Cross-sectional analysis of trace element status in thyroid disease

BackgroundThe synthesis of thyroid hormone depends on a set of trace elements, most importantly selenium and iodine. The dietary supply with certain micronutrients is limited in many areas of the world, including central Europe and large parts of Asia and Africa. Moreover, both thyroid disease risk and therapy effects are modulated by trace element supply and status.ObjectiveAssessment of trace element status in thyroid patients in a European metropolis.Material and MethodsAdult patients visiting a medical praxis in Berlin, Germany, were enrolled into a cross-sectional analysis, and serum samples were obtained from thyroid patients (n = 323) with different conditions including goitre, hypothyroidism, malignancy or autoimmune thyroid disease. Trace elements (iodine, selenium, copper and zinc) were assessed by ICP-MS/MS or total reflection X-ray analysis, along with two protein biomarkers of selenium status (selenoprotein P, glutathione peroxidase), and compared to the clinical phenotype.ResultsThe patients displayed relatively low serum zinc and selenium concentrations as compared to a set (n = 200) of healthy subjects (zinc; 1025+/-233 vs. 1068+/−230 μg/L, p < 0.01, selenium; 76.9+/18.8 vs. 85.1+/−17.4 μg/L, p < 0.0001). A high fraction of patients (37.5%) was classified as selenium-deficient (serum selenium concentrations <70 μg/L), in particular the patients with thyroid malignancy (59%). Serum copper was not different between the groups, and total serum iodine concentrations were unrelated to thyroid disease. Explorative statistical analyses yielded no significant interactions between the trace elements and disease parameters, except for free thyroxine inversely correlating to the copper/selenium ratio.ConclusionsIn adult thyroid patients, there is no relation of circulating copper, iodine, selenium or zinc concentrations to thyroid hormone. However, a large fraction of German thyroid patients displays a considerable selenium deficit, known to constitute a disease risk potentially impairing convalescence and aggravating autoimmune disease processes. It appears advisable to testing thyroid patients for selenium deficiency, and once diagnosed, an increased supply via dietary counselling or active supplementation should be considered.     

Supplemental selenium and coenzyme Q10 reduce glycation along with cardiovascular mortality in an elderly population with low selenium status – A four-year,prospective, randomised,double-blind placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundA low intake of selenium has been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular mortality, and supplementation of selenium and coenzyme Q10 influences this. The mechanism behind is unclear although effects on inflammation, oxidative stress and microRNA expression have been reported.Fructosamine, a marker of long-term glycaemic control, is also a marker of increased risk of heart disease and death, even in non-diabetics.ObjectiveTo analyse the impact of selenium and coenzyme Q10 supplementation on the concentration of fructosamine. Also, the relation between pre-intervention serum selenium concentration and the effect on fructosamine of the intervention was studied.MethodsFructosamine plasma concentration was determined in 219 participants after six and 42 months of intervention with selenium yeast (200 μg/day) and coenzyme Q10 (200 mg/ day) (n = 118 of which 20 had diabetes at inclusion), or placebo (n = 101 of which 18 had diabetes at inclusion). Pre-intervention, the serum selenium levels were 67 μg/L (active treatment group: 66.6 μg/L; placebo group: 67.4 μg/L), corresponding to an estimated intake of 35 μg/day. Changes in concentrations of fructosamine following intervention were assessed by the use of T-tests, repeated measures of variance, and ANCOVA analyses.ResultsPost-intervention selenium concentrations were 210 μg/L in the active group and 72 μg/L in the placebo group. A lower concentration of fructosamine could be seen as a result of the intervention in the total population (P = 0.001) in both the males (P = 0.04) and in the females (P = 0.01) in the non-diabetic population (P = 0.002), and in both the younger (<76 years) (P = 0.01) and the older (≥76 years) participants (P = 0.03). No difference could be demonstrated in fructosamine concentration in the diabetic patients, but the total sample was small (n = 38). In subjects with a low pre-intervention level of serum selenium the intervention gave a more pronounced decrease in fructosamine compared with those with a higher baseline selenium level.ConclusionA significantly lower concentration of fructosamine was observed in the elderly community-living participants supplemented with selenium and coenzyme Q10 for 42 months compared to those on the placebo. As oxidative mechanisms are involved in the glycation of proteins, less glycoxidation could be a result of the supplementation of selenium and coenzyme Q10, which could have contributed to lower cardiac mortality and less inflammation, as has earlier been reported.This study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov, and has the identifier NCT01443780.     

