Selenium Levels in First-Degree Relatives of Diabetic Patients

The present study was conducted to evaluate the serum selenium levels in first-degree relatives of diabetic patients (FDR) according to controls. Insulin resistance, serum lipid levels, inflammation markers, and blood pressure were also studied in these patients. Serum levels of selenium in FDR were significantly lower than control group (74.65 ± 5.9 vs 88.7 ± 8.7 μg/dl, p < 0.0001). HsCRP, HOMA-IR, insulin, homocysteine levels were significantly higher in FDR according to the control group (1.32 ± 0.9 vs 0.63 ± 0.4 mg/dL, p < 0.0001; 2.07 ± 0.84 vs 1.51 ± 0.69, p < 0.0001; 9.26 ± 3.8 vs 6.8 ± 2.98 μU/MI, p < 0.0001; 15.7 ± 7.4 vs 11.5 ± 5.1 μmol/L, p < 0.0001, respectively). There was significant correlation between selenium levels and hsCRP (r = − 0.450, p < 0.0001). There was also weak significant correlation also between HOMA-IR and selenium levels (r = −0.227, p = 0.003). There was a correlation between systolic blood pressure and BMI (r = 0.365, p < 0.0001). But there was no correlation between selenium levels and blood pressure or other parameters. HsCRP, HOMA-IR, homocysteine levels in individuals with selenium levels < 80 μg/L (n = 78) was significantly higher than hsCRP HOMA-IR, homocysteine levels in individuals with selenium levels ≥ 80 (n = 91; 1.23 ± 0.98 vs 0.81 ± 0.76 mg/dL, p < 0.003; 1.99 ± 0.88 vs 1.64 ± 0.74, p < 0.005; 15.0 ± 7.6 vs 12.9 ± 5.7 μmol/L, p < 0.049, respectively). Selenium deficiency may contribute to cardiovascular disease risk in FDR.     

Influence of Therapy with Metformin on the Concentration of Certain Divalent Cations in Patients with Non-insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

Research was performed on a group of 30 patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), who never received antidiabetic medication before, and on a group of 17 healthy adults. The patients were administered treatment with metformin, 1,000 mg/day. Plasmatic and urinary concentration of magnesium have been measured, copper and zinc along with the concentrations of glucose, HDL, LDL, cholesterol, tryglicerides, HbA1c, and total erythrocyte magnesium, in advance and after 3 months of treatment. Data showed significant differences in the NIDDM group vs the control group: for plasma magnesium—1.95 ± 0.19 vs 2.20 ± 0.18 mg/dl, p < 0.001; urine magnesium—237.28 ± 34.51 vs 126.25 ± 38.22 mg/24 h, p < 0.001; erythrocyte magnesium—5.09 ± 0.63 vs 6.38 ± 0.75 mg/dl, p < 0.001; plasma zinc—67.56 ± 6.21 vs 98.41 ± 20.47 μg/dl, p < 0.001; urine zinc—1,347.54 ± 158.24 vs 851.65 ± 209.75 μg/24 h, p < 0.001; plasma copper—111.91 ± 20.98 vs 96.33 ± 8.56 μg/dl, p < 0.001; and urine copper—51.70 ± 23.79 vs 36.00 ± 11.70 μg/24 h, p < 0.05. Treatment with metformin for 3 months modified significant erythrocyte magnesium—5.75 ± 0.61 vs 5.09 ± 0.63 mg/dl, p < 0.001 and urine magnesium—198.27 ± 27.07 vs 237.28 ± 34.51 mg/24 h, p < 0.001, whereas it did not modify significant the plasmatic and urinary concentration of the other cations. The erythrocyte magnesium concentration was inversely correlated with HbA1c (r = −0.438, p = 0.015). The plasma level of copper was positively correlated with HbA1c (r = 0.517, p < 0.003), tryglicerides (r = 0.534, p < 0.003), and cholesterol (r = 0.440, p < 0.05), and the plasma level of zinc was inversely correlated with glycemia (r = −0.399, p = 0.029). Our data show a significant action of metformin therapy, by increasing the total intraerythrocyte magnesium concentration and decreasing the urinary magnesium elimination, positively correlated with the decrease of glycemia and HbA1c in NIDDM patients.     

