Calcium,Magnesium, Iron,Zinc and Copper Concentration In the Hair of Tobacco Smokers

In the research, the content of bioelements (Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, and Cu) in the hair of individuals who reside in similar environmental conditions was spectrometrically determined with the use of AES-ICP spectrophotometer. The relation to their tobacco-smoking habit, age, and sex was established. It was observed that the results obtained were in the range of the content identified for the Polish population. Tobacco smokers had a decreased content of all the bioelements in question, compared to non-smokers, which apparently resulted from a decreased supply (lesser appetite) and reduced absorption caused by disturbances in the digestive system functions. Also, it has been observed that in the group of elderly people, over 50 years old, there was a fall in the content of calcium, magnesium, and iron both in smokers and non-smokers, irrespective of their sex. The sex-related differences in the content of the investigated elements were not unidirectional and only in few cases did they reveal statistical significance.     

Serum Iron,Zinc, and Copper Concentration in Premature Graying of Hair

Premature graying of hair with unclear etiology, which is known as premature canities, is a common cause of referrals to the dermatologists. We assessed the relationship between serum iron, copper, and zinc concentrations with premature canities. This study was conducted on patients under 20 years old suffering from premature canities, having a minimum of ten gray hair fibers, and referring to university hospitals of Isfahan (Iran). The results were compared with age–sex-matched controls. Demographic data and disease characteristics were recorded for two groups. We studied serum iron, copper, and zinc concentrations of 66 patients and 66 controls using atomic absorption and Ferrozine methods. The mean age of studied cases was 17.8 ± 2.0 years, and the mean age of the onset of canities was 15.5 ± 3.2 years with no significant difference between males and females (P > 0.05). Serum copper concentration was significantly lower in patients compared with controls (90.7 ± 37.4 vs. 105.3 ± 50.2 μg/dL, P = 0.048), but serum iron concentration was significantly lower in controls compared to patients (88.8 ± 39.5 vs. 108.3 ± 48.4 μg/dL, P = 0.008). Also, there was no significant difference between patients and controls in serum zinc concentration (114.8 ± 67.8 vs. 108.2 ± 49.9 μg/dL, P = 0.285). According to these results, among copper, zinc, and iron, a low serum copper concentration may play a role in premature graying of hairs in our society. Further studies are needed to find the underlying mechanism of this relationship.     

Serum Concentration of Copper,Zinc, Iron,and Cobalt and the Copper/Zinc Ratio in Horses with Equine Herpesvirus-1

The serum concentrations of copper, zinc, iron, and cobalt and copper/zinc ratio were investigated in horses infected with equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). Nine horses were naturally infected with the virus and nine healthy horses served as controls. The concentrations of copper, zinc, iron, and cobalt were determined spectrophotometrically in the blood serum of all horses. The results were (expressed in micrograms per deciliters) copper 2.80 ± 0.34 vs 1.12 ± 0.44, zinc 3.05 ± 0.18 vs 0.83 ± 0.06, iron 2.76 ± 0.17 vs 3.71 ± 0.69, cobalt 0.19 ± 0.37 vs 0.22 ± 0.45, and copper/zinc ratio 0.72 ± 0.38 vs 1.41 ± 0.36 for control vs infected group, respectively. In conclusion, copper and zinc concentrations of the infected group were lower than the control group (p < 0.001), whereas iron concentration and the copper/zinc ratio of the infected group were higher than the control group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001). The cobalt concentration was not found to be statistically different between two groups. It might be emphasized that copper/zinc ratio was significantly affected by the EHV-1 infection, so it could be taken into consideration during the course of infection. An erratum to this article can be found at     

Comparative Analysis of Serum Manganese,Zinc, Calcium,Copper and Magnesium Level in Panic Disorder Patients

