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.     

Trace element levels in serum and gastric mucosa in patients with Helicobacter pylori positive and negative gastritis

BackgroundMost trace elements are inhibited by Helicobacter pylori-infection, and variations in specific element levels are linked to the development of stomach cancer. This is the first study to show the relationship between serum and tissue concentrations of twenty-five trace elements and H. pylori infection status. This study purposed to define serum and tissue trace element levels of 25 healthy individuals with Helicobacter pylori-positive gastritis and Helicobacter pylori-negative gastritis and to reveal their relationship with the disease.MethodsStudy groups consisted of sixty-two patients with Helicobacter pylori-positive, thirty-seven patients with Helicobacter pylori-negative, and thirty healthy individuals. Serum and tissue concentrations of twenty-five elements (aluminum, boron, arsenic, barium, calcium, beryllium, copper, cadmium, iron, chromium, mercury, lithium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, manganese, nickel, phosphorus, lead, scandium, strontium, selenium, tellurium, titanium, zinc) were defined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry.ResultsExcept for copper, lithium, and strontium elements in serum samples, other trace elements differed significantly between the groups (p < 0.05). The serum chromium (p = 0.002), mercury (p = 0.001), boron (p < 0.001), and cadmium (p < 0.001) levels of H. pylori-negative gastritis and H. pylori-positive gastritis participants were significantly different, and their serum concentrations were less than 0.5 µ/l. Boron, barium, beryllium, chromium, lithium, phosphorus and strontium elements in tissue samples did not differ significantly between the groups (p > 0.05). Manganese, nickel, tellurium and titanium elements were not detected in tissue and serum samples. The mean concentrations of calcium, beryllium, chromium, iron, potassium, lithium, magnesium, scandium, and selenium were higher in the tissues of patients with H. pylori gastritis compared to healthy control tissues. Also, cadmium could not be detected in tissue samples. There was a significant difference between H. pylori-infected tissue and serum chromium levels (p = 0.001), with lower levels detected in tissue samples.ConclusionThis is the first study that we are knowledgeable of that reports the concentrations of twenty five elements in both serum and tissue samples, as well as the relationship between trace elements and Helicobacter pylori-infection status. Dietary adjustment is indicated as an adjunct to medical therapy to stabilize trace elements because Helicobacter pylori bacteria cause inflammation and impair element absorption in gastritis patients. We also think that this study will shed light on studies on the relationship between Helicobacter pylori-trace elements and serum-tissue/healthy serum-tissue trace element levels of patients with Helicobacter pylori gastritis.     

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.     

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.     

Evaluation of the effects of cadmium on rat liver

Abstact Cadmium is one of the most toxic pollutants in environment. Cadmium accumulation in blood affects the renal cortex and causes renal failure. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of cadmium on rat liver tissue. Eighteen male albino rats aged ten weeks old were used in the study. 15 ppm of cadmium was administered to rats via consumption water daily. At the end of the 30th study day, the animals were killed under ether anesthesia. After the liver tissue samples were taken, histopathological and biochemical examinations were performed. Histopathologic changes have included vacuolar and granular degenerations in hepatocytes, heterochromatic nucleuses and sinusoidal and portal widenings. Central vein diameters were normal in cadmium exposed group. Whereas, there was statistically significant difference between two groups by means of sinusoidal (p< 0.001) and portal triad diameters (p< 0.01). Malondialdehyde (MDA) is an indicator of lipid peroxidation. In this study, MDA was used as a marker of oxidative stress-induced liver impairment in cadmium exposed rats. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were also measured to evaluate the changes in antioxidative system in liver tissues. Current findings showed that MDA levels were increased and SOD and CAT activities were decreased in cadmium exposed group compared to control group. The difference between two groups was statistically significant (pvalues: MDA,p< 0.01; CAT,p< 0.01 and SOD,p< 0.05). In conclusion, these findings suggest the role of oxidative mechanisms in cadmium-induced liver tissue damage     

Selenium,Lead, and Cadmium Levels in Renal Failure Patients in China

Whole blood and serum samples of Chinese stable chronic renal failure (CRF) patients (n = 81), hemodialysis patients (n = 135), posttransplant patients (n = 60), and subjects with normal renal function (NRF; N = 42) were collected, as well as water and dialysate samples from five dialysis centers. The concentration of selenium (Se), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. The mean serum Se levels in patients with different degrees of renal failure were significantly lower than those of subjects with NRF (p < 0.01). Pb levels were not increased in renal failure patients, while the Cd levels in patients with various degrees of renal failure were higher than in subjects with NRF (p < 0.05). After correcting the results of Pb and Cd for hematocrit (Hct) however, Pb levels of dialysis patients were also increased. In the dialysis population under study, blood Pb and Cd levels were closely related to the time on dialysis, while contamination of the final dialysate may also contribute to the increased blood Cd and to a less extent Pb levels. Correction for Hct may be recommended to accurately compare blood Pb and Cd levels in dialysis patients and CRF patients with varying degrees of anemia to those of subjects with NRF.     

