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.     

Toxic and essential elements in children's blood (<6 years) from Kinshasa,DRC (the Democratic Republic of Congo)

In this study we determined the concentration of 9 trace elements (As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Pb, Se and Zn) in whole blood of children (n = 100, 64 girls, 36 boys and median age: 36 months) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The proportion of children potentially deficient in essential elements or poisoned by toxic elements was evaluated. The aging effects on the concentration of these elements were also investigated. The median values were 3.17 μg/L (As), 0.15 μg/L (Cd), 1.1 mg/L (Cu), 2.1 μg/L (Hg), 10.4 μg/L (Mn), 17.7 μg/L (Mo), 8.7 μg/dL (Pb), 10.7 μg/L (Se) and 5.0 mg/L (Zn). The concentration of many elements (As, Cd, Hg, Mn, Pb and Zn) showed significant age variations but not sex influence. Regarding levels of the essential elements (Cu, Mn, Mo, Se and Zn), B-Cu, B-Mn, B-Se and B-Zn were in the normal range, whereas exceeded levels were observed for B-Mo. None of these children was deficient in essential elements. Except B-Cd, all toxic elements showed exceeded blood levels. The proportion of children potentially poisoned by toxic elements varies from 10% (n = 10) to 95% (n = 95) and depends on toxic element: 95% for As, 10% for Hg and 35% for Pb. The main health concerns emerging from this study are the high As, Hg and Pb exposures of the Kinshasan children requiring further documentation, corrective actions and the implementation of appropriate regulations.     

The association between serum selenium and gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundResults of the studies about association between serum selenium concentration and gestational hyperglycemia are inconsistent. Some studies have demonstrated that women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have lower Se concentrations while contrary results are reported in other studies.AimThe aim of this study is to compare the serum Se concentration in women with GDM and normoglycemic pregnant women via a systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsA computerized literature search on four databases (PubMed, Cochrane register of control trials, Scopus and Google scholar) was performed from inception through August 2013. Necessary data were extracted and random effects model was used to conduct the meta-analysis.ResultsSix observational studies (containing 147 women with GDM and 360 normoglycemic pregnant women) were found, which had compared serum Se concentration in women suffering from GDM with normal pregnant ones. Our meta-analysis revealed that serum Se concentration was lower in women with GDM compared to normoglycemic pregnant women (Hedges = −1.34; 95% CI: −2.33 to −0.36; P < 0.01). Stratified meta-analysis demonstrated that concentration of Se in the sera of women with GDM was lower than normal pregnant women both in second and third trimesters, but the result was not significant in second trimester (second trimester: Hedges = −0.68; 95% CI: −1.60−0.25; P = 0.15, third trimester: Hedges = −2.81; 95% CI: −5.21 to −0.42; P < 0.05). It was also demonstrated that serum Se status was lower in pregnant women with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) compared to normoglycemic pregnant women (Hedges = −0.85; 95% CI: −1.18 to −0.52).ConclusionThe available evidences suggest that serum Se concentration is significantly lower in pregnant women with gestational hyperglycemia compared to normal pregnant women.     

Blood lead and cadmium levels in a six hospital employee population. PESA study, 2009

IntroductionExposure to lead and cadmium is a public health problem due to the broad exposure to these toxic substances among the general population. The objective of this study is to determine blood lead and cadmium concentrations in a working population drawn from six university hospitals in Madrid, Getafe, Cartagena, Santiago de Compostela, Santander and Palma de Mallorca (Spain) and to identify associated factors.Materials and methods951 individuals participated in the study and were administered the standardized PESA^® questionnaire regarding exposure to lead and cadmium. The blood lead and cadmium concentrations were measured by electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman background correction in Perkin-Elmer spectrometers, guaranteeing the transferability of the results.ResultsThe median overall blood lead concentration was: 1.6 μg/dL (IQR: 0.9–2.7) and that of cadmium was: 0.21 μg/L (IQR: 0.10–0.50). There were significant differences in lead levels between men (2 μg/dL) and women (1.5 μg/dL), postmenopausal (2.6 μg/dL) and premenopausal women (1.1 μg/dL), and between participants who cooked in earthenware (2.1 μg/dL) and those who did not (1.5 μg/dL). The median of cadmium in women (0.24 μg/L) was higher than in men (0.11 μg/L) and was also higher in subjects who smoked (0.70 μg/L) than in non-smokers (0.13 μg/L).ConclusionsA reduction in blood lead and cadmium levels was observed with respect to previous studies carried out in Spain. Nevertheless, the results suggest there are certain factors which increase risk such as age, gender, menopause, age of housing, cooking in lead-glazed earthenware and exposure to cigarette smoke.     

An association among iron,copper, zinc,and selenium,and antioxidative status in dyslipidemic pediatric patients with glycogen storage disease types IA and III

Dyslipidemia in patients with glycogen storage disease types Ia (GSD Ia) and III (GSD III) does not lead to premature atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the association among serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and selenium (Se) concentrations, and their carrier proteins: ceruloplasmin, albumin, and related antioxidant enzyme activities [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), paraoxonase (PON), and arylesterase (ARYL)] in 20 GSD Ia and 14 III patients compared to age and sex matched 20 healthy subjects. Erythrocyte oxidative stress was measured by erythrocyte thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (eTBARSs). Hypertriglyceridemia [333 (36–890) mg/dL] in GSD Ia and hypercholesterolemia with elevated LDL-cholesterol [188 (91–313) mg/dL] and decreased HDL-cholesterol [32(23–58) mg/dL] levels in GSD III were found. Serum Cu, Fe, and Zn showed no significant differences between groups. However, Se 60 (54–94), 81 (57–127) μg/L, ceruloplasmin 21 (10–90), 27 (23–65) μg/L, and albumin 2.4 (1.7–5.1), 2.8 (1.8–4.06) g/dL levels were decreased in GSD Ia and III groups, respectively, in comparison with the controls [Se 110 (60–136) μg/L, ceruloplasmin 72 (32–94) μg/L, and albumin 4.4 (4–4.8) g/dL)]. In spite of high oxidative stress in erythrocyte detected by elevated eTBARS/Hb levels in GSD group [674.8 (454.6–948.2) for GSD Ia, 636.3 (460.9–842.1) for GSD III, and 525.6 (449.2–612.6)], the activities of CAT, SOD, ARYL, and PON in GSD patients were not different from the controls. GPx activity was decreased in GSD Ia [3.7 (1.8–7.1) U/mL] and GSD III [4.2 (2.2–8.6) U/mL] compared with healthy controls [7.1 (2.9–16.2) U/mL].In conclusion, this study supplied the data for trace elements, their carrier, and antioxidative enzymes in the patients with GSD Ia and III. The trace elements and anti-oxidative enzyme levels in GSD patients failed to explain the atherosclerotic escape phenomenon reported in these patients.     

Trace elements content and hormonal profiles in women with androgenetic alopecia

It is well-known that some trace element imbalances play a significant role in the pathomechanism of many forms of alopecia. Androgenetic alopecia, however, is a specific local sensitivity of hair follicle receptors to androgens. In a clinical and laboratory study, 153 women with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and 32 control women were examined. In AGA patients telogen hair and vellus hair (miniaturization, D < 30 μm) significantly differed in frontal and parietal hair comparison with occipital area (20 ± 0.9% vs. 12 ± 0.5% and 33 ± 0.9% vs. 12 ± 0.6% respectively). In the AGA group levels of androstenedione and dihydrotestosterone were higher than in the control group. Hair elemental content, analyzed by ICP-MS, demonstrated a lowered Cu and Zn content in the frontal area in comparison to the occipital area. It is important to note, that the AGA patients with elevated levels of androstenedione and dihydrotestosterone presented an increased Cu content and decreased Mn, Se, Zn contents in the occipital area of scalp. The occipital level of Cu positively correlated with the concentration of free testosterone in the serum. A negative correlation between the Zn content in the occipital area and the dehydroepiandrosterone level in the blood was found. Unfortunately, a routine treatment course of AGA patients, including topical inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase and minoxidil, had no effect on the Cu hair content in occipital and frontal areas. However, there were positive changes in the morphological structure and other trace element contents. These data led us to hypothesize a key role of Cu metabolism disturbances in the AGA onset, development of AGA, and potential pharmaceutical targets for the treatment of AGA.     

