Serum zinc is associated with plasma leptin and Cu–Zn SOD in elite male basketball athletes

This paper investigates the relationship between plasma trace element and plasma leptin, as well as percent fat mass, in 16 male basketball athletes. Blood samples were obtained before intensive training and 24 h after intensive training to measure plasma zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and leptin levels. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), triglyceride (TG), total and cholesterol (TC) levels were determined using commercially available kits for humans. Subjects presented similar values in terms of age (21.1 ± 2.2 years old), body mass index (23.9 ± 2.00 kg/m²), percent body fat (14.40 ± 1.52%), plasma hemoglobin (150.1 ± 9.4 g/L), plasma Zn (17.47 ± 1.28 μmol/l), plasma Cu (13.42 ± 1.40 μmol/L), plasma Ca (2.41 ± 0.14 mmol/L), and plasma Mg (0.96 ± 0.02 mmol/L). The correlation analysis between degree of plasma leptin and plasma element contents was performed using the SPSS 16.0 software. Plasma Zn correlated positively with plasma leptin (r = 0.746, P < 0.01), Cu–Zn SOD (r = 0.827, P < 0.01), and negatively with percent fat mass (r = –0.598, P < 0.05) under no-training conditions. Meanwhile, plasma Cu, Ca, Mg, and Fe did not correlate with plasma leptin or percent fat mass (P > 0.05). In conclusion, plasma Zn may be involved in the regulation of plasma leptin and may serve as a lipid-mobilizing factor in Chinese men's basketball athletes.     

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

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

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

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

Selenium status in elderly: Relation to cognitive decline

Studies show that decreased antioxidant system is related to cognitive decline. Thus we aimed to measure selenium (Se) status in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) elderly and compared them with a control group (CG). 27 AD, 17 MCI and 28 control elderly were evaluated. Se concentration was determined in plasma and erythrocyte by using hydride generation atomic absorption spectroscopy. Erythrocyte Se concentration in AD group was lower than CG (43.73 ± 23.02 μg/L and 79.15 ± 46.37 μg/L; p = 0.001), but not statistically different from MCI group (63.97 ± 18.26 μg/L; p = 0.156). AD group exhibited the lowest plasma Se level (34.49 ± 19.94 μg/L) when compared to MCI (61.36 ± 16.08 μg/L; p = 0.000) and to CG (50.99 ± 21.06 μg/L; p = 0.010). It is observed that erythrocyte Se decreases as cognition function does. Since erythrocyte reflects longer-term nutritional status, the data point to the importance of the relation between Se exposure and cognitive function. Our findings suggest that the deficiency of Se may contribute to cognitive decline among aging people.     

Effect of supplementation with Se-enriched yeast and factors influencing Se concentration in plasma of transplant recipients

The aim of this study was to assess the bioavailability of selenium (Se) in Se-enriched yeast and the possible impact of age, sex and area of residence on the Se concentration in plasma in 179 transplant recipients, as Se clinical effects in the prevention of cutaneous epithelial lesions in organ transplant recipients has been reported elsewhere. Subjects were randomized to receive either 200 μg Se/day (group 1:91 patients) or placebo (group 2: 88 patients) for 3 years. Plasma Se levels were measured at the beginning of the study and after 4, 12, 24 and 36 months of Se or placebo supplementation. Initial plasma Se levels were 90.9±26.1 μg/L for placebo and 94.0±25.3 μg/L for Se-supplemented groups. At baseline, the Se level was not linked to sex and age but to area of residence, although the number of subjects in each area was insufficient to draw any conclusions. Plasma Se levels were statistically lower in cases of liver transplant compared to kidney and heart transplant (p=0.03). Over the 3-year period of supplementation, plasma Se in the supplemented subjects was significantly higher than in the placebo group (p<0.01) and there was an interaction (p<0.01) between supplementation and time for plasma Se. Supplementation with Se-enriched yeast significantly increased the Se concentration in plasma of the patients to a plateau: the mean plasma Se of the Se-supplemented patients increased to 164.7±35.8 μg/L at 4 months and then remained similar at 12 (176.1±48.3 μg/L), 24 (176.1±54.2 μg/L) and 36 (182.2±46.4 μg/L) months.     