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.     

Association of circulating selenium concentration with dyslipidemia: Results from the NHANES

BackgroundObservational studies have suggested that selenium levels might associate with the risk of cardio-metabolic diseases, but how circulating selenium is related to dyslipidemia remains inconclusive.ObjectivesTo investigate the association of circulating selenium levels with lipid profiles and dyslipidemia among US adults.MethodsUsing the data collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 1999–2006), we performed multivariate logistic regression to examine the association of circulating selenium levels (in quartiles) with total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), non-HDL-C, and atherogenic index (AI).ResultsWe included 2903 adults (49.3 % male) (average age: 61.9) for analysis. Circulating selenium had non-linear association with TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, and AI (all p < 0.05). When comparing with the lowest quartile, subjects with the highest quartile of circulating selenium (>147.00 μg/L) had the higher odds of elevated TG (OR: 1.75, 95% CI = 1.14, 2.68), TC (OR: 2.47, 95% CI = 1.62, 3.76), LDL-C (OR: 2.52, 95% CI = 1.60, 3.96), non-HDL-C (OR: 2.17, 95% CI = 1.41, 3.33), AI (OR: 1.20, 95% CI = 0.73, 1.97) and low-HDL-C (OR: 2.10, 95% CI = 1.19, 3.72). Similar patterns were observed in subgroup analysis.ConclusionsHigher circulating selenium levels had non-linear association with lipid profiles and the increased odds of dyslipidemia.     

Serum Levels of Antioxidants (Zn, Cu, Se) in Healthy Volunteers Living in Tehran

Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and selenium (Se) are well-known as essential trace elements. These elements attract a great interest, not only in the scientific world, but also in the public option. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum Zn, Cu, and Se levels in healthy volunteers (60 females and 55 males) living in Tehran. The age (6–62 years) and sex of the subjects, as well as drug and tobacco consumption, were registered. The concentrations of these elements were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The serum levels of Zn, Cu, and Se in the normal population of Tehran was 0.89?±?0.16 mg/L, 0.95?±?0.20 mg/L, and 99.10?±?21.78 μg/L, respectively. There was no significant gender-related difference in serum Zn concentration (p?<?0.15). However, a significant difference (p?<?0.05) in both Cu and Se levels was observed between males and females.     

Serum levels of selenium, manganese, copper, and iron in colorectal cancer patients

This article describes a study in which four trace elements (Se, Mn, Cu, and Fe) were analyzed in the blood serum of the patients with colorectal cancer from the Moravian region of the Czech Republic. Atomic absorption spectrometry with graphite furnace atomization was used for analysis of selenium and manganese and with flame atomization for analysis of copper and iron. The observed serum concentrations in adenocarcinoma colorectal patients of selenium were significantly lower (41.8 ± 11.6 μg/L) and those of manganese (16.3 ± 4.5 μg/L) and iron (2.89 ± 1.23 mg/L) were significantly higher as compared to the age-matched control group. Copper serum content (0.95 ± 0.28 mg/L) did not significantly differ as compared to healthy population.     

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.     

