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.     

Serum reference levels of selenium,zinc and copper in healthy pregnant women at a prenatal screening program in southeastern mediterranean region of Turkey

ProjectThe aim of the study was to investigate the serum reference range for Selenium (Se), Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu) levels in women of 10–14 (group I) and 16–20 (group II) weeks of gestation and compare them with those in non-pregnant healthy women and healthy men.ProcedureThis cross-sectional study was performed in 351 pregnant women [group I (n: 177) and group II (n: 174)], 30 non-pregnant women and 30 men as controls. The levels of Se, Zn and Cu levels were determined on flame and furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer using Zeeman background correction.ResultsIn the 10–14 weeks of gestation Se, Zn and Cu serum levels were 44.85±9.23, 81.30±31.94 and 132.33±38.24 ug/dl, in 16–20 weeks of gestation were 47.18±10.92, 74.25±22.47 and 164.86±39.69 ug/dl, in non-pregnant women were 55.38±8.81, 121.41±29.22 and 104.75±39.14 ug/dl also in men 72.24±9.28, 134.85±15.95 and 78.29±20.90 ug/dl, respectively.ConclusionA significant low level of serum Se, Zn and a high level of Cu in the pregnant women in the 10–14 and 16–20 weeks of gestation were detected when compared with that of non-pregnant women and men.     

Calprotectin: A protein related to cardiovascular risk in adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea

IntroductionIncreased levels of inflammatory mediators, such as hs-CRP, have been detected in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and used as cardiovascular risk and disease outcome predictors. Calprotectin is an inflammatory marker regulating atherogenic processes not investigated in adult OSA patients. The aim of the present study as primary objective was to examine the role of calprotectin as an inflammatory molecule, acting through a distinct pathway to the atherogenic process in adult OSA patients and its associations with hs-CRP and the lipidemic profile of the patients. As a secondary objective was the evaluation of the atherogenic markers post-CPAP treatment.Materials and methodsSeventy-four participants underwent full overnight polysomnography. Blood samples were collected for calprotectin, hs-CRP, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL and glucose levels. Thirty-two OSA patients were reexamined 6 months post-CPAP treatment.ResultsOut of 74 participants included in the study, 33 had moderate OSA, 27 had severe OSA and 14 were controls. Calprotectin and hs-CRP were significantly increased in patients with moderate and severe OSA compared to controls (p < 0.0001). Calprotectin and hs-CRP levels were positively correlated with apnea-hypopnea index, BMI and total time of sleep with SaO₂ <90% and inversely correlated with SaO₂ minimum and mean values. Calprotectin and hs-CRP levels were significantly improved post-CPAP treatment (p < 0.0001).DiscussionCalprotectin may serve as a novel and reliable, biomarker of cardiovascular risk severity in OSA patients. The decrease of calprotectin levels post-CPAP treatment combined with hs-CRP amelioration could provide evidence for reduction of cardiovascular risk post CPAP treatment.     

Circulating soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) as diagnostic and prognostic marker in neonatal sepsis

ObjectiveTriggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) is an important receptor involved in the innate inflammatory response and sepsis. We assessed soluble TREM-1 (sTREM-1) in 112 septic neonates (63 culture-positive and 49 culture-negative) and 40 healthy controls as a potential early diagnostic and prognostic marker for neonatal sepsis (NS).MethodsStudied neonates were evaluated for early- or late-onset sepsis using clinical and laboratory indicators upon admission. sTREM-1 was measured on initial sepsis evaluation and at 48 h after antibiotic therapy. For ethical reasons, cord blood samples were collected from control neonates and only samples from neonates that proved to be healthy by clinical examination and laboratory analysis were further analyzed for sTREM-1.ResultsBaseline sTREM-1 levels were significantly elevated in culture-proven (1461.1 ± 523 pg/mL) and culture-negative sepsis (1194 ± 485 pg/mL) compared to controls (162.2 ± 61 pg/mL) with no significant difference between both septic groups. Culture-positive or negative septic preterm neonates had significantly higher sTREM-1 compared to full term neonates. sTREM-1 was significantly higher in neonates with early sepsis than late sepsis and was associated with high mortality. sTREM-1 was significantly decreased 48 h after antibiotic therapy compared to baseline or levels in neonates with persistently positive cultures. sTREM-1 was positively correlated to white blood cells (WBCs), absolute neutrophil count, immature/total neutrophil (I/T) ratio, C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and sepsis score while negatively correlated to gestational age and weight. hs-CRP and sepsis score were independently related to sTREM-1 in multiregression analysis. sTREM-1 cutoff value of 310 pg/mL could be diagnostic for NS with 100% sensitivity and specificity (AUC, 1.0 and 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.696–1.015) while the cutoff value 1100 pg/mL was predictive of survival with 100% sensitivity and 97% specificity (AUC, 0.978 and 95% CI, 0.853–1.13). However, hs-CRP cutoff 13.5 mg/L could be diagnostic for NS with a sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 72% (AUC, 0.762 and 95% CI, 0.612–0.925) and levels were not related to survival as no significant difference was found between dead and alive septic neonates.ConclusionsElevated sTREM-1 could be considered an early marker for NS that reflects sepsis severity and poor prognosis.     

Comparative analysis of serum zinc,copper, magnesium,calcium and iron level in acute and chronic patients of visceral leishmaniasis

ProjectChronic visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an increasingly common problem in disease endemic states of India. Identification of prognosis risk factor in patients with VL may lead to preventive actions, toward decreasing its mortality in chronic individuals. Though serum Zinc levels are decreased in patients of VL, limited information is available regarding trace elements status in acute and chronic VL patients. The present study was undertaken to compare serum trace elements concentrations in acute and chronic VL patients.ProcedureAcute (mean age = 28.64 years), chronic (mean age = 23.68 years) VL patients and healthy controls (mean age = 23.05 years) who agreed to provide blood specimens for laboratory investigations participated in this study. Serum zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) were measured spectrophotometrically using chemistry analyzer.ResultsSerum Zn concentration was comparatively much decreased in chronic VL than to acute ones (p = 0.007) while serum Mg was higher in chronic VL than acute (p = 0.002) ones. There was no statistically significant difference between acute and chronic VL in serum concentrations of Cu, Fe and Ca.ConclusionsSerum Zn levels were much decreased and serum Mg were increased in chronic VL as compared to acute cases. The serum concentrations of Fe and Ca did not show any difference between two groups. The serum Cu was increased in both groups but more in chronic ones. Serum Zn and Mg could be a potential prognosis factor for chronic VL patients. We hypothesize zinc supplementation as a chemo preventive agent for chronic VL cases, particularly in endemic areas.     

Elevated plasma vitamin B12 levels and cancer prognosis: A population-based cohort study

BackgroundElevated plasma vitamin B12 levels (cobalamin, Cbl) are associated with increased short-term cancer risk among patients referred for this laboratory measurement. We aimed to assess prognosis in cancer patients with elevated plasma Cbl.MethodsWe conducted a population-based cohort study using data from Danish medical registries during 1998–2014. The study included 25,017 patients with a cancer diagnosis and Cbl levels of 200–600 pmol/L (reference/normal range), 601–800 pmol/L and >800 pmol/L measured up to one year prior to diagnosis, and a comparison cohort of 61,988 cancer patients without a plasma Cbl measurement. Patients treated with Cbl were excluded. Survival probability was assessed using Kaplan–Meier curves. Mortality risk ratios (MRR) were computed using Cox proportional hazard regression, adjusted for age, sex, calendar year, cancer stage and comorbidity, scored using the Charlson comorbidity index.ResultsSurvival probabilities were lower among patients with elevated Cbl levels than among patients with normal levels and among members of the comparison cohort [(1-year survival,%) Cbl: 200–600 pmol/L: 69.3%; 601–800 pmol/L: 49.6%; >800 pmol/L: 35.8%; comparison cohort: 72.6%]. Thirty-day mortality was elevated for patients with Cbl levels of 601–800 pmol/L or >800 pmol/L, compared to patients with levels of 200–600 pmol/L [(MRR (95% confidence interval): 601–800 pmol/L vs. 200–600 pmol/L: 1.9 (1.6–2.2); >800 pmol/L vs. 200–600 pmol/L: 2.7 (2.4–3.1)]. This association remained robust for 31–90-day and 91–365-day mortality, showing similar dose-response patterns.ConclusionCancer patients with elevated Cbl levels had higher mortality than those with normal Cbl levels. These findings may have clinical significance for assessing the prognosis of cancer patients.     