Zinc in Postmortem Body Tissues and Fluids

Data on zinc concentration in the human body may be used to interpret the results obtained in cases of chronic and acute poisonings with zinc compounds, i.e., in clinical and forensic toxicology. In this paper, the concentrations of zinc in human tissues and body fluids obtained from autopsy cases concerning non-poisoned people (n = 203), aged from 14 to 80 years, between 1995 and 2008, are presented. The following values were found by the flame atomic absorption method (mean ± SD, median, range, in microgram per gram or microgram per milliliter): brain 10.3 ± 1.36, 10.2, 7.99–13.8 (n = 48); stomach 14.2 ± 3.63, 13.6, 8.00–22.5 (n = 71); intestines 15.7 ± 5.22, 15.8, 8.36–28.1 (n = 35); liver 39.6 ± 16.1, 36.6, 16.0–78.8 (n = 109); kidney 33.8 ± 10.1, 31.8, 16.4–60.9 (n = 93); lung 12.0 ± 3.88, 11.0, 6.13–18.7 (n = 26); spleen 14.7 ± 2.53, 14.6, 11.4–18.3 (n = 5); heart 26.5 ± 3.63, 26.7, 22.5–31.8 (n = 5); blood 6.81 ± 1.21, 7.00, 4.02–8.68 (n = 50); urine 0.69 ± 1.70, 0.60, 0.39–1.00 (n = 5), and bile 4.92 ± 1.64, 3.75, 3.20–7.09 (n = 9). The accuracy of the method was checked through the use of SRM Bovine Liver 1577b (certified: 127 ± 16 μg Zn/g, found: 117 ± 0.7 μg Zn/g (n = 6)).     

Plasma Leptin,Plasma Zinc,and Plasma Copper Are Associated in Elite Female and Male Judo Athletes

The purpose of this study was to compare plasma leptin, plasma zinc, and plasma copper levels and their relationship in trained female and male judo athletes (n = 10 women; n = 8 men). Blood samples were obtained 24 h after training to measure plasma zinc, copper, and leptin levels. Subjects presented similar values to age (22 ± 2 years old), body mass index (24 ± 1 kg/m²), plasma zinc (17.2 ± 2 μmol/L), copper (12.5 ± 2 μmol/L), and leptin (5.6 ± 1.3 μg/L). However, height, total body mass, lean mass, fat mass, and sum of ten-skinfold thickness were higher in male than female. Plasma leptin was associated with sum of ten skinfolds in male (r = 0.91; p < 0.001) and female athletes (r = 0.84; p < 0.003). Plasma zinc was associated with leptin in males (r = 0.82; p < 0.05) while copper was associated with plasma leptin in females (r = 0.66; p < 0.05). Our results suggest that young judo athletes lost sex-related differences in leptin levels. Plasma zinc, plasma copper, and energy homeostasis may be involved in regulation of plasma leptin.     

Copper Concentration in Body Tissues and Fluids in Normal Subjects of Southern Poland

Data on the concentration of the elements in the human body are important, for example, to estimate the amounts required to maintain a good healthy state or find their connections with morbidity and mortality. In this paper, the concentration of copper (by flame atomic absorption spectrometry) in material obtained from autopsy cases of nonpoisoned people (n = 130), aged from 14 to 80 years, between 1990–2006, is presented. The following values were found (mean ± SD in micrograms of copper per gram or per milliliter): brain 3.32 ± 1.50 (n = 43), liver 3.47 ± 1.51 (n = 79), kidney 2.15 ± 0.90 (n = 76), stomach 1.10 ± 0.76 (n = 65), intestines 1.54 ± 1.19 (n = 25), lung 1.91 ± 1.30 (n = 27), spleen 1.23 ± 0.28 (n = 3), heart 3.26 ± 0.59 (n = 5), bile 3.60 ± 1.67 (n = 13), and blood 0.85 ± 0.19 (n = 73).     

Relationships Between Respiratory Function Disorders and Serum Copper Levels in Copper Mineworkers

The aim of this study was to investigate the respiratory function disorders that could be related to dust exposure during the production of copper mine in copper mineworkers (CMWs). The study included 75 male CMWs (mean age, 32.0 ± 7.1 years, 58.6% smokers) and 75 male age- and smoking status-matched healthy control subjects. Serum Cu level was significantly higher in the CMW group (0.80 ± 0.62 μg/ml) than the control group (0.60 ± 0.39 μg/ml) (p = 0.017). Significant negative correlations were found between serum Cu level and forced expiratory volume in first second (r = −0.600; p < 0.001) and between serum Cu level and forced vital capacity (r = −0.593; p = <0.001) in CMWs. Serum Cu level was significantly higher in the restrictive type pulmonary function disorders group (1.36 ± 0.62 μg/ml) than obstructive type (0.90 ± 0.55 μg/ml) and normal pulmonary function pattern group (0.53 ± 0.43 μg/ml) (p < 0.001). Patients with radiological parenchymal abnormalities had significantly higher serum copper levels than those without abnormalities (1.53 ± 0.52 vs. 0.71 ± 0.52 μg/ml, respectively; p = 0.002). In conclusion, result of the study has shown a negative association between pulmonary functions disorders and radiological abnormalities and serum Cu levels in CMWs.     

