Serum Zinc Levels Research Articles

#82 Serum zinc level is associated with aortic arch calcification in patients with incident dialysis

Abstract Background and Aims Aortic calcification is one of predictors of cardiovascular (CVD) events. Several studies show association between zinc deficiency and aortic calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, there are few studies in patients with advanced CKD. Therefore, we investigated associations between serum zinc (s-Zn) levels and aortic arch calcification (AAC) in patients with incident dialysis. Method We analyzed data from 776 consecutive patients with CKD who started dialysis at our hospital between January 2013 and December 2022. We excluded 71 patients who were supplemented with zinc or who were not measured laboratory data including serum zinc at the time of dialysis initiation. AAC is graded from 0 (no calcification) to 3 on chest X-ray, as follows: grade 0, no visible calcification; grade 1, < 50% calcification in the arch; grade 2, > 50% calcification; grade 3, circumferential calcification. We defined grade 2 or 3 as severe calcification. Results The median s-Zn levels were 51, 47 and 44 μg/dL in patients with grade 0, 1 and 2-3 on AAC, respectively (p < 0.0001). The optimal cutoff value for s-Zn levels was 48 μg/dL in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis. In multivariate analysis, low s-Zn level (s-Zn < 48 μg/dL) was independently associated with AAC [OR 2.36 (95% CI 1.55–3.60), p < 0.0001)], especially with severe AAC [OR 4.59 (95% CI 2.46–8.59), p < 0.0001)]. Addition to s-Zn level in a model with established factors on AAC improved the C-index (0.812 to 0.824, p = 0.0181), net reclassification improvement (NRI) (0.397, p < 0.0001) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) (0.020, p < 0.0001). More robust findings for the C-index (0.856 to 0.878, p = 0.0077), NRI (0.591, p < 0.0001) and IDI (0.045, p < 0.0001) were observed on severe AAC. Conclusion Low s-Zn level was independently associated with severity of AAC, also in patients with incident dialysis.

Long-Term Differential Effects of Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy on Bone Mineral Density

Abstract Context The association of obesity with bone fragility fractures is complex and non-linear. Despite good efficacy on weight loss, bariatric surgery (BS) is also associated with bone loss. However, we lack information on risk factors of the long-term deleterious effects of BS on the skeleton. Objective We aimed to assess the factors associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) performed a long time after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Methods This cross-sectional study involved patients at a long distance from their BS that underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) with biological factors (vitamins, micronutrients, bone and inflammation biomarkers). Simple and multiple linear models (stepwise and parsimony approach) were developed. Results A total of 131 patients (91 RYGB, 40 SG) underwent DXA (51.8 ± 11.08 years, 87.8% women). At a mean of 6.8 ± 3.7 years after surgery, the mean weight loss was –28.6 ± 9.6%, and only 6 patients (5.7%) had a T-score less than or equal to ­2.5. On univariate analysis, BMD was lower in the RYGB than in the SG group (P < .001) at all sites, despite similar fat and fat-free mass and weight loss. Serum parathyroid hormone and phosphate levels were higher in RYGB than SG patients. A total of 10.1% of patients showed vascular calcifications. On multivariable analysis, BMD remained different between surgery groups after adjustment for age, body mass index, ethnicity, and sex. The model-adjusted R2 values were 0.451 for the total hip; 0.462 the femoral neck, and 0.191 the lumbar spine for the inflammation model; 0.458, 0.462, and 0.254, respectively, for the bone marker model; and 0.372, 0.396, and 0.142 for the vitamin model. Serum zinc, ferritin, and uric acid levels were the markers associated with BMD to a low extent. Conclusion BMD differed depending on the BS procedure. A few biological markers may be associated weakly with BMD well after the surgery.

Zinc Deficiency After Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

AbstractBariatric surgery has become an effective method for treating severe obesity and its related complications. While the effectiveness and safety of BS have been widely confirmed, micronutrient deficiency has emerged as a long-term complication after surgery. Literature was collected through online searches of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase databases, as well as manual searches. A total of 15 studies, with a sample size of 2993 cases, were included. The studies found that the risk of zinc deficiency increased gradually at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery compared to pre-surgery levels. Subgroup analysis revealed that serum zinc levels decreased by 9.40% (95% CI − 16.44%, − 2.36%) at 1 year after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, 9.33% (95% CI − 10.73%, − 7.92%) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and one-anastomosis gastric bypass, and 22.30% (95% CI − 30.14%, − 14.46%) after biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch. Meanwhile, the total prevalence of zinc deficiency at 1 year after surgery was 26.1%. In conclusion, zinc deficiency worsens and serum zinc levels decrease after bariatric surgery. It is recommended that patients undergoing weight loss surgery undergo regular monitoring of serum zinc levels and receive timely zinc supplementation therapy.

