Zinc,copper, and zinc- or copper-dependent enzymes in human hypertension

Imbalance of zinc and copper status has been hypothesized in human hypertension. A case-control study was carried out to elucidate the possible relationship between zinc and copper status and essential hypertension. Thirty-one subjects affected by mild stable hypertension, pharmacologically untreated, were investigated together with 31 normotensive controls individually matched for sex, age, and smoking habits. Zinc and copper in serum and urine were measured, and serum activities of alkaline phosphatase (AP), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu?Zn SOD), lysyl oxidase (LOX), and monoamine oxidase (MAO) were evaluated. No significant difference in serum and urine zinc and copper content as far as in serum activity of zinc (AP and LDH) or copper (Cu?Zn SOD, LOX, and MAO)-dependent enzymes was found between hypertensives and normotensives. Positive relationships were found in normotensives between serum and urine levels of zinc (r=0.577;p=0.001) and copper (r=0.394;p=0.028), and between serum copper and Cu?Zn SOD (r=0.534;p=0.002). In normotensives, diastolic blood pressure and serum zinc were positively related (r=0.370;p=0.041). In hypertensives, inverse correlations were observed between diastolic blood pressure and AP (r=?0.498;p=0.004) and Cu?Zn SOD (r=?0.452;p=0.011), and between systolic blood pressure and LOX (r=?0.385;p=0.033). Diastolic blood pressure was related to LDH inversely in hypertensives (r=?0.357;p=0.049) and positively in normotensives (r=0.457;p=0.010). In normotensives, diastolic blood pressure was inversely related with MAO (r=?0.360;p=0.046). These findings support the hypothesis that an imbalance of zinc and copper status might be involved in human hypertension.     

Trace elements nutritional status

In this study, hair levels of Cu and Zn were determined in healthy male and female individuals (n=192) ages 3.6–14.5 yr and the correlations with Cu and Zn daily intakes were examined. Determinations of Cu and Zn concentrations were performed by way of atomic absorption spectrometry and X-ray fluorescence. Nutritional data were collected with the aid of an individual questionnaire. Statistical analysis revealed no effect of age and sex either on Cu concentrations in hair or on Cu daily intakes. Zn concentrations were significantly higher in hair of both pubescent males and females compared with prepubescent individuals. There was no influence of age on Zn daily intake in males, however, whereas pubescent girls had a lower intake than males. Correlation coefficients between Cu concentrations in hair and daily nutritional intakes calculated for males and females werer=0.1694 andr=0.1677, respectively; those for Zn werer=?0.2223 (p<0.05) in males andr=?0.2787 (p<0.01) in females. These data confirm that the analysis of Zn in hair represents an addition to conventional materials in the assessment of the nutritional status of groups of individuals.     

Correlation of serum trace elements and melatonin levels to radiological, biochemical, and histological assessment of degeneration in patients with intervertebral disc herniation

The aim of our study was to assess the blood concentrations of some trace elements and melatonin (MLT) in patients with intervertebral disc herniation (IDH) and to investigate the interaction of histological and biochemical degeneration findings with aging. The present study was carried out on 13 subjects (8 women and 5 men) diagnosed with IDH. They were divided into three groups according to their ages. Nighttime serum MLT, zinc (Zn), and magnesium (Mg) levels were determined in all patients. In addition, computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain and magnetic resonance imaging examination of the lumbar spine were obtained in this study. The Zn level and Zn/Mg ratio showed a decline in patients with IDH with aging, whereas the serum Mg level and tissue hydroxyproline content increased. A positive correlation between serum Zn and MLT concentrations was found (r=0.104, p=0.734). In addition, there was a positive correlation between serum Zn level and Zn/Mg ratio (r=0.835 and p<0.01), and a negative correlation between serum Mg level and Zn/Mg ratio (r=−0.571, p<0.05). On CT study, both volume percentage of calcified pineal gland and density of calcification were found to increase progressively with advancing age. The results of semiquantitative evaluation of disc tissues of patients with IDH for histological degeneration findings showed that 66.7% of discs treated had slight degeneration in younger age group, but 75.0% and 100% of discs had moderate or marked degeneration in older age groups. Our data indicated that there is a close relationship between MLT and Zn or Mg levels in the serum samples of patients with IDH, and the levels of these elements might be affected by the presence of degeneration process and serum MLT level, or vice versa.     

