Serum zinc,copper, zinc-to-copper ratio,and other essential elements and minerals in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

BackgroundEssential trace elements and minerals play a significant role in neurodevelopment. Although certain studies demonstrated impaired essential trace element and mineral status in children with ADHD, the existing data are insufficient. The objective of the present study was to assess serum trace element and mineral levels in children with ADHD.MethodsSerum trace element and mineral levels in 68 children with ADHD and 68 neurotypical controls were assessed using ICP-MS at NexION 300D (PerkinElmer Inc., USA) equipped with ESI SC-2 DX4 autosampler (Elemental Scientific Inc., USA).ResultsSerum Cr, Mg, and Zn levels in children with ADHD were 21 % (p = 0.010), 4 % (p = 0.005), and 7 % (p = 0. 001) lower as compared to the healthy controls, respectively. In turn, serum Cu/Zn values were 11 % higher than those in the control group. Age and gender had a significant impact on serum element levels in ADHD. Particularly, preschool children were characterized by significantly increased Cu (+8 %; p = 0.034), and Cu/Zn (+19 %; p < 0.001) values, whereas serum Zn (-9 %; p = 0.004) level was decreased. In primary school-aged children only 6 % (p = 0.007) lower Mg levels were observed. Both boys and girls with ADHD were characterized by 8 % (p = 0.016) lower serum Zn levels and 10 % (p = 0.049) higher Cu/Zn values when compared to neurotypical girls. Boys with ADHD also had significantly higher Cu/Zn, exceeding the respective control values by 12 % (p = 0.021), predominantly due to a 7 % (p = 0.035) decrease in serum Zn. Serum Mg levels were also found to be significantly lower than those in neurotypical children by 5 % (p = 0.007). In adjusted regression models serum Cr (β=-0.234; p = 0.009) and Cu/Zn (β = 0.245; p = 0.029) values were significantly associated with ADHD, respectively. Two-way ANOVA revealed a significant impact of ADHD on Cr, Mg, Zn, and Cu/Zn, whereas age was associated with Cu, I, Mg, Mo, and Cu/Zn, whereas gender accounted only for variability in serum Mn levels. Principal component analysis (PCA) also revealed significant contributions of Mg, Zn, and Cu/Zn values to ADHD variability.ConclusionsHypothetically, the observed decrease of essential trace elements, namely Mg and Zn, and elevation of Cu/Zn may significantly contribute to the risk of ADHD or its severity and/or comorbidity.     

Antioxidant Status in Blood of Obese Children: The Relation between Trace Elements,Paraoxonase, and Arylesterase Values

Obesity is known to lead to complications involving several systems. The basic mechanism in obesity-related complications is chronic inflammation and increased oxidative stress. Trace element levels in obese children may vary due to poor nutritional habits. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between serum paraoxonase (PON1) and arylesterase (ARE) levels, markers of the oxidant–antioxidant balance in the body, and serum zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se) concentrations in obese children. Fifty-seven overweight patients aged 6–17 and 48 age- and sex-matched healthy children were included in the study. Serum PON1 and ARE activity levels were measured, together with Cu, Zn, Mn, Se, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, glucose, aspartate amino transferase, and alanine amino transferase levels. PON1 and ARE activity levels were significantly lower in obese patients compared to those in healthy individuals (P?<?0.05). Various changes were determined in Cu, Zn, Mn, and Se levels between the study and control groups (P?<?0.05). In terms of the relation between trace elements and PON1 and ARE levels, a significant positive correlation was determined between serum Se and PON1 levels in the study group (P?<?0.05, r?=?0.31). No significant correlation was determined between other trace element levels and PON1 and ARE levels (P?>?0.05). In conclusion, the detection in our study of a positive correlation between Se and PON1 levels in obese children may be significant in terms of showing a relation between Se and antioxidant systems in obese children.     

