Serum Zn Levels Research Articles

The Role of Lp-PLA2 as a Mediator Between Serum Magnesium and Zinc Levels and Cardiovascular Risk in Patients With Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a collection of conditions that includes abdominal obesity, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, high triglycerides, hypertension, and impaired glucose metabolism, all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Of the biomarkers above, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) has been highlighted as a critical link between inflammation and the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, which strongly predicts cardiovascular events. Micronutrients like magnesium and zinc are essential in maintaining metabolic and cardiovascular health, but these micronutrient deficiencies occur frequently among individuals with MetS. This study aimed to consider the association between serum magnesium and zinc levels with Lp-PLA2 and how these associations could link pathways in cardiovascular risk among MetS patients. This was a comparative cross-sectional study of 100 cases diagnosed as MetS and compared with an equal number (n = 100) of age and matched healthy control. Blood magnesium, zinc, and Lp-PLA2 levels were determined by colorimetric assay. We also tested the association of Lp-PLA2 with levels of micronutrients, and we evaluated whether Lp-PLA2 was a mediator in the pathway between MetS and cardiovascular risk. The data were analyzed on IBM Corp. Released 2021. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 28.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp; the results will be considered statistically significant if p < 0.05. The serum magnesium and zinc concentrations in patients with MetS were significantly lower than in the controls (p < 0.001). The Lp-PLA2 level was much higher in the MetS group than the no-MetS, and it correlated inversely with serum Mg (r = -0.35, p < 0.001) or Zn levels (r = -0.42, p < 0.001). After multivariate analysis, the mediating effect of Lp-PLA2 in the pathway from micronutrient deficiency to cardiovascular risk was maintained, whereby high levels were associated with increased atherogenic index and oxidative stress markers. These results show that Lp-PLA2 is an intermediate step in the relationship between low levels of some micronutrients and cardiovascular risk among MetS patients. Our findings indicate that a sufficient magnesium and zinc status might offer cardiovascular protection through lessening Lp-PLA2 activity. These observations demonstrate the potential benefits of high-risk enrichment and dietary intervention for detecting and controlling micronutrient deficiencies in MetS subjects to impede further cardiovascular diseases.

The relationship between serum Se, Zn, and Cu levels in lung cancer patients

The relationship between serum Se, Zn, and Cu levels in lung cancer patients

A Mendelian randomization analysis of inflammatory skin disease risk due to mineral deficiencies.

Mineral deficiencies, such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se), play crucial roles in inflammation and immune responses and are linked to chronic inflammatory skin diseases. This study used genome-wide association study (GWAS) data and Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the genetic causality among serum levels of five minerals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Ca), three iron metabolism indicators (TSAT, TIBC, ferritin), and three chronic inflammatory skin diseases [psoriasis (PS), atopic dermatitis (AD), acne vulgaris (AV)]. Two-sample MR analyses using the "TwoSample MR" package in R were conducted with aggregate outcome data from the FinnGen database. The inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) method was applied to assess causal relationships between mineral levels and disease outcomes. Robustness was examined via heterogeneity and pleiotropy tests. IVW analysis showed significant association between blood transferrin saturation (TSAT) and PS (p = 0.004, OR = 1.18). Serum Zn and Se levels showed inverse correlation with AD (p = 0.039, OR = 0.92). However, due to limited SNPs, robustness was reduced. TSAT is genetically linked to PS, highlighting iron homeostasis in disease development. Zn and Se intake may reduce AD risk.

Unlocking vitiligo’s metal code: an analytical cross-sectional study of serum levels of trace elements in vitiligo patients

