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.     

Alterations in plasma essential trace elements selenium, manganese, zinc, copper, and iron concentrations and the possible role of these elements on oxidative status in patients with childhood asthma

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the status of plasma essential trace element selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) concentrations and the effect of these elements on oxidative status in patients with childhood asthma. Plasma Se, Mn, Cu, and Zn concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) and Fe concentrations, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined by the colorimetric method. The plasma MDA/TAC ratio was calculated as an index of oxidative status. Plasma albumin levels were measured to determine nutritional status. Plasma Fe concentrations, MDA levels and the MDA/TAC ratio were significantly higher (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.01, respectively) and Se and Mn concentrations and TAC were lower (p<0.01, p<0.05, and p<0.01, respectively) in patients when compared to the healthy subjects. Plasma Zn, Cu, and albumin levels were not found to be significantly different in patients and controls (p>0.05). There were positive relationships between plasma MDA and Fe (r=0.545, p<0.001) and TAC and Se (r=0.485, p<0.021), and a negative correlation between TAC and MDA values (r= −0.337, p<0.031) in patients with childhood asthma. However, there was no correlation between these trace elements and albumin content in patient groups. These observations suggest that increased Fe and decreased Se concentrations in patients with childhood asthma may be responsible for the oxidant/antioxidant imbalance.     

Significance of serum trace element status in patients with rheumatic heart disease

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

Effects of pruning on the concentration of trace elements in Colophospermum mopane leaves

Despite the nutritional value of Colophospermum mopane to browser's diets, there is still insufficient knowledge on the effect of browsers on concentrations of these trace elements. A field experiment was conducted in Musina Nature Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa, to determine the effect of pruning on the concentration of trace elements in mopane leaves. Samples were analysed for iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), fluoride (F) and selenium (Se) using the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry technique. The effect of pruning was tested using the two‐tailed t‐test: two‐sample assuming equal variance and two‐tailed Mann–Whitney U‐test. Results showed that the concentration of trace elements in the control and pruned trees varies slightly through the year. Fe, Mn, Mo, Cu, Zn and Se are higher during leaf flush, but declined as the leaves matured and aged. This study concluded that simulated browsing had no significant effect on the concentration of trace elements in the mopane leaves. Seasonal variation in the amount of trace elements has implications on the distribution of browsers in the mopane woodland.     

Blood levels of copper, iron, zinc, and lead in adults in India and Pakistan and the effect of oral zinc supplementation for six weeks

Deficiency in the intake of trace elements, such as copper (Cu), iron (Fe), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn), is very common in the general population of most developing countries. A preliminary study in India and Pakistan showing the plasma levels of Zn and Fe indicates that approx 50% of the subjects who participated have low levels of both Fe and Zn, suggesting a marginal deficiency. The low plasma levels of these elements are more pronounced in females. The mean levels of Ze, Cu, and Fe in the plasma of 83 subjects were 0.71 ± 0.11, 0.96 ± 0.10, and 0.80 ± 0.12 mg/L, respectively. The Cu:Zn ratio in the plasma was 1.43 ± 0.16. Three groups of 15 subjects each were given three different levels of oral supplements of Zn (15, 30, and 45 mg of Zn as Zn gluconate) for 6 wk, and blood samples were analyzed during various intervals. Plasma concentration of Zn increased significantly (p < 0.001) in all the groups after 4 wk of supplementation and reached almost normal levels after 6 wk. Along with the increase in Zn, there was a significant decrease(p < 0.001) in plasma Cu levels. There were no changes in the concentration of Fe during the supplementation period. The supplementation was well tolerated by most subjects. The results of this pilot study indicate that Zn supplementation is a practical possibility comparable to that of Fe supplementation in order to prevent marginal Zn deficiency in vulnerable groups in the general population of developing countries.     

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

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

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.     

高原鼢鼠和高原鼠兔骨骼无机化学成分的研究Ⅱ.必需微量元素

本文报道了高原鼢鼠和高原鼠兔整体骨骼及头骨、脊柱骨和下肢骨中Ｃｕ、Ｚｎ、Ｆｅ、Ｍｎ、Ｃｏ、Ｎｉ、Ｍｏ、Ｃｒ、Ｔｉ、Ｆ、Ｓｅ和Ｇｅ１２种必需微量元素的含量,并进行了显著性差异和相关性分析。结果表明：只有Ｃｕ的含量在两种动物骨骼中没有显著性差异（Ｐ＞０．０５）,其余１１种元素均有显著性或极显著性差异（Ｐ＜０．０５或Ｐ＜０．０１）,其中Ｚｎ、Ｆｅ、Ｍｎ、Ｃｏ、Ｎｉ、Ｍｏ、Ｆ和Ｓｅ的含量,高原鼢鼠＞高原鼠兔,而Ｃｒ、Ｔｉ和Ｇｅ的含量,高原鼠兔＞高原鼢鼠。微量元素在头骨、脊柱骨和下肢骨中分布很不均衡,以头骨的微量元素最为丰富     

