Trace element status (Se, Cu, Zn) in healthy portuguese subjects of Lisbon population

Serum levels of selenium, copper, and zinc were systematically determined in healthy subjects of the Lisbon population. The sample consisted of 183 blood donors of both genders who were divided into two age groups: 20–44 and 45–70 yr of age; relationships with gender, age, the lipid profile, and tobacco consumption were investigated. In the female group, the intake of oral contraceptives and pregnancy were considered for the youngest women, and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) was taken into account for the oldest ones. Serum concentrations of these elements were in the same range as those found for populations of other European countries. Differences between genders were observed for the three elements studied, with serum selenium and zinc concentrations higher in men and copper levels higher in women. Age-dependent differences were found for selenium: The oldest subjects (regardless gender) presented the highest concentrations of selenium in serum as further demonstrated by the positive correlation with age. In both pregnant and contraceptive-using women, copper was greatly increased, confirming the influence of estrogen status and/or oral contraceptive intake on increased serum copper levels. However, in postmenopausal women, HRT did not significantly affect serum copper levels. Selenium, copper, and zinc status were not different between normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic subjects for the same gender and age range, but selenium levels tended to increase with hyperlipidemia when considering the whole group of subjects. With respect to the lifestyle, higher serum zinc levels were found in tobacco-consuming men. Albumin serum levels were similar for all considered subgroups, except for the pregnant women, for whom a decrease in this parameter was observed. The present study allowed one to obtain reference values for this healthy group of population, which will serve for a comparative study with groups having pathological conditions, such as cardiovascular disease.     

The relationship between zinc and copper status and lipid levels in African-Americans

Studies examining the role of zinc and copper nutriture as risk factors for cardiovascular disease in European Americans have produced conflicting results. This study assessed the associations between zinc and copper status and serum lipid levels in an adult African-American community. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 600 individuals (233 males, 367 females) from 25 to 65 yr of age using a random sampling design in a small city in Alabama. Anthropometric, dietary, and serum zinc, copper, and lipid measurements were made. The mean serum zinc and copper levels and dietary zinc intake were similar to that reported previously for European Americans. There were no significant associations between serum zinc, copper, or zinc/copper ratio and total serum cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), or triglyceride levels. For males, there was a small but significant association between dietary zinc and the total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio (r=−0.17, p=0.03). Similarly, females taking either zinc supplements or a multivitamin including zinc had higher HDL-C values than nonsupplementing females. Further prospective studies of the relationship between zinc status and lipid levels in African Americans are needed to verify these results.     

Tryptophan, copper and zinc in hair of healthy subjects. Correlation with differences in hair pigmentation

Tryptophan, copper and zinc levels were determined in the hair of 300 healthy subjects divided by sex, age and hair colour. Sex influences tryptophan content in hair, the levels of this amino acid being higher in males than in females. Tryptophan is also higher in infancy (2-5 years) and in both males and females aging around 80 years and over. Hair colour also influences tryptophan levels, which increase from fair to black hair. Copper levels are similar in hair of both males and females, while those of zinc are higher in women. Age influences the distribution of these two metals in human hair. Copper contents in hair of males are higher at the age 20-40 years. In females, values decrease over the age of 60 years. Instead, zinc levels are higher between 20 and 60 years in males, and between 13 and 19 years in females. As regards hair colour, copper is slightly higher in black hair in males and in fair hair in females, and lower in white hair in both sexes. Zinc values appear to be higher in red and lower in white hair in males. In females they are higher in black hair.     

Effects of Different Medical Treatments on Serum Copper,Selenium and Zinc Levels in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

The aim of the present study was to measure the changes in serum selenium, zinc, and copper in patients being treated for rheumatoid arthritis. Thirty-two patients and 52 healthy controls were included in the study. The copper level was higher and those of selenium and zinc were lower in the patients relative to controls. Treatment with methotrexate elevated the zinc levels, but not zinc and selenium. Treatments with salazopyrin, corticosteroids, chloroquine, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs did not change the levels of any of the elements studied. The decrease in zinc and selenium levels and elevation in copper levels observed in the patients probably resulted from the defense response of organism and are mediated by inflammatory-like substances.     

Serum levels of trace elements and iron-deficiency anemia in adult Vietnamese

This study was aimed at assessing the serum levels of vitamin A, copper, zinc, selenium, and iron among adult Vietnamese with and without iron-deficiency anemia. Blood was collected from adult Vietnamese living in the midland of northern Vietnam. One hundred twenty-three subjects in the age range 20–60 yr were included in the study. Anemia, where the concentration of hemoglobin in whole blood is less than 120 g/L in females and 130 g/L in males, was found in 30% (37/123) of the study population. The levels of vitamin A and selenium in the sera of anemic subjects (n=37) were significantly lower than that in nonanemic group (n=86). On the other hand, no significant differences were observed in the concentrations of copper and zinc between the two groups. This study was the first to show serum levels of trace elements in adult Vietnamese, providing useful baseline information for further studies.     