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired depigmenting skin disorder often associated with social stigma and having a significant psychological impact on patients. The study aimed to determine the correlation between serum levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and Cu/Pb, Cu/Hg, Cu/Cd, Se/Hg, Se/Pb, Se/Cd, Zn/Hg, Zn/Pb, and Zn/Cd ratios in vitiligo patients. Materials and methods: In this analytical cross-sectional study, we enrolled 110 vitiligo patients as cases and 110 normal adults as controls. VIDA (Vitiligo Disease Activity Score) and VASI (Vitiligo Area Severity Index) were used to assess the activity and severity of vitiligo in patients. Venous blood samples of all study participants (aged &gt;12 years) were examined for serum levels of Zn, Cu, Se, Pb, Hg, and Cd using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. SPSS.21 version software was used for the analysis of the data. Results: We noted a statistically significant (p-value &lt; 0.05, student’s t-test) difference in mean serum levels of Cu, Zn, and Se (microgram/liter) between cases and controls, denoted as 1370.67 ± 484.36 versus 2887.30 ± 3744.15, 1324.50 ± 555.02 versus 1603.81 ± 551.03, 248.95 ± 120.06 versus 287.15 ± 117.37, respectively. A significantly low serum level of Se was observed in female vitiligo patients, unlike controls. Vegetarian patients had low levels of Pb (p-value &lt;0.05) in comparison to non-vegetarian patients. Significantly low Zn/Hg and Cu/Hg ratios were observed in cases compared to controls. Limitations: Our study was limited by a small sample size. Being an observational study done from a single center, chances of inclusion of patients from a limited geographical area cannot be ruled out. Conclusion: Low levels of Zn, Cu, and Se could play a crucial role in the etiopathogenesis of vitiligo, which can vary based on the gender and diet pattern of the patient.

Correlation of serum zinc and magnesium with reduced heart rate variability in male Parkinson’s disease patients

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurological disorder associated with altered cardiac autonomic function. Heart rate variability (HRV) analysis is a tool to assess the cardiac autonomic status. Altered serum zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg) levels are observed in PD. The serum Zn and Mg alteration is associated with nerve function impairment. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between serum zinc, magnesium, and time domain measures of HRV in male patients with PD. Methods: This observational analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023on 30 newly diagnosed male PD patients aged 50-60 years. In this study, 30 healthy volunteers were the control. The 30 patients were divided into different categories based on serum mineral levels. The HRV was recorded by Power Lab 8/35, AD Instruments, Australia and the time domain measures of HRV were used in data analysis. The serum Zn and Mg levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Independent sample ‘t’ test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient test were used for statistical analysis and p&lt;0.05 was considered statistical significance. Results: Significantly higher mean HR (Heart rate) (p&lt;0.01) and significantly lower mean RR (Normal to normal QRS complex) interval,CVRR (Coefficient variation of RR interval) (p&lt;0.01), SDRR (Standard deviation of the RR intervals), SDSD (Standard deviation of the difference between successive RR intervals), RMSSD (Square root of mean squared differences of successive RR intervals), pRR50% (Proportion of RR interval with duration &gt;50 ms) (p&lt;0.001)were observed in PD patients compared to control. In PD patients, significantly lower (p&lt;0.001) serum Zn and significantly higher (p&lt;0.01) serum Mg were observed compared to control. In addition,significant decrement was observed in SDRR, CVRR (p&lt;0.05), SDSD, RMSSD, and pRR50% (p&lt;0.01) in hypozincemic PD patients compared to normozincemic patients. On correlation analysis, significant positive correlations of serum Zn were observed with SDRR (p&lt;0.05),SDSD (p&lt;0.001), RMSSD (p&lt;0.001) and pRR50% (p&lt;0.01). Moreover,serum Mg was positively correlated with SDRR (p&lt;0.05) in PD patients. Conclusion: Hypozincemia and magnesium were directly related to reduced HRV in male PD patients. J Bangladesh Soc Physiol 2023;18(2): 63-71

Association of cardiac autonomic nerve function with serum zinc, calcium and magnesium in female hypothyroid patients

