Increase In Cu Levels Research Articles

Relevance of serum copper elevation induced by oral contraceptives: a meta-analysis

Background and Study DesignIt is well documented that copper (Cu) blood levels are elevated in combination oral contraceptive (COC) users. The aim of this study was to establish the range of Cu increase in OC users compared to nonusers through a systematic literature overview and quantitative data analysis. ResultsTwenty-six articles were included in the meta-analysis. The increase in Cu level exponentially decreased in COC users over time, with a rapid decline through the 1960s and 1970s. After controlling for the publication year, use of COC increases the mean serum/plasma Cu level by 0.57 mg/L (95% confidence interval 0.49–0.66 mg/L). ConclusionCOCs commonly raise serum Cu to levels between 1.5 and 2 mg/L, which are above reference levels. Although these levels are not considered toxic, there are suggestions that such Cu increase could be implicated in oxidative pathophysiological processes in the body. Further research on safety of COCs use, including oxidative-stress-related effects, is warranted.

Effects of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) polymorphism on toxic metal and trace element levels in placental tissues

The placenta is a crucial organ of fetal origin that functions in providing nutrients to the fetus from the mother. During pregnancy, the need for essential micronutrients, such as Fe and Zn, increases due to the requirements of the growing fetus. Maternal Fe deficiency induces an increase in Cu levels and can also affect cytokine levels in the placenta. On the other hand, Cu deficiency, although not as common, can also have destructive effects on the fetus. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine with a wide range of biological activities, including such as immune responses, acute-phase reactions, and inflammation. The placenta produces a significant amount of IL-6 during pregnancy. The effects of the IL-6 −174 G/C single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on IL-6 gene transcription and on plasma cytokine levels were assessed in the present study. We investigated the association between the IL-6 −174 G/C polymorphism and trace element/toxic metal levels in placental tissues. For the purposes of this study, 95 healthy volunteers were evaluated. Presence of the IL-6 polymorphism was determined using the standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique, and metal levels were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Based on our data, there were no significant associations between the IL-6 −174 G/C polymorphism and Pb, Cd, Fe, or Zn levels in the placental tissues (p > 0.05), but a statistically significant association was detected between the polymorphism and Cu levels (p = 0.016). We determined that the mean Cu levels in the placental tissues from individuals with GG, GC and CC genotypes were 5.62 ± 1.98, 6.22 ± 3.22 and 8.00 ± 1.32 ppm, respectively, whereas the overall mean Cu level from the placental tissues was 5.98 ± 2.51 ppm.

The effect of CoQ 10 and vitamin E on serum total sialic acid, lipid-bound sialic acid, some trace elements and minerals in rats induced with doxorubicin

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of CoQ 10 and vitamin E on serum total sialic acid (TSA), lipid bound sialic acid (LSA) and some elements in rat administered doxorubicin (DXR). Cu levels were increased in the group treated with DXR + vitamin E in comparison with DXR (p<0.05) and CoQ 10 groups (p = 0.001). Furthermore, copper levels were increased in the group treated with DXR + CoQ 10 in comparison with CoQ 10 group (p < 0.05). Zn levels were decreased in the group treated with DXR + vitamin E in comparison with CoQ 10 group (p < 0.05). Mg levels were decreased in subjects treated with DXR + vitamin E in comparison with the control group values (p < 0.05). Particularly, the observed increase in Cu levels in rats from DXR + vitamin E group might be due to the decrease of vitamin E. However, the oxidative damage could be as a result of DXR occurence and may be helpful to clinicians in chemotherapy using anthracycline. Key words : Doxorubicin, total sialic acid (TSA), lipid bound sialic acid (LSA), trace elements, minerals.

Regulation of brain copper homeostasis by the brain barrier systems: Effects of Fe-overload and Fe-deficiency

Maintaining brain Cu homeostasis is vital for normal brain function. The role of systemic Fe deficiency (FeD) or overload (FeO) due to metabolic diseases or environmental insults in Cu homeostasis in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain tissues remains unknown. This study was designed to investigate how blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-SCF barrier (BCB) regulated Cu transport and how FeO or FeD altered brain Cu homeostasis. Rats received an Fe-enriched or Fe-depleted diet for 4 weeks. FeD and FeO treatment resulted in a significant increase (+ 55%) and decrease (− 56%) in CSF Cu levels (p < 0.05), respectively; however, neither treatment had any effect on CSF Fe levels. The FeD, but not FeO, led to significant increases in Cu levels in brain parenchyma and the choroid plexus. In situ brain perfusion studies demonstrated that the rate of Cu transport into the brain parenchyma was significantly faster in FeD rats (+ 92%) and significantly slower (− 53%) in FeO rats than in controls. In vitro two chamber Transwell transepithelial transport studies using primary choroidal epithelial cells revealed a predominant efflux of Cu from the CSF to blood compartment by the BCB. Further ventriculo-cisternal perfusion studies showed that Cu clearance by the choroid plexus in FeD animals was significantly greater than control (p < 0.05). Taken together, our results demonstrate that both the BBB and BCB contribute to maintain a stable Cu homeostasis in the brain and CSF. Cu appears to enter the brain primarily via the BBB and is subsequently removed from the CSF by the BCB. FeD has a more profound effect on brain Cu levels than FeO. FeD increases Cu transport at the brain barriers and prompts Cu overload in the CNS. The BCB plays a key role in removing the excess Cu from the CSF.

