Serum Levels Of Trace Elements Research Articles

Serum trace element and heavy metal levels in patients with sepsis

Background and objectives: Sepsis is defined as a life-threatening organ dysfunction syndrome, which occurs when the body’s immune response to infection is impaired. The aim of the present study was to investigate serum Iron, Copper, Zinco, Cobalt, Chromium, Selenium, Vanadium, Nickel, Cadmium, and Aliminium levels in patients with sepsis.Materials and methods: This prospective and observational study was conducted at a tertiary care university hospital of Turkey from 2015 to 2016, and comprised patients with sepsis. Serum concentrations of 10 elements were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Analyses were performed at the laboratory of Düzce University Scientific and Technological Research Application and Research Center. A total of 87 participants (52 men, 35 women; average age, 74.11 ± 14.26) were enrolled.Results: When evaluated in terms of trace elements, a significant difference was noted between the sepsis and control groups in terms of the levels of the five elements. Chromium, Iron, Nickel, Copper, and Cadmium levels were significantly higher in the sepsis group.Conclusion: Our study indicated in particular, Iron, Copper, Chromium, Nickel, and Cadmium levels were elevated in patients with sepsis.

Trace elements in type 2 diabetes mellitus and their association with glycemic control.

Alterations in serum levels of trace elements reported in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been linked with induction of T2DM and associated complications. To assess serum levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) in T2DM patients with adequate and poor glycemic control. This study was performed at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh. A total of 100 consenting T2DM patients comprising of 50 patients with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) less than 6.5% and 50 patients with HbA1c more than 6.5% along with a group of 50 normal healthy individuals were included in the study. Serum levels of Cu, Zn and Se were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) instrument. Among T2DM patients with HbA1c <6.5%, mean serum Cu levels (13.4+4.3µmol/L) were not different from the controls (14.5+1.92µmol/L) whereas Zn (9.9+2.7µmol/Lvs15+3.2µmol/L;p<0.0001) and Se levels (1+0.2µmol/Lvs1.62+0.2µmol/L; p<0.0004) were lower than the controls. Among T2DM patients with HbA1c >6.5% mean serum Cu (18.1+4.1µmol/Lvs14.5+1.9µmol/L; p<0.0001), Zn (15+3.2µmol/Lvs13.5+1.9µmol/L; p<0.009) and Se (1.62+0.2µmol/Lvs1.17+0.16µmol/L;p<0.0001) were significantly higher than the controls. HbA1c% negatively correlated with HbA1c >6.5% (r = -0.302; p<0.03). Cu, Zn and Se homeostasis was altered in T2DM patients and varied with glycemic control.

Evaluation of serum levels of trace elements in children with biliary atresia and their correlation with liver histopathology

Background:Children with biliary atresia (BA) have impaired metabolism of trace elements (TEs) (i.e., zinc, copper, selenium, and manganese), leading to an alteration in the serum levels. However, this alteration in serum level has any correlation with liver histopathological changes is not yet clear.Materials and Methods:This prospective study attempts to evaluate the preoperative serum levels of TE in comparison to controls and its correlation with liver histology in children with BA. Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) and liver biopsy were performed in all cases. On liver histology, various parameters assessed and were graded according to predefined criteria. Serum levels of TE were determined again 12 weeks post-KPE and compared with the preoperative levels.Results:Mean(±standard deviation [SD]) preoperative serum Zn, Cu, Se, and Mn levels (in μg/dl) in BA patients were 41.6 ± 12.8, 130.6 ± 12.8, 50.0 ± 10.0, and 32.0 ± 20.0, respectively; in controls, these levels were 77.9 ± 13.7, 133.7 ± 13.7, 87.0 ± 13.0, and 8.0 ± 5.5, respectively. Mean postoperative levels in all patients were 68.5 ± 19.0, 91.7 ± 19.0, 79.0 ± 19.0, and 28.0 ± 12.0, respectively. Mean(±SD) postoperative serum Zn, Cu, Se, and Mn levels in BA patients with bile excretion were 73.8 ± 14.9, 83.6 ± 13.8, 85.0 ± 15.0, and 26.0 ± 10.0, respectively, whereas in those with no bile excretion, they were 40.6 ± 12.8, 134.0 ± 23.0, 49.0 ± 11.0, and 44.0 ± 16.0, respectively. In liver histology, specific parameters showed correlation with high Mn and low Zn levels.Conclusion:Serum TE levels are altered in children with BA and the establishment of successful biliary drainage may change the subsequent postoperative serum concentration. Serum Zn and Mn levels can signify specific histopathological liver changes and the extent of liver damage.

