Influence of chosen elements on the dynamics of the cariogenic process

This prospective study comprised 140 natural crowns of the teeth extracted from 31 boys and 35 men, as well as 39 girls and 35 women. They were divided into two groups. Group I consisted of primary teeth and group II consisted of permanent teeth. In each group, two subgroups were distinguished: subgroup A containing teeth without caries and subgroup B comprising carietic teeth. Zinc, iron, copper, nickel, chromium, cobalt, lead, cadmium, selenium, and strontium were determined in the samples by using the total reflection X-ray fluorescence method. Significantly higher concentrations of zinc, iron, copper, nickel, selenium, and strontium were detected in the crowns of healthy primary and permanent teeth than in the crowns of the carietic primary and permanent teeth. The concentrations of chromium, cobalt, lead, and cadmium were significantly higher in primary and permanent teeth with caries than in the healthy ones. Judging from the obtained results, we think that lower concentrations of zinc, iron, copper, nickel, selenium, and strontium together with higher concentrations of chromium, cobalt, lead, and cadmium in the carietic primary and permanent teeth, in relation with the respective concentrations of those elements in healthy teeth, can be one of the caries risk factors.     

Effects of zinc, copper, and selenium on placental cadmium transport

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential effects of zinc, copper, and selenium on placental cadmium transport. From November 2002 through January 2003, a total of 47 healthy pregnant women from Da-Ye City, Hubei Province in Central China participated in the study. Their age, parity, gestational age, pregnancy history, and lifestyle data were obtained by questionnaire interview. The placental, whole-blood, and cord blood levels of cadmium were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), whole-blood zinc was measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (F-AAS), whole-blood copper by ICP-MS, and selenium was by atomic fluorescence spectrophotometry (AFS). The cord blood cadmium concentration (0.020-1.48 microg/L) was significantly lower than in maternal blood (0.80-25.20 microg/L, p<0.01). The placental cadmium concentration was from 0.082 to 3.97 microg/g dry weight. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that lower levels of maternal blood copper were significantly associated with higher cadmium concentrations in cord blood. Placental cadmium in women with lower levels of maternal blood zinc was significantly higher than in those with normal zinc levels. The placental cadmium level in women with lower whole-blood selenium was significantly lower than in subjects with normal selenium levels. It was concluded that the essential elements copper, selenium, and zinc might significantly affect placental cadmium transport.     

Selenium, iron, copper, and zinc levels and copper-to-zinc ratios in serum of patients at different stages of viral hepatic diseases

Viral hepatic diseases, especially those induced by the hepatitis B virus, can progress into more serious pathological outcomes and eventually to hepatocellular carcinoma. A growing body of evidence indicates that many trace elements play important roles in a number of carcinogenic processes that proceed through various mechanisms. To examine the status of trace elements during the development of hepatic carcinoma, we determined the selenium, iron, copper, and zinc levels and copper-to-zinc ratios in the serum of patients at different stages of viral hepatic disease. We observed significant changes in the selenium, iron copper, and zinc levels in the serum of patients having hepatocellular carcinoma, relative to those of healthy controls (p<0.05). The mean serum copper level in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma was significantly higher than that of the control group. In contrast, the mean selenium, iron, and zinc levels in patients having hepatocellular carcinoma were significantly lower than those of the control group. In addition, the mean zinc level in the serum of patients with hepatic cirrhosis was significantly lower than that of the control group (p<0.05). Moreover, we found markedly elevated Cu: Zn ratios (p<0.05) in patients having hepatic cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Our findings imply that the levels of some trace elements, such as selenium, iron, copper, and zinc, and Cu:Zn ratios, might serve as biomarkers for the increased severity of viral hepatic damage.     

