Hair Zinc Levels Research Articles

Zinc status and cytokine profile in pediatric Hodgkin's disease

Studies of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and serum from 23 children with Hodgkin's disease (HD) show that serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL2R) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels are closely related with disease status [patients with active disease (n = 23) 3552 ± 1551 IU/mL, in remission (n = 23) 1466 ± 613.7 IU/mL vs. control group (n = 10) 557 ± 125 IU/mL (P < 0.001); patients with active disease (n = 23) 946 ± 433 pg/mL, in remission (n = 11) 256 ± 110 pg/mL vs. control group (n = 10) 35 ± 16.7 pg/mL (P < 0.001) respectively], but no correlation between serum sIL2R levels and PBL CD25 expression and TNF-α levels. Some previously recognized clinical and laboratory variables such as histology, clinical stage, ESR, blood, and hair zinc levels were analyzed to evaluate whether the levels of serum sIL2R and TNF-α were associated with clinical and pathologic parameters of HD. J. Trace Elem. Exp. Med. 14:25–30, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Cinc y enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica

To evaluate the zinc organic concentration in the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in relation to a control group. Also, to analyze if the serum zinc levels are related with zinc concentration in erythrocyte, nail and hair. Forty patients of COPD have been studied, all males, average age 62 +/- 7 years and body mass index (BMI) of 27 +/- 4. Forty patients were included in the control group, with average age 57 +/- 9 years and BMI of 24 +/- 5. The patients with concomitant disease or booth treatment that could increase the zinc excretion were excluded. In all patients clinical history and examination, hematology and biochemistry tests, hepatic and lipid parameters, and nail, plasma, hair and erythrocyte zinc levels by atomic absorption spectrophotometry were done. Variance analysis and Pearson test were done. Blood, intraerythrocyte and nail zinc were similar in healthy subjects and patients; however, the median concentration of zinc in hair was significantly lower in patients (156 +/- 46 micrograms/g versus control group (185 +/- 64 micrograms/g) (p < 0.05). No differences were found between smokers and no smokers, and drinkers and no drinkers in relation with body concentration of zinc. The zinc concentration in hair can be a good method to evaluate the chronic deficiency in the human body. The COPD patients could be susceptible to develop zinc deficiency; the situation increases the possibility of infection diseases.

Analysis of calcium, magnesium, and zinc levels in hair of healthy students. Screening of calcium or magnesium deficiency hazard

Analysis of calcium, magnesium, and zinc levels in hair of healthy students. Screening of calcium or magnesium deficiency hazard

Zinc levels in women and newborns

Zinc is an important trace element having a definitive role in the metabolism, growth and development and reproduction. During pregnancy the requirements for zinc increase. This study was designed to evaluate the zinc status of normal women, normal pregnant women and their newborn babies. Forty normal adult females, 40 normal pregnant women and their newborn babies were randomly selected and their serum and hair zinc levels were analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The mean serum and hair zinc levels in normal women were 69.47 +/- 1.4 micrograms/dl and 147.45 +/- 6.12 micrograms/g respectively. The mean serum and hair zinc levels in normal pregnant women were 69.0 +/- 3.22 micrograms/dl and 142.83 +/- 4.39 micrograms/g respectively while the mean serum (cord blood) and hair levels in normal new born babies were 72.77 +/- 5.14 micrograms/dl and 188.36 +/- 4.12 micrograms/g respectively. There was a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in hair zinc levels during pregnancy. There was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in zinc levels in new born babies when the time interval between the previous delivery and the present delivery was less than 3.4 years. The results of the present study reinforce the need for zinc supplementation during pregnancy especially if the interval between pregnancies is short.

Age- and sex-related differences in zinc and lead levels in human hair.

The hair of 1518 healthy subjects between newborn and 70 yr old living in Linfen city and the surrounding rural area in Shanxi province, North China, was analyzed by means of a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer method in order to determine the concentrations of zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb). The collected samples were subdivided on the basis of age, sex, and place of residence (urban and rural). In female hair, the contents of Zn were higher than in male, but the hair Pb concentrations of males were slightly higher than those of females. Age seems to have a different influence on the two elements. The maximum amount of hair Zn was found generally in newborns. From the baby group (<1 yr) to the puberty group (15-19 yr), Zn levels in hair increased with age, and then Zn levels decreased with age from the puberty group to elderly group (61-70 yr). The hair Pb levels were the lowest in newborns, increased with age from newborn to infant (1-2 yr), and then decreased with age from infant to the elderly. It was shown that the hair Pb and Zn levels were inversely related in various age groups, suggesting that there is possibly antagonism between Pb and Zn in the human body. The results also showed the hair Pb levels of subjects living in the urban area, except for newborns, were higher than those of subjects residing in the rural area. However, no difference between the hair Zn contents of the populations residing in urban and rural areas.

