SHBG,plasma, and urinary androgens in weight lifters after a strength training

Previous studies with different results have suggested that total and bioavailable testosterone levels are modified by physical exercise. Such changes may be related to modifications in cortisol levels and could be reflected in some urine androgens. To determine how weight lifting training may affect serum and urinary androgens, we measured total serum testosterone (T), cortisol, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and urinary testosterone, epitestosterone, androsterone, and etiocholanolone, in a group of 19 elite weight lifters after 20 weeks of training. SHBG increased (from 27.5 ± 9.5 to 34.7 ± 8.1 nM, p < 0.05) whereas T/SHBG decreased significantly (from 1.10 ± 0.4 to 0.85 ± 0.3, p < 0.05). Serum total testosterone and cortisol did not change significantly. In urine, androsterone and etiocholanolone decreased significantly, whereas testosterone and epitestosterone remained unchanged. Changes in T/SHBG were related positively with changes in urinary androgens (r = 0.680, p < 0.01), and changes in SHBG were negatively related with changes in urinary androgens (r = −0.578, p < 0.01). These results suggest that intense physical activity may have an influence on the elimination of androgenic hormones due mainly to changes in their transporting protein SHBG.     

Iodine Deficiency Among Hypothyroid Patients Living in Jeddah

The objective was to determine the prevalence of iodine deficiency among hypothyroid patients and the effect of dietary goitrogens on indices of iodine and thyroid status. This is a case-control study of 106 subjects who were recruited from King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah. Blood and urine were collected for serum thyroid hormones, thyroid autoantibodies, thyroglobulin (Tg) and urinary iodine concentration (UIC). Dietary iodine and goitrogenic food intake were assessed by questionnaire. Using World Health Organization (WHO) cutoff values for UIC, both controls and cases were iodine deficient (85% and 83%, respectively). Furthermore, dietary iodine was deficient in 23% of controls and 36% of cases. In cases, there was a positive association between UIC levels and serum thyroid stimulating hormone (r = 0.405, p < 0.01) and a negative association with serum fT₄ (r = −0.358, p < 0.01). Serum Tg antibody titers were also positively associated with dietary iodine (r = 0.328, p < 0.05). Patients with elevated serum autoantibodies had lower UIC and dietary iodine than those with normal serum autoantibodies. UIC was associated with dietary goitrogens including turnip (r = 0.280, p < 0.05) and pine (r = 0.289, p < 0.05) among cases. Iodine deficiency is common and the consumption of dietary goitrogens is high among euthyroid and hypothyroid subjects living in Jeddah.     

Influence of Therapy with Metformin on the Concentration of Certain Divalent Cations in Patients with Non-insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Research was performed on a group of 30 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), who never received antidiabetic medication before, and on a group of 17 healthy adults. The patients were administered treatment with metformin, 1,000 mg/day. Plasmatic and urinary concentration of magnesium have been measured, copper and zinc along with the concentrations of glucose, HDL, LDL, cholesterol, tryglicerides, HbA1c, and total erythrocyte magnesium, in advance and after 3 months of treatment. Data showed significant differences in the NIDDM group vs the control group: for plasma magnesium—1.95 ± 0.19 vs 2.20 ± 0.18 mg/dl, p < 0.001; urine magnesium—237.28 ± 34.51 vs 126.25 ± 38.22 mg/24 h, p < 0.001; erythrocyte magnesium—5.09 ± 0.63 vs 6.38 ± 0.75 mg/dl, p < 0.001; plasma zinc—67.56 ± 6.21 vs 98.41 ± 20.47 μg/dl, p < 0.001; urine zinc—1,347.54 ± 158.24 vs 851.65 ± 209.75 μg/24 h, p < 0.001; plasma copper—111.91 ± 20.98 vs 96.33 ± 8.56 μg/dl, p < 0.001; and urine copper—51.70 ± 23.79 vs 36.00 ± 11.70 μg/24 h, p < 0.05. Treatment with metformin for 3 months modified significant erythrocyte magnesium—5.75 ± 0.61 vs 5.09 ± 0.63 mg/dl, p < 0.001 and urine magnesium—198.27 ± 27.07 vs 237.28 ± 34.51 mg/24 h, p < 0.001, whereas it did not modify significant the plasmatic and urinary concentration of the other cations. The erythrocyte magnesium concentration was inversely correlated with HbA1c (r = −0.438, p = 0.015). The plasma level of copper was positively correlated with HbA1c (r = 0.517, p < 0.003), tryglicerides (r = 0.534, p < 0.003), and cholesterol (r = 0.440, p < 0.05), and the plasma level of zinc was inversely correlated with glycemia (r = −0.399, p = 0.029). Our data show a significant action of metformin therapy, by increasing the total intraerythrocyte magnesium concentration and decreasing the urinary magnesium elimination, positively correlated with the decrease of glycemia and HbA1c in NIDDM patients.     

