Blood Copper Concentrations Research Articles

Effects of Nano-copper on Antioxidant Function in Copper-Deprived Guizhou Black Goats.

Guizhou black goats are essential to the production system in the Wumeng prairie in the Western China. This study aimed to determine the influence of nano-copper on antioxidant system in copper-deprived Guizhou black goats. We analyzed mineral contents in soil, forage, and goats' tissues. Blood parameters were also determined. The results showed that copper concentrations in soil and forage were significantly lower, and the iron content was significantly higher in affected compared with healthy area (P < 0.01). Copper concentrations in animal tissues (blood, liver, and hair) were significantly lower and iron content was significantly higher in affected compared with healthy goats (P < 0.01). After supplementation of nano-copper or copper sulfate, copper concentration in blood was significantly increased and iron content was significantly lower (P < 0.01). Compared with nano-copper group, the effect of copper sulfate was slower. Hemoglobin levels, erythrocyte count, and packed cell volume from nano-copper and copper sulfate groups were significantly higher than those in copper-deprived goats (P < 0.01). Compared with the copper-deprived Guizhou black goats, serum ceruloplasmin levels in nano-copper and copper sulfate groups were significantly increased, while serum lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and creatinine were significantly decreased (P < 0.01). Compared with the copper-deprived animals, serum superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and total antioxidant capacity in nano-copper and copper sulfate groups were significantly higher, while serum malondialdehyde content was significantly lower (P < 0.01). The effect of copper sulfate group was significantly lower than that in nano-copper group (P < 0.01). Consequently, nano-copper could not only markedly increase the copper content in blood in copper-deprived Guizhou black goats but also much improves the antioxidant capacity.

Micromotor for removal/detection of blood copper ion

Blood copper poisoning seriously affects human health, and the therapeutic effect of traditional treatment methods has been limited owing to their long treatment cycle, high cost, and separation of diagnosis and treatment. Based on the micromotor technology, a new kind of micromotor magnetic mesoporous silica/ZnS·Mn/gold/tetraethylenepentamine/heparin (MMS/ZM/Au/T/Hep) was reported for the direct removal/detection of excessive blood copper, achieving the integration of diagnosis and treatment. The structure, motion behavior and biocompatibility of the MMS/ZM/Au/T/Hep micromotors were characterized. Further, the removal efficiency and fluorescence detection of the excessive blood copper by the micromotors were investigated. Results indicated that the removal rate of blood copper ion was as high as 74.1% due to the synergistic effect of the mesoporous structure, adsorbent functional group and movement ability. Meanwhile, the MMS/ZM/Au/T/Hep micromotors can selectively monitor blood copper concentration according to the change of fluorescence signal after separation from blood with the limit of detection of 0.33 ppm and the limit of quantification of 1.10 ppm, respectively. The precision (%) of inter-day and intra-day variations was 1.11% and 18.07%. This work may provide possible options for removing and detecting excess copper ions in blood.

Exploring the role of copper and selenium in the maintenance of normal thyroid function among healthy Koreans

BackgroundSelenium and iodine are trace elements well known to have important roles in the synthesis and metabolism of thyroid hormones. However, the effects of other trace elements on thyroid hormones are still inconclusive. We investigated the association between several trace elements and thyroid hormones. MethodsThe data of 448 subjects who were measured for both, trace elements and TSH/free T4, at the Heath Checkup Center were retrospectively reviewed. The presence of thyroiditis (from thyroid echogenicity) and thyroid nodules were reviewed in the subjects who underwent thyroid ultrasonography. ResultsBlood concentrations of manganese, copper, selenium, and molybdenum were associated with TSH or free T4. After adjusting for age, sex, BMI, smoking, and alcohol consumption, blood copper levels were positively associated with free T4 in both sexes and selenium levels were positively associated with free T4 in women. There was no association between trace elements and thyroiditis. Blood copper concentration had a weak non-linear association with the presence of thyroid nodules. ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that blood concentrations of copper and selenium were significantly associated with free T4 in healthy Korean subjects with sufficient iodine intake suggesting their role in maintaining normal thyroid function.

