Blood Copper Levels Research Articles

Is there a link between premature ovarian failure and serum concentrations of vitamin D, zinc, and copper?

The risk of primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) increases in association with autoimmune conditions. Adequate intake of vitamin D (vit D) and trace elements is required for the immune system to function efficiently. The aim of this study was to evaluate vit D, zinc, and copper blood levels in women with POI who had given birth to at least one child and in women with normal menstrual cycles. This was a cross-sectional, case-control study involving 63 participants divided into two groups: the study group, which is composed of 35 women with POI, and the control group, which is composed of 28 women with normal menstrual cycles. Serum concentrations of zinc, vit D, and copper were determined for each participant. Women with POI had significantly higher serum copper levels and copper-to-zinc ratio but significantly lower serum vit D and zinc levels when compared with the healthy control group. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels were inversely correlated with zinc and vit D levels and positively correlated with the copper-to-zinc ratio and copper levels. Vit D levels were inversely correlated with follicle-stimulating hormone levels, copper-to-zinc ratio, and copper levels and positively correlated with zinc levels. Most women with POI are deficient in vit D. Zinc, copper, and vit D seem to correlate with hormonal status in the participants. The present study may generate hypotheses for future studies that will investigate the possible mechanisms behind alterations in trace elements and vit D deficiency in women with POI and whether these changes could be used to screen for the risk of developing POI.

Pharmacokinetics and hematotoxicity of a novel copper‐based anticancer agent: Casiopeina III‐Ea, after a single intravenous dose in rats

Casiopeina III-Ea is a mixed chelate copper (II) complex that has shown cytotoxic and antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo. The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of total copper derived from casiopeina III-Ea administered by intravenous bolus injection to Wistar rats. Other objective was to evaluate the hematotoxicity produced by this compound in those animals. Wistar rats received a single intravenous dose of 4 mg/kg of casiopeina III-Ea. Blood samples were taken and pharmacokinetics evaluated. Furthermore, erythrocyte copper levels were determined to identify a potential target and Zn levels were analyzed to determine a possible change. For the evaluation of hematotoxicity, both blood and urine samples were collected for hematological and biochemical analyses; moreover, Fe determination was performed. Blood copper and zinc levels, red blood cell copper levels as well as copper, zinc, and iron amounts excreted into urine were analyzed by ICP-MS. The blood concentration-time profile of copper derived from casiopeina III-Ea was fitted to a two-compartment model with a zero-order input. Cumulative amounts of Cu, Zn, and Fe excreted into rat urine after administration of casiopeina III-Ea were different with respect to control. Hematological and biochemical data indicated a hemolytic toxicity. Pharmacokinetic analysis of total copper derived from casiopeina III-Ea provided a general knowledge about distribution and elimination process of this compound. Additionally, the systemic exposure of the copper derived from casiopeina III-Ea accounts for the hematotoxicity of this complex at test dose.

Study of The Role of Mercury Poisoning in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients and Its Relation with Zinc and Copper Levels

The present study aimed to evaluate role of increased blood levels of mercury on rheumatoid arthritis patients in Dakahlia governorate and to investigate the correlation between levels of zinc and copper in the blood with that of mercury and their relation to the disease activity. The present study included 32 patients (test group) suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) attending the rheumatology and rehabilitation out patient clinic, Mansoura university hospital and 30 healthy volunteers (control group) matched according to age, sex, residence and occupation. All patients of the test group were evaluated by Disease Activity Score (DAS 28) and accordingly, the test group included 10 patients (31.3%) with mild to moderate DAS and 22 patients (68.7 %) with high DAS (6 patients were with dental filling amalgam and 16 were free from amalgam). Blood mercury, zinc and copper levels were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The present study observed significant increase in blood mercury levels while, blood zinc and copper levels were significantly decreased in the test group when compared to the control group. As regards the presence of dental amalgam, the present results revealed that the highest mercury levels (mean +SD was 13.13 ± 0.58 ∝ g/dl), the lowest zinc levels (mean +SD was 108.28 ± 7.89 ∝ g/dl) and relatively the lowest copper levels (mean +SD was 7.26 ± 0.73 ∝ g/dl) were observed in severe RA activity score patients with dental filling amalgam. There were a significant negative correlation between blood mercury and zinc levels and DAS while, there was non-significant negative correlation was found between blood copper levels and DAS. In conclusion, the current study provided some support for the hypothesis that dietary intake or inhalation of toxic elements (mercury), most probably through dental filling amalgam, may increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