Background: Hypothyroidism is related to impaired cardiac autonomic nerve activity with altered levels of serum Zinc (Zn), Calcium (Ca) ‍and Magnesium (Mg).Altered Serum Zn,Caand Mg levels are also associated with autonomic imbalance and may raise cardiovascular risk.Heart rate variability (HRV) is an important marker for assessing cardiac autonomic nerve function(CANF). Objectives: To evaluate the association of serum Zn, Cal and Mglevels withCANF in female hypothyroid patients. Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 40 female hypothyroid patients aged 18-45 years. Thirty apparently healthy women were control. Serum Zn, Ca and Mg levels were estimated by autoanalyzer and CANF was assessed by time domain analysis of HRV recorded by Power Lab 8/35 AD Instruments, Australia. Statistical analysis was done by Independent sample‘t’ test, One way ANOVA followed by post-hoc Bonferroni test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient test. Results: Among time domain parameters of HRV, standard deviation of the RR intervals (SDRR), coefficient variation of RR interval (CVRR), SD rate, standard deviation of the difference between successive RR intervals (SDSD), square root of mean squared differences of successive RR intervals (RMSSD), proportion of RR interval with duration &gt;50 ms (pRR50%) were significantly lower (p&lt;0.05) in all hypothyroid patients as compared to control. On correlation analysis, serum Zn, Ca and Mg were significantly positively correlated with SDSD(p&lt;0.01, p&lt;0.001,p&lt;0.01) RMSSD(p&lt;0.01, p&lt;0.001, p&lt;0.01), pRR50%(p&lt;0.01, p&lt;0.01, p&lt;0.05)and serum Ca was also positively correlated with SDRR(p&lt;0.05) in hypothyroid patients. Conclusion:Serum ZnCa and Mg were associated with cardiac autonomic dysfunction. in female hypothyroid patients. J Bangladesh Soc Physiol 2023;18(1): 27-34

Homeostatic changes of trace elements in diazinon toxicity in rat model: The beneficial role of resveratrol

Background and objectivesDiazinon (DZN) is a cholinesterase inhibitor widely used to relieve agricultural pests and upgrade the productivity of crops. Resveratrol (Res), as a phenolic plant compound, has a protective role against free radicals. This study intended to evaluate the impacts of Res on homeostatic disturbances induced by DZN in rats. MethodTwenty-four Wistar rats (4 weeks) were randomly distributed into four groups of six animals each. The first group (control group) received corn oil. The second group (Res group) received orally Res (20 mg/kg. The third group (DZN group) received the oral DZN (70 mg/kg); the fourth group (Res plus DZN group) was treated simultaneously with DZN (70 mg/kg) and Res (20 mg/kg); for a period of 5 weeks. The serum, liver, kidney, and heart levels of the Copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), selenium (Se), and magnesium (Mg) as main trace elements are measured. ResultsDZN treatment decreased significantly serum, liver, kidney, and heart levels of Cu, Zn, Fe, Se, and Mg in comparison with the control group. Res administration enhanced serum, liver, kidney, and content of heart elements compared to the DZN group. ConclusionsThese results suggested that Res could ameliorate the homeostatic imbalance induced by DZN. Res had a protective effect against DZN-provoking heart, renal, and hepatic toxicity in animal models.

Evaluating the serum levels of zinc, copper, magnesium, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D in children with idiopathic drug-resistant epilepsy; a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDrug-resistant epilepsy is defined as failure of seizure control in spite of using 2 or 3 proper antiepileptic drugs in appropriate time. Mineral elements play important roles in neuronal function; it is believed that mineral deficiency may lead to complications through seizure management. In the present study, serum levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and 25-hydroxy vitamin D (Vit D) in drug-resistant-epilepsy (DRE) patients were evaluated and compared with the controlled patients.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, epileptic patients were included and categorized into two groups of DRE and well-controlled patients. Patients’ serum samples were analysed to evaluate Zn, Cu, Mg, Ca, and Vit D levels. The primary objective was comparison of serum levels of different trace elements between the groups.ResultsSixty-four epileptic children including 33 DRE and 31 well-controlled children entered the study. The DRE children showed a significantly earlier onset of disease compared to the other group (p = 0.014). Comparing the frequency of developmental delay between the groups, the results showed this complication was significantly more frequent in the DRE group (p < 0.001). Concerning serum elements, the results showed a significantly higher concentration of Zn in the well-controlled group than the DRE group (p = 0.007). On the other hand, no significant differences were observed between the groups regarding the means of Vit D, Ca, Cu, and Mg levels (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe results of the present study delineated that drug-resistant epilepsy patients had earlier onset of disease and were at higher risk of neurodevelopmental delay compared with well-controlled-epilepsy patients. A significant lower serum levels of Zn were also observed in drug-resistant-epilepsy patients. This finding may suggest the role of zinc supplementation in help to better control of drug-resistant seizures, as well as, the importance of serum zinc monitoring in epileptic patients.