Trace elements and oxidative stress status in patients with psoriasis

IntroductionPsoriasis is a common, inflammatory skin disease of which etiopathogenesis is still not explained clearly, however in which trace elements and oxidative stress are considered to play a role.AimTo evaluate the serum trace element and oxidative stress levels in patients diagnosed with psoriasis.Material and methodsA total of 87 psoriasis patients and 60 healthy subjects were included in the study. Serum sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) levels, oxidative stress parameters, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA), catalase (CAT), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and ferroxidase (FOX) activity and an inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein (CRP), were examined in all participants.ResultsIMA, IMA/Albumin (IMA/Alb), CAT, Cu, FOX and CRP levels were found to be significantly higher; Se, Zn and albumin levels were significantly lower in the patient group as compared to the control group. No significant difference was found between groups with regard to Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, Fe and MPO levels.ConclusionsSome trace element levels and oxidant–antioxidant balance were changed in psoriasis patients.

Serum zinc, copper, zinc-to-copper ratio, and other essential elements and minerals in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

BackgroundEssential trace elements and minerals play a significant role in neurodevelopment. Although certain studies demonstrated impaired essential trace element and mineral status in children with ADHD, the existing data are insufficient. The objective of the present study was to assess serum trace element and mineral levels in children with ADHD. MethodsSerum trace element and mineral levels in 68 children with ADHD and 68 neurotypical controls were assessed using ICP-MS at NexION 300D (PerkinElmer Inc., USA) equipped with ESI SC-2 DX4 autosampler (Elemental Scientific Inc., USA). ResultsSerum Cr, Mg, and Zn levels in children with ADHD were 21 % (p = 0.010), 4 % (p = 0.005), and 7 % (p = 0. 001) lower as compared to the healthy controls, respectively. In turn, serum Cu/Zn values were 11 % higher than those in the control group. Age and gender had a significant impact on serum element levels in ADHD. Particularly, preschool children were characterized by significantly increased Cu (+8 %; p = 0.034), and Cu/Zn (+19 %; p < 0.001) values, whereas serum Zn (-9 %; p = 0.004) level was decreased. In primary school-aged children only 6 % (p = 0.007) lower Mg levels were observed. Both boys and girls with ADHD were characterized by 8 % (p = 0.016) lower serum Zn levels and 10 % (p = 0.049) higher Cu/Zn values when compared to neurotypical girls. Boys with ADHD also had significantly higher Cu/Zn, exceeding the respective control values by 12 % (p = 0.021), predominantly due to a 7 % (p = 0.035) decrease in serum Zn. Serum Mg levels were also found to be significantly lower than those in neurotypical children by 5 % (p = 0.007). In adjusted regression models serum Cr (β=-0.234; p = 0.009) and Cu/Zn (β = 0.245; p = 0.029) values were significantly associated with ADHD, respectively. Two-way ANOVA revealed a significant impact of ADHD on Cr, Mg, Zn, and Cu/Zn, whereas age was associated with Cu, I, Mg, Mo, and Cu/Zn, whereas gender accounted only for variability in serum Mn levels. Principal component analysis (PCA) also revealed significant contributions of Mg, Zn, and Cu/Zn values to ADHD variability. ConclusionsHypothetically, the observed decrease of essential trace elements, namely Mg and Zn, and elevation of Cu/Zn may significantly contribute to the risk of ADHD or its severity and/or comorbidity.

