Cu In Plasma Research Articles

Effect of Sublethal Copper Overload on Cholesterol De Novo Synthesis in Undifferentiated Neuronal Cells.

Although copper (Cu) is an essential trace metal for cells, it can induce harmful effects as it participates in the Fenton reaction. Involuntary exposure to Cu overload is much more common than expected and has been linked with neurodegeneration, particularly with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) evidenced by a positive correlation between free Cu in plasma and the severity of the disease. It has been suggested that Cu imbalance alters cholesterol (Chol) homeostasis and that high membrane Chol promotes the amyloidogenic processing of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) secreting the β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide. Despite the wide knowledge on the effects of Cu in mature brain metabolism, the consequence of its overload on immature neurons remains unknown. Therefore, we used an undifferentiated human neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y) to analyze the effect of sublethal concentrations of Cu on 1— de novo Chol synthesis and membrane distribution; 2—APP levels in cells and its distribution in membrane rafts; 3—the levels of Aβ in the culture medium. Our results demonstrated that Cu increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) and favors Chol de novo synthesis in both ROS-dependent and independent manners. Also, at least part of these effects was due to the activation of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl CoA reductase (HMGCR). In addition, Cu increases the Chol/PL ratio in the cellular membranes, specifically Chol content in membrane rafts. We found no changes in total APP cell levels; however, its presence in membrane rafts increases with the consequent increase of Aβ in the culture medium. We conclude that Cu overload favors Chol de novo synthesis in both ROS-dependent and independent manners, being at least in part, responsible for the high Chol levels found in the cell membrane and membrane rafts. These may promote the redistribution of APP into the rafts, favoring the amyloidogenic processing of this protein and increasing the levels of Aβ.

357-OR: Early Pregnancy Trace Element Mixtures and Gestational Glucose Levels Late in the 2nd Trimester

Background: A number of essential trace elements are involved in glucose metabolism, but the associations between these elements and glucose levels among pregnant women are unclear. Furthermore, little is known about the joint association of these trace elements. Methods: We used data from 1857 women enrolled in the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Fetal Growth Study, for whom trace element status (Zn, Se, Cu, Mo) was determined using plasma collected during the 1st trimester. Non-fasting glucose levels were measured during the GDM screening test. Three approaches were used to assess the joint effects of these trace elements on glucose levels. First, all four trace elements were included in a multivariable linear model and adaptive lasso was performed for model selection. Second, generalized additive models (GAMs) with model selection were fitted to allow non-linear associations. Lastly, a novel method, Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) was used to model the dose-response relationships of the trace element mixture in a non-parametric fashion. Results: In the multivariable linear model, we observed significant associations of glucose levels with plasma Cu (2.4 mg/dL increase per 1 SD increase on the log scale; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.7) and plasma Mo (-1.4 mg/dL decrease per 1 SD increase on the log scale; 95% CI: -2.6, -0.1). The GAM showed suggestive evidence of non-linear positive interaction between Zn and Cu in plasma (p-value = 0.052). Similar results were observed using the BKMR approach. Conclusion: Employing different statistical methods to study the effect of early pregnancy trace element mixtures on glucose levels, we found consistent evidences of hyperglycemic effect of Cu and hypoglycemic effect of Mo, as well as potential synergism between Zn and Cu. Future work is needed to better understand the joint effects of these elements in the context of the increasingly insulin-resistant state of pregnancy. Disclosure Y. Zheng: None. C. Zhang: None. P.L. Williams: None. M. Weisskopf: None. P.J. Parsons: None. C.D. Palmer: None. G.M. Buck Louis: None. T. James-Todd: None. Funding Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Effect of sodium molybdate supplementation on high concentrations of Cu in liver of yearling bulls