Association of dietary and serum selenium concentrations with glucose level and risk of diabetes mellitus: A cross sectional study of national health and nutrition examination survey, 1999-2006

BackgroundThe associations among dietary selenium intake, serum selenium concentration, plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels, and diabetes risk remain controversial. This study aimed to evaluate these associations in adults from the United States.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of participants aged 18 years and older who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Between 1999 and 2006, a total of 41,474 participants were initially included in this study. Multivariable linear or logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between dietary selenium intake and serum selenium concentrations, glucose level, and diabetes risk.ResultsThe average age of the participants was 30.32 ± 23.95 years, and 48.72 % were men. Their mean dietary selenium intake and mean serum selenium concentration were 98 ± 55 μg per day and 129 ± 22 ng/mL, respectively. Compared with t he lowest quartile of dietary selenium intake, the highest quartile was associated with elevated plasma glucose levels (β = 2.412, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.420, 4.403, P = 0.018), glycosylated hemoglobin levels (β = 0.080, 95 % CI: 0.041, 0.119, P < 0.001), and diabetes risk (odds ratio [OR] = 2.139, 95 % CI: 1.763, 2.596, P < 0.001). Higher serum selenium was also associated with increased plasma glucose levels (β = 12.454, 95 % CI: 4.122, 20.786, P = 0.003) and glycosylated hemoglobin levels (β = 0.326, 95 % CI: 0.187, 0.465, P < 0.001). A generalized additive model with a spline curve suggested a nonlinear relationship between dietary selenium intake, serum selenium and glucose levels, and diabetes risk.ConclusionsDietary selenium intake and serum selenium were positively associated with elevated levels of plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin, and the relationships were nonlinear. Additional selenium supplementation for patients with diabetes may not be recommended.     

Comparative Study of Serum Zinc, Copper, Manganese, and Iron in Preeclamptic Pregnant Women

Preeclampsia complicates 2–8 % of all pregnancies and it is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and pre-term delivery in the world. Unfortunately, there is scarcity of document discussing the circulating level of several essential trace elements in preeclampsia patients in Bangladesh. The present study was designed to evaluate the serum concentration of four trace elements, namely zinc, copper, manganese, and iron, in preeclamptic pregnant women. The study was conducted as a case–control study with 50 preeclamptic pregnant women as cases and 58 normotensive pregnant women as controls. Obstetric, anthropometric, and clinical data were collected at routine obstetric visits. Serum trace elements were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Independent sample t test and Pearson’s correlation test were done for the statistical analysis using the statistical software package SPSS, version 16.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). We observed significant differences for gestational age, body mass index, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure between patient and control groups (p?<?0.05). Analysis of serum trace elements explored significantly lower level of all the four elements in preeclampsia patients in comparison to the control group (p?<?0.05). Pearson’s correlation analysis explored that the correlation between serum level of different trace elements was statistically insignificant (p?>?0.05) except the correlation between zinc and iron in preeclampsia patients (p?<?0.05). Establishment of inter-element relationship strongly supports that there was a disturbance in the element homeostasis in patient with preeclampsia. In conclusion, our study suggests that preeclampsia patients have considerably lower level of serum zinc, copper, manganese, and iron compared to the healthy pregnant women.     

Serum levels of trace elements and iron-deficiency anemia in adult Vietnamese

This study was aimed at assessing the serum levels of vitamin A, copper, zinc, selenium, and iron among adult Vietnamese with and without iron-deficiency anemia. Blood was collected from adult Vietnamese living in the midland of northern Vietnam. One hundred twenty-three subjects in the age range 20–60 yr were included in the study. Anemia, where the concentration of hemoglobin in whole blood is less than 120 g/L in females and 130 g/L in males, was found in 30% (37/123) of the study population. The levels of vitamin A and selenium in the sera of anemic subjects (n=37) were significantly lower than that in nonanemic group (n=86). On the other hand, no significant differences were observed in the concentrations of copper and zinc between the two groups. This study was the first to show serum levels of trace elements in adult Vietnamese, providing useful baseline information for further studies.     