Determination of some elements in the cervical mucus of healthy Taiwanese women,by GF-AAS

The levels of seven trace elements such as copper, iron, zinc, selenium, cadmium, chromium, and nickel were determined by graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrometry in the cervical mucus of 45 women residing in Taiwan, Republic of China. These women were in good health and had no precancerous or cancerous lesions on their cervix. The women were separated into four age groups to establish if there was a relationship between the age of the subjects and the values of these elements in the cervical mucus. By one-way analysis of variance, significant differences in the selenium and nickel concentrations were found among the four age groups (p<0.05). The mean concentration of selenium in each age group was significantly higher for the older women. A significant correlation between age and selenium concentration was found by linear regression (r=0.23, p=0.00048). No significant differences among the concentrations of copper, iron, zinc, cadmium, and chromium were found among these four age groups (p>0.05). The results presented in this work may be considered as baseline values for these elements in the cervical mucus of healthy Taiwanese women for use as reference in studies on cervical diseases and tissue damage.     

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.     

Longitudinal study of serum zinc and copper levels in hemodialysis patients and their relation to biochemical markers

A 6-mo longitudinal study of 48 hemodialysis patients (HPs) with chronic renal failure was performed. Three blood samplings were done. Samples of whole blood from each patient were collected during hemodialysis sessions after passing through the artificial kidney. Zinc and copper levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Additionally, 36 biochemical indexes were evaluated during the study. Fifty-two healthy matched controls were also considered. Mean serum zinc and copper concentrations in HPs were significantly decreased (Zn) and increased (Cu), when compared with healthy controls (p<0.01). Zinc concentrations found in the first and second blood samplings from patients were significantly lower than those measured for the third sampling (p<0.01). The etiology of chronic renal failure influenced the statistically serum Zn levels of patients (p<0.05). Serum copper levels of HPs were significantly diminished by the existence of secondary associated diseases (p<0.01). Uric acid and parathyroid hormone, and total-cholesterol and glutamic-pyruvic-transaminase levels were significantly (p<0.05) and linearly related with serum zinc and copper concentrations, respectively. From all of indexes, creatinine, direct bilirubin, magnesium, calcium, parathyroid hormone, transferrin, and albumin were statistically modified along the longitudinal study (p<0.05). Transferrin serum levels were significantly diminished in the third blood sampling, indicating the tendency toward anemia in the patients. This result is reinforced by low levels of biochemical and hematological indexes related with iron body staus.     

Serum and hair levels of zinc, selenium, iron, and copper in children with iron-deficiency anemia

In the present study, the serum and hair levels of zinc, selenium, and copper were determined in children with iron-deficiency anemia (IDA). A total of 52 anemic children aged 1–4 yr constituted the study group. Fortysix healthy children acted as controls. The copper and zinc levels were measured with an atomic absorption spectrophometer. Serum and hair selenium was determined by a spectroflourometric method. The serum zinc and selenium concentrations in the IDA group were found to be significantly lower and serum copper significantly higher than those in the controls (p<0.05). Lower iron, zinc, and selenium concentrations (p<0.001) but not copper were found in hair (p>0.05).     

Trace Elements in the Hair of Hemodialysis Patients

Trace element disturbance is often observed in hemodialysis patients. While trace element concentrations have been reported in blood samples from hemodialysis patients, they have not been well investigated in scalp hair. In the present study, 22 trace elemental concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry in the scalp hair of 80 male hemodialysis patients and compared with those of 100 healthy male subjects. In hemodialysis patients, the concentrations of beryllium, arsenic, magnesium, chromium, manganese, iron, selenium, molybdenum, iodine, vanadium, and cobalt were significantly higher than those in healthy subjects, while lead, mercury, copper, germanium, and bromine were significantly lower than those in the former group. No significant differences were observed for lithium, aluminum, cadmium, zinc, boron, or nickel. There were significant positive correlations between the duration of hemodialysis and the magnesium and manganese concentrations. There was a significant negative correlation between cadmium concentration and the duration of hemodialysis. There were significant positive correlations between dialysis efficacy (Kt/V) and magnesium, manganese, zinc, and selenium concentrations. In conclusion, trace element concentrations of the scalp hair are different between hemodialysis patients and healthy subjects. Essential trace elements, such as magnesium, manganese, zinc, and selenium, may be affected by the duration of hemodialysis and Kt/V.     