A norovirus outbreak triggered by copper intoxication on a coach trip from the Netherlands to Germany, April 2010

We report an unusual outbreak of norovirus infection on a coach trip. Overall, 30 of 40 people (including drivers and crew) developed nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhoea, 11 of them on the first day of the trip. The incidence epidemic curve showed a first peak on Day 1 and a second on Day 4. Nine passengers were hospitalised with gastrointestinal symptoms. Norovirus was found in stool samples from two patients, but the infection could not explain the first peak in the epidemic curve only a few hours after departure. Interviews with the passengers and an inspection of the coach and its water supply implicated the water used for coffee and tea as the potential source. Microbiological investigations of the water were negative, but chemical analysis showed a toxic concentration of copper. Blood copper levels as well as renal and liver function were determined in 28 of the 32 passengers who had been exposed to the water. One passenger who did not have gastrointestinal symptoms had an elevated copper level of 25.9 μmol/L, without loss of liver or renal function. It is likely that the spread of norovirus was enhanced because of vomiting of one of the passengers due to copper intoxication.

Maternal and Neonatal Zinc and Copper Levels and Birth Weight

Introduction Minerals and trace elements such as zinc and copper have significant influence on development and growth of the fetus and newborn. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between low birth weight and maternal and neonatal zinc, copper levels. Materials and Methods This case – control study was done from September 2006 to Sep 2007 consisted of 65 infants with birth weight < 2500 g and 65 infants weighing ≥ 2500g. Cord and maternal blood samples collected at delivery were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry for zinc and copper levels. Results Mean serum zinc levels in maternal (P=0.001) and the cord blood (P=0.49) were 6.35 ± 2.09 µmol/l, 12.77±3.83 mol/l and 7.57±1.75 µmol/l , 13.18±2.69 µmol/l of cases and control groups ,respectively.The mean copper levels in maternal (P=0.62) and cord blood (P=0.005) were 21.82±4.45 µmol/l, 5.12±1.54 µmol/l and 21.19 ± 5.34 µmol/l and 3.65±2.04 µmol /l of control and case group, respectively. Conclusion This study indicated that there is a relationship between birth weight less than 2500 gr and maternal zinc levels (P<0.001). Mothers with zinc levels less than 6.4 mol/l were 3.8 time more at risk of having an infant with birth weight less than 2500 g. Lower maternal weight (less than 55kg), was associated with 4.2times increase risk of having low birth weight infants.

Gastric Bypass and Copper Deficiency: A Possible Overlooked Consequence

Dear Editor, The article “Copper and zinc serum levels after derivative bariatric surgery: differences between Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and biliopancreatic diversion” [1] is the most recent of a number of articles written on this subject in the last few years. In essence, a growing body of case studies point to the fact that bariatric surgery in particular has negative impacts upon copper status which we assume is due to decreased copper deficiency [2–10]. A reported symptom of this condition has been the ataxia that occurs. That this would occur is not totally surprising given the known connection of copper and its associated cuproenzymes and brain function. Copper is a key cofactor for a number of cuproenzymes involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine. Among these studies is a more serious nonreported condition that could also be associated with bariatric bypass surgery. It is a well-known fact that in animal studies, one of the most significant signs of copper deficiency is cardiac hypertrophy with related deleterious consequences of heart function [11]. The fact that no mention of abnormal heart function in these patients has been reported is surprising given the large body of research done on this topic. On the other hand, the cardiac signs may not be as readily noticeable such as ataxia. Awell-trained cardiologist would have to look for such heart problems in these patients if they did exist. What does copper deficiency cause in animal studies? While shortness of breath is always considered one feature of an impending problem in human clinical cardiac issues, this has not been studied in rodent or pig models fed with copper-deficient diets. The hearts of animals develop a concentric hypertrophy within weeks of being fed a diet devoid of copper [11]. The gene program for mitochondrial biogenesis is turned on, but most hearts will have a normal level of ATP [12]. However, even in marginal copper deficiency, anomalies in electrocardiograms are a telltale sign of copper deficiency [13]. Increased amplitude of the QRS complex, inverted Twaves, and increased ST segments are just a few of the negative ECG changes that occur in copper deficiency without other noticeable signs [14]. In severe copper deficiency, mitral valve prolapse, heart murmurs, and even aneurysms have been reported [11]. In light of the numerous reports suggesting that bariatric surgery can lead to possible lower blood copper levels, it would be prudent for a cardiologist to monitor some of these patients until more information is known as to whether the heart is involved.