Zinc and Its Antioxidant Properties: The Potential Use of Blood Zinc Levels as a Marker of Cancer Risk in BRCA1 Mutation Carriers.

BRCA1 mutations predispose women to breast and ovarian cancer. The anticancer effect of zinc is typically linked to its antioxidant abilities and protecting cells against oxidative stress. Zinc regulates key processes in cancer development, including DNA repair, gene expression, and apoptosis. We took a blood sample from 989 female BRCA1 mutation carriers who were initially unaffected by cancer and followed them for a mean of 7.5 years thereafter. There were 172 incident cases of cancer, including 121 cases of breast cancer, 29 cases of ovarian cancers, and 22 cancers at other sites. A zinc level in the lowest tertile was associated with a modestly higher risk of ovarian cancer compared to women with zinc levels in the upper two tertiles (HR = 1.65; 95% CI 0.80 to 3.44; p = 0.18), but this was not significant. Among those women with zinc levels in the lowest tertile, the 10-year cumulative risk of ovarian cancer was 6.1%. Among those in the top two tertiles of zinc level, the ten-year cumulative risk of ovarian cancer was 4.7%. There was no significant association between zinc level and breast cancer risk. Our preliminary study does not support an association between serum zinc level and cancer risk in BRCA1 mutation carriers.

Zinc supplementation for dysgeusia in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer.

Although patients with advanced pancreatic cancer (PC) often experiencedysgeusia with zinc deficiency during chemotherapy, data on zinc supplementation for dysgeusia and its effects on nutritional status are scarce. We aimed to examine the efficacy of zinc supplementation in patients with advanced PC. Thirty-three patients with unresectable PC who presented with dysgeusia and zinc deficiency during chemotherapy and received zinc acetate hydrate between January 2018 and December 2022 were included. We evaluated the changes in serum zinc levels and the improvement in dysgeusia. Among the 26 patients who received zinc supplementation for 12weeks, we also compared patient characteristics and changes in serum zinc and albumin levels between patients who showed improvement in dysgeusia (effective group) and those who did not (non-effective group). The serum zinc level increased significantly after zinc supplementation (median: 60µg/dL at baseline, 99.5µg/dL at 4weeks, 101µg/dL at 8weeks and 101µg/dL at 12weeks). The rate of improvement in dysgeusia increased over time (18.2% at 4weeks, 33.3% at 8weeks, and 42.4% at 12weeks). Comparing the effective group and non-effective group revealed that while the median serum albumin level of the effective group did not change, the non-effective group showed a significant decrease from baseline to 12weeks (3.2g/dL to 3.0g/dL, p = 0.03). Zinc supplementation significantly increased serum zinc levels, improving dysgeusia. Zinc supplementation might also contribute to maintaining nutritional status in patients with unresectable PC.

Serum Levels of Zinc, Albumin, Interleukin-6 and CRP in Patients with Unipolar and Bipolar Depression: Cross Sectional Study.

Unipolar (UD) and bipolar depression (BDD) show a high degree of similarity in clinical presentations, which complicates the differential diagnosis of these disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin (Alb), and zinc (Zn) in patients with UD, BDD, and healthy controls (HC). A total of 211 samples were collected: 131 patient samples (65 UD and 68 BDD) and 80 HC. The Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), along with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17), were administered to patient groups to evaluate symptoms. A cross-sectional study was performed to analyse the serum levels of IL-6, CRP, albumin, and zinc. The concentration of CRP was determined using the immunoturbidimetry method, zinc using the colorimetric method, and albumin using the colorimetric method with bromocresol green on the Alinity c device. IL-6 cytokine concentration in serum samples was ascertained using a commercial enzyme immunoassay, ELISA. We found no significant differences in serum concentrations of zinc, albumin, CRP, and IL-6 between the groups of patients with unipolar and bipolar depression. There was a significant statistical difference (p < 0.001) between serum levels of all investigated parameters in both groups of depressed patients in comparison with HC. Furthermore, correlations with specific items on HAMD-17; (namely, hypochondrias, work and activities, somatic symptoms-general, and weight loss) and on MADRS (concentration difficulties, lassitude) were observed in both patient groups. These findings confirm the presence of low-grade inflammation in depression, thus adding better insight into the inflammation hypothesis directed to explain the aetiology of depressive disorders. Our results do not indicate potential biomarkers for distinguishing between unipolar and bipolar depression.