Effect of Diversified Doses of Aloes Plus Plant Preparation on the Level of Antioxidant Indices in the Blood of Turkey Hens

Ognik, K. and Czech, A. 2010. Effect of diversified doses of aloes plus plant preparation on the level of antioxidant indices in the blood of Turkey hens. J. Appl. Anim Res., 38: 45–48. To evaluate the influence of aloe plus-α plant preparation—on some antioxidant indices in turkey, it was given to 6-week-old female turkeys of medium-heavy, BUT-9 type, in drinking water. Administration of Aloes plus (0.35 ml/kg bw/day) caused a significant increase in the activity of all analyzed enzymes in erythrocytes superoxide dismutase. It was correlated with an increase of Cu level and total antioxidant potential with its components in plasma. It is concluded that Aloes plus increased antioxidant indices in the blood of turkey hens.

Statistical study of the influence of fungicide treatments (mancozeb, zoxamide and copper oxychloride) on heavy metal concentrations in Sicilian red wine

The aim was to assess the influence of mancozeb, zoxamide and copper oxychloride fungicide treatments on Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb concentrations in Sicilian red wines, grapes, marcs and grape stalks. The experimentation was carried out over two crop years: 2003 and 2004. Trace metals analysis was performed by derivative stripping chronopotentiometry, which allowed detection of concentrations lower than 1 ng g−1. The data obtained gave evidence that the levels of Mn and Zn in wines from plots treated with zoxamide–mancozeb were about threefold higher than those observed in the control. Wines treated with Cu oxychloride had a significant increase in Cu(II) concentrations with respect to the control; in particular, samples from 2004 showed a 50% increase in Cu levels. Furthermore, as shown in a previous paper, the fungicides treatments studied led to a moderate increase in Pb(II) and Cd(II) levels in treated samples with respect to the control. Wines from 2004 had higher Cu and Pb amounts than wines from 2003; but the concentrations of all the other metals were similar. Statistical analysis of the data by linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and the Kruskal–Wallis test confirmed that both zoxamide–mancozeb treatments and copper oxychloride treatments exerted a significant influence on Mn(II), Zn(II) Cu(II), Pb(II) and Cd(II) concentrations in wines, grapes, marcs and grape stalks samples from both the studied vintages.

Response of the microbial community to copper oxychloride in acidic sandy loam soil

Determining the response of different microbial parameters to copper oxychloride in acidic sandy loam soil samples using cultivation-dependent and direct microscopic techniques. Culturable microbial populations were monitored for 245 days in a series of soil microcosms spiked with different copper oxychloride concentrations. Microbial populations responded differently to additional Cu. Protistan numbers and soil metabolic potential decreased. Experiments with more soil samples revealed that metabolic potential was not significantly affected by < or =100 mg kg(-1) additional Cu. However, a negative impact on protista was noted in soil containing only 15 mg kg(-1) EDTA-extractable Cu. The negative impact on protistan numbers was less severe in soils with a higher phosphorous and zinc content. Bacterial populations responded differently, and protista were most sensitive to elevated Cu levels. Protistan numbers in soil from uncultivated land were higher and seemed to be more sensitive to additional Cu than the numbers of these organisms in soil originating from cultivated land. Protistan sensitivity to small increases in Cu levels demonstrates the vulnerability of the soil ecosystem to Cu perturbations, especially when the importance of protista as link in the flow of energy between trophic levels is considered.

Zinc/copper imbalance reflects immune dysfunction in human leishmaniasis: an ex vivo and in vitro study

BackgroundThe process of elimination of intracellular pathogens, such as Leishmania, requires a Th1 type immune response, whereas a dominant Th2 response leads to exacerbated disease. Experimental human zinc deficiency decreases Th1 but not Th2 immune response. We investigated if zinc and copper levels differ in different clinical forms of leishmaniasis, and if these trace metals might be involved in the immune response towards the parasite.MethodsBlood was collected from 31 patients with either localized cutaneous (LCL), mucosal (ML) or visceral (VL) leishmaniasis, as well as from 25 controls from endemic and non-endemic areas. Anti-Leishmania humoral and cellular immune response were evaluated by quantifying specific plasma IgG, lymphoproliferation and cytokine production, respectively. Plasma levels of Cu and Zn were quantified by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.ResultsA significant decrease in plasma Zn was observed in all three patient groups (p < 0.01 for LCL and ML, p < 0.001 for VL), as compared to controls, but only VL (7/10) and ML (1/7) patients displayed overt Zn deficiency. Plasma Cu was increased in LCL and VL (p < 0.001) but not in ML, and was strongly correlated to anti-Leishmania IgG (Spearman r = 0.65, p = 0.0028). Cu/Zn ratios were highest in patients with deficient cellular (VL<<LCL<ML) and exacerbated humoral (VL>LCL>ML) immune response. Ex vivo production of parasite-induced IFN-γ was negatively correlated to plasma Cu levels in LCL (r = -0.57, p = 0.01). In vitro, increased Cu levels inhibited IFN-γ production.Conclusions1. Zn deficiency in VL and ML indicate possible therapeutic administration of Zn in these severe forms of leishmaniasis. 2. Plasma Cu positively correlates to humoral immune response across patient groups. 3. Environmentally or genetically determined increases in Cu levels might augment susceptibility to infection with intracellular pathogens, by causing a decrease in IFN-γ production.