Changes of Serum Trace Elements Levels in Coronary Heart Disease Patients

The study was aimed to investigate the changes of serum trace elements levels in coronary heart disease patients and their clinical significance. A total of 94 patients with coronary heart disease were enrolled in the study as case group, and 94 healthy adults were enrolled as control group. The oxidation reaction index and serum level of iron, calcium and magnesium was compared between the two groups. The severity of coronary artery disease was scored. The correlation analysis between Gensini score and the levels of serum trace elements in coronary heart disease patients was conducted. The serum levels of calcium and magnesium in the case group were lower than those in the control group, while the serum iron level was much higher (allp &lt; 0 05). In addition, the Gensini score was negatively correlated with serum calcium and magnesium level, but positively correlated with serum iron level (allp &lt; 0 05). The oxidation reaction index in coronary heart disease patients was higher than that in healthy control group. A decrease in serum calcium or magnesium level or an increase in serum iron level might lead to the increased risk of coronary heart disease.

Role of trace elements in pityriasis Alba

BackgroundPityriasis Alba (PA) is a common skin disorder affecting the children and it has multiple risk factors. ObjectivesTo assess the serum levels of trace elements (copper, zinc, and magnesium) and hemoglobin (Hb) level in patients with PA. MethodThis is a case control study; 110 participants (55 cases and 55 controls) were recruited from pediatric dermatology and family medicine clinics, Cairo university hospitals. Patients were allocated into two groups, PA group (randomly selected male and female children age group (6–16) with PA lesions) and a matched control group. Full history was taken including sociodemographic data, present history of the lesions. Full general and dermatological examination was done. Blood samples were taken to asses iron and trace elements levels. The gained measures were analyzed by (SPSS) program version 22. ResultsThis study showed that Hb levels, serum ferritin, copper, zinc and magnesium were significantly lower in PA group. There was statistically significant difference between both cases and controls regarding trace elements (copper, zinc, and magnesium) with (p value was 0.000, 0.000 and 0.003) respectively. Zinc deficiency increased the risk by more than 15 folds. Also, there was statistically significant difference between both groups regarding Hb levels and serum ferritin (p value was 0.000). The reduced Hb level increases the risk of PA by more than nine folds (OR 9.6) ConclusionPA is associated with reduced levels of Hb, serum zinc, ferritin, copper and magnesium; sun exposure, skin phototype were found to be important risk factors for PA.

Quantitative Analysis of Serum Levels of Trace Elements in Sudanese Snuff Dippers

Background: Oral cancer in Sudan has high incidence rate due to the use of Toombak , a home- made smokeless tobacco, rich in tobacco specific nitrosamines .There have been calls for continuous monitoring on toombak users to discover very early the carcinogenic changes to avoid mortality, and morbidity.&#x0D; Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess technically, and financially affordable methodologies, that are reliable, reproducible, sensitive, specific and cost effective valid for use in mass screening amongst the high risk groups. (The toombak users).The present study was done to evaluate the levels of copper, zinc and magnesium in serum of toombak dippers. &#x0D; Materials and Methods: The levels of copper, zinc, and magnesium were estimated in the serum of 150 toombak dippers . The values were compared with 50 normal age matched, healthy control subjects and 50 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma, using Atomic absorption spectrophotometry.&#x0D; Results: There was significant difference of the mean serum copper, zinc, and magnesium levels of toombak dippers when compared to the normal controls. In oral cancer patients there was significant difference in the copper, zinc, and magnesium levels. Copper level was found increased gradually starting from control through toombak dippers to oral squamous cell carcinoma patients , while the level of zinc and magnesium was found decreased in the same sequence.&#x0D; Conclusion: Serum may be used as a potential diagnostic tool, which can be efficiently employed to evaluate the copper, zinc and magnesium levels in Sudanese snuff dippers for population based mass screening .Serum trace elements levels could be used as potential diagnostic markers for early changes caused by toombak dipping.&#x0D; Keywords: Atomic absorption spectrophotometry, copper, magnesiumm , zinc, oral squamous cell carcinoma, tobacco specific nitrosamines, serum , toombak.

