Biological monitoring of lead and cadmium in human hair and nail and their correlations with biopsy materials, age and exposure

Hair and fingernails of exposed and unexposed subjects were analyzed for their lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) contents by atomic absorption spectrophotometer with graphite furnace and air-acetylene flame. Hair and nail Pb concentrations in occupationally exposed subjects ranged between 1.020-409.726 and 8.130-765.306 microg/g and in environmentally unexposed subjects 0.123-25.160 and 1.076-65.613 microg/g, respectively. Similarly, hair and nail Cd concentrations in occupationally exposed subjects ranged between 0.014-22.086 and 0.214-35.714 microg/g and in environmentally unexposed subjects 0.113-1.627 and 0.028-8.108 microg/g, respectively. A significant correlation was observed between Pb hair and nail concentrations in exposed subjects at P < 0.05, as compared to unexposed subjects and Cd hair and nail in exposed, as well as unexposed subjects. With respect to exposure, levels of Pb in hair and nails were found to be significant in exposed subjects, compared to unexposed ones and levels of Cd were significant only in nails of exposed ones. With respect to age, no significant correlation was found between hair and nail Pb and Cd concentrations in both exposed and unexposed subjects.     

Plasma and erythrocyte lipid peroxide levels in workers with occupational exposure to lead

The plasma and erythrocyte lipid peroxide levels were measured in a group of male subjects occupationally exposed to lead for an average period of 17 yr, and compared to those from an age-matched control group living in the same city in a similar socioeconomical environment. The blood lead and plasma zinc levels were measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The plasma and erythrocyte lipid peroxide levels were established by the malondialdehyde determination method. Significant differences were found in the blood lead levels in lead-exposed workers, 15.00±10.15 μg/dL as compared to controls, 2.37±0.89 μg/dL. The plasma (2.67±0.69 μM) and erythrocyte (27.53±6.28 nmol/g Hb) lipid peroxide levels in workers with occupational exposure to lead were significantly higher than controls, 1.23±0.61 μM and 14.35±2.08 nmol/g Hb, respectively. There were no significant differences of the zinc levels in both groups. The blood lead levels had a statistically significant positive correlation with age and with duration of exposure in both groups, but showed no relationship to the corresponding blood zinc levels. The results presented in this study indicate that the increase of plasma and erythrocyte lipid peroxide levels in workers exposed to lead may be related to the lead concentration, age and duration of exposure.     

Prevalence of zinc deficiency in junior high school students of Tehran City

Zinc deficiency is a health problem in many communities especially among adolescents because of pubertal growth sprout. This investigation was carried out to determine the epidemiology of zinc deficiency in junior high school students in Tehran City in 1997. This cross-sectional study was performed on 881 students (452 males and 429 females) with the mean age of 13.2±1.0 yr, who were selected by multistage random sampling method. Plasma, erythrocyte, and hair zinc levels were assayed by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Anthropometric and demographic characteristics were measured and recorded on a questionnaire. Dietary intakes were evaluated by a 24-h recall method. Zinc deficiency was defined as having at least two indices from indices of erythrocyte, plasma, and hair zinc below 10 μg/mL, 100 μg/dL, and 125 μg/g of hair, respectively. The results showed that zinc deficiency prevalence was 31.1% (confidence interval: 28–34.4%). Zinc deficiency was 65%, 49%, and 1.3% based on plasma, erythrocyte, and hair zinc levels, respectively. The mean ± SD for plasma, erythrocyte, and hair zinc concentration, height-for-age, as well as weight-for-age Z scores were 95.2±17.7 μg/dL, 10.3±2.3 μg/mL, 239.4±54.4 μg/g, −0.40±0.92, and 0.12±0.91, respectively. As for dietary intake compared with the RDA, 50% of the subjects consumed less than 50% of their requirement for zinc RDA based on a 24-h dietary recall. Zinc intake in subjects was 7.5±3.7 μg, that in boys was higher than in girls. Correlation coefficients between zinc status indices were very weak. There was neither a linear nor nonlinear relationship between biochemical parameters and nutritional zinc intake. It is concluded that almost one-third to one-half of the subjects would be considered zinc deficient.     

