Lead, copper, zinc, and magnesium content in hair of children and young people with some neurological diseases

The lead, copper, zinc, and magnesium levels of scalp hair taken from 153 children aged 1–15 yr and young people (16–18 yr) with selected neurological disorders (hyperexcibility, loss of consciousness, and epileptiform convulsions of an unknown origin, etc.), were measured using the atomic absorption spectrometry method and then compared with a control group of healthy children (n=108). The research indicated significantly reduced mean levels of magnesium in the hair of children suffering from selected neurological diseases (in children aged 11–15 yr of age, above 30%; up to 5 yr of age, nearly 30%; the differences were statistically significant at p<0.05) and slightly decreased mean levels of copper (differences statistically significant at p<0.05, particularly in the 11 to 15-yr category). Differences in zinc levels in hair were inconsiderable (not statistically significant in any age groups). The lead level in the hair of the above-mentioned group of children was exceeded in relation to the control group (a statistically significant difference at p<0.05 for the total group). A more than twofold decrease in the mean value of the Mg/Pb ratio (and a nearly 30% decrease in the value of the Mg/Zn ratio) in the hair of children suffering from neurological diseases suggests that the high toxicity of lead accompanying, among other things, magnesium deficiencies might be a cause of the observed disorders in children.     

Cadmium,cobalt, chromium,and experimental myocardial infarction

In the case of experimental heart muscle infarction, the infarcted tissue of 18 pigs had a cadmium content of 0.38 μg/g dry weight and a cobalt content of 0.45 μg/g dry weight. In 25 non-infarcted pig hearts, the cadmium concentration amounted to 0.27 μg/g dry weight and the cobalt concentration to 0.37 μg/g dry weight. Thus, as far as the infarcted heart muscle tissue is concerned, there is a highly significant increase in the cadmium content (p<0.01) and a significant increase in cobalt content (p<0.05) compared to a non-infarcted heart. No differences were established with regard to chromium concentrations.     

Serum magnesium, copper, and zinc alterations following spinal fusion

Changes in serum magnesium, copper and zinc values were evaluated in spinal fusion patients at four monitorings. For magnesium and copper individually, a significant difference was found between the mean values at each monitoring (p<0.05), whereas the changes of zinc values between four monitorings were insignificant. There was no statistical difference between the changes of each trace element values and gender, age, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, blood replacement, number of the vertebral levels fused, and antibiotic type used. As a result, magnesium can be suggested to be more important than the other two elements in the postoperative period. Alterations of serum magnesium, copper, and zinc values do not have any correlation with the fusion of the spinal column, either with the width of the fused area or operative time and blood loss. This study cannot confirm the exact reason for this entity and the etiology remains speculative. There is no need for magnesium, copper, or zinc supplementation during the surgical period for the patients. It will be worthy to evaluate the patients who were sent to the intensive care unit after spinal surgery and compare their results with the other intensive care patients.     

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

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

Effects of iron,copper, zinc,calcium, and magnesium on human lymphocytes in culture

The effects of simultaneous changes of calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc concentrations were evaluated in normal human T and B lymphocytes, cultured in cation-depleted media. Optimal concentrations for thymidine incorporation (TI) in both cell populations were Fe and Zn 15 μM and Cu 5 μM; for t cells Ca 2 mM and Mg 4 mM; for B cells Ca 4 mM and Mg 6 mM. TI decreased with increasing molarity of cations and the decrease was particularly apparent with Cu. Minimal amounts of Ca and Mg (0.5 mM) were necessary for growth, even in presence of optimal concentrations of Fe, Cu, and Zn. Fe and Cu showed synergistic stimulatory effects at low concentrations and synergistic inhibitory effects at high concentrations. Antagonism between Fe and Zn, Cu and Zn, and Ca and Zn was also demonstrated. CD4/CD8 increased with PHA stimulation in presence of Zn, and decreased with ConA stimulation in presence of Zn or Fe. The results demonstrate: (1) the relationship and interdependence of Fe, Cu, and Zn concentrations in modulating the growth of normal lymphocytes; (2) the stimulatory effects of Fe on B cells and Zn on CD8 positive cells; (3) the inhibitory effect of Cu at concentrations lower than those of Fe and Zn; (4) the requirement of Ca and Mg in certain concentration and ratio for the action of the other cations; and (5) the Ca and Mg requirement for the growth of B cells higher than T cells.     