AIM: To determine the impact of sodium molybdate treatment, given weekly, on concentrations of Cu in liver, activity of liver enzymes, and weight gain over 4 weeks, in yearling bulls with elevated concentrations of Cu in liver.METHODS: The study was carried on two commercial grazing farms in the Otago region of New Zealand in yearling Friesian bulls (n=150 on Farm A and n=49 on Farm B) with mean concentration of Cu in liver >3,000 µmol/kg fresh weight. On Day 0, all animals were weighed and half were systematically allocated to treatment with sodium molybdate (3 mg/kg liveweight on Farm A and 7 mg/kg liveweight on Farm B); the remainder received no treatment (Control). Sodium molybdate was given as a drench weekly for 4 weeks and all animals were weighed again on Day 28. Ten animals on each farm (five from each treatment group) were systematically selected for blood sampling and liver biopsies on Days 0 and 28. Samples were analysed for concentrations of Cu in plasma, vitamin B12 in serum, activities of γ–glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase and glutamate dehydrogenase in serum, and concentrations of Cu and vitamin B12 in liver. Separate multivariable linear models were used to compare the change in outcome variables between Days 0 and 28 between bulls that had been drenched with sodium molybdate or not.RESULTS: On Farm A, mean concentrations of Cu in liver on Day 28, as a percentage of concentrations on Day 0, for the control group was 55 (95% CI=40–73)% and for the treatment group was 73 (95% CI=43–111)%. On Farm B, the equivalent mean for the control group was 75 (95% CI=42–131)% and for the treatment group was 85 (95% CI=38–134)%. The multivariable linear models indicated that the changes in concentrations of Cu in liver, activities of liver enzymes and weight gain between Days 0 and 28 did not differ between the bulls treated or not with sodium molybdate (p>0.18).CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Treatment with sodium molybdate in one bolus at weekly intervals for 4 weeks did not affect concentrations of Cu in liver, activity of liver enzymes or weight gain in animals with high concentrations of Cu liver on two farms.

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.

Effects of polyphenol-rich plant products from grape or hop as feed supplements on iron, zinc and copper status in piglets

Polyphenol-rich plant products as feed supplements have been shown to exert beneficial effects on feed efficiency in piglets. However, tannins as components of polyphenol-rich plant products are able to reduce the absorption of various trace elements. The present study investigated the effect of two polyphenol-rich dietary supplements, grape seed and grape marc meal extract (GME) and spent hops (SH), on iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) status in piglets supplied adequately with those trace elements. A trial with three groups of piglets which received a Control diet or the same diet supplemented with either 1% GME or 1% SH over a period of 4 weeks was performed. Concentrations of Fe, Zn and Cu in plasma, total iron binding capacity and saturation of transferrin in plasma did not differ between the three groups. Piglets fed the diet supplemented with SH showed no differences in the concentrations of Fe, Zn and Cu in the liver in comparison to the Control group. Piglets fed the diets supplemented with GME showed slightly lower concentrations of Zn and Cu in the liver than Control piglets (p < 0.05); however, concentrations of both elements remained in the physiological range. Overall, this study shows that the polyphenol-rich plant products GME and SH had marginal effect on the status of Fe, Zn and Cu in piglets.

Copper-induced alterations in rat brain depends on route of overload and basal copper levels

ObjectivesCopper (Cu) is widely used in industry for the manufacture of a vast range of goods including Cu-intrauterine devices (IUDs), electronic products, agrochemicals, and many others. It is also one of the trace elements essential to human health in the right measure and is used as a parenteral supplement in patients unable to ingest food. Elevated Cu levels have been found in the plasma of women using Cu-IUDs and in farmers working with Cu-based pesticides. However, possible alterations due to Cu overload in the brain have been poorly studied. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Cu administration on rat brain in Cu-sufficient and Cu-deficient animals fed on semi-synthetic diets with different doses of Cu (7 or 35 ppm). MethodsWe aimed to investigate the effects of Cu administration using two routes of administration: oral and intraperitoneal (IP). Male Wistar rats were feeding (one month) a complete (7 ppm) or a deficient (traces) Cu diets subdivided into three categories oral-, intraperitoneal- (or both) supplemented with copper carbonate (7 to 35 ppm). Cu content in plasma, brain zones (cortex and hippocampus), antioxidant enzyme activities, and protease systems involved in programmed cell death were determined. ResultsThe results show that Cu levels and the concentration of Cu in plasma and brain were dose-dependent and administration route-dependent and demonstrated a prooxidative effect in plasma and brain homogenates. Oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidative enzyme activity both increased under Cu overload, these effects being more noticeable when Cu was administered IP. Concomitantly, brain lipids from cortex and hippocampus were strongly modified, reflecting Cu-induced prooxidative damage. A significant increase in the activities of calpain (milli- and micro-) and caspase-3 activity also was observed as a function of dose and administration route. ConclusionThe findings of this study could be important in evaluating the role of Cu in brain metabolism and neuronal survival.