Decreased thiamine and magnesium levels in the potentiation of the neurotoxicity of lead in occupational lead exposure

The relationship between blood lead (Pb) and serum levels of calcium and of neural nutrients such as thiamine and magnesium (Mg) has been determined in a Nigerian population that is occupationally exposed to Pb. Forty-seven male Pb workers were recruited as test subjects and 25 males unexposed to Pb served as controls. The test subjects were classified into three groups, based on severity of exposure to Pb. Blood lead (BPb) and the serum levels of Mg, thiamine, and calcium were determined in both test subjects and controls. The mean blood Pb level was not significantly higher in Pb workers. In contrast, Mg and thiamine levels were significantly decreased (p<0.05; p<0.01, respectively). However, the calcium level was not significantly lower in test subjects than in controls. Also, there was a significant negative correlation between serum thiamine and blood Pb levels (r=-0.50; p<0.01). Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between serum calcium and BPb levels (r=-0.41; p<0.01). This study has shown that relatively low BPb levels can enhance Pb absorption and also potentiate Pb neurotoxicity in the presence of decreased serum thiamine and Mg levels.     

Selenium levels in related biological samples: human placenta, maternal and umbilical cord blood, hair and nails.

A study on selenium levels has been carried out in human placenta, maternal and umbilical cord blood, hair and nails of a group of 50 mothers and in the hair of the newborns. The determinations were perfomed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The selenium concentration obtained for each sample type was as follows: For the human placenta the values obtained were between 0.56 and 1.06 microg/g (mean +/- standard deviation: 0.81 +/- 0.02 microg/g). The levels for the umbilical cord blood were 51.1-104.2 microg/l (76.3 +/- 6.5 microg/l). For the maternal blood the values measured were between 57.3 and 117.9 microg/l (90.0 +/- 15.2 microg/l), and for hair and nails were 0.22-1.5 microg/g (0.60 +/- 0.37 microg/g) and 0.46-1.57 microg/g (0.90 +/- 0.27 microg/g), respectively. For the hair of the newborns the values obtained were between 0.40 and 2.53 microg/g (1.04 +/- 0.48 microg/g). The effect of different variables as age, habitat, nutritional index or gestation age of the mothers on the selenium concentration in the samples was studied. The influence of the habitat is significant with a confidence level of 95% for the selenium concentration in maternal blood and umbilical cord blood samples. The influence of the mothers' age is significant with a confidence level of 95% for the selenium concentration in the umbilical cord blood samples. For the placenta samples, the effect of the nutritional index is significant with a confidence level of 95%. There is a positive correlation between samples of umbilical cord blood and the newborns' hair, between placenta and umbilical cord, and between cord blood and maternal blood.     

Copper deficiency in Creole goat kids

Serum copper determination is important to confirm hypocupremia. Twenty healthy kids constituted the Control Group, and sixteen kids with symptoms of copper deficiency, the Problem Group. Animals from the Problem Group showed a low number of red blood cells (RBC) and variations in RBC size and shape. The values found for hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) in the Control Group were 10.42 +/- 1.34 g.dL(-1) and 33.07 +/- 1.11 g.dL(-1) respectively, while the levels of the Problem Group were 7.95 +/- 1.21 g.dL(-1) and 29.45 +/- 0.78 g.dL(-1), respectively. The kids from the Problem Group presented an important increase in monocytes, neutrophiles and leukocytes; precursor cells of the neutrophile were also observed. The anemia of these animals was hypochromic and macrocytic. Our results indicate that Creole kids with serum copper levels > 450 microg.L(-1) improved after treatment with copper glycinate. The six goats with cupremia < 450 microg.mL(-1) were unable to improve their deficiency and died.     