Intra-erythrocyte Magnesium Is Associated with Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase in Obese Children and Adolescents

This study aims at determining the association between markers of hepatic injury and serum, urinary, and intra-erythrocyte magnesium concentrations and dietary magnesium intake in obese children and adolescents. In a case–control study, 42 obese children and adolescents (8–18 years) and 42 sex- and puberty-matched controls were studied. Serum, urinary, and intra-erythrocyte magnesium levels, indices of insulin sensitivity, and liver enzymes were measured. Dietary magnesium intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Obese children and adolescents exhibited insulin resistance as determined by a higher fasting insulin and the HOMA-IR (p < 0.001) and lower QUICKI indices (p = 0.001); in addition these subjects had significantly higher intra-erythrocyte magnesium (IEM) concentrations, than non-obese ones (3.99 ± 1.05 vs. 3.35 ± 1.26 mg/dL of packed cell; p = 0.015). Among liver enzymes, only gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) was significantly higher in obese than in non-obese subjects (22.7 ± 9.4 vs. 17.1 ± 7.9 U/l; p = 0.002). A positive association was found between GGT and IEM in both groups; however in multivariate analysis, in obese subjects, only GGT (p = 0.026) and, in non-obese subjects, only age (p = 0.006) remained as significant predictors of IEM. In conclusion, increased IEM concentration was seen in insulin-resistant obese children and adolescents; furthermore, serum GGT was associated with IEM, independently of body mass index and HOMA-IR.     

Role of a Tetraethylammonium-Sensitive Component of Potassium Currents in High-Frequency Tonic Impulsation Generated by Rat Retinal Ganglion Cells

Using the voltage/current clamp technique in the whole-cell configuration, we studied the role of the highly tetraethylammonium (TEA) -sensitive component of integral potassium current in the generation of high-frequency tonic impulsation by rat retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Application of 0.5 mM TEA led to a decrease in the frequency of evoked tonic impulsation by RGCs by 63% (from 55 ± 10 sec^–1 in the control to 26 ± 5 sec^–1 in the presence of the blocker; n = 11). In this case, the duration of single action potentials at the level of 50% their amplitude increased by 64% (from 1.1 ± 0.1 to 1.8 ± 0.1 msec; n = 11), the rate of repolarization decreased by 54% (from −101 ± 9 to −46 ± 5 mV/msec; n = 11), and the amplitude of afterhyperpolarization dropped by 62% (from −16 ± 2 to −6 ± 2 mV; n = 11). Upon the action of 0.5 mM TEA, the amplitude of the integral potassium current in RGCs decreased; the current component sensitive to the above blocker was equal to 0.41 ± 0.05 nA (n = 6), while the respective value in the control was 1.62 ± 0.14 nA (n = 12). Thus, a moderate (on average, by 25%) decrease in the amplitude of the above potassium current significantly influenced the characteristics of impulse activity generated by RGCs. The TEA-sensitive component of the current was similar to the Kv3.1/Kv3.2 potassium current described earlier. The obtained data are indicative of the key role of the highly TEA-sensitive component of the potassium current (passed probably via Kv3.1/Kv3 channels) in high-frequency tonic activity generated by RGCs.     