Long-term effects of chromium on morphological and immunological parameters of Wistar rats

Hexavalent chromium raises high concern because of its wide industrial applications and reported toxicity. Long-term (135 days) oral exposure of Wistar rats to chromium in the form of K2Cr2O7 (exposed group~20 mg/kg/day) led to a decrease in thymus mass and thymocytes' number and caused structural and functional changes in the lymph nodes and spleen, namely lymphoreticular hyperplasia and plasmocytic macrophage transformation. Programmed cell death was increased in both thymocytes and splenocytes and decreased in lymphocytes in the T-zones of spleen and lymph nodes. Moreover, Cr (VI) administration decreased myeloid cells' and neutrophils' number, while it increased lymphoid and erythroid cells' number in bone marrow. Cr (VI) immune system effects seem to be related to oxidative stress induction, as depicted by the increased levels of diene conjugates and malondialdehyde in the spleen and liver and by the decreased activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase in rats’ erythrocytes. In addition, exposure to Cr (VI) decreased copper, nickel and iron concentrations in blood and liver, while Cr levels in blood, spleen and liver were increased, as expected. The observed changes in the series of immunological parameters studied contribute to the development of new approaches for the prevention of low level Cr exposure toxicity.

Variation in Blood and Colorectal Epithelia's Key Trace Elements Along with Expression of Mismatch Repair Proteins from Localized and Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an increasingly common medical issue affecting millions worldwide, and contribution of the body's trace elements to CRC is arguable. The concentrations and buffered status of selenium, iron, copper, zinc, and phosphorus in blood and large intestinal tissues of CRC patients are, respectively, variable and vital for cell physiology. The aim of this study was to assess selenium, iron, copper, zinc, and phosphorus variations in blood and colorectal epithelia along with examining the expression of mismatch repair proteins in CRC patients with/without metastasis for potential diagnosis/therapy. Concentrations of selenium, iron, copper, zinc, and phosphorus in blood of healthy versus CRC patients and colorectal epithelia (adenocarcinomatous versus non-adenocarcinomatous/control) were measured in 40 CRC patients (55.87 ± 11.9years old) with/without metastasis before surgery using ICP-OES. Mismatch repair (MMR) protein expression was analyzed through histopathological/immunohistochemistry assays, which was sparse in 5 CRC patient's colorectal tissues (12%). Compared with healthy individuals, blood and colorectal tissue's levels of phosphorus, copper, and iron were significantly higher in the CRC patients, and more pronounced in metastatic CRC patients; conversely, blood and colorectal tissue's selenium levels were significantly lower in metastatic patients. Unlike blood zinc, cancerous colorectal tissue's zinc concentration was significantly lower in CRC patients compared to healthy control cohorts. There was no significant difference on the measured elements in samples from CRC patients with MMR- compared to CRC patients with MMR+. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed a correlation of blood iron, zinc, copper, and phosphorus to CRC, and inappropriately low levels of blood and colorectal selenium correlated with exacerbated metastasis. Altered levels of selenium, iron, copper, zinc, and phosphorus in vivo may impact the pathogenesis and detection of CRC, and their diagnostic/therapeutic potential in CRC would be revealing.

Влияние пробиотических штаммов рода Bacillus на биохимические показатели крови и концентрацию меди в организме животных

Влияние пробиотических штаммов рода Bacillus на биохимические показатели крови и концентрацию меди в организме животных

The association between blood copper concentration and biomarkers related to cardiovascular disease risk – analysis of 206 individuals in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966