Blood lead level and its relationship to essential elements in preschool children from Nanning,China

ObjectiveOur study aimed to assess the distribution of blood lead level and its relationship to essential elements in preschool children in an urban area of China.Design and methodsA total of 6741 children aged 0- to 6-year-old were recruited. Levels of lead, zinc, copper, iron, calcium, and magnesium in whole blood samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry.ResultsThe mean blood lead level (BLL) and the prevalence of BLL ≥ 10 μg/dl (5.26 ± 4.08 μg/dl and 6.84%, respectively) increased with age gradually, and there was a gender-difference for blood lead, copper, zinc and iron levels. Compared with the group of children who had BLLs < 5 μg/dl, the groups of 5 ≤ BLLs < 10 μg/dl and 10 ≤ BLLs < 15 μg/dl showed higher blood zinc, iron and magnesium levels, and a lower blood calcium level. A positive correlation of lead with zinc, iron and magnesium, and a negative correlation of lead with calcium were found in the group of children with BLL < 5 μg/dl.ConclusionAge- and gender-differences were found when assessing the BLL and intoxication prevalence in preschool children. Metabolic disorder of essential elements was found even with a low level of lead exposure.     

Relationship of lead and essential elements in whole blood from school-age children in Nanning,China

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate blood lead level and its relationship to essential elements (zinc, copper, iron, calcium and magnesium) in school-age children from Nanning, China.MethodsA total of 2457 children aged from 6 to 14 years were enrolled in Nanning, China. The levels of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were determined by an atomic absorption spectrometer.ResultsThe mean blood lead level (BLL) was 57.21 ± 35.00 μg/L. 188 (7.65%) asymptomatic children had toxic lead level higher than 100 μg/L. The school-age boys had similar lead level among different age groups, while the elder girls had less BLL. The blood Zn and Fe were found to be increased in the boys with elevated BLL, but similar trends were not observed in the girls. Positive correlations between Pb and Fe or Mg (r = 0.112, 0.062, respectively, p < 0.01) and a negative correlation between Pb and Ca (r = −0.047, p < 0.05) were further established in the studied children.ConclusionsLead exposure in school-age children was still prevalent in Nanning. The boys and girls differed in blood levels of lead and other metallic elements. Lead exposure may induce metabolic disorder of other metallic elements in body.     

An association among iron,copper, zinc,and selenium,and antioxidative status in dyslipidemic pediatric patients with glycogen storage disease types IA and III

Dyslipidemia in patients with glycogen storage disease types Ia (GSD Ia) and III (GSD III) does not lead to premature atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the association among serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and selenium (Se) concentrations, and their carrier proteins: ceruloplasmin, albumin, and related antioxidant enzyme activities [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), paraoxonase (PON), and arylesterase (ARYL)] in 20 GSD Ia and 14 III patients compared to age and sex matched 20 healthy subjects. Erythrocyte oxidative stress was measured by erythrocyte thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (eTBARSs). Hypertriglyceridemia [333 (36–890) mg/dL] in GSD Ia and hypercholesterolemia with elevated LDL-cholesterol [188 (91–313) mg/dL] and decreased HDL-cholesterol [32(23–58) mg/dL] levels in GSD III were found. Serum Cu, Fe, and Zn showed no significant differences between groups. However, Se 60 (54–94), 81 (57–127) μg/L, ceruloplasmin 21 (10–90), 27 (23–65) μg/L, and albumin 2.4 (1.7–5.1), 2.8 (1.8–4.06) g/dL levels were decreased in GSD Ia and III groups, respectively, in comparison with the controls [Se 110 (60–136) μg/L, ceruloplasmin 72 (32–94) μg/L, and albumin 4.4 (4–4.8) g/dL)]. In spite of high oxidative stress in erythrocyte detected by elevated eTBARS/Hb levels in GSD group [674.8 (454.6–948.2) for GSD Ia, 636.3 (460.9–842.1) for GSD III, and 525.6 (449.2–612.6)], the activities of CAT, SOD, ARYL, and PON in GSD patients were not different from the controls. GPx activity was decreased in GSD Ia [3.7 (1.8–7.1) U/mL] and GSD III [4.2 (2.2–8.6) U/mL] compared with healthy controls [7.1 (2.9–16.2) U/mL].In conclusion, this study supplied the data for trace elements, their carrier, and antioxidative enzymes in the patients with GSD Ia and III. The trace elements and anti-oxidative enzyme levels in GSD patients failed to explain the atherosclerotic escape phenomenon reported in these patients.     