Zinc,Manganese, Calcium,Copper, and Cadmium Level in Scalp Hair Samples of Schizophrenic Patients

The purpose of the study was to determine the concentration of trace elements present in scalp hair sample of schizophrenic patients and to find out the relationship between trace elements level and nutritional status or socioeconomic factors. The study was conducted among 30 schizophrenic male patients and 30 healthy male volunteers. Patients were recruited from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University by random sampling. Hair trace element concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy and analyzed by independent t test, Pearson’s correlation analysis, regression analysis, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Mn, Zn, Ca, Cu, and Cd concentrations of schizophrenic patients were 3.8 ± 2.31 μg/gm, 171.6 ± 59.04 μg/gm, 396.23 ± 157.83 μg/gm, 15.40 ± 5.68 μg/gm, and 1.14 ± 0.89 μg/gm of hair sample, while those of control subjects were 4.4 ± 2.32 μg/gm, 199.16 ± 27.85 μg/gm, 620.9 ± 181.55 μg/gm, 12.23 ± 4.56 μg/gm, and 0.47 ± 0.32 μg/gm of hair sample, respectively. The hair concentration of Zn and Ca decreased significantly (p = 0.024; p = 0.000, respectively) and the concentration of Cu and Cd increased significantly (p = 0.021; p = 0.000, respectively) in schizophrenic patients while the concentration of Mn (p = 0.321) remain unchanged. Socioeconomic data reveals that most of the patients were poor, middle-aged and divorced. Mean body mass indices (BMIs) of the control group (22.26 ± 1.91 kg/m²) and the patient group (20.42 ± 3.16 kg/m²) were within the normal range (18.5−25.0 kg/m²). Pearson’s correlation analysis suggested that only Ca concentration of patients had a significant positive correlation with the BMI (r = 0.597; p = 0.000) which was further justified from the regression analysis (R ² = 44%; t = 3.59; p = 0.002) and one-way ANOVA test (F = 3.62; p = 0.015). A significant decrease in the hair concentration of Zn and Ca as well as a significant increase in the hair concentration of Cu and Cd in schizophrenic patients than that of its control group was observed which may provide prognostic tool for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. However, further work with larger population is suggested to examine the exact correlation between trace element level and the degree of disorder.     

Serum Levels of Cu,Se, and Zn in Adult Rural/Urban Residents in Ghana: Paradigm Shift?

Deficiencies in Cu, Se, and Zn impair one or more biochemical functions, and excess are associated with toxicity. Baseline studies on the Ghanaian population are scanty. The study was undertaken to determine whether significant rural/urban differences in the serum levels of Cu, Se, and Zn did exist. Forty males/60 females from rural and 50 males/50 females from urban Ghanaian communities were sampled. Serum Cu, Se, and Zn were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Cu level for rural and urban subjects was 997 ± 333 and 979 ± 290 μg/L, respectively (p = 0.68). However, Cu levels were significantly higher in the rural females (1,063 ± 367 μg/L) than the rural males (898 ± 249 μg/L; p = 0.0085). Se levels for rural/urban subjects were 97 ± 36 and 87 ± 31 μg/L, respectively (p = 0.03). Zn levels in the rural/urban subjects were 312 ± 218 and 150 ± 102 μg/L, respectively (p = 0.002). Additionally, Zn was significantly higher in rural females (428 ± 204 μg/L) than the urban females (166 ± 103 μg/L; p = 0.0002). Finally, Zn was significantly higher in rural females (428 ± 204 μg/L) than males (172 ± 116 μg/L; p = 0.0028). In conclusion, Cu, Se, and Zn were higher in the rural group compared to the urban group, and the generally low Zn levels were confirmed in another cohort follow-up study.     

Effects of azaperone and haloperidol on the stress response of drive-net captured Iberian ibexes (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Capra pyrenaica</Emphasis>)

The physical capture of wild ungulates is performed for different purposes when anesthesia in field conditions is not possible or advisable. The use of tranquilizers may contribute to improved welfare of captured animals. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of azaperone and haloperidol on the stress response of Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) through the evaluation of physiological, hematological, and serum biochemical parameters. Thirty-five Iberian ibexes were drive-net captured and randomly injected with azaperone (0.52 ± 0.07 mg/kg intramuscularly (IM); n = 10), haloperidol (0.17 ± 0.04 mg/kg IM; n = 10), or saline (0.5 mL IM; n = 15) and physically restrained for 3 h. The variability of heart rate was lower in the azaperone-treated ibexes, suggesting a calming effect, and erythrocyte and biochemical parameters indicated vasodilation, splenic sequestration, hemodilution, improvement of renal perfusion, and a protective effect on muscle as a result of smooth muscle relaxation induced by azaperone. Haloperidol showed poorer results, maybe due to insufficient dosage. These results support the suitability of using azaperone in capture operations of Iberian ibex in order to reduce stress and prevent its adverse effects.     