Differences in trace metal concentrations (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, And Ni) in whole blood, plasma, and urine of obese and nonobese children.

High-performance ion chromatography and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry methods have been applied to estimate the content of Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Ni in whole blood, plasma, and urine of obese and nonobese children. The study was conducted on a group of 81 Polish children of age 6–17 years (37 males, 44 females). Obese children were defined as those with body mass index (BMI) >95th percentile in each age–gender-specific group. Statistical testing was done by the use of nonparametric tests (Kruskal–Wallis's and Mann–Whitney's U) and Spearman's correlation coefficient. Significant correlations appeared for control group in plasma (Mn–Cd, Ni–Co), urine (Cu–Co), and blood (Fe–Cu), while for obese patients in plasma (Cd–Mn, Ni–Cu, Ni–Zn) and urine (Fe–Cd, Co–Mn). Sex criteria did not influence correlations between metals' content in plasma and urine of obese patients. Metals' abundance was correlated in non-corresponding combinations of body fluids. Rare significant differences between content of metals according to sex and the type of body fluids were discovered: Zn in plasma from obese patients of both sexes, and Zn, Co, and Mn in blood, Mn in plasma from healthy subjects. Negative correlations between BMI and Zn in blood, Cu in plasma, and Fe in urine were discovered for girls (control group). Positive correlation between Co content in plasma and BMI was discovered for obese boys. The changes in metals' content in body fluids may be indicators of obesity. Content of zinc, copper, and cobalt should be monitored in children with elevated BMI to avoid deficiency problems.

The effects of levamisole on oxidative stress induced by copper intoxication in broilers

AIM: To determine the effects of Cu and levamisole on concentrations of Cu and Fe in plasma and liver, and the effects of levamisole on lipid peroxidation induced by Cu intoxication in broiler chickens. METHODS: In a 2×4 factorial study, 80 one-day-old Ross PM3 broiler chicks were fed diets for 21 days containing either 8 mg/kg Cu (Low Cu) or 250 mg/kg Cu (High Cu) and were treated with 0 (L0), 4 (L4), 8 (L8) or 16 (L16) mg/kg bodyweight levamisole per day from Day 7 of the study, on three consecutive days in their drinking water. This treatment was repeated three times, at 3-day intervals. On Day 21, blood samples were collected from each bird for analysis of concentrations of Cu, Fe and malondialdehyde, and activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). The birds were killed and liver samples collected for analysis of Cu and Fe. RESULTS: Mean concentrations of Cu and Fe in plasma, and Cu in liver, were increased overall in the High Cu groups compared with the Low Cu groups (p<0.001). Compared with the L0 treatment group on the High Cu diet, treatments L4, L8 and L16 decreased concentrations of Cu in plasma, and L8 and L16 increased concentration of Cu in liver (p<0.05). Mean activities of AST and ALT were increased in untreated birds (L0) fed the High compared with Low Cu diets (p<0.01). In birds receiving the High Cu diet, treatments L4 and L8 decreased activities of AST, and L4 and L16 decreased activity of ALT, compared with L0 (p<0.05). The High Cu diet induced an oxidative stress characterised by increased mean concentrations of malondialdehyde and decreased activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and GSH-Px (p<0.001). Concentration of malondialdehyde, and activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were not changed following levamisole treatment in birds on the High Cu diet, and activity of GSH-Px was decreased by the L4 and L8 treatments compared with the L0 group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of the study suggest that treatment with levamisole might alleviate the harmful effects of Cu on the liver, as demonstrated by decreased activities of AST and ALT induced by a diet containing 250 mg/kg Cu.