Iron levels in the human brain: A post-mortem study of anatomical region differences and age-related changes

The link between brain iron homeostasis and neurodegenerative disease has been the subject of extensive research. There is increasing evidence of iron accumulation during ageing, and altered iron levels in some specific brain regions in neurodegenerative disease patients have been reported.Using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry after microwave-assisted acid digestion of the samples, iron levels were determined in 14 different areas of the human brain [frontal cortex, superior and middle temporal, caudate nucleus, putamen, globus pallidus, cingulated gyrus, hippocampus, inferior parietal lobule, visual cortex of the occipital lobe, midbrain, pons (locus coeruleus), medulla and cerebellum (dentate nucleus)] of n = 42 adult individuals (71 ± 12 years old, range: 53–101 years old) with no known history or evidence of neurodegenerative, neurological or psychiatric disorders.It was found that the iron distribution in the adult human brain is quite heterogeneous. The highest levels were found in the putamen (mean ± SD, range: 855 ± 295 μg/g, 304–1628 μg/g) and globus pallidus (739 ± 390 μg/g, 225–1870 μg/g), and the lowest levels were observed in the pons (98 ± 43 μg/g, 11–253 μg/g) and medulla (56 ± 25 μg/g, 13–115 μg/g).Globally, iron levels proved to be age-related. The positive correlation between iron levels and age was most significant in the basal ganglia (caudate nucleus, putamen and globus pallidus).Compared with the age-matched control group, altered iron levels were observed in specific brain areas of one Parkinson's disease patient (the basal ganglia) and two Alzheimer's disease patients (the hippocampus).     

Toxic and essential elements in children's blood (<6 years) from Kinshasa,DRC (the Democratic Republic of Congo)

In this study we determined the concentration of 9 trace elements (As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Pb, Se and Zn) in whole blood of children (n = 100, 64 girls, 36 boys and median age: 36 months) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The proportion of children potentially deficient in essential elements or poisoned by toxic elements was evaluated. The aging effects on the concentration of these elements were also investigated. The median values were 3.17 μg/L (As), 0.15 μg/L (Cd), 1.1 mg/L (Cu), 2.1 μg/L (Hg), 10.4 μg/L (Mn), 17.7 μg/L (Mo), 8.7 μg/dL (Pb), 10.7 μg/L (Se) and 5.0 mg/L (Zn). The concentration of many elements (As, Cd, Hg, Mn, Pb and Zn) showed significant age variations but not sex influence. Regarding levels of the essential elements (Cu, Mn, Mo, Se and Zn), B-Cu, B-Mn, B-Se and B-Zn were in the normal range, whereas exceeded levels were observed for B-Mo. None of these children was deficient in essential elements. Except B-Cd, all toxic elements showed exceeded blood levels. The proportion of children potentially poisoned by toxic elements varies from 10% (n = 10) to 95% (n = 95) and depends on toxic element: 95% for As, 10% for Hg and 35% for Pb. The main health concerns emerging from this study are the high As, Hg and Pb exposures of the Kinshasan children requiring further documentation, corrective actions and the implementation of appropriate regulations.     