Activation of the EIF2α/ATF4 and ATF6 Pathways in DU-145 Cells by Boric Acid at the Concentration Reported in Men at the US Mean Boron Intake

We aimed to evaluate the association of exposure to lead with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting glucose levels (FGLs), and the likelihood for dysglycemia. We accessed data from Canada Health and Measures Survey. General linear models were used to estimate the association between blood lead concentrations (BPb) and both HbA1c and FGLs, while controlling for confounders. Multivariate logistic regression was used for assessing the relation between BPb and the likelihood for dysglycemia. FGLs in participants with moderate BPb (2.5–5.0 μg/dL) were 1.03 (95 % CI 1.00–1.06) times higher compared with participants with BPb < 2.5 μg/dL. Equivalent figures for those with BPb ≥ 5.0 μg/dL were 1.10 (95 % CI 1.01–1.20) times, relative to the lowest stratum. This association was attenuated using HbA1c to define dysglycemia. Lead exposure was associated with the likelihood for neither FGLs ≥ 1.10 g/L nor HbA1c ≥ 5.7 %. The association between lead exposure and dysglycemia, if any, is likely to be very modest, at least at the population level.     

Serum zinc levels and Alzheimer’s disease

Concentrations of zinc in postmortem serum and four brain regions were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry and instrumental neutron activation analysis, respectively, in nine Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and eight control subjects. A statistically significant elevation of zinc serum was observed in AD subjects (136.4±66.8 μg/dL) compared with age-matched control subjects (71.1±35.0 μg/dL). No significant differences were observed between AD and control zinc concentrations in the amygdala, hippocampus, cerebellum, and superior and middle temporal gryi.     

Blood pressure in relation to dietary calcium intake, alcohol consumption, blood lead, and blood cadmium in female nonsmokers

The interrelationship of dietary calcium (Ca) intake, alcohol consumption, blood lead (BPb), blood cadmium (BCd), age, and body mass index (BMI) to blood pressure was examined in 267 peasant women 40-85 years of age. They were residents of two rural areas in Croatia and differed with regard to dietary Ca intake: 100 women with low Ca intake (approximately 450 mg/day) and 167 women with relatively high Ca intake (approximately 940 mg/day). All of the women were nonsmokers and consumed very little or no alcohol. Median and range BPb values were 74 (29-251) microg/L in women with low Ca intake and 59 (21-263) microg/L in women with high Ca intake (p < 0.0002), whereas corresponding BCd values were 0.6 (0.2-3.6) microg/L and 0.6 (0.3-4.5) microg/L (p > 0.10). Results of multiple regression showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in systolic blood pressure with age, BMI, and BCd, and marginally with alcohol consumption (multiple r = 0.48, p < 10(- 6)). An increase in diastolic blood pressure was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with BMI, age, and residence area (i.e., it was higher in women with low Ca intake), and marginally with BCd, and alcohol consumption (multiple r = 0.38, p < 10(-6)) When the two groups of women with different Ca intake were subdivided into consumers and nonconsumers of alcohol, BPb was related positively to alcohol consumption and inversely to Ca intake. The highest BPb was found in the subgroup of alcohol consumers with low Ca intake, and the lowest BPb in the subgroup of nonconsumers with high Ca intake: 78 (42-251) microg/L and 51 (22-192) microg/L, respectively (p < 10(-8)). Diastolic blood pressure was significantly higher in the former subgroup as compared to the latter: 95 (72-130) mm Hg and 90 (60-120) mm Hg, respectively (p < 0.05). This cannot be explained by age, BMI, or BCd, which were comparable in the two subgroups. The results indicate that alcohol consumption and low Ca intake can increase BPb, which may significantly contribute to an increase in diastolic blood pressure in female nonsmokers even at relatively low-level Pb exposure.     