Association Between Thyroid Function and Objective and Subjective Sleep Quality in Older Men: The Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study

ObjectiveTo determine the association between thyroid hormone levels and sleep quality in community-dwelling men.MethodsAmong 5,994 men aged ≥ 65 years in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study, 682 had baseline thyroid function data, normal free thyroxine (FT₄) (0.70 ≤ FT₄ ≤ 1.85 ng/dL), actigraphy measurements, and were not using thyroid-related medications. Three categories of thyroid function were defined: subclinical hyperthyroid (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH] < 0.55 mIU/L), euthyroid (TSH, 0.55 to 4.78 mIU/L), and subclinical hypothyroid (TSH > 4.78 mIU/L). Objective (total hours of nighttime sleep [TST], sleep efficiency [SE], wake after sleep onset [WASO], sleep latency [SL], number of long wake episodes [LWEP]) and subjective (TST, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score, Epworth Sleepiness Scale score) sleep quality parameters were measured. The association between TSH and sleep quality was examined using linear regression (continuous sleep outcomes) and log-binomial regression (categorical sleep outcomes).ResultsAmong the 682 men examined, 15 had subclinical hyperthyroidism and 38 had subclinical hypothyroidism. There was no difference in sleep quality between subclinical hypothyroid and euthyroid men. Compared to euthyroid men, subclinical hyperthyroid men had lower mean actigraphy TST (adjusted mean difference [95% confidence interval (CI)], − 27.4 [− 63.7 to 8.9] minutes), lower mean SE (− 4.5% [− 10.3% to 1.3%]), and higher mean WASO (13.5 [− 8.0 to 35.0] minutes]), whereas 41% had increased risk of actigraphy-measured TST < 6 hours (relative risk [RR], 1.41; 95% CI, 0.83 to 2.39), and 83% had increased risk of SL ≥ 60 minutes (RR, 1.83; 95% CI, 0.65 to 5.14) (all P > .05).ConclusionNeither subclinical hypothyroidism nor hyperthyroidism is significantly associated with decreased sleep quality. (Endocr Pract. 2014;20:576-586)     

The effect of age and gender on 38 chemical element contents in human iliac crest investigated by instrumental neutron activation analysis

ProjectTo understand the role of major, minor, and trace elements in the etiology of bone diseases including osteoporosis, it is necessary to determine the normal levels and age-related changes of bone chemical elements.ProcedureThe effect of age and gender on 38 chemical element contents in intact iliac crest of 84 apparently healthy 15–55 years old women (n=38) and men (n=46) was investigated by neutron activation analysis.ResultsMean values (M±SEM) for mass fraction (on dry weight basis) of Ca, Cl, Co, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Rb, Sr, and Zn for both female and male taken together were Ca – 169±3 g/kg, Cl – 1490±43 mg/kg, Co – 0.0073±0.0024 mg/kg, Fe – 177±24 mg/kg, K – 1820±79 mg/kg, Mg – 1840±48 mg/kg, Mn – 0.316±0.013 mg/kg, Na – 4970±87 mg/kg, P – 79.7±1.5 g/kg, Rb – 1.89±0.22 mg/kg, Sr – 312±15 mg/kg, and Zn – 65.9±3.4 mg/kg, respectively. The upper limit of mean contents of Cs, Eu, Hg, Sb, Sc, and Se were Cs≤0.09 mg/kg, Eu≤0.005 mg/kg, Hg≤0.005 mg/kg, Sb≤0.004 mg/kg, Sc≤0.001 mg/kg, and Se≤0.1 mg/kg, respectively. In all bone samples the contents of Ag, As, Au, Ba, Br, Cd, Ce, Cr, Gd, Hf, La, Lu, Nd, Sm, Ta, Tb, Th, U, Yb, and Zr were under detection limits.ConclusionsThe Ca, Mg, and P contents decrease with age, regardless of gender. Higher Ca, Mg, P, and Sr mass fractions as well as lower Fe content are typical of female iliac crest as compared to those in male bone.     