Plasma selenium status in a group of Australian blood donors and fresh blood components

The purpose of this study was to assess plasma selenium levels in an Australian blood donor population and measure extra-cellular selenium levels in fresh manufactured blood components. Selenium levels were measured using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman background correction. The mean plasma selenium level in healthy plasmapharesis donors was 85.6 ± 0.5 μg/L and a regional difference was observed between donors in South East Queensland and Far North Queensland. Although participants had selenium levels within the normal range (55.3–110.5 μg/L), 88.5% had levels below 100 μg/L, a level that has been associated with sub-optimal activity of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Extra-cellular selenium levels in clinical fresh frozen plasma (cFFP) and apheresis-derived platelets (APH Plt) were within the normal range. Packed red blood cells (PRBC) and pooled buffy coat-derived platelets (BC Plt) had levels at the lower limit of detection, which may have clinical implications to the massively transfused patient.     

Correlation between serum trace elements and risk of preeclampsia: A case controlled study in Riyadh,Saudi Arabia

Preeclampsia is a serious medical complication during pregnancy. In response to an increasing number of preeclamptic cases and scarcity of data concerning the interrelation between trace element levels and preeclampsia, we carried out a hospital based case–control study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to study the correlation between levels of serum trace elements and risk of preeclampsia. One hundred and twenty pregnant women were enrolled in this study and divided into three groups of 40 each—Control group, HR group (women at high risk of preeclampsia) and PET group (Preeclampsia group). Serum trace element levels were estimated by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometer. The analysis found that mean values of Ca, Mg and Zn were 90.08 ± 6.38, 19.33 ± 3.32 and 1.30 ± 0.83 mg/L respectively in normotensive control and 77.85 ± 4.47, 15.44 ± 1.43 and 0.98 ± 0.63 mg/L respectively in the HR group. The mean values of Ca, Mg and Zn in the preeclamptic group were 70.37 ± 4.66, 13.58 ± 1.98 and 0.67 ± 0.59 mg/L, respectively. Interelement analysis reflected a negative correlation between Ca and Mg and between Mg and Zn whereas positive correlation between Ca and Zn in preeclamptic women. However the correlation was not statistically significant. In conclusion, our study suggests that decreased levels of these trace elements in serum may act as predisposing factors in pathogenesis of Preeclampsia.     

Copper,zinc superoxide dismutase of Curcuma aromatica is a kinetically stable protein

This study details on cloning and characterization of Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (Ca–Cu,Zn SOD) from a medicinally important plant species Curcuma aromatica. Ca–Cu,Zn SOD was 692 bp with an open reading frame of 459 bp. Expression of the gene in Escherichia coli cells followed by purification yielded the enzyme with K_m of 0.047 ± 0.008 μM and V_max of 1250 ± 24 units/mg of protein. The enzyme functioned (i) across a temperature range of −10 to +80 °C with temperature optima at 20 °C; and (ii) at pH range of 6–9 with optimum activity at pH 7.8. Ca–Cu,Zn SOD retained 50% of the maximum activity after autoclaving, and was stable at a wide storage pH ranging from 3 to 10. The enzyme tolerated varying concentrations of denaturating agent, reductants, inhibitors, trypsin, was fairly resistant to inactivation at 80 °C for 180 min (k_d, 6.54 ± 0.17 × 10⁻³ min⁻¹; t_1/2, 106.07 ± 2.68 min), and had midpoint of thermal transition (T_m) of 70.45 °C. The results suggested Ca–Cu,Zn SOD to be a kinetically stable protein that could be used for various industrial applications.     

The effects of applying sewage sludge into Jiangxi red soil on the growth of vegetables and the migration and enrichment of Cu and Zn

Jiangxi red soil was used as the tested soil and water spinach (Ipomoea aquatic) and Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum) were used as the tested vegetables in this study to investigate the effects of different amounts of sewage-sludge application on the growth of vegetables and the migration and enrichment patterns of Cu and Zn in vegetables using the potted method. The results indicated that the application of sewage sludge could improve the properties of red soil and promote vegetable growth. The dry weight of water spinach and Chinese chive reached the maximal levels when treated with the amount of sewage sludge at 4% and 10%, which was 4.38 ± 0.82 g and 1.56 ± 0.31 g, respectively. The dry weights after the application of sewage sludge were all larger than control treatment (CK) without sludge application. With increases in the applied amount of sewage sludge, the concentrations of Cu and Zu in red soil continued to increase, and the peak value was not reached. After the two vegetables were planted, the concentrations of Cu and Zn in red soil decreased by different degrees. The degrees of decrease of Zn were generally higher than those of Cu. The enrichment coefficient of water spinach on Cu showed a trend of increase followed by a decrease and reached the peak value of 1.04 ± 0.38 when the applied amount was 4%. The enrichment coefficient of Chinese chive on Cu overall showed a decreasing trend and did not reach the peak value under the treatment levels used in this experiment. The enrichment pattern of Chinese chive on Zn was not obvious, and the differences among all treatment levels were not significant (p < 0.05). However, the enrichment coefficient after the application of sewage sludge was significantly lower than that without the application of sludge.     