Blood and Serum Se and Zn Levels and 10-Year Survival of Patients after a Diagnosis of Kidney Cancer.

The aim of the project was to evaluate the association between selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) levels in blood and serum and kidney cancer mortality. In a prospective group of 284 consecutive, unselected patients with kidney cancer, we evaluated their 10-year survival rate in relation to the levels of Se and Zn in their blood and serum. Micronutrient levels were measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Patients were divided into quartiles based on the distribution of Se and Zn levels arranged in increasing order. The following variables were taken into account in the multivariable models: age at diagnosis, gender, smoking, type of surgery and histopathological examination results. We observed a statistically significant association of all-cause mortality when subgroups with low blood selenium levels were compared to patients with high selenium levels (HR = 7.74; p < 0.001). We found, in addition, that this correlation was much stronger when only men were assessed (HR = 11.6; p < 0.001). We did not find a statistically significant association for zinc alone. When we combined selenium and zinc levels (SeQI-ZnQI vs. SeQIV-ZnQIV), we observed the hazard ratio for kidney cancer death to be 12.4; p = 0.016. For patients in the highest quartile of blood zinc/selenium ratio, compared to those in the lowest, the HR was 2.53; p = 0.008. Our study suggests that selenium levels, combined selenium and zinc levels (SeQI-ZnQI vs. SeQIV-ZnQIV) and zinc-to-selenium ratio (Zn/Se) are attractive targets for clinical trials aimed at improving the survival of kidney cancer patients.

Relationship between Serum Zinc Level and Retinopathy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Abstract Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia caused by insulin resistance (IR) or impaired insulin production. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common microvascular disorder which occurs in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients due to chronic hyperglycemia. Previous studies reported that serum zinc (Zn) was associated with certain diabetic microvascular complications. Objective To evaluate relation between serum zinc level and diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Subjects and Methods The current study included 60 subjects with their ages ranging from 18- 60, selected from diabetes and ophthalmology outpatient clinics of Ain Shams University Hospitals for 7 months in a period from July 2022 to January 2023 with matched age and sex . fasting and post prandial blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP),serum creatnine, LDL, HDL, TG,TC and serum zinc levels were measured among groups. Results The study shows statistically significant difference between DM type II subgroups regarding duration of disease (yrs) being higher in DM II with retinopathy 12.5 (10.5 – 16.5) than DM II without retinopathy 9 (6 – 12) with p &amp;lt; 0.001. serum Zn levels were significantly lower in the DR group than the controls and diabetic without retinopathy.in whole DM type II group, there was statistically significant negative correlation found between zinc level and duration of diabetes, HbA1c, LDL, TC, FBS, 2PP and serum creatinine level, while in DM II without retinopathy there was statistically significant negative correlation found between zinc level and duration of diabetes, LDL, TC and FBS and also in DM type II retinopathy there was statistically significant negative correlation found between zinc level and duration of diabetes, HbA1c, FBS, 2PP and serum cretainine level .There is no statistically significant difference found between control group and DM type II group regarding weight, height and BMI of the studied patients with p-value = 0.108, 0.198 and 0.343; respectively. There is no statistically significant difference found between control group and DM type II group regarding systolic and diastolic blood pressure of the studied patients with p- value = 0.554 and 0.405; respectively. Conclusion Our study suggested that lower serum zinc level in T2D patients was related to higher prevalence of diabetic microvascular complications. Patients with lower serum zinc level were more likely to have a longer duration of diabetes, poorer glucose control, and worse β-cell function. Older age, higher HbA1c level, and the prevalence of DN were risk factors related to the lower serum zinc level.

Estimation of calories intake, iron, zinc, and selenium among children of the underprivileged area in Sindh, Pakistan.