The purpose of the study was to determine the serum concentration of trace elements of panic disorder patients and to find out the relationship between trace element levels and nutritional status or socio-economic factors. The study was conducted among 54 panic disorder patients and 52 healthy volunteers. Patients were recruited from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University by random sampling. Serum trace element concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (for Mg, Zn, Ca, and Cu) as well as graphite furnace (for Mn). Data were analyzed by independent t test, Pearson’s correlation analysis, regression analysis, and ANOVA. The serum concentration of Mn, Zn, Ca, Cu, and Mg in panic disorder patients were 0.37 ± 0.30, 0.67 ± 0.20, 99.91 ± 15.15, 0.83 ± 0.23, and 21.14 ± 3.72 mg/L, while those were 0.4163 ± 0.2527, 0.86 ± 0.3, 106.6073 ± 18.6531, 0.8514 ± 0.3646, and 21.37 ± 2.03 mg/L in control subjects, respectively. The serum concentration of Zn decreased significantly (p = 0.001) in patient group. But the differences of the concentration of Mn, Ca, Cu, and Mg between patient and control group were not significant (p = 0.522, p = 0.065, p = 0.800, and p = 0.712, respectively). Socio-economic data reveal that most of the patients were very poor and middle aged. Mean BMIs of the control group (23.74 ± 2.71 kg/m²) and the patient group (22.62 ± 3.74 kg/m²) were within the normal range (18.5–25.0 kg/m²). There was no significant relationship between serum zinc level and BMI of patients (r = 0.038; p = 0.809). So the decreased level of serum zinc in panic disorder patients was not because of other reasons, but rather it may provide a prognostic tool for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.     

Comparative Analysis of Serum Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Iron, Calcium, and Magnesium Level and Complexity of Interelement Relations in Generalized Anxiety Disorder Patients

The purpose of the study was to determine the concentration of serum trace and other essential elements of generalized anxiety disorder patients and to find out the relationship between element levels and nutritional status or socioeconomic factors. The study was conducted among 50 generalized anxiety disorder patients and 51 healthy volunteers. Patients were selected and recruited in the study with the help of a clinical psychologist by random sampling. The concentrations of serum trace elements (Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe) and other two essential elements (Ca and Mg) were determined by graphite furnace and flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Data were analyzed by independent t test, Pearson’s correlation analysis, regression analysis, and analysis of variance. The serum concentrations of Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Ca, and Mg in generalized anxiety disorder patients were 1.069?±?0.40, 1.738?±?0.544, 1.374?±?0.750, 3.203?±?2.065, 108.65?±?54.455, and 21?±?4.055 mg/L, while those were 1.292?±?0.621, 0.972?±?0.427, 0.704?±?0.527, 1.605?±?1.1855, 101.849?±?17.713, and 21.521?±?3.659 mg/L in control subjects. Significantly decreased (p?<?0.05) serum Zn concentration was found in the patient group compared to the control group while serum level of Cu, Mn, and Fe was significantly (p?<?0.05) higher, but the differences of the concentration of Ca and Mg between the patient and control groups were not significant (p?>?0.05). Socioeconomic data revealed that most of the patients were in the lower middle class group and middle-aged. Mean BMI of the control group (23.63?±?3.91 kg/m²) and the patient group (23.62?±?3.77 kg/m²) was within the normal range (18.5–25.0 kg/m²). The data obtained from different interelement relations in the generalized anxiety disorder patients and control group strongly suggest that there is a disturbance in the element homeostasis. So changes in the serum trace element level in generalized anxiety disorder patients occur independently and they may provide a prognostic tool for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.     

Functional and Molecular Characterization of Hyposensitive Underactive Bladder Tissue and Urine in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat

Background

The functional and molecular alterations of nerve growth factor (NGF) and Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and its receptors were studied in bladder and urine in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Diabetes mellitus was induced with a single dose of 45 mg/kg STZ Intraperitoneally (i.p) in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Continuous cystometrogram were performed on control rats and STZ treated rats at week 4 or 12 under urethane anesthesia. Bladder was then harvested for histology, expression of EP receptors and NGF by western blotting, PGE2 levels by ELISA, and detection of apoptosis by TUNEL staining. In addition, 4-hr urine was collected from all groups for urine levels of PGE2, and NGF assay. DM induced progressive increase of bladder weight, urine production, intercontraction interval (ICI) and residual urine in a time dependent fashion. Upregulation of Prostaglandin E receptor (EP)1 and EP3 receptors and downregulation of NGF expression, increase in urine NGF and decrease levels of urine PGE2 at week 12 was observed. The decrease in ICI by intravesical instillation of PGE2 was by 51% in control rats and 31.4% in DM group at week 12.

Conclusions/Significance

DM induced hyposensitive underactive bladder which is characterized by increased inflammatory reaction, apoptosis, urine NGF levels, upregulation of EP1 and EP3 receptors and decreased bladder NGF and urine PGE2. The data suggest that EP3 receptor are potential targets in the treatment of diabetes induced underactive bladder.     