Distribution of elements binding to molecules with different molecular weights in aqueous extract of Antarctic krill by size-exclusion chromatography coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

The distribution of silver, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, selenium and zinc binding to species with different molecular weight in aqueous extract of krill was studied by on-line size-exclusion chromatography (SEC)/inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The extract was fractionated in three fractions with different molecular weight (MW) ranges (>20,000 relative molecular mass (rel. mol. mass), 2000-20,000 rel. mol. mass and <2000 rel. mol. mass), which were further analyzed by SEC with columns having different optimum fractionation ranges in order to obtain more detailed information about the MW distribution of the elements. Various distribution profiles for the target elements among different MW ranges were observed. The results obtained indicated that manganese, zinc, silver, cadmium and lead species were mostly distributed in the higher MW range (>20,000 rel. mol. mass). In the case of chromium, iron, cobalt, arsenic and selenium, most of them bind to species with lower MW (<2000 rel. mol. mass). Only copper and nickel species was predominantly present in middle MW range (2000-20,000 rel. mol. mass). Further speciation of arsenic compounds in the small MW fraction was carried out with anion exchange chromatography (AEC) coupled with ICP-MS. The results showed that the dominant arsenic species in this fraction is As(III) (63% of extractable arsenic), while As(V) (13%) and two unknown arsenic species (19% and 5%, respectively) are present in lower amounts.     

Effect of cations,including heavy metals,on cadmium uptake by Lemna polyrhiza L.

Cations, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, copper, iron, nickel and zinc, inhibited (up to 40%) extracellular binding and intracellular uptake of cadmium by Lemna polyrhiza in solution culture. Test plants showed a high capacity of extracellular cadmium binding which was competitively inhibited by copper, nickel and zinc; however, calcium, magnesium and potassium caused non-competitive inhibition. Iron and sodium increased K _m and decreased V _max, thereby causing mixed inhibition of extracellular binding. Intracellular cadmium uptake displayed Michaelis-Menten kinetics. It was competitively inhibited by calcium, magnesium, iron, nickel and zinc. Monovalent cations (sodium and potassium) caused non-competitive and copper caused mixed inhibition of intracellular cadmium uptake. Thus, high levels of cations and metals in the external environment should be expected to lower the cadmium accumulation efficiency of L. polyrhiza.     

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.     

Trace metals in edible marine molluscs and crustaceans from Lebanon

Samples of the edible tissue of cephalopod molluscs (cuttlefish, squid, octopus) and crustaceans (lobster, shrimp) collected off the coast of Lebanon were found to concentrate similar levels of cadmium, copper, nickel, and chromium. Lead and zinc were highest in the cephalopods and iron was highest in the crustaceans.The molluscs collected from Beirut had higher levels of many metals than those taken from the other locations. The Beirut octopus had higher lead, cadmium, copper, iron, and chromium. Lead, cadmium, and copper were also highest in the Beirut cuttlefish while iron and zinc were elevated. The crustaceans from Beirut showed no strong tendency to concentrate higher metal levels, except for the Beirut lobster which had higher copper than the other samples.In the cuttlefish, the analysis of bone showed generally higher cadmium, zinc, nickel, and chromium but lower copper and iron than the muscle. However, at Beirut, the bone samples had much higher iron. Levels of most metals in the exoskeletons of the lobster and shrimp were quite similar to those in the muscle tissue with the exception of iron in the lobster which was highest in the exoskeleton, and zinc in both crustaceans, which was more highly concentrated in the muscle.     

Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), found stranded along the Adriatic coast (Southern Italy,Mediterranean Sea), as bioindicators of essential and non-essential trace elements in the environment

In September 2014, a pod of seven sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) was stranded along the Adriatic coast of Southern Italy. Concentrations of 20 essential and non-essential trace elements were quantified in the brain, muscle, liver and kidneys of three female sperm whales, which died in this event.The essential elements copper, iron, manganese and zinc showed low ranges of variability, suggesting a homeostatic physiological control, while selenium concentrations were associated with age. Molybdenum, nickel and chromium showed low ranges of concentrations and no evidence of preferential accumulation in selected organs. Very low concentrations of the non-essential elements cadmium, lead, tin and vanadium were detected in all tissues, suggesting a minor impact of these pollutants on the sperm whale populations of the Mediterranean Sea. Aluminum was revealed to have relatively high concentrations, together with a high variability between tissues and individuals, reaching the highest values in the kidneys and muscle of the oldest female, which was pregnant; the rare earth elements – lanthanum and cerium – were also detected in the kidneys of this female, indicating that pregnancy probably influenced metal concentrations in body tissues.     