Malnutrition is one of the most serious community health issues in developing countries. This study estimated total energy intake, Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), Selenium (Se), Calcium (Ca), and Phosphate (PO4) levels among school-going children (aged 13-17 years) of the underprivileged area in Sindh, Pakistan. Children from Mithi City, District Tharparkar, were selected for this cross-sectional investigation. Students from various schools from both genders who fulfilled the selection criteria were selected. A questionnaire was filled, and five ml blood samples were taken to analyze blood parameters. Each participant's estimated nutrient intake (ENI) per day was assessed and matched to the recommended daily allowance (RDA) to determine their micro and macronutrient intake. A total of 300 school-going children [150(50%) boys (mean age 15± 0.8 years) and 150(50%) girls (mean age 14±1.3years)] were included in this study. Total calories (1449±949 Kcal vs. 1245±215 Kcal; p < .001), carbohydrates (138±27 gm vs. 126 ±25 gm; p < .001) protein (47±9.1 gm vs. 44±6 gm; p < .001) was significantly higher among boys compared to girls. In contrast, calcium (1094±105 mg vs. 1144±100; 0.004), phosphate 1050±125 vs. 1148±147; p<0.001), iron (9.2±1.7 mg vs. 10±1.3 mg; p<0.001), and Zinc (7.4±1.8 mg vs. 9.9±1.7 mg; p<0.001) intake was significantly higher among girls than boys. Gender-wise comparison of serum metals in school-going children showed that serum iron was significantly lower among girls than boys (100.86±25.65 μg/dl vs. 78.48±28.66 μg/dl; p<0.001), and no difference was found in serum Zn, Se, and Ca levels. Total proteins were also significantly lower among girls than boys (6.48±1.01g/dl vs. 4.87±1.4301g/dl; p<0.001). Serum iron, Ca, and total proteins were significantly lower among girls with normal ranges compared to boys with normal ranges. Total protein was significantly lower among girls below normal ranges than boys with normal ranges (p < .001). The correlation of carbohydrates, protein, and fat with some serum biochemical parameters in school-going children showed that serum Fe was significantly linked with proteins (r = 0.255; p < .0.05). Our findings showed a concurrent shortage of macro and micronutrients. The current study also revealed that total energy intake was lower than the RDA and significant Fe, Zn, and Se deficiencies. The findings highlight the importance of measures aimed at improving children's nutritional status.

Serum Total Superoxide Dismutase Activity as a Predictive Factor in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the cutoff value for diagnosis and predict mortality in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on serum total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Methods: A retrospective case-control study of the SOD Model was conducted using data from a single-center dataset at Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated with Shandong First Medical University, China. Serum total SOD activity was analyzed in HCC patients (n = 124) and control subjects (n = 117). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine cutoff values of serum total SOD activity for HCC diagnosis. Overall survival (OS) was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: In the model groups, the cutoff level of total SOD activity for HCC was 169.2 U/mL (sensitivity: 87.23%, specificity: 91.95%), while for HCC [alpha fetoprotein (AFP) &lt; 20 ng/mL], it was 173.4 U/mL (sensitivity: 86.79%, specificity: 88.51%). Additionally, in the validation groups, the true positive rate, true negative rate, and accuracy rate were all above 90%. Based on the cutoff value of SOD, HCC patients were assigned to an H-SOD and L-SOD group depending on their serum total SOD activity at admission before operation. The 5-year OS rate of the H-SOD group was 75.00%, and that of the L-SOD group was 36.59% in HCC patients (P = 0.0245). With a decrease in SOD activity, serum levels of Zn (t = 3.890, P = 0.0003) and Se (t = 7.694, P &lt; 0.0001) were also significantly decreased and positively correlated with SOD activity (both P &lt; 0.05) in HCC patients. Conclusions: Low serum total SOD activity may also be a risk factor for HCC. The decrease of SOD activity in HCC patients was partly related to a lack of Zn and Se.

Dietary patterns; serum concentrations of selenium, copper, and zinc; copper/zinc ratio; and total antioxidant status in patients with glaucoma.

