Copper/zinc and copper/selenium ratios,and oxidative stress as biochemical markers in recurrent aphthous stomatitis

ProjectRecurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common oral mucosal disorder characterized by recurrent, painful oral aphthae, and oxidative stress presumably contributes to its pathogenesis. The aim of this study is to scrutinize the relationship between oxidative stress and serum trace elements (copper, Cu; zinc, Zn; selenium, Se), and to evaluate the ratios of Cu/Zn and Cu/Se in this disorder.ProcedurePatients with RAS (n = 33) and age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects (n = 30) were enrolled in this study. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in plasma and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD1; CuZnSOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) in erythrocyte were determined as spectrophotometric. Also, the levels of Se, Zn and Cu in serum were determined on flame and furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer using Zeeman background correction.Results and conclusionsOxidative stress was confirmed by the significant elevation in plasma MDA, and by the significant decrease in CAT, SOD1, and GPx (p < 0.05). When compared to controls, Zn and Se levels were significantly lower in patients, whereas Cu levels was higher in RAS patients than those in controls (p < 0.05). In addition, the correlation results of this study were firstly shown that there were significant and positive correlations between Se–CAT, Se–GPx, and Cu–MDA parameters, but negative correlations between Se–Cu, Se–MDA, Cu–CAT, Cu–SOD1 and Cu–GPx parameters in RAS patients. Furthermore, the ratios of Cu/Zn and Cu/Se were significantly higher in the patients than the control subjects (p < 0.05). Our results indicated that lipid peroxidation associated with the imbalance of the trace elements seems to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of RAS. Furthermore, the serum Cu/Zn and Cu/Se ratios may be used as biochemical markers in these patients.     

Trace elements and lipid peroxidation in uremic patients on hemodialysis

Trace elements and lipid peroxidation in 26 patients with chronic renal failure treated with hemodialysis and 25 healthy subjects were observed. Both plasma and erythrocyte trace elements and plasma malon dialdehyde (MDA) were examined immediately before and after hemodialysis. Increased levels of plasma Cu, MDA, and erythrocyte Pb, Mn, Zn, and a significantly decreased plasma Se, Zn and erythrocyte Se were found in patients before hemodialysis. After a single hemodialysis, erythrocyte Mn, Cu, Zn, and plasma Cu, Al, and MDA were significantly increased whereas both plasma and erythrocyte Se were lower in patients than in healthy subjects. The level of MDA was not significantly changed during the single hemodialysis. Both plasma and erythrocyte Zn levels and plasma Cu and Al were significantly higher after hemodialysis than before hemodialysis. In conclusion, levels of trace elements are altered by hemodialysis, which may increase patient susceptibility to lipid peroxidation in uremia.     

Biomarkers in critically ill patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome or sepsis supplemented with high-dose selenium

ObjectiveLow levels of selenium (Se) and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), a key selenoenzyme, were documented in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis, both associated with high mortality. Se supplementation had mixed effects on outcome. We hypothesized that Se supplementation could have a different impact on biomarkers and 28-day mortality in patients with SIRS vs. sepsis.MethodsAdult patients with SIRS or sepsis were randomized to either high-dose (Se+, n = 75) or standard-dose (Se−, n = 75) Se supplementation. Plasma Se, whole blood GSHPx activity, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), prealbumin, albumin and cholesterol levels were measured serially up to day 14.ResultsThere was no difference in mortality between Se− (24/75) vs. Se+ group (19/75; p = 0.367) or between SIRS and septic patients (8/26 vs. 35/124; p = 0.794). There was a trend to reduced mortality in SIRS patients in the Se+ vs. Se− group (p = 0.084). Plasma Se levels increased in the Se+ group only in patients with sepsis but not in patients with SIRS. Plasma Se levels correlated with GSHPx. In SIRS/Se+ group, Se correlated only with GSHPx. In SIRS/Se− group, Se correlated with cholesterol but not with other biomarkers. In sepsis patients, Se levels correlated with cholesterol, GSHPx and prealbumin. Cholesterol levels were higher in survivors in the Se− group.ConclusionsSe levels correlated with GSHPx activity and other nutritional biomarkers with significant differences between SIRS and sepsis groups. High-dose Se supplementation did not affect mortality but a strong trend to decreased mortality in SIRS patients warrants further studies in this population.     