Metal–metal interactions of dietary cadmium, copper and zinc in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

The influence of metal–metal interactions on uptake, accumulation, plasma transport and chronic toxicity of dietary Cu, Cd and Zn in rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss) was explored. Juvenile rainbow trout were fed diets supplemented with (μg/g) 500 Cu, 1000 Zn and 500 Cd singly and as a ternary mixture at 2.5% body weight daily ration for 28 days. Complex interactions among the metals dependent on the tissue/organ, metals ratios and duration of exposure were observed. While Zn did not accumulate, whole-body Cd and Cu concentrations increased following linear and saturation patterns, respectively. Early enhanced whole-body Cu accumulation in fish exposed to the metals mixture was correlated with reduced Cd concentration whereas late enhancement of Cd accumulation corresponded with elevated Cd concentration. This suggests early mutual antagonism and late cooperation between Cd and Cu probably due to interactions at temporally variable metal accumulation sites. At the level of uptake, Cd and Cu were either antagonistic or mutually increased the concentrations of each other depending on the duration of exposure and section of the gut. At the level of transport, enhanced Cd accumulation in plasma was closely correlated with reduced concentrations of both Zn and Cu indicating competitive binding to plasma proteins and/or antagonism at uptake sites. Compared to the Cu alone exposure, Cu concentrations were either lower (gills and carcasses) or higher (liver and kidney) in fish exposed to the metals mixture. On the other hand, Cd accumulation was enhanced in livers and carcasses of fish exposed to the mixture compared to those exposed to Cd alone, while Zn stimulated Cu accumulation in gills. Chronic toxicity was demonstrated by elevated malondialdehyde levels in livers and reduced concentrations of Zn and Cu in plasma. Overall, interactions of Cd, Cu and Zn are not always consistent with the isomorphous competitive binding theory.

Analysis of the value of measurement of the activity of caeruloplasmin as an alternative to measurement of the concentration of elemental copper in plasma and serum of farmed red deer

AIM: To evaluate the relationship between the concentration of elemental Cu and activity of caeruloplasmin (CP) in the plasma and serum of farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus). METHODS: Paired serum and heparinised plasma samples taken from 142 deer from 10 herds in the North Island of New Zealand were tested for the concentration of elemental Cu and activity of CP. Additionally, liver biopsy samples were taken from 49 of the deer (all one herd). The relationship between individual results for the concentration of elemental Cu and activity of CP was examined using a segmented model, with random slope and intercept and threshold. RESULTS: The activity of CP in plasma and that in serum were strongly correlated (R2=0.994), with a high level of agreement. The concentration of Cu and activity of CP also showed a strong association (R2>0.88 for both plasma and serum), although there were significant differences between herds, with the segmented regression model providing the best fit rather than a linear mixed model. Using the current thresholds for elemental Cu, the relationship between the concentration of Cu and activity of CP suggested that an activity of CP of <4 IU/L indicates Cu deficiency, and that deer with an activity of CP of ≥7 IU/L have adequate Cu status. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between elemental Cu and CP is markedly different from the simple linear relationship previously reported for cattle. Above a threshold of 10 IU/L, the rise in elemental Cu per unit increase in activity of CP was 50% of that below 10 IU/L. This is probably because above this threshold the oxidative activity of CP per enzyme unit was greater. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The association between concentration of Cu and activity of CP was robust enough to define provisional thresholds for determining Cu status. However, the proximity of the deficiency threshold to the limit of detection of the CP test, the effect of herd on the association, and the inherent disadvantages of using an enzymatic system, mean that activity of CP should not be used routinely to estimate Cu status in deer. When assessing the Cu status of deer based on blood samples, the concentration of Cu in plasma or serum should be used.

Comparison of concentrations of copper in plasma and serum from farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus)

AIM: To determine the relationship between the concentrations of Cu in plasma and serum in red deer, and to compare this relationship with those previously reported in cattle and sheep. METHODS: Paired serum and heparinised plasma samples from 114 red deer from 10 herds (n=6-20 per herd) were analysed for concentrations of Cu. Samples were collected either at slaughter (n=84; eight herds) or by jugular venepuncture (n=30; two herds). Thirty-nine of the samples taken at slaughter were from adult hinds from four herds, while other samples were taken from 10–14-month-old males, except for one herd (10 samples) where an equal number of 8–9-month-old males and females were sampled. The effect of age, gender and herd on the relationship between concentrations of Cu in plasma and serum was assessed using univariate ANOVA. The individual results for concentrations of Cu in serum were compared with those in plasma, using limits-of-agreement plotting. RESULTS: The mean concentration of Cu in plasma was not significantly different from that of serum (0.048; 95% CI=-0.14 to 0.24 µmol/L). There was no effect of age, sex or herd on this relationship. CONCLUSIONS: In deer, there was no significant difference between concentrations of Cu in plasma and serum regardless of age, sex or herd of origin. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In contrast to the situation in cattle and sheep, the concentration of Cu in serum can be used interchangeably with that in plasma for the estimation of concentration of Cu in blood of red deer.