Lead, cadmium, manganese, cobalt, zinc and copper levels in whole blood of urban teenagers with non-toxic diffuse goiter

The amount of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) present in whole blood of 118 teenagers were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The blood samples of 23 healthy teenagers were compared with the blood samples of 95 adolescents who were diagnosed with non-toxic diffuse goiter (NTDG). The study was aimed at examining whether in addition to mild iodine deficiency other trace elements could contribute to the development of non-toxic diffuse goiter. The results indicated that the levels of Pb, Cd and Mn in the blood samples of teenagers diagnosed with NTDG were higher than that in healthy children. Also, the results indicated that higher levels of metals were present in the blood samples with NTDG in adolescent patients who lived in areas with a higher amount of pollution.

Monitoring treatment response of childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia with certain molecular and biochemical markers

Apoptosis is the primary mechanism through which most chemotherapeutic agents induce tumor cell death. The purpose of this study was to monitor the expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins CD(95) , Bcl-2, as well as copper and zinc levels in the peripheral blood of children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) prior to and 6 months after the beginning of chemotherapy. Blood parameters and bone marrow blast count were also assessed. Twenty of 26 patients who received treatment showed amelioration in apoptotic response, which is reflected in the elevation of CD(95) , whereas Bcl-2 protein was significantly lowered. In these patients, the elevated serum copper level was not significantly affected whereas the low serum zinc level was significantly raised. Improvement in blood parameters and bone marrow blast count were also achieved. Taken together, the data suggested that assessment of apoptosis signaling molecules might have a predictive impact on treatment outcome.

A Simple Method Based on ICP-MS for Estimation of Background Levels of Arsenic, Cadmium, Copper, Manganese, Nickel, Lead, and Selenium in Blood of the Brazilian Population

Throughout the world, biomonitoring has become the standard for assessing exposure of individuals to toxic elements as well as for responding to serious environmental public health problems. However, extensive biomonitoring surveys require rapid and simple analytical methods. Thus, a simple and high-throughput method is proposed for the determination of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and selenium (Se) in blood samples by using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Prior to analysis, 200 μl of blood samples was mixed with 500 μl of 10% v/v tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) solution, incubated for 10 min, and subsequently diluted to 10 ml with a solution containing 0.05% w/v ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) + 0.005% v/v Triton X-100. After that, samples were directly analyzed by ICP-MS (ELAN DRC II). Rhodium was selected as an internal standard with matrix-matching calibration. Method detection limits were 0.08, 0.04, 0.5, 0.09, 0.12, 0.04, and 0.1 μg//L for As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Se, respectively. Validation data are provided based on the analysis of blood samples from the trace elements inter-\\comparison program operated by the Institut National de Santé Publique du Quebec, Canada. Additional validation was provided by the analysis of human blood samples by the proposed method and by using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). The method was subsequently applied for the estimation of background metal blood values in the Brazilian population. In general, the mean concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Se in blood were 1.1, 0.4, 890, 9.6, 2.1, 65.4, and 89.3 μg/L, respectively, and are in agreement with other global populations. Influences of age, gender, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, and geographical variation on the values were also considered. Smoking habits influenced the levels of Cd in blood. The levels of Cu, Mn, and Pb were significantly correlated with gender, whereas Cu and Pb were significantly correlated with age. There were also interesting differences in Mn and Se levels in the population living in the north of Brazil compared to the south.

Effect of magnesium supplementation on blood cadmium, zinc and copper levels in rabbits exposed to prolonged cadmium intoxication

Effect of magnesium supplementation on blood cadmium, zinc and copper levels in rabbits exposed to prolonged cadmium intoxication

Blood Copper, Zinc, Calcium, and Magnesium Levels During Different Duration of Pregnancy in Chinese

Concentrations of various trace elements are altered during pregnancy with changes in the mother's physiology and the requirements of growing fetus. The aim of the present longitudinal study was to learn the changes of trace element copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) of normal pregnant woman during different durations of pregnancy and establish the reference values of changes of statistical significance. Blood samples were obtained from 128 normal pregnant women during early (10-14th week), mid (20-24th week), and late (30-34th week) pregnancy and 6-12th week postpartum and 120 healthy unpregnant healthy women. The full blood concentrations of chosen elements were measured by means of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Changes on levels of Cu, Ca, and Mg during all the three durations of pregnancy and Zn during mid and late pregnancy and postpartum were of statistical significance and new reference values of them were set in the present study. These new reference values will be helpful in assessing the health status of pregnant women with a socioeconomic and racial background similar to those of our study participants and give treatments to them promptly.