Trace elements status in multinodular goiter

Importance of iodine and selenium in thyroid metabolism is well known, but the roles of other essential trace elements including copper, zinc, manganese and iron on thyroid hormone homeostasis remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the status of those trace elements in benign thyroid diseases and evaluate possible links between trace element concentrations and thyroid hormones.The study group was composed of 25 patients with multinodular goiter. Concentrations of thyroid hormones (plasma-free thyroxine, FT₄; free triiodothyronine, FT₃; and thyrotropin, TSH), selenium, copper, zinc, manganese and iron in plasma, and urinary iodine were determined. The results were compared with those of a healthy control group (n=20) with no thyroid disorder.A mild iodine deficiency was observed in the patients with multinodular goiter whereas urinary iodine levels were in the range of “normal” values in healthy controls. All patients were euthyroid, and their thyroid hormone concentrations were not significantly different from the control group. Plasma selenium, zinc and iron concentrations did not differ from controls, while copper and manganese levels were found to be significantly higher in the patients with multinodular goiter indicating links between these trace elements and thyroid function and possibly in development of goiter. Besides iodine, there was a significant correlation between plasma copper concentration and FT₃/FT₄ ratio.     

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.     

The relationship between established coronary risk factors and serum copper and zinc concentrations in a large Persian Cohort

IntroductionThe relationship between demographic and biochemical characteristics, including several established coronary risk factors, and serum copper and zinc was assessed in a large Iranian population sample.Materials and methodsA group of 2233 individuals, 15–65 years of age [1106 (49.5%) males and 1127 (50.5%) females] was recruited from residents of the Greater Khorasan province in northeast of Iran. Demographic data were collected using questionnaires. Coronary risk factors were determined using standard protocols, and trace elements were measured in serum using atomic absorption spectroscopy.ResultsDegree of glucose tolerance and smoking habit were not associated with serum zinc and copper levels. Serum copper levels were significantly higher in obese and hypertensive than in normal subjects (p<0.001). In the whole group and for the female subgroup, serum zinc (p<0.01) and copper (p<0.001) were both significantly lower in individuals with normal versus high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.A strong positive correlation was found between serum copper and body mass index (BMI) (r=0.85, p<0.001). Weaker positive associations were found between serum copper and calculated 10 years’ coronary risk (r=0.11, p<0.001). Serum zinc/copper ratio was strongly inversely associated with calculated 10 years’ coronary risk (r=?0.10, p<0.001). The partial Eta squared (PES) values for factors determining serum zinc were hypertension (0.007, p=0.01) and BMI (0.004, p=0.01); and for serum copper, they were gender (0.02, p=0.001), hypertension (0.004, p=0.009), and 10 years’ coronary risk for men (0.003, p=0.03) and women (0.002, p=0.07).ConclusionSignificant associations between serum trace element concentrations and several coronary risk factors, including calculated 10 years’ coronary risk scores, were found.     

Effect of lead,calcium, iron,zinc, copper and magnesium on anemia in children with BLLs ≥ 100 μg/L

ObjectiveAdverse effects of lead exposure on children's health have been demonstrated. While studies have examined the relationship between iron status and low-level lead exposure in children with blood lead levels (BLLs) < 100 μg/L, few have investigated the association between blood lead and other trace elements and anemia in children with BLLs ≥ 100 μg/L. This study aimed to assess the levels of lead, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, and calcium in children aged 0–14 with BLLs≥ 100 μg/L between 2009 and 2021, and to examine the relationship between blood lead, trace elements and anemia.MethodsA total of 11,541 children with BLLs ≥ 100 μg/L were included in this study. Venous blood samples were collected to measure blood lead levels, hemoglobin levels, and trace element levels. According to the World Health Organization standard, outpatients with hemoglobin levels < 110 g / L were defined as having anemia.ResultsThe study results found that high BLLs and blood calcium had a negative influence on Hb with odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of 1.411(1.208, 1.649) and 1.219(1.043, 1.424). High blood iron had a positive influence on Hb with odds ratios of 0.421(0.355, 0.499).ConclusionThe results suggest that the risk of anemia rose significantly with higher BLLs, blood copper, and blood calcium levels, and decreases considerably with higher blood iron levels.     