Low-grade inflammation markers in children and adolescents: Influence of anthropometric characteristics and CRP and IL6 polymorphisms

Overweight and obesity are associated with chronic and subclinical inflammation due to an imbalance of inflammatory mediators. However, the association with gene polymorphism has been rarely studied in children. The aim of this study was to determine if serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are related to the IL6 rs1800795, IL6 rs2069845 and CRP rs1205 polymorphisms (SNPs) according to body mass index (BMI) in a sample of children and adolescents. A cross-sectional study in 470 students between 7 and 17 years of age of anthropometric characteristics, high sensitivity-CRP (Hs-CRP) and IL-6 levels and three SNPs genotyped. The prevalence ratio of hs-CRP > 3 mg/L in obese individuals was 4.15 (CI 2.43–7.06; p = 0.01), and it was 1.91 (CI 1.03–3.55; p = 0.03) in overweight individuals and 1.74 (CI 1.05–2.88 p = 0.03) in females. Individuals with waist circumference (WC) and body fat percentage (BF%) alterations showed elevated levels of hs-CRP (p = 4.3 × 10⁻⁵ and p = 5.3 × 10⁻⁶). The combination of any two anthropometric measurement increases CRP levels, especially combinations with obesity body mass index (BMI): BMI + WC and BMI + BF%. Among the overweight/obesity group, T allele carriers of CRP rs1205 showed lower levels of hs-CRP (0.5, IQR = 0.3–1.8 mg/L) than CC homozygotes (1.5, IQR = 0.4–3.4 mg/L, p = 0.018). Additionally, considering subjects with two or three anthropometric alterations for CRP rs1205: rs1205 T allele carriers had lower levels of hs-CRP (0.7, IQR = 0.3–2.7 mg/L) than CC homozygotes (1.2, IQR = 0.5–3.5 mg/L, p = 0.02). In conclusion, carriers of the rs1205/T allele with higher BMIs had lower levels of hs-CRP. Schoolchildren who were overweight/obese had higher levels of CRP and IL-6, whereas individuals with WC and BF% alterations had higher levels of CRP.     

Copper and zinc in Elodea canadensis from rivers with various pollution levels

The anthropogenic impact of xenobiotics contributes to environmental risk for the aquatic environment and thus, must be controlled. Elodea canadensis, a cosmopolitan aquatic macrophyte with an important role in the ecology of many littoral zones, may provide an integrated record of pollution. Therefore, it was interesting to investigate the accumulation of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in this species and in water and bottom sediments collected from rivers with various levels of contamination. Of these rivers one control and one polluted was selected for the collection of E. canadensis for an experiment to compare the ability of this species to accumulate Cu and Zn. These elements were supplemented at concentrations (mg L⁻¹) of 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.05, 0.08 and 0.14 as CuSO₄·5H₂O, and 0.4, 0.6, 0.9, 1.4, 2.03 and 3.04 as ZnSO₄·7H₂O and in a mixture containing (mg L⁻¹) 0.01Cu + 0.4Zn, 0.02Cu + 0.6Zn, 0.03Cu + 0.9Zn, 0.05Cu + 1.4Zn, 0.08Cu + 2.03Zn and 0.14Cu + 3.04Zn. After the experiment, E. canadensis from the polluted river contained significantly higher Cu and Zn concentrations when applied separately and also significantly higher Cu and Zn concentrations when applied as a mixture compared to the control river. These higher concentrations in E. canadensis from the polluted river were found in all combinations in the experiment. Thus, E. canadensis habituated in polluted sites to the exposure, and long-term influence of elevated metal levels appeared to be better adapted, and it also exhibited a higher increase in biomass than plants from the control river in all the experimental Cu and Zn solutions. Younger leaves of E. canadensis were more resistant to the effects of Cu and Zn than older leaves. Both Cu and Zn negatively affected the cell structure of older leaves, although the influence of Cu on plasma membrane integrity and chloroplast distribution was stronger than that of Zn. The influence of the Cu + Zn mixture on E. canadensis resulted in less pronounced cell disintegration than the influence of Cu added separately.The explanation of differences in the E. canadensis biomass increase and metal concentrations under the binary Cu and Zn impact needs further examination.     