The effect of age and gender on 38 chemical element contents in human iliac crest investigated by instrumental neutron activation analysis

ProjectTo understand the role of major, minor, and trace elements in the etiology of bone diseases including osteoporosis, it is necessary to determine the normal levels and age-related changes of bone chemical elements.ProcedureThe effect of age and gender on 38 chemical element contents in intact iliac crest of 84 apparently healthy 15–55 years old women (n=38) and men (n=46) was investigated by neutron activation analysis.ResultsMean values (M±SEM) for mass fraction (on dry weight basis) of Ca, Cl, Co, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Rb, Sr, and Zn for both female and male taken together were Ca – 169±3 g/kg, Cl – 1490±43 mg/kg, Co – 0.0073±0.0024 mg/kg, Fe – 177±24 mg/kg, K – 1820±79 mg/kg, Mg – 1840±48 mg/kg, Mn – 0.316±0.013 mg/kg, Na – 4970±87 mg/kg, P – 79.7±1.5 g/kg, Rb – 1.89±0.22 mg/kg, Sr – 312±15 mg/kg, and Zn – 65.9±3.4 mg/kg, respectively. The upper limit of mean contents of Cs, Eu, Hg, Sb, Sc, and Se were Cs≤0.09 mg/kg, Eu≤0.005 mg/kg, Hg≤0.005 mg/kg, Sb≤0.004 mg/kg, Sc≤0.001 mg/kg, and Se≤0.1 mg/kg, respectively. In all bone samples the contents of Ag, As, Au, Ba, Br, Cd, Ce, Cr, Gd, Hf, La, Lu, Nd, Sm, Ta, Tb, Th, U, Yb, and Zr were under detection limits.ConclusionsThe Ca, Mg, and P contents decrease with age, regardless of gender. Higher Ca, Mg, P, and Sr mass fractions as well as lower Fe content are typical of female iliac crest as compared to those in male bone.     

The effect of iron and zinc supplementation and discontinuation of this practice on iron and zinc level in tissues in rats fed deficient diets

The effect of iron and iron/zinc supplementation on their levels in tissues of rats fed initially one of the three following regimen: C – control AIN-93 diet, D – iron deficient diet and R – diet with 50% reduction of all vitamins and minerals was investigated. The study was conducted on 6-week male Wistar rats, in 3 stages: (1) 4-week adaptation to the diets (C, D or R); (2) 4-week supplementation with the same regimen enriched with 10-times more iron (CSFe, DSFe, RSFe) or iron/zinc (CSFeZn, DSFeZn, RSFeZn); (3) 2-week post-supplementation period (the same diets as the stage I). Iron and zinc content in serum, the initial segment of intestine, liver and kidney were measured using FAAS method. After supplementation period (stage II) the content of iron in the intestine, liver and kidney in groups of rats fed DSFe and DSFeZn-diet were significantly higher (all p-values ≤ 0.05) than in rats fed D-diet (intestine: DSFe = 50.1 ± 9.0 μg/g wet weight, DSFeZn = 43.0 ± 9.9 μg/g vs. D = 16.5 ± 2.1 μg/g; liver: DSFe = 149 ± 30 μg/g, DSFeZn = 152 ± 25 μg/g vs. D = 56 ± 13 μg/g; kidney: DSFe = 74.0 ± 8.1 μg/g, DSFeZn = 72.7 ± 6.6 μg/g vs. D = 59.3 ± 9.5 μg/g). The same significant associations (all p-values ≤ 0.05) were observed in R rats in the intestine and liver (intestine: RSFe = 60.8 ± 6.6 μg/g, RSFeZn = 54.8 ± 6.6 μg/g vs. R = 31.5 ± 8.2 μg/g; liver: RSFe = 161 ± 10 μg/g, RSFeZn = 166 ± 21 μg/g vs. R = 136 ± 24 μg/g). After post-supplementation period the statistically significant differences between supplemented and non-supplemented rats fed D- and R-diets were still observed. There was not found the effect of applied treatments on zinc status. In conclusion, iron or iron/zinc supplementation increased similarly iron level in tissues of rats fed D-diet or R-diet with prolonged effect after supplementation discontinuation.     