Effect of the inflammatory response on serum indices of iron status in late pregnancy

Background and aimsA systemic inflammatory response complicates the evaluation of iron status during pregnancy. We investigated the magnitude of this effect on indices of iron status in late pregnancy.MethodsWe retrospectively interrogated laboratory data and hospitalisation records from April 2016 to March 2017 and obtained results from pregnant women in which serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) or albumin had been examined together with indicators of iron status (serum ferritin [SF] and serum transferrin [ST], n = 11,571). We assessed the association of the inflammatory response, as evidenced by hsCRP and albumin, with iron status indicators by general linear regression analysis.ResultCompared to women with an hsCRP of ≤ 5 mg/L, the median SF level in those with an hsCRP of 6–10, 11–20, and > 20 mg/L significantly increased by 2.24 μg/L (95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.22, 3.26), 4.04 μg/L (95 % CI: 2.05, 6.04), and 13.49 μg/L (95 % CI: 10.44, 16.53); while the ST level decreased by 0.10 g/L (95 % CI: 0.13, 0.06), 0.16 g/L (95 % CI: 0.23, 0.09), and 0.21 g/L (95 % CI: 0.32, 0.11), respectively (all P < 0.001). With regard to the association of inflammation with SF and ST, no significant interaction between albumin (< 35 and ≥ 35 g/L) and hsCRP was observed (SF: P for interaction = 0.426; ST: P for interaction = 0.872).ConclusionsMeasurement of hsCRP in late pregnancy is necessary to correct the levels of SF and ST. The impact of the inflammatory response on indices of iron status in late pregnancy could not be adjusted by albumin.     

Circulating antioxidant vitamins and copper in Azorean coronary artery disease patients under preventive medication – A case study

Background and aimOxidative stress and inflammation are conditions that are deeply involved in atherosclerosis and consequent coronary artery disease (CAD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the relationship among circulating antioxidant vitamins (C, A, E), copper, and other pro- or antioxidant/inflammation markers in patients with and without CAD under preventive medication.Subjects and methods174 Azorean subjects symptomatic for CAD (age 56 ± 9y; 68 % men) submitted to coronary angiography were split into 2 groups: one formed by CAD patients (≥50 % stenosis in at least one major coronary vessel) and the other by non-CAD patients (<50 % stenosis). Both groups were age-, sex- and BMI-matched. Plasma levels of vitamins or copper were measured by HPLC and AAS, respectively.Results and conclusionsLower vitamin C levels were observed in CAD patients (mainly in women, who exhibited a high rate of diabetes mellitus) as compared to the non-CAD ones. Also, CAD patients (mainly men) exhibited significantly higher concentrations of plasma copper than their non-CAD counterparts (1.17 ± 0.3 mg/L vs. 1.09 ± 0.3 mg/L, p = 0.030). In bivariate analysis, plasma copper levels were positively associated with serum LDL-cholesterol (r=0.22; p = 0.004) and chiefly with C-reactive protein (r=0.40; p < 0.001). Furthermore, they were significantly lower in recurrent vs. non recurrent CAD patients (1.07±0.2 vs. 1.24±0.3 mg/L, p = 0.004). ROC analysis showed that plasma copper, whenever >1.06 mg/L, was an independent risk factor for CAD in primary prevention for men, which suggests that its levels can fluctuate with medical therapy (such as anti-inflammatory), thus indicating that copper is not a reliable marker for CAD. Moreover, plasma copper concentration was not associated with CAD severity. Yet, results do suggest that, even within its reference concentration range, it could be useful as an acute inflammation marker in CAD management.     