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

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

Plasma trace element (Se,Zn, Cu) concentrations in maternal and umbilical cord blood in Poland

Selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) concentrations were determined in plasma of 64 mothers at delivery, 58 nonpregnant women, 64 neonates, and 12 infants, aged 2–12 mo. Se and Zn concentrations in mothers at delivery were significantly lower, and Cu higher than in nonpregnant women. Mean Se and Cu concentrations in newborns were statistically lower than those in mothers at delivery, and Zn and Cu concentrations in preterm infants (n=13) were significantly higher than in fullterm infants (n=51). Maternal parity had no significant influence on the distribution of plasma trace element levels. No significant differences were observed in Se and Zn levels in maternal and cord blood plasma according to birth weight, contrary to maternal Cu concentration. Significant correlations were found between maternal and cord blood Se content, and between maternal plasma Cu concentration and birth weight of neonates.     

Effects of trace element supplementation on the inflammatory response in a rabbit model of major trauma

Patients with a severe trauma exhibit a strong oxidative stress, an intense inflammatory response, and long-lasting hypermetabolism, all of which are proportional to the severity of injury. In this study, we investigated the impact of trace element (TE) supplementation on the inflammatory response in an animal model of major trauma. New Zealand White rabbits were randomly assigned as a control group (n=5) and an experimental group (n=70) that, after receiving a major trauma, was subdivided into Trauma-Control (n=35) and Trauma-TE (n=35) groups. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) was observed in 40 out of 70 rabbits with a trauma, with a higher incidence in the Trauma-Control group (88.6%; 31/35) than the Trauma-TE group (28.6%; 10/35) (p<0.01). The mortality rate was significantly different between the Trauma-Control and the Trauma-TE groups; (34% vs. 8%; p<0.01).There were significant post-trauma alterations in the levels of (1) serum and spleen zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and manganese (Mn), (2) serum AST and ALT, (3) serum interleukin-6/10, and (4) nuclear factor kappa binding (NF-κB) activity and the expression. TE supplementation: (1) improved blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr) levels, (2) stabilized IL-6/10 production, (3) decreased NF-κB p⁶⁵ production. Appropriate TE supplementation can improve the TE status, mitigate SIRS, and reduce the mortality due to multiple organ dysfunction syndromes (MODS)/multiple organ failure (MOF) after major trauma.     

Investigation of the relationship between GSTM1 gene variations and serum trace elements,plasma malondialdehyde levels in patients with colorectal cancer

Background

The aim of this study is to investigate of the relationship between GSTM1 gene variations and serum trace elements, plasma malondialdehyde levels in patient with colorectal cancer.

Mateials and Methods.

Genotype distributions of GSTM1 gene variations were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction method. Serum trace element levels were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer method and plasma MDA levels were measurement by spectrophotometric method.

Results

Serum Cu levels, plasma MDA levels and Cu/Zn ratio were determined significantly higher in the group of CRC patient carrying the GA heterozygous genotype of the GSTM1 (rs 112,778,559) gene variation compared to healthy controls (p?<?0.05). Serum Cu, Zn levels, plasma MDA levels and Cu/Zn ratio were determined significantly higher in patients carrying GG homozygous genotype of the GSTM1 (rs 112778559) gene variation compared to healthy controls carrying same genotype (p?<?0.05). Serum Cu, Zn levels, plasma MDA levels and Cu/Zn ratio were determined significantly higher in the group of CRC patient carrying the GG homozygous genotype of the GSTM1 (rs 12068997) gene variation compared to healthy controls (p?<?0.05). On the other hand, serum Se levels were detected significantly lower in CRC patients carrying GA heterozygous and GG homozygous genotypes for GSTM1 (rs 112,778,559) and (rs 12,068,997) gene variations compared to healthy controls (p?<?0.05).