Thyroid Functions and Trace Elements in Pediatric Patients with Exogenous Obesity

Obesity is a multifactorial disease developing following impairment of the energy balance. The endocrine system is known to be affected by the condition. Serum thyroid hormones and trace element levels have been shown to be affected in obese children. Changes in serum thyroid hormones may result from alterations occurring in serum trace element levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether or not changes in serum thyroid hormone levels in children with exogenous obesity are associated with changes in trace element levels. Eighty-five children diagnosed with exogenous obesity constituted the study group, and 24 age- and sex-matched healthy children made up the control group. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), free triiodothyronine (fT3), thyroglobulin (TG), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) levels in the study group were measured before and at the third and sixth months of treatment, and once only in the control group. Pretreatment fT4 levels in the study group rose significantly by the sixth month (p?=?0.006). Zn levels in the patient group were significantly low compared to the control group (p?=?0.009). Mn and Se levels in the obese children before and at the third and sixth months of treatment were significantly higher than those of the control group (p?=?0.001, p?=?0.001). In conclusion, fT4, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Se levels are significantly affected in children diagnosed with exogenous obesity. The change in serum fT4 levels is not associated with changes in trace element concentrations.     

Assessment of trace elements in critically ill patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome: A systematic review

BackgroundZinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and selenium (Se) are involved in immune and antioxidant defense. Their role in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) treatment and outcomes remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to describe trace element concentrations in different types of biological samples and their relationship with morbidity and mortality in patients with SIRS. Methods: Literature was systematically reviewed according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). The search results were screened and evaluated for eligibility, and data were extracted and summarized in tables and figures. Results: Most of the 38 included studies evaluated Se (75%), followed by Zn (42%) and Cu (22%). Plasma was the main biological sample evaluated (58%). Thirteen studies found lower plasma/serum concentrations of Zn, Se, and Cu in SIRS patients than in controls upon admission, 11 studies on adults (intensive care unit-ICU) and two in pediatric ICU (PICU). Three ICU studies found no difference in erythrocyte trace element concentrations in patients with SIRS. In all studies, the two main outcomes investigated were organ failure and mortality. In seven ICU studies, patients with lower plasma or serum Zn/Se levels had higher mortality rates. A study conducted in the PICU reported an association between increased Se variation and lower 28-day mortality. In an ICU study, lower erythrocyte selenium levels were associated with higher ICU/hospital mortality, after adjustment. Five ICU studies associated lower plasma/serum Zn/Se levels with higher organ failure scores and one PICU study showed an association between higher erythrocyte Se levels and lower organ dysfunction scores. Conclusion: There was no difference in erythrocyte Se levels in patients with SIRS. Serum/Plasma Zn and serum/plasma/erythrocyte Se are associated with organ dysfunction, mortality, and inflammation. Trace element deficiencies should be diagnosed by erythrocyte, or complementary measurements in the presence of inflammation.     

A follow-up study of mucociliary clearance and trace element and mineral status in children with chronic rhinosinusitis before and three months after endoscopic sinus surgery

BackgroundThe existing data demonstrate the potential role of trace elements in nasal mucociliary clearance, although the association between trace element and mineral status and ciliary function in children with chronic rhinosinusitis is insufficiently studied. Therefore, the objective of the present study is evaluation of trace element and mineral status and mucociliary function in pediatric CRS patients before and after functional endoscopic sinus surgery.MethodsThe present study involved 30 children with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps. During this follow-up the patients were examined preoperatively (point 0), underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery, and were repeatedly examined at three months postoperatively (point 1). At both points the patients were subjected to quality-of-life assessment using SNOT-20 questionnaire; endoscopic and computer tomography examination of the nasal sinuses; evaluation of ciliary function and mucosal cytology using high-speed videomicroscopy; assessment of blood count and inflammatory markers; as well as analysis of trace element and mineral levels in whole blood, serum, and hair using inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry.ResultsThe obtained data demonstrate that endoscopic sinus surgery significantly improved sinonasal pathology in children with chronic rhinosinusitis, as evidenced by significantly reduced Lund-Mackay, Lund-Kennedy, and SNOT-20 scores. At the same time, no significant improvement of ciliary functions or mucosal cytology was observed postoperatively. Trace element status assessment demonstrated that postoperative serum Zn, whole blood Mg and Cu were significantly lower as compared to preoperative values. In contrast, serum Mn and Cr, as well as whole blood Cr and hair Se were characterized by a significant increase at three months postoperatively. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that serum Zn is significantly associated with the number of ciliated cells and cell viability, whereas serum Mn and whole blood Cu concentrations are inversely associated with cell viability and ciliary length, respectively. Hair Se was found to be associated with the number of neutrophils in the mucosa biopsy.ConclusionRedistribution of trace elements and minerals may at least partially mediate prolonged recovery of mucosal ciliary function in children with chronic rhinosinusitis in three months after functional sinus surgery, although the particular mechanisms of these alterations in trace element levels are to be discovered.     