Serum level of antioxidant vitamins and minerals in patients with vitiligo,a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundAntioxidant status is considered as important factor in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. However, there are controversial findings about serum status of antioxidants in vitiligo patients. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the evidences comparing the serum levels of antioxidant vitamins and minerals between vitiligo patients and controls, and performing meta-analysis of the results.MethodsA comprehensive search was performed for studies comparing the serum status of antioxidant vitamins and minerals using following databases since inception up to 30 April 2020; PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science. Data extraction was done by two independent reviewers. The data was pooled for serum level of each antioxidant comparing between vitiligo and control groups.ResultsThirteen studies were included in this systematic review. The serum level of vitamin A, C, E, selenium, zinc and copper were compared between vitiligo patients and controls in these studies. Eleven studies including 570 vitiligo cases and 580 controls were included in the meta-analysis. Serum vitamin A and copper level in vitiligo patients were only evaluated in single studies and not included in meta-analysis. Based on fixed effect model, there were no statistical difference between two groups regarding serum vitamin C (OR = 1.17, 95 % CI, 0.74–1.84, P = 0.495), and vitamin E (OR = 0.61, 95 % CI, 0.30–1.25, P = 0.180). Higher serum zinc can decrease the risk of vitiligo based on sensitivity analysis of the results. (OR = 0.29, 95 % CI 0.15−0.54, P < 0.001). Higher serum selenium level significantly increased the risk of vitiligo (OR = 4.31, 95 % CI, 2.72–6.81, P < 0.001). Vitamin A was not significantly different in two reported groups (6.35 ± 1.53 vs 6.77 ± 1.46 μg/mL, P > 0.05). Copper was significantly higher in vitiligo patients compared to controls (129 ± 33 vs 99 ± 19 μg /100 mL, P = 0.002).ConclusionThe current meta-analysis of data on serum level of most studied antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and selenium) in patients suffering vitiligo showed that higher serum selenium (OR = 4.31) and lower zinc level (OR = 0.29) can increased the risk of vitiligo. Potential mechanism associated with preventive effects of zinc and the depigmentation effect of selenium should be more elucidated in further studies.     

The time-trend and the relation between smoking and circulating selenium concentrations in Norway

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to investigate biomarkers of selenium status in relation to smoking habits and to analyze the time-trend of selenium in serum (S-Se) in Norway during the time period 1995–2006.MethodsThe impact of smoking habits was investigated in a population recruited to a cross-sectional study of blue-collar workers in the southern part of the country (n=98). The time-trend was studied in all subjects who delivered blood samples for the determination of S-Se to a large commercial clinical chemistry laboratory in Norway.ResultsSmokers had 0.14 and 0.20 μmol/L lower concentrations of selenium in whole blood (B-Se) and serum, respectively, than non-smokers. The amount of smoking, as assessed by the serum cotinine concentration, was negatively associated with the B-Se concentration (Pearson's r=?0.43). The 1/3 of the blue-collar workers with the lowest concentrations of B-Se or S-Se had lower activity of glutathione peroxidase in serum (S-GSHpx) than the remaining subjects. Snuff users had about the same levels of B-Se and S-Se as the non-smokers, although they had about the same amount of nicotine metabolites in urine and serum as the smokers. A decreasing trend of S-Se was observed during the observation period from 1995 to 2006. The mean concentration was 1.26 μmol/L in 1995, while the lowest mean concentration was measured in 2003 (1.01 μmol/L).ConclusionSmoking, but not snuffing, is associated with lower concentrations of B-Se and S-Se. The reduction of B-Se is negatively associated with the nicotine biomarker cotinine in serum. A substantial proportion of blue-collar workers had not maximized the activity of S-GSHpx. Selenium status may have become poorer since 1995.     