Chromium Status and Glucose Tolerance in Saudi Men With and Without Coronary Artery Disease

Chromium deficiency is associated with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and dyslipidemia. Hence, the objective of the current study was to investigate chromium status among Saudi men with and without established cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its relationship to glucose tolerance, lipid profile and other established CVD risk factors. We measured serum and urine chromium concentrations, fasted lipid profile, plasma glucose, and serum lipid peroxide in 130 Saudi men with an established history of myocardial infarction and 130 age-matched controls without established CVD. Patients with established CVD had higher serum triglycerides (p < 0.05) and plasma glucose (p < 0.0001) and lower serum and urinary chromium concentrations (p < 0.0001) than controls. Serum chromium was inversely correlated with plasma glucose among cases and controls (r = −0.189, p < 0.05 and r = −0.354, p < 0.00001, respectively). Plasma glucose (OR 1.127, CI 1.0–1.269, p < 0.05), serum chromium (OR 0.99, CI 0.985–0.995, p < 0.0001), and urinary chromium (OR 0.988, CI 0.981–0.995, p < 0.001) were independently associated with the presence of established coronary disease applying this model. While chromium metabolism appears to be altered in individuals with CVD, it is unclear whether chromium supplementation would be effective in CVD prevention among patients with IGT. This would need to be tested in long-term outcome trials.     

Effects of work schedule and period of exposure on changes in urinary chromium and nickel excretion among rotating shift workers in a stainless-steel plant

ABSTRACT

We investigated the association between the period of exposure and changes in urinary excretion of chromium and nickel among rotating shift workers in a stainless-steel plant. The study participants were composed of two groups: the workers who were occupationally exposed to metals (“exposed group”) and those who were not occupationally exposed to metals (“unexposed group”). The exposed and unexposed groups consisted of 56 and 40 male rotating shift workers, respectively. Urine samples were collected immediately before and immediately after the day shift, evening shift, and night shift. Urinary chromium and nickel were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. To correct for variations in urine dilution, urinary metal concentrations were expressed as a ratio to urinary creatinine concentration. In the exposed group, post-shift urinary excretion of chromium was significantly higher than pre-shift excretion. However, although urinary chromium excretion clearly increased after the day and night shift [63% (p < .0001) and 87% (p < .0001), respectively], urinary chromium excretion after the evening shift was only slightly higher than that measured before the evening shift (8%, p = .028). Similar patterns were found for urinary nickel excretion (p = .0001, 0.20, and 0.18 for the day, evening, and night shifts, respectively). Non-uniform urinary excretion of metals between the day shift, evening shift, and night shift were observed in the exposed group; specifically, urinary metal excretion increased only slightly during the evening shift. In the unexposed group, no significant increase or decrease was found in median urinary chromium or nickel excretion (p= .63–0.87). Work shift-specific permissible exposure level would be necessary.     

