Hair zinc and copper in chronic alcoholics

Chronic alcoholics frequently show associated malnutrition. Both ethanol and malnutrition exert profound changes on zinc and copper metabolism. In this study, we found higher hair zinc and copper values in 43 male alcoholics than in 39 controls. Hair copper was significantly related to the amount of ethanol consumed, whereas hair zinc was higher in consumers of distilled beverages. No relation was observed between hair zinc and copper and nutritional status, kind of diet consumed, style of life, and liver cirrhosis. Consequently, hair zinc and copper levels are related only with alcohol intake.     

Determination of copper and zinc levels in human hair

The Cu and Zn levels of both 607 men (1–85 y old) and 649 women (1–92 y old) were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Sex does not influence Cu (14.89±0.89 μg/g and 15.26±0.79 μg/g hair for males and females, respectively) and Zn contents (200.97±9.68 μg/g for men and 209.81±9.49 μg/g hair for women). Age influences Cu and Zn concentrations, but only significantly in females: Cu levels decrease over 60 y of age; whereas Zn levels increase significantly from age groups 2–5 to 20–40 years. Hair color influences Cu concentrations in both males and females. In males, white hair containes less Cu than black hair; in females, white hair's Cu levels are significantly lower than those of dark blond, red, light brown, and brown hair. There are no significant differences in Zn concentrations with respect to different hair colors, in either males or females.     

Maternal and neonatal scalp hair concentrations of zinc, copper, cadmium, and lead

Postpartum scalp hair samples from 82 term-pregnancy mother/neonate pairs were analyzed for their concentration of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Maternal and neonatal Zn concentrations had geometric means (and 99% confidence intervals) of 122.5 μg/g (117.9–131.5 μg/g) and 146.9 μg (141.5–156.7 μg/g) respectively. Corresponding Cu values were 18.4 μg/g (17.6–23.8 μg/g) and 6.7 μg/g (6.3–7.6 μg/g). Those of Cd were 0.49 μg/g (0.47–0.69 μg/g) in the mothers and 0.57 μg/g (0.55–0.86 μg/g) in the neonates. For Pb, they were 7.95 μg/g (7.60–9.32 μg/g) and 4.56 μg/g (4.39–5.56 μg/g). Cigaret smoking, despite its relatively low prevalence (19.5%), was associated with lower Zn and higher Cd and Pb concentrations and in lower Zn/Cd and Zn/Pb molar concentration ratios. Smoking also altered interelemental relationships, particularly those of Zn with Cd and Pb and those between Cd and Pb. Smoking frequency appeared to show negative dose-response effects on maternal and neonatal Zn concentrations, Zn/Pb molar concentration ratios, and birth weight. Mothers with a history of oral contraceptive (OC) usage had significantly higher Cu concentrations and lower Zn/Cu molar concentration ratios than nonusers, with the highest Cu concentrations and lowest Zn/Cu values being associated with third-generation OCs. No similar effects were elicited in the respective neonatal Cu concentrations. Neither alcohol consumption nor prenatal supplementation with iron and/or folic acid had discernible effects on the maternal or neonatal elemental concentrations. The data from this study suggest that in a given population of term-pregnancy mothers and neonates, significant interindividual variations in hair trace element concentrations can occur, irrespective of commonality of general environment, and that lifestyle factors, including cigaret smoking and OC usage history, can be significant contributory factors to such variations. The data are discussed in relation to the effects of smoking-associated exposure to Cd and Pb exposure on Zn availability for placental transfer, as well as on the quantitative maternal Zn supply levels to the fetus resulting from the known tendency of smokers to have lower dietary intakes of Zn. The higher Cu concentrations in OC users are discussed in relation to altered Cu metabolism, characterized by increased synthesis of the Cu-binding protein, ceruloplasmin, as an acute-phase antioxidant response to altered lipid profile and increased lipid oxidation.     

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).     

Hair and serum calcium, iron, copper, and zinc levels during normal pregnancy at three trimesters

The hair and serum levels of calcium, iron, copper, and zinc levels were measured in a group of 70 healthy pregnant women and in 66 age-matched healthy controls living in the Tianjin city of the People’s Republic of China. The study subjects were classified into three subgroups according to gestational age. The hair concentrations were measured by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, whereas those in sera were established by atomic absorption spectrometry. The hair concentrations of Ca, Fe, Cu, and Zn in the three groups of gravida were lower or significantly lower than those in controls. In sera, the differences did not show statistical significance in most cases. A deficiency of calcium was observed in subjects in the last trimester of gestation. This reinforces the importance of supplementation with calcium during pregnancy.     