Prevention of pin tract infection with titanium‐copper alloys

The most frequent complication in external fixation is pin tract infection. To reduce the incidence of implant-associated infection, many published reports have looked at preventing bacterial adhesion by treating the pin surface. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of a Titanium-Copper (Ti-Cu) alloy on implant infection, and to determine the potential use of the Ti-Cu alloy as a biomaterial. Two forms of Ti-Cu alloys were synthesized: one with 1% Cu and the other with 5% Cu. For analyzing infectious behavior, the implants were exposed to Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The reaction of pathogens to the Ti-Cu alloys was compared with their reaction to stainless steel and pure titanium as controls. Both Ti-Cu alloys evidently inhibited colonization by both bacteria. Conversely, cytocompatibility studies were performed using fibroblasts and colony formation on the metals was assessed by counting the number of colonies. Ti-1% Cu alloy showed no difference in the number of colonies compared with the control. External fixator pins made of Ti-Cu alloys were evaluated in a rabbit model. The tissue-implant interactions were analyzed for the presence of infection, inflammatory changes and osteoid-formation. Ti-1% Cu alloy significantly inhibited inflammation and infection, and had excellent osteoid-formation. Copper blood levels were measured before surgery and at 14 days postoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative blood copper values were not statistically different. Overall, it was concluded that Ti-Cu alloys have antimicrobial activity and substantially reduce the incidence of pin tract infection. Ti-1% Cu alloy shows particular promise as a biomaterial.

Blood Levels Of Iron, Copper, Zinc, Nitric Oxide, And Apoe &#949 4 Allele Frequency In Patients With Alzheimer\'s Disease

Alzheimer\'s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, characterized by slow, progressive memory loss. As the disease progresses other symptoms such as visuospatial disorientation, language impairment, and executive dysfunction or frontal lobe signs develop. The current study was performed to investigate the role of iron, copper, zinc, nitric oxide (NO) in relation to ApoE epsilon 4 allele frequencies in patients with AD. This study was carried out on sixty elderly subjects aged ≥ 60 years. The subjects were classified into two groups matched for age and gender: Group I: included 30 elderly patients (74.3 ±7.2 years) diagnosed as probable Alzheimer\'s disease according to The DSM-IV-TR and the NINCDS-ADRDA. Group II: included 30 cognitively normal elderly subjects (71.7 ± 3.6 years) with no evidence of any neurological or psychiatric diseases, or any medical illness that affects cognition. Laboratory investigations were done for patients. The following plasma parameters were measured: iron, copper, zinc and nitric oxide together with ApoE genotyping by PCR – RFLP. The current study revealed that plasma copper, zinc and nitric oxide levels were higher in AD group than control group. But, no statistically significant difference could be found between the two groups in plasma iron level. The frequency of ApoE 4 allele was higher among AD patients than control subjects. In comparison between ApoE4 +ve and ApoE4 –ve patients, no statistical significant difference in the neuropsychological assessment and biochemical assays was observed. Plasma copper level had statistically significant negative correlation with constructional praxis, ward list recognition, recall of constructional praxis, and stage of AD. While, iron, zinc, and NO plasma levels were not significantly correlated with any of the tested neuropsychological tests. We have demonstrated that, NO level had the highest sensitivity and specificity for predicting AD, followed by copper level. It can be concluded that, the ApoE4 gene is a strong risk factor for the AD but it is neither necessary, nor enough for the disease occurrence. Trace metals and NO abnormalities would influence ApoE, leading to development AD. Also, Copper blood levels are related to the abnormal cognition in AD patients. Keywords : Alzheimer\'s disease, copper, nitric oxide, ApoE4, genotyping Egyptian Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Vol. 26 (2) 2008: pp. 153-174

Evaluation of human hair as a possible surrogate of whole blood and plasma to diagnose deficiency to essential elements and exposure to toxic elements