Minor and trace elements in human milk from Guatemala,Hungary, Nigeria,Philippines, Sweden,and Zaire

Concentrations of As, Ca, Cd, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, F, Fe, Hg, I, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, V, and Zn were determined in human whole milk samples from Guatemala, Hungary, Nigeria, Philippines, Sweden, and Zaire; in most of these countries, three groups of subjects representing different socioeconomic conditions were studied. Analytical quality control was a primary consideration throughout. The analytical techniques used were atomic absorption spectrophotometry, atomic emission spectrometry with an inductively coupled plasma, colorimetry, electrochemistry, using an ion-selective electrode and neutron activation analysis. The differences between median concentrations of Ca, Cl, Mg, K, Na, and P (minor elements) were lower than 20% among the six countries. Among trace elements, concentrations observed in Filipino milk for As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, F, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, and V were higher than for milk samples from other countries. The remaining five countries showed a mixed picture of high and low values. In the case of at least some elements, such as, F, I, Hg, Mn, Pb, and Se, the environment appears to play a major role in determining their concentrations in human milk. The nutritional status of the mother, as reflected by her socioeconomic status, does not appear to influence significantly the breast milk concentrations of minor and trace elements. Significant differences exist between the actual daily intakes observed in this study and current dietary recommendations made by, for example, WHO and the US National Academy of Sciences. These differences are particularly large (an order of magnitude or more!) for Cr, F, Fe, Mn, and Mo; for other elements, such as, Ca, Cu, Mg, P, and Zn, they amount to at least a factor 2. In the opinion of the present authors, these findings point to the need for a possible reassessment of the dietary requirements of young infants with respect to minor and trace elements, particularly for the elements Ca, Cr, Cu, F, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, P, and Zn.     

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.     

Trace Element Levels in Scalp Hair of School Children in Shigatse,Tibet, an Endemic Area for Kaschin-Beck Disease (KBD)

Kaschin-Beck disease (KBD) is an endemic osteoarthritis, and the etiology is closely related with levels of trace elements in the human body. Currently, it is clear that the selenium (Se) status of children in KBD areas is lower than that in non-KBD areas in the Tibetan Plateau, whereas role of other elements are yet unknown. This study aimed to assess some essential trace elements (Se, Mo, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cu, Co, and Sr) in children using scalp hair as a biomarker, and 157 samples from school children aged 8–14 years old were collected from both KBD and non-KBD areas in Shigatse, Tibet. Se and Mo were measured by inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the other elements were determined by inductive coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Compared with the non-KBD areas, Se, Mo, Mn, Fe, Zn, Co, and Sr levels of children in KBD areas were found to be significantly different (P < 0.05); while in linear discriminant analysis, only Se and Zn were found to contribute to the KBD prevalence in the study area. The hair Se level of children in KBD areas ranged from 0.115 to 0.299 mg/kg, while in non-KBD areas it ranged from 0.135 to 0.519 mg/kg. The Zn content of children’s hair was between 83 and 207 mg/kg in KBD areas, while it was 37 and 219 mg/kg in non-KBD areas. Lower Se and higher Zn levels in children in KBD areas was found when compared with non-KBD groups. In addition, Mo levels were found to be different between KBD areas and non-KBD areas on the opposite side of the Yarlung Zangbo River, but no close relationship was shown because there was no difference compared with the non-KBD area on the same side of the river. Our observations suggest that Se deficiency is still an important factor for the occurrence and prevalence of KBD, while the relationship between Zn and KBD needs to be further explored in the Tibetan Plateau.     

