Zinc Levels Research Articles

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.

Experimental substantiation of the effect of chelated compounds of trace elements on the chemical composition of quail meat

The positive effect of chelate compounds of trace elements on the chemical composition of quail meat is justified. The experience used quails of the Japanese breed, egg-meat direction in the amount of 280 heads. Inclusion of chelate compounds of iron and zinc in the diet of quails provides positive correction of physical and chemical indices of meat raw materials. The greatest effect was noted when Bioferron 0,2 ml/kg was introduced into the diet: in 37-day quails, the level of raw protein in meat exceeded the control values by 1,33% (at p≤0,01), the level of raw ash - by 0,41%; in 98-day quails, the level of raw meat protein increased by 1,08%, and relative to the control group - by 1,92% (at p≤0,001), the level of raw meat ash increased by 2,85%, and relative to the control group - by 1,54% (at p≤0,01). In samples of meat raw materials of quail, which received Biocinc, 0,2 ml/kg was noted as the most effective dose: the level of raw protein in meat in 37-day quail exceeded the control by 0,78%, the level of raw ash - by 0,27%; in 98-day quails, the level of raw meat protein increased by 0,85%, and relative to the control group - by 1,14% (at p≤0,01), the level of raw ash increased by 3,45%, and relative to the control group – by 2,00% (at p≤0,01). The highest level of quail in meat raw materials among the elements was in iron, zinc and manganese. The largest amount of digested manganese in the muscles of 37-day quail was noted in a sample of the 5th experimental group (Biocinc 0,2 ml/kg) – 324,69% (p≤0,001) more than the control. In 98-day quails, the highest level of manganese accumulation was also noted in the sample of the 5th experimental group (Biocinc 0,2 mL/kg) – 306,25% (p≤0,001) more than the control one. In 37-day quails, the highest concentration of iron in meat raw materials (60,59±0,66 mg/kg at p≤0,001) was detected when Bioferron was included in the diet at a dose of 0,3 mL/kg, which is 156,63% more than the control. 98-day - 63,32±1,23 mg/kg (p≤0,001), which is 213,93% more than the control. The highest level of zinc was observed in the groups of 37-day quail, the diet of which included Biocinc at doses of 0,2 and 0,3 ml/kg, it was 43,30±0,95 and 44,49±1,41 mg/kg at p≤0,001, which is more than in the control group by 113,41 and 119,27%, respectively.

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.

Multiomics Analysis of PCB126's Effect on a Mouse Chronic-Binge Alcohol Feeding Model.

Environmental pollutants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of liver disease. Our group recently demonstrated that PCB126 promoted steatosis, hepatomegaly, and modulated intermediary metabolism in a rodent model of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). To better understand how PCB126 promoted ALD in our previous model, the current study adopts multiple omics approaches to elucidate potential mechanistic hypotheses. Briefly, male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) 126 or corn oil vehicle prior to ethanol (EtOH) or control diet feeding in the chronic-binge alcohol feeding model. Liver tissues were collected and prepared for mRNA sequencing, phosphoproteomics, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for metals quantification. Principal component analysis showed that PCB126 uniquely modified the transcriptome in EtOH-fed mice. EtOH feeding alone resulted in differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and PCB126 exposure resulted in more DEGs in the EtOH-fed group (907 DEGs) in comparison with the pair-fed group (503 DEGs). Top 20 significant gene ontology (GO) biological processes included "peptidyl tyrosine modifications," whereas top 25 significantly decreasing GO molecular functions included "metal/ion/zinc binding." Quantitative, label-free phosphoproteomics and western blot analysis revealed no major significant PCB126 effects on total phosphorylated tyrosine residues in EtOH-fed mice. Quantified hepatic essential metal levels were primarily significantly lower in EtOH-fed mice. PCB126-exposed mice had significantly lower magnesium, cobalt, and zinc levels in EtOH-fed mice. Previous work has demonstrated that PCB126 is a modifying factor in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and our current work suggests that pollutants also modify ALD. PCB126 may, in part, be contributing to the malnutrition aspect of ALD, where metal deficiency is known to contribute and worsen prognosis. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP14132.

Surveillance for Selected Pathogens and Parasites of Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) from Western Oklahoma, USA, 2018-20.

The Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) has been undergoing a range-wide population decline. Potential causes for declines across its historic range have been investigated for decades and include habitat loss and fragmentation and a variety of parasitic and infectious diseases. Although there have been studies on bobwhite ecology in Oklahoma, USA, relatively little is known about parasites and pathogens in the region. We evaluated the health of free-ranging bobwhites from nine sites in western Oklahoma. From 2018 to 2020, 206 bobwhites were evaluated for gross and microscopic lesions and tested for selected pathogens. In general, bobwhites were in good nutritional condition with ample muscle mass and fat stores. No significant gross lesions were observed in any bobwhite and no significant histologic lesions were detected in a subset. There was no evidence of infection with or exposure to reticuloendotheliosis virus, West Nile virus, respiratory Mycoplasmataceae species, Pasteurella multocida, intestinal Eimeria spp., or oral Trichomonas spp. Several pathogens of potential concern were detected, including avian adenovirus (8.6%), Toxoplasma gondii (2.3%), and haemosporidians (a Haemoproteus sp. (1.5%), Leucocytozoon schoutedeni (1.5%), and Plasmodium homopolare haplotype 2 [lineage LAIRI01; 3.6%]). Physaloptera sp. (12%) and Sarcocystis sp. (1%) were detected in the breast muscle. Low intraspecific genetic diversity was noted for Physaloptera sp., and sequences were most similar to Physaloptera sequences from bobwhites and grasshoppers (Orthoptera) in Texas. Low intensities of chewing lice, chiggers, and ticks were observed. A subset of bobwhites had evidence of exposure to selected toxicants and heavy metals; a small number had low levels of iron, manganese, zinc, molybdenum, and copper, which were not considered diagnostically relevant. In general, bobwhites from western Oklahoma appeared to be in good health with a low diversity of pathogens detected, but future work is needed to understand potentially changing disease risks for this population.

Overnutrition is a risk factor for iron, but not for zinc or vitamin A deficiency in children and young people: a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionTraditionally associated with undernutrition, increasing evidence suggests micronutrient deficiencies can coexist with overnutrition. Therefore, this work aimed to systematically review the associations between iron, zinc and vitamin A (VA) status...

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.

Nano zinc oxide mediated resuscitation of aged Cajanus cajan via modulating aquaporin, cell cycle regulatory genes and hormonal responses.

Nanoparticle pretreatment improved the health ofaged Cajanus cajan seeds viz., regulation ofredox status, gene expression, andrestoration ofhormonal homeostasis. Ageing deteriorates the quality of seeds by lowering their vigor and viability, and terminating with loss of germination. These days, nanotechnology has been seen to revolutionize the agricultural sectors, and particularly nano zinc oxide (nZnO) has gained considerable interests due to its distinctive properties. The aim of the present work was to decipher the possibilities of using nZnO to rejuvenate accelerated aged (AA) seeds of Cajanus cajan. Both chemically (CnZnO) and green (GnZnO; synthesized using Moringa oleifera) fabricated nZnOs were characterized via standard techniques to interpret their purity, size, and shape. Experimental results revealed erratic germination with a decline in viability and membrane stability as outcomes of reactive oxygen intermediate (ROI) buildup in AA seeds. Application of nZnO substantially rebated the accrual of ROI, along with enhanced production of antioxidants, α-amylase activity, total sugar, protein and DNA content. Higher level of zinc was assessed qualitatively/ histologically and quantitatively in nZnO pulsed AA seeds, supporting germination without inducing toxicity. Meantime, augmentation in the gibberellic acid with a simultaneous reduction in the abscisic acid level were noted in nZnO invigorated seeds than that determined in the AA seeds, suggesting possible involvement of ROI in hormonal signalling. Furthermore, nZnO-subjected AA seeds unveiled differential expression of aquaporins and cell cycle regulatory genes. Summarizing, among CnZnO and GnZnO, later one holds better potential for a revival of AA seeds of Cajanus cajan by providing considerable tolerance against ageing-associated deterioration via recouping the cellular redox homeostasis, hormonal signaling, and alteration in expression patterns of aquaporin and cell cycle regulatory genes.

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.