Selenium status in elderly: Relation to cognitive decline

Studies show that decreased antioxidant system is related to cognitive decline. Thus we aimed to measure selenium (Se) status in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) elderly and compared them with a control group (CG). 27 AD, 17 MCI and 28 control elderly were evaluated. Se concentration was determined in plasma and erythrocyte by using hydride generation atomic absorption spectroscopy. Erythrocyte Se concentration in AD group was lower than CG (43.73 ± 23.02 μg/L and 79.15 ± 46.37 μg/L; p = 0.001), but not statistically different from MCI group (63.97 ± 18.26 μg/L; p = 0.156). AD group exhibited the lowest plasma Se level (34.49 ± 19.94 μg/L) when compared to MCI (61.36 ± 16.08 μg/L; p = 0.000) and to CG (50.99 ± 21.06 μg/L; p = 0.010). It is observed that erythrocyte Se decreases as cognition function does. Since erythrocyte reflects longer-term nutritional status, the data point to the importance of the relation between Se exposure and cognitive function. Our findings suggest that the deficiency of Se may contribute to cognitive decline among aging people.     

Correlations among antiangiogenic factors and trace elements in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Although a number of studies have measured circulating levels of some trace elements in preeclampsia (PE) and compared to healthy pregnant (HP), there is no consensus yet about the deficiency of some metals and development of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. The aim of this study was to compare plasmatic levels of Zn, Mn, Co, Cu, Se and Sr among non-pregnant (NP), healthy pregnant (HP), gestational hypertensive (GH) and preeclamptic (PE) women and to correlate these levels with plasma soluble endoglin (sENG) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT-1), two important antiangiogenic proteins related to PE. A total of 184 women were enrolled in this study (NP = 35, GH = 51, PE = 37 and HP = 61). Trace element analyses were carried out with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICPMS). sENG and sFLT-1 plasma concentrations were measured by commercial ELISA kits. The most interesting result is that Sr is higher in PE (63%, P < 0.001) compared to HP and their levels are positively correlated with sENG in all three groups of pregnant women. Moreover, we found a negative correlation between Zn and sENG in HP (r = −0.43, P = 0.003). Regarding other elements, we found similar levels among pregnant groups. In conclusion, this study showed that Sr may has a role in physiopathology of PE.     

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.     

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.     

Effect of supplementation with Se-enriched yeast and factors influencing Se concentration in plasma of transplant recipients

The aim of this study was to assess the bioavailability of selenium (Se) in Se-enriched yeast and the possible impact of age, sex and area of residence on the Se concentration in plasma in 179 transplant recipients, as Se clinical effects in the prevention of cutaneous epithelial lesions in organ transplant recipients has been reported elsewhere. Subjects were randomized to receive either 200 μg Se/day (group 1:91 patients) or placebo (group 2: 88 patients) for 3 years. Plasma Se levels were measured at the beginning of the study and after 4, 12, 24 and 36 months of Se or placebo supplementation. Initial plasma Se levels were 90.9±26.1 μg/L for placebo and 94.0±25.3 μg/L for Se-supplemented groups. At baseline, the Se level was not linked to sex and age but to area of residence, although the number of subjects in each area was insufficient to draw any conclusions. Plasma Se levels were statistically lower in cases of liver transplant compared to kidney and heart transplant (p=0.03). Over the 3-year period of supplementation, plasma Se in the supplemented subjects was significantly higher than in the placebo group (p<0.01) and there was an interaction (p<0.01) between supplementation and time for plasma Se. Supplementation with Se-enriched yeast significantly increased the Se concentration in plasma of the patients to a plateau: the mean plasma Se of the Se-supplemented patients increased to 164.7±35.8 μg/L at 4 months and then remained similar at 12 (176.1±48.3 μg/L), 24 (176.1±54.2 μg/L) and 36 (182.2±46.4 μg/L) months.     