Prognostic Value of Blood Zinc, Iron, and Copper Levels in Critically Ill Children with Pediatric Risk of Mortality Score III

We aimed to explore the association of blood Zn, Fe, and Cu concentrations and changes in the pediatric risk of mortality (PRISM) score in critically ill children, to predict prognosis. We included 31 children (22 boys and 9 girls, 1 month to 5 years old), who had been admitted to the intensive care unit of our hospital and who were critically ill according to PRISM score of III. Another 20 children (12 boys, 8 girls, 3 months to 5 years old) who were brought to the hospital for a health checkup were included as controls. We recorded clinical data, time in the intensive care unit, prognosis, and PRISM III score for critically ill children. Blood Cu, Zn, and Fe values were measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry. Zn and Fe levels were significantly lower in patients than in controls (all p?<?0.05). Cu levels differed between patients and controls, but not significantly (p?>?0.05). In ill children, blood Zn and Fe concentrations were inversely correlated with PRISM III score (Zn: r?=??0.36; Fe: r?=??0.50, both p?<?0.05), with no significant correlation of blood Cu level and PRISM III score (r?=??0.13, p?>?0.05). Serious illness in children may lead to decreased Zn and Fe blood concentrations. Zn and Fe supplements may be beneficial for critically ill children.     

Some essential elements in maternal and cord blood in relation to birth weight and gestational age of the baby

Maternal and cord blood were collected from 54 Indian women at parturition and analyzed for Zn, Cu, and Fe by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry to determine the relationship between levels of these elements in mother’s and infant’s blood and maternal age, birth weight, and gestational age of the baby. The blood Zn level of mothers in the age group 24–28 yr was significantly higher than those of mothers in the age group of 18–23 yr (p<0.05). Similarly, mothers in the 24 to 28-yr group also had higher blood Fe level than mothers in the group 29–38 yr (p<0.05). The levels of Zn, Cu, and Fe were higher in the maternal blood and lower, but not significantly, in the cord blood of low-birth-weight babies than in those of normal-birth-weight babies. However, differences in the levels of Zn, Cu, and Fe between maternal and cord blood of the two birth-weight groups was statistically significant. There were no significant differences in the levels of the three elements in maternal or cord blood by the gestational age of the baby. A weak but significant correlation was found between the birth weight of the baby and the Fe level in the cord blood (r=0.26; p<0.05). Also, weak significant correlations were observed between gestational age of the baby and Fe (r=0.23; p<0.05) and Cu (r=0.31; p<0.05) levels in the cord blood. Although, there are many confounders of low birth weight and preterm deliveries, a diminished placental transfer of these essential elements could be one of the several etiological factors for low birth weight of newborns.     

Evaluation of a method to measure long term cortisol levels

IntroductionElevated levels of cortisol are known to induce various symptoms and diseases, e.g. abdominal obesity, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Measuring serum, saliva and urine cortisol is limited to one time point. Measurement of cortisol in scalp hair is a recently developed method to measure long term cortisol levels. The aim of this study was to investigate whether hair cortisol is a feasible parameter to measure cortisol exposure.ExperimentalWe collected hair samples of 195 healthy individuals, 9 hypercortisolemic and one hypocortisolemic patient and measured hair cortisol levels. Cortisol was extracted from scalp hair using methanol and cortisol levels were measured using a salivary ELISA kit. Measurement of waist and hip circumferences and blood pressure was performed in 46 healthy subjects.ResultsWe found a positive correlation between hair cortisol and both waist circumference (r = 0.392, p = 0.007) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (r = 0.425, p = 0.003). No correlations were found between hair cortisol levels and BMI, blood pressure or age. There was no decline in cortisol levels in six consecutive hair segments. Hair cortisol levels were elevated in patients with known hypercortisolism (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsHair cortisol was positively correlated with WHR, suggesting that hair cortisol reflects cortisol exposure at tissue level, which was also supported by elevated hair cortisol levels in hypercortisolemic patients and concordance between hair cortisol levels and clinical disease course. Cortisol levels in hair are slightly influenced by hair treatment but not by natural hair colour, use of hair products, gender or age.     