SERUM LIPID AND TRACE MINERAL PROFILES AMONG TYPE 2 DIABETICS AND HYPERTENSIVE DIABETICS AT THE BAMENDA REGIONAL HOSPITAL

Objective: Diabetes mellitus has become a clinical condition of public health importance, especially in developing countries due to its high mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study was to measure and compare the lipid and serum trace mineral profile among type 2 diabetics and hypertensive diabetics with controls.&#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Regional Hospital, Bamenda, involving 50 diabetic normotensives, 50 hypertensive diabetics, and 50 normal recruited subjects. Serum levels of lipids and minerals were determined using standard methods.&#x0D; Results: Of the four trace elements assessed, except for copper (Cu) whose mean values in diabetics were abnormally increased (p=0.01), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), and chromium (Cr) showed significantly decreased mean values in diabetics compared to the controls (p&lt;0.05). The mean levels of these trace elements were also significantly reduced in hypertensive diabetic patients (p&lt;0.05). In diabetics, there was no significant difference in the lipid levels. However, only total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein mean values were significantly higher in hypertensive diabetic patients compared to the normal controls. There was also a positive significant correlation between the body mass index and Cr (r=+0.3, p=0.045) in diabetics.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study saw statistically significant differences in the serum lipid and trace element levels between diabetics, hypertensive diabetics, and controls: With diabetic and diabetic hypertensive patients having higher serum Cu levels and decreased serum Mg, Zn, and Cr levels compared to the normal controls. The lipid profile levels in diabetics and hypertensive diabetics were not significant differences within the study groups for all lipid profile estimations except for TC and LDL which were significantly higher only in hypertensive diabetic patients.

Effect of Doxycycline-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles on Serum Level of Trace Elements, Biochemical and Hematological Parameters in Acute and Chronic Brucellosis.

Disease relapse is one of the most important challenges in treating brucellosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of doxycycline-loaded solid nanoparticles (DOX-SLN) on acute and chronic brucellosis, serum levels of trace elements, and biochemical and hematological parameters in rats infected with Brucella melitensis. The treating effect of DOX-SLN was evaluated by investigating serum levels of trace elements such as zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), and potassium (K); biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin (TBil); and hematological parameters in rats suffering from acute and chronic brucellosis. The mean size, zeta potential, PDI, drug loading, and encapsulation efficiency of the synthesized nanoparticles were 299 ± 34nm, - 28.7 ± 3.2mV, 0.29 ± 0.027, 11.2 ± 1.3%, and 94.9 ± 3.2%, respectively. The serum level of trace elements (Zn, Cu, Fe), biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, ALP, TBil), and hematological parameters (white blood cell (WBC) and hemoglobin (HB)) were significantly different between healthy and infected rats. DOX-SLN had an appropriate treating effect on chronic brucellosis through modifying the serum level of mentioned factors. Assessing the serum level of trace elements, biochemical and hematological parameters can be useful in detecting brucellosis with other diagnostic tests and determining its acute or chronic phase. DOX-SLN had a better efficacy in treating chronic brucellosis than ordinary free drugs used routinely in this regard.

Change of the levels of trace elements and heavy metals in threatened abortion.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of changes in the serum levels of trace elements and heavy metals in threatened abortion, which is a common complication in early pregnancy. Earlier studies have shown that changes in the serum levels of some trace elements and increased serum concentrations of heavy metals are associated with spontaneous abortion; however, this relationship has not been fully clarified. The patient group consisted of 45 pregnant women diagnosed with threatened abortion. There were 40 healthy nonpregnant women in the control group. Blood samples were obtained from the patients and the healthy controls, and the concentrations of serum trace elements and heavy metals were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Statistically significant decreases were found in the serum zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg) and manganese (Mn) levels, and significant increases were found in the serum copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) levels in cases of threatened abortion in comparison to the controls (p < 0.001). However, there was no difference between the groups in terms of the serum cobalt (Co) levels (p > 0.001). Changes in the balance of some essential trace elements (especially decreases in Fe and Zn) and elevated concentrations of some toxic heavy metals in the blood may be important diagnostic and prognostic parameters for threatened abortion.