BackgroundCopper is an abundant trace element in humans where alterations in the circulating concentration could inform on chronic disease aetiology. To date, data are lacking to study how copper may associate with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in young and healthy population. Molecular evidence suggests an important role of copper in liver metabolism, an essential organ in maintaining cardiovascular health and inflammation, therefore supporting copper as an associated biomarker of the risk. ObjectiveWe performed a cross-sectional analysis to examine the possible associations between blood copper levels and risk factors for CVD and pre-inflammatory process. DesignThe data has been collected from a sub-sample set of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966) at 31 years. ParticipantsThe study included 206 individuals, 116 men and 90 women. To reduce environmental individual variations affecting both copper and the metabolic profile in the study sample, the participants were selected as: i) being born in Finnish Lapland and ii) living in their birth place for the last five years preceding blood sampling. Main outcome measuresFasting blood copper concentration was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The CVD risk factors included 6 metabolic clusters (30 cardiovascular and pro-inflammatory factors) assessed by nuclear magnetic resonance. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to test the linear association between blood copper and 6 metabolic clusters for CVD risk. Associations were assessed under correction for multiple testing. ResultsCopper (Cu) levels were comparable in men and women, with no difference between sexes (p-value <0.60). In multiple regression models, sex adjusted, copper was associated with 9 metabolites from 4 metabolic clusters. After adjustment with BMI, copper was associated with 4 metabolites from 3 metabolic clusters: glutamine, beta-hydroxybutyrate, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). After correction for multiple testing, Cu was found positively associated with only 2 biomarkers of inflammation including AGP [p = 0.04] and hs-CRP [p = 0.0001]. ConclusionsConsidering the strength and limitation of the study design, the present study does not support evidence for an independent role of copper on biomarkers for CVD risk. Nevertheless, we are reporting a robust association of copper with the inflammatory load that is important to consider in light with the inflammatory component of chronic health. In addition, the association of copper with metabolites may be attributable to BMI or environmental factors associated to it, and warrants further research in large population samples.

A low blood copper concentration is a co-morbidity burden factor in Parkinson’s disease development

Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients are often characterized by copper dyshomeostasis, which is responsible for ROS formation and fibrillogenesis. However, the relationships between copper metabolism and PD development are unclear. In this study in 50 patients with PD (pPD) and 50 age-matched healthy individuals, the serum total copper concentration, oxidase activity, ceruloplasmin and SOD3 protein concentrations were measured; and amount of copper atoms per ceruloplasmin molecule was calculated. These parameters were lower in pPD relatively to healthy volunteers. Decrease in concentrations of SOD3, ceruloplasmin, and copper but increase of interleukin-6 levels were associated with a risk of PD. Two consistent patterns were identified. First, a low serum copper concentration related with PD development and predominantly affected the non-motor symptoms of PD. There was no correlation between copper concentration and ceruloplasmin oxidase activity level (r = 0.27) in pPD. Second, Chelex 100 treatment revealed that pPD ceruloplasmin compared with ceruloplasmin of healthy individuals displayed smaller content of labile copper atoms. The presence or absence of these atoms had no effect on ceruloplasmin enzymatic activities. Our findings suggest that cuproenzyme deficiency, which is typical for PD, can be caused by violation of metabolic incorporation of the labile copper atoms into ceruloplasmin molecule.

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 1.56-8.01μmol/l), whole blood Zn (median 10.01, range 6.23-75.0μmol/l), plasma Cu (median 7.53, range 2.93-16.41μmol/l) and whole blood Cu (median 6.33, range 3.02-13.95μmol/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.

Serum magnesium and copper levels in Bangladeshi women with gestational diabetes mellitus

