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

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

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

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

Plasma manganese, selenium, zinc, copper, and iron concentrations in patients with schizophrenia

A number of essential trace elements play a major role in various metabolic pathways. Selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) are essential trace elements that have been studied in many diseases, including autoimmune, neurological, and psychiatric disorders. However, the findings of previous research on the status of trace elements in patients with schizophrenia have been controversial. We studied these elements in patients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia and compared them with sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Plasma Cu concentrations were significantly higher (p<0.01) and Mn and Fe concentrations were lower (p<0.05 and p<0.05, respectively) in schizophrenic patients than in controls. Se and Zn concentrations and protein levels did not differ between patients and healthy controls. These observations suggest that alterations in essential trace elements Mn, Cu, and Fe may play a role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. However, findings from trace element levels in schizophrenia show a variety of results that are difficult to interpret.     

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

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

Effect of phototherapy on oxidant/antioxidant status: a randomized controlled trial

In order to evaluate the effect of different types of phototherapy on oxidant/antioxidant status in hyperbilirubinemic neonates, an interventional randomized control trial was conducted on 120 neonates ≥35 weeks’ gestational age with indirect hyperbilirubinemia reaching phototherapy level. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT03074292. Neonates were assigned to three groups; 40 neonates received conventional phototherapy, 40 received intensive phototherapy and 40 received blue light-emitting diodes (LED) phototherapy. Complete blood count (CBC), total serum bilirubin (TSB), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) levels were measured before and 24?hours after phototherapy. TSB decreased postphototherapy in all three groups (p < .05 for all), with significantly lower levels following intensive and LED phototherapy compared to conventional phototherapy (p < .05 for both). TAC decreased postphototherapy in the three groups (p < .05 for all). MDA and NO increased postphototherapy (p < .05 for all), with the intensive phototherapy group having the highest levels followed by the conventional while LED phototherapy group showed the lowest levels in comparison to the other groups (p < .05). Cu, Zn and Fe increased postphototherapy in all three groups (p < .05 for all). Positive correlations were found between postphototherapy TSB with TAC, Cu and Zn (p < .05) and negative correlations with MDA, NO and Fe (p < .05) among neonates of the 3 studied groups. In conclusion, different photo therapies have an impact on oxidant/antioxidant balance and are associated with increased oxidative stress markers with the LED phototherapy being the safest.     

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

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

Plasma malondialdehyde and serum trace element concentrations in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis

Increased amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced as a consequence of a phagocyte respiratory burst during pulmonary inflammation. The aim of our study was to assess the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and trace metals in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Eighty-three subjects were enrolled into the study and prospectively divided into three groups: 22 subjects with healthy controls (group I), 21 patients with inactive pulmonary TB (group II), and 40 patients with active pulmonary TB (group III). Before beginning the therapy, plasma MDA and serum concentrations of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), albumin, and iron (Fe) were measured. The concentration of MDA and Cu in group III were higher than in the other groups (p<0.0001). The serum Zn and albumin levels were significantly lower in group III compared with healthy controls (p<0.05). There was a positive correlation between MDA and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r=+0.647, p<0.0001; Spearman’s test). Our data indicated increased circulating levels of MDA and changed serum trace metal levels in active pulmonary TB. Trace metal levels must be closely followed during the diseases process and further studies are needed to assess the role of antioxidants as adjuvant therapy in patients with active pulmonary TB.     

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

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

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

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

Plasma paroaoxonase activities, lipoprotein oxidation, and trace element interaction in asthmatic patients