Metallothioneins Gene Regulation Through Promoter DNA Methylation According to Zn and Cu Trace Elements Status in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma (P05-002-19)

ObjectivesHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary liver cancer, yet mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis are largely unknown. A particular interest was recently dedicated to the role of trace elements and metallothioneins (MTs), a group of proteins involved in metal ions homeostasis and detoxification, have been suggested as possible tumor suppressor genes. The study of MTs transcriptional regulation by promoter DNA methylation is the object of study as a possible mechanism responsible for gene silencing through epigenetics. MethodsTwenty-seven HCC patients undergoing surgery intervention were enrolled and clinically characterized. MT1G and MT1H gene expression was performed by Real Time qPCR. DNA methylation analysis in 23 HCC and homologous non-neoplastic liver tissue (N) was performed by Bisulfite-Amplicon Sequencing (BSAS) in an overlapping region (∼400 bp) of the promoters of the two genes. Cu and Zn concentrations were measured in serum and liver tissues (HCC and N) by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Kaplan-Meier analysis of survival was performed according to serum trace elements. ResultsMT1G and MT1H were transcriptionally repressed in HCC tissue as compared to N. A correlation was observed between the mRNA levels of the two MTs, in particular MT1G was repressed in 23 out of 27 HCC tissue (P = 0.0366) and MT1H was repressed in 24 out of 27 HCC tissue (P = 0.0077). The promoter region resulted hypermethylated in 9 out of 19 HCC that showed MT1G and MT1H down-regulation. Serum Zn and Cu levels were within the normal range while HCC tissue exhibited significantly reduced Zn levels as compared to N (P < 0.0001). Tissue Cu levels did not show significant differences. Serum trace elements levels were also analyzed according to patients clinical features and those with Cu levels higher than the 75th percentile had a significantly poorer prognosis than those within the lowest Cu levels quartile (P < 0.05). ConclusionsMT1G and MT1H are repressed in HCC tissue. In a subset of patients the downregulation was associated to promoter hypermethylation, supporting the hypothesis of MT1G and MT1H as possible tumor suppressor genes in HCC. Evidence of a correlation between serum Cu levels and survival rate provide new insights for the role of this microelement in liver carcinogenesis. Funding SourcesNo funding sources.

Assessment of serum trace element levels in rheumatic heart disease: A case-control study

Aim: Some trace elements play important roles in various heart diseases. In this study, we aimed to determine the changes in some trace element concentrations in the serum of patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD).Methods: Sixty-one patients with RHD and 60 healthy subjects were included in the study. Six subgroups were defined in the study group according to the Wilkins score, the degree of aortic involvement, and the presence or absence of pulmonary hypertension. Selenium (Se), Zinc (Zn), and Cupper (Cu) levels were measured, and transthoracic echocardiography was performed in all participants.Results: Serum Se and Zn concentrations were significantly lower in the patients compared to the controls (mean±SD and p 43.08±1.83 µg/dL vs. 60.75±2.44 µg/dL; t=-5.305‎, p=0.001 and 64.65±2.77 µg/dL vs. 87.34±3.33 µg/dL; t=-5.458, p=0.001, respectively). However, the serum Cu concentration was significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (84.50±3.50 µg/dL vs. 74.23±3.08 µg/dL; t=2.309, p=0.023). Similarly, the Cu/Zn ratio in the patient group was found to be significantly higher than the control group (1.4±0.09 µg/dL vs. 0.9±0.04 µg/dL; t=5.267, p=0.001). In the patient group, there was no significant relationship between the Wilkins score, aortic involvement, pulmonary hypertension, the serum trace element concentrations, and Cu/Zn ratio (p&amp;gt;0.05 for all). Conclusions: We conclude that the changes in the concentrations of the measured trace elements can predispose ‎to RHD and play a role in the formation of certain factors that leads to the development of the ‎disease. Besides, serum Cu levels and Cu/Zn ratio can be used as inflammatory process markers.