Conclusion

In our study, the evaluation of serum Cu, Zn and Se trace element levels and plasma MDA levels according to GSTM1 gene variations genotype distributions were enabled to obtain important biomarkers in terms of CRC development and progression.

     

Plasma Levels of Trace Elements Have an Implication on Interferon Treatment of Children with Chronic Hepatitis B Infection

This study evaluated the plasma levels of trace elements in children with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and assessed whether they can be a factor that affects the response to interferon alpha (IFN-α) treatment. The study included 35 cases (ten girls, 25 boys) aged 3–13 years with chronic HBV infection and the control group. Plasma levels of copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) were measured before IFN-α treatment and biochemical, virological, and histopathologic response to treatment were assessed. Children were followed for at least 15 months. Although plasma Cu levels showed no difference between the groups, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn levels were significantly lower in the study group before treatment. Fourteen cases (40%) showed biochemical response; 17 (48.6%) showed virological response; 16 (47.6%) showed histopathologic response, and ten (28.6%) showed response according to all three parameters. Plasma Cu and Mn levels of patients with triple response showed no difference; but Mo, Se, and Zn levels were significantly lower (p?<?0.001) in the study group. No difference was observed between responders and nonresponders (p?>?0.05). Plasma levels of Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn are lower in children with chronic HBV infection compared to healthy children. The pretreatment levels of these elements did not show difference between responders and nonresponders to IFN-α.     

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.     

Levels of Selenium, Zinc, Copper, and Cardiac Troponin I in Serum of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

The aim of this study was to assess the levels of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and troponin I (TnI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) on admission to our emergency department in comparison to healthy control subjects. Patients with diagnosed ACS (n?=?100) were included in the study group. Control subjects (n?=?100) were selected from healthy volunteers in the same age range. Venous blood samples were obtained to evaluate the levels of Se, Zn, Cu, and TnI (on admission for the ACS group). Serum Se, Zn, and Cu levels were significantly less in the ACS group compared to the control group (p <0.001, p <0.01, and p <0.001, respectively). The serum TnI level was significantly greater in the ACS group compared to the control group (p <0.05). The serum Se level in the ACS group correlated significantly with the TnI level (r?=??0.211, p?=?0.035). These results indicate that Se, Zn, and Cu deficiencies may be risk factors for ACS, and a decreased serum Se level in patients with ACS might reflect the degree of myocardial necrosis.     

Trace elements (copper,zinc, selenium and molybdenum) as markers in oral sub mucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral cancer is a major cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide and is prevalent in most areas where tobacco related practices are observed. Essential elements play a role in many biochemical reactions as a micro-source and there is growing evidence that their concentrations are altered on the onset and progress of malignant disease. In this study the levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and molybdenum (Mo) in serum of patients with oral sub mucous fibrosis (OSMF) (n = 30) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) (n = 30); were determined and the alterations of these critical parameters were analyzed in comparison with controls (n = 30) to identify predictors amongst these parameters for disease occurrence and progression. The serum Cu and Zn were established using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Serum estimation of Se and Mo was done by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Data analysis revealed a marked, progressive and significant increase in Cu levels in precancer (OSMF) and cancer (OSCC) groups as compared to the normal group. The level of Zn in serum was slightly elevated in OSMF and OSCC though not statistically significant. Cu/Zn ratio was slightly but not significantly elevated. Serum levels of Se and Mo were significantly decreased in the precancer and cancer groups as compared to the normals.     