Shining a Light on Trace Elements: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Serum Concentrations in Febrile seizure.

Febrile seizures (FS) are a common occurrence in pediatric patients and are typically triggered by high fevers above 100.4°F (38°C), often associated with viral or bacterial infections such as respiratory or gastrointestinal infections. Recent research suggests that the serum concentration of trace elements may play a role in the occurrence of FS. This study aimed to assess the association between serum levels of trace elements and FS in pediatric patients. A comprehensive search of four databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar, was conducted up to February 2024. The study followed the PICO structure, focusing on the Population (pediatric patients with FS), Intervention (serum concentrations of selenium, zinc, magnesium, and copper), Comparison (with or without controls), and Outcome (occurrence of FS). The methodological quality of the included observational studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) tool. Out of a total of 168 papers, 37 met the inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis, covering studies published between 2018 and 2023. Lower serum zinc levels were observed in pediatric patients with FS compared to control groups (SMD: -1.25, 95% CI: -1.47, -1.03). Conversely, higher serum copper levels were found in control groups compared to those with FS (SMD: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.82). Additionally, lower serum magnesium levels were detected in the FS group compared to controls (SMD: -0.76, 95% CI: -1.57, 0.05), while serum selenium levels were approximately two times lower in the FS group than in controls (SMD: -2.23, 95% CI: -2.76, -1.70). Our meta-analysis suggests that pediatric patients with FS have lower serum concentrations of trace elements compared to controls. Further research is warranted to elucidate the potential role of trace elements in the pathogenesis of FS. This meta-analysis and systematic review was registered in the International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024519163). Registry URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024519163 registry number: CRD42024519163.

Evaluation of Serum Level of Zinc, Copper and Magnesium in Asthmatic Children and Their Correlation to Disease Severity

Evaluation of Serum Level of Zinc, Copper and Magnesium in Asthmatic Children and Their Correlation to Disease Severity

Serum zinc levels and body composition variability as trajectory for hyperlipidemic and dyslipidemic effect among welders exposed to welding fumes and smoking: A biomarker for cardiovascular health

Welding is a common method for joining metals by heating them to the welding temperature. Exposure to welding fumes has a serious effect on the health of welders. This study examined serum zinc variability and body composition as route for hyperlipidemia and dyslipidemia in welders exposed to welding fumes and smoking, exploring the possibilities for the risk of possible cardiovascular disease. The experimental case control design was adopted in the study. Forty apparently healthy adult males were randomly selected comprising of twenty control group (non-smokers and smokers without welding experience) and twenty experimental group (non-smokers and smokers with welding experience) welders. Data obtained were represented as Mean ± SEM while comparison of means across group was done by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's multiple comparison for post hoc test at p-value < 0.05 level of significance using Graph Pad prism version 8. The data obtained showed that the body mass index (BMI) of smokers (non-welders and welders) were slightly reduced while that of non-smoking welders was increased compared to the control. The serum zinc level increased among the smoking welders, while the smoking non-welders and non-smoking welders decreased when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Exposure to welding fumes has been shown to increase total cholesterol levels compared to the control. Weld fumes significantly (p < 0.05) increased high-density lipoproteins (HDL) levels among smoking non-welders compared to the control group, while, HDL was reduced in non-smoking welders and smoking welders, respectively (p < 0.05). Triglyceride levels significantly (p < 0.05) increased in all experimental groups compared to control levels (p < 0.05). Exposure to welding fumes and smoking caused significant changes in serum zinc, HDL and triglycerides levels with implications for the formation of plaques around the arteries interfering with the effective flow of blood through the vascular system, with implications of hyperlipidemia and dyslipidemia. This study recommends that further studies should be done using biomarkers from urine or toe nails.