Statin use and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in a U.S. population

PurposeStatins (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) are medications widely prescribed to reduce cholesterol levels. Observational studies in high-risk populations, mostly in Asia, have suggested that statins are associated with a reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The current study sought to evaluate the association of statin use and HCC in a U.S.-based, low-risk, general population.MethodsA nested case–control study was conducted among members of the Health Alliance Plan HMO of the Henry Ford Health System enrolled between 1999 and 2010. Electronic pharmacy records of statin use were compared among tumor registry-confirmed cases of HCC (n = 94) and controls (n = 468) matched on age, sex, diagnosis date, and length of HMO enrolment.ResultsIn multivariate analyses, ever-use of statins was significantly inversely associated with development of HCC (Odds ratio (OR): 0.32, 95%CI: 0.15–0.67). No clear dose–response relationship was evident as statin use for <2 years (OR = 0.32, 95%CI = 0.13–0.83) and >2 years (OR = 0.31, 95CI% = 0.12–9.81) resulted in very similar ORs.ConclusionsThe use of statins among populations in low-risk HCC areas may be associated with decreased risk of HCC.     

Relationship of lead and essential elements in whole blood from school-age children in Nanning,China

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate blood lead level and its relationship to essential elements (zinc, copper, iron, calcium and magnesium) in school-age children from Nanning, China.MethodsA total of 2457 children aged from 6 to 14 years were enrolled in Nanning, China. The levels of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were determined by an atomic absorption spectrometer.ResultsThe mean blood lead level (BLL) was 57.21 ± 35.00 μg/L. 188 (7.65%) asymptomatic children had toxic lead level higher than 100 μg/L. The school-age boys had similar lead level among different age groups, while the elder girls had less BLL. The blood Zn and Fe were found to be increased in the boys with elevated BLL, but similar trends were not observed in the girls. Positive correlations between Pb and Fe or Mg (r = 0.112, 0.062, respectively, p < 0.01) and a negative correlation between Pb and Ca (r = −0.047, p < 0.05) were further established in the studied children.ConclusionsLead exposure in school-age children was still prevalent in Nanning. The boys and girls differed in blood levels of lead and other metallic elements. Lead exposure may induce metabolic disorder of other metallic elements in body.     

Copper,zinc superoxide dismutase of Curcuma aromatica is a kinetically stable protein

This study details on cloning and characterization of Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (Ca–Cu,Zn SOD) from a medicinally important plant species Curcuma aromatica. Ca–Cu,Zn SOD was 692 bp with an open reading frame of 459 bp. Expression of the gene in Escherichia coli cells followed by purification yielded the enzyme with K_m of 0.047 ± 0.008 μM and V_max of 1250 ± 24 units/mg of protein. The enzyme functioned (i) across a temperature range of −10 to +80 °C with temperature optima at 20 °C; and (ii) at pH range of 6–9 with optimum activity at pH 7.8. Ca–Cu,Zn SOD retained 50% of the maximum activity after autoclaving, and was stable at a wide storage pH ranging from 3 to 10. The enzyme tolerated varying concentrations of denaturating agent, reductants, inhibitors, trypsin, was fairly resistant to inactivation at 80 °C for 180 min (k_d, 6.54 ± 0.17 × 10⁻³ min⁻¹; t_1/2, 106.07 ± 2.68 min), and had midpoint of thermal transition (T_m) of 70.45 °C. The results suggested Ca–Cu,Zn SOD to be a kinetically stable protein that could be used for various industrial applications.     