Signals from fat after injury: Plasma adipokines and ghrelin concentrations in the severely burned

IntroductionHypermetabolism is universal in the severely burned and is characterized by catabolism of lean mass and body fat with associated insulin resistance. Adipokines are likely to play a role in these changes but have not been identified to date in burn patients.MethodsFrom a single burn ICU, 17 burn patients with an expected stay >14 days were studied. Study period began within 14 days of admission. Over 7 days, plasma samples were collected for measurement of leptin, adiponectin, resistin, ghrelin, insulin, and cortisol by ELISA. For comparison, samples from 15 healthy controls of similar age, BMI, and blood glucose were obtained.ResultsMean age was 33 ± 17 years and BMI 26 ± 3.4. Average burn size was 45 ± 20% TBSA and ISS 32 ± 10 with 72% having inhalation injury; in-hospital mortality was 29%. Estimated energy needs were 3626 ± 710 kcal, of which 84 ± 21% were met by enteral feeding with intensive insulin treatment (glucose 80–110 mg/ml). Using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, burned subjects were more resistant than controls (17 ± 11.3 and 8 ± 10.0). Insulin levels were elevated (57 ± 35.6 μU/ml in burned subject vs. 26 ± 31.1 μU/ml in controls), and cortisol concentrations increased (50 ± 41.2 μg/dl vs. 12 ± 3.9 μg/dl). These traditional hormone changes were associated with increased resistin (16.6 ± 5.5 ng/ml vs. 3.8 ± 0.9 ng/ml) and decreased leptin (8.8 ± 8.9 ng/ml vs. 19.4 ± 23.5 ng/ml), adiponectin (9 ± 3.5 ng/ml vs. 17 ± 10.2 ng/ml), and ghrelin (0.37 ± 0.14 ng/ml vs.0.56 ± 0.26 ng/ml).ConclusionPatients with burns, who are characteristically hypermetabolic with hypercortisolism and insulin resistant, have significant changes in adipokine levels that appear independent of the magnitude of initial injury or metabolic derangement. In addition, suppression of ghrelin in the presence of decreased leptin and adiponectin levels in combination with increased insulin and resistin levels represent unexpected changes in the metabolic milieu of the injured patient possibly due to dramatic activation of inflammatory pathways, indicating strategies for treatment.     

Postpartum ovarian activity and uterine involution in non-seasonal Shiba goats,with or without nursing