Investigation of the relationship between GSTM1 gene variations and serum trace elements,plasma malondialdehyde levels in patients with colorectal cancer

Background

The aim of this study is to investigate of the relationship between GSTM1 gene variations and serum trace elements, plasma malondialdehyde levels in patient with colorectal cancer.

Mateials and Methods.

Genotype distributions of GSTM1 gene variations were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction method. Serum trace element levels were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer method and plasma MDA levels were measurement by spectrophotometric method.

Results

Serum Cu levels, plasma MDA levels and Cu/Zn ratio were determined significantly higher in the group of CRC patient carrying the GA heterozygous genotype of the GSTM1 (rs 112,778,559) gene variation compared to healthy controls (p?<?0.05). Serum Cu, Zn levels, plasma MDA levels and Cu/Zn ratio were determined significantly higher in patients carrying GG homozygous genotype of the GSTM1 (rs 112778559) gene variation compared to healthy controls carrying same genotype (p?<?0.05). Serum Cu, Zn levels, plasma MDA levels and Cu/Zn ratio were determined significantly higher in the group of CRC patient carrying the GG homozygous genotype of the GSTM1 (rs 12068997) gene variation compared to healthy controls (p?<?0.05). On the other hand, serum Se levels were detected significantly lower in CRC patients carrying GA heterozygous and GG homozygous genotypes for GSTM1 (rs 112,778,559) and (rs 12,068,997) gene variations compared to healthy controls (p?<?0.05).

Conclusion

In our study, the evaluation of serum Cu, Zn and Se trace element levels and plasma MDA levels according to GSTM1 gene variations genotype distributions were enabled to obtain important biomarkers in terms of CRC development and progression.

     

Level of trace elements in serum and toenail samples of patients with onychocryptosis (ingrown toenail) and onychomycosis

BackgroundOnychocryptosis (ingrown toenail) and onychomycosis are common pathologies of the toenail and affecting many people. Since levels of trace elements have been shown to vary in certain diseases, in the presented work, chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) levels of toenail and serum samples of healthy individuals and patients with onychocryptosis and onychomycosis were compared.MethodsSerum and toenail samples of 88 voluntary subjects (healthy n = 24; onychomycosis n = 24; onychocryptosis n = 40) aged between 19–80 years were collected. Levels of trace elements in the samples were analyzed by using an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrophotometer (ICP-OES Thermo iCAP - 6000). The differences in medians between the groups for elements were evaluated with Kruskal -Wallis H test with post hoc for pairwise comparisons in SPSS 18.ResultsMg (p < 0.001) and Mn (p = 0.002) levels were significantly increased whereas Zn (p = 0.011) level was decreased in toenails of patients with onychomycosis compared to healthy subjects. Although Mg and Mn levels were higher in female subjects with onychomycosis (p = 0.001; p = 0.019), Mn was only increased in male subjects (p = 0.015). Mg was the only trace element found to be independent of sex, age, and smoking status in patients with onychomycosis. However, no significant difference has been found in serum trace element levels neither between any groups nor toenail trace element levels of patients with onychocryptosis and healthy subjects.ConclusionAs a response of the human body to pathogens like fungi in toenails, Mg, Mn and Zn levels vary. Especially the role of Mg ions in onychomycosis needs to be investigated more specifically.     