The appropriate selection andmeasurement of biomarkers of internal dose is of critical importance. In the present study,we evaluated the relationship between trace element levels in hair with those levels in whole blood or plasma in a Brazilian population. Then, hair, blood and plasma were collected from 280 adult volunteers for metals determination. For sample analysis an ICP-MSwas used. Manganese, copper, lead and strontium levels in blood varied from 5.1 to 14.7, from 494.8 to 2383.8, from 5.9 to 330.1 and from 11.6 to 87.3 g/L, respectively. Corresponding levels in hair varied from 0.05 to 6.71, from 0.02 to 37.59, from 0.02 to 30.63 and from 0.9 to 12.6 g/g. Trace element levels in plasma varied from 0.07 to 8.62, from 118.2 to 1577.7 and from 2.31 to 34.2 g/L for Mn, Cu and Sr, respectively. There was a weak association (r=0.22, p<0.001) between lead levels in hair with those levels in blood. Moreover, copper and strontium levels in blood correlate with those levels in plasma (r=0.64, p<0.001 for Cu) and (r=0.22, p<0.05 for Sr). However, for Cu,Mn and Sr therewas no correlation between hair levels with levels in blood. Our findings suggest that while the idea of measuring trace elements in hair is attractive, hair is not an appropriate biomarker to evaluate deficiency to the essential elements Cu, Mn and Sr or the exposure to Pb.

Zinc Toxicity among Galvanization Workers in the Iron and Steel Industry

Galvanization is the process of coating steel or cast iron pieces with zinc, allowing complete protection against corrosion. The ultimate goal of this work was to assess the effect of occupational exposure to zinc in the galvanization process on different metals in the human body and to detect the association between zinc exposure and its effect on the respiratory system. This study was conducted in 111 subjects in one of the major companies in the iron and steel industry. There were 61 subjects (workers) who were involved in the galvanization process. Fifty adult men were chosen as a matched reference group from other departments of the company. All workers were interviewed using a special questionnaire on occupational history and chest diseases. Ventilatory functions and chest X rays were assessed in all examined workers. Also, complete blood counts were performed, and serum zinc, iron, copper, calcium, and magnesium levels were tested. This study illustrated the relation between zinc exposure in the galvanization process and high zinc levels among exposed workers, which was associated with a high prevalence rate of metal fume fever (MFF) and low blood copper and calcium levels. There was no statistically significant difference between the exposed and control groups with regards to the magnesium level. No long-term effect of metals exposure was detected on ventilatory functions or chest X rays among the exposed workers.

Toxic Effects of Iterative Intraperitoneal Administration of Zinc Gluconate in Rats

Although zinc is an essential trace element involved in many physiological functions, toxicological data concerning acute exposure are scarce. The aim of our study was to determine the maximal iterative dose of zinc that can be administrated in rats without any adverse effect. Saline (control group) or zinc gluconate at 1, 2 or 4 mg/kg were intraperitoneally injected in animals daily during 7 days. The tolerance of zinc treatments was evaluated by the observation of clinical symptoms, haematological parameters and biochemistry, in relation to the zinc and copper levels in blood, liver, pancreas and faeces. We found no serious adverse effect within 1 week in rats injected intraperitoneally with 1 or 2 mg/kg/day of zinc gluconate, which tends to indicate that those doses could be useful in future therapeutic research. In contrast, the therapeutic treatment of adult rats with repeated intraperitoneal injections of a 4 mg/kg/day zinc dose should be cancelled, due to the occurrence of clinical adverse effects within a few days, as intraperitoneal local intolerance or major growth underdevelopment.

Presentación clínica, diagnóstico y evolución a largo plazo en 29 pacientes con enfermedad de Wilson

To analyze the clinical characteristics, treatment, and follow-up of a cohort of 29 patients with Wilson's disease (WD) within the region of Murcia. We reviewed the medical records of 29 cases of WD (mean age, 20.3 +/- 13.4 years) diagnosed during the last 16 years. The most frequent reason for consultation was upon discovering a high transaminase level in almost half the patients, followed by tremors or dystonia in 17% of patients, respectively. A Kayser-Fleischer ring was observed in 17/29 (58.6%) of patients (100% of patients with pure neurological involvement and 35% of patients with pure clinical hepatic disease; p < 0.001). Blood copper levels not associated with ceruloplasmin as well as cupruria were notably superior in patients with neurological symptoms and in those with liver cirrhosis at the time of diagnosis. Patient clinical symptoms remained stable with D-penicillamine or trientine, or improved during the observation period, for 18 out of 29 patients (62%), while 11 out of 29 patients (38%) got worse. In our region patients with WD are diagnosed at a younger age, and in most cases for hepatic disease. Patients with neurological disease or liver cirrhosis had a high level of free copper not associated to ceruloplasmin and cupruria. The disease had a favorable evolution in all patients but those diagnosed with hepatic disease or advanced neurological disease.