Low Serum Magnesium Levels in Elderly Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome

This study aims at determining possible association between serum magnesium (Mg) concentrations and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in elderly subjects. Subjects were 137 men and women aged 60 to 90 years, selected from among participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study after excluding those taking medications for hypertension and dyslipidemia. Serum Mg levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry and MetS was defined according to ATP III criteria. The overall prevalence of MetS was 43.8%. Among MetS components, only plasma glucose showed a negative correlation with serum Mg concentrations (r = −0.194, p = 0.024). Subjects with MetS had significantly lower serum Mg concentrations compared with non-MetS ones (2.09 ± 0.03 vs. 2.18 ± 0.03 mg/dL, p = 0.033) even after adjustments with MetS components except for hyperglycemia (2.04 ± 0.06 vs. 2.20 ± 0.05 mg/dL, p = 0.011). However, after adjustment for hyperglycemia per se or along with the other MetS components, the significant difference between serum Mg levels in subjects with and without MetS disappeared. In conclusion, serum Mg level is diminished in elderly subjects with MetS, and hyperglycemia may play dominant role in this decrease; however, the results do not clarify whether the low serum Mg level is a consequence of hyperglycemia or is a risk factor contributing to its development.     

Parameters of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Relationship with Zincemia and Activities of Superoxide Dismutase and Glutathione Peroxidase in Obese Women

Alterations in antioxidant defense in obese people with metabolic syndrome can contribute to oxidative stress. This study assessed the relationship between the parameters of metabolic syndrome and the zincemia, activity of superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase enzymes in obese women. Seventy-three premenopausal women, aged between 20 and 50 years, were divided into two groups: case group, composed of obese (n = 37), and control group, composed of no obese (n = 36). Analyses of zinc intake, parameters of metabolic syndrome, plasma, and erythrocyte zinc, and activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were carried out. The mean values of body mass index of obese women and control group were 34.5 ± 3.4 and 21.7 ± 1.9 kg/m², respectively (p < 0.05). In the study, body mass index, waist circumference, and zinc intake were higher in obese women than control group (p < 0.05). The plasma zinc and activity of superoxide dismutase did not show significant differences between obese and controls (p > 0.05). The values of erythrocyte zinc was 36.4 ± 15.0 μg/gHb and 45.4 ± 14.3 μg/gHb and of glutathione peroxidase was 46.4 ± 19.4 U/gHb and 36.7 ± 13.6 U/gHb in obese women and controls, respectively (p < 0.05). The study shows that there are alterations in biochemical parameters of zinc in obese women, with low zinc concentrations in erythrocytes. Regression analysis demonstrates that the erythrocyte zinc and activity of superoxide dismutase enzyme is influenced by components of the metabolic syndrome, and the plasmatic glucose, body mass index, and waist circumference have a negative correlation with this enzyme.     

Comparative Analysis of Serum Manganese,Zinc, Calcium,Copper and Magnesium Level in Panic Disorder Patients

The purpose of the study was to determine the serum concentration of trace elements of panic disorder patients and to find out the relationship between trace element levels and nutritional status or socio-economic factors. The study was conducted among 54 panic disorder patients and 52 healthy volunteers. Patients were recruited from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University by random sampling. Serum trace element concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (for Mg, Zn, Ca, and Cu) as well as graphite furnace (for Mn). Data were analyzed by independent t test, Pearson’s correlation analysis, regression analysis, and ANOVA. The serum concentration of Mn, Zn, Ca, Cu, and Mg in panic disorder patients were 0.37 ± 0.30, 0.67 ± 0.20, 99.91 ± 15.15, 0.83 ± 0.23, and 21.14 ± 3.72 mg/L, while those were 0.4163 ± 0.2527, 0.86 ± 0.3, 106.6073 ± 18.6531, 0.8514 ± 0.3646, and 21.37 ± 2.03 mg/L in control subjects, respectively. The serum concentration of Zn decreased significantly (p = 0.001) in patient group. But the differences of the concentration of Mn, Ca, Cu, and Mg between patient and control group were not significant (p = 0.522, p = 0.065, p = 0.800, and p = 0.712, respectively). Socio-economic data reveal that most of the patients were very poor and middle aged. Mean BMIs of the control group (23.74 ± 2.71 kg/m²) and the patient group (22.62 ± 3.74 kg/m²) were within the normal range (18.5–25.0 kg/m²). There was no significant relationship between serum zinc level and BMI of patients (r = 0.038; p = 0.809). So the decreased level of serum zinc in panic disorder patients was not because of other reasons, but rather it may provide a prognostic tool for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.     