Evaluation of recycled galvanised steel as a resource for Zn production

The high reduction potential of zinc has enabled its extensive use in the steel industry as a protective galvanising coating. Galvanising, which consumes approximately 50-60% of the global production of zinc, significantly increases the life span of steel products and contributes towards addressing the costly global problem of corrosion. While there does not appear to be a readily available and agreed-upon annual quantity of galvanised steel produced, it has been estimated by the authors to be 320-390 Mt/a (equating to 15-20% of the annual steel production). Due to the various methods employed to galvanise steel and different steel shapes which are coated, there is no clarity on the average percentage of zinc which galvanised steel is comprised of. However, a zinc content of between 1.5-2.5% appears to correlate with the estimated annual galvanised steel production.The reprocessing of secondary zinc streams is becoming increasingly important due to legislation changes and increased consumer demand for recycled and low carbon metals. Within the steel industry this will include the recycling of galvanised scrap steel, using primary process routes, as well as the re-processing of waste streams, such as steel dusts, using additional technologies such as the Waelz kiln. Zinc associated with galvanised scrap steel would exclusively report to these dusts, and thus represents a key resource for recycled zinc.Although there are two main steel process routes preceding the galvanising process, the focus here is on the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) process route due to its ability to incorporate high levels of secondary (zinc containing) steel feeds, and the dust produced typically contains economically recoverable levels of zinc. EAF dust production is estimated between 5-10 Mt/a at a zinc content of 10-36%. Failure to recover this zinc would represent a loss of 0.5-3.6 Mt Zn/a to waste. The Waelz kiln is the most prominent technology utilised to recover Zn from EAF dust. However, this process requires additional energy, and thus the associated carbon footprint needs to be included in the evaluation of the potential of Waelz oxide as a secondary Zn resource. To this end, model analysis of a simplified Waelz kiln using the HSC simulation software shows that the carbon footprint associated with the processing of EAF dust ranges from 4-12 kg CO2/kg Zn dust at 10 wt.% Zn in the dust to 1-4 kg CO2/kg Zn at 35 wt.% Zn in the dust.

Serum zinc concentration as a potential predictor of presarcopenia in patients with chronic liver disease: a preliminary study.

Presarcopenia is a common complication of chronic liver disease. However, the relationship between serum zinc concentration and presarcopenia in patients with chronic liver disease remains unclear. Herein, we examined whether serum zinc concentration could predict presarcopenia in patients with chronic liver disease. Between October 2015 and December 2019, 278 patients with chronic liver disease (median age, 68 years; women/men, 133/145; hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus/negative hepatitis B surface antigen and negative anti-hepatitis C virus antibody, 55/124/99) who underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) and simultaneous measurement of serum zinc concentration were included. Zinc deficiency and subclinical zinc deficiency were classified using serum zinc concentration cutoff values of <60 and <80 μg/dL [based on the Japanese Society of Clinical Nutrition (JSCN) guidelines], respectively. Additionally, presarcopenia was evaluated based on the skeletal muscle mass as per the Japan Society of Hepatology (JSH)'s sarcopenia criteria. Univariate analysis revealed that the following factors were significantly associated with the presence of presarcopenia in patients with chronic liver disease: age (P<0.001), male sex (P<0.001), body mass index (BMI) (P<0.001), serum zinc concentration (P=0.005), fibrosis-4 index (P<0.001), and serum albumin concentration (P=0.03). Additionally, the median L3 skeletal muscle indices were as follows: men, non-presarcopenia group/presarcopenia group, 47.56/37.91 cm2/m2 (P<0.001); women, non-presarcopenia group/presarcopenia group, 41.64/32.88 cm2/m2 (P<0.001). Multivariate analysis using logistic regression analysis revealed that male sex [odds ratio (OR), 0.194; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.089-0.419; P<0.001], BMI (OR, 0.666; 95% CI: 0.582-0.761; P<0.001), and serum zinc concentration <60 μg/dL (OR, 5.930; 95% CI: 1.480-23.80; P=0.01) were factors associated with presarcopenia. The OR for serum zinc concentration between 60 and 80 μg/dL was 1.910 (95% CI: 0.824-4.420; P=0.13). Low serum zinc levels may be an independent predictor of presarcopenia in patients with chronic liver disease.