Gender differences in selected zinc metabolism parameters in patients with mild primary arterial hypertension

The relationship between selected zinc (Zn) metabolism parameters, arterial blood pressure, age, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in subjects of both sexes with mild primary arterial hypertension is presented in this study. The following parameters were measured: systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure, total and ouabain-dependent efflux rate constants of Zn from lymphocytes, serum and lymphocyte Zn concentrations, serum aldosterone, angiotensin-converting enzyme, sodium and potassium concentrations, body mass index, and plasma rennin activity. When all subjects are taken into account, no significant age-related differences were found for serum Zn. If divided into men and women, negative (r=−0.39) and positive (r=0.34) correlations are observed, respectively. Lymphocyte Zn correlated negatively with age in the entire group (r=−0.55) and also for men (r=−0.54) and women (r=−0.57). The renin-agiotensin-aldosterone system parameters correlated with those of Zn metabolism only for women: plasma rennin activity with total Zn efflux from lymphocytes (r=−0.33) and with lymphocyte Zn (r=0.71); the angiotensin-converting enzyme with total Zn efflux from lymphocytes (r=−0.35), with the oubain-dependent Zn efflux from lymphocytes (r=−0.33) and with lymphocyte Zn (r=0.57); serum aldosterone with oubain-dependent Zn efflux from lymphocytes (r=−0.44) and with lymphocyte Zn (r=0.59). For the men, the only positive correlation was that of serum Zn and aldosterone (r=0.45). In all cases (men and women), there was no negative correlation between serum Zn and angiotensin-converting enzyme. In women, the diastolic blood pressure correlated negatively with total Zn efflux from lymphocytes (r=−0.39), oubain-dependent Zn efflux from lymphocytes (r=−0.49), and serum Zn (r=−0.46); systolic blood pressure correlated negatively with lymphocyte zinc (r=−0.38). In men, the systolic blood pressure had a negative correlation with lymphocyte zinc (r=−0.32), which was also true for the entire group (r=−0.34). These results clearly show gender-related differences in Zn metabolism and indicate the need for further research to elucidate the possible causes of this phenomenon not only for Zn but for other elements as well.     

Assessment of the Zinc and Copper Status in Alpaca

This study was performed with the aim of investigating the concentration of zinc and copper in the blood of healthy alpacas (Vicugna pacos) kept in central Europe and to compare the concentration of Zn and Cu in plasma and in whole blood. A further objective was to evaluate blood Zn and Cu in relation to different micromineral supplementation, age and sex groups of alpacas. A total of 299 alpacas (224 adults and 75 crias) from 18 farms were included in this study. The concentrations of copper and zinc in plasma/whole blood were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The results of this study show high individual variability in plasma Zn (median 3.54, range 1.56–8.01 μmol/l), whole blood Zn (median 10.01, range 6.23–75.0 μmol/l), plasma Cu (median 7.53, range 2.93–16.41 μmol/l) and whole blood Cu (median 6.33, range 3.02–13.95 μmol/l). Plasma Zn was not significantly influenced by sex, age or feeding group. Whole blood Zn was only significantly higher in females than in males. The intake of Zn in all groups was equal to or higher than the nutritional recommendation. During excessive supplementation, Zn absorption decreased and thus blood Zn did not reflect the higher intake. Only a weak correlation was found (Spearman correlation coefficient r = 0.384; p > 0.01; n = 204) between plasma and whole blood Zn concentrations. Plasma copper concentration was significantly influenced by age, sex and feeding; whole blood Cu by age and feeding. However, neither plasma Cu nor whole blood Cu reflected the intake of the element. We found a close correlation between plasma and blood copper concentrations (Spearman correlation coefficient r = 0.9043; p ≤ 0.01; n = 99). According to our results, copper in plasma or blood is not a good indicator of copper intake.     