Levels of serum trace elements in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma

PurposeGlaucoma disease is known as multifactorial. Trace elements seemed to be linked via oxidative stress mediated changes to the complex glaucoma pathophysiology. Thus, it was the aim of this study to investigate serum levels of trace elements in primary open-angle glaucoma patients (POAG). Patients and methodsPeripheral venous blood samples were taken from a total of 40 subjects: 22 primary open-angle glaucoma patients (mean age 58.1 ± 13.9, female 8, male 14) and 18 controls (mean age 38.9 ± 11.6, 6 female 6, male 12). Serum samples of cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, manganese and zinc were analyzed by Inductively-Coupled-Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (Cu, Fe, Zn) and Inductively-Coupled-Plasma-sectorfield-Mass-Spectrometry (Cd, Co, Mn, Pb, Se). Data were analyzed using ANCOVA and presented as log transformed LS-mean. ResultsPatients with POAG had significantly increased serum levels of iron (2.98 ± 0.03 μg/L vs 2.98 ± 0.03 μg/L) when compared to controls, and of cadmium (1.57 ± 0.05 ng/L vs. 1.40 ± 0.06 ng/L) considering the interaction between age and the class variable (control versus POAG). A gender effect was seen for cadmium, cobalt, copper, and iron in controls and POAG patients. Iron concentration was reduced in dependency of age for both genders in normals, however lesser in POAG patients. No difference was seen in serum levels of lead, manganese, and zinc between patients with POAG and controls. ConclusionA significant elevation of serum cadmium and iron levels in POAG patients as well as an additional gender effect of cadmium, cobalt, copper, and iron in normals and POAG patients, may argue for a potential role of these trace elements in the pathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma.

Serum Levels of Zinc, Copper and Ferritin in Patients with Salivary Gland Tumors

Background:Variation in serum levels of trace elements including zinc, copper and ferritin has been reported in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate these trace elements in the patients’ sera with benign and malignant salivary gland tumors (SGTs) and compare them with normal individuals.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 60 patients with SGTs including 16 pleomorphic adenoma and 44 malignant SGTs, as well as 28 healthy controls, were enrolled. Serum levels of zinc, copper and ferritin were determined by atomic absorption and ELISA methods. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA, Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann- Whitney tests.Results:The mean concentration of zinc, copper, ferritin was1.5± 2 ppm, 1.2± 0.5 ppm, and 96.7± 65.7 ng/ml in PA, 1.5± 1.4,1.3± 0.4, and 111.2± 112 in malignant SGTs, and1.1±0.3, 1.2± 0.23 and 124±135.8 in normal control groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the patients and control groups, and between benign and malignant SGTs (P>0.05).Conclusion:The serum levels of trace elements in SGTs were not different from normal individuals. The results might have been affected by some interventional factors. Therefore, designing cohort complementary studies might result in obtaining more accurate data.

Serum Levels of Trace Elements, Vitamin D and Oxidant Status in Children with Asthma

Purpose: The aim of this study was to detect serum levels of trace elements, vitamin D and oxidant status in asthmatic children and to understand whether these elements reduce the number of attacks or use them as supplementation.Methods: Fifty children with asthma and 50 healthy children were included in the study. We studied serum levels of vitamin D, selenium Se , manganese Mn , chromium Cr , chlorine Cl , iron Fe , calcium Ca , zinc Zn , sodium Na , magnesium Mg , potassium K , copper Cu , total antioxidant capacity TAS , total oxidative status TOS and oxidative stress index OSI in both group.Results: In asthmatic group, the serum level of Cr, Se, Zn and TAS levels were lower p=0.040, p=0.000, p=0.000, p=0.000 respectively and serum Cu, TOS and OSI levels were higher than controls p=0.000, p=0.000, p=0.000 respectively . Serum TAS level showed negative correlation with TOS, OSI, Fe, Cu, Mn, Se, Zn and positive correlation with Se and Vitamin D.Conclusion: The supplementation of Se, Zn and Cr may provide better control of attacks and can be use treatment of asthma in children and modulating plasma antioxidants may have a beneficial effect on asthma progression

The relationship between plasma microRNAs and serum trace elements levels in primary hyperlipidemia.