Paraoxonase (PON1) protects low and high-density lipoproteins (LDL and HDL) against oxidation induced by reactive oxygen species formation facilitated by iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) ions. Plasma PON1, arylesterase, oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL), Cu, Fe, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein profile in bronchial asthma were determined and the relations among these parameters in different steps of asthma were interpreted. A total of 58 individuals, 30 asthmatics and 28 controls, were included into the scope of this study. Plasma PON1, arylesterase, and TBARS levels were measured spectrophotometrically. Determination of plasma oxidized LDL, Cu, and Fe levels were performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and the automated TPTZ method, respectively. Apo-A-1 and Apo-B levels were determined immunoturbidometrically. Plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, and HDL cholesterol levels were enzymatically determined. Plasma LDL levels were estimated using the Fridewald formula. The average plasma PON1 and arylesterase activities in the group of patients were lower than those of the individuals in the control group, but there was no statistically significant difference found between them (p>0.05). No significant difference was found in plasma Apo-A-1, Apo-B, total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, and LDL concentrations between the control and patient groups (p>0.05). Plasma oxidized LDL (p<0.05), Cu (p<0.01), Fe (p<0.01), and TBARS (p<0.001) levels in patients with asthma were found to be significantly higher than for the control group. Increases in Cu, Fe, lipid peroxidation, and oxidized LDL levels supported by relative decreases in PON1 activities observed in asthmatic patients might be introduced as the striking findings as well as the possible potential indicators of this airway disease, the prevalence of which has increased dramatically over recent decades.     

Concentrations of cadmium,lead, selenium,and zinc in human blood and seminal plasma

The concentrations of cadmium, lead, selenium, and zinc in blood and seminal plasma were determined in 76 Singapore males. Except for zinc, the concentrations were generally higher in blood than in seminal plasma (cadmium, 1.31 μg/L vs 0.61 μg/L; lead, 82.6 μg/L vs 12.4 μg/L, and selenium, 163.6 μg/L vs 71.5 μg/L). The mean concentration of zinc in seminal plasma was more than 30 times higher than in blood (202 mg/L vs 6.2 mg/L). Significant positive correlations were found between the concentrations in blood and seminal plasma for the two essential trace elements: selenium (r=0.45,p<0.001) and zinc (r=0.25,p<0.05). However, no relationships were found between the concentrations in blood and seminal plasma for two toxic metals (cadmium and lead). Significant inverse correlations were observed between Cd and Zn (r=−0.40,p<0.01), and Pb and Se (r=−0.32,p<0.05) in blood, whereas significant positive correlations were noted between Cd and Se (r=0.45,p<0.01), Cd and Zn (r=0.35,p<0.05), and Se and Zn (r=0.57,p<0.001) in seminal plasma. The physiological significance of these relationships are also discussed in this paper.     

Some essential elements in maternal and cord blood in relation to birth weight and gestational age of the baby

Maternal and cord blood were collected from 54 Indian women at parturition and analyzed for Zn, Cu, and Fe by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry to determine the relationship between levels of these elements in mother’s and infant’s blood and maternal age, birth weight, and gestational age of the baby. The blood Zn level of mothers in the age group 24–28 yr was significantly higher than those of mothers in the age group of 18–23 yr (p<0.05). Similarly, mothers in the 24 to 28-yr group also had higher blood Fe level than mothers in the group 29–38 yr (p<0.05). The levels of Zn, Cu, and Fe were higher in the maternal blood and lower, but not significantly, in the cord blood of low-birth-weight babies than in those of normal-birth-weight babies. However, differences in the levels of Zn, Cu, and Fe between maternal and cord blood of the two birth-weight groups was statistically significant. There were no significant differences in the levels of the three elements in maternal or cord blood by the gestational age of the baby. A weak but significant correlation was found between the birth weight of the baby and the Fe level in the cord blood (r=0.26; p<0.05). Also, weak significant correlations were observed between gestational age of the baby and Fe (r=0.23; p<0.05) and Cu (r=0.31; p<0.05) levels in the cord blood. Although, there are many confounders of low birth weight and preterm deliveries, a diminished placental transfer of these essential elements could be one of the several etiological factors for low birth weight of newborns.     

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.     