Estimation of serum zinc and copper in children with acute diarrhea

Diarrhea is, in reality, as much a nutritional disease as one of fluid and electrolyte loss. Children who die from diarrhea, despite good management of dehydration, are usually malnourished and often severely so. In this study, we determined the serum levels of zinc and copper before and after standard oral rehydration solution (ORS) therapy in children with acute diarrhea and correlated it with diarrheal duration and severity. One hundred ten children suffering from acute diarrhea were included. Serum zinc and copper levels of these children were estimated at the time of enrollment and after treatment with standard ORS therapy. This study shows that children suffering from acute diarrhea show a statistically significant decrease of 13.1% and 12.8% in serum zinc and copper concentrations, respectively, compared to normal. These levels further decrease by 22.6% and 22.4%, respectively, after treatment with standard ORS therapy. Our study shows that children with the lower plasma zinc and copper levels suffered with more severe and longer duration of diarrhea. Zinc and copper supplementation could be added to standard ORS therapy for the reduction in morbidity and mortality associated with acute diarrhea in children.     

Increased serum copper and decreased serum zinc levels in children with iron deficiency anemia

In order to evaluate serum copper and zinc status in children with iron deficiency anemia (IDA), 60 children with IDA aged 1–14 yr and 64 healthy children as controls aged 1–14 yr were included the study. Serum copper levels were higher in children with IDA (189 ± 49 (Μg/dL) than those of controls (163 ± 37 Μg/dL) (p = 0.001). Serum zinc levels were lower in the patient group (109 ± 59 Μg/dL) than those of control subjects (135 ± 56 Μg/dL) (p = 0.017). In addition, there were statistically significant negative correlations between hematological parameters and serum copper levels in the patient group, but not in controls. No correlation between hematological parameters and serum zinc levels were found in both patient and control groups, except positive correlation between mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and serum zinc level in patients. It was concluded that at the time of managing children with IDA, zinc deficiency must be borne in mind and if necessary treatment should be initiated with zinc.     

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.     

Efficiency of serum copper/zinc ratio for differential diagnosis of patients with and without lung cancer

We examined serum copper (Cu), serum zinc (Zn), and the serum copper/zinc ratio (Cu/Zn) in 162 patients. All of them were seen to have an abnormal shadow in the chest X-ray films, that is, 109 patients with lung cancer (LC) and 53 patients with no lung cancer (NLC). The mean Cu and Cu/Zn in LC patients were significantly higher than those in NLC patients (p<0.05). In LC patients, Cu and Cu/Zn were higher and Zn was lower in advanced tumors than early ones. There was a significantly clear relation between Cu or Cu/Zn and the tumor (T) stages. When the relative risk (RR) of LC was estimated, it was seen that the higher Cu and Cu/Zn became, the higher RR became. Furthermore, we showed the sensitivity of the receiver operator characteristic of the test (ROC) curve for Cu, Cu/Zn, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) to diagnose LC, as explained in a paragraph of methods.The determinations of Cu, Zn, and Cu/Zn are simple and inexpensive. They also appear to have a great diagnostic value in determining the local invasion of LC and as a screening test in the high-risk patients for LC.     

Analysis of serum copper and zinc concentrations in cancer patients

Several studies have shown that plasma copper concentrations are increased in various carcinomas. Zinc acts as a cellular growth protector, including growth of neoplastic cells, and its deficiency was demonstrated to be involved in several stages of malignant transformation. However, the usefulness of the serum zinc and copper determinations in cancer prevention, detection, monitoring treatment, and prognosis requires further investigations. The aim of the present study was to compare the serum copper and zinc levels in patients with cancer of the lung (PC), breast (BC), gastrointestinal tract (GIC), and gynecological (GYNC) malignancy with progress of the disease. The results of the study have shown a significant increase in the mean total serum Cu levels and the serum Cu/Zn ratio in all patient groups with cancer compared to a control group. Increased mean serum concentrations and Cu/Zn ratios were found in the whole group (ALLC), and for the GIC and GYNC groups with local as well as metastasized (Meta) disease in comparison with the control group. The mean serum concentrations of Zn were decreased only in metastasized ALLC and GYNC groups.     