This study aimed to identify the biochemical parameters that determine the occurrence of glaucoma and assess the correlation between oxidative stress and clinical data in patients with glaucoma and healthy controls. We enrolled 169 participants; the glaucoma group comprised 104 patients with primary open-angle, pseudoexfoliation, or angle-closure glaucoma, and the control group comprised 65 healthy individuals. Serum concentrations of selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn); Cu/Zn ratio; and total antioxidant status were measured in both groups. Significantly lower Se and Zn serum levels were observed in men (67.7 ± 17.14 g/L and 0.76 ± 0.11 mg/L, respectively) and women (68.73 ± 16.21 g/L and 0.76 ± 0.13, respectively) with glaucoma. Moreover, significant correlations were identified between serum Se concentration and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and between serum Cu concentration and CDVA (p < 0.005 and p < 0.05, respectively). We also observed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.244, p < 0.05) between pRNFL thickness and BMI and a negative correlation (r = -0.289, p < 0.05) between serum Se concentration and the age of male patients with glaucoma. Additionally, the percentages of participants with below-normal, normal, and above-normal Se, Zn, and total antioxidant capacity serum levels were compared between both groups. Compared with healthy controls, a significantly higher percentage of patients with glaucoma had a below-normal Se serum concentration. A notable negative correlation was observed between Zn and copper serum levels of patients with glaucoma in both sexes. We believe that this study serves as a basis for considering personalized nutritional therapy for the prevention and supportive treatment of patients with glaucoma.

A case-control study on asthma and obese patients: Influence of lifestyle patterns, serum trace elements, heavy metals, and total antioxidants

Background and aimAsthma is a chronic airway hyperresponsiveness disorder and Obese people have greater rates of asthma incidence and prevalence. Obesity, a complex condition, can cause nutritional metabolic problems that change trace elements and minerals. Trace element and antioxidant levels affect asthma aetiology. In this study, we aim to determine the serum levels of trace elements Zn, Fe, Cu, Mg, Co, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Cr, total antioxidants (TAS), and lifestyle that determine specific clinical conditions in asthma and obesity patients from Vellore City (Tamil Nadu, India). MethodsA case-control study to determine the level of the serum trace elements with 838 subjects (n = 242 asthma patients, n = 140 asthmatic obese, n = 185 obese patients, and n = 271 controls) between the ages of 20 and 60 years was carried out. Asthma was diagnosed based on the clinical examination and pulmonary function tests. Trace element levels were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) in serum, and a DPPH-free radical scavenging assay was used to determine the total antioxidant capacity level in serum. ResultIn asthma male patients, serum levels of Zn, Fe, Cu, Mg, and TAS were significantly lower and Pb, Cd, and Cr significantly higher, whereas in female asthma patients, serum levels of Zn, Fe, Mg, and TAS were significantly lower and Pb significantly higher. In asthmatic obese male patients, Fe, Cu, and TAS were significantly lower, and Pb, Cd, and Co were significantly higher; in asthmatic obese female patients, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mg, and TAS were significantly lower, and Ni was significantly higher. In obese male patients, Zn, Fe, Cu, and TAS were significantly lower and Cd was significantly higher, and in obese female patients, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mg, and TAS were significantly lower. ConclusionThe influence of the level of trace elements, heavy metal, total antioxidant, and the lifestyle patterns, may increase the risk of asthma and obesity.

Determination of copper and other trace elements in serum samples from patients with biliary tract cancers: prospective noninterventional nonrandomized clinical study protocol.

Biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, when the disease is incurable. Currently used tumor biomarkers have limited diagnostic value for BTCs, so there is an urgent need for sensitive and specific biomarkers for their earlier diagnosis. Deregulation of the homeostasis of trace elements is involved in the carcinogenesis of different cancers, including BTCs. The objective of the study is to determine/compare the total concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) and the proportions of free Cu and Cu bound to ceruloplasmin (Cp) and the isotopic ratio of 65Cu/63Cu in serum samples from healthy volunteers and cancer patients using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry-based methods (ICP-MS). In this prospective, noninterventional, nonrandomized study 20 patients and 20 healthy volunteers will be enrolled to identify serum Cu, Zn and Fe levels, Cu isotopic fractionation as a predictive biomarker of response to systemic therapy of BTCs, which will be evaluated by computed tomography. Newly developed analytical methods based on ICP-MS will be applied to metal-based biomarker research in oncology. In the study the comparison of the total concentration of selected trace elements, the proportion of free Cu and Cu bound to Cp and the isotopic ratio of 65Cu/63Cu in serum samples from healthy volunteers and cancer patients will be conducted to provide the foundation for the development of a BTC cancer screening methodology and the data on their usability as a potential predictive biomarker for BTCs of response to systemic therapy.