Selenium concentrations in human renal cortex, liver, and hair in northern Poland

The aim of this study was to (1) determine the selenium concentration in the renal cortex, liver, and hair in 64 residents from northern Poland (Gdańsk region) aged 17-81 yr, who died suddenly, and (2) assess whether a correlation between the selenium concentration in hair and in the renal cortex and liver occurs. Selenium was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry using the hydride generation method. The mean selenium concentration in the renal cortex, liver, and hair in the investigated persons was 0.791+/-0.191 microg/g (wet weight), 0.289+/-0.084 microg/g (wet weight), and 0.443+/-0.128 microg/g, respectively. No age-dependent differences in selenium level in the investigated tissues was found. Also, no correlation between the selenium concentrations in hair and in renal cortex and liver was assessed.     

Lead poisoning in whooper and tundra swans

Six weak whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) and two weak tundra swans (Cygnus columbianus) were found at Swamp Miyajima (Hokkaido, Japan) in May 1998. Anorexia, depression, green watery feces, pale conjunctiva, and anemia were observed. Radiographs showed from six to 38 suspected lead pellets in the gizzard. Blood lead concentrations were 2.5-6.7 microg/g (mean+/-SD=4.6+/-1.14 microg/g) on day 1. After blood collection, the birds were treated with calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (CaEDTA) given intravenously and force fed. Despite treatment, seven birds died the next day. Green, bile-stained livers and pale or green kidneys were observed on necropsy. Microscopically, bile pigment was widespread in the liver and acid-fast intranuclear inclusion bodies were observed in renal tubular epithelium. Lead concentrations in livers and kidneys were 14.0-30.4 microg/g and 30.2-122 microg/g wet weight, respectively. Only one bird survived and this whooper swan continued to be treated with CaEDTA and activated charcoal. No lead shot was observed in the proventriculus and gizzard by radiography on day 64 and the blood lead concentration decreased from 2.9 microg/g to 0.09 microg/g during that same period. After 4 mo of rehabilitation, the whooper swan was returned to the wild. Lead intoxication continues to be a problem at Swamp Miyajima.     

Chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges in individuals exposed to arsenic through drinking water in West Bengal,India

Arsenic contamination in groundwater has become a worldwide problem. Currently an unprecedented number of people in West Bengal, India and Bangladesh are exposed to the ubiquitous toxicant via drinking water in exposure levels far exceeding the maximum recommended limit laid down by WHO. This arsenic epidemic has devastated nine districts of West Bengal encompassing an area of 38,865 km(2) leading to various clinical manifestations of chronic arsenicosis. We conducted a human bio-monitoring study using chromosomal aberrations (CA) and sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) as end points to explore the cytogenetic effects of chronic arsenic toxicity in the population of North 24 Parganas, one of the arsenic affected districts in West Bengal. Study participants included 59 individuals residing in this district where the mean level (+/-S.E.) of arsenic in drinking water (microg/l) was 211.70+/-15.28. As age matched controls with similar socio-economic status we selected 36 healthy, asymptomatic individuals residing in two unaffected districts--Midnapur and Howrah where the mean arsenic content of water (microg/l) was 6.35+/-0.45. Exposure was assessed by standardized questionnaires and by detecting the levels of arsenic in drinking water, nails, hair and urine samples. In the exposed group the mean arsenic concentrations in nails (microg/g), hair (microg/g) and urine (microg/l) samples were 9.04+/-0.78, 5.63+/-0.38 and 140.52+/-8.82, respectively, which were significantly high (P<0.01) compared to the corresponding control values of 0.44+/-0.03, 0.30+/-0.02 and 5.91+/-0.49, respectively. Elevated mean values (P<0.01) of the percentage of aberrant cells (8.08%) and SCEs per cell (7.26) were also observed in the exposed individuals in comparison to controls (1.96% and 5.95, respectively). The enhanced rates of CAs and SCEs among the residents of North 24 Parganas are indicative of the cytogenetic damage due to long term exposure to arsenic through consumption of contaminated water.     