Background and objectives: Alteration of magnesium (Mg) and copper (Cu) concentrations in blood has been observed in normal pregnancy as well as in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The present study was aimed to evaluate the serum Mg and Cu levels in Bangladeshi women with GDM in their second and third trimester of pregnancy.Methods: The study was conducted at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital from July 2013 to June 2014. Pregnant women, in their second and third trimester, attending the outpatient department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Department of Endocrinology of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital were enrolled by purposive sampling technique. GDM was diagnosed on the basis of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) as defined in WHO criteria 2013. Blood glucose was estimated by enzymatic GOD-PAP colorimetric method. The cut off value for fasting plasma glucose level was ?6.1 mmol/L or ?7.8 mmol/L 2 hours after glucose load. Serum Cu was estimated by 3, 5-DiBr-PAESA method and Mg by Xylidyl Blue-I Method as per manufacturer’s instruction.Results: A total of 172 pregnant women in their second and third trimester were enrolled. Out of 172 participants, 86 had GDM and 86 were normoglycemic (control). The mean age of GDM and control groups was 28.6±3.2 years and 27.3±3.1 years respectively. The BMI was 26.4±1.5 m/kg2 and 26.3±1.3 m/kg2. Serum Mg level was significantly low (p&lt; 0.001) in 2nd and 3rd trimesters in GDM cases (1.39±0.26 mg/dl and 0.93±0.15 mg/dl) compared to control group (1.67±0.3 mg/dl and 1.67±0.31mg/dl). On the contrary, serum Cu levels in GDM cases were significantly (p&lt;0.002) higher in both trimesters (224±333.8 ?g/dl and 243.91±6.89 ?g/dl) compared to those without GDM (220.1±7.6 ?g/dl and 234.9±4.6 ?g/dl). There was significant (p&lt;0.001) increase of serum Cu levels in 3rd trimester compared to 2nd trimester in both GDM and non GDM cases.Conclusion: There was distinct alteration of serum Mg and Cu levels in GDM compared to normal pregnancy.IMC J Med Sci 2017; 11(1): 25-28

Relationship between Selected Serum Metallic Elements and Obesity in Children and Adolescent in the U.S.

The prevalence of obesity has increased at an alarming rate worldwide. Metallic elements are involved in the pathogenesis of obesity and related diseases. To date, whether environmental exposure to metallic elements has effects on obesity in children and adolescents is still unclear. The aim of the current study was to investigate the association of blood metallic elements with obesity in U.S. children and adolescents. This cross-sectional study was performed with 5404 children and adolescents (6–19 years, 2745 males and 2659 females) who participated in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2014. Blood lead, mercury, selenium, manganese, copper, and zinc, as well as biochemical parameters including triglyceride (TG), cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were assessed for all subjects. Multivariate logistic regression and linear regression were applied to assess associations of metallic elements and overweight, obesity status, and serum metabolites as distinct outcomes adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, and the poverty income ratio. When stratified by age and sex, significant associations were found between the highest quartile of copper concentrations in blood with obesity status (OR = 9.27, 95% CI: 5.43, 15.82, pfor trend < 0.001) and cholesterol (OR = 3.08, 95% CI: 1.43, 6.63, pfor trend < 0.001). The highest concentrations of manganese in the blood was associated with obesity in those aged 6–19 years (OR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.74, 3.02, pfor trend < 0.001). Moreover, blood mercury and selenium showed positive relationships with cholesterol. Further, a negative association existed between blood zinc and obesity. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data provide epidemiological evidence that blood metallic elements are positively associated with obesity in children and adolescents. However, the underlying mechanisms still need further exploration.

Relationship of blood and seminal plasma ceruloplasmin, copper, iron and cadmium concentrations with sperm quality in Merino rams

The aim of the current study was to investigate the concentrations of ceruloplasmin, copper, iron, zinc and cadmium concentrations in blood serum and seminal plasma obtained from Merino rams. In addition, their relationship with sperm parameters, fertility rate and litter size were also studied. Blood and ejaculate samples (6 replicates) were taken in October from 19 Merino rams, aged between 18 and 24 months. Ceruloplasmin, copper, iron, zinc and cadmium in blood serum and seminal plasma were determined. Sperm parameters including volume, mass motility, motility, concentration, Hos-test, viability, abnormal sperm and acrosome abnormality in semen, fertility rate and litter size were also evaluated. Highly positive correlation was found between blood ceruloplasmin and blood copper concentrations (r=0.812, p<0.001), whereas negative correlation were determined between these parameters in seminal plasma (r=−0.195, p<0.05). Seminal plasma copper concentration was positively correlated with seminal plasma cadmium (r=0.206, p<0.05) and seminal plasma iron (r=0,305, p<0.01) concentrations. Negative correlation was determined between blood ceruloplasmin level and acrosomal defect (r=−0.443, p<0.05). Seminal plasma ceruloplasmin level was positively correlated with volume (r=0.255, p<0.01) and negatively correlated with abnormal sperm (r=−0.186, p=0.058) and acrosome abnormality (r=−0.213, p<0.05). Seminal plasma iron concentration was positively correlated with other abnormality (r=0.257, p<0.01). Seminal plasma cadmium concentration was positively correlated with sperm abnormality (r=0.207, p=0.052) and other abnormality (r=0.262, p<0.05) and negatively correlated with fertility rate (r=−0.449, p=0.054). Blood cadmium concentration was negatively correlated with litter size (r=−0.579, p<0.01). In conclusion, blood and seminal plasma ceruloplasmin may be suggested to have positive influence regardless of copper with its antioxidant property whereas iron and cadmium have negative influence on sperm parameters and fertility in Merino rams.