ARTERIAL STIFFNESS ASSOCIATES WITH MALNUTRITION IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS WITH CONCOMITANT CHRONIC PANCREATITIS

Objective: The association between pancreatitis and cardiovascular diseases remains incompletely understood. Malnutrition in chronic pancreatitis may be associated with an increase in arterial stiffness in hypertension. Objective: to evaluate interaction between malnutrition markers and arterial stiffness in patients with hypertension and chronic pancreatitis. Design and method: Methods: 70 non-diabetic patients with 1st degree hypertension with concomitant chronic pancreatitis (median age – 52,4 [43,8;63,7] years) were included in the study. We divided all included patients into two groups: 1st group – 41 patients with malnutrition, 2nd group – 29 patients without malnutrition. Standard laboratory blood tests, haematological parameters, lipid profile, glucose, renal and liver function tests, pancreatic fecal elastase-1, total protein, serum albumin, serum iron, vitamin 25(OH)D, serum zinc and magnesium detection were performed for all patients. The groups were comparable in terms of age, gender structure, functional state of the kidneys. Non-parametric methods were used for statistical data analysis. To determine the prognostic significance, the ROC analysis was performed. Significant differences were considered when the p-value was p&lt;0.001 Results: In patients with a combined course of hypertension and chronic pancreatitis with established malnutrition, an increase in arterial stiffness was significantly more often compared to patients with normal nutritional status - 83% and 62%, respectively (p&lt;0.001). A significantly lower level of brachial artery augmentation index was established by 43% (p&lt;0.001) in the first group. It was established that patients with malnutrition had a significantly higher caritid-femoral pulse wave velocity by 17.5% (p&lt;0.001). Correlations were established between brachial artery augmentation index and serum levels of zinc (R=0.63, p&lt;0.001), magnesium (R=0.66, p&lt;0.001), albumin (R=0.58, p&lt;0.001), vitamin 25(OH)D (R=0.68, p&lt;0.001) in patients with the combined course of hypertension and chronic pancreatitis. ROC analysis revealed that serum zinc level had an excellent diagnostic power for arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients with chronic pancreatitis (AUC = 0.910). Serum albumin had very good diagnostic power for arterial stiffness in hypertensive patients with chronic pancreatitis (AUC = 0.859). Conclusions: Arterial stiffness may be associated with malnutrition in hypertensive patients with concomitant chronic pancreatitis.

Association between biomarkers of zinc and copper status and heart failure: a meta-analysis.

Previous studies have investigated the relationship between heart failure (HF) and levels of zinc and copper, but conflicting results have been reported. This meta-analysis aims to clarify the role of zinc and copper in HF progression by examining the associations between HF and concentrations of these minerals. We utilized STATA 12.0 software to calculate the standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for serum zinc and copper levels in patients with HF compared with healthy controls (HCs). The meta-analysis indicated a lower serum zinc level in patients with HF compared with HCs, using a random effects model (SMD=-0.77; 95% CI: -1.01, -0.54; I2=61.9%, the P-value for Q test=0.002). Additionally, the meta-analysis showed an increased serum copper level in patients with HF compared with HCs, using a random effects model (SMD=0.66; 95% CI: 0.09, 1.23; I2=93.8%, the P-value for Q test<0.001). Meta-regression analysis indicated that publication year, age, and gender were not responsible for heterogeneity across studies. This meta-analysis demonstrates that patients with HF have lower serum zinc and higher copper concentrations compared with healthy subjects. However, the potential of zinc supplementation as a therapy for HF should be approached with caution. The heterogeneity among the included studies was found to be high. It is recommended that further well-designed large sample studies be conducted to validate these findings.

Factors Influencing Wound Healing in Diabetic Foot Patients.