Comparative Metal Distribution in Scalp Hair of Pakistani and Irish Referents and Hypertensive Patients

The abnormal metabolism of metal ions plays an important role in health and disease conditions, and studies about them have been attracting significant interest. The aim of our study was to assess the heavy metals (cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)) in scalp hair samples of 50 Irish and 78 Pakistani hypertensive patients of an urban population together with 50 Irish and 96 Pakistani non-hypertensive male subjects in the age group of 30–50 years. The concentrations of trace and toxic elements were measured by inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrophotometer and atomic absorption spectrophotometer before microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity and accuracy of the methodology were checked using certified reference materials, and by the conventional wet acid digestion method on the same certified reference materials and on real samples. The recovery of all the studied elements was found to be in the range of 97.5–99.7% in certified reference material. The results of this study showed that the mean values of cadmium, nickel, and lead were significantly higher in scalp hair samples of both Pakistani and Irish hypertensive patients than in referents (p < 0.001); whereas, the concentration of zinc was lower in the scalp hair samples of hypertensive patients of both genders. The deficiency of zinc and the high exposure of trace and toxic metals may be the risk factors associated with hypertension.     

Trace Elements Analysis of Urine and Hair in Tuberculous Pleurisy

In this study, copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and iron of urine and hair were measured in the patients with tuberculous (TB) pleurisy (n = 24) and in the control group (n = 20). Selenium, magnesium, and zinc of hair were found to be significantly lower in TB pleurisy cases than those in the control group (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, and p < 0.01, respectively). On the contrary, selenium and magnesium of urine were found to be significantly elevated in TB pleurisy cases than those in the control group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in the value of manganese and iron between TB pleurisy and the control group (p > 0.05). Copper level were significantly increased in hair and decreased in urine of the patients (p < 0.01). The occurrence of these abnormalities constitutes new information regarding trace elements in TB pleurisy patients. These results may provide an additional disease correlate for assessing TB pleurisy risk.     

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.     

Antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation in hemodialysis patients undergoing erythropoietin and erythropoietin-vitamin E combined therapy

In this study, plasma and red blood cell (RBC) antioxidant status and plasma lipid peroxidation were investigated in 46 hemodialysis patients. In addition, the effect of erythropoietin (EPO) and EPO-vitamin E combination therapy on plasma and RBC antioxidant status, and plasma lipid peroxidation were examined.

There were 10 healthy subjects in the control group and 10 hemodialysis patients in the untreated group. The third group included 36 hemodialysis patients that were given EPO (100 U/kg) for 3 months, 3 times per week. The fourth group included 36 hemodialysis-patients from the EPO group that were given EPO at a 50% decreased dose + vitamin E (300 mg/day) for 3 months.

MDA levels in the untreated group, the EPO group and the EPO + vitamin E groups were found to be higher than the control group (p<0.001, in both). Furthermore, MDA levels in both of the treatment groups were lower when compared to the untreated group (p<0.001, in both). Plasma vitamin E levels in the untreated, the EPO group and EPO + vitamin E groups were lower than the control group (p<0.001). In contrast, plasma vitamin E levels in the treatment groups were higher in comparison with the control group (p<0.05). SOD activities in the untreated, the EPO group and the EPO + vitamin E groups were found to be lower than the control group (p<0.001). SOD activities in the treatment groups were higher than the control group (p<0.001). The SOD activities in the EPO + vitamin E group increased when compared to the EPO group (p<0.001). CAT activities in the untreated, the EPO group and the EPO + vitamin E groups were found to be lower than the control group (p<0.001 in untreated and EPO groups, p<0.01 in EPO + vitamin E group). CAT activities in EPO and EPO + vitamin E groups were increased when compared to the untreated group (p<0.01).

In conclusion, our findings have shown that antioxidant status decreased and lipid peroxidation increased in hemodialysis patients. EPO has an antioxidant effect on the RBC and plasma antioxidant status, and plasma lipid peroxidation. These effects were moderately increased by the combination of vitamin E and EPO.     