Copper and Zinc Serum Level in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis

Decreased kidney function can accumulate trace elements. Increased trace elements can have toxic features. On the other hand, studies are showing that concentration of some trace elements could be decreased in chronic kidney disease patients as well. Because these patients are at risk for alterations of trace elements, we measured serum level of zinc and copper trace elements in hemodialysis patients and compare it with the control group. We analyzed the trace elements' copper and zinc concentration in the whole blood of 52 ESRD patients who were treated with hemodialysis as case group and also of 52 age and sex matched healthy people as control group. Whole blood trace element concentration was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The serum concentrations of zinc and copper were significantly lower in case group compared to control group. The serum concentration of zinc and copper trace elements in end-stage renal failure patients is disturbed. Due to the discrepancy in findings of different studies, further studies in large scale are recommended to determine the serum concentration of trace elements in these patients.

Optic Neuropathy, Myelopathy, Anemia, and Neutropenia Caused by Acquired Copper Deficiency After Gastric Bypass Surgery

Malabsorptive bariatric surgery is rapidly becoming a major cause of copper deficiency given the increasing prevalence of these procedures for morbid obesity. Acquired copper deficiency can present with clinically significant hematologic and neurological manifestations. Although hematologic manifestations of copper deficiency are rapidly reversible, significant neurological improvement after copper supplementation therapy is unusual and many patients remain debilitated and may only experience, at best, stabilization of the neurological manifestations. Here we present a case of an undiagnosed copper deficiency several years after bariatric gastric bypass surgery, in a patient who concomitantly used zinc-containing denture cream for several years, associated with anemia, neutropenia, myelopathy, respiratory failure, and bilateral optic neuropathy, which caused major vision loss. This patient was also a heterozygote carrier of the 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase A1298C gene polymorphism, which may affect copper metabolism. Intravenous copper repletion resulted in rapid correction of hematologic indices. However, neurological manifestations, including vision loss responded only modestly to copper supplementation, despite achieving normal blood copper concentrations. Clinicians should consider copper deficiency in patients at risk, as in this case, as a delayed diagnosis can lead to irreversible disability due to neurological manifestations.

Assay of alterations in oxidative stress markers in pigs naturally infested with Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis

The present study aimed to examine the status of antioxidant systems of the pigs naturally suffering from sarcoptic mange. Fifty nine pigs were divided into three groups, healthy control (group I, n=15), subclinical sarcoptic mange (group II, n=22) and clinical sarcoptic mange (group III, n=22). To assess the status of antioxidant systems; lipid peroxides (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), ascorbic acid, zinc and copper concentrations in the blood samples as well as LPO, SOD, CAT and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) activities in the skin were measured. The GSH, SOD, GPx, ascorbic acid, zinc, copper concentrations in blood were significantly lower in the pigs suffering from clinical and subclinical sarcoptic mange, when compared with the healthy control. However, LPO content of these infested pigs was significantly higher. The CAT, SOD and GST activities in the skin of the diseased pigs were significantly lower, whereas LPO was significantly higher as compared to the healthy control. From the present study, it may be concluded that sarcoptic mange bestows remarkable alterations in the oxidative stress markers and imposes compromisation of the antioxidant status of the infested pigs.

The role of zinc, copper, plasma glutathione peroxidase enzyme, and vitamins in the development of allergic diseases in early childhood: The Polish mother and child cohort study.