Detection of potentially myocardial infarction susceptible individuals in Indian population

Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) concentrations in hair and urine of patients diagnosed and hospitalized for myocardial infarction (MI patients) and in their descendants (MI descendants) were estimated and compared with their age-matched healthy volunteers with no family history of MI (control group and control descendants). The data revealed approximately twofold higher Zn and twofold lower Cu in the urine of the patients; Zn was lower and Cu was higher in the urine of MI descendants than those of the patients (p<0.001), but Zn in hair and urine was higher and Cu in hair was lower in MI descendants compared with their control counterparts (p<0.001). The data suggested that there was a consistent rise in Zn and fall in Cu reserves in the genetically predisposed subjects (MI descendants) prior to the manifestation of clinical symptoms. Based on this, the data were subjected to logistic regression and a model was obtained to predict the susceptibility to MI (LR-MI), having impact factors values as follows: constant (C), −3.342; impact factor of body mass index, −0.776; impact factor of hair Zn, −2.449; impact factor of urine Zn, +3.441; impact factor of hair Cu, −15.077; impact factor of urine Cu, −24.153. For the equation Y=e ^x (1+e ^x ), the value of x was obtained as follows: −3.342+[BMI (kg/m²) (−0.776)]+[Hair Zn (μmol/g) (−2.449)]+[Urine Zn (μmol/L) (3.441)]+[Hair Cu (μmol/g) (−15.077)]+[Urine Cu (μmol/L) (−24.153)]. On substituting the values of BMI, hair Zn, urine Zn, hair Cu, and urine Cu in x, the response variable Y as zero for healthy controls and 0.99 or 99.9% susceptibility in MI patients were obtained. In between these two extremes, the response variable ranged between 0 and 0.99 or 99.9% susceptibility to MI in their descendants. It is envisaged that the MI patients have an operational component of a genetic disorder of ionic imbalance at a young age that can be exploited in making a prediction of susceptibility to heart stroke in individuals much before its onset and diagnosis in asymptomatic patients, particularly in genetic and epidemiological studies of MI.     

Changes in iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, and zinc levels in different tissues of riboflavin-deficient rats

To clarify the changes of mineral levels in different tissues of riboflavin-deficient rats, Wistar rats were separated into three groups. One group was fed a diet ad libitum that was deficient in riboflavin. The other two were fed either the complete diet that was weight-matched to the riboflavin-deficient group or fed a complete diet ad libitum. In riboflavin-deficient rats, the hemoglobin concentration and riboflavin contents of blood, liver, and kidney were significantly decreased, compared with weight-matched and ad libitum-fed controls. The mineral concentrations of tissues are summarized as follows: The iron (Fe) concentration in the heart, liver, and spleen was decreased in the riboflavin-deficient group compared with the other groups. Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in tibia were decreased in the riboflavin-deficient group compared with the other two groups. Copper (Cu) concentration was increased in the heart and liver when the riboflavin-deficient group was compared with the other groups. Zinc (Zn) concentration was increased in tibia when the riboflavin-deficient group was compared with the other groups.     