Vitamin D and Zinc Deficiency in Children with Congenital Heart Defects

Background: Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are among the most common birth disorders worldwide. Human research has produced mixed results regarding the impact of zinc on this population. Children with CHD often exhibit hyperparathyroidism and vitamin D deficiency. Objectives: This study aims to assess the levels of serum vitamin D and zinc in children with CHD and compare them to those of a control group. Methods: In this case-control study, we included children with CHD (N = 53) who were admitted to Bandar Abbas Children's Hospital from June 22 to December 21, 2018. The study's inclusion criteria were an age range from one month to 14 years and a CHD confirmation via echocardiography. A control group of children without CHD (n = 53) was also evaluated. We collected demographic information from participants and took 4cc blood samples from the children to measure their serum levels of vitamin D and zinc. Results: The study found no significant difference in serum vitamin D levels between the two groups (P = 0.242). However, the mean serum zinc level was significantly lower in CHD patients compared to the controls, indicating a moderate effect size (SMD = -0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.06 to -0.28). The frequency of deficiency and insufficiency in serum vitamin D levels was similar between both groups (P = 1.000 and P = 0.767, respectively). Nevertheless, CHD children were 4.31 times more likely to suffer from zinc deficiency than the control group (OR = 4.31, 95% CI 1.52 to 13.31). Moreover, a simultaneous insufficiency of zinc and vitamin D levels was observed exclusively in CHD children (P = 0.006). Conclusions: The study observed a zinc deficiency in children with CHD, while no significant differences were found in the deficiency and insufficiency of serum vitamin D levels between children with CHD and the control group. Future longitudinal studies are necessary to verify these findings.

The Relationship of Serum Zinc Level in Patients with Pneumonia and Its Effect on Their Outcome

The Relationship of Serum Zinc Level in Patients with Pneumonia and Its Effect on Their Outcome

ALTERATIONS IN THE NUCLEIC ACID AND PROTEIN CONTENT IN SORGHUM BICOLOR PLANTS UNDER ZINC EXCESS

Trace metals like zinc are natural components of the environment but, elevated and potentially toxic levels sometimes occur. The use of zinc fertilizers and pesticides is a common agricultural practice, which over the years lead to elevated levels of zinc in the soil.In the present investigation seven-day old Sorghum bicolor plants were treated with five different concentrations of zinc solution and sampling was done at different stages of plant growth to estimate the nucleic acid and protein content. The results revealed a significant reduction in DNA, RNA and proteins in the plants growing at higher concentrations of zinc treatment as compared to control. Toxic levels of heavy metal ions induce several cellular stress responses and damages different cellular components such as membranes, proteins and DNA.

Prevalence and Physiological Effect of Blastocystis Hominis on Lipid Metabolism, Magnesium, and Zinc Levels in Diarrheal Patients

Blastocystis hominis is a microscopic single-celled organism commonly known as a protist or parasite. It was first discovered in the early 20th century by a Scottish scientist named Alexei Pavlovich Alexeieff. Blastocystis hominis is found in the intestines of humans and other animals, where it can colonize the gastrointestinal tract. The objective of this study was to examine the presence of the Blastocystis hominis parasite in the stool samples of patients experiencing diarrhea and to explore its potential physiological effects. The study involved two groups: 1-the patients group, which consisted of 220 samples who suffered from diarrhea, and abdominal pain and 2-the control group, which consisted of 100 samples of healthy individuals. The age range of participants ranged between 4-40 years. The outcome indicated that the vacuolar form was the most common morphological appearance observed in the stool. The result showed non-significant difference was observed (P&gt;0.05) for all ages. Furthermore, a statistically significant difference (P≤0.05) was observed in the infection rate between males (58.00%) and females (42.00%). The physiological examinations were conducted using Spectrophotometer revealed notable findings. There was a significant increase (P≤0.01) in the levels of cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins-cholesterol (LDL), very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), and triglycerides (TG), in patients with diarrhea infected with B. hominis compared to the control group. Conversely, concentrations of magnesium, zinc, and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) showed a significant decrease (P≤0.01) in the same patient group compared to the control group.

Serum Levels of Copper and Zinc and Survival in Breast Cancer Patients.

There is emerging interest in the relationship between several serum micronutrients and the prognosis of patients with breast cancer. The relationship between serum zinc and copper levels and breast cancer prognosis is unclear. In our study, we included 583 patients with breast cancer diagnosed between 2008 and 2015 in the region of Szczecin, Poland. In a blood sample obtained before treatment, serum zinc and copper levels were quantified by mass spectroscopy. Each patient was assigned to one of four categories (quartiles) based on the distribution of the elements in the entire cohort. Patients were followed from diagnosis to death over a mean of 10.0 years. The 10-year overall survival was 58.3% for women in the highest and 82.1% for those in the lowest quartile of serum copper/zinc ratio (p < 0.001). The multivariate hazard ratio (HR) for breast cancer death was 2.07 (95% CI 1.17-3.63; p = 0.01) for patients in the highest quartile of serum copper/zinc ratio compared to those in the lowest. There is evidence that the serum zinc level and copper/zinc ratio provide an independent predictive value for overall survival and breast cancer-specific survival after breast cancer diagnosis.