Serum Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Calcium, and Magnesium Levels in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Women in Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia

Pregnant women in developing countries are vulnerable to multiple micronutrient deficiencies. Studies assessing serum levels of the micronutrients and magnitude of their deficiencies are very scarce in African subjects. This study was aimed at determining serum levels of micronutrients in 375 pregnant (42 HIV seropositive) and 76 non-pregnant women (20 HIV seropositive) who visited the University of Gondar Hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia. Serum concentrations of zinc,\ copper, selenium, calcium, and magnesium were determined using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Irrespective of HIV serostatus, pregnant women had significantly higher serum concentrations of copper and copper/zinc ratio and significantly lower magnesium compared to those in non-pregnant women (P < 0.05). Except for selenium, which was significantly lower in HIV-seropositive pregnant women (P < 0.05), the mean serum concentrations of zinc, copper, calcium, and magnesium were not significantly different between pregnant women by HIV serostatus. The prevalence of deficiency in zinc, magnesium, selenium, and calcium in the pregnant women, irrespective of their HIV serostatus, was 66.7%, 25.6%, 21.9%, and 9.3%, respectively. The magnitude of deficiency in zinc, magnesium, and selenium was significantly higher in HIV seropositive pregnant women (76.2%, 52.4%, and 45.2%) than that in HIV-seronegative pregnant women (65.5%, 22.2%, and 18.9%) and in HIV-seronegative non-pregnant women (42.9%, 8.1%, and 30.4%; P < 0.05). Deficiency in one, two, three, or four mineral elements was observed in 44.8%, 14.4%, 9.9%, and 5.1% of the pregnant women, respectively. Only 25.9% of the pregnant women and 44.7% of the non-pregnant women were not deficient in any of the micronutrients. The high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in pregnant and non-pregnant women in Gondar, Ethiopia warrants the need for strategies on prevention and control of the deficiencies.     

Serum Copper,Zinc, and Magnesium Levels in Patients with Chronic Fluorosis

Although there are many studies on effect of fluoride on trace elements in experimental animals, few studies exist on serum trace elements levels in patients with endemic fluorosis. We aimed to determine the serum levels of trace elements including serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and serum levels of minerals including calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K) in patients with endemic fluorosis. The study group consisted of 30 patients with endemic fluorosis (17 females, 13 males, mean age 33.53 ± 9.85 years). An age, gender, and body mass index matched 30 healthy volunteers comprised control group (21 females, ten males with a mean age 33.93 ± 7.39 years). Urine fluoride levels of chronic fluorosis patients were significantly higher than that of control subjects as expected (1.92 ± 0.10 mg/l vs. 0.41 ± 0.09 mg/l, respectively; P < 0.001). Serum Cu levels (89.14 ± 16.77 μg/dL vs. 102.69 ± 25.04 μg/dL, respectively, P = 0.017), serum Zn levels (77.98 ± 20.58 μg/dL vs. 94.57 ± 35.87μg/dL, respectively, P = 0.032), and serum Mg levels (1.92 ± 0.18 mg/dL vs. 2.07 ± 0.31 mg/dL, respectively, p = 0.022) was significantly lower in chronic fluorosis patients than in controls. There were no statistically significant differences between the fluorosis group and control group with respect to serum levels of Na, K, Ca, and P. We concluded that chronic fluorosis is associated with reduced serum levels of Cu, Zn, and Mg.     

In Vitro Bioavailability of Calcium,Magnesium, Iron,Zinc, and Copper from Gluten-Free Breads Supplemented with Natural Additives

The aim of this study was to measure the content of calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper and determine the bioavailability of these ingredients in gluten-free breads fortified with milk and selected seeds. Due to the increasing prevalence of celiac disease and mineral deficiencies, it has become necessary to produce food with higher nutritional values which maintains the appropriate product characteristics. This study was designed for gluten-free breads fortified with milk and seeds such as flax, poppy, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or nuts, and flour with amaranth. Subsequently, digestion was performed in vitro and the potential bioavailability of the minerals was measured. In the case of calcium, magnesium, iron, and copper, higher bioavailability was observed in rice bread, and, in the case of copper and zinc, in buckwheat bread. This demonstrated a clear increase in bioavailability of all the minerals when the bread were enriched. However, satisfactory results are obtained only for the individual micronutrients.     