Association between preoperative serum zinc level and prognosis in patients with advanced esophageal cancer in the neoadjuvant treatment era

AbstractBackgroundZinc (Zn), an essential trace element, has an adverse influence on the prognosis of several cancers. However, the association between the preoperative serum Zn level and outcomes in patients with advanced esophageal cancer in the current neoadjuvant treatment era remains unclear.MethodsThis study involved 185 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent R0 surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy from August 2017 to February 2021. We retrospectively investigated the relationship between the preoperative serum Zn level and the patients' outcomes.ResultsThe patients were divided into a low Zn group (&lt;64 μg/dL) and a high Zn group (≤64 μg/dL) according to the mean preoperative serum Zn level. Low Zn had significantly worse overall survival (OS) (2‐year OS rate: 76.2% vs. 83.3% in low vs. high Zn; p = 0.044). A low Zn in pathological non‐responders (Grade ≤ 1a) was significantly associated with a shorter 2‐year recurrence‐free survival (RFS) rate (39.6% vs. 64.1% in low vs. high Zn; p = 0.032). The multivariate analysis identified low BMI and Zn level among preoperative nutritional status indices as an independent risk factor for worse RFS in non‐responders. Compared with responders, pathological non‐responders comprised significantly more males and a performance status of ≥1, and there was no difference in Zn level according to pathological response.ConclusionA preoperative low Zn level had a negative impact on early recurrence in esophageal cancer patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This suggests the need to administer Zn supplementation to patients with esophageal cancer who have preoperative Zn deficiency.

Serum Mg, Zn and Fe levels among coronary artery disease patients in an urban south Indian region.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in CAD development, with trace elements like zinc, magnesium, copper, and iron impacting atherogenesis through their antioxidant or oxidant activity. This cross sectional study was conducted under the ICMR-STS program with IEC approval with the aim to estimate and correlate serum magnesium, zinc, and iron levels in CAD patients compared to healthy Individuals in the Urban South Indian population (50 cases, 50 controls, aged 40-70 years). Statistical analyses revealed a significant difference in serum iron levels between cases (95.10 ± 38.82 µg/dL) and controls (118.30 ± 50.54 µg/dL) with a p-value of 0.012. Serum magnesium levels showed a marginal difference between cases (1.97±0.11 mg/dL) and controls (1.92±0.15 mg/dL) with a p-value of 0.053. However, serum zinc levels did not exhibit a statistically significant difference between cases (123.47 ± 26.35 mg/dL) and controls (118.90 ± 32.77 mg/dL) with a p-value of 0.445. Thus, data shows the association between low serum iron levels and an increased risk of coronary artery disease.

Mediation effect of serum zinc on insulin secretion inhibited by methyl tert-butyl ether in gas station workers.

Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), a type of gasoline additive, has been found to affect insulin function and glucose homeostasis in animal experiments, but there is still no epidemiological evidence. Zinc (Zn) is a key regulatory element of insulin secretion and function, and Zn homeostasis can be disrupted by MTBE exposure through inducing oxidative stress. Therefore, we suspected that Zn might be involved and play an important role in the process of insulin secretion inhibited by MTBE exposure. In this study, we recruited 201 male subjects including occupational and non-occupational MTBE exposure from Anhui Province, China in 2019. Serum insulin and functional analog fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) and blood MTBE were detected by Elisa and headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry. According to MTBE internal exposure level, the workers were divided into low- and high-exposed groups and found that the serum insulin level in the high-exposed group was significantly lower than that in the low-exposed group (p = 0.003) while fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level increased obviously in the high-exposed group compared to the low-exposed group (p = 0.001). Further analysis showed that MTBE exposure level was positively correlated with FPG level, but negatively correlated with serum insulin level, which suggested that the FPG level increase might be related to the decrease of serum insulin level induced by MTBE exposure. The results of further mediation effect analysis showed that changes in serum zinc levels played a major intermediary role in the process of insulin secretion inhibition and blood glucose elevation caused by MTBE exposure. In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between MTBE exposure and serum Zn level, which might play a strong mediating effect on the inhibition of insulin secretion induced by MTBE exposure. In conclusion, our study provided evidence that MTBE could inhibit insulin secretion and interfere with Zn metabolism in gas station workers for the first time, and found that Zn might play an important mediation effect during the process of inhibiting insulin secretion and interfering with glucose metabolism induced by MTBE exposure.