Association between trace elements in serum from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia patients considering treatment effects

BackgroundImbalances in metal concentrations have been suggested to contribute to the pathophysiology of different brain disorders, such as bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SCZ).ObjectivesThe aim of this exploratory study is to evaluate the association between the concentrations of macro/trace elements in serum from BD and SCZ patients considering the effects from different treatments.MethodsEleven subjects with SCZ, seven with BD treated with lithium (BDL) and eight subjects with BD treated with other medications except lithium (BDN) were recruited for the study, as well as eleven healthy controls (HC). Serum concentrations of eleven macro/trace elements (Se, Zn, Fe, K, Ca, Mg, P, Al, Cu, Mn, and Ni) were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).ResultsSe and Zn concentrations were significantly lower for patients with SCZ and BD in comparison to HC by one-way ANOVA test. Moreover, serum concentrations for Fe were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in BDN (548 ± 92 μg L⁻¹) and SCZ (632 ± 279 μg L⁻¹) in comparison to HC (421 ± 121 μg L⁻¹). A significant negative correlation was reported between Se and Fe in BDL group (r = −0.935, p < 0.05). In addition, a significantly higher Cu/Zn ratio was determined in SCZ group against HC (ratio = 2.4, p = 0.028).ConclusionsThe obtained results suggest that the imbalance in Fe concentrations is an effect of BD treatment. Lithium is supposed to have an antagonist effect for Se in BDL patients. A negative correlation reported between Fe and BMI in SCZ group could be related to antipsychotic treatment and the Cu/Zn ratio reported could be considered as a suggesting parameter to relate oxidative stress to SCZ. Future studies including larger number of patients with SCZ and BD before and after treatment are necessary to confirm the investigative results presented herein.     

Prognostic Value of Blood Zinc, Iron, and Copper Levels in Critically Ill Children with Pediatric Risk of Mortality Score III

We aimed to explore the association of blood Zn, Fe, and Cu concentrations and changes in the pediatric risk of mortality (PRISM) score in critically ill children, to predict prognosis. We included 31 children (22 boys and 9 girls, 1 month to 5 years old), who had been admitted to the intensive care unit of our hospital and who were critically ill according to PRISM score of III. Another 20 children (12 boys, 8 girls, 3 months to 5 years old) who were brought to the hospital for a health checkup were included as controls. We recorded clinical data, time in the intensive care unit, prognosis, and PRISM III score for critically ill children. Blood Cu, Zn, and Fe values were measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry. Zn and Fe levels were significantly lower in patients than in controls (all p?<?0.05). Cu levels differed between patients and controls, but not significantly (p?>?0.05). In ill children, blood Zn and Fe concentrations were inversely correlated with PRISM III score (Zn: r?=??0.36; Fe: r?=??0.50, both p?<?0.05), with no significant correlation of blood Cu level and PRISM III score (r?=??0.13, p?>?0.05). Serious illness in children may lead to decreased Zn and Fe blood concentrations. Zn and Fe supplements may be beneficial for critically ill children.     

Trace elements in the hydrologic cycle of a forest ecosystem

Summary Concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn were measured in bulk atmospheric precipitation, throughfall, stemflow, and soil solutions at 10−, 15−, 25−, and 30-cm depths, in aEucalyptus globulus forest in the Berkeley hills, California, during the 1974–75 wet season after each main storm event. Litter and plant samples were analyzed. There was some similarity in the behavior of Cu, Fe, and Zn, but Mn behaved differently. Mn and Zn are largely deposited on the forest canopy by impaction during dry-deposition episodes, whereas most of the Cu and Fe input occurs in rain. For the hydrologic components measured, concentrations of Cu and Fe increase in the order: precipitation<throughfall<stemflow <soil solutions. For Zn the order is: precipitation<stemflow<throughfall<soil solutions. Concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Fe in the soil solution fluctuate with downward movement of wetting fronts and are negatively correlated with pH. Concentrations of Fe in soil solution are about 10 times greater than those of throughfall and stemflow; the corresponding relative differences for Cu and Zn were much less. Plant uptake of Mn exceeds that of Cu, Zn, and Fe. The increases in Mn concentrations from precipitation to throughfall and stemflow are much greater than those for Cu, Zn, and Fe because precipitation has very low Mn concentrations. The concentration series for Mn is: precipitation<soil solutions<throughfall<stemflow. Concentrations of Mn in the soil solution are negatively correlated with pH. During the dry summer Mn accumulates in the soil, but is quickly flushed by early rains of the wet season.     