Zinc,copper, and magnesium concentrations in hair of children from Southeastern Turkey

Zinc, copper, and magnesium concentrations in hair were measured in groups of children varying in one condition—protein-energy malnutrition, ricketts, thalassemia, malignancy, cardiac failure, or after prolonged infection and in healthy controls. As compared with controls, copper and magnesium concentrations were low in all groups, whereas higher values were obtained for hair zinc. These results showed that a generalized copper and magnesium deficiency were observed in the southeastern part of Turkey. However, zinc deficiency couldn’t be detected as far as the hair zinc values were concerned, although all of the subjects fell within the 50 percentile limits for their age-appropriate weights and heights.     

Serum copper levels and not zinc are positively associated with serum leptin concentrations in the healthy adult population

Leptin, the obesity gene protein product, is a hormone with multiple physiological functions in the human. However, there are few reports in the literature on its role in trace element metabolism in the normal population. Therefore, we investigated the association among serum leptin, zinc, copper, and zinc/copper ratio in 570 healthy men and women aged 15 yr and older. Serum leptin assay was done with a commercial enzymelinked immunosorbent assay kit; serum zinc and copper levels were measured by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Serum leptin was found to be positively associated with age (r=0.254, p<0.001), sex (r=0.406, p<0.001), body mass index (BMI) (r=0.553, p<0.001), and serum copper (r=0.419, p<0.001), but negatively associated with the zinc/copper ratio (r=−0.423, p<0.001). There was no significant association between serum leptin and zinc (r=−0.131, p>0.05). When the confounding effects of age, sex, and BMI were removed, serum leptin was still positively associated with serum copper (r=0.197, p=0.02) and the serum zinc/copper ratio (r=−0.182, p=0.03). These results suggest that copper and not zinc has an effect on serum leptin levels.     

Short communication serum copper,zinc, and calcium concentrations in lice-infested sheep

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in serum concentration of copper, zinc, and calcium in sheep naturally infested with lice (Bovicola caprae, Linognathus africanus, Linognatus ovillus, and Linognattus pedalis). Twenty sheep naturally infested with lice and 20 healthy sheep were used as subjects. Blood samples were collected from the sheep before and 8 and 15 d after treatment with Avermectin, a veterinary antiparasitic drug. The samples were analyzed for their serum copper, zinc, and calcium concentrations by atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentrations of these elements in the infested animals were lower than in the healthy controls, mainly because the general condition of the affected sheep was poor. When the infested animals were treated with an ectoparasitic drug, the serum levels of the studied elements rose to normal ranges while the health of the animals improved.     

The plasma zinc/serum copper ratio as a biomarker in children with autism spectrum disorders

The frequency of zinc deficiency, copper toxicity and low zinc/copper in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) may indicate decrement in metallothionein system functioning. A retrospective review of plasma zinc, serum copper and zinc/copper was performed on data from 230 children with autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-NOS and Asperger’s syndrome. The entire cohort’s mean zinc level was 77.2 μg dl^?1, mean copper level was 131.5 μg dl^?1, and mean Zn/Cu was 0.608, which was below the 0.7 cut-off of the lowest 2.5% of healthy children. The plasma zinc/serum copper ratio may be a biomarker of heavy metal, particularly mercury, toxicity in children with ASDs.     

A case-control study on selenium,zinc, and copper in plasma and hair of subjects affected by breast and lung cancer

The purpose of our study was to investigate the relationship between plasma and hair levels of Se, Zn, and Cu, and cancer. We selected a total of 66 patients affected by either breast (38) or lung (28) cancer. They entered into the study at the onset of disease, and before any chemical or radiotherapy. Controls were randomly selected among healthy people and were matched for sex, age, smoking habits, and residence. In the group of breast cancer, a significant decrease in hair Se was found compared to controls (p<0.01), whereas plasma Se was only slightly decreased. No difference between cases and controls was detected in both hair and plasma levels of Zn and Cu. Subjects who developed lung cancer were significantly lower in hair Zn (p<0.05) and Cu (p<0.01) than controls, whereas there was no difference with regard to Se. In addition, plasma Cu of these patients was increased as compared to controls.     