Evaluation of the concentration of selected elements in serum patients with intervertebral disc degeneration

Quantitative analysis of the trace element content of human intervertebral discs (IVDs) is essential because it can identify specific enzymes or metabolites that may be related to human intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). The goal of this study was to assess the concentrations of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), and calcium (Ca) in serum samples obtained from patients with IVDD in comparison to healthy volunteers (a control group). The study group consisted of 113 Caucasian patients qualified by a specialist neurosurgeon for microdiscectomy. The control group consisted of 113 healthy volunteers who met the eligibility criteria for blood donors. The examined clinical material was the serum samples obtained from both groups.Based on the quantitative analysis of selected elements, there were statistically significantly (p 0.05) higher concentrations of Cu (1180 μg/L±800 μg/L vs. 1230 μg/L±750 μg/L), Zn (790 μg/L±300 μg/L vs. 850 μg/L±200 μg/L), and Mg (21730 μg/L±4360 μg/L vs. 23820 μg/L±4990 μg/L) in the serum of healthy volunteers compared to those in the study group. In addition, statistically significant changes were not detected in the concentrations of any elements among either sex in either the study or control group or in their body mass index (BMI) values (p > 0.05). In the serum samples from the study group, the strongest relationships were noted between the concentrations of Zn and Pb (r = 0.61), Zn and P (r = 0.69), Zn and Ca (r = 0.84), Zn and Cu (r = 0.83), Mg and Ca (r = 0.74), and Ca and P (r = 0.98).It has been indicated that, above all, the concentrations of Cu, Zn, Ca, and Mg depend on the advancement of radiological changes, according to the Pfirrmann scale. However, no influence on pain intensity was found, depending on the concentration of the assessed elements.The analysis indicates that the determination of serum Cu, Zn, Ca, and Mg concentrations may have diagnostic significance in predicting the onset of lumbosacral IVDD. The predictive evaluation of changes in the concentrations of selected elements in patients with degenerative lumbar IVD lesions appears to be a promising, cost-effective strategy.     

Relationship among levels of leptin and zinc,copper, and zinc/copper ratio in plasma of patients with essential hypertension and healthy normotensive subjects

Obesity is among the main contributing factors in the etiology of essential hypertension (EHT). Leptin, the product of the ob gene, is expressed mainly in adipose tissue. We examined the relationship between two trace elements, zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu), and leptin in patients with EHT (n=35) and normotensive (NT) controls (n=50) because leptin as well as Zn and Cu were reported to be associated with the pathophysiology of EHT. Plasma leptin levels were determined with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was utilized to determine plasma Zn and Cu levels. There was a negative correlation between leptin and Zn, and the Zn/Cu ratio (r=−0.359, p<0.05; r=0.361, p<0.05, respectively) in pooled subjects. When subjects were divided based on the presence or absence of hypertension, there was a negative correlation between leptin and Zn (r=−0.375, p<0.05) as well as leptin and Zn/Cu ratio (r=−0.398, p<0.05) in NT subjects. Similar trends were observed when leptin/BMI (body mass index) levels were utilized. There was no significant correlations between levels of Cu and leptin or leptin/BMI. In conclusion, in addition to high leptin levels, Zn and the Zn/Cu ratio were lower in patients with EHT compared to NT controls.     