It has been hypothesized that the increase in allergic disorders may, in part, be a consequence of changing diet. The primary aim of this study was to assess the associations between occurrence of atopic dermatitis; food allergy; the incidence of wheeze inhaled glucocorticosteroid use in children during the 1st year of life; and cord blood concentrations of copper, zinc, vitamins (A and E), and glutathione peroxidase activity. We evaluated 240 1-year-old children from the Polish Mother and Child Cohort Study. Women were interviewed during pregnancy to collect demographic and socioeconomic data and medical and reproductive history. Exposure to tobacco constituents was assessed based on questionnaire data. At delivery, umbilical cord blood plasma was sampled. One year after the birth, the child's exposure and health status were examined. In the analyses a multivariable model was used. Higher zinc and copper concentrations in cord blood were associated with increased likelihood of wheezing in 1-year-old children. This effect was seen only among children exposed to tobacco smoke at home. We also showed significantly lower activity of glutathione peroxidase enzyme 3 in umbilical cord blood plasma of children with atopic dermatitis during the 1st year of life. There were no significant associations between vitamin A and E concentrations in plasma and children's health. We showed imbalance in the antioxidant defense system in cord blood, which may lead to development of atopic dermatitis or wheezing in infancy. The association between maternal nutrient status during pregnancy and child's health is complex and interacts with other environmental factors such as tobacco exposure. This study was a part of the clinical trial NCT01861548 registered at ClinicalTrials.gov.

The hazardous impacts of mining activities on population's health in Blue Nile State - Sudan

Background: In recent decades the Ingessana Hills, namely the Bao and Jam areas located in the Southwest of the Blue Nile State in Sudan, have been very important areas due to their mining activities. By releasing bio-monitoring systems we can facilitate extensive evaluation of environmental hazards and their impact on human health. Methods: Measurement of the levels of mineral elements traces in villagers' blood samples using atomic absorption spectroscopy and the automated haematology analyser, then comparing them with the control samples taken from the Khartoum State (which has no mining activities). Results: The concentrations of chromium, iron, copper, and cobalt residuals in blood were evaluated regarding sex and location. We found that chromium and iron in the three different areas was P &lt; 0.05, iron values were found to be within the normal ranges. Serum level of chromium in the Jam area population was P &lt; 0.05, copper and cobalt were P&gt;0.05; and the values were found to be in normal reference range, except for chromium which was found to be slightly increased in Jam area. Sex has no influence on chromium, copper and cobalt, but iron was higher in males than females (P&gt;0.05). The haematological values of red blood cells, white blood cells, haemoglobin and packed cell volume were P&gt;0.05 in the Bao and Jam areas. These values among sex groups did not show significant differences except for haemoglobin, which was found to be higher in male groups. Conclusion: The study confirmed that people who reside in the Jam area are exposed to high levels of chromium. This may occur through many routes of exposure, including drinking water (ground water), ingesting food enriched with chromium, or by inhaling dust or fumes that come from chromium mineralisation companies.

Neurobehavioral function and low-level metal exposure in adolescents: suggestive evidence of an association between blood copper and attention

Background It is widely acknowledged that an excessive metal exposure is harmful to the brain. However, many aspects of metal neurotoxicity remain unclear including a determination of the magnitude of the low-level exposure effects and the establishment of exposure levels which can be assumed safe. Attention and the motor function are important targets of metal neurotoxicity. Aims To investigate the association between metal exposure indicators (in blood: copper, cadmium, lead, manganese, thallium; in urine: arsenic, cadmium, nickel; in hair: methylmercury) and the neurobehavioral endpoints attention and motor speed in a group of 606 adolescents between 13.6 and 17 years of age. Methods We applied structural equation modeling, a statistical method that allows to account for measurement errors and to specify a model in terms of causal relationships. Our models took into account gender, age, socio-economic status, education of mother, education of father, and smoking behavior of the adolescents. A quadratic model was applied for the essential elements copper and manganese and a linear model for the remaining metals. Results We observed an inverted U-shape association between copper exposure and attention, p=0.002. The highest attention scores was estimated for a whole blood copper concentration of 543 µg/L (95% CI: 300-983). For a whole blood copper concentration of 1035 µg/L (the 95th percentile), the attention score was 0.50 standard deviation lower compared to the optimum level. Lead, methylmercury, toxicologically relevant arsenic, manganese, cadmium, thallium, and nickel did not show a significant association, neither with attention nor with manual motor speed. Conclusions Blood copper and attention showed an inverted U-shape association in adolescents. Our study did not provide evidence of neurotoxicity from other metals. Our results are in line with recent evidence based on adults and elderly suggesting that copper might be relevant for the neurobehavioral function in humans.

