Decrease In Serum Zinc Levels Research Articles

Relationship between serum zinc levels and the burden of treatment in children with pneumonia

Background: Pneumonia is a common childhood disease often requiring hospitalization, with the potential for rapid progression and complications, particularly in children under five years old. Zinc plays a crucial role in various organ systems, especially the respiratory system. However, data on zinc levels and pneumonia in Vietnamese children remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum zinc levels and the treatment burden in children with pneumonia. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted involving 200 children aged 2 to 59 months who were diagnosed with pneumonia and hospitalized at Can Tho Children's Hospital, Vietnam. Serum zinc levels were measured, and treatment characteristics were monitored, including the need for respiratory support, antibiotic escalation, and treatment duration. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, simple linear regression and multivariable linear regression to determine associations between serum zinc levels and treatment outcomes. Results: Children who were not exclusively breastfed for the first six months had significantly lower serum zinc levels compared to those who were exclusively breastfed (p<0.001). Lower serum zinc levels were significantly associated with the need for respiratory support (p=0.001), antibiotic escalation (p=0.002), prolonged antibiotic use (p=0.01), and longer treatment duration (p=0.011). Multivariate linear regression revealed that each unit decrease in serum zinc levels increased treatment duration by 0.218 days (p=0.015). Conclusion: Low serum zinc levels are associated with increased treatment burden in children under five years old with pneumonia.

A Study of Biochemical Markers in Uterine Cancer Diagnosis with Radiotherpay Treatment In Iraq

Background: Uterine cancer is a prevalent gynecological malignancy, with rising incidence rates globally. Early detection and effective treatment are essential for improving patient outcomes. Biochemical markers play a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring uterine cancer, yet their comprehensive evaluation remains limited. Methods: This study aimed to assess various biochemical markers in the serum of uterine cancer patients compared to healthy individuals. Serum samples from 30 uterine cancer patients and 40 healthy females were analyzed for urea, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, antioxidants (vitamin C and vitamin E), peroxynitrite, and trace elements (calcium and zinc). Results: The study revealed a significant decrease in urea and creatinine levels in serum of uterine cancer patients compared to healthy individuals (p≤0.05). During radiotherapy, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) exceeded the normal range (7-20 mg/dl), averaging 25.44 ± 9.87 mg/dl before treatment initiation, with no significant decrease during therapy. Serum creatinine levels remained within the normal range. Additionally, a significant reduction in serum vitamin C and vitamin E levels was observed in uterine cancer patients compared to healthy individuals (p≤0.05). Moreover, there was a significant increase in peroxynitrite and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, along with a rise in serum calcium levels, and a significant decrease in serum zinc levels among uterine cancer patients (p≤0.05). Conclusion: The findings highlight the significance of assessing multiple biochemical markers in uterine cancer diagnosis and monitoring. Elevated LDH, peroxynitrite, and calcium levels, along with reduced vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc levels, may serve as valuable diagnostic markers for uterine cancer.

Serum Zinc in Patients with Protein-Energy Malnutrition Retrospective Assessment of Levels

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the frequency of serum zinc deficiency in children with PEM and to show the relationship between the degree of PEM and serum zinc level.
 Methods: Retrospective study conducted at Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition clinic, in a Selçuk University Hospital, 506 patients who aged between 1 and 18 years and diagnosed with PEM according to the Waterlow (YGB, BGA) classification were included in the study. 
 Results: The prevalence of serum zinc deficiency in PEM patients was found to be 61.1%. The mean serum zinc levels of the patients in aged 1-5 founded significantly lower than the mean serum zinc levels of the patients in aged 5-12 and aged 12-18. There was no difference between PEM grades which calculated according to BGA and YGB criteria and serum zinc level averages. Although the relationship between the PEM grade calculated according to the BGA scale and the serum zinc level averages was not statistically significant degree, contrary to the increase in PEM grade, the mean decrease in serum zinc levels was noteworthy. 
 Conclusion: It is important to measure serum zinc levels routinely in patients with PEM and to initiate zinc supplementation if deficiency is detected.