Alterations in plasma essential trace elements selenium, manganese, zinc, copper, and iron concentrations and the possible role of these elements on oxidative status in patients with childhood asthma

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the status of plasma essential trace element selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) concentrations and the effect of these elements on oxidative status in patients with childhood asthma. Plasma Se, Mn, Cu, and Zn concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) and Fe concentrations, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined by the colorimetric method. The plasma MDA/TAC ratio was calculated as an index of oxidative status. Plasma albumin levels were measured to determine nutritional status. Plasma Fe concentrations, MDA levels and the MDA/TAC ratio were significantly higher (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.01, respectively) and Se and Mn concentrations and TAC were lower (p<0.01, p<0.05, and p<0.01, respectively) in patients when compared to the healthy subjects. Plasma Zn, Cu, and albumin levels were not found to be significantly different in patients and controls (p>0.05). There were positive relationships between plasma MDA and Fe (r=0.545, p<0.001) and TAC and Se (r=0.485, p<0.021), and a negative correlation between TAC and MDA values (r= −0.337, p<0.031) in patients with childhood asthma. However, there was no correlation between these trace elements and albumin content in patient groups. These observations suggest that increased Fe and decreased Se concentrations in patients with childhood asthma may be responsible for the oxidant/antioxidant imbalance.     

Normal hair zinc levels of children

From literature data, a negative correlation was derived between the normal average hair zinc levels of 5-yr-old children and the calcium levels in their drinking water (hair zinc level in mg/kg=?(0.158±0.003) calcium level in mg/L+134;r=0.993,n=6,p=0.0006). Exposure of hair samples of a 5-yr-old child to water with different levels of calcium and zinc did not provide evidence for an exogenous effect of calcium in drinking water on hair zinc levels. Thus, these results support Gibson’s hypothesis that calcium in hard drinking water interferes with Zn absorption.     

Serum Zn Levels and Cu/Zn Ratios Worsen in Hemodialysis Patients,Implying Increased Cardiovascular Risk: A 2-Year Longitudinal Study

The objective of this study was to analyze serum Zn and Cu concentrations and Cu/Zn ratios in 116 hemodialysis patients (HPs) over a 2-year longitudinal study at four time points (6-month intervals). The relation exerted on these values by 26 biochemical and nutritional indexes, the age and drug consumption of the patients, and the etiology of their disease were also evaluated. A healthy control group (n?=?50) was also studied. Mean serum Zn concentrations were lower (p?=?0.009) and the Cu/Zn ratios higher (p?=?0.009) in HPs than in controls. Serum Cu levels in HP did not differ to those of controls. At all four sampling times, the mean serum Zn levels and Cu/Zn ratios were lower and higher, respectively, in HPs than in the controls. There was a significant reduction in serum Zn levels and an increase in Cu concentrations and Cu/Zn ratios in HPs from the second to the fourth sampling. Serum Zn levels of the HPs diminish with age older than 50 years. Serum Cu levels were significantly higher in patients consuming antihypercalcemic or anti-infarction drugs, whereas serum Cu levels and Cu/Zn ratios were significantly lower in those treated with diuretics. Diminished Zn levels were negatively correlated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in HPs; however, enhanced Cu/Zn ratios were positively correlated with total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Both findings indicate an increased cardiovascular risk. We conclude that this study contributes the first evidence of a correlation between marked dyslipidemia and worsened Cu/Zn ratios in HPs, implying an increased risk of diseases associated with elevated oxidative stress, inflammation, and depressed immune function, such as cardiovascular diseases.     