Lipid peroxidation assessed by serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in healthy subjects and in patients with pathologies known to affect trace element status

Serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), Zn, Cu, and Se concentrations were determined in 47 healthy adults and in patients with diseases, such as renal in sufficiency, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, chronic pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis, or cancer, in order to clarify the relationship between this indicator of lipid peroxidation and antioxidative trace element status. TBARS levels were higher than control values in all pathological cases, except in cancer patients. Cu levels in patients highly correlated with ferroxidase ceruloplasmin activity (r=0.86), but were only statistically different from controls in diabetics. Zn levels were lower than normal in dialysis, liver cirrhosis, and cancer patients. Se levels were significantly decreased in all pathological cases. Half of the subjects with liver cirrhosis or renal insufficiency and 3/4 of chronic pancreatitis or cancer patients had an active inflammatory process. Despite intense modifications in determined indicators, no clear correlation could be demonstrated between the different parameters. Basic antioxidative trace element status and inflammation are therefore not major determinants of TBARS levels in normal and in pathological conditions, despite of the frequent association of low serum Zn and mainly low serum Se with high TBARS levels.     

Plasma levels of trace element status in early pregnancy and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: A nested case-control study

PurposeWe investigated the impacts of plasma levels of magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and chromium (Cr) on GDM risk and the potential mediation effect of blood glucose levels on the relationship between trace elements and GDM risk.MethodsThis nested case-control study was based on data from a birth cohort study conducted in Wuhan, China in 2013−2016. A total of 305 GDM cases and 305 individually-matched controls were included in the study. Conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate the associations between plasma trace element concentrations and GDM risk. A mediation analysis was conducted to explore whether blood glucose levels act as a mediator between trace element levels and GDM risk.ResultsAn IQR increment in plasma levels of Fe and Cu was associated with a significant increase in GDM risk [OR = 2.04 (95 % CI 1.62, 2.57) and OR = 1.52 (95 % CI 1.25, 1.82)], respectively. On the other hand, an IQR increment in plasma levels of Zn and Ca was associated with a significant decrease in GDM risk [OR = 0.55 (95 % CI 0.43, 0.71) and OR = 0.72 (95 % CI 0.56, 0.92)], respectively. The mediation analysis showed significant mediation of the association between Cu and GDM risk via the FBG (%mediated: 19.27 %), 1 h-PBG (12.64 %), 2h-PBG (28.44 %) pathways.ConclusionsPlasma levels of Zn and Ca were negatively associated with GDM risk, while Fe and Cu were positively associated. Blood glucose levels act as a mediator between plasma trace element exposures and GDM risk.     

Hair trace element concentrations in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

BackgroundThe existing data demonstrate that alteration of trace element and mineral status in children with neurodevelopmental disorders including ASD and ADHD. However, comparative analysis of the specific patterns of trace element and mineral metabolism in children with ASD and ADHD was not performed. Therefore, the primary objective of the present study was to assess hair trace element and mineral levels in boys with ADHD, ASD, as well as ADHD with ASD.MethodsBoys with ADHD (n = 52), ASD (n = 53), both ADHD and ASD (n = 52), as well as neurotypical controls (n = 52) were examined. Hair analysis was performed using inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry.ResultsThe obtained data demonstrate that hair Co, Mg, Mn, and V levels were significantly reduced in children with ADHD and ASD, and especially in boys with ADHD + ASD. Hair Zn was found to be reduced by 20% (p = 0.009) only in children with ADHD + ASD as compared to healthy controls. Factor analysis demonstrated that ASD was associated with significant alteration of hair Co, Fe, Mg, Mn, and V levels, whereas impaired hair Mg, Mn, and Zn content was also significantly associated with ADHD. In regression models hair Zn and Mg were negatively associated with severity of neurodevelopmental disorders. The revealed similarity of trace element and mineral disturbances in ASD and ADHD may be indicative of certain similar pathogenetic features.ConclusionThe obtained data support the hypothesis that trace elements and minerals, namely Mg, Mn, and Zn, may play a significant role in development of both ADHD and ASD. Improvement of Mg, Mn, and Zn status in children with ASD and ADHD may be considered as a nutritional strategy for improvement of neurodevelopmental disturbances, although clinical trials and experimental studies are highly required to support this hypothesis.     

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.     