Evaluation of the use of human hair for biomonitoring the deficiency of essential and exposure to toxic elements

Monitoring the nutritional status of essential elements and assessing exposure of individuals to toxic elements is of great importance for human health. Thus, the appropriate selection and measurement of biomarkers of internal dose is of critical importance. Due to their many advantages, hair samples have been widely used to assess human exposure to different contaminants. However, the validity of this biomarker in evaluating the level of trace elements in the human body is debatable. In the present study, we evaluated the relationship between levels of trace elements in hair and whole blood or plasma in a Brazilian population. Hair, blood and plasma were collected from 280 adult volunteers for metal determination. An ICP-MS was used for sample analysis. Manganese, copper, lead and strontium levels in blood varied from 5.1 to 14.7, from 494.8 to 2383.8, from 5.9 to 330.1 and from 11.6 to 87.3 μg/L, respectively. Corresponding levels in hair varied from 0.05 to 6.71, from 0.02 to 37.59, from 0.02 to 30.63 and from 0.9 to 12.6 μg/g. Trace element levels in plasma varied from 0.07 to 8.62, from 118.2 to 1577.7 and from 2.31 to 34.2 μg/L for Mn, Cu and Sr, respectively. There was a weak correlation ( r = 0.22, p < 0.001) between lead levels in hair and blood. Moreover, copper and strontium levels in blood correlate with those levels in plasma ( r = 0.64 , p < 0.001 for Cu) and ( r = 0.22, p < 0.05 for Sr). However, for Cu, Mn and Sr there was no correlation between levels in hair and blood. Our findings suggest that while the idea of measuring trace elements in hair is attractive, hair is not an appropriate biomarker for evaluating Cu, Mn and Sr deficiency or Pb exposure.

Copper Deficiency, Lead, and Paraoxonase: Li et al. Respond

We appreciate the opportunity to discuss the issue raised by Klevay in his letter. Klevay suggested that the decrease of PON1 activity in lead workers, as we reported in our article (Li et al. 2006), might be due to copper deficiency induced by lead intoxication. Because the scope of our study did not include the interaction between lead and copper, we did not measure plasma copper level, ceruloplasmin, or superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in our cohort. Therefore, it is not possible to test Klevay’s hypothesis at this point. Although animal studies have shown that lead ingestion caused a decrease in blood copper level in cattle (Doyle and Younger 1984) and weanling rats (Mylroie et al. 1986), the relationship between lead exposure and copper deficiency in humans is less evident. Although Ito et al. (1985) and Patil et al. (2006) showed a decrease of SOD activity in lead workers, results of other studies did not agree with such findings (el-Gazzar and Hamid 1998; Oktem et al. 2004). Whether long-term lead exposure induces copper deficiency in humans is still in question. To our knowledge, there are very few studies dealing with the effects of copper on PON1 activity. Debord et al. (2003) showed that copper ion had weak inhibitory effects on PON1 activity in vitro, whereas Klevay (2004) claimed that a copper deficiency diet caused PON1 activity reduction in rats. With little information available, it is difficult to conclude whether copper has any effects on PON1 activity in humans. However, because of the link between copper deficiency and cardiovascular disease, we agree with Klevay that in the future, the association between lead exposure, copper deficiency, and serum PON1 activity should be examined.

Correlation between birth weight, leptin, zinc and copper levels in maternal and cord blood

Leptin and zinc are involved in the regulation of appetite. Copper is a trace element regulating the functions of several cuproenzymes that are essential for life. To evaluate the relationship between zinc and copper status and the leptin system in humans, we examined whether leptin concentrations in the mother and the newborn correlate with the weight of mother, placenta and newborn. A total of 88 pregnant women at 38-42 weeks' gestation were studied. All infants were categorized as small for gestational age (SGA) (n = 16), average for gestational age (AGA) (n = 59) or large for gestational age (LGA) (n = 13). Leptin, zinc, and copper levels were measured in maternal and cord serum at birth. Maternal BMI and placental weight of the LGA groups were significantly higher than those of the SGA and AGA groups. Cord and maternal leptin levels of the SGA groups were significantly lower than those of the AGA and LGA groups. Maternal serum leptin levels were positively correlated with BMI and maternal zinc levels in all groups. Cord serum leptin levels of all groups were positively correlated with birth weight and placental weight. Birth weight was negatively correlated with maternal and cord copper level of all groups. Umbilical leptin concentrations of SGA newborns correlated with leptin concentrations of their mothers. In all pregnancies, birth weight increases in association with increase in cord leptin level. Our results suggest that maternal zinc but not copper level has an effect on maternal serum leptin levels. The increase in copper level in both maternal and cord blood may contribute to restriction in fetal growth.