Association of lead and cadmium exposure with kidney stone incidence: A study on the non-occupational population in Nandan of China

BackgroundEnvironmental lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) pollution has been considered a risk factor in the etiology of kidney stones. However, the association between Pb and Cd exposure and kidney stone incidence has yet to be determined.ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine a possible the association between kidney stones with Pb and Cd exposure (alone or combined) in a non-occupational population.MethodsPb and Cd contaminations in soil-plant system were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Health risk assessment of dietary Pb or Cd intake from rice and vegetables were calculated. Kidney stones were diagnosed with urinary tract ultrasonography. Urinary cadmium (UCd) and blood lead (BPb) levels were determined by graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed.ResultsThe hazard indexes (HI) of Pb and Cd were 7.91 and 7.31. The odds ratio (OR) was 2.83 (95 %CI:1.38−5.77) in males with high BPb (BPb ≥ 100 μg/L), compared with those with low BPb (BPb＜100 μg/L). Compared to those with low BPb and low UCd (BPb＜100 μg/L and UCd＜2 μg/g creatinine), the ORs were 2.58 (95 % CI:1.17−5.70) and 3.43 (95 % CI:1.21−9.16) in females and males with high BPb and high UCd (BPb ≥100 μg/L and UCd ≥2 μg/g creatinine), respectively. The OR was 3.16 (95 % CI:1.26−7.88) in males with high BPb and low UCd (BPb ≥ 100 μg/L and UCd ＜2 μg/g creatinine), compared to those with low BPb and low UCd.ConclusionsKidney stones incidence was increased by high Pb exposure in males, and by Pb and Cd co-exposure in males and females.     

The zinc,copper, and manganese status of children with malabsorption syndromes and inborn errors of metabolism

The zinc, copper, and manganese status of seven children with malabsorption syndromes of varied etiology (MVE) and 12 with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) receiving semi-synthetic diets was investigated using serum and hair trace element concentrations, dietary trace element intakes, and anthropometric measurements as the principal indices. The hair zinc levels of both test groups and hair manganese levels of the IEM group were significantly lower (p<0.05) than those of their respective healthy controls matched by age, sex, and geographic location, despite comparable dietary zinc and manganese intakes in test and control subjects. Four subjects from the malabsorption and five from the inborn errors group had hair zinc levels below 100 μg/g (range 30–88 μg/g). Of these nine subjects, serum zinc levels were determined for six, and five were less than normal (range 64–74 μg/dL). In contrast, the copper status of the MVE and IEM subjects, as indicated by hair and dietary copper levels, was not lower than the controls. Mean serum copper levels were 136±30 and 171±40 μg/dL for the IEM and MVE groups, respectively. Levels for the MVE subjects were higher than published normal values. The suboptimal zinc and manganese status observed in some of these test subjects probably arose from malabsorption and decreased availability of dietary zinc and manganese. However, the zinc depletion was not severe enough to result in linear growth retardation.     

Lead and cadmium in the hair and blood of children from a highly industrial area in Poland

The study covered the children living in Miasteczko ?lcaskie, near the largest Zn plant in Poland. This is one of the areas highly contaminated with heavy metals. The subjects were 158 children aged from 8 to 15 (98 boys and 60 girls). The average Pb and Cd levels in the hair of the entire children population was 8.21 ± 5.59 μg/g, and 0.91 ± 0.61 μg/g, and the average Pb and Cd levels in their blood were 14.32 ± 3.98 and 0.52 ± 0.24 μg/dL^-1, respectively. The children population under investigation was divided according to their sex. The hair of the girls contained, on the average, 5.06 ± 2.81 μg/g of Pb and 0.74 ± 0.48 ug/g of Cd and the hair of the boys 10.14 ± 6.0 μg/g of Pb and 1.01 ± 0.65 ug/g of Cd. The blood of the girls contained, on the average, 13.23 ± 4.23 μg/dL of Pb and 0.48 ± 0.21 μg/dL of Cd, and the blood of the boys 14.99 ± 3.68 μg/dL of Pb and 0.55 ± 0.24 μg/dL of Cd. Thus, both the hair and blood of the boys accumulated more Pb and Cd than those of the girls. A correlation between the concentrations of these metals was confirmed.     