Serum and hair zinc levels in epileptic children taking valproic acid.

This study was performed to investigate the serum and hair zinc levels in patients epilepsy diagnoses who were intended to be put on valproic acid (VA) monotherapy and had never ingested antiepileptics before. A total of 16 patients having normal growth, development and nutrition was selected as Group 1, and Group 2 was made up of 10 patients who had received VA monotherapy for 2 yrs or more and had normal growth, development, and nutrition characteristics. A control group (Group 3) was formed of 15 subjects who applied to the hospital for upper respiratory tract disorders. Serum and hair samples were taken for zinc assays from the Group 1 patients on the d 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 180. Groups 2 and 3 were sampled only once, and zinc levels were determined. We found that both serum and hair zinc levels in Group 1 were higher than those of Group 2 and control group before the beginning of VA therapy, but they returned to normal during VA treatment. There was no zinc deficiency, and zinc replacement treatment may therefore be considered as unnecessary.

Determination of copper and zinc levels in human hair

The Cu and Zn levels of both 607 men (1-85 y old) and 649 women (1-92 y old) were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Sex does not influence Cu (14.89 + or - 0.89 mu g/g and 15.26 + or - 0.79 mu g/g hair for males and females, respectively) and Zn contents (200.97 + or - 9.68 mu g/g for men and 209.81 + or - 9.49 mu g/g hair for women). Age influences Cu and Zn concentrations, but only significantly in females: Cu levels decrease over 60 y of age; whereas Zn levels increase significantly from age groups 2-5 to 20-40 years. Hair color influences Cu concentrations in both males and females. In males, white hair contains less Cu than black hair; in females, white hair's Cu levels are significantly lower than those of dark blond, red, light brown, and brown hair. There are no significant differences in Zn concentrations with respect to different hair colors, in either males or females.

ASSESSMENT OF ZINC NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF PELLAGRA PATIENTS

The objective of the present study was to assess zinc nutritional status in alcoholic patients with pellagra using plasma, hair, urine and nail zinc levels, as well as the zinc tolerance test. The study was conducted on 81 patients, 73 males and eight females. Zinc parameters were compared with those of 84 individuals with no apparent disease aged 23-45 years. Plasma zinc levels were lower in patients with pellagra than in the controls (P < 0.01). The results of the zinc tolerance test showed that: (1) basal zinc levels were 69.7 +/- 16.8 micrograms/100 ml in pellagrins and 82.3 +/- 34.0 micrograms/100 ml in the controls (P < 0.01); (2) after 1 h the increase in plasma levels was similar in the pellagrin and control groups; (3) during the second hour the increase was more marked in the controls (P < 0.01), and the same was observed during the third and fourth hours (P < 0.05). Urinary zinc excretion (mg/24 h) was higher in pellagrins (P < 0.01). Zinc concentration in hair and toenails did not differ between pellagrins and controls. We conclude that pellagrins present zinc deficiency as demonstrated by plasma and urine zinc levels and by their abnormal response to the zinc tolerance test. We suggest that hair and nail zinc levels should not be used to assess zinc nutritional status in patients with pellagra.

微量元素，とくに亜鉛等を中心としての栄養生態的研究

The Gidra-speaking people of lowland Papua New Guinea basically subsist on local foods by exploitation of sago, slash-and-burn horticulture, hunting, fishing, and gathering. To evaluate the trace element nutrition of the Gidra, trace element intakes were calculated, and the concentrations of trace elements in hair and serum were measured in four villages. The composition of the foods consumed in these villages differed according to their ecological conditions such as environmental availability, subsistence technology and purchasing ability. Accordingly, intake levels and hair and serum concentrations of trace elements differed among the villages. In comparison with developed countries, a conspicuous characteristic of trace element levels in hair and serum of the Gidra was lower zinc concentrations. On the other hand, although the pattern of trace element intake by the Gidra differed from that of developed countries, the level of zinc intake was not sufficiently low to explain the low hair and serum zinc levels. These contradictory results are attributable to the high intake of crude fiber and iron, which are known to inhibit zinc absorption.

High zinc content of scalp hair in rural West Java: A rice‐eating community

Zinc concentrations in scalp hair were determined in 50 Sundanese villagers in West Java, Indonesia. Hair zinc levels increased with age until about 20 years of age and then became constant. The mean level and S.D. of the zinc concentration in adults aged 20 years or more was 199.8 ± 26.7 μg/g (n = 36), which was higher than the reported values in several countries. Our previous study revealed that the dietary zinc intake amounted to 24.9 mg/day for adults and the high consumption of rice, their staple food, contributed 60% of the total daily zinc intake. Although there are some problems in the Sundanese diet such as a shortage of animal products, a diet depending much on rice seems to have an advantage as concerns the nutritional status of zinc.