Background and objectives: Diabetic foot stands out as one of the most consequential and devastating complications of diabetes. Many factors, including VIPS (Vascular management, Infection management, Pressure relief, and Source of healing), influence the prognosis and treatment of diabetic foot patients. There are many studies on VIPS, but relatively few studies on "sources of healing". Nutrients that affect wound healing are known, but objective data in diabetic foot patients are insufficient. We hypothesized that "sources of healing" would have many effects on wound healing. The purpose of this study is to know the affecting factors related to the source of healing for diabetic foot patients. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review identified 46 consecutive patients who were admitted for diabetic foot management from July 2019 to April 2021 at our department. Several laboratory tests were performed for influencing factor evaluation. We checked serum levels of total protein, albumin, vitamin B, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, Hb, HbA1c, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol. These values of diabetic foot patients were compared with normal values. Patients were divided into two groups based on wound healing rate, age, length of hospital stay, and sex, and the test values between the groups were compared. Results: Levels of albumin (37%) and Hb (89%) were low in the diabetic foot patients. As for trace elements, levels of iron (97%) and zinc (95%) were low in the patients, but levels of magnesium and copper were usually normal or high. There were no differences in demographic characteristics based on wound healing rate. However, when compared to normal adult values, diabetic foot patients in our data exhibited significantly lower levels of hemoglobin, total protein, albumin, iron, zinc, copper, and HDL cholesterol. When compared based on age and length of hospital stay, hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in both the older age group and the group with longer hospital stays. Conclusions: Serum levels of albumin, Hb, iron, and zinc were very low in most diabetic foot patients. These low values may have a negative relationship with wound healing. Nutrient replacements are necessary for wound healing in diabetic foot patients.

Serum Zinc and Copper Levels in Children with Thalassemia Major

Background: Thalassemia is a frequent hereditary genetic with different clinical manifestations from mild to severe based on its genetic. Beta thalassemia major is the worse form of this disease caused by decreased or absent beta globin chains of hemoglobin. Regular blood transfusion is the main aim leads to iron overload and deposition of iron in different organs.Objectives: To determine different serum distribution levels and correlation of copper and zinc in transfusion dependent thalassemia patients Material and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study in which a non-probability convenient sampling technique was used for sample collection. This study was conducted in KPK in a total of 137 patients, who were diagnosed cases of thalassemia major by hemoglobin electrophoresis, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and receiving iron and folate therapy. SPSS version 22 was used and Pearson's correlation coefficient was applied. P-value 0.05 was considered significant.Results: In this study mean age was 6.7±3.49 years. 77 (56%) percent children were male while 64 (44%) children were female. Mean hemoglobin (Hb) level was 7.43±1.3 gm/dl. Mean SGPT score was 26.28 ± 7.51. Mean blood urea was 21.10 ± 8.49 mmol/l while mean serum creatinine level was 0.56 ± 0.26 mg/dl. Mean serum zinc level was 13.36 ± 11.12mg/dl while mean serum copper level was 1.21± 0.60 mg/dl and mean serum ferritin level was 6682 ± 533 Ug/l.Conclusion: This study showed hypozincemia in thalassemia major patients, but copper deficit was not present. There was no substantial variance between serum ferritin level and mean serum concentration of zinc and copper in this study. Ancillary assessments in this respect is recommended. Keywords: Copper, Thalassemia, Zinc

Thyroid dysfunction due to trace element deficiency-not only selenium but also zinc.

Levels of serum selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) decrease when total parental nutrition (TPN) is administered without trace element supplementation for just a few weeks. These trace elements are involved in thyroid hormone metabolism and their deficiencies cause thyroid dysfunction. However, there have been few reports on the details of its clinical course. A 50-year-old man presented with thyroid dysfunction due to Se and Zn deficiency. He had an approximately 70-cm residual small intestine after undergoing intestinal resection and he received TPN without trace element supplementation for one and a half months. Blood tests revealed high levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) and low levels of free triiodothyronine (FT3). An abnormal pattern of thyroid function led to suspicion of Se deficiency. Se supplementation raised FT3 levels and lowered FT4 levels to within their respective reference ranges; however, subclinical hypothyroidism persisted with transient TSH elevation. We suspected that Zn deficiency also contributed to the hypothyroidism and, therefore, initiated Zn supplementation, which resulted in normalization of thyroid function. Although thyroid dysfunction has been reported in many studies conducted on Se and Zn deficiencies, hormonal patterns vary between reports. Further accumulation of cases, including detailed data on nutritional status, would be of benefit to elucidate the clinical reality. It is important to consider Se and Zn deficiencies when TSH and FT4 levels are elevated. It should also be noted that transient TSH elevation may be observed with Se supplementation.