Determination of isocyanate biomarkers in construction site workers

4,4′-Methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) is the most important isocyanate in the manufacture of polyurethanes, dyes, pigments and adhesives. High concentrations of isocyanates are a potent respiratory irritant. Therefore, it is important to develop methods to monitor exposure to such compounds. We monitored biological samples from 40 non-exposed and 45 exposed construction site workers. 4,4′-Methylenedianiline (MDA) and N-acetyl-4,4′-MDA (AcMDA) were determined from untreated urine (U-MDA, U-AcMDA) and MDA was analysed from acid-treated urine (U-MDA-tot). Haemoglobin (Hb) adducts of MDA (Hb-MDA) were determined in all workers. The levels of biomarkers decreased in the following order: U-MDA-tot>U-AcMDA>U-MDA>Hb-MDA. The same order was found for the percentage of samples, which were found positive in exposed workers: 100%, 91%, 91%, 27%. The urine levels U-MDA-tot correlate with U-MDA, U-AcMDA and Hb-MDA with r=0.79, 0.86 and 0.39, respectively (Spearman rank order, p<0.01). U-AcMDA correlates with U-MDA and Hb-MDA with r=0.77 and 0.47, respectively (p<0.01). U-MDA correlates with Hb-MDA (r=0.38, p<0.05). The levels in the controls were significantly lower than in the exposed workers for all compounds (Mann–Whitney test, p<0.01). The median isocyanate-specific IgE-level was higher in the exposed workers, but the difference was statistically not significant. The change of the biomarker levels was compared in a group of workers (n=20), which were analysed prior to isocyanate exposure and after the exposure for ～4–7 months. All urine MDA metabolites and the Hb-adduct levels increased significantly (Wilcoxon sign test, p<0.01). Total IgE increased significantly after the exposure with isocyanate activity (p<0.01). With the present work it could be shown that outdoor workers are exposed to a similar extent as workers from a MDI factory.     

Intra-erythrocyte Magnesium Is Associated with Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase in Obese Children and Adolescents

This study aims at determining the association between markers of hepatic injury and serum, urinary, and intra-erythrocyte magnesium concentrations and dietary magnesium intake in obese children and adolescents. In a case–control study, 42 obese children and adolescents (8–18 years) and 42 sex- and puberty-matched controls were studied. Serum, urinary, and intra-erythrocyte magnesium levels, indices of insulin sensitivity, and liver enzymes were measured. Dietary magnesium intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Obese children and adolescents exhibited insulin resistance as determined by a higher fasting insulin and the HOMA-IR (p < 0.001) and lower QUICKI indices (p = 0.001); in addition these subjects had significantly higher intra-erythrocyte magnesium (IEM) concentrations, than non-obese ones (3.99 ± 1.05 vs. 3.35 ± 1.26 mg/dL of packed cell; p = 0.015). Among liver enzymes, only gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) was significantly higher in obese than in non-obese subjects (22.7 ± 9.4 vs. 17.1 ± 7.9 U/l; p = 0.002). A positive association was found between GGT and IEM in both groups; however in multivariate analysis, in obese subjects, only GGT (p = 0.026) and, in non-obese subjects, only age (p = 0.006) remained as significant predictors of IEM. In conclusion, increased IEM concentration was seen in insulin-resistant obese children and adolescents; furthermore, serum GGT was associated with IEM, independently of body mass index and HOMA-IR.     

Increased urinary glucocorticoid metabolites are associated with metabolic syndrome, hypoadiponectinemia, insulin resistance and β cell dysfunction

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) may have increased cortisol (F) production caused by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) in liver and adipose tissue and/or by HPA axis dysregulation. F is then mainly metabolized by liver reductases into inactive tetrahydrometabolites (THMs). We measured THM levels in patients with or without MetS and evaluate the correlation between THMs and anthropometric and biochemical parameters. We recruited 221 subjects, of whom 130 had MetS by ATP III. We evaluated F, cortisone (E), adipokines, glucose, insulin and lipid profiles as well as urinary (24 h) F, E and THM levels. β Cell function was estimated by the HOMA Calculator. We observed that patients with MetS showed higher levels of THMs, HOMA-IR and leptin and lower levels of adiponectin and HOMA-β but no differences in F and E in plasma or urine. THM was associated with weight (r = +0.44, p < 0.001), waist circumference (r = +0.38, p < 0.01), glycemia (r = +0.37, p < 0.01), and triglycerides (r = +0.18, p = 0.06) and negatively correlated with adiponectin (r = −0.36, p < 0.001), HOMA-β (r = −0.21, p < 0.001) and HDL (r = −0.29, p < 0.01). In a logistic regression model, THM levels were associated with hypertension, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. We conclude that MetS is associated with increased urinary THMs but not with F and E levels in plasma or urine. Increased levels of THM, reflecting the daily cortisol production subsequently metabolized, are correlated with hypoadiponectinemia, hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and β cell dysfunction. A subtle increased in glucocorticoid production may further account for the phenotypic and biochemical similarities observed in central obesity and Cushing’s syndrome.     

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.     