BMI and levels of zinc,copper in hair,serum and urine of Turkish male patients with androgenetic alopecia

ObjectiveMale pattern androgenetic alopecia is characterized by progressive hair loss from the scalp. It is known that imbalances of some trace elements play a role in the pathomechanism of many forms of alopecia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of zinc and copper in hair, serum and urine samples of Turkish males with male pattern androgenetic alopecia and to compare with healthy controls.Material and methods116 males with male pattern androgenetic alopecia and 100 controls were involved in this study.ResultsLevels of zinc and copper in hair were decreased significantly in the patients (p < 0.05), although zinc and copper levels of serum and urine were not different between patients and controls (p > 0.05). Body mass index of patients were higher than control group. In addition, in the group with body mass index of 25 and lower zinc level in hair and urine, copper level in serum were significantly higher (p < 0.05). Body mass index was negatively correlated with hair zinc levels.ConclusionWe thought that decreased zinc and copper levels in hair may play a role in the etiology of male pattern androgenetic alopecia. In addition, obesity by making changes in the balance of the trace elements in hair, serum and urine may play a role in male pattern androgenetic alopecia. Hence, assessing the levels of trace elements in hair of male pattern androgenetic alopecia patients may be more valuable compared to serum and urine for treatment planning.     

The relationship between established coronary risk factors and serum copper and zinc concentrations in a large Persian Cohort

IntroductionThe relationship between demographic and biochemical characteristics, including several established coronary risk factors, and serum copper and zinc was assessed in a large Iranian population sample.Materials and methodsA group of 2233 individuals, 15–65 years of age [1106 (49.5%) males and 1127 (50.5%) females] was recruited from residents of the Greater Khorasan province in northeast of Iran. Demographic data were collected using questionnaires. Coronary risk factors were determined using standard protocols, and trace elements were measured in serum using atomic absorption spectroscopy.ResultsDegree of glucose tolerance and smoking habit were not associated with serum zinc and copper levels. Serum copper levels were significantly higher in obese and hypertensive than in normal subjects (p<0.001). In the whole group and for the female subgroup, serum zinc (p<0.01) and copper (p<0.001) were both significantly lower in individuals with normal versus high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.A strong positive correlation was found between serum copper and body mass index (BMI) (r=0.85, p<0.001). Weaker positive associations were found between serum copper and calculated 10 years’ coronary risk (r=0.11, p<0.001). Serum zinc/copper ratio was strongly inversely associated with calculated 10 years’ coronary risk (r=?0.10, p<0.001). The partial Eta squared (PES) values for factors determining serum zinc were hypertension (0.007, p=0.01) and BMI (0.004, p=0.01); and for serum copper, they were gender (0.02, p=0.001), hypertension (0.004, p=0.009), and 10 years’ coronary risk for men (0.003, p=0.03) and women (0.002, p=0.07).ConclusionSignificant associations between serum trace element concentrations and several coronary risk factors, including calculated 10 years’ coronary risk scores, were found.     

Assessment of copper and zinc status in hair and urine of young women descendants of NIDDM parents

The concentration of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in hair and urine were studied in young nonpregnant healthy women whose both parents were diagnosed for noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM descendants) and were compared with those of young healthy nonpregnant females with no family history of NIDDM or hypertension (non-NIDDM descendants) and NIDDM patients. The concentration of Zn in hair in NIDDM descendants was significantly higher than that of non-NIDDM descendants (p < 0.001) and insignificantly higher than that of NIDDM patients. The hair Cu concentrations in NIDDM descendant and patients were significantly lower than that of non-NIDDM descendants (p < 0.001). Hyperzincuria was detected in some NIDDM patients and hypocuperuria in all NIDDM descendants and patients. The data suggest that the young healthy NIDDM descendants possess high-Zn and low-Cu reserves in their bodies, and the observed perturbation appears to be associated with Cu-Zn antagonism.     

Changes in trace element concentrations in hair of growing children

Head hair concentrations of zinc, copper, manganese, and iron from a total of 418 subjects (154 male and 264 female) aged between 6 mo and 20 yr were measured mainly with flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Only zinc analysis of a part of the female samples (n=140) were analyzed with inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. The two analytical methods showed close agreement. The mean concentration of copper and manganese were significantly higher in male subjects than in female subjects. The trace element concentrations in hair varied with the subject’s age. Zinc concentration in hair decreased from 6 mo to 14 yr in the male subjects and decreased from 6 mo to 12 yr in the female subjects. Then, the concentrations increased gradually to 20 yr in the both sexes. Age-dependent variations of copper and manganese concentrations in hair showed similar trends to those of zinc. The results of this study suggest that a higher concentration in the diet of these trace elements may be required for growing children, especially in the period of adolescence.