Expression analysis of zinc-metabolizing enzymes in the saliva as a new method of evaluating zinc content in the body: two case reports and a review of the literature

BackgroundThe activity level of alkaline phosphatase, a zinc-requiring enzyme in the serum, is used to indicate zinc nutritional status; however, it does not correlate with serum zinc levels or subjective symptoms of taste disorder in many cases. Hence, this study focused on the total activity of alkaline phosphatase, a zinc-requiring enzyme. The total alkaline phosphatasa activity level in the saliva was measured before and after zinc supplementation, and the results were compared with serum zinc levels.Case presentationThis study included patients with hypozincemia, specifically a patient with zinc-deficient taste disorder (patient 1: a 69-year-old Japanese woman) and a patient with glossodynia with zinc deficiency (patient 2: an 82-year-old Japanese woman). Saliva samples were collected, and blood tests were performed before and after zinc supplementation. Subjective symptoms and serum zinc levels were simultaneously evaluated. Zinc supplementation was performed using zinc acetate hydrate or Polaprezinc.ConclusionsTotal alkaline phosphatase activity levels were found to be associated with serum zinc levels and subjective symptoms. A further study with a higher number of patients is necessary to confirm whether total alkaline phosphatase activity levels more accurately reflect the amounts of zinc in the body than serum zinc levels.

Efficacy of Normalising Serum Zinc Level for Patients with Olfactory Dysfunction and Zinc Deficiency

Plain Language SummaryThis study examined how zinc levels relate to problems with smelling, which is called olfactory dysfunction. We studied 42 participants who had trouble smelling due to infections, injuries, or unknown reasons and who also had low zinc levels in their blood. After the participants consumed a zinc supplement to treat their low zinc levels, we placed the participants either in the group for those who had their zinc levels go back to normal or in the group for those who remained zinc deficient. We tested the participants’ sense of smell in different ways, including using an olfactometer, a card with different scents, and questionnaires. The group with normal zinc levels did much better in all the smell tests; the zinc-deficient group only improved in 1 test, which was the questionnaire. These results suggest that if someone has trouble smelling and they also lack the appropriate level of zinc, it might be difficult for them to get better. However, if they can improve their zinc level and bring it to a normal level, their sense of smell could improve. In summary, this study demonstrated a connection between zinc levels and smelling ability, indicating that repairing zinc deficiency may aid in treating olfactory dysfunction.

Zinc supplementation on cellular immune response in splenectomized thalassemia major

Background: The immune response of thalassemia patients is different from usual; therefore, thalassemia patients are susceptible to infection. A study at Thalassemia Center in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital showed that all thalassemia patients experience zinc deficiency. The decreased cellular immune response is associated with zinc deficiency, whereas splenectomy exacerbates the condition. This study aims to evaluate the improvement of cellular immune response in splenectomized thalassemia major patients after zinc supplementation. Method: Randomized double-blinded controlled trial was conducted on splenectomized thalassemia major patients in 12 weeks period. The inclusion criteria were aged &gt; 12 years and had negative HIV test results. The subject receiving corticosteroids were excluded. Fifty-six subjects were randomly divided into two groups, the zinc group and the placebo group. Between 2 groups, data on zinc serum, T lymphocyte count, CD4+ T lymphocyte count, CD8+ T lymphocyte count, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio were evaluated at the beginning and the end of the study and were analyzed with unpaired t-test, Mann Whitney test, and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. Result: After zinc supplementation, only 18 of 28 subjects in the zinc group recovered normal zinc serum levels. There were no significant changes after zinc supplementation in all parameters of cellular immune response (p &gt; 0.05) between the two groups. This might be due to the subjects' adherence, which was lower in the zinc group (75.82%) than in the placebo group (83.19%). Conclusion: The effect of zinc supplementation on cellular immune response in splenectomized thalassemia major patients had not been proven yet.

Exploring Serum Zinc and Copper Levels as Potential Biomarkers in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study From Northeast India.