Significance of Zinc Replacement Therapy After Pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Recently, a decrease in serum zinc levels and the need for zinc preparations have been reported in the perioperative period of gastrointestinal surgery. In this study, we examined treatment outcomes among patients supplemented with zinc after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and evaluated the significance of zinc replacement therapy. From June 2020 to April 2021, 56 patients who received zinc acetate hydrate (50 mg/day) from postoperative day 3 after PD in our department were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' characteristics and preoperative as well as postoperative data, including serum zinc levels and surgical results at 1 month were reviewed. Preoperative zinc deficiency was present in 86.1% (46/56) of the patients. Moreover, despite zinc supplementation, 17.8% (10/56) of patients had postoperative zinc deficiency. A comparison between the low zinc level group (Zn <80 μg/dl) and the normal zinc level group (Zn ≥80 μg/dl) after surgery showed siginificant differences among patients with malignant diseases (vs. benign diseases, p=0.044), those undergoing open surgery (vs. minimally invasive surgery, p=0.036), and those with intraoperative blood loss ≥346 ml (vs. <346 ml: p=0.041) in the univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that zinc deficiency was significantly associated with open surgery [odds ratio (OR)=15.885, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.77-142.01, p=0.013] and intraoperative blood loss (OR=9.329, 95% CI=1.50-57.74, p=0.016). In patients undergoing open PD for pancreatic cancer, zinc preparations of 50 mg may not be sufficient and further supplementation may be necessary.

A STUDY OF THE LEVELS OF SERUM MAGNESIUM AND SERUM ZINC IN PATIENTS OF SUBCLINICAL HYPOTHYROIDISM

Background: Subclinical Hypothyroidism (SCH), according to the endocrine web is defined as an elevationin in Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) level (4.6-10 m I U/L) with thyroid hormone levels in the normal range. Magnesium (Mg2+) is an essential macro-mineral in human body, which acts as a cofactor for more than 300 enzymes. Zinc (Zn+2) is required for proper functioning of 5-deiodinase &amp; it is a cofactor for Thyrotropin -Releasing Hormone (TRH). Transcription factorsbind to thyroid hormones which are fundamental for modulation expression of gene, also contain Zn2+ bound to cysteine residues. Aim and objectives: This study aim to estimate the levels of serum magnesium and zinc in patients of SCH. Material and methods: The serum TSH, Total Triiodothyronine (T3)&amp; Thyroxine (T4) levels were estimated by ELISA method to identify the cases of SCH. The concentration of serum magnesium was analyzed using semiautomated analyzerbyspectrophotometry. Serum zinc was analyzed by fully automated analyzer (Vitros 5600) in patients of SCH. Results:In SCH, both T3, T4 were within the normal range and TSH in the range of 4.6-10 m I U/L, there was a statistically significant (p&lt;0.001) decrease in serum zinc levels and not significantly decrease in serum magnesium levels in subclinical hypothyroidism patients.

IDF21-0124 Relationship between Serum Zinc Status and Diabetic Nephropathy in Algerian Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Diabetic nephropathy is a microvascular complication associated with diabetes that causes the kidneys to slowly deteriorate, leading to end-stage renal disease. Nephropathy associated with diabetes has been attributed to oxidative stress. Chronic zinc deficiency generally results in an increased sensitivity to the effects of oxidative stress. Zinc deficiency is often seen in diabetic patients. This alteration in zinc status appears to be involved in the development of microvascular complications of diabetes. Aim: The objective of this study will be to explore the relationship between zinc status and the progression of nephropathy in type 2 diabetes. Method: The study involved 80 normotensive diabetic patients with positive microalbuminuria and 60 healthy non-diabetic subjects of corresponding age. For all subjects, a serum zinc assay was performed on the ICE 3300 atomic absorption spectrometer from Thermo Fisher, a serum creatinine assay on Cobas 501 from Roche Diagnostic with evaluation of GFR, as well as a microalbuminuria assay. on the DCA Vantage from Siemens. Results: Serum zinc levels were low (p <0.001) in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetic control subjects. Elevated levels of microalbuminuria (p <0.001) were observed in diabetic patients with low serum zinc levels compared to those with normal serum zinc levels. Serum zinc level in diabetic patients was inversely correlated with serum creatinine (r = −0.51, p <0.001), microalbuminuria (r = −0.587, p <0.001) and positively with GFR (r = 0.24, p <0.01). Discussion: The results of our study support the observation that diabetes affects zinc status with a significant decrease in serum zinc levels at the onset of diabetic complications. During progression to the stages of diabetic nephropathy, morphological and structural changes occur in the glomerular and basal membrane of the kidneys, hyperfiltration, thickening of the glomerular basement membrane. All of these changes will cause albumin with trace metals to leak into the urine. Therefore, the hypozincemia seen in diabetics can be attributed to hyperzincuria. The results of this study are consistent with results reported by others.