Gender Determines Serum Free Cortisol: Higher Levels in Men

Objective: Because only the free fraction of serum cortisol can readily access glucocorticoid receptors, we investigated whether or not a gender-related difference in serum free cortisol (FC) exists in the basal and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-stimulated state.Methods: Serum total cortisol (TC) and FC were measured in 323 subjects (175 men; 148 women). Additionally, the low-dose 1-μg ACTH test was performed in 56 subjects (30 women, 26 men). Subjects were healthy volunteers, recruited in a preventive medicine screening program and an outpatient clinic.Results: Overall, basal serum TC and FC level were ~18 and ~33%, respectively, higher in men than in women (TC, 14.5 ± 0.33 μg/dL vs. 12.3 ± 0.33 μg/dL; P<.0001; FC, 0.68 ± 0.02 μg/dL vs. 0.51 ± 0.02 μg/dL; P<.0001). The higher FC in men relative to women was apparent across a wide age range (17 to 86 years) and persisted after adjustment for age and body mass index. The FC fraction (%FC, out of TC) was concordantly higher in men (5.4 ± 0.09% vs. 4.8 ± 0.3%; P = .046). FC was not related to the estimated menopausal status (women age below and above 47, 50, or 53 years). ACTH-stimulated FC levels were significantly higher in men compared to women, as reflected by the area under the response curve (49.4 ± 3.4 μg × min vs. 39.6 ± 2.2 μg × min; P = .0014).Conclusion: Gender is an unrecognized determinant of serum FC in humans. The possibility of lifelong exposure to the higher bioactive fraction of cortisol under basal conditions or daily stress involving ACTH stimulation should be further investigated in the context of gender-related phenotypic features such as “android” (visceral) fat deposition and longevity.Abbreviations:ACTH = adrenocorticotropic hormoneBMI = body mass indexCBG = cortisol-binding globulinFC = free cortisolHPA = hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenalTC = total cortisol     

Ingesta de yodo durante el embarazo: efectos en la función tiroidea materna y neonatal

IntroductionRecent studies in Spain have shown an inadequate iodine intake in a significant proportion of pregnant women. Pregnancy increases thyroid hormone requirements, and adequate iodine intake is therefore needed.Material and methodsOne hundred and forty-seven women in their third trimester (week 37) of pregnancy provided a blood sample and a 24-hour urine sample to test serum and urine iodine levels and completed a food frequency questionnaire to assess iodine intake during pregnancy. Serum TSH levels were measured in the babies born to the 140 mothers in the postpartum group.ResultsOnly 10.9% of pregnant women consumed more than 250 μg iodine daily, and 24.4% of them consumed less than 100 μg daily. Mean free T4 levels were 9.37 pmol/L, and 74 women (54.41%) had levels below the hypothyroxinemia threshold. TSH levels were normal in 135 newborns (96.4%), while 5 (3.6%) had levels higher than 5 μU/mL.     

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.     

Serum selenium levels of the very low birth weight premature newborn infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

BackgroundThe selenium (Se) is an essential trace element that has a critical role in synthesis and activity of a number of selenoproteins with protective properties against free radical damage. This study was conducted to detect the serum Se concentration in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants and its association with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).Materials and methodsCord blood Se concentration was determined in 54 neonates with gestation age 30 week or less. Another sample was obtained from these infants at day 28 of birth and serum Se levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. All neonates were followed for oxygen dependency at 28 day after birth and 36 week postmenstrual age.ResultsThe mean cord blood Se concentration in studied neonates was 64.78 ± 20.73 μg L^?1. Serum Se concentration was 60.33 ± 26.62 μg L^?1 at age 28-day. No significant correlation was observed for serum Se concentration at birth and at one month after birth (r = ?0.04, p = 0.72). BPD was diagnosed in 25 neonates (46%). The mean serum Se concentration at one month was 57.16 ± 29.68 μg L^?1 in patients with BPD (25 cases) and 63.27 ± 23.6 μg L^?1 in 29 patients without BPD (p = 0.40).ConclusionIn our study, serum Se concentration at 28 day of birth was lower than cord blood levels in preterm neonates, but we have not found significant difference among patients who had BPD or not with respect to serum Se concentrations at this age.     

Trace elements (copper,zinc, selenium and molybdenum) as markers in oral sub mucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral cancer is a major cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide and is prevalent in most areas where tobacco related practices are observed. Essential elements play a role in many biochemical reactions as a micro-source and there is growing evidence that their concentrations are altered on the onset and progress of malignant disease. In this study the levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and molybdenum (Mo) in serum of patients with oral sub mucous fibrosis (OSMF) (n = 30) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) (n = 30); were determined and the alterations of these critical parameters were analyzed in comparison with controls (n = 30) to identify predictors amongst these parameters for disease occurrence and progression. The serum Cu and Zn were established using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Serum estimation of Se and Mo was done by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Data analysis revealed a marked, progressive and significant increase in Cu levels in precancer (OSMF) and cancer (OSCC) groups as compared to the normal group. The level of Zn in serum was slightly elevated in OSMF and OSCC though not statistically significant. Cu/Zn ratio was slightly but not significantly elevated. Serum levels of Se and Mo were significantly decreased in the precancer and cancer groups as compared to the normals.     