Cooper, cadmium and lead in the fish Cyprinodon dearborni, in the sediments and in the water of two lagoons in Venezuela

The concentration of copper, cadmium and lead in superficial sediment, water and the fish Cyprinodon dearborni was determined in two coastal lagoons of Sucre State, Venezuela. Chacopata lagoon is hyper saline while Los Patos lagoon is hypo saline and receives significant wastewater from Cumaná city. Water, sediment and fish samples were collected in February 1998. In the laboratory, samples underwent acid digestion and were analyzed by atomic absorption spectophotometry. The mean values of the metals in C. dearborni from the Chacopata lagoon were: 159.26 +/- 210.68 microg/g for Cu, 44.71 +/- 45.58 microg/g for Cd, and 9.31 +/- 23.34 microg/g for Pb, while for Los Patos lagoon the mean values were: 64.88 +/- 16.30, 19.48 +/- 5.81 and 22.85 +/- 20.00, respectively. In the water column, the metal concentration ranges were: 2.3-11.6, 3.9-5.4 and 21-32 mg/l for copper, cadmium and lead, respectively. These results suggest that metal levels in sediment, water column and organisms in both lagoons do not differ, except for lead, even though only Los Patos receives waste water.     

Selenium and glycogen levels in diabetic patients

Selenium in serum and selenium and glycogen in erythrocytes were determined in diabetic patients divided into noninsulin-dependent (n=50) and insulin-dependent (n=31) groups according to the etiopathogenesis of their diabetes. Selenium was determined by the method of atomic absorption spectrometry. Serum level of selenium was statistically significantly different in patients with either noninsulin-dependent (59.23±12.2 μg/L) or insulin-dependent (58.23±16.7 μg/L) diabetes mellitus as compared with the control group of 62 subjects (64.2±11.5 μg/L; p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the serum levels of selenium between the groups of patients with noninsulin-dependent and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The levels of erythrocyte glycogen were 2.0580±1.326, 2.0380±1.735, and 2.0036±1.3537 μg/g Hb in the control group, noninsulin-dependent group, and insulin-dependent group, respectively, with no statistically significant between-group difference. The decreased levels of selenium in serum and erythrocytes of diabetic patients suggest the possible role of glutathione peroxidase activity.     

Town and Gender Effects on Hair Lead Levels in Children from Three Sardinian Towns (Italy) with Different Environmental Backgrounds

This study reports hair lead (PbH) levels measured in 2002 in 193 children from three Sardinian towns: Carbonia, Gonnesa, and Sinnai. Carbonia and Gonnesa are in a polluted area of Sardinia due to their vicinity to the industrial zone of Portovesme. As a consequence of its economy and location, Sinnai is not exposed to lead pollution. PbH concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic absorption spectrometry. The aim of this study was to evaluate if hair is a reliable biomarker to determine different degrees of exposure of populations to lead pollution and if there is a tendency to higher accumulation by males or females. The girls of Carbonia had the highest mean PbH value (2.21 microg/g), followed by the Gonnesa girls (2.03 microg/g), Carbonia boys (1.86 microg/g), Gonnesa boys (0.91 microg/g), and finally the Sinnai boys (0.68 microg/g) and girls (0.50 microg/g). Two-way analysis of covariance, with age as covariate, revealed a significant effect of town and sex on log PbH. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient indicated a significant positive concordance between PbH levels and gender (score for males=1, females=2). The results suggest that hair is a reliable biomarker to determine different levels of exposure of populations to lead pollution, and they indicate that females tend to accumulate lead in the hair more than males of the same age.     