The concentration of twelve elements in the anterior pituitary from human subjects and rats as measured by particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE)

The concentration of twelve elements—potassium, calcium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, bromine, and rubidium—in anterior pituitaries from human subjects and rats was measured using Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE). The human material included anterior pituitaries from 37 normal human subjects, 27 males and 10 females, all of whom died from traumatic lesions. Excluded from the investigations were persons with alcohol abuse, regular use of drugs, and babies younger than 1 year. For selenium, zinc, bromine, and to some extent copper, there was good correlation between the amounts found in anterior pituitaries from rats and human subjects. A significant difference between male and female rat pituitaries was observed for copper, iron, and rubidium, whereas for humans significant difference was only observed for manganese. Anterior pituitaries from human females contained generally more zinc than male glands, but the concentration of zinc in young males was higher than in females. The present study also indicates age related differences in the copper content in anterior pituitaries from human subjects, since pituitaries from humans between 15–45 years contained 25% more copper than those from younger or older persons. The opposite pattern was observed in males. For such elements as Cu, Fe, Mn, and Se, the content in the anterior pituitary from human subjects was 1.6–2 times that stated for other endocrine organs.     

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

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

Serum and hair levels of zinc, selenium, iron, and copper in children with iron-deficiency anemia

In the present study, the serum and hair levels of zinc, selenium, and copper were determined in children with iron-deficiency anemia (IDA). A total of 52 anemic children aged 1–4 yr constituted the study group. Fortysix healthy children acted as controls. The copper and zinc levels were measured with an atomic absorption spectrophometer. Serum and hair selenium was determined by a spectroflourometric method. The serum zinc and selenium concentrations in the IDA group were found to be significantly lower and serum copper significantly higher than those in the controls (p<0.05). Lower iron, zinc, and selenium concentrations (p<0.001) but not copper were found in hair (p>0.05).     

Serum copper and zinc in industrial centers in Slovakia

The association between serum copper and zinc concentrations and age, sex, and other risk factors of cardiovascular disease in randomly selected adult volunteers aged 19–59 were investigated. There was a positive relationship between copper and age in both sexes, but zinc was negatively correlated with age in males only. Serum zinc was positively related to HDL-cholesterol in males. Serum copper was positively related to total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol but negatively correlated to HDL-cholesterol in males. A positive relationship to body mass index was observed in females only. Subjects have been divided into a control group and a group with marked risk factors of cardiovascular disease. The levels of zinc were not different, whereas the levels of copper in both males and females were significantly higher in the risk group. Our results suggested a positive relationship between serum copper and cumulation of more factors of cardiovascular disease, however, their causal effect in humans has to be investigated further.     

Serum Levels of Antioxidants (Zn, Cu, Se) in Healthy Volunteers Living in Tehran

Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and selenium (Se) are well-known as essential trace elements. These elements attract a great interest, not only in the scientific world, but also in the public option. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum Zn, Cu, and Se levels in healthy volunteers (60 females and 55 males) living in Tehran. The age (6–62 years) and sex of the subjects, as well as drug and tobacco consumption, were registered. The concentrations of these elements were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The serum levels of Zn, Cu, and Se in the normal population of Tehran was 0.89?±?0.16 mg/L, 0.95?±?0.20 mg/L, and 99.10?±?21.78 μg/L, respectively. There was no significant gender-related difference in serum Zn concentration (p?<?0.15). However, a significant difference (p?<?0.05) in both Cu and Se levels was observed between males and females.     

Selenium, iron, copper, and zinc levels and copper-to-zinc ratios in serum of patients at different stages of viral hepatic diseases

Viral hepatic diseases, especially those induced by the hepatitis B virus, can progress into more serious pathological outcomes and eventually to hepatocellular carcinoma. A growing body of evidence indicates that many trace elements play important roles in a number of carcinogenic processes that proceed through various mechanisms. To examine the status of trace elements during the development of hepatic carcinoma, we determined the selenium, iron, copper, and zinc levels and copper-to-zinc ratios in the serum of patients at different stages of viral hepatic disease. We observed significant changes in the selenium, iron copper, and zinc levels in the serum of patients having hepatocellular carcinoma, relative to those of healthy controls (p<0.05). The mean serum copper level in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma was significantly higher than that of the control group. In contrast, the mean selenium, iron, and zinc levels in patients having hepatocellular carcinoma were significantly lower than those of the control group. In addition, the mean zinc level in the serum of patients with hepatic cirrhosis was significantly lower than that of the control group (p<0.05). Moreover, we found markedly elevated Cu: Zn ratios (p<0.05) in patients having hepatic cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Our findings imply that the levels of some trace elements, such as selenium, iron, copper, and zinc, and Cu:Zn ratios, might serve as biomarkers for the increased severity of viral hepatic damage.     