Selenium status,plasma zinc,copper, and magnesium in vegetarians

Plasma zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations, copper/zinc ratio, and selenium (Se) status were studied in 44 vegetarians (22 males and 22 females) and their age- and sex-matched nonvegetarians in the Bratislava region (Slovakia). Vegetarians had statistically significant lower levels of plasma Zn and Cu than nonvegetarians, which may be the result of lower bioavailability of Zn and Cu from this type of diet. No differences in plasma Mg levels were found between vegetarians and nonvegetarians. Se status, as expressed by plasma and erythrocyte concentrations and plasma and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activities (GPx), was significantly lower in vegetarians when compared to nonvegetarians. In the series as a whole, there were significantly higher correlations between plasma and erythrocyte Se concentrations and between plasma and erythrocyte GPx activities. Significant positive correlations were also found between plasma Se concentrations and erythrocyte GPx activities, and between erythrocyte Se concentrations and erythrocyte GPx activities. A vegetarian diet does not provide a sufficient supply of essential antioxidant trace elements, like Zn, Cu, and especially Se. Se supplementation should be recommended to this risk group of the population.     

Tissue and blood levels of zinc, copper, and magnesium in nitric oxide synthase blockade-induced hypertension

The aim of this study was to determine the levels of tissue and blood zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg) in nitric oxide (NO) synthase blockade-induced hypertension. A group of albino rats received a NO synthase inhibitor, N ^G -nitro-l-arginine-methyl ester (l-NAME, 60 mg/kg/d) in their drinking water for 21 d. l-NAME intake caused a progressive rise in this group’s resting mean arterial blood pressure compared to a control group (p<0.01). There were no differences between the groups with regard to tissue and blood levels of Zn or Cu; however, Mg concentrations were significantly lower in the hypertensive rats’ erythrocytes (20.2% reduction from control levels), cerebral cortex (17.0%), heart (9.1%), renal cortex (12%), renal medulla (16.7%), and in the tissues of the caval vein (23.7%), mesenteric artery (29.8%), renal artery (18.4%), and renal vein (22.1%). There were no significant Mg concentration changes in the hypertensive group’s plasma, cerebellum, liver, duodenum, or aortal tissue. These findings suggest that Mg depletion may play a role in the blood pressure rise that occurs in the model of chronic NO synthase inhibition-induced hypertension.     

Cardiac telocytes were decreased during myocardial infarction and their therapeutic effects for ischaemic heart in rat

Recently, cardiac telocytes were found in the myocardium. However, the functional role of cardiac telocytes and possible changes in the cardiac telocyte population during myocardial infarction in the myocardium are not known. In this study, the role of the recently identified cardiac telocytes in myocardial infarction (MI) was investigated. Cardiac telocytes were distributed longitudinally and within the cross network of the myocardium, which was impaired during MI. Cardiac telocytes in the infarction zone were undetectable from approximately 4 days to 4 weeks after an experimental coronary occlusion was used to induce MI. Although cardiac telocytes in the non‐ischaemic area of the ischaemic heart experienced cell death, the cell density increased approximately 2 weeks after experimental coronary occlusion. The cell density was then maintained at a level similar to that observed 1–4 days after left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD)‐ligation, but was still lower than normal after 2 weeks. We also found that simultaneous transplantation of cardiac telocytes in the infarcted and border zones of the heart decreased the infarction size and improved myocardial function. These data indicate that cardiac telocytes, their secreted factors and microvesicles, and the microenvironment may be structurally and functionally important for maintenance of the physiological integrity of the myocardium. Rebuilding the cardiac telocyte network in the infarcted zone following MI may be beneficial for functional regeneration of the infarcted myocardium.     

Lead,copper, zinc,and magnesium levels in hair of children and young people with some disorders of the osteomuscular articular system

The lead, copper, zinc, and magnesium contents of scalp hair taken from 173 children aged 1–15 yr and young people (16–18 yr) with certain disorders of the osteomuscular articular system (osteomuscular pains of unknown origin, once described as “growing pains”) were measured, using the flame atomic absorption spectrometry method, and then compared with those of 108 normal, healthy children. The research showed increased average levels of lead (a statistically significant p<0.05 in both the overall group of children, and in those over 11 yr old), and zinc (increased in the total group, in a statistically significant way at p<0.10 only in adolescents over 15 yr old) and decreased levels of copper (although not significantly) in the hair of children suffering from “rheumatic” diseases, as compared with controls. The magnesium levels for the total group of ill children were admittedly enhanced, but in the youngest children, the levels were reduced. The values of the Mg/Pb and Mg/Zn ratios were lower (in the youngest children, 70% decrease of the Mg/Pb ratio) and Zn/Cu were higher in the group of children suffering from rheumatic diseases than in the healthy children. The difference of Mg/Pb ratio between the total controls and rheumatic subjects was statistically significant at p<0.05 and the Zn/Cu at p<0.10. The Mg/Zn ratio was not statistically significant.     

