challenge for the body and for the maintenance of dairy cow health. The present study further suggests that a decreased serum zinc concentration could be a cause of decreased productive performance and increased susceptibility to other diseases due to immunosuppression in dairy cows with subclinical hypocalcemia. Additionally, this decreased zinc concentration may be involved in the pathogenesis of subclinical hypocalcemia.     

Levels of Metallic Elements and Their Potential Relationships to Cognitive Function among Elderly from Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) Settlement in Selangor Malaysia

Exposure to toxic metals and excessive amount of trace elements is a risk factor of cognitive decline. Continuous monitoring of these elements by the use of metabolically inactive tissues such as fingernails may help in taking preventive measures to delay the cognitive decline process. In this study, the cognitive function of 54 elderlies (60–72 years old) from FELDA Sungai Tengi, Selangor, was evaluated using the Malay version of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in fingernail were detected using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry. Results showed that (92.6 %) our population was cognitively impaired based on the MoCA with mean score of 18.07?±?5.11. The mean level of elements in fingernails for As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn were 16.68?±?3.52, 4.26?±?0.91, 4.81?±?1.16, 1.00?±?0.23, 1.83?±?0.47, and 40.86?±?10.81 μg/g, respectively. Significant inverse correlations were observed between MoCA with age (r?=??0.543, p?<?0.01), Cu level (r?=??0.330, p?<?0.05), and Mn level (r?=??0.496, p?<?0.01). MMSE was correlated to age (r?=??0.346, p?<?0.05) only. In conclusion, besides aging, the progression of cognitive decline among the elderly FELDA population was associated with increased levels of copper and manganese.     

Selenium, Zinc, and Copper Plasma Levels in Patients with Schizophrenia: Relationship with Metabolic Risk Factors

The aim of this study was to determine the plasma selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) levels and to evaluate their possible association with metabolic syndrome (MetS) components in patients with schizophrenia. The study group consisted of 60 patients with schizophrenia and 60 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and biochemical analysis of fasting blood were performed in all subjects. Patients with schizophrenia had significantly higher plasma Cu concentrations compared with controls (0.97?±?0.31 vs. 0.77?±?0.32 mg/L, p?=?0.001). The plasma Cu concentration showed a positive correlation with plasma glucose and diastolic blood pressure in the patient groups (r _s ?=?0.263, p?<?0.05 and r _s ?=?0.272, p?<?0.05, respectively). The plasma Se level correlated positive with MetS score (r _s ?=?0.385, p?<?0.01), waist circumference (r _s ?=?0.344, p?<?0.05), plasma glucose (r _s ?=?0.319, p?<?0.05), and triglyceride concentrations (r _s ?=?0.462, p?<?0.001) in patients with schizophrenia. Plasma Zn did not correlate with any of the MetS components. These results suggest that alterations in plasma Cu and Se levels in medicated patients with schizophrenia could be associated with metabolic risk factors.     

Effects of Chromium Propionate on Egg Production,Egg Quality,Plasma Biochemical Parameters,and Egg Chromium Deposition in Late-Phase Laying Hens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of chromium propionate on egg production, egg quality, plasma biochemical parameters and egg chromium deposition in late-phase laying hens. Four hundred thirty-two 60-weeks old laying hens were divided into four groups of 108 birds per group according to egg production. The dietary treatments consisted of the basal diet adding with 0, 200, 400, and 600 μg/kg chromium as chromium propionate. All laying hens were given feed and water ad libitum for 8 weeks. The addition of 400 μg/kg Cr as chromium propionate increased egg production (P?<?0.01) during the later 4 weeks, but decreased albumen height, yolk color score, and Haugh unit of eggs. Six hundred micrograms per kilogram Cr as chromium propionate supplementation improved shell thickness (P?<?0.05). 200 μg/kg Cr as chromium propionate supplementation decreased the uric acid concentration by 31 % (P?<?0.05). However, supplemental Cr did not affect the egg chromium deposition of hens (P?>?0.05). These data indicated that feeding of late-phase laying hens with chromium propionate could improve egg production, increase eggshell thickness, but do not result in abnormal levels of chromium deposition in eggs.     