Postpartum ovarian activity, uterine involution, and the relationship with hormonal profiles were studied in non-seasonal Shiba goats, with or without nursing of their kids. After parturition, does were allocated to one of two groups, with either weaning on the day of parturition (n = 3; non-nursing group) or weaning at 7–10 weeks after parturition (n = 4; nursing group). Blood sampling (starting 7 days prior to expected day of parturition) and transrectal ultrasound evaluations (starting 2 days after parturition) were conducted every other day or daily to monitor the follicular dynamics, uterus size, and the levels of plasma progesterone, blood glucose, and insulin concentration until at 3 weeks following the first postpartum ovulation. In the nursing group, blood samples were also collected every 10 min for an 8 h period on the day before weaning, 2 and 6 days after weaning, for the analysis of the pulsatile patterns of LH release. In all animals, the blood glucose concentrations increased transiently on the day before parturition and were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those on the day of parturition (mean of 144 ± 48.8 mg/dl vs 63 ± 11.2 mg/dl). In the non-nursing group, the first postpartum ovulation was observed 9.3 ± 3.2 days after parturition, while in the nursing group, no ovulation occurred before weaning in any of the goats. Here ovulation was observed 18.8 ± 5.0 days after weaning, which was significantly (p < 0.05) later than in the non-nursing group. After first ovulation, all animals in both groups showed early luteal regression. No significant difference in the time required for the completion of uterine involution was recorded between the non-nursing and nursing groups (18.3 ± 4.2 days vs 19.3 ± 3.6 days, respectively), nor in the plasma LH pulse frequency obtained before (1.3 ± 0.5 pulses/8 h), 2 (1.3 ± 1.0 pulses/8 h) and 6 days (2.0 ± 0.8 pulses/8 h) after parturition, in the nursing group. It can be concluded that no ovulation occurs during nursing postpartum, suggesting that nursing is a determinant of the resumption of ovulation in these non-seasonal goats. Ultrasonic observations of the ovary suggest that uterine involution was not influenced by nursing or suckling.     

Anatomical variations in primary teeth microelements with known differences in lead content by micro-Synchrotron Radiation X-Ray Fluorescence (μ-SRXRF) – A preliminary study

Shed teeth have been proposed as trace element biomarkers. This study determined variations in the spatial distribution of Ca, K, Zn, Pb, Mn, Cu, and Sr in four anatomical locations: superficial enamel (SE, 0–10 μm), subsuperficial enamel (SSE, 10–30 μm), primary dentin (PD), and secondary dentin (SD). Five primary incisors were analyzed by micro Synchrotron Radiation X-Ray Fluorescence (μ-SRXRF). Two teeth had low concentrations of lead in the SE (<250 μg/g), while three contained very high lead concentrations in the SE (>2000 μg/g). Teeth were sliced, and five spot measurements (20 μm beam diameter) were accomplished in each location. The data are shown as absolute values and as the ratio between the different elements and Ca. The distribution of K was close to that of Ca. Zn was the third most abundant element, with the highest levels being found in the SE and SD and low levels detected in the PD. Increasing Sr levels were found progressing from the enamel to the dentin, with the highest levels being found in the SD, a distribution that was unique. Pb, Mn, and Cu exhibited a similar trend, with higher signals for these elements detected in the SE. This study provides preliminary data on the heterogeneous distribution of different elements in the tooth, highlighting the importance of the first 10 μm of the SE for determination of some elements, such as Zn, Pb, Mn, and Cu.     

Trace elements content and hormonal profiles in women with androgenetic alopecia

It is well-known that some trace element imbalances play a significant role in the pathomechanism of many forms of alopecia. Androgenetic alopecia, however, is a specific local sensitivity of hair follicle receptors to androgens. In a clinical and laboratory study, 153 women with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and 32 control women were examined. In AGA patients telogen hair and vellus hair (miniaturization, D < 30 μm) significantly differed in frontal and parietal hair comparison with occipital area (20 ± 0.9% vs. 12 ± 0.5% and 33 ± 0.9% vs. 12 ± 0.6% respectively). In the AGA group levels of androstenedione and dihydrotestosterone were higher than in the control group. Hair elemental content, analyzed by ICP-MS, demonstrated a lowered Cu and Zn content in the frontal area in comparison to the occipital area. It is important to note, that the AGA patients with elevated levels of androstenedione and dihydrotestosterone presented an increased Cu content and decreased Mn, Se, Zn contents in the occipital area of scalp. The occipital level of Cu positively correlated with the concentration of free testosterone in the serum. A negative correlation between the Zn content in the occipital area and the dehydroepiandrosterone level in the blood was found. Unfortunately, a routine treatment course of AGA patients, including topical inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase and minoxidil, had no effect on the Cu hair content in occipital and frontal areas. However, there were positive changes in the morphological structure and other trace element contents. These data led us to hypothesize a key role of Cu metabolism disturbances in the AGA onset, development of AGA, and potential pharmaceutical targets for the treatment of AGA.