Age-Dependent Influence of Gender on the Association Between Obesity and a Cluster of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors

BackgroundObesity is a main risk factor in metabolic syndrome. Gender is known to influence the risk of obesity and other cardiovascular risk factors. However, it remains to be determined whether there is a gender-specific difference in the relationship between obesity and accumulation of other cardiometabolic risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine whether the association between obesity and a cluster of other cardiometabolic risk factors is modified by gender.MethodsThe subjects were 17,791 Japanese men and women who were divided into younger (35–40 years) and older (60–70 years) age groups. The relationships between obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥25 kg/m² or waist-to-height ratio [WHtR] ≥0.5) and multiple cardiometabolic risk factors (≥2 of the risk factors of high blood pressure, dyslipidema, and hyperglycemia) were compared between men and women in each age group.ResultsIn the younger group, the crude odds ratios (ORs) for multiple cardiometabolic risk factors in obese versus nonobese subjects were significantly higher in women than in men (BMI: 6.23 [range, 5.53–7.02] in men vs 16.63 [range, 12.37–22.37] in women, P < 0.01; WHtR: 6.04 [range, 5.36–6.81] in men vs 9.77 [range, 7.14–13.37] in women, P < 0.01), whereas this difference was not found in the older group (BMI: 3.03 [range, 2.69–3.42] in men vs 2.92 [range, 2.33–3.67] in women P = 0.076; WHtR: 3.11 [range, 2.78–3.47] in men vs 2.50 [range, 2.02–3.09] in women, P < 0.05). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, the ORs for multiple cardiometabolic risk factors after adjusting for age, smoking, alcohol consumption, and regular exercise in subjects with versus subjects without a large waist circumference tended to be higher in women than in men in the younger group but not in the older group. The ORs of the interaction term consisting of gender and each adiposity index for multiple cardiometabolic risk factors were significantly higher than a reference level of 1.00 in the younger group (BMI: 2.68 [range, 1.95–3.69], P < 0.01; WHtR: 1.62 [range, 1.16–2.27], P < 0.01) but not in the older group (BMI: 0.95 [range, 0.74–1.23], P = 0.712; WHtR: 0.80 [range, 0.63–1.02], P = 0.066).ConclusionThe results suggest that the association between obesity and a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors is stronger in women than in men, and this gender-specific difference exists in younger (35–40 years) but not in older (60–70 years) individuals.     

Operationally defined species characterization and bioaccessibility evaluation of cobalt,copper and selenium in Cape gooseberry (Physalis Peruviana L.) by SEC-ICP MS

Physalis peruviana could attract great interest because of its nutritional and industrial properties. It is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and carotenoids. Physalis Peruviana is also known to have a positive impact on human health. Unfortunately, still little is known about trace elements present in Physalis Peruviana and their forms available for the human body. Thus, the aim of this study was to estimate bioaccessibility and characterization of species of cobalt, copper and selenium in Physalis Peruviana fruits.Total and extractable contents of elements were determined by mass spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma (ICP MS). In order to separate the different types of metal complexes Physalis peruviana fruits were treated with the following solvents: Tris–HCl (pH 7.4), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) (pH 7.4) and ammonium acetate (pH 5.5). The best efficiency of extraction of: cobalt was obtained for ammonium acetate (56%) and Tris–HCl (60%); for copper was obtained for SDS (66%), for selenium the best extraction efficiency was obtained after extraction with SDS (48%).To obtain information about bioaccessibility of investigated elements, enzymatic extraction based on in vitro simulation of gastric (pepsin) and intestinal (pancreatin) digestion was performed. For copper and selenium the simulation of gastric digestion leads to the extraction yield above 90%, while both steps of digestion method were necessary to obtain satisfactory extraction yield in the case of cobalt.Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled to on-line ICP MS detection was used to investigate collected metal species. The main fraction of metal compounds was found in the 17 kDa region. Cobalt and copper create complexes mostly with compounds extracted by means of ammonium acetate and SDS, respectively. Cobalt, copper and selenium were found to be highly bioaccessible from Physalis Peruviana. Investigation of available standards of cobalt and selenium allows confirming the presence of vitamin B₁₂ and probably selenomethionine in the fraction bioaccessible by human body (obtained during enzymatic extraction). It should be noted that the presence of small seleno-compounds in Cape gooseberry was performed for the first time.The results show that the combination of SEC and ICP MS could provide a simple method for separating of soluble element species.