Positive effects of DHEA therapy on insulin resistance and lipids in men with angiographically verified coronary heart disease--preliminary study

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of DHEA therapy on insulin resistance (FIRI, FG/FI) and serum lipids in men with angiographically verified coronary heart disease (CHD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included thirty men aged 41-60 years (mean age 52+/-0.90 yr) with serum DHEA-S concentration<2000 microg/l, who were randomized into a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. Subjects completed the 80 days study of 40 days of 150 mg oral DHEA daily or placebo, and next groups were changed after 30 days of wash-out. Fasting early morning blood samples were obtained at baseline and after each treatment to determine serum hormones levels (testosterone, DHEA-S, LH, FSH estradiol and IGF-1) and also metabolic profile (total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglicerides, HDL-cholesterol, insulin, glucose, fasting insulin resistance index--FIRI and FG/FI ratio). RESULTS: Administration of DHEA was associated with 4.5-fold increase in DHEA-S levels. Relative to baseline DHEA administration resulted in a decrease in insulin levels by 40% (p<0.005) and fasting insulin resistance index (FIRI) by 47% (p<0.004). Also total cholesterol levels and LDL-cholesterol levels decreased significantly (from 222.9+/-6.6 mg/dL to 207.4+/-6.6 mg/dL and from 143.9+/-6.9 mg/dL to 130.5+/-6.0 mg/dL respectively; p<0.05). Glucose levels dropped significant below baseline values after DHEA (p<0.001). Estrogen levels significantly increased after DHEA (p<0.05). While changes of serum concentrations of testosterone, LH, FSH, IGF-I, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides were not statistical significant. Tolerance of the treatment was good and no adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: DHEA therapy in dose of 150 mg daily during 40 days in men with DHEA levels<2000 microg/l decreased total cholesterol concentration, insulin and glucose levels and fasting insulin resistance index (FIRI). This therapy may be a beneficial against CHD risk factors.     

A comparison of leptin and ghrelin levels in plasma and saliva of young healthy subjects

In the last 10 years, saliva has been increasingly used as a diagnostic fluid and in predictions of disease progression. Leptin and ghrelin are synthesized in several tissues including the salivary glands. The action of ghrelin is antagonistic to that of leptin. This study was undertaken to measure and compare the saliva ghrelin-leptin and plasma ghrelin-leptin levels in healthy young subjects. In 30 healthy subjects, after an overnight fast, saliva and plasma leptin levels were measured using the ELISA method while saliva and plasma immunoreactive ghrelin levels were measured using a commercial radioimmunoassay (RIA). The latter uses 125I-labeled bioactive ghrelin as a tracer and a rabbit polyclonal antibody raised against full-length octanoylated human ghrelin (Phoenix, Europe, Karlsruhe, Germany). The results of this investigation revealed that saliva leptin levels (6.19+/-2.10 microg/l) were lower than plasma levels (7.39+/-3.23 microg/l) while saliva ghrelin levels (188.5+/-84.7 pg/ml) were higher than plasma levels (126.4+/-38.5 pg/ml), when male and female subjects were considered together. Saliva leptin levels (5.93+/-1.94 microg/l) were lower than plasma levels (6.22+/-2.92 pg/ml) while saliva ghrelin levels (190.3+/-80.2 pg/ml) were higher than plasma levels (120.4+/-35.7 pg/ml) in young males. Saliva leptin levels (6.47+/-2.29 microg/l) were lower than plasma levels (8.73+/-3.14 microg/l) while saliva ghrelin levels (183.2+/-90.2 pg/ml) were higher than plasma levels (129.3+/-42.8 pg/ml) in young females, and both saliva and plasma leptin levels were slightly lower in male subjects in comparison with female subjects. Also, Immunohistochemistry study indicated that ghrelin positivity was found in ductus epithelium of salivary gland. We have demonstrated for the first time that saliva ghrelin levels were higher than in plasma while saliva leptin levels were almost the same as in plasma. Measurements of ghrelin and leptin in saliva is non-invasive, simple, and generally much preferred by patients and thus may be an acceptable alternative to plasma sampling.