Trace elements in bipolar disorder

IntroductionTrace elements may play an important role in bipolar disorders. The objective of this study is to determine serum copper and zinc, blood lead and cadmium and urine lead, cadmium and thallium concentrations in patients diagnosed with bipolar disorders and to compare these levels with those of a healthy control group.Materials and methodsA total of 25 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder and 29 healthy subjects participated in this study. Serum copper and zinc concentrations were measured using flame atomic absorption spectrometry; the blood lead and cadmium concentrations were measured by electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman background correction; urine lead, cadmium and thallium concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.ResultsMedian blood and urine lead and cadmium levels were significantly higher among the bipolar patients than among the control group: Blood lead (μg/dL): patient median: 3.00 (IQR: 1.40–4.20); control median (μg/dL): 2.20 (IQR: 0.90–3.00) p = 0.040. Blood cadmium (μg/L): patient median: 0.39 (IQR: 0.10–1.15); control median: 0.10 (IQR: 0.10–0.17) p < 0.001. The median of cadmium (μg/L) in patients who smoked (1.20 IQR: 0.44–2.30) was higher than that in non-smokers (0.12 IQR: 0.10–0.34) p < 0.001. There was a statistically significant increase (p = 0.001) in zinc levels among patients in the manic phase (mean 111.28, SD: 33.36 μg/dL) with respect to the control group (mean 86.07, SD: 12.39 μg/dL).ConclusionsThe results suggest that there could be higher levels of some toxic trace elements in the group of patients with bipolar disorder than in the healthy control group.     

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.     

Interaction Between Essential Elements Selenium and Zinc with Cadmium and Mercury in Samples from Hypertensive Patients

The abnormal metabolism of metal ions plays an important role in health and disease conditions; hence, the studies about them have received much interest. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between trace and toxic elements zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), selenium (Se), and mercury (Hg) in biological samples (scalp hair, blood, and urine) of hypertensive patients (n?=?257), residents of Hyderabad, Pakistan. For comparison purpose, the biological samples of age-matched healthy controls were selected as referents. The concentrations of trace and toxic elements were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer prior to microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity and accuracy of the methodology was checked using certified reference materials and by the conventional wet acid digestion method. The recovery of all studied elements was found in the range of 96.4–99.1 % in certified reference materials. The results of this study showed that the mean values of Cd and Hg were significantly higher in scalp hair, blood, and urine samples of hypertensive patients than in referents (P?<?0.001), whilst the concentrations of Zn and Se were lower in the scalp hair and blood, but higher in the urine samples of hypertensive patients. The deficiency of Zn and Se and the high exposure of toxic metals may be synergistic with risk factors associated with hypertension.     

Serum Levels of Trace Elements and Heavy Metals in Patients with Acute Hemorrhagic Stroke

Trace elements are essential components of biological structures, but alternatively, they can be toxic at concentrations beyond those necessary for their biological functions. Changes in the concentration of essential trace elements and heavy metals may affect acute hemorrhagic stroke. The aim of this study was to measure serum levels of essential trace elements [iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and magnesium (Mg)] and heavy metals [cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb)] in patients with acute hemorrhagic stroke. Twenty-six patients with acute hemorrhagic stroke and 29 healthy controls were enrolled. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (UNICAM-929) was used to measure serum Fe, Cu, Pb, Cd, Zn, Co, Mn and Mg concentrations. Serum Cd, Pb and Fe levels were significantly higher in patients with acute hemorrhagic stroke than controls (p < 0.001), while serum Cu, Zn, Mg and Mn levels were significantly lower (all p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the groups with respect to serum Co levels (p > 0.05). We first demonstrate increased Cd, Pb, and Fe levels; and decreased Cu, Zn, Mg, and Mn levels in patients with acute hemorrhagic stroke. These findings may have diagnostic and prognostic value for acute hemorrhagic stroke. Further studies are required to elucidate the roles of trace elements and heavy metals in patients with acute hemorrhagic stroke.     

Trace Elements in Obese Turkish Children

The quality of the diet of obese children is poor. Eating habits may alter micronutrient status in obese patients. In this study, we determined the serum levels of selenium, zinc, vanadium, molybdenum, iron, copper, beryllium, boron, chromium, manganese, cobalt, silver, barium, aluminum, nickel, cadmium, mercury, and lead in obese Turkish children. Thirty-four obese and 33 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. Serum vanadium and cobalt levels of obese children were significantly lower than those of the control group (0.244 ± 0.0179 vs. 0.261 ± 0.012 μg/l, p < 0.001, and 0.14 ± 0.13 vs. 0.24 ± 0.15 μg/l, p = 0.011, respectively). There was no significant difference between groups regarding the other serum trace element levels. In conclusion, there may be alterations in the serum levels of trace elements in obese children and these alterations may have a role in the pathogenesis of obesity.