Study on serum zinc and copper levels in pulmonary tuberculosis patients before starting Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course

Background: Tuberculosis is a major public health concern throughout the world including Bangladesh. The prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) is increasing day by day. Around one-third of world population is infected with M. tuberculosis. Still pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) remains one of the important causes of mortality throughout the world with economic burden. Objective: To evaluate levels of the serum zinc and serum copper in smear positive PTB patients before starting Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTs) therapy. Methods: This was a cross-sectional type of observational study. A total of 100 subjects were included in this study. Among them 50 were smear positive PTB patients denoted as case group and 50 were apparently healthy individuals denoted as control group. Biochemical tests were carried out in the department of biochemistry of Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh. All the statistical analyses were performed by using SPSS version 21. Results were evaluated by using Student’s t-test. Results: After careful evaluation there was significant decrease in serum zinc level along with significant increase in serum copper level among the case group when compared with the control group. The mean values of serum zinc level were 93.96±10.04 μg/dl and 72.84±7.73 μg/dl in control and case group respectively. Serum zinc level decreased significantly (p &lt;0.001) in PTB patients. The mean values of serum copper were 111.81±21.26 μg/dl and 125.99±27.93 μg/dl in control and case group respectively. There was significant (p &lt;0.001) rise of serum copper level in PTB patients. Mediscope 2021;8(2): 122-127

English

BACKGROUND Alcoholism remains to be the major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Consuming alcohol is the potent etiological factor for the development of alcoholic liver diseases (ALD), ranging from fatty liver to hepatocellular carcinoma with varying rates of development in both genders depending on the quality, quantity, and duration of the drink. Zinc deficiency has been documented with the progression of alcoholic liver disease. It is also a well-known fact that zinc is a co-factor for enzyme alkaline phosphatase. This study aims to assess the zinc status and alkaline phosphatase activity in patients with various stages of alcoholic liver disease, correlate zinc with alkaline phosphatase activity, albumin, gamma glutamyl transferase activity, MELD score and duration of alcohol intake and analysing the need for evaluating zinc in these patients. METHODS This comparative observational study involves group I healthy controls and group II patients diagnosed to have ethanol related decompensated liver disease with or without portal hypertension for more than three years from the Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Government Medical College Hospital. 5 ml of venous blood in fasting state was collected from both groups and assayed for serum zinc, and serum alkaline phosphatase activity. The data was statistically analysed. RESULTS The study results demonstrate that higher percentage of patients with alcoholic liver disease have low serum zinc levels than healthy controls. Zinc when compared with variables like serum albumin, duration of alcohol intake, MELD score, serum gamma glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase in the case and control groups were found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS There is decrease in serum zinc level and increased alkaline phosphatase activity in patients with alcoholic liver disease. The statistically significant data is a strong rationale for evaluating the zinc status and thereby supplementing zinc to patients with alcoholic liver disease. KEYWORDS Alcoholic Liver Disease, Zinc, Alkaline Phosphatase, MELD Score

Effects of Iron and Amloki (Emblica Officinalis) on Serum Zinc Level in Anaemia with Pregnancy