Rapid and direct determination of selenium, copper, and zinc in blood plasma by flow injection-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

A flow injection-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (FI-ICP-MS) with a simple sample preparation procedure was developed for the determination of selenium, copper, and zinc in blood serum/plasma. A serum/plasma sample was filtered through a 0.45-μm membrane filter and diluted with a mixture of trace elements in a standard solution (9∶1, v/v). Measurement of the reference serum sample confirmed the accuracy of our method for selenium, copper, and zinc concentration. In the case of blood plasma samples obtained from six healthy adult males, the selenium, copper, and zinc concentrations were similar to those of a typical healthy male in Japan. These results suggest that the sample prepartive procedure coupled with FI-ICP-MS can be used for the routine determination of selenium, copper, and zinc in human blood serum/plasma.     

Levels of selenium, zinc, copper, and antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with leukemia

Essential elements, mainly selenium and zinc, were involved in protection against oxidative stress in cells. Oxidation could lead to the formation of free radicals that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including leukemia. Leukemia is a neoplastic disease that is susceptible to antioxidant enzyme and essential elements alterations. This study was undertaken to examine the levels of essential elements, antioxidant enzymes activities, and their relationships with different types of leukemia. Serum selenium, zinc, and copper concentrations, red blood cell glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, plasma Cu−Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu−Zn SOD) activities and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were determined in 49 patients with different types of leukemia before initial treatment. Serum selenium and zinc concentrations were lower in leukemia patients than those of controls (p<0.01). Serum copper concentration was higher in leukemia patients than that of controls (p<0.01). The activities GPx and Cu−Zn SOD were significantly increased in leukemia patients, especially with acute leukemia (AL), acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL), and acute nonlymphoid leukemia (ANLL) (p<0.05), whereas no difference was found between those of chronic myelogeneous leukemia and the controls. The levels of LPO were normal as controls. Serum selenium concentration was not correlated with GPx, and serum levels of zinc and copper were not related to Cu−Zn SOD. Serum zinc levels had a negative correlation with the absolute peripheral blast cells, whereas serum copper had a positive correlation with the absolute peripheral blast cells. Increased GPx and Cu−Zn SOD activities and normal levels of LPO, which were a protective responses, were an indicator of mild oxidative stress; it mights indicate that the essentials elements alterations in leukemia patients were mostly dependent on tumor activity. Changes of their levels demonstrated that there are low selenium, zinc, and high copper status in leukemia patients. The decrease of plasma zinc and increase of the Cu/Zn ratio could be the index that showed an unfavorable prognosis of acute leukemia.     

Sexual Dimorphism of Physiological and Biochemical State of Trunk Muscle in Bleak (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Alburnus alburnus</Emphasis> L.) (Cypriniformes,Cyprinidae) Spawners of the Rybinsk Reservoir in the Prespawning Period

The sexual dimorphism of physiological and biochemical parameters of trunk muscle in bleak spawners, representatives of an abundant nonexploited fish species of the Rybinsk Reservoir, has been analyzed in the prespawning period. Sex-related differences in the overall biochemical and lipid composition of trunk muscle and in muscle composition variability in age- and size-matched individuals have been assessed. The distribution of trunk-muscle lipid content is bimodal in females and unimodal in males. The variability of muscle lipid parameters in the aggregated samples is higher in females than in males. The putative reasons for the distinctive features of physiological and biochemical parameters of muscle tissue detected in bleak of different sexes in the prespawning period are discussed.     

Thyroid Function and Serum Copper,Selenium, and Zinc in General U.S. Population

Association of the levels of serum selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) with thyroid function was assessed by analyzing data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for the cycle 2011–2012. Thyroid function variables analyzed were as follows: thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free and total triiodothyronine (FT3, TT3), free and total thyroxine (FT4, TT4), and thyroglobulin (TGN). Regression models with log-transformed values of thyroid hormones as independent variables and age, race/ethnicity, smoking and iodine sufficiency status, respondents’ education, and levels of Se, Zn, and Cu as dependent variables were fitted. For males, levels of Zn were associated with decreased levels of FT4 and TT4, and levels of Cu were associated with increased levels of FT4 and TT4. For females, levels of Cu were associated with increased levels of TT3 and TT4. Smoking was found to be associated with lower levels of TSH and higher levels of TGN in males. Smoking was found to be associated with lower levels of TT4 in females. Males had about 5–10 % higher levels of both Se and Zn, but as much as 20 % lower levels of Cu than females. Smoking was associated with lower levels of Zn, but higher levels of Cu in males.     