Trace element changes in sclerotic heart valves from patients undergoing aortic valve surgery

Several trace elements are essential nutrients for an optimal functioning of organs and tissues, including the immune system and the heart. The pathogenesis of some heart diseases has been associated with changes in the balance of certain trace elements. The etiology of nonrheumatic aortic valve sclerosis is unknown, however. A prospective study was performed on trace element changes in the sclerotic valves of 46 patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement because of aortic stenosis. Valves from 15 individual forensic cases without known cardiac disease served as controls. The contents of 15 trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mg, Mn, Hg, Se, Ag, V, and Zn) were measured by inductively coupled plasma — mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) of aortic valve tissue from both patients and forensic autopsy controls. Some trace elements showed similar concentrations in sclerotic and control valves (Al, Ag, Hg, Mn), whereas a few were moderately changed in the sclerotic as compared with the control valves, including an increase in Cd by 52% (p<0.05) and decreases in Se by 14% (p<0.05), in V by 42% (p<0,001), and in Cu by 45% (p<0.001). However, there were pronounced increases (p<0.001) in the concentrations of As (5-fold), Ca (70-fold), Co(10-fold), Fe (20-fold), Pb (8-fold), Mg (20-fold), and Zn (10-fold) in the sclerotic valves. Thus, sclerotic aortic valve disease is associated with a pronounced imbalance in several trace elements of well-known importance for cardiovascular and immune function as well as in trace elements with hitherto unknown significance.     

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.     

Relationship among levels of leptin and zinc,copper, and zinc/copper ratio in plasma of patients with essential hypertension and healthy normotensive subjects

Obesity is among the main contributing factors in the etiology of essential hypertension (EHT). Leptin, the product of the ob gene, is expressed mainly in adipose tissue. We examined the relationship between two trace elements, zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu), and leptin in patients with EHT (n=35) and normotensive (NT) controls (n=50) because leptin as well as Zn and Cu were reported to be associated with the pathophysiology of EHT. Plasma leptin levels were determined with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was utilized to determine plasma Zn and Cu levels. There was a negative correlation between leptin and Zn, and the Zn/Cu ratio (r=−0.359, p<0.05; r=0.361, p<0.05, respectively) in pooled subjects. When subjects were divided based on the presence or absence of hypertension, there was a negative correlation between leptin and Zn (r=−0.375, p<0.05) as well as leptin and Zn/Cu ratio (r=−0.398, p<0.05) in NT subjects. Similar trends were observed when leptin/BMI (body mass index) levels were utilized. There was no significant correlations between levels of Cu and leptin or leptin/BMI. In conclusion, in addition to high leptin levels, Zn and the Zn/Cu ratio were lower in patients with EHT compared to NT controls.     

Copper-silicon interaction studies in young, rapidly growing turkeys fed semipurified starter diets

A 3 × 3 factorial experiment was conducted to study the interactions between Cu and Si in growing turkeys fed a basal dextrosecasein semipurified diet supplemented at 0, 270, and 540 ppm Si, and 2, 8, and 75 ppm Cu levels of inclusion. There were no significant (p>0.05) Cu, Si, or Cu-Si interaction effects on turkey growth. However, there were significant (p<0.05) Si effects on hemoglobin concentrations, and Cu−Si interaction effects on hematocrit and plasma Mg levels (p<0.01). Plasma Ca, P, Zn, Cu, total cholesterol, and serum alkaline phosphatase activity were not affected (p>0.05) by Cu, Si, or Cu−Si interaction. Heart and liver weights were affected (p<0.05) by the Cu-Si interaction. In general, a 8-ppm Cu supplemental level prevented cardiac hypertrophy only in the presence of 270 or 540 ppm Si inclusion in the diets. There were significant (p<0.05) Cu effects on liver Cu and Mn and heart Zn concentrations, Si effects on liver Mn levels, and Cu-Si interaction on liver Zn concentrations. Within the 0- and 270-ppm Si groups, Cu-deficient turkeys (2 ppm Cu) had higher liver Zn levels but not within the 540-ppm Si group. The Cu-Si interaction did not affect (p>0.05) concentrations of Cu in the heart and liver tissues. It is postulated that the Cu-Si interactions demonstrated in this study could have profound implications on the cardiovascular and skeletal health of birds.