Effects of omeprazole consumption on serum levels of trace elements

ProjectOmeprazole is one of the most frequently prescribed drugs in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It increases the gastric pH and this in turn may change the intestinal absorption of trace elements. This study was conducted to assess the effects of omeprazole consumption on the serum level of trace elements.ProceduresThe studied subjects were selected from the list of patients referred to the gastroenterology department of 5 Azar hospital in Golestan province of Iran for whom omeprazole was prescribed by a gastroenterologist. Blood samples were obtained before (phase I) and after an eight-week period (phase II) of omeprazole consumption. Serum levels of trace elements were assessed by the photometric method.ResultsSixty seven patients were recruited of whom, 35.82% were males. There was no significant difference in serum levels of Fe, P, Ca and Cu between phases I and II. Serum concentration of Zn was significantly lower in phase II than I (P = 0.02). The proportion of male patients with low Zn levels was significantly higher in phase II (50%) than I (16.7%) (P = 0.01). We found no significant difference in the proportion of female patients with low Zn levels between phase I (37.2%) and phase II (27.9%).ConclusionsWe found no significant reduction in serum levels of Fe, P, Ca and Cu in phase II. However, our results showed that serum level of Zn was significantly lower after omeprazole consumption in males. So, nutritional supplement of Zn should be considered in male patients treated with omeprazole.     

Evaluation among trace elements,clinical parameters and type 1 diabetes according to sex: A new sight of auxiliary prediction in negative insulin auto-antibodies population

BackgroundType 1 diabetes (T1D) exhibited sex-specific metabolic status including oxidative stress with dynamic change of trace elements, which emphasized the importance of the evaluation of trace elements according to sex. Besides, the most significant characteristic, insulin auto-antibodies, could not be found in all T1D patients, which needed the auxiliary prediction of clinical parameters. And it would benefit the early detection and treatment if some high-risk groups of T1D could predict and prevent the occurrence of disease through common clinical parameters. Hence, there was an urgent need to construct more effective and scientific statistical prediction models to serve clinic better. This study aimed to evaluate the sex-specific levels of trace elements and the relationship between trace elements and clinical parameters in T1D, and construct sex-specific auxiliary prediction model combined with trace elements and clinical parameters.MethodsA total of 105 T1D patients with negative insulin auto-antibodies and 105 age/sex-matched healthy individuals were enrolled in First Hospital of Jilin University. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry was performed for the measurement of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), selenium (Se) in the serum, and the data of clinical parameters were received from medical record system. The lambda-mu-sigma method was used to evaluate the relationship between abnormal clinical parameters and trace elements. Training set and validation set were divided for the construction of predictable models in males and females: clinical parameters model, trace element model and the combined model (clinical parameters and trace elements). Goodness fit test, decision curve analysis and other related statistical methods were used to perform data analysis.ResultsLower levels of Mg, Ca, Fe in the serum were found in T1D population in females compared with healthy population, while levels of Fe, Zn and Cu of serum in T1D individuals were higher than those of healthy population in males. Levels of serum Mg, Fe and Cu in T1D group were found with significant sex difference for (P < 0.05), and the levels of Fe and Cu in serum of males were higher than those of females, level of serum Mg in males was lower than those of females. Levels of serum Mg and Zn showed fluctuation trend with increased numbers of abnormal clinical parameters (NACP) in males. Serum Zn in females showed consistent elevated trend with NACP; serum Se increased first and then decreased with NACP in males and females. The auxiliary prediction model (Triglyceride, Total protein, serum Mg) was found with the highest predicted efficiency in males (AUC=0.993), while the model in females (Apolipoprotein A, Creatinine, Fe, Se, Zn/Cu ratio) showed the best predicted efficiency (AUC=0.951). The models had passed the verification in validation set, and Chi-square goodness-of-fit test, DCA results both confirmed their satisfactory clinical applicability.ConclusionSex-specific difference were found in serum Mg, Fe and Cu in T1D. The combination of triglyceride, total protein and serum Mg for males, and apolipoprotein A, creatinine, Fe, Se, Zn/Cu ratio for females could effectively predict T1D in patients with negative anti-bodies, which would provide alarm for the population with high-risk of T1D and serve the T1D prediction in patients with negative anti-bodies.     