Concentrations of cadmium,lead, selenium,and zinc in human blood and seminal plasma

The concentrations of cadmium, lead, selenium, and zinc in blood and seminal plasma were determined in 76 Singapore males. Except for zinc, the concentrations were generally higher in blood than in seminal plasma (cadmium, 1.31 μg/L vs 0.61 μg/L; lead, 82.6 μg/L vs 12.4 μg/L, and selenium, 163.6 μg/L vs 71.5 μg/L). The mean concentration of zinc in seminal plasma was more than 30 times higher than in blood (202 mg/L vs 6.2 mg/L). Significant positive correlations were found between the concentrations in blood and seminal plasma for the two essential trace elements: selenium (r=0.45,p<0.001) and zinc (r=0.25,p<0.05). However, no relationships were found between the concentrations in blood and seminal plasma for two toxic metals (cadmium and lead). Significant inverse correlations were observed between Cd and Zn (r=−0.40,p<0.01), and Pb and Se (r=−0.32,p<0.05) in blood, whereas significant positive correlations were noted between Cd and Se (r=0.45,p<0.01), Cd and Zn (r=0.35,p<0.05), and Se and Zn (r=0.57,p<0.001) in seminal plasma. The physiological significance of these relationships are also discussed in this paper.     

Evaluation of a Multi-parameter Biomarker Set for Oxidative Damage in Man: Increased Urinary Excretion of Lipid,Protein and DNA Oxidation Products after One Hour of Exercise

The objective of the present study was to evaluate a comprehensive set of urinary biomarkers for oxidative damage to lipids, proteins and DNA, in man. Eighteen moderately trained males (mean age 24.6±0.7) exercised 60?min at 70% of maximal O₂ uptake on a cycle ergometer. Urine fractions for 12?h were collected 1 day before, and for 3 consecutive days after exercise.

As biomarkers of lipid peroxidation, 8 aldehydes (i.e. propanal, butanal, pentanal, hexanal, heptanal, octanal, nonanal and malondialdehyde—MDA)and acetone were analyzed in urines by gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD). As a biomarker of protein oxidation, o,o′-dityrosine was analyzed in urine samples by a recently developed isotope dilution HPLC-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI)-tandem-mass spectrometry (HPLC-APCI-MS/MS) methodology. As a biomarker of oxidative DNA damage, urinary excretion of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was measured by an ELISA method.

On the day of exercise, significant increases were observed in urinary excretions of acetone (?p<0.025, n=18) and butanal (?p<0.01, n=18) in the 12?h daytime fractions compared to the daytime fraction before exercise. The urinary acetone excretion was also significantly (?p<0.05) increased on the 1st day after exercise. Octanal and nonanal were increased in the daytime urine fraction on the 2nd day after exercise. However, these increases were of borderline significance (?p=0.09 and p=0.07, respectively).

Significantly elevated urinary o,o′-dityrosine amounts were observed in the daytime fraction on the day of exercise (?p<0.025) and on the 1st day after exercise (?p=0.07) compared to the before exercise daytime fraction.

Excretion of urinary 8-OHdG was statistically significantly increased in the daytime fractions on the day of exercise (?p=0.07) and on the 1st day after exercise (?p<0.025) compared to before exercise daytime fraction.

Increases in urinary excretions of acetone, propanal, pentanal, MDA and 8-OHdG significantly correlated with training status (hours of exercise/week) of the volunteers, while o,o′-dityrosine did not.

To our knowledge, the present study is the first to evaluate a multi-parameter non-invasive biomarker set for damage to three main cellular targets of ROS. It shows that 1?h of exercise may already induce oxidative damage in moderately trained individuals and that the chosen urinary biomarkers are sensitive enough to monitor such damage.     

Urinary excretion of 1-hydroxypyrene as a biomarker of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from different sources