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationshipbetweenplasma microRNA expression levels, which are associated with lipid metabolism and serum trace element levels in patients with primary hyperlipidemia. This study was performed on 46 (21M / 25F) primary hyperlipidemia patients aged 25-65 years and 37 (18 M/19 F) healthy people aged 25-65 years. The following miRNAs were upregulated: miR-33a-5p, miR-370-5p, miR-378a-3p, miR-27a-3p, miR-27a-5p and miR-335-5p. Additionally, the levels of Co (p < 0.001), Ni (p < 0.01), Cd (p < 0.001) were significantly higher and the level of Cr (p < 0.01), Fe (p < 0.05), Mn (p < 0.01), Se (p < 0.001) and Mo (p < 0.001) was significantly lower in the primary hyperlipidemic patients compared to the healthy people . Also, miR-33a-5p was negatively correlated with serum Cr levels in patients with primary hyperlipidemia (r = -0.376, p < 0.05). Our study demonstrates that miR-33a-5p and Cr element may regulate abnormal lipid homeostasis. Also, miR-370, miR-378, miR-27-a and miR-335 might aid in the identification of new therapies to treat patients with primary hyperlipidemia (Tab. 3, Ref. 36).

Investigation of the effects of gamma radiation on plasma levels of Zn, Cu, Mn and Se in nuclear medicine staff

We assessed possible changes in the levels of some trace elements among nuclear medicine staff. This study was carried out on 30 nuclear medicine staff and 10 individuals as a control group. After the blood samples were collected, serum levels of trace elements were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Mean Zn levels in the control group (89.75 ± 17.35 µmol/l) were significantly (p = 0.002) higher than in the exposed group (70.91 ± 14.46 µmol/l). Increased duration of exposure was significantly associated with reduced zinc levels (p = 0.005). Furthermore, the 5-year average dose received was adversely and significantly correlated with zinc concentrations (p = 0.019). No significant difference was observed in the Cu level between control group (93.85 ± 25.33 µmol/l) and staff worker group (85.6 ± 21.66 µmol/l) (p = 0.32). A positive significant correlation was observed between exposure time and reduced Cu levels (p = 0.05). No difference was found in mean Mn and Se levels between both groups according to exposure time. Declined Zn and Cu levels may be considered as one of the possible mechanisms of oxidative damages induced by gammas rays. Therefore, an antioxidant treatment could be recommended for people who work in medical radiation centers.

Evaluation of trace elements in equine piroplasmosis

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease caused by Babesia caballi and Theileria equi, which causes a significant economic loss. The aim of this study was to determine the disease-related changes of serum trace elements that play an important role in the immune system. Our study was conducted on 20 horses with piroplasmosis and 20 healthy horses. It was performed to evaluate some of the serum trace element levels (chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg) manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), boron (B), and nickel (Ni)) in equine piroplasmosis. The elements were analyzed in serum using ICP-OES. Infected horses had significantly higher serum Mg and Mn levels. In conclusion, changes of serum trace elements in infected horses can provide valuable information about pathophysiological aspects and they are also good indicators for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment evaluation. Much more scientific research is required to evaluate the trace elements related to equine piroplasmosis.

Serum Trace Elements and Their Associations with Breast Cancer Subgroups in Korean Breast Cancer Patients

The relationships between serum levels of trace elements and breast cancer remain relatively unknown. In this study, we investigate serum levels of seven trace elements in Korean breast cancer patients compared to controls without breast cancer. Serum trace element levels were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in Korean breast cancer patients before initiation of breast cancer treatment. Korean females without breast cancer served as a control group. Trace element levels were measured in the discovery cohort (n = 287) and were validated in an independent cohort (n = 142). We further investigated possible associations between trace element levels and the presence of lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, or triple-negative breast cancer among breast cancer patients in subgroup analyses. Serum manganese and molybdenum levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in breast cancer patients than in controls. Serum copper levels were significantly higher in breast cancer patients with distant metastasis, while selenium levels were significantly lower. Other trace elements were neither significantly different between breast cancer patients and controls nor between subgroups of breast cancer patients. Our study provides insights about the potential roles and impacts of trace elements through an assessment of the associations between trace elements and breast cancer.