SERUM CONCENTRATIONS OF VITAMINS AND TRACE ELEMENTS IN CLINICALLY HEALTHY GREATER FLAMINGOS (PHOENICONAIAS PHOENICOPTERUS RUBEUS) AND LESSER FLAMINGOS (PHOENICONAIAS MINOR)

Analysis of vitamins and trace elements has gained importance in avian medicine in recent years. It has become evident that interpretation should be based on species-specific reference intervals due to differences in intervals between species. This study was performed to evaluate the blood concentrations of vitamins A (retinol), B1 (thiamine), C (ascorbic acid), and E (alpha-tocopherol) and trace elements copper, selenium, and zinc for greater flamingos (Phoeniconaias (Phoenicopterus) rubeus) and lesser flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor). Reference intervals of vitamins and trace elements are presented for clinically healthy flamingos. Thirty-six clinically healthy greater flamingos, divided into male and female groups, and 14 healthy lesser flamingos were evaluated. There was no significant difference in the vitamin and trace element concentrations between male and female greater flamingos, but there was a statistically significant difference between greater flamingos and lesser flamingos for ascorbic acid, copper, and selenium. Blood concentration of ascorbic acid was greater (P < 0.001) in lesser flamingos (122.66 +/- 31.53 microM) than in male and female greater flamingos (40.53 +/- 13.83 and 30.44 +/- 11.43 microM, respectively). Blood concentrations of copper and selenium were greater (P < 0.001) in greater flamingos (copper: 5.57 +/- 1.3 microM for males, 5.65 +/- 1.53 microM for females; selenium: 2.74 +/- 0.43 microM for males, 2.54 +/- 0.7 microM for females) than lesser flamingos (copper: 2.45 +/- 1.96 microM; selenium: 0.45 +/- 0.29 microM). The mean +/- SD of vitamins A, B1, and E and zinc are reported as entire group (male and female greater flamingos and lesser flamingos): vitamin A, 1.54 +/- 0.45 micromM; thiamine, 0.49 +/- 0.07 jM; vitamin E, 31 +/- 9.8 micromol/L; and zinc, 29.52 +/- 6.49 microM.

Gestational age-specific reference intervals for blood copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium, iron, lead, and cadmium during normal pregnancy

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the blood copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) concentrations in women of ≤12 (group I), 13–20 (group II), 21–27 (group III), 28–35 (group IV), and 36–42 (group V) weeks of gestation and compare them with those in nonpregnant women. Design and methodsThe cross-sectional study was performed in 2380 pregnant women [group I (n=550); group II (n=552); group III (n=600); group IV (n=553); and group V (n=125)] and 552 nonpregnant women as controls. Blood seven element concentrations, including Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg, Fe, Pd, and Cd, were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). ResultsCompared with the nonpregnant women group, the concentrations of Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg, Fe, Pb, and Cd at ≤12, 13–20, 21–27, 28–35, and 36–42weeks of gestation, on the whole, were significantly different. Blood Cu, Mg, Ca, Fe, Pb, and Cd concentrations were correlated with weeks of gestation (P<0.05). The gestational age-specific reference intervals were established for Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg, Fe, Pd, and Cd. ConclusionsThe established reference intervals for Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg, and Fe can provide important guidance for the reasonable supplementation of essential elements in pregnancy. And the reference intervals for Pd and Cd can play an important part in the surveillance and diagnosis of environmental overexposure.