Essential trace elements in Norwegian obese patients before and 12 months after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery: Copper,manganese, selenium and zinc

ObjectivesThe objective of the present study was to assess trace element status in morbidly obese subjects before and one year after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in order to identify possible deficiencies.MethodsThe study population included 46 patients in the age range 27–59 years, the majority (85 %) were women. The enrolled patients attended an eight week course on lifestyle changes before bariatric surgery. After RYGB they were recommended daily micronutrient supplements with a commonly used multivitamin-mineral tablet in addition to intramuscular vitamin B₁₂ injections (1 mg) every third month for 12 months. Whole blood concentrations of Cu, Mn, Se and Zn were determined using high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.ResultsDuring the 12 months follow up after bariatric surgery, the patients had lost mean 32.3 kg and median whole blood concentrations of Cu (-16 %) were reduced, Mn (+14 %) and Zn (+6%) were increased, while the Se values were essentially unchanged. Compared with reference ranges, median postoperative concentrations of all essential trace elements were either below (Zn) or in the lower reference range (Cu, Mn, Se).ConclusionEssential trace elements were below or in the lower reference range twelve months after RYGB. Our results indicate a need for updated guidelines in Nordic countries for trace metal monitoring and supplements in patients after bariatric surgery, especially when gastric bypass surgery is used. Further studies are required to explore and prevent trace element deficiency related to obesity and bariatric surgery.     

反复呼吸道感染患儿血清微量元素及体液免疫水平测定及临床意义

目的:探讨反复呼吸道感染患儿血清微量元素及体液免疫水平测定及其临床意义。方法:选取2016年1月至2017年1月在我院接受治疗的反复呼吸道感染患儿64例作为观察组,另外选取同期来我院体检的健康儿童60例作为对照组,比较两组儿童血清微量元素钙(Ca)、铁(Fe)、铜(Cu)、锌(Zn)、镁(Mg)等的水平、体液免疫因子免疫球蛋白A(IgA)、免疫球蛋白M(IgM)、免疫球蛋白G(IgG)水平及血清补体C3、C4、C5水平,并分析其相关性。结果:观察组患儿血清Ca、Fe、Zn水平显著低于对照组儿童(P0.05),两组儿童血清Cu、Mg水平比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。观察组患儿血清IgA、IgM、IgG水平低于对照组儿童(P0.05)。两组儿童血清补体C3、C4、C5水平比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。经Pearson相关性分析可得:反复呼吸道感染患儿血清Ca、Fe、Zn与血清IgA、IgM、IgG水平呈正相关(P0.05)。结论:反复呼吸道感染患儿存在血清Ca、Fe、Zn微量元素缺乏及血清IgA、IgM、IgG水平降低现象,且它们之间具有正相关关系,可能共同促进反复呼吸道感染的发生。     

Effect of Feeding and Withdrawal of Vanadium and Vitamin C on Egg Quality and Vanadium Residual Over Time in Laying Hens

The primary objective of the current study was to assess the influence of early high-fat feeding on tissue trace element content in young male Wistar rats. Twenty weanling male Wistar rats were divided into two groups fed standard (STD) or high-fat diet (HFD) containing 10 and 31.6 % of total calories from fat, respectively, for 1 month. Serum lipid spectrum, apolipoproteins, glucose, insulin, adiponectin, and leptin levels were assessed. The level of trace elements was estimated using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. High-fat feeding significantly increased epidydimal (EDAT) and retroperitoneal adipose tissue (RPAT), as well as total adipose tissue mass by 34, 103, and 59 %, respectively. Serum leptin levels in HFD animals were twofold higher than those in the control rats. No significant difference in serum lipid spectrum, apolipoproteins, glucose, adiponectin, and insulin was detected between the groups. HFD significantly altered tissue trace element content. In particular, HFD-fed animals were characterized by significantly lower levels of Cu, I, Mn, Se, and Zn in the liver; Cr, V, Co, Cu, Fe, and I content of EDAT; Co, Cu, I, Cr, V, Fe, and Zn concentration in RPAT samples. At the same time, only serum Cu was significantly depressed in HFD-fed animals as compared to the control ones. Hair Co, Mn, Si, and V levels were significantly increased in comparison to the control values, whereas Se and I content was decreased. HFD feeding induced excessive adiposity and altered tissue trace element content in rats without insulin resistance, adiponectin deficiency, and proatherogenic state. Hypothetically, trace element disbalance may precede obesity-associated metabolic disturbances.     