The Role of Zinc and Copper in Anemia and Erythropoietin Responsiveness in Patients on Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis

Introduction: Imbalance in copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) homeostasis is a frequent finding in patients undergoing dialysis. These patients have higher serum Cu and lower serum Zn levels compared to controls. This study is designed to investigate the relationship between blood Cu and Zn levels and Cu/Zn ratio and, ESA (erythropoietin stimulating agent) dosage, erythropoietin responsiveness and anemia in dialysis patients. Methods: Clinical and demographic data for 151 participants (men=79) with a median dialysis vintage of 69.7 months [101 on Hemodialysis (HD), 50 on Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)] and mean age of 56.25±15.6 years was collected in November 2022. Zn and Cu levels were measured with atomic absorption. Erythropoietin responsiveness was evaluated by the erythropoietin resistance index (ERI) and ESA dosing. Results: In HD patients, mean serum Zn and Cu levels were 61.33 ± 15.77 μg/dL and 95.1 ± 21.1 µg/dL, respectively, with a Cu/Zn ratio of 1.58 ± 0.69. In PD patients, mean serum Zn and Cu levels were 54.8 ± 10.3 µg/dL and 97 ± 20.2 µg/dL, respectively, with a Cu/Zn ratio of 1.72 ± 0.55. In Spearman analyses serum Cu was negatively correlated with hemoglobin (p=0.018), serum iron (p=0.03), transferrin saturation (p=0.019), and iron supplementation (p &lt;0.01) in the HD patient group. Serum Cu was found to be positively correlated with erythropoietin (EPO) dosage (p=0.03), ERI (p=0.04), high sensitive C reactive protein (hsCRP) (p=0.01), and Kt/V (p=0.033). Cu/Zn ratio was positively correlated with EPO dosage (p=0.043), ERI (p=0.051) and hsCRP (p=0.015). Conversely, it was negatively correlated with iron supplementation (p=0.014) and serum albumin levels (p=0.049). Serum Zn levels was solely correlated with albumin level (p=0.039). In PD, patient’s serum Cu level was correlated positively with hsCRP (p=0.036); serum Zn levels correlated positively (p=0.01), and Cu/Zn ratio was correlated negatively with albumin (p=0.042). Conclusion: This study has shown a possible association between both serum Cu and Cu/Zn ratio, ESA dosage and hsCRP in HD patients.

Zinc Alpha-2 Glycoprotein, Acylated Ghrelin, and Zinc Levels in Prediabetics.

Prediabetic stages of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) exhibit differences in the sites of insulin resistance. Serum Zinc α-2 glycoprotein (ZAG), acylated ghrelin (AG), and zinc (Zn) levels can affect IFG, IGT, and diabetic glucose tolerance (DGT) differently. This study examined the importance of ZAG, AG, and serum Zn levels in prediabetic individuals with IFG, IGT, and DGT, compared to those with normal glucose levels. The study was conducted at İstanbul University Cerrahpaşa-Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine. A total of n=151 volunteers were classified according to the WHO criteria for diabetes after undergoing an oral glucose tolerance test. Plasma and serum samples were measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy, ELISA, and immunoassay. Prediabetic conditions became more prominent with the decrease in ZAG levels. ZAG levels showed a negative correlation with acylated ghrelin and Homeostatic Model Assessment for assessing beta-cell function and insulin resistance. Zinc levels were significantly lower in DGT. ZAG levels have regulatory effects on insulin resistance and plasma glucose levels are mediated by zinc and acylated ghrelin.