Essential trace elements selenium, zinc, copper, and iron concentrations and their related acute-phase proteins in patients with vivax malaria

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the status of plasma essential trace elements selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) concentrations and their related acute-phase proteins, ceruloplasmin (Cp), ferritin, transferrin (Tf), and albumin levels in patients with vivax malaria. Plasma Cu and Zn concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Se concentrations were determined by graphite furnace AAS. Fe, Cp, Tf, and albumin levels were determined by colorimetric methods. Plasma Se, Fe, and albumin levels were found to be significantly lower (p<0.01, p<0.001, and p<0.05, respectively) and Cu, Cp, and ferritin levels and Cu/Zn ratios were significantly higher (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.05, respectively) in patients when compared with those of healthy subjects. Plasma, Tf, and Zn levels were not found to be significantly different (p>0.05) in patients and controls. There were positive important correlations between Cu and Cp (r=0.908, p<0.001), Zn and albumin (r=0.633, p<0.001), and negative correlations between Fe and ferritin content (r=−0.521, p<0.05) and Fe and Tf (r=−0.616, p<0.01) in the patients group. Our findings demonstrated that plasma essential trace elements Se, Cu, and Fe change, but these changes might be dependent on acute-phase proteins, which were regulated as a part of defense strategies of the organism, induced by hormonelike substances.     

Advantages of the Use of Deciduous Teeth,Hair, and Blood Analysis for Lead and Cadmium Bio-Monitoring in Children. A Study of 6-Year-Old Children from Krakow (Poland)

The population of about 300 6-year-old preschool children was studied for lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in deciduous teeth, scalp hair, and capillary blood. Zinc (Zn) content in hair was also measured due to its possible interferences with the elements studied. The Pb and Cd contents were measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman background correction, and Zn, by flame method. Metal levels found were comparable to those in European countries. Positive correlations between Pb and Cd in the same and different tissues were widespread (r = 0.23–0.68). A positive correlation was found between Pb in teeth and blood (r = 0.65, p < 0.001). Pb blood threshold 100 μg L⁻¹ referred to 2.6 μg g⁻¹ Pb in teeth. Predictability of this Pb teeth limit was 14% vs. 5% for Pb blood. Strong negative correlation was found between hair Pb and Zn (r = −0.68, p < 0.001). Enhanced Cd and Zn levels in hair were associated with the household drinking water hardness. The associations with some other environmental and behavioral factors were also presented and discussed. The results proved the advantage of analysis of primary teeth for Pb exposure screening of preschool children.     

Selenium, Zinc, and Copper Plasma Levels in Patients with Schizophrenia: Relationship with Metabolic Risk Factors

The aim of this study was to determine the plasma selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) levels and to evaluate their possible association with metabolic syndrome (MetS) components in patients with schizophrenia. The study group consisted of 60 patients with schizophrenia and 60 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, and biochemical analysis of fasting blood were performed in all subjects. Patients with schizophrenia had significantly higher plasma Cu concentrations compared with controls (0.97?±?0.31 vs. 0.77?±?0.32 mg/L, p?=?0.001). The plasma Cu concentration showed a positive correlation with plasma glucose and diastolic blood pressure in the patient groups (r _s ?=?0.263, p?<?0.05 and r _s ?=?0.272, p?<?0.05, respectively). The plasma Se level correlated positive with MetS score (r _s ?=?0.385, p?<?0.01), waist circumference (r _s ?=?0.344, p?<?0.05), plasma glucose (r _s ?=?0.319, p?<?0.05), and triglyceride concentrations (r _s ?=?0.462, p?<?0.001) in patients with schizophrenia. Plasma Zn did not correlate with any of the MetS components. These results suggest that alterations in plasma Cu and Se levels in medicated patients with schizophrenia could be associated with metabolic risk factors.     

Serum and Hair Zinc Levels in Patients with Endemic Osteochondropathy in China: A Meta-analysis