Impact of Trace Element Changes on Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate in Healthy and Diabetic States among Middle-Age and Elderly Egyptians

The aim of this study was to confirm if there is a link between the alteration in blood levels of trace elements (chromium, copper, lead, cadmium, and zinc) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) in healthy and diabetic states. This study is the first study to test these parameters in Egyptians. The study included 150 subjects divided into the following four groups: healthy middle-aged, healthy elderly, middle-aged diabetics, and elderly diabetics. Our results revealed a statistically significant decrease in the level of DHEAS in the elderly compared to middle-aged healthy and diabetic groups (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the middle-aged groups with respect to zinc, copper, chromium, and cadmium levels. Zinc and copper were lower in the diabetic subjects while chromium and cadmium were higher in the same group in comparison to healthy subjects. In the elderly groups, there were significant increases in chromium and cadmium levels in diabetic subjects rather than healthy ones. There was a significant increase in the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance level in the elderly healthy and diabetic groups and a significant decrease in the glutathione level in the elderly groups. There was no correlation between the levels of trace elements and DHEAS or between the levels of DHEAS, oxidants, and antioxidants in all of the tested groups. In conclusion, only the DHEAS level was correlated with age. There was no difference between the diabetic and healthy groups with respect to the levels of trace elements, with the exception of chromium and cadmium, which suggests the effect of pollution on the pathogenesis of diabetes in Egyptians. No correlation existed between the levels of DHEAS and trace elements, oxidants, and antioxidants. Finally, we believe that there is a large regional variation in the levels of trace elements due to different environmental exposure and nutritional factors which are responsible for contradictory results regarding the pathogenesis of diseases related to alterations in the levels of trace elements.     

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.     

Serum zinc, selenium, copper, and lead levels in women with second-trimester induced abortion resulting from neural tube defects

Neural tube defects are important causes of infant mortality and childhood morbidity. We investigated the relationship between zinc, selenium, copper, and lead concentrations and neural-tube-defect occurrence in women with a second-trimester termination due to fetal-neural-tube defects (NTDs) in this case-control study. Fourteen pregnant women whose pregnancies were terminated as a result of second-trimester ultrasonographic diagnosis of neural tube defects were recruited as cases. The control group (n=14) consisted of women who were selected among age-, gravidity-, and socio-economic-state (SES)-matched women who had a normal triple-screen and targeted ultrasound during the second trimester with documented normal fetal outcome. Zinc and copper determinations were made using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Graphite furnace AAS was used for Pb, and Se levels were measured with hydride generation AAS. Cases had significantly low serum zinc and selenium levels (62.48±15.9 vs 102.6±23.7 and 55.16±11.3 vs 77.4±5.5, respectively, p<0.001). Serum Cu and whole-blood Pb levels were significantly high when compared to controls. There was a negative correlation between serum zinc and selenium levels, and serum copper levels (r=−425 and −0.443, p<0.05). Our results are consistent with some previous reports. The etiology of NTDs cannot be explained with one strict etiologic mechanism. On the contrary, an interaction among environmental, genetic, and nutritional factors such as trace elements and vitamins would explain these anomalies. If folic acid supplementation is given, additional Zn supplementation should be considered for the further decrease in the recurrence and occurrence of NTDs.     