Magnesium,calcium, copper,and zinc in meals

Meals of 12 diets were prepared from conventional foods with precautions against contamination by metallic elements because of epidemiologic associations between ischemic heart disease and the metabolism of magnesium, calcium, copper, and zinc. Magnesium, calcium, copper, and zinc were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry with satisfactory accuracy and precision. The mean daily amount of copper in the diets was less than the apparent adult requirement. Mean amounts of magnesium and zinc were close to apparent requirements; however, adults consuming amounts less than one standard deviation below these means may be depleting body stores and be at risk of pathology. Magnesium and copper were highly correlated (r=0.849,P=0.0001) in meals. This and other significant correlations probably will prevent the relationships of these elements to ischemic heart disease from being elucidated by epidemiology. Metabolic experiments will be necessary to differentiate among several hypotheses.     

Cadmium,copper, and zinc levels in the rice and rice field soil of Houston,Texas

Fifty-one pairs of hulled rice samples and the soil from which each rice sample was grown were analyzed for heavy metals in August, 1979, in order to estimate the background contamination of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in rice grown in the Houston, Texas area. Both samples were divided into three groups by soil types and colors. The cadmium concentration in Texas rice was only one-half to one-quarter lower than that of Asian rice. However, the levels of Cu and Zn in rice in Texas were similar to those reported. Soil heavy metals were lower than ever reported, but these values were consistent with the geochemical characteristics of the Texas Houston area. No particular relationship was found between the three metals in rice and the metals in soil where the sampled rice was grown.     

Concentations of copper, Zinc, and magnesium in sera from patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Trace elements are known to have a key role in myocardial metabolism. The accumulation (cobalt, arsenic, copper) or deficiency (selenium, zinc) of trace elements may be responsible for idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy. We investigated the trace element concentrations (Cu, Zn, Mg) in sera from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. We observed that patients with dilated cardiomyopathies have higher copper and lower zinc concentrations in serum than healthy controls. The magnesium concentrations of patients did not differ significantly from that of control subjects.     

Application of the fourth universal definition of myocardial infarction in clinical practice

Abstract

Purpose: The Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction (MI) has highlighted the different pathophysiological mechanisms that may lead to ischaemic and non-ischaemic myocardial injury and has emphasised that the diagnosis of myocardial infarction requires the presence of acute myocardial ischaemia in the setting of acute myocardial injury. This case based review intends to illustrate basic principles on how to apply this new, revised definition in clinical practice.

Methods and Results: The distinction between different types of MIs (type 1 or type 2) and the delineation of MI from acute non-ischaemic myocardial injury may be challenging in individual patients, which is illustrated by presenting and discussing real-life routine cases.

Conclusions: Type 1?MI is a consequence of coronary plaque rupture or erosion with intracoronary thrombus formation that is usually apparent on coronary angiography. Plausible triggering mechanisms causing myocardial oxygen supply/demand mismatch must be identified for the diagnosis of type 2?MI and its treatment should focus initially on management of the underlying disease attributable to acute myocardial ischaemia.     