Copper deficiency in sheep: An assessment of the relationship between concentrations of copper in serum and plasma

AIM: To assess the relationship between concentrations of copper in serum and plasma in sheep. METHODS: Concentrations of Cu were measured in paired serum and heparinised plasma samples collected from 110 sheep in nine flocks. Linear regression was used to evaluate whether flock or gender had a significant effect on the association between concentrations of Cu in serum and plasma. The individual results for concentrations of Cu in serum were then compared with those from plasma, using correlation and limits of agreement plotting. RESULTS: Concentrations of Cu in serum ranged from 7.3 to 22 (mean 14.0) µmol/L, while concentrations in plasma ranged from 9 to 27 (mean 16.3) µmol/L. On average, concentrations of Cu in serum were 2.3 µmol/L lower than in plasma. Over the range of values seen in this study, concentrations of Cu in plasma and serum were significantly correlated (r=0.89), and mean concentrations in serum were 87% of those in plasma. There was no effect of flock or gender on the relationship between concentrations of Cu in serum and plasma. Despite the significant correlation, there was marked variability between individual samples in the proportion of Cu that was lost during clotting, with the 95% limits of agreement for serum Cu ranging from 70 to 104% of the plasma concentration. CONCLUSIONS: As in cattle, the individual variability in the loss of Cu during clotting in sheep is too great for concentration of Cu in serum to be used as a substitute for that in plasma. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When assessing the blood Cu pool as part of the diagnosis of Cu-responsive disease in sheep, the concentration of Cu in plasma should be measured in preference to that of serum. We suggest that a range of 4.5 to 9 µmol/L in plasma be used to define marginal Cu status in sheep.

Survey of plasma and liver mineral concentrations and enzyme activities in ostriches (Struthio camelus) under farmed conditions in New Zealand

AIM: To generate clinical biochemical data to aid diagnosis of suboptimal performance in ostriches farmed under pastoral systems in New Zealand. METHODS: Blood and liver samples were sought from three categories of bird, viz 3–12-week-old chicks, 7–12-month-old growers, and from breeding hens, managed under pastoral conditions on farms in several locations in New Zealand. Concentrations of the minerals Ca, PO4, Mg, Na, K, Cu and Zn, activities of the enzymes gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and concentrations of total protein (TP) and uric acid and vitamin E in plasma and Se in whole blood were determined from four flocks of chicks, two flocks of growing and one flock of breeding birds. Concentrations of Cu, Fe and vitamin B12 were determined from liver samples from chicks and growing birds. Bodyweight was recorded at the times of blood-sampling, where this was feasible. RESULTS: It proved impossible to obtain blood samples by venepuncture of the radial vein from chicks <3 months of age. Plasma concentrations of minerals, with the exception of K, which were higher, were within the normal range observed in the literature for ratite species. Activities in plasma of AST and CK were almost double, and those of LDH similar, to those in the literature for ostriches. There was considerable variation in activities of the enzymes between farms, but no association with growth performance. Concentrations of Cu in plasma were lower and in liver were higher than would be expected in farmed ruminants. Though hindgut fermenters, the birds maintained concentrations of vitamin B12 in plasma and liver at least comparable to those observed in ruminants. CONCLUSIONS: Collection of blood samples by venepuncture via the wing in ostrich chicks younger than 3 months of age is difficult and unlikely to prove viable for routine diagnostic purposes. Clinical biochemistry data on mineral nutrients in ostriches farmed in New Zealand are similar to those in the literature from South Africa, but AST and CK are higher, and may be normal and a reflection of the high growth rates of the musculoskeletal system.