Age and gender affect DNMT3a and DNMT3b expression in human liver

DNA methylation is catalyzed by a family of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) including the maintenance enzyme DNMT 1 and de novo methyltransferases DNMT 3a and DNMT 3b. Elevated levels of DNMTs have been found in cancer cells and in several types of human tumors. A polymorphism found in DNMT3b has been associated with increased risk for several cancers. The factors influencing DNMT expression in human tissues have not been clearly determined. he present study examined TDNMT3a and DNMT3b levels in human liver tissue samples and compared the effect of ageing, cigarette smoking, and gender. DNMT3a and DNMT3b expression levels in the samples from older individuals (56–78 years, n = 28) were both significantly higher than those of the younger group (16–48 years, n = 27) (73.2 ± 3.4 vs 8.3 ± 2.8 and 56.1 ± 1.9 vs 17.5 ± 5.7, respectively; p < 0.05). Levels of DNMT3b in females were significantly higher than those in males (75.4 ± 2.2 vs 16.3 ± 4.7; p < 0.05); however, DNMT3a levels were similar for females and males (52.7 ± 2.7 vs 48.4 ± 2.0). Expression levels of DNMT3a and DNMT3b were similar in smokers and nonsmokers (58.1 ± 3.5 vs 60.8 ± 3.1 and 54.5 ± 2.3 vs 48.3 ± 1.8, respectively). Genotyping for DNMT3b (C→T) variant in this sample pool showed a frequency distribution of CC (41%), CT (50%), and TT (9%). The findings from this study suggest that ageing and gender may be important factors influencing DNA methylation status.     

Placental Alpha Hemoglobin Stabilizing Protein (AHSP) and recurrent miscarriage

AHSP inhibits cellular production of the reactive oxygen species. Reduced AHSP indicates reduced protection against oxidative stressors. Our objective was to investigate AHSP levels in recurrent miscarriage (RM). Trophoblast was collected from women of 10 weeks gestation: voluntary abortion controls (VA, n = 10); spontaneous first miscarriage with subsequent normal pregnancy (SMSN, n = 15) or with subsequent miscarriage (SMSM, n = 5); RM previously investigated (RMPS, n = 5) or not previously investigated (RM, n = 5). AHSP mRNA and protein were determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot, respectively. One-way ANOVA was performed to assess statistical significance (p < 0.05). ahsp mRNA levels were maximally reduced in RM and RMPS (8.0 × 10⁻⁶ ± 1.3 and 8.1 × 10⁻⁶ ± 0.7, respectively) compared with SMSN and VA (16.1 × 10⁻⁶ ± 2.3 and 26.1 × 10⁻⁶ ± 2.7, respectively). SMSM showed levels significantly reduced as well (9.0 × 10⁻⁶ ± 2.3). In RM, a reduced defense from oxidative stressors is evident at first miscarriage, identifying women at high risk for subsequent eventful pregnancy. Reduced AHSP may identify women at risk of experiencing further miscarriages. Monica Emanuelli and Monia Cecati contributed equally to this paper.     

Serum Copper,Zinc, and Magnesium Levels in Patients with Chronic Fluorosis

Although there are many studies on effect of fluoride on trace elements in experimental animals, few studies exist on serum trace elements levels in patients with endemic fluorosis. We aimed to determine the serum levels of trace elements including serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and serum levels of minerals including calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K) in patients with endemic fluorosis. The study group consisted of 30 patients with endemic fluorosis (17 females, 13 males, mean age 33.53 ± 9.85 years). An age, gender, and body mass index matched 30 healthy volunteers comprised control group (21 females, ten males with a mean age 33.93 ± 7.39 years). Urine fluoride levels of chronic fluorosis patients were significantly higher than that of control subjects as expected (1.92 ± 0.10 mg/l vs. 0.41 ± 0.09 mg/l, respectively; P < 0.001). Serum Cu levels (89.14 ± 16.77 μg/dL vs. 102.69 ± 25.04 μg/dL, respectively, P = 0.017), serum Zn levels (77.98 ± 20.58 μg/dL vs. 94.57 ± 35.87μg/dL, respectively, P = 0.032), and serum Mg levels (1.92 ± 0.18 mg/dL vs. 2.07 ± 0.31 mg/dL, respectively, p = 0.022) was significantly lower in chronic fluorosis patients than in controls. There were no statistically significant differences between the fluorosis group and control group with respect to serum levels of Na, K, Ca, and P. We concluded that chronic fluorosis is associated with reduced serum levels of Cu, Zn, and Mg.     