Seminal plasma trace metal levels in industrial workers

This study compares the seminal plasma trace metal levels of hospital workers with groups of industrial workers in a petroleum refinery, smelter, and chemical plant. The metals measured were the essential metals (copper, zinc, nickel, cobalt, and manganese) and the toxic metals (lead, cadmium, and aluminum). The group mean±SE metal level for each group (50 subjects per group) was calculated, and the statistical significance of the group mean differences of the industrial groups with the hospital group (control) was determined by the Student’s t-test. The differences observed in the smelter group were increased copper and zinc (p≤0.001) and decreased nickel, cobalt, and manganese (p≤0.001,≤0.01). The refinery group differences were increased copper, zinc, and nickel (p≤0.001) but decreased cobalt and manganese (p≤0.001). The chemical group differences were increased zinc (p≤0.001) and decreased cobalt (p≤0.001). The seminal plasma levels of the toxic metals lead and aluminum were increased in each of the industrial groups (p≤0.001). Concurrent differences were (1) decreased accumulation of nickel, cobalt, and manganese in the smelter group, (2) decreased cobalt and managanese in the refinery group, and (3) only decreased cobalt in the chemical group.     

The cytotoxic interaction of inorganic trace elements with EDTA and cisplatin in sensitive and resistant human ovarian cancer cells

Summary Cisplatin (CDDP)-sensitive and -resistant human ovarian cells were studied in vitro with the objective of enhancing CDDP cytotoxicity by the addition of a metal and the chelate ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), to the CDDP. Chelateable elements, such as bismuth, calcium, cadmium, copper, iron, magnesium, selenium, vanadium, and zinc, when added to CDDP and in the presence of EDTA increased the cytotoxicity of the CDDP as compared to CDDP treatment alone.     

Interactive Effects of Selenium and Cadmium on Mammary Tumor Development and Growth in MMTV-Infected Female Mice. A Model Study on the Roles of Cadmium and Selenium in Human Breast Cancer

Previous studies demonstrated that the age-corrected breast cancer mortalities in different countries are inversely correlated with the per-capita dietary intakes of selenium and directly with the estimated intakes of cadmium, zinc, and chromium, suggesting that the anticarcinogenic properties of selenium are counteracted by these elements. The tumor-preventative effects of selenium and the converse effects zinc and chromium have already been confirmed experimentally in studies with female inbred C3H mice carrying murine mammary tumor virus (MMTV). Using the same model of human breast cancer, it is now demonstrated that cadmium abolishes the cancer-protecting effects of selenium. In addition, cadmium was also found to interact with zinc, copper, and chromium. At 1.4 ppm in the drinking water, cadmium caused a significant depletion of zinc in vital organs such as the liver, which is held responsible for a delay of the appearance of the mammary tumors by 4 months and their slower growth rates relative to the Cd-unexposed controls. The results of the present study are relevant to human breast cancer prevention as selenium counteracts the effects of cadmium.     

Survey of atmospheric heavy metal deposition in Suqian using moss contamination

Abstract

Heavy metal pollution in the atmosphere is a major environmental problem, which has important impacts on ecosystems and human health. In this study, the atmospheric deposition of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn) in Suqian, China, was investigated by using the moss Haplocladium microphyllum as a bioindicator. The survey was carried out during the summer of 2017 at 40 homogenously distributed sampling sites. Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, and Cd was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Wide variations in heavy metals (Cd, Pb, and Zn) indicated that the concentrations of elements are influenced by local emission sources. Spatial distribution maps of the elements were constructed using geographic information system technology. The pollution load index showed that the study area was moderately polluted to unpolluted. Significant positive correlations (p?<?.01) and weak positive correlations (p?<?.05) were identified among some of the elements, indicating that they originated from common sources. A principal component analysis classified the heavy metals into natural and anthropogenic sources, and identified four primary sources: nature soil dust, industry activities, traffic emission, and agricultural activities.     