Serum zinc is associated with plasma leptin and Cu–Zn SOD in elite male basketball athletes

This paper investigates the relationship between plasma trace element and plasma leptin, as well as percent fat mass, in 16 male basketball athletes. Blood samples were obtained before intensive training and 24 h after intensive training to measure plasma zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and leptin levels. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), triglyceride (TG), total and cholesterol (TC) levels were determined using commercially available kits for humans. Subjects presented similar values in terms of age (21.1 ± 2.2 years old), body mass index (23.9 ± 2.00 kg/m²), percent body fat (14.40 ± 1.52%), plasma hemoglobin (150.1 ± 9.4 g/L), plasma Zn (17.47 ± 1.28 μmol/l), plasma Cu (13.42 ± 1.40 μmol/L), plasma Ca (2.41 ± 0.14 mmol/L), and plasma Mg (0.96 ± 0.02 mmol/L). The correlation analysis between degree of plasma leptin and plasma element contents was performed using the SPSS 16.0 software. Plasma Zn correlated positively with plasma leptin (r = 0.746, P < 0.01), Cu–Zn SOD (r = 0.827, P < 0.01), and negatively with percent fat mass (r = –0.598, P < 0.05) under no-training conditions. Meanwhile, plasma Cu, Ca, Mg, and Fe did not correlate with plasma leptin or percent fat mass (P > 0.05). In conclusion, plasma Zn may be involved in the regulation of plasma leptin and may serve as a lipid-mobilizing factor in Chinese men's basketball athletes.     

Copper,zinc and iron levels in premature infants following red blood cell transfusion

This study aimed to investigate effect of erythrocyte suspension (ES) transfusion on Cu, Zn, and Fe levels. It was conducted on 53 premature infants who were admitted to Hacettepe Hospital and received EST for first time. Blood samples were drawn before and 96 h after ES transfusion to determine Cu, Zn, and Fe levels in plasma and/or erythrocytes. The mean plasma Cu levels were 99 ± 3 μg/dl and 113 ± 3 μg/dl; Zn levels were 105 ± 2 μg/dl and 115 ± 23 μg/dl; mean plasma Fe level was 58.1 ± 19.4 and 75.2 ± 25.4 μg/dl and mean erythrocyte Fe level was 4182 ± 2314 μg/ml and 7009 ± 5228 μg/ml, before and after ES transfusion. The differences between before and after ES transfusion in Cu, Zn and Fe levels were significant. Correlation between plasma and erythrocyte Fe levels was significant both before and after ES transfusion. Though Fe overload is a major cause of morbidity/mortality after ES transfusion, alterations in trace elements should also be considered when transfusing blood to infants and children.     

Variation of zinc and copper concentrations in the plasma of Nubian goats according to physiological state

The association between the combination of age and physiological status of dairy Nubian goats, pregnancy or lactation and blood concentration of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) was investigated. The animals were divided into (a) young (4–6 months old), (b) adult (9–12 months old), (c) pregnant (within 50 days of their first pregnancy and (e) lactating animals grouped according to parity (up to 50 days after first, second or third kidding). Each group or sub-group consisted of five animals. The data analysis revealed that plasma Zn concentration decreased (3.91–1.12 mg/l) significantly with increase in age. There was a significant increase in Zn levels in high yielders compared to low ones (2.00–6.59 mg/l). Cu plasma levels increased (5.01–3.17 mg/l) significantly in adult compared to young animals but decreased (5.01–4.13 mg/l) significantly after first kidding compared to second and third kidding as well as in pregnant animals. It can be shown that the different physiological states would impose certain demands on animal needs for these trace elements and hence adequate amounts in the diet should be accounted for to achieve the best animal performance.     

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.     