The effects of applying sewage sludge into Jiangxi red soil on the growth of vegetables and the migration and enrichment of Cu and Zn

Jiangxi red soil was used as the tested soil and water spinach (Ipomoea aquatic) and Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum) were used as the tested vegetables in this study to investigate the effects of different amounts of sewage-sludge application on the growth of vegetables and the migration and enrichment patterns of Cu and Zn in vegetables using the potted method. The results indicated that the application of sewage sludge could improve the properties of red soil and promote vegetable growth. The dry weight of water spinach and Chinese chive reached the maximal levels when treated with the amount of sewage sludge at 4% and 10%, which was 4.38 ± 0.82 g and 1.56 ± 0.31 g, respectively. The dry weights after the application of sewage sludge were all larger than control treatment (CK) without sludge application. With increases in the applied amount of sewage sludge, the concentrations of Cu and Zu in red soil continued to increase, and the peak value was not reached. After the two vegetables were planted, the concentrations of Cu and Zn in red soil decreased by different degrees. The degrees of decrease of Zn were generally higher than those of Cu. The enrichment coefficient of water spinach on Cu showed a trend of increase followed by a decrease and reached the peak value of 1.04 ± 0.38 when the applied amount was 4%. The enrichment coefficient of Chinese chive on Cu overall showed a decreasing trend and did not reach the peak value under the treatment levels used in this experiment. The enrichment pattern of Chinese chive on Zn was not obvious, and the differences among all treatment levels were not significant (p < 0.05). However, the enrichment coefficient after the application of sewage sludge was significantly lower than that without the application of sludge.     

Plasma levels of kisspeptins in postmenopausal Chinese women do not show substantial elevation

The menopause, defined as the permanent cessation of menstruation resulting from ovarian failure, is characterized by elevated levels of serum gonadotropins. Recent studies have demonstrated that the gonadotropin hypersecretion in postmenopausal women is secondary to increase of KiSS-1 mRNA from the hypothalamus neurons, which encoded kisspeptin peptides. The present study was designed to determine whether plasma kisspeptins levels are altered in postmenopausal women. Blood samples were taken from 145 postmenopausal women, 35 young women and 30 pregnant women control in the first trimester. The plasma concentration of kisspeptins, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estradiol (E₂) was measured using immunoassay kits. Results indicated that plasma kisspeptins levels in postmenopausal women had higher than those in young women (5.25 ± 0.36; 4.48 ± 0.34 pmol/L), but no significant difference was found between the two groups (p = 0.179). Plasma FSH and LH levels were significantly higher in postmenopausal women (124.67 ± 12.78, 57.14 ± 3.57 mIu/mL) than those in young women (9.23 ± 2.78, 7.56 ± 2.71 mIu/mL, p < 0.001). However, Plasma kisspeptins levels were not significantly correlated to FSH and LH in postmenopausal women (r = ?0.23, 0.324; p = 0.927, 0.176, respectively), and also there was no any correlation between plasma kisspeptins and E₂ in postmenopausal women (r = ?0.065; p = 0.792). Collectively, there was no significant difference in plasma kisspeptins levels between postmenopausal and young women. Our result suggested that kisspeptins’ role during menopause might mainly act in central rather than peripheral system and it could not be currently used as a clinical marker for menopause.     

Predictive value of cystatin C and beta-2 microglobulin in preeclampsia

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the levels of cystatin C and beta-2 microglobulin (B2M) are altered during the second trimester in the plasma of women who subsequently develop preeclampsia.Study designWe performed a case control study to compare the levels of cystatin C and B2M in women in whom preeclampsia ultimately developed (n = 30) and in pregnant women who remained normotensive throughout gestation (n = 60). The maternal plasma levels of cystatin C and B2M were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Blood samples were collected between 15 and 20 weeks’ gestation for fetal aneuploidy screening and frozen at ?20 °C until assay after groups had been selected.ResultsThe median concentrations of cystatin C and B2M were significantly higher in those who subsequently developed preeclampsia when compared to those of normal pregnancy (median 668.6 ng/ml and 418.3 μg/ml vs 413.7 ng/ml and 321.2 μg/ml, respectively).ConclusionsIn this study, the maternal plasma levels of cystatin C and B2M were significantly elevated in pregnant women who subsequently developed preeclampsia as compared with normotensive women. Alterations of these proteins antedate clinical symptoms and, thus, they may be useful for early identification of patients at the risk of developing preeclampsia.     

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.