Evaluation of the Relationship Between Height and Zinc,Copper, Iron,Calcium, and Magnesium Levels in Healthy Young Children in Beijing,China

Studies suggest a relationship between semen quality and the concentration of trace elements in serum or seminal plasma. However, trace elements may be linked to DNA and capable of altering the gene expression patterns. Thus, trace element interactions with DNA may contribute to the mechanisms for a trans-generational reproductive effect. We developed an analytical method to determine the amount of trace elements bound to the sperm DNA, and to estimate their affinity for the sperm DNA by the ratio: R = Log [metal concentration in the sperm DNA/metal concentration in seminal plasma]. We then analyzed the concentrations of 15 trace elements (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Ti, V, Zn, As, Sb, and Se) in the seminal plasma and the sperm DNA in 64 normal and 30 abnormal semen specimens with Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). This study showed all trace elements were detected in the seminal plasma and only metals were detected in the sperm DNA. There was no correlation between the metals’ concentrations in the seminal plasma and the sperm DNA. Al had the highest affinity for DNA followed by Pb and Cd. This strong affinity is consistent with the known mutagenic effects of these metals. The lowest affinity was observed for Zn and Ti. We observed a significant increase of Al linked to the sperm DNA of patients with oligozoospermia and teratozoospermia. Al’s reproductive toxicity might be due to Al linked to DNA, by altering spermatogenesis and expression patterns of genes involved in the function of reproduction.     

Maternal-Fetal Distribution of Calcium,Iron, Copper,and Zinc in Pregnant Teenagers and Adults

Adolescence is marked by intensive growth and development. When pregnancy occurs during this period of the mother’s growth, there is an increase in her nutritional needs. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of calcium, iron, copper, and zinc in maternal plasma, the placenta, and in the cord plasma of pregnant teenagers and adults. A total of 80 sets of maternal plasma, placentas, and cord plasma (40 from teenagers and 40 from adults) were analyzed using synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence. The levels of calcium, copper, and zinc in the maternal and cord plasma from teenagers were not significantly different than those from adults. Iron levels in the teenagers maternal and cord plasma were higher than in the adults. All of the minerals analyzed were present at higher levels in the placentas from adults than those from teenagers. However, the low quantities of placental calcium, iron, copper, and zinc in the teenagers do not compromise the levels of these minerals in the cord plasma. Future research regarding the placental transport of these minerals is recommended to investigate the efficiency of mechanisms of transfer of these minerals in pregnant teenagers.     

Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Field Decreased Calcium,Zinc and Magnesium Levels in Costa of Rat

Electromagnetic field (EMF) can affect cells due to biochemical change followed by a change in level of ions trafficking through membrane. We aimed to investigate possible changes in some elements in costa of rats exposed to long-term extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF). Rats were exposed to 100 and 500 μT ELF-MF, which are the safety standards of public and occupational exposure for 2 h/day during 10 months. At the end of the exposure period, the samples of costa were taken from the rats exposed to ELF-MF and sham. The levels of elements were measured by using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) and ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometry. Ca levels decreased in the ELF-500 exposure group in comparison to sham group (p < 0.05). Statistically significant decrease was found in Mg levels in the ELF-500 exposure group in comparison to sham and ELF-100 exposure groups (p < 0.05). Zn levels were found to be lower in the ELF-500 exposure group than those in the sham and ELF-100 exposure groups (p < 0.05). No significant differences were determined between groups in terms of the levels of P, Cu and Fe. In conclusion, it can be maintained that long-term ELF-MF exposure can affect the chemical structure and metabolism of bone by changing the levels of some important elements such as Ca, Zn and Mg in rats.     

Tissue Concentrations of Zinc,Iron, Copper,and Magnesium During the Phases of Full Thickness Wound Healing in a Rodent Model

Biological Trace Element Research - Wound healing is a complex orchestration of processes involving cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, anabolism, and catabolism in order to restore...     

Blood Copper, Zinc, Calcium, and Magnesium Levels During Different Duration of Pregnancy in Chinese

Concentrations of various trace elements are altered during pregnancy with changes in the mother’s physiology and the requirements of growing fetus. The aim of the present longitudinal study was to learn the changes of trace element copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) of normal pregnant woman during different durations of pregnancy and establish the reference values of changes of statistical significance. Blood samples were obtained from 128 normal pregnant women during early (10–14th week), mid (20–24th week), and late (30–34th week) pregnancy and 6–12th week postpartum and 120 healthy unpregnant healthy women. The full blood concentrations of chosen elements were measured by means of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Changes on levels of Cu, Ca, and Mg during all the three durations of pregnancy and Zn during mid and late pregnancy and postpartum were of statistical significance and new reference values of them were set in the present study. These new reference values will be helpful in assessing the health status of pregnant women with a socioeconomic and racial background similar to those of our study participants and give treatments to them promptly.     