Source of Copper May Have Regressive Effects on Serum Cholesterol and Urea Nitrogen Among Male Fattening Lambs

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of dietary copper (Cu) on mineral profile, hematological parameters, and lipid metabolism in lambs. Eighteen Zandi male lambs (approximately 3 months of age; 17.53?±?1.6 kg of body weight) were housed in individual pens and were assigned randomly to one of three treatments. Treatments consisted of (1) control (no supplemental Cu), (2) 10 mg Cu/kg dry matter (DM) from copper sulfate (CuS), and (3) 10 mg Cu/kg DM from Cu proteinate (CuP). The Cu concentration was 8.2 mg/kg DM in the basal diet. Blood was sampled from the jugular vein at the beginning of the study (enrollment, before feeding Cu supplement) and at days 25, 50, and 70 of experiment. The amounts of total serum glucose, urea nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper, zinc, and lipids and hematological parameters were measured. Average daily gain and feed efficiency were improved (P?<?0.05) with Cu supplementation and were better for the lambs fed diet supplemented with CuP. The concentrations of serum Ca, P, and Zn were not affected by source of Cu in the diet. However, Fe concentration was lower (P?<?0.01) in the Cu-supplemented groups. Experimental treatment had no significant effects on the hematological parameters. The serum glucose concentration was not affected by treatments. However, the urea nitrogen concentrations were significantly affected (P?<?0.05) by added Cu and was lower for CuP group as compared to the lambs in the CuS and control groups. Addition of Cu had no influence (P?>?0.05) on the serum triglyceride concentration, but lambs fed with CuP supplement had lower (P?<?0.05) serum cholesterol than the CuS and control animals. These results indicated that CuP supplemented at 10 mg/kg DM improved gain and enhanced the efficiency of nitrogen in male lambs.     

Alteration of Plasma Trace Elements in Patients Undergoing Open Heart Surgery

Trace elements may contribute to myocardial dysfunction and susceptibility of the phospholipid cell membrane to free-radical damage and oxidative changes. We studied the concentration of trace elements copper, zinc, and magnesium in cardiac surgery. Fifty-four consecutive patients for elective coronary artery bypass grafting (n?=?30) and valve replacement (n?=?24) were studied. Blood samples were collected every 30 min (T1–T5) during cardiopulmonary bypass and postoperatively (T6–T9). Plasma concentrations of copper, zinc, and magnesium were measured with flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The concentrations of copper, zinc, and magnesium were significantly different during and after cardiopulmonary bypass (p?<?0.01). The zinc concentration at T7 and T8 (p?<?0.01) and the copper concentration at T1, T9 (p?<?0.05) were significantly different between two groups. However, the magnesium concentration had no significant differences between the two groups (p?>?0.05). In patients undergoing valve replacement or coronary artery bypass grafting, the concentrations of copper and zinc decreased significantly during cardiopulmonary bypass. Our study suggests that the current cardiopulmonary bypass protocol is adequate in the maintenance of c magnesium. However, the low copper and zinc concentrations found in the present study may suggest that in the future, supplementation particularly of copper and zinc may become a necessary procedure in cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.     

Effect of Lead on Lipid Peroxidation, Phospholipids Composition, and Methylation in Erythrocyte of Human