Determination of copper, zinc and manganese in nail and serum from patients with migraine

Metallo-enzymes contain trace elements in their molecular structure to be metabolically active. Manganese-superoxide dismutase (Mn SOD) contains Mn and copper, zinc-superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn SOD) contains Cu and Zn as prosthetic groups. There have been some studies on the oxidant/antioxidant status of patients with migraine. In the present study, the levels of copper, zinc and manganese in nail and serum were investigated in 53 patients with migraine and 19 healthy subjects. Copper, Zn and Mn levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and results obtained were statistically compared. The concentration of Mn in nail and serum was significantly higher in migraine patients than those of control subjects. Although Zn and Cu concentrations in nail were increased in migraine group compared to control group, the difference was not statistically significant. There was a statistically significant increase in Cu level (p < 0.02) and decrease in Zn level in serum from patients with migraine compared to those of control group. The unchanged or increased levels of trace elements, which play important roles as prosthetic groups in SOD, in both nail and serum may suggest that the antioxidant enzyme activities are not negatively affected from the changes. The results obtained are discussed in the light of the literature on the relationship between migraine and trace elements plus antioxidant systems.

Vertical Accretion Rates and Heavy Metal Chronologies in Wetland Sediments of the Tijuana Estuary

This study represents the first report on sediment accretion rates using137Cs dating for a southern California salt marsh. Vertical accretion rates ranged from 0.7 to 1.2 cm yr−1, which is at the high end of sediment accretion values for coastal wetlands. This has lead to increases in elevation within the estuary from 18 to 35 cm over the last 35 years. Depth profiles of metal concentrations were converted to time-based profiles using vertical accretion rates. Chronologies for most cores indicate a consistent peak in sediment lead (Pb) concentrations in the early to mid 1980s, corresponding to the historic decline in Pb use, which was completed in the U.S. by the early 1980s, but not begun in Mexico until 1991. Sediment Pb levels ranged from about 6–56 μg g−1. Other metals did not show any consistent trends in sediment chronology, except for a single core from a mid-marsh site (east-mid 2), which showed a 2–3-fold increase in levels of Cu, Ni, and Zn during the past two decades. Sediment levels of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) ranged from 6–34 μg g−1, 11–27 μg g−1, and 42–122 μg g−1, respectively. Despite rapid industrial development of the watershed, a comparison of the sediment metal concentrations in the Tijuana Estuary to other anthropogenically-impacted estuaries in the United States and Europe, shows that metal levels in sediments of the north arm of the estuary are relatively low.

Trace Metal Movement in an Aeric Ochraqualf following 14 Years of Annual Sludge Applications

AbstractThe potential for movement of sewage sludge‐borne trace metals beyond the zone of soil incorporation poses a real concern for society. To address this concern, we sampled an Aeric Ochraqualf (Blount Series) after 14 yr of massive, sludge additions (765 Mg ha−1 cumulative sludge applications, dry wt. basis). Cadmium, Zn, and Cu concentrations in each genetic horizon to a depth of 1.0 m were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopic analyses of 4.0 M HNO3 extracts. In addition, ped surfaces (cutans) and intra‐ped material (s‐matrix) from prismatic structural units of the lower B and upper C horizons were analyzed to determine the partitioning of trace metals in this highly structured profile. Cadmium concentrations in the subsoil of sludge‐treated areas were consistently and significantly higher (∼0.4 mg kg−1) than levels present in the control areas. Similarly, Zn concentrations in the 0.32 to 0.51 m region (Bt1) were increased (∼12 mg kg−1) with sludge applications; no increases in Cu levels were observed. Significantly more Cd (0.08 mg kg−1) was present in cutans removed from ped surfaces in the upper B horizon than was observed in the s‐matrix for sludge‐treated areas. Cutans also contained more sludge‐borne Zn than the associated s‐matrix. The evidence suggests that small amounts of sludge‐borne Cd and Zn moved out of the tillage zone into the subsoil of this highly structured agricultural soil over a 14‐yr period of massive sludge additions.