Introduction: Pregnancy is associated with several trace elements deficiency in developing countries. Supplementation of iron in iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) has several side effects including alterations of serum zinc level. Traditionally, amloki is used as a well known supplement in pregnancy, which is rich in trace elements. Aims were to determine the effects of iron and amloki on serum zinc level in IDA with pregnancy.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This Prospective, longitudinal and interventional study was done by non blinded, non randomized sampling followed by inclusion and exclusion criteria. This study was performed in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka on 43 pregnant women between 13th to 20th weeks of gestation with IDA from July 2016 to June 2017. They were recruited from Outpatient Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Anaemic pregnant women supplemented with oral iron and amloki were considered as study group (A) and control group (B) were with only iron supplementation for 45 days. Serum zinc level was estimated in the laboratory of the Department of Soil, Water and Environment, University of Dhaka, Dhaka. For statistical analysis, Paired Student’s ‘t’ test and Unpaired Student’s ‘t’ test were considered using SPSS 22.0 version.&#x0D; Results: Significant decrease (p&lt;0.001) of serum zinc level was observed after intervention of iron in both groups. In this study, there was no significant difference in serum zinc level in between study and control group.&#x0D; Conclusion: It can be concluded that oral iron supplementation causes decrease in serum zinc level in IDA with pregnancy. Amloki shows no significant role in preventing decrease of serum zinc level in this study.&#x0D; Medicine Today 2021 Vol.33(1): 61-64

Effects of Iron and Amloki (EmblicaOfficinalis) on Serum Zinc Level in Anaemia with Pregnancy

Pregnancy is associated with several trace elements deficiency in developing countries. Supplementation of iron in iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) has several side effects including alterations of serum zinc level. Traditionally, amloki is used as a well known supplement in pregnancy, which is rich in trace elements.To determine the effects of iron and amloki on serum zinc level in IDA with pregnancy. The study was a non blind, non random sampling interventional type of clinical trial. This study was performed in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka on 43 pregnant women between 13th to 20th weeks of gestation with IDA from July 2016 to June 2017. They were recruited from Outpatient Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Anaemic pregnant women supplemented with oral iron and amloki were considered as study group (A) and control group (B) were with only iron supplementation for 45 days. Serum zinc level was estimated in the laboratory of the Department of Soil, Water and Environment, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. For statistical analysis, Paired Student’s‘t’ test and Unpaired Student’s‘t’ test were considered using SPSS 22.0 version. Significant decrease (p&lt;0.001) of serum zinc level was observed after intervention of iron in both groups. In this study, there was no significant difference in serum zinc level in between study and control group. It can be concluded that oral iron supplementation causes decrease in serum zinc level in IDA with pregnancy. Amloki shows no significant role in preventing decrease of serum zinc level in this study. Emblicaofficinalis (amloki) is traditionally used to treat iron deficiency anaemia. It can increase haemoglobin concentration and decrease side effects of iron supplementation.&#x0D; Bangladesh Med J. 2020 Jan; 49 (1): 33-37

Assessment of Zinc Level and its Relationship with Some Hematological Parameters among Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia in Abakaliki, Nigeria

Background: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is an inherited hemoglobin (Hb) disorder with susceptibility for oxidative damage due to chronic redox imbalance in red blood cells (RBCs) which often results in hemolysis, endothelial injury, recurrent vaso-occlusive episodes, and derangement in hematological parameters. Zinc is an antioxidant which helps to reduce oxidative damage. This study aimed to assess the serum level of zinc and its relationship with some hematological parameters in patients with SCA (HbSS). Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional comparative study which involved HbSS patients in steady state with sex- and age-matched HbAA control. Assay of Hb phenotype, serum zinc level, and some haematological parameters were done. Ethical approval was gotten from the institutional review board, and each participant gave informed written consent before recruitment into the study. Analysis of all data obtained was done using SPSS software, version 20. Results: Thirty adult patients with SCA and thirty sex- and age-matched controls with a mean age of 26.7 ± 7.6 years and 27.7± 5.3, respectively, were studied. There was a significant decrease in serum zinc level among patients with HbSS compared to those with HbAA (P = 0.038). Similarly, patients with HbSS had significantly lower Hb level, packed cell volume, and RBC count compared to HbAA control (P &lt; 0.05). On the contrary, patients with HbSS had significantly higher white cell count and platelet count compared to HbAA individuals (P &lt; 0.05). Correlation between serum zinc level and blood counts showed weak positive relationship between zinc level and Hb level (r = 0.04, P = 0.8) and weak negative relationship between serum zinc level and platelet count (r = −0.3, P = 0.1), as well as zinc and white blood cell (WBC) count (r = −0.2, P = 0.4). Conclusion: There was a significantly low level of zinc among patients with HbSS compared with HbAA controls. Patients with HbSS had zinc levels that weakly correlated with Hb level positively but weakly negatively correlated with platelet and WBC counts. Further studies are required on a wider scale to assess whether zinc supplementation may improve blood counts in patients with SCA.