Hair zinc and dietary zinc intake during pregnancy and puerperium

A longitudinal study of hair zinc concentration was carried out in 36 pregnant women at 12 and 36 weeks of gestation and 40 days postpartum. A progressive decrease in hair zinc concentration was noted through pregnancy; the decline between 12 and 36 weeks of gestation was statistically significant ( P < 0.005) remaining without significant changes in the postpartum. Nutrient intakes were calculated from 3-day weighed food records at the same periods and at 20 weeks of gestation. Zinc, energy and protein intakes decreased during pregnancy. Mean zinc intake at 20 and 36 weeks of gestation was about 66% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) (9.8 and 10 mg, respectively) and about 52% of the RDA in the postpartum (9.8 mg). Although hair zinc levels do decline in pregnancy and zinc intake was lower than RDA, the study revealed that zinc nutriture was adequate for normal growth and development of fetus.

Effects of folate and zinc supplementation on patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis

Twelve men and nine women undergoing chronic hemodialysis were studied to evaluate folate intake and status in relation to use of folate supplements. Because of possible folate-zinc interactions, zinc status was also evaluated. The patients were classified into four groups based on daily supplementation: no folate or zinc, 22.5 mg zinc, 5 mg folate, and 5 mg folate and 22.5 mg zinc. A food frequency questionnaire was developed to estimate average daily intakes of folate and zinc. Patients' mean dietary folate intake was 30% or more above the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), whereas their mean dietary zinc intake was close to the RDA. No significant differences in dietary folate or zinc intakes existed among groups. Red blood cell (RBC) folate levels of folate-supplemented patients were approximately 10 times higher than those of patients who did not receive folate and who had normal RBC folate levels. Serum zinc levels in all four groups of patients were close to the lower limit of the normal range and were unaffected by supplementation; however, hair zinc levels of six zinc-supplemented patients were significantly higher than those of healthy unsupplemented control patients. Generalization of this study's findings are limited by its descriptive nature; nevertheless, for these patients and presumably for similar patients who also have adequate dietary folate intakes, high-dose folate supplementation does not appear to be necessary to maintain normal folate status. No evidence of a folate-zinc interaction was obtained; however, serum zinc may not be a valid index of zinc status in these patients.

Maternal hair zinc concentration in neural tube defects in Turkey

Hair zinc concentration was measured in samples taken from 57 mothers who delivered infants with neural tube defects (NTD) (mainly anencephaly). Control groups consisted of 30 healthy mothers with normal offspring and 37 nonpregnant women from middle-income backgrounds. Zinc concentration was also measured in the hair of eight infants with NTD (four being anencephalic). The mean maternal hair zinc concentration in the NTD group (128.2 +/- 38.9 micrograms/g) was lower than that of the control women (p less than 0.001), whereas the mean hair zinc level of malformed babies (250.4 +/- 85.2 micrograms/g) was significantly higher than that of normal infants (193.4 +/- 39.2 micrograms/g) (p less than 0.05). Maternal nutritional zinc deficiency was thought to be one of the factors responsible for NTD in Turkey.

Effect of Zinc Supplementation in a Turkish Woman with Two Previous Anencephalic Infants

The authors report a case of nutritional zinc deficiency in a young (18-year-old) Turkish woman, who previously delivered 2 anencephalic stillborn infants. The patient was supplemented with 22.5 mg oral zinc sulfate (100 mg ZnSO4.7H2O) for 5 months after her second delivery prior to her third pregnancy. Her blood (plasma and red blood cell) and hair zinc levels returned to normal following zinc supplementation. Good response to Zn supplementation was another criterion of Zn deficiency in this particular case. After an uneventful gestational period, she delivered an apparently normal full-term male child who has grown normally during the first 12 months.

Specimen Preparation for Clinical Applications of X-Ray Microanalysis

Proper preparative procedures are a prerequisite for the validity of the results of x-ray microanalysis of biological tissue. Clinical applications of x-ray microanalysis are often concerned with diagnostic problems and the results may have profound practical significance for the patient. From this point of view it is especially important that specimen preparation for clinical applications is carried out correctly.Some clinical problems require very little tissue preparation. Hair, nails, and kidney and gallbladder stones may be examined and analyzed after carbon coating. High levels of zinc or copper in hair may be indicative of dermatological or systemic diseases. Nail clippings may be analyzed (as an alternative to the more conventional sweat test) to confirm a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. X-ray microanalysis in combination with scanning electron microscopy has been shown to be the most reliable method for the identification of the components of kidney or gallbladder stones.A quantitatively very important clinical application of x-ray microanalysis is the identification and quantification of asbestos and other exogenous particles in lung.