Updating of normal levels of copper,zinc and selenium in serum of pregnant women

Selenium, copper and zinc status is important in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to establish updated normal ranges for these elements in serum of pregnant women from the Spanish region of Aragon, and to study variation in levels with respect to gestational period and maternal age. The study group consisted of 159 pregnant women who did not suffer from serious pathologies. These samples were classified into four gestational-period groups. Zn and Cu determinations were obtained by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy in a Perkin-Elmer 1100B apparatus, and Se was determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman correction, in a Perkin-Elmer 4110 ZL apparatus. The concentrations of Cu, Zn and Se averaged 73.61±43.67 μg/dL, 65.37±12.87 μg/dL and 99.59±21.74 μg/L, respectively. The Cu/Zn ratio increased from first trimester to the third trimester (2.07–3.49). There was no significant correlation between Zn and Se levels, but a significant correlation was found between Cu and Se levels (p<0.05) and between Cu and Zn levels (p<0.001). Serum Zn and Se levels decreased over gestation, while serum Cu concentrations increased; in all cases the variation occurred mostly in the first 3 or 4 months, with mean levels then remaining fairly stable until the end of pregnancy. Maternal age did not influence levels of any of the three metals.     

Alterations of serum selenium, zinc, copper, and iron concentrations and some related antioxidant enzyme activities in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis

The aim of this study was to measure the alterations in serum selenium (Se), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) concentrations and their carrier proteins, ceruloplasmin (Cp), transferrin (Tf) albumin, and related antioxidant enzyme activities, erythrocyte Cu-Zn Superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) activities in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Erythrocyte Cu-Zn SOD activities, serum Cu concentrations, and Cp levels were found to be significantly higher in the patients group than those of controls. However, GSH-Px and CAT activities and Se, Zn, Fe, and Tf levels were lower in patients than in the control subjects. There were positive important correlation’s between Cu-Zn SOD and Cp, Cu-Zn SOD and Cu, Cp and Cu, GSH-Px and Se, and Fe and CAT in the patients group. Our results showed that serum essential trace elements Se, Zn, Cu, and Fe concentrations and their related enzymes Cu-Zn SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT activities change in CL patients. The changes may be a part of defense strategies of organism and are induced by the hormonelike substances.     

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.     

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.     

Brain Trace Element Concentration of Rats Treated with the Plant Alkaloid, Vincamine

Trace elements are essential for normal brain functions. Tiny amounts of these elements help in the formation of neurotransmitters and involved in the antioxidant defense and intracellular redox regulation and modulation of neural cells. Vincamine is a plant alkaloid used clinically as a peripheral vasodilator that increases cerebral blood flow and oxygen and glucose utilization by neural tissue to combat the effect of aging. Neurodegenerative diseases associated with aging characterized by a disturbance in trace element levels in the brain. The objective of this study was to determine the level of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), Selenium (Se), and chromium (Cr) in the brain of rats treated with vincamine. Vincamine was injected i.m. to rats at a dose of 15 mg/Kg bodyweight daily for 14 days. Twenty-four hours after the last injection, rats were killed, and brains were ashed and digested by concentrated acids and analyzed for trace elements concentrations by flame emission atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that Zn was the highest trace element in the brain of control rats (3.134?±?0.072 ppm) and Cr was the lowest (0.386?±?0.027 ppm). Vincamine administration significantly (p?<?0.01) reduced the brain Fe concentration (1.393?±?0.165 ppm) compared to control (2.807?±?0.165 ppm). It was concluded that Zn was the highest trace element in the brain of rats. Vincamine administration resulted in approximately 50% reduction in brain Fe concentration which suggests its beneficial effect to prevent the oxidative stress of Fe in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s diseases.     

Availability of Essential Elements in Nutrient Supplements Used as Antidiabetic Herbal Formulations

Five brands of antidiabetic herbal formulations as tablets, Diabetex, Divya Madhu Nashini, Jambrushila, Diabeticin, and Madhumeh Nashini, from different pharmacies were analyzed for six minor (Na, K, Ca, Cl, Mg, and P) and 20 trace (As, Ba, Br, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Hg, La, Mn, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Th, V, and Zn) elements by thermal neutron irradiation followed by high-resolution gamma ray spectrometry. Further Ni, Cd, and Pb were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Most elements vary in a narrow range by a factor of 2–4 while a few others vary in a wide range, e.g., Na (0.05–0.67 mg/g), Mn (26.7–250 μg/g), and V (0.26–2.50 μg/g). All the five brands contain K, Cl, Mg, P, and Ca as minor constituents along with mean trace amounts of Cr (2.11 ± 0.67 μg/g), Cu (15.7 ± 7.11 μg/g), Fe (459 ± 171 μg/g), Mn (143 ± 23 μg/g), Se (238 ± 112 ng/g), and V (0.99 ± 0.93 μg/g). Jambrushila is enriched in Na, Ca, Mg, Cl, Fe, Cu, Se, and Zn, essential nutrients responsible for curing diabetes. Dietary intake of Mn, Fe, and Cu are greater than 10% of the recommended dietary allowance, whereas that for Zn and Se is less than 2%. Mean contents of toxic elements (As, Cd, Hg, and Pb) were found below permissible limits except in Jambrushila. Cr and Zn were inversely correlated with r = −0.81, whereas Rb and Cs exhibit linear correlation (r = 0.93) in five brands. C, H, N analysis showed C ∼ 55%, H ∼ 12%, and N ∼ 2% with a total of ∼70% organic matter. However, thermal decomposition studies at 700°C suggest less than 5% nonvolatile metal oxides. Herbal formulations contain minor and trace elements in bioavailable forms that favorably influence glucose tolerance and possibly increase the body’s ability to ameliorate development of diabetes.     