Lead (Pb) is one of the most abundant heavy metals on earth considered as number one environmental persistent toxin and health hazard affecting millions of people in all age groups. After entering bloodstream, 99 % of Pb is accumulated in erythrocytes and causes poisoning. Toxic Pb effects on erythrocytes membrane’s composition of phosphatidyl serine (PS), phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE), phosphatidyl choline (PC), and sphingomyelin (SM), and phospholipids transmethylation were determined. Lipid peroxidation in Pb-exposed erythrocytes was evaluated as malondialdehyde (MDA) formation in presence of Fe and vitamin E to understand severity of Pb toxicity and its mitigation. Pb (0.5–5.0 μM) degraded PS (12 to 31 %, P?<?0.05–0.001) and elevated SM (19–51 %, P?<?0.05–0.001). Composition of PC and PE were diminished (22 %) and elevated (29 %), respectively, with higher Pb exposure (5.0 μM, P?<?0.001). Pb toxicity suppressed (P?<?0.001) transmethylation of phospholipids in membranes (34, 41, and 50 %, respectively, with 0.5, 2.5, and 5.0 μM). Pb-induced dose-related MDA production (P?<?0.05–0.001) in erythrocytes was obtained, which was accentuated in presence of Fe (P?<?0.05–0.001). The vitamin E mitigated (P?<?0.05–0.01) the severity of Pb-induced lipid peroxidation. The ratio PS/SM showed maximum change of ?27 (P?<?0.01), ?30 (P?<?0.01), and ?54 % (P?<?0.001), respectively at 0.5, 2.5, and 5.0 μM Pb exposures. Ratios PC/SM and PS/PE were at the second, whereas PE/PS at the third order. The study suggests that the mechanisms underlying distortion of compositional phospholipids, inhibition of transmethylation, and exasperated phospholipid peroxidative damage are the active phenomena of Pb toxicity in erythrocytes.

Effects of High-Intensity Training and Resumed Training on Macroelement and Microelement of Elite Basketball Athletes

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of high-intensity training and resumed training in hot and humid environment on plasma macro- and microelements levels of elite Han Chinese basketball players. Ten well-trained elite basketball athletes?? plasma macroelements (chlorin, sodium, potassium, and calcium), creatine kinase (CK), and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) were measured before and after a 2-h high-intensity training, and microelements (zinc, copper, iron, and selenium) were determined before and after a 1-week high-intensity training and after a 1-week resumed training. The blood CK and CK-MB levels of the elite basketball athletes were significantly increased (P?<?0.05) after high-intensity basketball training. The macroelements (chlorin, sodium, and calcium) levels of blood increased significantly except potassium after high-intensity basketball training. No significant differences (P?>?0.05) were found in zinc and copper levels; nevertheless, the levels of plasma selenium and plasma iron were significantly lower (P?<?0.05) after a 1-week high-intensity training. After a 1-week resumed training, except zinc, all of microelements measured had a trend toward original levels. These results implicated that high-intensity training would provoke the change of macroelements which would lead to electrolyte disturbance. In addition, the present study suggested that a 1-week high-intensity training would have an impact on microelement levels, especially for selenium and iron.     

Zinc, Copper, and Selenium Tissue Levels and Their Relation to Subcutaneous Abscess, Minor Surgery, and Wound Healing in Humans

Trace element involvement in wounds left to heal by secondary intention needs clarification. We have previously reported faster healing of wounds following acute surgery compared with elective excision of pilonidal sinus disease. The effect of topical zinc on the closure of the excisional wounds was mediocre compared with placebo. In contrast, parenteral zinc, copper, and selenium combined appear effective for wound healing in humans. We have investigated zinc, copper, and selenium with respect to (a) impact of acute versus chronic pilonidal sinus and (b) regional concentrations within granulating wounds treated topically with placebo or zinc in 42 (33 males) pilonidal disease patients. Baseline serum and skin concentrations of copper correlated (r _S?=?0.351, p?=?0.033, n?=?37), but not of zinc or selenium. Patients with abscesses had elevated serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and copper levels (+29 %; p?<?0.001) compared with the elective patients consistent with the strong correlation between serum copper and CRP (r _S?=?0.715, p?<?0.0005, n?=?41). Seven days after elective surgery, serum CRP and copper levels were elevated (p?=?0.010) versus preoperative values. The copper concentration in wound edges was higher than in periwound skin (p?<?0.0005) and wound base (p?=?0.010). Selenium levels were increased in wound edge compared to wound base (p?=?0.003). Topical zinc oxide treatment doubled (p?<?0.050) zinc concentrations in the three tissue localizations without concomitant significant changes of copper or selenium levels. In conclusion, copper and selenium are mobilized to injured sites possibly to enhance host defense and early wound healing mechanisms that are complementary to the necessity of zinc for matrix metalloproteinase activity.