Calcium, magnesium, and zinc status in experimental hypothyroidism

In this study, experimental hypothyroidism was established and used to investigate possible alterations in the calcium, magnesium, and zinc homeostasis by assessing their concentration in plasma and erythrocytes. Hypothyroidism was induced by administration of methimazole an iodine blocker at a dose of 75 mg/100 g food for 3 wk. In the methimazole-induced hypothyroid state, the experimental animals showed a significant decrease in plasma zinc concentration, whereas a significant increase in plasma magnesium concentration occurred. No change was observed in plasma calcium concentration. The erythrocyte zinc and calcium concentrations were found to be increased, whereas magnesium concentration decreased. Erythrocyte magnesium concentration showed a significant positive correlation with T₄ values. The study provides evidence for marked alterations in homeostatis of zinc, magnesium, and calcium.     

Zinc and copper in human cerebrospinal fluid

Zinc and copper have been estimated in CSF of 14 normal volunteers, nine men and five women. Zinc was analyzed by limited-aspiration flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry using a deuterium continuum light source. Copper was analyzed in 0.1% HNO₃ by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry with a graphite cuvette on a flameless atomizer. Recovery of added zinc varied less than 5% and that of the added copper varied less than 8%. CSF zinc was 31.5±19.8 μg/L (mean ± 1 SD); CSF copper, 7.5±3.1 μ/L. Values obtained for CSF zinc are about 1/2 those we and others obtained previously, the decrease related almost exclusively to removal of interference by the CSF matrix, which produced spuriously elevated values without use of the deuterium light source. Values obtained for CSF copper were approximately one-tenth those we and others had obtained previously. The decrease related, in part, to the removal of matrix effects, but also to improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio present in other techniques.     

Intramyocardial transplantation of cardiac telocytes decreases myocardial infarction and improves post‐infarcted cardiac function in rats

The midterm effects of cardiac telocytes (CTs) transplantation on myocardial infarction (MI) and the cellular mechanisms involved in the beneficial effects of CTs transplantation are not understood. In the present study, we have revealed that transplantation of CTs was able to significantly decrease the infarct size and improved cardiac function 14 weeks after MI. It has established that CT transplantation exerted a protective effect on the myocardium and this was maintained for at least 14 weeks. The cellular mechanism behind this beneficial effect on MI was partially attributed to increased cardiac angiogenesis, improved reconstruction of the CT network and decreased myocardial fibrosis. These combined effects decreased the infarct size, improved the reconstruction of the LV and enhanced myocardial function in MI. Our findings suggest that CTs could be considered as a potential cell source for therapeutic use to improve cardiac repair and function following MI, used either alone or in tandem with stem cells.     

Calcium, magnesium, and zinc status in experimental hyperthyroidism

In this study, experimental hyperthyroidism was established and used to investigate possible alterations in the calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn) homeostasis by assessing their concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes. In the L-thyroxine-induced hyperthyroidism condition, the experimental animals show a significant decrease in erythrocyte Ca, Mg, and Zn concentrations, and a significant decrease in plasma Mg concentration. Significant positive correlations were found for Mg and Zn both in plasma and in erythrocytes. The results suggest that the homeostasis of Ca, Mg, and Zn is altered during experimental hyperthyroidism.     

Trypsin activity in the small intestine of rats after application of copper and zinc

In vivo experiments with Sprague-Dawley rats were conducted in order to explore the influence of Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺ as well as of the combinations of both on the activity of trypsin. The solutions of the trace elements were given per os, the animals were killed 30 min after the applications, and the activity of trypsin was determined in the juice of the small intestine by usingN ^α-benzoyl-L-arginine-p-nitroanilide (L-BAPA) as the substrate. The activity of trypsin depends on the concentration of the trace elements. When Cu²⁺ ions are applied, there is a minimum activity at 10⁻⁵ mol Cu²⁺/L and a maximum at 10⁻⁴ mol Cu²⁺/L. When giving Zn²⁺ ions, a minimum of trypsin activity is found at 10⁻⁵ mol Zn²⁺/L and a maximum at 5×10⁻⁶ mol Zn²⁺/L. On the whole, the trypsin activity is lower when the Cu²⁺/Zn²⁺ combinations are applied compared to the addition of the single trace elements. On principle, a good conformity of the in vivo results was found with in vitro results.