氮磷肥对茶树锌硒等中微量元素吸收与分配的影响

锌（Zn）和硒（Se）及其他中微量元素（铝Al，钙Ca，铁Fe，铜Cu，锰Mn）是茶叶品质的重要指标，但茶树吸收Zn、Se能力及氮（N）磷（P）肥影响中微量元素吸收与分配的过程尚不清楚。以红壤丘陵区福鼎大白茶树为研究对象，开展Zn+Se、Zn+Se+N、Zn+Se+P、Zn+Se+N+P和对照共5种处理3次重复随机化区组试验，处理第3年春季分茶叶、成熟叶、吸收根、运输根和储藏根采集植物样品，测定其元素含量。结果表明，茶树地上和地下器官Zn和Se及其他中微量元素对N、P、Zn、Se添加的响应具分异性。与对照相比，茶树地上和地下器官Zn和Se含量均显著增加，与Zn+Se相比，施N和/或P肥仅显著提高茶叶和成熟叶Se含量（P<0.05）；与对照相比，施肥处理均显著提高吸收根和运输根Al、Fe含量以及储藏根Cu含量；运输根Mn含量表现为Zn+Se+N、Zn+Se+P、Zn+Se+N+P显著高于对照，储藏根Mn含量为Zn+Se+N+P显著高于其他处理；茶树各器官Ca含量对施肥处理无显著响应。此外，茶叶和成熟叶的Zn含量与吸收根显著正相关，而Se含量则与储藏根显著正相关。茶树具有吸收和积累Zn和Se的能力，而施N、P肥有助于提高茶叶Se含量，研究结果为红壤丘陵区培育高品质锌硒茶及营建生态高值茶园提供了依据。     

Alterations of plasma magnesium,copper, zinc,iron and selenium concentrations and some related erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities in patients with Alzheimer’s disease

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the status of plasma essential trace elements magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and selenium (Se) concentrations and their some related antioxidant enzyme activities, erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Fifty patients with AD and fifty healthy control subjects were included in this study. Plasma Cu and Zn concentrations by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), plasma Mg and Fe concentrations by spectrophotometric methods and plasma Se concentrations by graphite furnace AAS were determined. Erythrocyte GPx, SOD and CAT activities were measured by spectrophotometric methods. Plasma Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe and Se levels and erythrocyte GPx, SOD and CAT activities were found to be significantly lower in patients with AD compared with controls. These results suggest that alterations in essential trace elements and their related enzymes may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of AD. Also, there is a defect in the antioxidant defense system, which may lead to oxidative damage in patients with AD. The changes in antioxidant enzyme activities may be secondary to the alterations in their cofactor concentrations.     

Trace Elements in Fingernails of Healthy Chinese Centenarians

Trace element concentrations in body tissues of healthy centenarians have not been widely analyzed, yet they can be used as reference data leading to improved assessment of the aging process and monitoring of the micronutrient status of this age group. The present study sought to assess trace element concentrations and behaviors in the fingernails of healthy Chinese centenarians. The effects of gender on element concentrations, which also play an important role in determining the lifespan, were also investigated. Trace elements (Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, and Zn) in the fingernails of 78 healthy Chinese centenarians were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The overall reference values obtained in milligram per kilogram are as follows: Ba, 5.10; Cd, 0.031; Co, 0.101; Cr, 0.82; Cu, 3.71; Fe, 154.35; Li, 0.31; Mn, 3.09; Mo, 0.040; Ni, 0.95; Pb, 1.86; Se, 0.44; Sr, 6.20; and Zn, 147.96. Data analysis showed that only Cr and Se concentrations show a normal distribution, and no significant difference between male and female groups was found for any element except Cr. Result also revealed that sufficient Se, Co, and Zn as well as lower or lack of exposure to Cr contribute positively to the lifespan of centenarians. The results suggest that regulating in vivo contents of trace elements, especially Se, Co, and Zn, is reasonable to intervene with geriatric diseases.