1-Hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) urinary excretion has been studied in subjects exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from different sources (urban air pollution, cigarette smoking, food contamination or occupational exposure). In Study A, statistically significant differences among subjects categorized according to daily cigarette consumption were observed: 1-OHP median excretion of heavy smokers (more than 20 cigarettes per day; 1-OHP=371 ng l^-1; n=6) was significantly increased over that of non-smokers (1-OHP=160 ng l^-1; n=79), light smokers (less than 10 cigarettes per day,1-OHP=157 ng l^-1; n=7) and also medium smokers (10-20 cigarettes per day, 1-OHP=154 ng l^-1; n=13) (p&lt;0.04). In smokers, 1-OHP excretion (y, ng l^-1) increased with the intensity of cigarette consumption and was associated with self-reported number of cigarettes smoked daily (x, n) (y=20+16.6x; r=0.58, n=22, p&lt;0.01), urinary thiocyanate (x, µmoll^-1) (y=55+2.6x; r=0.57, n=20, p&lt;0.01) and cotinine (x, µg l^-1) (y=89+0.23x; r=0.62, n=17, p&lt;0.01). In Study B the influence of smoked food consumption on 1-OHP excretion was evaluated: 1-OHP excretion began to increase as soon as 3 h after a PAH-rich meal and peak values were reached between 6 and 9 h after lunch. Maximum excretion mean values were respectively 525 ng l^-1 for non-smokers (n=8) and 650 ng l^-1 for smokers (n= 4). 1-OHP concentrations in next-morning samples were back to pre-lunch levels both for non-smokers and smokers. In Study C non-smoker workers (n=28) occupationally exposed to PAH in a steel plant were investigated. At values of airborne pyrene ranging between 6 and 30 µg m^-3, excretion values of 1-OHP up to 80000 ng l^-1 were observed. The use of urinary 1-OHP as a screening test to discriminate between smokers and non-smokers in the presence of uncorrected dietary influence has been calculated according to a cut-off value of 461 ng l^-1 (reference group upper limit): the 1-OHP positive predictive value is 57%, its predictive negative value is 77%, sensitivity is 15% and specificity is 96%. In conclusion, 1-OHP appears to be a valuable biomarker of pyrene exposure. It will be nevertheless more accurate in assessing human PAH exposure from multiple sources if the influence of different kinetics for inhaled (particulate or gaseous) or ingested PAH are considered and if the role of oxidative polymorphism is adequately elucidated. The possibility of using 1-OHP to estimate the total burden of PAH from different sources or of screening groups with different PAH exposure appears to be a possible approach. However, the use of 1-OHP to evaluate the associated risk of cancer is still a premature target.     

Odours and volatile organic compounds emitted from municipal solid waste at different stage of decomposition and relationship with biological stability

Odours (OU_E) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) emission during biological process used to treat MSW were studied under standardized conditions in order to detect potential risk for workers and population. Results obtained indicated that odours and VOCs emitted depend on the biological stability of waste measured by the dynamic respiration index (DRI) and a very good correlation were found between these parameters (OU_E vs. DRI, r = 0.96, p < 0.001, n = 6; VOC vs. DRI, r = 0.97, p < 0.001, n = 6).GC-MS study of the VOCs indicated the presence of a group of molecules that were degraded during the process. On the other hand, a second group of molecules, i.e. aromatic and halogenated compounds, and furan persisted in the waste sample, although molecule concentrations were always lower than Threshold Limit Value-Time Weighted Average (TLV-TWA).     

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.     

Serum selenium versus lymphocyte subsets and markers of disease progression and inflammatory response in human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection

Serum selenium levels were determined cross-sectionally in 57 HIV-infected patients who were classified according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 1993 classification system. Mean serum selenium levels were lower in CDC stage II (58.7±12.2 μg/L;p<0.01;n=18) and stage III (47.6±11.3 μg/L;p<0.01;n=19) HIV-infected patients, than in healthy subjects (80.6±9.6 μg/L;n=48) and stage I patients (73.6±16.5 μg/L;n=20). Serum selenium levels were positively correlated with CD4 count, CD4/8 ratio, hematocrit, and serum albumin (r=0.42;r=0.39;r=0.48; andr=0.45;p<0.01, respectively) and inversely with serum levels of thymidine kinase (r=−0.49;p<0.01;n=49) and β2-microglobulin (r=−0.46;p<0.001;n=49). In addition, serum selenium levels in 20 randomly selected AIDS-free individuals (CDC I:n=10; CDC II:n=10) were inversely correlated with serum concentrations of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (sTNFR) types I and II. There was no correlation with serum immuneglobulin A and total serum protein levels. The results show that the progressive deprivation of serum selenium in HIV-infection is associated with loss of CD4⁺-cells and with increased levels of markers of disease progression and inflammatory response.     