Serum and tissue trace elements in patients with breast cancer in Taiwan

The objective of this study was to compare levels of four elements (zinc, copper, selenium, and iron) in the serum and tissue of 68 breast tumor patients (benign and malignant), from a teaching hospital in central Taiwan. Samples of normal tissue (5 cm away from tumor) were also taken from patients with malignant tumors. Only serum was taken from the 25 healthy persons in the control group. Results showed that Zn, Cu, Se, Fe, Cu/Zn, Cu/Se, and Cu/Fe were present in different amounts in the serum of each of the three groups. Zn and Se levels were lower in the serum of the two tumor groups compared to the control group. In tissue samples, Zn, Cu, Se, and Fe concentrations were different in each of the three groups. The malignant tissue had the highest levels of all four elements. In advanced-stage malignant tumors, levels of Cu and the ratios of Cu/Fe and Cu/Zn (in both serum and tissue) were highest. The ratios of serum Cu/Zn, Cu/Fe, and Cu/Se were also higher in malignant patients. The cutoff value of serum Cu/Zn was 1.2 (sensitivity and specificity were both 100%). The Cu/Zn ratio was highest in the advanced stages of cancer and was a better diagnostic tool for breast cancer than Cu/Se and Cu/Fe. The authors suggest that change of trace elements in serum and tissue might be useful and significant as biomarkers involving the initial plastic process.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Significance of serum trace element status in patients with rheumatic heart disease: a prospective study

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 microg/L vs 1.06 +/- 0.29 microg/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.     

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.     

Plasma and erythrocytes antioxidant status and trace element levels in proteinuric patients with moderate glomerular function.

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of moderate glomerular dysfunction on oxidative stress. We determined the plasma and erythrocyte malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as a marker of lipid peroxidation, erythrocyte glutathione (GSH) levels and activities of GSH-Px, GSH Red and SOD as an antioxidant enzymes, and plasma trace element levels containing Fe, Cu and Zn in twenty proteinuric patients (6.8 +/- 5.1 g/day) with moderate glomerular function and in 20 anemic control subjects. We found that the erythrocyte and plasma MDA levels and erythrocyte GSH-Px activities were significantly higher (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) and the erythrocyte GSH levels and activities of GSH-Red and SOD activities were significantly lower (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) in the patients than in the anemic subjects. Plasma Fe and Zn levels were not to be found significantly different in the patients compared to the anemic subjects. But plasma Cu levels were significantly higher in the patients (p < 0.05) when compared with the levels of anemic subjects. This study was concluded that cellular antioxidant activity decreases in proteinuric patients with moderate glomerular function. This may increase lipid peroxidation reactions by causing oxidative stress in erythrocyte membranes.     

Defective antioxidant defense system in patients with a human leptin gene mutation.

Antioxidant defense system prevents the organism from the detrimental effects of free radicals via scavenging or inhibiting their formation. Changes in the antioxidant defense mechanisms and alterations of several essential trace elements in both plasma and various tissues of ob/ob mice have been reported previously. Recent finding of the restoration of the defective antioxidant enzyme activity after leptin treatment in ob/ob mice suggests a putative role of leptin in modulation of antioxidant enzyme activity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether antioxidant enzymes and trace elements could also be altered in patients with leptin gene mutation. Seven patients (five men and two women, two of them are homozygous and 5 are heterozygous) with leptin gene mutation and 31 healthy, sex- and age-matched and non-related to the patients (24 male and 9 female), control volunteers were enrolled in the study. Plasma and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and erythrocyte copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD) activities were measured spectrophotometrically. Plasma selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Mean Cu and Fe levels in patients were not significantly different than those in controls whereas mean Se, Zn and Mn levels were significantly lower in patients than those of controls (P=0.007, P=0.001, and P=0.001, respectively). Erythrocyte GSH-Px (39%), plasma GSH-Px (24%) and erythrocyte CuZn-SOD activities (32%) were significantly lower than those of the control group (P=0.001, P=0.002, P=0.001, respectively). In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the activity of antioxidant enzymes and plasma levels of Se, Zn and Mn levels were decreased in both homozygous and heterozygous subjects with leptin gene mutation. We suggest that both leptin and trace elements might be involved in the modulation of antioxidant defense system.