Association between Serum Zinc Levels and Clinical Index or the Body Composition in Incident Hemodialysis Patients.

Background: The relationships between serum zinc levels and body composition or clinical outcomes of incident hemodialysis (HD) patients remain unclear. Methods: This prospective observational study examined the relationships between serum zinc levels and clinical indexes, including body composition, in 142 incident HD patients using a bioelectrical impedance analysis. Patients were divided into three groups according to baseline serum zinc levels: tertile, <45, 45–59, and ≥60 µg/dL. The reference group was set as ≥60 µg/dL. Cox’s regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationships between serum zinc categories and cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality after adjustments for potential confounders. Results: Serum zinc levels positively correlated with the nutritional index and negatively correlated with fluid volume markers. In a mean follow-up of 2.5 years, there were 20 cases of cardiovascular events and 15 of all-cause mortality. In the Cox’s regression analysis for cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality, the hazard ratio increased with a decrease in serum zinc levels, but was not significant. Conclusion: Serum zinc levels were associated with nutritional and fluid volume markers in incident HD patients. To clarify the relationship between serum zinc levels and cardiovascular events or mortality, further studies with a larger number of cases will be necessary.

Serum zinc and copper levels in chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis B virus induced cirrhosis

The study aims to compare the serum zinc and copper levels in chronic hepatitis B and HBV induced cirrhosis, and whether these parameters can be used as markers of conversion from chronic hepatitis to cirrhosis, and if their supplementation would delay the course of the disease.50 chronic hepatitis B and 80 HBV induced Cirrhosis patients were included in the study. Serum zinc and copper levels were estimated in 1800 UV spectrophotometer.Statistically significant decrease in serum zinc levels and a statistically significant increase in serum copper levels were observed in cirrhosis when compared to chronic hepatitis B (P &amp;#60;0.001). Decreased serum zinc and increased serum copper levels indicate the conversion of chronic hepatitis B to cirrhosis. Supplementation of zinc and reduction of copper intake will delay the progression of chronic hepatitis B to cirrhosis and improve survival.

Supplementation of Zinc Sulphate Decrease for Cytokine Levels TNF-Α, IL-1β and IL-6 in Multibacillary Leprosy Patients

Background: The role of zinc as an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory has been widely proven, this substance is relatively inexpensive and easily available to the public. Serum zinc levels of leprosy patients and patients with leprosy reactions are lower compared to healthy people, and proinflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 play a role in the mechanism of leprosy reactions. Research on the effect of zinc supplementation on leprosy sufferers who have not experienced a reaction has not been done. Objective: To analyze the effect of 40 mg / day dose of zinc sulphate supplementation for 12 weeks on the levels of proinflammatory cytokines levels TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 in type MB leprosy patients. Method: This is an experimental study using a randomized control group pretest and posttest design. The study participants were MB patients with 121 patients who did not experience a leprosy reaction, the sample was taken randomly as many as 31 patients as a supplementation group (treatment), and 31 patients as Control group. BMI measurements, food intake by re-call method, Hb level using Hematology Analyzer, serum zinc levels using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) method, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β levels used the ELISA method. Data were analysed using chi-square and t-tests. Results: Zinc sulfate supplementation dose of 40 mg / day for 12 weeks in type MB leprosy patients was able to maintain a decrease in zinc levels of 1.22 pg / dL higher than leprosy patients who did not receive zinc supplementation, reduce levels of IL-1β (p=0.032). However, statistically there is insufficient evidence to reduce levels of TNF-α (p=0.063) and IL-6 (p=0.389) and risk factors. Conclusion: The study confirmed that 40 mg / day supplementation of zinc sulfate for 12 weeks in type MB leprosy patients able to maintain a decrease in serum zinc levels, reduce IL-1β levels. &#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Supplementation, Cytokines, Type MB leprosy