A large number of studies have shown growing interest in the zinc (Zn) levels of serum and hair samples collected from patients with Kashin-Beck disease (KBD), an endemic chronic osteochondral disease. However, inconsistent conclusions regarding the serum and hair Zn levels have been made. The aim of this study is to assess and to explore the change in serum and hair Zn levels among KBD patients. Multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang database and Technology of Chongqing (VIP), were carefully searched for available studies up to January 13, 2017 in this integrated analysis. Standard mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was calculated using STATA 11.0. A total of 18 studies, involving 978 KBD cases and 1116 healthy controls, were collected in this analysis. Pooled analysis found the KBD patients had a higher hair Zn level and a lower serum Zn level than the healthy controls (hair Zn (μg/g), SMD = 0.030, 95% CI = ?0.315, 0.376; serum Zn (mg/L), SMD = ?0.069, 95%CI = ?0.924, 0.785). Meta-regression method and sensitivity analysis were utilized to analyze the heterogeneity of data. Positive correlations were separately identified between hair Zn level in KBD patients (r = 0.4639, P = 0.032) and controls (r = 0.4743, P = 0.012) and the survey year. No evidence of publication bias was observed. The available results suggest that increased hair Zn level and decreased serum Zn level are commonly found in KBD patients; however, the role of Zn in the etiology and pathogenesis of KBD could not yet be confirmed.     

Updating of normal levels of copper,zinc and selenium in serum of pregnant women

Selenium, copper and zinc status is important in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to establish updated normal ranges for these elements in serum of pregnant women from the Spanish region of Aragon, and to study variation in levels with respect to gestational period and maternal age. The study group consisted of 159 pregnant women who did not suffer from serious pathologies. These samples were classified into four gestational-period groups. Zn and Cu determinations were obtained by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy in a Perkin-Elmer 1100B apparatus, and Se was determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman correction, in a Perkin-Elmer 4110 ZL apparatus. The concentrations of Cu, Zn and Se averaged 73.61±43.67 μg/dL, 65.37±12.87 μg/dL and 99.59±21.74 μg/L, respectively. The Cu/Zn ratio increased from first trimester to the third trimester (2.07–3.49). There was no significant correlation between Zn and Se levels, but a significant correlation was found between Cu and Se levels (p<0.05) and between Cu and Zn levels (p<0.001). Serum Zn and Se levels decreased over gestation, while serum Cu concentrations increased; in all cases the variation occurred mostly in the first 3 or 4 months, with mean levels then remaining fairly stable until the end of pregnancy. Maternal age did not influence levels of any of the three metals.     

Association of Increased Hair Calcium Levels and Enhanced Augmentation Index (AIx): a Marker of Arterial Stiffness

Arterial stiffness is involved in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease, and the degree of arterial stiffness is associated with the extent of vascular calcification. This study aimed to investigate the association of hair calcium levels with augmentation index (AIx), a simple, non-invasive measurement for arterial stiffness. Healthy Koreans (male, n?=?34, female, n?=?70) were enrolled in this study. Anthropometric parameters, lipid profiles, fasting glucose, hair mineral levels, and AIx were measured. Pearson/partial correlations and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between hair calcium levels and AIx. AIx positively correlated with hair calcium levels (r?=?0.275, p?=?0.005), age (r?=?0.283, p?=?0.004), systolic blood pressure (r?=?0.282, p?=?0.004), low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (r?=?0.255, p?=?0.009), and hair magnesium (r?=?0.196, p?=?0.046), and negatively correlated with heart rate (r?=?-0.563, p?<?0.001) and fasting glucose (r?=?-0.262, p?=?0.005). Hair calcium levels significantly correlated with hair magnesium (r?=?0.926, p?<?0.001). Significant relationship between AIx and hair calcium levels was maintained after adjustment for sex, age, height, hear rate, blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, fasting glucose, and hair magnesium (r?=?0.244, p?=?0.018). Logistic regression model showed that AIx increased with the increment of hair calcium levels; log-AIx increased by 0.403% (95% CI: 0.139–0.515, p?=?0.001) per unit change in log-hair calcium level (sex-adjusted). After adjustment for all the variables above together with triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, increased significance of the association was 0.513% (p?=?0.016)]. This study supports the presence of the independent positive relationship between hair calcium levels and AIx. It suggests the possibility that hair calcium levels may be a useful index for reflecting arterial stiffness.     

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.