Plasma and erythrocyte levels of trace elements in healthy elderly

The purpose of the investigation was an assessment of Mg, Zn and Cu in plasma and erythrocytes of healthy elderly. The examined subjects were: 20 old over 80 years and a control group of 32 healthy individuals under 60 years. The levels of trace elements were measured with atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS - 3030 B Perkin Elmer spectrophotometer). The data showed normal plasma and erythrocyte concentrations of Mg in healthy elderly. Plasma Cu level indicated an elevation, while intraerythrocytic Cu showed the opposite tendency of significant decreasing in the group over 80 years (80-89 years) in comparison to controls (11,35±5,30 µmol/l vs 16,75 ±5,60 µmol/l ). Plasma Zn was in normal limits with a slight tendency of decreasing, while RBC Zn was significantly lower in both elderly groups in comparison to controls: in 80-89 years pts - 158,14 ±43,79 µmol/l and in 90-102 years pts - 150,00 ±23,85 µmol/l vs 230,70 ±51,39 µmol/l in the controls. Our data showed that the estimation of intraerythrocytic levels of Cu, Zn and Mg gives us a more important information for their actual status and indicates a deficiency of Cu and Zn in old subjects. We recommend food enrichment with Zn even in healthy elderly individuals. Abbreviations: copper (Cu), erythrocytes (RBC), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) KEY. Scripta Scientifica Medica 2008;40(1):27-30

Kadar Mineral Tembaga dan Besi Dalam Bulu Serta Kaitannya Dengan Kasus Anemia Pada Kambing

Mineral content of Cu and Fe in plasma and hair in related to anemia cases on female goatABSTRACT. A research had been done to identify mineral content of Cu and Fe in plasma and hair related to anemia case on female goat. Twenty female local goats at the age of 12-16 months taken from Kecamatan Darussalam and Kecamatan Baitussalam Kabupaten Aceh Besar were applied. The goats taken have the criteria of hemoglobin rate (Hb) and/or Packed Cell Volume (PCV) lower than normal level. Hair and blood were sampled in this research. Hair samples were taken from top tail area, while blood samples were taken from jugular vein. The result indicated that the average rate of Hb was 77 ± 0.7 mg/dl and PCV was 191 ± 1.3%. The average rate of Cu and Fe in plasma was 0.7 ± 0.16 and 67.8 ± 10.3 μg/ml, while in hair was 2.40 ± 0.511 and 315 ± 8.4 μg/g. The average rate of Cu in plasma was categorized as below normal, while the average rate of Fe in the range of marginal. Regression analysis showed that there was close correlation between Hb rates and PCV as well as the correlation of Hb rate and Cu rate in hair. However, there was no close correlation between Hb rate and Fe rate in hair. The conclusion of the research implied that the amount of PCV and Cu rate in hair relevant to the Hb rate in blood, and could subsequently predict anemia case occurring on female goats.

Determination of copper status of grazing sheep: seasonal influence.

A study was conducted to determine the copper status of different classes of grazing sheep during two different seasons on a farm located in southern Punjab, Pakistan. A complete free-choice supplement was available to all animals throughout the year. Soil, forage and blood plasma from animals were taken eight times during the year (2005) (four times in both summer and winter seasons). Soil Cu was affected by the seasonal changes (P 0.05) fluctuation in winter. It was adequate for ruminants’ requirements during both seasons. plasma Cu concentrations of all classes of sheep were significantly higher in winter than that in summer showing the seasonal changes (P<0.001). Higher plasma Cu was found in male sheep than lactating and non-lactating sheep during both seasons. The low Cu in plasma in lactating sheep may have been due to its secretion in milk. In winter forage Cu contributed in enhancing the plasma Cu levels, but in summer the forage Cu level, although very high, was ineffective in elevating plasma Cu levels in all classes of sheep. Based primarily on plasma analyses it was concluded that although, the adequate level of plasma Cu was found, it was on borderline deficient levels. Thus supplementation is needed with mixture containing Cu. The plus copper should be continuously supplemented to grazing animals in this semiarid region of Pakistan.