Associations between oral hygiene habits,diet, tobacco and alcohol and risk of oral cancer: A case–control study from India

ObjectiveThis study examines the association between the incidence of oral cancer in India and oral hygiene habits, diet, chewing and smoking tobacco, and drinking alcohol. We also assessed the effects of oral hygiene habits with oral cancer risk among chewers versus never chewers.MethodsA hospital-based case–control study was conducted in Pune, India, based on face-to-face interviews, anthropometry, and intra-oral examinations conducted for 187 oral cancer cases and 240 controls.ResultsPoor oral hygiene score was associated with a significant risk of oral cancer (adjusted OR = 6.98; 95%CI 3.72–13.05). When stratified by tobacco-chewing habit, the poor oral hygiene score was a significant risk factor only among ever tobacco chewers (adjusted OR = 14.74; 95%CI 6.49–33.46) compared with never chewers (adjusted OR = 0.71; 95%CI 0.14–3.63). Dental check-ups only at the time of pain by ever-chewers with poor oral hygiene was associated with an elevated risk (adjusted OR = 4.22; 95%CI 2.44–7.29), while consumption of green, yellow, and cruciferous vegetables and citrus fruits was protective. A linear dose–response association was observed between oral cancer and chewing tobacco in terms of age at initiation, duration, and frequency of chewing per day (P < 0.001). Smoking more than 10 bidis/cigarettes per day (adjusted OR = 2.74; 95%CI 1.28–5.89) and for a duration >25 years (adjusted OR = 2.31; 95%CI 1.14–4.71) elevated the risk of oral cancer.ConclusionGood oral hygiene habits – as characterized by healthy gums, brushing more than once daily, use of toothpaste, annual dental check-ups, and a minimal number of missing teeth – can reduce the risk of oral cancer significantly. In addition to refraining from chewing/smoking tobacco, a diet adequate in fruits and vegetables may protect against the disease.     

Occupation and risk of prostate cancer in Canadian men: A case-control study across eight Canadian provinces

BackgroundThe etiology of prostate cancer continues to be poorly understood, including the role of occupation. Past Canadian studies have not been able to thoroughly examine prostate cancer by occupation with detailed information on individual level factors.MethodsOccupation, industry and prostate cancer were examined using data from the National Enhanced Cancer Surveillance System, a large population-based case-control study conducted across eight Canadian provinces from 1994 to 1997. This analysis included 1737 incident cases and 1803 controls aged 50 to 79 years. Lifetime occupational histories were used to group individuals by occupation and industry employment. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and adjustments were made for known and possible risk factors.ResultsBy occupation, elevated risks were observed in farming and farm management (OR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.02–1.84), armed forces (OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.06-1.65) and legal work (OR = 2.58, 95% CI 1.05–6.35). Elevated risks were also observed in office work (OR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.00–1.43) and plumbing (OR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.07–2.93) and with ≥10 years duration of employment. Decreased risks were observed in senior management (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.46–0.91), construction management (OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.50–0.94) and travel work (OR = 0.37, 95% CI 0.16–0.88). Industry results were similar to occupation results, except for an elevated risk in forestry/logging (OR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.06–2.25) and a decreased risk in primary metal products (OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.51–0.96).ConclusionThis study presents associations between occupation, industry and prostate cancer, while accounting for individual level factors. Further research is needed on potential job-specific exposures and screening behaviours.     

The prevalence of wheezing and its association with serum zinc concentration in children and adolescents in Brazil

ObjectiveTo assess the influence of zinc serum status on the prevalence of wheezing in a sample of children and adolescents in Northeastern Brazil.Research methods and proceduresThis is a cross-sectional study which included 592 students of 6–12 years old, from the public elementary schools of São Francisco do Conde, Bahia, Northeastern Brazil. Report of wheezing in the past 12 months was collected using a questionnaire of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Program (ISAAC) phase III, adapted to Portuguese. The determination of serum Zn levels was performed using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. Data on anthropometric status, level of physical activity, pubertal development and socioeconomic information, for each participant were obtained. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the associations of interest.ResultsOf the students, 8.6% (95% CI 6.30–10.9) reported having wheezing. The mean (SD) serum zinc level was 114 (22.9 μg/dL). The results of the multiple logistic regression analysis showed, after adjustments, positive and significant association between low serum zinc levels and wheezing. Students categorized as being below the median for serum Zn concentration presented an almost 1.9-fold increase in the wheezing prevalence ratio (OR = 1.9; 95% CI 1.03–3.53).ConclusionThe main findings of this study suggest that the level of zinc may influence the risk of wheezing in late childhood on the study population.