Introduction Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent hormonal disorder characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, ovarian cysts, and elevated androgen levels. The potential association between trace elements, specifically copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), and PCOS has been explored, but a definitive relationship remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the levels of these trace elements in women with PCOS and their potential implications. Methods The study, conducted at Gauhati Medical College & Hospital, involved 60 individuals with PCOS and a matched control group. Ethical approval was obtained, and participants provided written informed consent. The study spanned from July2021to June2022, utilizing a hospital-based case-control study design. Diagnostic criteria adhered to the Rotterdam criteria, and serum copper and zinc levels were quantified using a double-beam UV spectrophotometer. Results In the PCOS group, the mean age was 23.01 ± 3.60 years, while the control group had a mean age of 23.34 ± 3.59 years, with no significant age difference. Mean copper levels were 147.32 ± 16.53 μg/dl in PCOS and 106.88 ± 15.60 μg/dl in controls, indicating a significant increase in PCOS (p < 0.0001). Mean zinc levels were 93.99 ± 6.76 μg/dl in PCOS and 85.42 ± 12.69 μg/dl in controls, also significantly higher in PCOS (p < 0.0001). Conclusion The study highlights significant differences in serum copper and zinc levels between women with PCOS and healthy controls, suggesting potential implications for the syndrome's pathophysiology. Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise roles of these trace elements in PCOS and explore therapeutic interventions.

Zamzam Water Mitigates Cardiac Toxicity Risk through Modulation of GUT Microbiota and the Renin-angiotensin System.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to exert a substantial global influence in specific areas due to population growth, aging, microbiota, and genetic/environmental factors. Drinking water has a strong impact on the health of an individual. Further, emerging evidence has highlighted the therapeutic potential and benefits of Zamzam water (Zam). We investigated the influence of Zam on doxorubicin-induced cardiac toxicity, elucidating its consequential effects on GUT microbiota dysbiosis and hepatic and renal functions. Male rats were categorized into four groups: Group 1 as Normal control (NC), Group 2 as Zamzam control (ZC), Group 3 Disease control (DC) and Group 4 as Therapeutic control (DZ) treated with Zam against doxorubicin-induced disease at a dose of 1mg/kg boy weight) intraperitoneally (i.p). Significant dysbiosis in the composition of GM was observed in the DC group along with a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in serum levels of Zinc, interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-6 and Angiotensin II (Ang II), while C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, and CKMB increased significantly (restoration of Zinc ions (0.72 ± 0.07 mcg/mL) compared to NC. Treatment with Zamzam exhibited a marked abundance of 18-times to 72% in Romboutsia, a genus of firmicutes, along with lowering of Proteobacteria in DZ followed by significant restoration of Zinc ions (0.72 ± 0.07 mcg/mL), significant (p ˂ 0.05) reduction in CRP (7.22 ± 0.39 mg/dL), CKMB (118.8 ± 1.02 U/L) and Fibrinogen (3.18 ± 0.16 mg/dL), significant (p < 0.05) increase in IL-10 (7.22 ± 0.84 pg/mL) and IL-6 (7.18 ± 0.40 pg/ml), restoration of Ang II (18.62 ± 0.50 nmol/mL/min), marked increase in renin with normal myocyte architecture and tissue orientation of kidney, and restoration of histological architecture of hepatocyte. Zam treatment mitigated cardiac toxicity risk through the modulation of GUT microbiota and the renin-angiotensin system and tissue histology effectively.

Risk of Trace Element Imbalance in Cases of Occupational Allergic Diseases

Introduction: The relevance of the study is attributed to the lack of knowledge of the mechanisms of development and specifics of the clinical picture of occupational allergic diseases. Objective: To establish the levels of essential trace elements in biological substrates of patients with occupational allergies. Materials and methods: In 2014–2018, we analyzed zinc and copper levels in urine, blood serum, and lymphocytes of patients with occupational allergic skin and respiratory diseases by the atomic absorption method. Relative risk was calculated using a four-field contingency table. Results: In patients with work-related allergic contact dermatitis and bronchial asthma, zinc and copper concentrations in blood serum increased while urinary excretion of these elements decreased. Quantitative patterns of the concentrations of trace elements in body fluids of the patients with skin and respiratory allergies were unidirectional compared to the reference group. Relative risk values showed that lower levels of copper in urine and zinc in blood serum and lymphocytes, as well as higher serum copper indicated the risk of trace element imbalance in the body. Conclusion: The risk of trace element imbalance due to occupational allergic diseases is associated with impaired copper and zinc balance. Our findings prove that the levels of microelements are additional factors that aggravate the course of occupational allergic disorders.