Oxidase activity of ceruloplasmin and concentrations of copper and zinc in serum of cancer patients

A balance between oxidant carcinogens and endogenous antioxidant defence is of particular relevance to the carcinogenesis. Ceruloplasmin (Cp) carries up to 90% of Cu in plasma and performs ferroxidase, antioxidant and amine oxidase activity. Cu and Zn, as trace elements, have been recognized to play an important role as cofactors of SOD. The study presents the relationship of the Cp oxidase activity and concentrations of Cu and Zn in serum of 62 patients with breast (BCA), lung (LCA), gastrointestinal (GICA) and gynecological (GYNCA) cancer. The Cp oxidase activity was determined in serum with o-dianisidine as a substrate. Cu and Zn concentrations in serum were measured by using atomic absorption spectrometry. The results of the study have shown significant increase in the mean serum Cp oxidase activity and total Cu concentrations in all patient groups compared with the control one. The total mean serum Zn concentration was found to be decreased only in LCA group as compared with the control. The effect of the cancer progress on the Cp oxidase activity and concentrations of Cu and Zn was observed within the group of all cancer patients (ALLCA) and within the GICA group. The only significant difference in Cu concentrations among various stages of the disease was observed in GICA between local and distant one. Significant positive correlation coefficients were calculated for the Cp activity and Cu concentrations in the control group and all patients groups, also according to the cancer progress. Future research is needed to evaluate the consequences of the elevation of the serum Cp oxidase activity and concentration of Cp, Cu and Zn for the host antioxidant-oxidant balance.

The effect of dietary molybdenum supplementation on tissue copper concentrations, mohair fibre and carcass characteristics of growing Angora goats

The purpose of this experiment was to better characterize the effects of the interaction between copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo) and sulphur (S) in the diet on growth, metabolism and fibre characteristics in Angora goats. 15 Angora goats aged 9 months and weighing 21.5 kg on average were used in a ten-week study and allocated to three dietary treatments: Treatment C (10 MJ metabolisable energy, 178 g crude protein, 5.5 mg Cu, 0.57 mg Mo, and 3.4 g S): Treatment M1 (with 7.5 mg Mo) or Treatment M2 (with 15 mg Mo) per animal per day. Dose-dependent increases in the concentrations of Mo ( P < 0.01) and Cu ( P < 0.05) in plasma were recorded in response to increased dietary intake of Mo. Supplementation of the control diet with increased concentrations of Mo did not produce effects ( P > 0.05) on growth rate, feed conversion efficiency, carcass weight or mohair fibre yield and diameter. Haematological status and concentration of Cu in liver and Cu and S in fibre at the end of the study were also not affected ( P > 0.05). Concentrations of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) soluble “available” copper in plasma were not significantly different although significant ( P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) reductions in the ratio of “available” to total Cu concentrations were observed. This effect was stabilised and maintained after 30 days. It is suggested that the additional Cu in plasma was largely TCA insoluble and possibly in the form of thiomolybdate complexes which may be poorly excreted and not available for uptake to the metabolic sites. It is evident that adequate “available” Cu was present in plasma and that exposure to elevated Mo intake was not severe or long enough to produce clinical symptoms or to affect growth, haematological status or fibre production.

Trace elements in prognosis of myocardial infarction and sudden coronary death

Ca, Cu, Mg, Mn, and Zn concentrates were measured in plasma, RBC, and hair of 350 men aged 40–59 years with miocardial infarction (MI) and/or who died from sudden cardiac death (SCD), as compared with normal controls. Analyses were done by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Cu in plasma of MI patients was significantly higher than the controls'. Plasma Mn was significantly lower in SCD than in MI subjects. No other consistent and significant changes were observed. Past and present evidence indicates that high plasma Cu levels may be associated with heart failure and rhythm disorders. The low plasma Mn levels may be an indicator of decreased parasympathetic tonus thus favouring myocardial desynchronization and A-V block. Cu inhibits phosphodiesterase activity and Mn inhibits andenylate cyclase activity thus exerting an influence on the contractility of cardiomyocites and of smooth muscle cells in coronary arteries. Cu and Mn analyses may thus have a prognostic significance for MI and SCD. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Changes of iron content in eels ( Anguilla japonica) infected with atypical Aeromonas salmonicida

1. Hb, MCHC, Na, Ca, Mg and Cu in plasma decreased with atypical Aeromonas salmonicida infection. Whilst plasma K and NPN increased. 2. Plasma Fe decreased markedly with infection. No statistically significant change in UIBC was found, though moribund eels showed slightly lower values compared to that of the control. The rate of decrease in TIBC is similar to that in most elements in plasma. 3. Fe content in most tissues decreased with infection. It increased in the gills and head muscle (infection site). No significant change was found in the intestine. 4. Water content in various tissues increased with infection.