An initial comparison of tubular netting versus tie–tie methods of cultivation for Kappaphycus alvarezii (Rhodophyta, Solieriaceae) on the south coast of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

A new cultivation technique for Kappaphycus alvarezii was used in the Brazilian southeastern coast (23°02′25″ S and 43°53′39″ W), the tubular netting on floating rafts. The tubular net technique (TN) was compared with the current method of tie–tie (TT). After 47 days, the daily growth rate (mean ± SD of TN and TT = 3.4 ± 0.7% day⁻¹), carrageenan yield (mean ± SD of TN and TT = 36 ± 1.3%), gel strength (mean ± SD of TN and TT = 730 ± 114.5 g cm2), and viscosity (mean ± SD of TN and TT = 350 ± 60.4 cP) did not differ between the two techniques (p > 0.05). The amount of time used to plant (TT = 30.2 ± 2.3 min and TN = 13.3 ± 3.4 min) and to harvest the seedlings (TT = 36.2 ± 2.7 min and TN = 17.8 ± 3.7 min) were lower in TN (p < 0.001). It is concluded that TN was more effective than TT, the cultivation management (time rates used to plant and harvest the seedlings) was 53.6% faster, no seedlings were lost, the cost was lower, and an estimated return in 1 year of nearly 20% more than that of the TT technique.     

CCN3 suppresses mitogenic signalling and reinstates growth control mechanisms in Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia

CCN3, a tumour suppressor gene, is down-regulated as a result of BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase activity in Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML). We have established a stable CCN3 expression model in the human K562 CML cell line and have further validated the role for CCN3 in the leukaemogenic process. K562 cells stably transfected with CCN3 (K562/CCN3; 2.25 × 10⁶ copies per 50 ng cDNA) demonstrated over 50% reduction in cell growth in comparison to cells stably transfected with empty vector (K562/control; p = 0.005). K562/CCN3 cells had reduced colony formation capacity (reduced by 29.7%, p = 0.03) and reduced mitogenic signalling in comparison to K562/control cells (reduced by 29.5% (p = 0.002) and 37.4% (p = 0.017) for phosphorylation levels of ERK and AKT respectively). K562/CCN3 cells showed an accumulation of events within the subG₀ phase of the cell cycle and increased apoptosis was confirmed by a three-fold increase in annexin V binding (p < 0.05). K562/CCN3 cells exposed to Imatinib (1 μM and 5 μM) showed an increase in events within the subG₀ phase of cell cycle over 96 h and mirrored the enhanced cell kill demonstrated by Annexin staining. Wild type K562 cells treated with recombinant human Ccn3 (10 nM) in combination with Imatinib (5 μM) also displayed enhanced cell kill (p = 0.008). K562/CCN3 cells displayed increased adhesion to matrigel™ (2.92 ± 0.52 fold increase compared to K562/control) which was commensurate with increased expression of the alpha 6 and beta 4 integrins (6.53 ± 0.47 and 1.94 ± 0.07 fold increase in gene expression respectively (n = 3, p < 0.05)). CCN3 restores cellular growth regulatory properties that are absent in CML and sensitises CML cells to imatinib induced apoptosis. CCN3 may provide novel avenues for the development of alternate therapeutic strategies.     

Effect of of ATP on Neurons of the Rat Intact Nodose Ganglion

Under intracellular recording, we studied the effect of ATP on nerve cells of the rat intact nodose ganglion. The resting membrane potential of the examined neurons was, on average, –60.3 ± 1.4 mV (n = 84); among such units, 88% were classified as C cells. Local application of 2 mM ATP to the surface of the ganglion using a modified laminar flow system led to depolarization of neurons by 7.1 ± 0.9 mV, on average (n = 19). A blocker of P2X receptors, PPADS (100 μM), suppressed these depolarization responses, decreasing their amplitude, on average, to 16 ± 3% (n = 3) of the initial value. The obtained data indicate that an overwhelming majority of neurons of the intact nodose ganglion possess functional P2X receptors on their membranes. The absence of the corresponding responses in a considerable part of neurons of intact spinal ganglia [13-15] was, apparently, determined by the fact that P2X receptors in the course of the described experiments had enough time to desensitize before ATP reached the effective concentration.