Hyperactivity and serum and hair zinc levels in 11-year-old children from the general population

H ~ v i t y or attention deficit disorder (ADD) is characterized by symptoms of inappropriate inattention, impulsivity, and overactivity, according to DSM-HI criteria. Colquhon and Bunday (1981) have hypoS:sized that many hyperactive children have impairt~ents in fat absorption which may be related to low zinc levels. They found that hair samples in 31 of 46 hyperactive children showed zinc levels below the normal range. Unfortunately, the results are not reported in any detail and there was no control group. Zinc deficiency has been implicated in the metabolism of dietary essential fatty acids to form prostaglandins (Horrobin and Cunnane 1980). Furthermore, there are ~ported observations of children with problems of fat absorption who show symptoms of hyperactivity and irritability (Conners 1984). Among the clinical manifestations of zinc deficiency may be jitteriness, impaired concentration, and altered behavior (Aggett and Harries !.979). Recently, Brophy (1986) has hypothesized that zinc de-

Serum, Leucocyte, Sweat and Hair Zinc Levels—a Correlational Study

Zinc status is difficult to assess, and much emphasis has been placed on serum zinc levels. However, the distribution of zinc in the human body suggests that serum zinc will not be a good indicator of zinc status. The use of zinc measurements in red cells, leucocytes, hair, urine and sweat samples is discussed. Measurements of sweat zinc concentration were performed on two adult control groups (n=30 and n=53) and on 145 children aged from 2 to 15 years. The reference ranges for sweat zinc were established. A comparison is made of hair, leucocyte, serum and sweat zinc levels in 10 people with normal hair zinc, 10 with low hair zinc, 4 with high hair zinc and 16 with clinical signs of zinc deficiency. The results demonstrate that sweat zinc is the sample of choice for the assessment of zinc status and that leucocyte zinc is almost as useful. Serum zinc is unreliable except in severe deficiencies and the danger of relying on serum zinc to exclude a diagnosis of deficiency is emphasized.

Does Hair Zinc Predict Amphetamine Improvement of Add/Hyperactivity?

In 18 boys with ADHD (ages 6-12) in a balanced crossover design, parent and teacher hyperactivity rating differences between one month of dextroamphetamine and one month of placebo correlated significantly (p less than .05, 2 tailed) on Pearson's r with baseline hair zinc levels and nonsignificantly with 24-hour urinary zinc excretion. The signs of the correlations were such that a higher baseline zinc predicted a better placebo-controlled response to amphetamine. Patient baseline urinary zinc was significantly (p less than .02) lower than 7 normal controls. These findings are compatible with the possibility that some ADHD children may be mildly deficient in zinc and constitute poorer stimulant responders. Correlations of zinc levels with 24-hour urinary MHPG were in the expected direction but nonsignificantly by 2-tailed test.

Clinical and laboratory diagnosis of acrodermatitis enteropathica.

Acrodermatitis enteropathica is an inborn error of metabolism resulting in zinc malabsorption and severe zinc deficiency. From personal experience and a literature review the following conclusions were drawn: 1. Symptoms other than dermatitis, vary with age. Diarrhoea, mood changes, anorexia, and neurological disturbance were reported most frequently in infancy. Growth retardation, alopecia, weight loss and recurrent infections were prevalent in toddlers and schoolchildren. Spontaneous remission may occur at adolescence. 2. The severity of symptoms also varies. Intermittent or mild cases of the disease and those presenting with uncommon features such as ophthalmic, cerebral or hepatic involvement, are easily overlooked. In the severe cases this may result in a fatal outcome. If untreated, the overall mortality rate is 20%, being higher in males. 3. The laboratory diagnosis is hazardous. In patients, mean zinc values in serum, urine and hair were ca. 50% of normal levels. There is a 15% overlap with healthy controls; moreover, low zinc levels in serum, urine or hair are also found in other diseases. A more specific test is required. 4. In cases of doubt, in vitro or in vivo zinc absorption tests using radioisotopes (65Zn or 69mZn) may be performed. These appear not to be influenced by other conditions and show less overlap with controls. If such tests are unavailable, the clinical response to 3-30 mumol zinc/kg per day for 5 days may be awaited. This is recommended in infants or children with one or more symptoms of acrodermatitis enteropathica.

Levels of zinc in plasma, erythrocytes, and hair, and levels of serum copper in patients with retinitis pigmentosa in Turkey.

This study was made on 100 patients with retinitis pigmentosa and 23 of their relatives. Their plasma, erythrocyte, and hair Zn and serum Cu levels were compared with those of a control group of 14 healthy persons. No statistically significant difference in these levels was found between the patients with retinitis pigmentosa and the relatives or controls.