Serum Zinc,Copper, and Zinc/Copper in Healthy Residents of Jinan

Sera of 890 healthy Jinan residents were chosen randomly, and the concentrations of serum Zn and Cu were detected by atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean serum Zn and Cu concentrations and Zn/Cu were 1.32 ± 0.49 mg/l, 0.99 ± 0.26 mg/l, and 1.41 ± 0.56, respectively. Significantly higher levels of serum Zn and Zn/Cu but lower serum Cu were found in the men. Descending tendency of serum Zn and Zn/Cu was observed with social-economic status and age but not significant. Alcohol consumption produced higher level of serum Zn and Zn/Cu but lower Cu concentration. Smoking caused significant lower level in serum Cu concentration but no significance in serum Zn and Zn/Cu. Serum Zn and Zn/Cu were normal only when hours of sleep a night were kept within 7–9 h. Higher level of serum Zn and Cu concentrations and Zn/Cu were observed in individuals with regular physical exercise, but still no significant difference existed. No clear relationship between educational levels with serum Zn and Cu concentrations and Zn/Cu was observed.     

Effect of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on the Hepatic Distribution of Iron,Copper, Zinc,and Magnesium in Rats

The distribution of iron, copper, zinc, and magnesium in hepatic subcellular fractions of male and female rats treated with 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) was determined. Animals received 40 μg TCDD per kilogram per day for three days by mouth (PO) or the vehicle and were killed seven or nine days posttreatment. Iron, copper, zinc, and magnesium were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The iron content of liver from female animals was twofold higher than male animals. The administration of TCDD increased the iron content of mitochondria in female and male rats and decreased iron content of microsomes of both sexes. Significant increases occurred in the copper content of whole liver, mitochondria, and cytosol of male rats and in whole liver and cytosol of female rats. Decreases in the copper content of the microsomes of male rats were observed following TCDD treatment; however, TCDD produced no changes in the zinc content of hepatic subcellular fractions of either sex. The magnesium content of female TCDD-treated rats increased in whole liver, mitochondria, and cytosol, while the magnesium content of microsomes was not altered. With respect to the subcellular distribution of iron, copper, zinc, and magnesium, TCDD produces differential effects. The altered distribution of some cations may contribute to the broad range of effects of TCDD.     

Comparative Study of Serum Zinc, Copper, Manganese, and Iron in Preeclamptic Pregnant Women

Preeclampsia complicates 2–8 % of all pregnancies and it is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and pre-term delivery in the world. Unfortunately, there is scarcity of document discussing the circulating level of several essential trace elements in preeclampsia patients in Bangladesh. The present study was designed to evaluate the serum concentration of four trace elements, namely zinc, copper, manganese, and iron, in preeclamptic pregnant women. The study was conducted as a case–control study with 50 preeclamptic pregnant women as cases and 58 normotensive pregnant women as controls. Obstetric, anthropometric, and clinical data were collected at routine obstetric visits. Serum trace elements were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Independent sample t test and Pearson’s correlation test were done for the statistical analysis using the statistical software package SPSS, version 16.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). We observed significant differences for gestational age, body mass index, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure between patient and control groups (p?<?0.05). Analysis of serum trace elements explored significantly lower level of all the four elements in preeclampsia patients in comparison to the control group (p?<?0.05). Pearson’s correlation analysis explored that the correlation between serum level of different trace elements was statistically insignificant (p?>?0.05) except the correlation between zinc and iron in preeclampsia patients (p?<?0.05). Establishment of inter-element relationship strongly supports that there was a disturbance in the element homeostasis in patient with preeclampsia. In conclusion, our study suggests that preeclampsia patients have considerably lower level of serum zinc, copper, manganese, and iron compared to the healthy pregnant women.     

格列本脲在糖尿病大鼠体内药动学评价

目的从格列本脲的药动学考察链脲佐菌素诱导糖尿病模型大鼠的适宜性。方法腹腔注射链脲佐菌素60 mg/kg诱发糖尿病大鼠模型,与正常大鼠灌胃给予10 mg/kg格列本脲,采用高效液相色谱法分析其血药浓度。用DAS 2.0软件处理数据,计算药动学参数。结果格列本脲在正常大鼠和模型大鼠体内的药动学参数为：Tmax分别是84.784 min,255.427 min;Cmax分别是0.259 mg/L,0.910 mg/L;CL分别是0.092 L/min/kg,0.019 L/min/kg;AUC（0～720min）分别是509.523 mg/L.min,1528.280 mg/L.min。结论格列本脲在正常大鼠与糖尿病大鼠体内的药动学过程有显著性差异,但此结果与文献不一致,此模型可能不适合考察药物在II型糖尿病病态下的药动学研究。