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.     

Changed serum trace element profile in Down's syndrome

Being cofactors of important antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), which are significantly modified in Down's syndrome (trisomy 21), serum levels of microtrace elements zinc, copper, and selenium and of macroelement magnesium are reported in 16 subjects with Down's syndrome (DS) and their respective well age- and sex-matched controls. Serum zinc and selenium levels were significantly lowered in DS subjects, whereas copper levels were elevated. Consequently, a marked increase (40%) of the copper/zinc ratio in DS persons was observed. There were no differences in serum levels of magnesium between DS and control subjects.     

Serum copper and zinc concentrations in a representative sample of the Canarian population.

Serum copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) concentrations of 395 individuals (187 males + 208 females) living in Canary Islands were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean copper and zinc concentrations were 1.10 +/- 0.25 mg/L and 1.16 +/- 0.52 mg/L respectively. Our data were similar to other data published in other Spanish regions. Individuals from Lanzarote presented a mean Cu and Zn concentrations higher (p < 0.05) than individuals from the rest of islands; Individuals from EL Hierro showed the lowest (p < 0.05) mean Zn concentration. These differences could be attributed a differences in Cu and Zn contents of soil and/or differences in dietary habits of the populations. The mean serum Cu concentration in females was higher (p < 0.05) than in males, however serum Zn concentration did not vary with the sex of the subjects. No relation to socio-economic status and educational level were found with respect to the serum Cu and Zn concentrations. The serum Cu concentration varied with age of individuals, observing the highest (p < 0.05) Cu concentration in the 20-30 year old interval. A higher serum Cu concentration in females within 20-30 year old interval was observed. This could be due to a higher use of oral contraceptives or to the higher number of pregnancies. Boys (younger than 15) showed a decrease (p < 0.05) of the serum Cu concentration with age. The mean Zn concentrations in serum did not change (p > 0.05) among the different age intervals. No clear trends in the serum Cu and Zn concentrations were observed when drinking and smoking habits were considered. The increase of physical exercise reduced (p < 0.05) the serum Cu concentrations.     

Selenium,Copper and Zinc in Seminal Plasma of Men with Varicocele,Relationship with Seminal Parameters

Varicocele has been associated with decrease in seminal parameters. Selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) are trace elements essential for normal spermatogenesis of mammals and play a critical role as antioxidant defense system enzymes. Se, Cu, and Zn are associated with sperm quality in fertile and infertile men. However, there is little information about Se, Cu, and Zn concentrations in semen in patients with varicocele and its association with seminal parameters. The purpose of this study was to determine the concentrations of Se, Cu, and Zn in semen of patients with varicocele and the relationship with seminal parameters. Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence was used for the fist time in the seminal fluid analysis. The concentration of selenium in men with varicocele was smaller than the normozoospermic group, while no differences were observed for both concentrations of zinc and copper. A significant positive correlation between zinc and selenium concentration was observed. Selenium in seminal plasma correlates with a good spermatozoa concentrations, motility, and morphology. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was observed between zinc levels and sperm count. In conclusion, a decrease in selenium concentration was associated with detriment of seminal parameters. A study should be conducted to evaluate the benefits of both zinc and selenium supplementation to improve seminal parameters in patients with varicocele.     

Effects of Multivitamin/Mineral Supplementation on Trace Element Levels in Serum and Follicular Fluid of Women Undergoing in Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

We investigated effects of multivitamin/mineral supplementation on element levels in serum and follicular fluid of women undergoing IVF. We used three groups in this study. The first group was used as an age-matched and nonpregnant control (n = 13). Group 2 (n = 30) constituted the IVF group and women in the third group who were undergoing IVF also received a multivitamin/mineral tablet daily for 45 days. Follicular fluid and serum selenium and zinc levels and follicular fluid copper levels were lower in IVF patients than in controls although follicular fluid aluminum and iron levels were higher in IVF patients than in controls. However, follicular fluid and serum aluminum, copper, zinc and selenium levels, and serum magnesium levels were higher in the multivitamin/mineral group than in the IVF group although follicular fluid iron levels were lower in the multivitamin/mineral group than in the IVF group. In conclusion, we observed that copper, zinc, and selenium in serum and follicular fluid decreased in women undergoing IVF. Multivitamin/mineral supplementation in serum and follicular fluid of women undergoing IVF normalized the trace element levels.