Factors that Affect the Content of Cadmium,Nickel, Copper and Zinc in Tissues of the Knee Joint

Osteoarthritis causes the degradation of the articular cartilage and periarticular bones. Trace elements influence the growth, development and condition of the bone tissue. Changes to the mineral composition of the bone tissue can cause degenerative changes and fractures. The aim of the research was to determine the content of cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in the tibia, the femur and the meniscus in men and women who underwent a knee replacement surgery. Samples were collected from 50 patients, including 36 women and 14 men. The determination of trace elements content were performed by ICP-AES method, using Varian 710-ES. Average concentration in the tissues of the knee joint teeth amounted for cadmium 0.015, nickel 0.60, copper 0.89 and zinc 80.81 mg/kg wet weight. There were statistically significant differences in the content of cadmium, copper and zinc in different parts of the knee joint. There were no statistically significant differences in the content of cadmium, nickel, copper and zinc in women and men in the examined parts of the knee joint. Among the elements tested, copper and nickel showed a high content in the connective tissue (the meniscus) compared to the bone tissue (the tibia and the femur).     

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.     

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).     

Relative and combined effects of ethanol and protein deficiency on some hair trace elements

This study was performed in order to analyze the relative and combined effects of ethanol and protein deficiency on hair copper, zinc, manganese, and iron content in four groups of seven animals each which were pair-fed during 8 wk with (1) a nutritionally adequate diet, (2) a 36% (as energy) ethanol-containing isocaloric diet, (3) a 2% protein, isocaloric diet, and (4) a 36% ethanol, 2% protein isocaloric diet, respectively, following the Lieber-DeCarli model, and to analyze the relationship between hair copper, zinc, manganese, and iron content, and the liver and muscle content of these elements. Although there was a trend to higher levels of all the elements analyzed in the the hair of the low-protein fed animals, differences were statistically significant regarding copper and manganese, effects being solely attributable to the low protein diet, not to ethanol. Moreover, hair copper was significantly, inversely related with final weight and weight loss. There were significant relationship between liver zinc and muscle zinc (r=0.57, p=0.002), but not between liver or muscle zinc and hair zinc; no correlations were observed between muscle copper and hair copper, nor between liver manganese and hair manganese. An inverse, statistically significant correlation was observed between liver copper and hair copper (r=−0.39, p<0.05).     

Levels of selenium, zinc, copper, and antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with leukemia

Essential elements, mainly selenium and zinc, were involved in protection against oxidative stress in cells. Oxidation could lead to the formation of free radicals that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including leukemia. Leukemia is a neoplastic disease that is susceptible to antioxidant enzyme and essential elements alterations. This study was undertaken to examine the levels of essential elements, antioxidant enzymes activities, and their relationships with different types of leukemia. Serum selenium, zinc, and copper concentrations, red blood cell glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, plasma Cu−Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu−Zn SOD) activities and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were determined in 49 patients with different types of leukemia before initial treatment. Serum selenium and zinc concentrations were lower in leukemia patients than those of controls (p<0.01). Serum copper concentration was higher in leukemia patients than that of controls (p<0.01). The activities GPx and Cu−Zn SOD were significantly increased in leukemia patients, especially with acute leukemia (AL), acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL), and acute nonlymphoid leukemia (ANLL) (p<0.05), whereas no difference was found between those of chronic myelogeneous leukemia and the controls. The levels of LPO were normal as controls. Serum selenium concentration was not correlated with GPx, and serum levels of zinc and copper were not related to Cu−Zn SOD. Serum zinc levels had a negative correlation with the absolute peripheral blast cells, whereas serum copper had a positive correlation with the absolute peripheral blast cells. Increased GPx and Cu−Zn SOD activities and normal levels of LPO, which were a protective responses, were an indicator of mild oxidative stress; it mights indicate that the essentials elements alterations in leukemia patients were mostly dependent on tumor activity. Changes of their levels demonstrated that there are low selenium, zinc, and high copper status in leukemia patients. The decrease of plasma zinc and increase of the Cu/Zn ratio could be the index that showed an unfavorable prognosis of acute leukemia.