Supplementation of Zinc Sulphate Decrease for Cytokine Levels TNF-Α, IL-1β and IL-6 in Multi Basiler Leprosy Patients

-

Decreasing Zinc Levels in Stunting Toddlers in Lampung Province, Indonesia

Stunting is a condition of chronic malnutrition in children that causes the posture is not optimal and triggers other disorders such as deacreasing of immunity and intelligence. The level of adequacy of zinc is one of the factors that influence the incidence of stunting. Zinc is needed to activate and begin the synthesis of Growth Hormone (GH) so that children with zinc deficiency cause GH receptors to be disrupted and GH production to be resistant. This study aims to examine the decrease in zinc levels by looking at the difference in mean zinc levels in stunting and non-stunting toddlers. The research method was carried out observational analytic with a cross sectional approach used in this study. The study sample was 40 toddlers aged 24-60 months with 18 stunting toddlers and 22 non-stunting toddlers in Gunung Sugih District, Central Lampung Regency. The results of univariate analysis revealed that the average zinc level of toddlers serum was 52.60 ug / dl with the largest value of 76 ug / dl and the lowest value was 24 ug / dl. The results of bivariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in the mean zinc levels of stunting and non-stunting children (p = 0.01). The mean zinc content of stunting infants was 45.06 ± 12.21 lower than the mean zinc level of non-stunting infants 58.77 ± 12.98. There is a decrease in serum zinc levels in stunting toddlers compared to non stunting toddlers.

Pengaruh Suplementasi Seng Sulfat 40 mg/hr Selama 12 Minggu terhadap Kadar Sitokin proinflamasi TNF-α, IL-1β dan IL-6 Pada Penderita Kusta Multi Basiler

The role of zinc as an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory has been widely proven, this substance is relatively inexpensive and easily available to the public. Serum zinc levels of leprosy patients and patients with leprosy reactions are lower compared to healthy people, and proinflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 play a role in the mechanism of leprosy reactions. Research on the effect of zinc supplementation on leprosy sufferers who have not experienced a reaction has not been done. Objective: To analyze the effect of 40 mg / day dose of zinc sulphate supplementation for 12 weeks on the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and the incidence of reactions in type MB leprosy patients. An experimental study with a randomized control group pre and post test design approach, the subjects of this study were MB patients with 121 patients who did not experience a leprosy reaction, the sample was taken randomly as many as 31 patients as a supplementation group (treatment), and 31 patients as Control group. BMI measurements, food intake by re-call method, Hb level using Hematology Analyzer, serum zinc levels using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) method, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β levels used the ELISA method. Data analysis using chi-square correlation statistical test and mean (mean) test. Zinc sulfate supplementation dose of 40 mg / day for 12 weeks in type MB leprosy patients was able to maintain a decrease in zinc levels of 1.22 pg / dL higher than leprosy patients who did not receive zinc supplementation, reduce levels of IL-1β (p: 0.032 ) However, statistically there is insufficient evidence to reduce levels of TNF-α (p: 0.063) and IL-6 (p: 0.389) and risk factors. Food intake is associated with the incidence of leprosy reactions (p <0.05). Keywords:Supplementation, cytokines, leprosy type MB. Conclusion: The most recent findings in this study were 40 mg / day supplementation of zinc sulfate for 12 weeks in MB type leprosy patients able to maintain a decrease in serum zinc levels, reduce IL-1β levels, and risk factors. Food intake correlated with the incidence of leprosy reactions

Assessments of serum copper and zinc concentration, and the Cu/Zn ratio determination in patients with multidrug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in C\xf4te d\u2019Ivoire