Low Birth Weight and Normal Birth Weight Newborns of Kolkata, India: Comparison of Some Maternal Risk Factors

This study compared several maternal risk factors of low birth weight (LBW) between 204 normal birth weight (NBW) and 133 LBW newborns from Kolkata, India. Based on their birth weight (BW), newborns were classified as LBW (BW < 2.5 kg) and NBW (BW ≥ 2.5 kg). Results revealed that means for maternal age (MA, p < 0.05), gestational age (GA, p < 0.01), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration (p < 0.05), and per capita daily income (PCDI, p < 0.05) were significantly higher among mothers of NBW. Correlation analyses revealed that MA (r = 0.119, p < 0.05), GA (r = 0.583, p < 0.01), PCDI (r = 0.118, p < 0.05), and Hb (r = 0.138, p < 0.05) were significantly positively correlated with BW; PCDI was also significantly positively correlated (r = 0.142, p < 0.01) with Hb. Stepwise regression analyses with BW as the dependent variable revealed that GA (t = 7.915, p < 0.001) and Hb (t = 2.057, p < 0.05) were the most important predictive variables. The effect of Hb, independent of GA, was statistically significant (change in F = 4.231, p < 0.05). Because GA is not modifiable in pregnant women, there is a need to increase Hb levels among pregnant mothers. Most importantly, appropriately targeted preventive strategies, including iron supplementation, need to be implemented for health promotion.     

Selenium concentration in blood and hair of holstein dairy cows

Four-hundred Holstein cows in 40 dairy farms in north Greece were included in this study, and blood (n=400), black hair (n=400), white hair (n=40), and feed (n=40) samples were obtained. Although the feeding regime in these farms was similar, the selenium content of feeds was variable. The Se content of concentrate feeds was 0.104±0.086 mg/kg dry matter (DM), and of silage, it was 0.025±0.018 mg/kg. A significantly positive correlation was found between the Se concentration in black hair and the Se concentration in blood (r ²=0.610, p<0.001), the Se concentration in white hair and the Se concentration in blood (r ²=0.770, p<0.001), and the Se concentration in white hair and the Se concentration in black hair (r ²=0.921, p<0.001). The Se concentration in white hair was significantly smaller than that in black hair (p<0.001).     

Changes of weight and size of European bison testes during postnatal development

The material for this study was obtained from culled European bison (Linnaeus, 1758) originating from both captive breeding and free-ranging populations in Białowieża and Borecka Forests (north-east Poland), and was mostly collected from November until April. Mass difference between the right and left testis of the same individual up to 30% was considered to be physiological asymmetry, which proved typical of the species. Hypoplasia or atrophy of the testes exceeding 30% in size, were found in 37 males (13.6% of the examined animals;n=272). Cryptorchidism was recorded in 20 bison culled in Białowieża Forest at the age over 1 year (10.6% of individuals at the same age;n=188). We registered the weight of testes of 259 males aged 2 months to 20 years. In the examined males, no distinct predominance in size and weight between the right and left testes was observed. The weight of testes was significantly correlated with age (r=0.85,p < 0.0001) and body weight (r=0.93,p < 0.0001). The heaviest testicles belonged to older and sexually mature bulls aged 6–12 years (mean 216 g) and to old ones over 13 years (mean 242 g). Two testis measurements (length and width) were taken from 136 culled males, while two additional measurements (total length with the cauda of epididymis and circumference) from 65 males. The length and width of the testes were moderately correlated with age (r=0.31 andr=0.20,p < 0.01) and highly significantly correlated with testis (r=0.79,p < 0.001) and body weight (r=0.92,p < 0.001).     

Plasma zinc, copper, leptin, and body composition are associated in elite female judo athletes

This study evaluated levels of plasma zinc, copper, and leptin, body composition, and their relationship in nine elite female judo athletes under two different training conditions. Body composition and biochemical measurements (hematological indexes, plasma zinc, plasma copper, and plasma leptin) were analyzed 24 h after intense training and following a 5-d period without training (no-training). Plasma leptin and plasma zinc increased with no-training. Plasma zinc correlated negatively with percent fat mass (r=−0.62; r=0.05) and positively with plasma leptin (r=0.83; p=0.002) in the no-training condition Plasma copper did not change during the study and correlated positively with plasma leptin (r=0.66; p=0.05) and with percent fat mass (r=0.80; p=0.007) after training. Percent fat mass was associated negatively with plasma zinc (r=−0.62; p=0.05) in the no-training condition. Moreover percent fat mass was negatively associated with the Zn/Cu plasma ratio under both training conditions (r<−0.78, p<0.001). These results are consistent with the possible function of zinc as a lipid-mobilizing factor and of copper as a limiting factor in energy metabolism.