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

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

Copper/zinc and copper/selenium ratios,and oxidative stress as biochemical markers in recurrent aphthous stomatitis

ProjectRecurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common oral mucosal disorder characterized by recurrent, painful oral aphthae, and oxidative stress presumably contributes to its pathogenesis. The aim of this study is to scrutinize the relationship between oxidative stress and serum trace elements (copper, Cu; zinc, Zn; selenium, Se), and to evaluate the ratios of Cu/Zn and Cu/Se in this disorder.ProcedurePatients with RAS (n = 33) and age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects (n = 30) were enrolled in this study. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in plasma and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD1; CuZnSOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) in erythrocyte were determined as spectrophotometric. Also, the levels of Se, Zn and Cu in serum were determined on flame and furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer using Zeeman background correction.Results and conclusionsOxidative stress was confirmed by the significant elevation in plasma MDA, and by the significant decrease in CAT, SOD1, and GPx (p < 0.05). When compared to controls, Zn and Se levels were significantly lower in patients, whereas Cu levels was higher in RAS patients than those in controls (p < 0.05). In addition, the correlation results of this study were firstly shown that there were significant and positive correlations between Se–CAT, Se–GPx, and Cu–MDA parameters, but negative correlations between Se–Cu, Se–MDA, Cu–CAT, Cu–SOD1 and Cu–GPx parameters in RAS patients. Furthermore, the ratios of Cu/Zn and Cu/Se were significantly higher in the patients than the control subjects (p < 0.05). Our results indicated that lipid peroxidation associated with the imbalance of the trace elements seems to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of RAS. Furthermore, the serum Cu/Zn and Cu/Se ratios may be used as biochemical markers in these patients.     

The relationship between trace elements and cardiac markers in acute coronary syndromes

Previous studies have demonstrated increased serum copper and iron levels and decreased selenium and zinc levels in patients with myocardial infarction. Furthermore, the prognostic value of the levels of trace elements in myocardial infarction has been stressed. We examined serum levels of Cu, Fe, Zn and Se, as well as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), a selenoenzyme with antioxidant properties, and C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) regarding their relationship to cardiac troponins and creatine kinase-MB mass (CK-MBm), important prognostic markers. Serum trace elements, GPx activity and CRP were determined in 70 patients with ACS who were admitted within 12 h after the onset. Differences in these parameters were evaluated in three groups of patients divided according to the levels of cardiac markers: group III consisted of patients with high increases in cTnT, cTnI and CK-MBm (> or =0.9 ng/mL, > or =1.0 ng/mL, > or =30 ng/mL, respectively), patients with milder increases in these markers were included in groups II and I consisted of patients with values just above the upper reference limits. Serum Fe levels increased significantly in group II and even more prominently in group III compared to group I (p = 0.04, 0.002, respectively). There was no significant difference between groups II and III. The increase in serum Cu was significant in group III compared to both groups II and I (p = 0.04, 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference between groups I and II regarding Cu and Zn. The decrease in serum Se and GPx levels was significant only between groups III and I (p = 0.004 for Se and p = 0.0001 for GPx). CRP levels showed a significant increase in group III compared to groups II and I (p = 0.03 and 0.001). CRP showed a significant positive and GPx a significant negative correlation to the cardiac markers cTnT, cTnI and CK-MBm. Cu was positively correlated to all cardiac markers, while the positive correlation between Fe and cardiac markers was significant only for cTnI. Both Zn and Se were negatively correlated to cTnT, and Se was also to cTnI. In conclusion, the increase in serum levels of Cu and Fe and the decrease in serum levels of Zn and Se in patients with higher levels of troponins and CK-MBm imply that trace element levels are related to the degree of myocardial damage and thus may play a role in the pathogenesis of ischemic heart disease. The strong correlations between cardiac markers and both CRP and GPx suggest that these parameters are promising prognostic factors in acute coronary syndromes.     

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.