BackgroundIn Côte d’Ivoire, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a serious public health problem with a prevalence estimated at 2.5% in 2006. Zinc and copper are essential Trace element needed to strengthen the immune system and also useful in the fight against tuberculosis. The Cu / Zn ratio is a good indicator of oxidative stress.The principal aim of this study was to evaluate the serum concentration of some trace element and determine the Cu / Zn ratio in patients with multidrug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (MDR-TB) before and after second line treatment of TB.MethodsBlood samples were obtained from 100 MDR-TB patients after confirmation of their status through the microscopic and molecular diagnosis of resistance to Isoniazid and Rifampicin by GeneXpert. The concentration level of zinc and copper were determined using flame air / acetylene atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) Type Varian Spectr AA-20 Victoria, Australlia.ResultsA significant decrease in zinc levels (P < 0.05) and an increased Cu / Zn ratio (P < 0.05) was observed in MDR-TB patients compared to controls TB free. During treatment a significant reduction in Cu / Zn ratio (P < 0.05) was observed compared to the initial result.ConclusionsThe decrease in serum zinc level and the high Cu / Zn ratio could explain the immune system dysfunction and the high level of oxidative stress in patients with MDR-TB. Therefore the evaluation of the zinc and copper status could represent essential parameters in monitoring of TB second line treatment for better treatment management.

The Level of Zinc is Increasing, while the Serum Folat Level is Decreasing, after Multi-Micronutrient Supplementation in Pregnant Woman

Objective: To measure the changes of serum iron, folic acid, zinc and selenium level on pregnant woman after multi-micronutrient supplementation.&#x0D; &#x0D; Method: First trimester pregnant woman whom attended Maternal- Fetal Policlinic at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital from July 2011 till October 2011 was considered into the study. The intervention was consumption of multi-micronutrient tablet once a day for three months period. The outcomes were the measurements of serum level of iron, folic acid, zinc and selenium before and after supplementation. We used paired T Test and Wilcoxon test for statistical analysis.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: Twenty-eight pregnant women in their first trimester participated in the study. The micronutrient serum level was measured before and after supplementation during the time period. Before supplementation, serum iron and zinc level were below normal. Serum selenium level was normal with higher than normal serum folic acid level. After supplementation, serum zinc level was found to be below normal. Both level of serum iron and selenium increased to normal. Serum folic level was higher than normal. We found a decrease in serum zinc level with an increase in serum folic acid level that was statistically significant (p 0.009; p 0.003 respectively). We also found a slight decrease of serum iron level and an increase of serum selenium level that were not statistically significant (p 0.295;&#x0D; p 0.333).&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: There is a decreased level of serum zinc with an increase in serum folic acid level after multi-micronutrient supplementation.&#x0D; [Indones J Obstet Gynecol 2012; 36-4: 171-5]&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: multi-micronutrient, supplementation

Zinc Levels in community acquired pneumonia in hospitalized patients; a case control study

IntroductionPneumonia usually connotes the infection of pulmonary parenchyma. Pneumonia is best classified according to the setting in which it occurs i.e community acquired pneumonia (CAP) hospital acquired or immunodeficiency associated. Dietary zinc deficiency is widespread in developing countries. Zinc deficiency is related to the morbidity and mortality in CAP. Aims and objectivesTo compare serum zinc values of community acquired pneumonia patients with healthy controls and to see the effect of zinc levels with severity of pneumonia. Methods and materialsA case control study involved 100 patients of community acquired pneumonia with age and sex matched healthy controls, after getting informed consent from all subjects. The serum zinc level was measured, analyzed and interpreted with regard to age, CURB-65, comorbidity and hospital stay. Results and observationThe mean age of patients was 59.74years. 53 patients were males and 47 were females. Smoking history was present in 55 patients. The mean serum zinc level in patients was 89.9μg/dl whereas in controls it was 105.65μg/dl, which was statistically significant. The zinc levels were low in elderly patients and controls as compared to young ones. Mean zinc level was lower in patients of high CURB-65 score and vice versa. SummaryOur study revealed a definite relation of low serum levels of zinc with community acquired pneumonia and there is definite decrease in serum zinc levels as the age increases. Considering the morbidity, mortality, hospital stay and financial burden and to reduce the use of antibiotics for pneumonia, especially in developing countries like ours, serum zinc levels should be routinely measured and thereby supplemented.