Pathology of "double scale" skin defect in farmed American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) and the possible association with hepatic fibrosis.

"Double scale" is a poorly characterized skin defect of crocodilians that drastically reduces the economic value of crocodilian skin. This study investigated the morphology and pathogenesis of double scale in a ranching farm of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis). We compared the histopathology of skin and selected organs (liver, lung, kidney, heart, spleen, intestine, and brain) of alligators with double scale against healthy control animals, together with serum and liver vitamin and mineral levels. Skin affected with double scale had statistically significant hyperkeratosis, epidermal atrophy, and increased basal cell degeneration compared with control alligators (P < .0001). Interestingly, all alligators with double scale had varying degrees of hepatic fibrosis. Feed analysis showed that alligators that had double scale and hepatic fibrosis had prolonged dietary exposure to high levels of vitamin A, iron, and copper. Serum analysis indicated that levels of zinc (p < .0001), copper (P < .05), and vitamin E (P < .002) were significantly lower in alligators with hepatic fibrosis and double scale compared with controls. Finally, immunohistochemical analysis of skin with double scale showed a marked reduction in immunolabeling with the zinc-binding protein metallothionein. These results suggest that zinc deficiency, in combination with other micronutrient anomalies, may play a role in the pathogenesis of double scale in alligators with liver fibrosis.

Zinc, Copper, and Iron in Selected Skin Diseases.

Trace elements are essential for maintaining the body's homeostasis, and their special role has been demonstrated in skin physiology. Among the most important trace elements are zinc, copper, and iron. A deficiency or excess of trace elements can be associated with an increased risk of skin diseases, so increasing their supplementation or limiting intake can be helpful in dermatological treatment. In addition, determinations of their levels in various types of biological material can be useful as additional tests in dermatological treatment. This paper describes the role of these elements in skin physiology and summarizes data on zinc, copper, and iron in the course of selected, following skin diseases: psoriasis, pemphigus vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, acne vulgaris and seborrheic dermatitis. In addition, this work identifies the potential of trace elements as auxiliary tests in dermatology. According to preliminary studies, abnormal levels of zinc, copper, and iron are observed in many skin diseases and their determinations in serum or hair can be used as auxiliary and prognostic tests in the course of various dermatoses. However, since data for some conditions are conflicting, clearly defining the potential of trace elements as auxiliary tests or elements requiring restriction/supplement requires further research.

Dietary zinc deficiency increases damage rate and copy number of mitochondrial DNA in the mouse liver

Zinc is an essential trace element involved in many physiological processes, ranging from cellular growth and immune functions to enzymatic activity and gene expression. Inadequate dietary zinc levels can disrupt the functioning of numerous organs, including the liver. Given the pivotal role played by the liver, in-depth understanding of the mechanisms driving disorders in this organ caused by zinc deficiency is of great importance. In the present study, the effects of a four-week low-zinc diet on the integrity and copy number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the liver was assessed using a mouse model. The research revealed a significantly elevated damage rate and an increased copy number of mtDNA in the livers of mice subjected to a low-zinc diet when compared to control animals. These findings indicate that a zinc deficiency, by promoting DNA damage in mitochondrial genomes, increases a potential risk of harmful mutations that could compromise ATP production in the liver. The rise in the mtDNA copy number suggests an initial compensatory response to the detrimental effects of the zinc deficiency, which is likely to diminish with a chronic insufficiency of this element. The study confirmed the significant role of mitochondria in the processes leading to liver dysfunction induced by a zinc deficiency. It showed additionally that mtDNA is a very sensitive indicator of the liver's condition that is responsive to environmental changes such as a micronutrient deficiency in the diet.

Association of whole blood copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and iron with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in overweight and obese children.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common metabolic disorder in overweight and obese children, and its etiology and pathogenesis remain unclear, lacking effective preventive and therapeutic measures. This study aims to explore the association between whole blood copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium and iron levels and NAFLD in overweight and obese children aged 6 to 17 years, providing a scientific basis for the prevention and intervention of early NAFLD in overweight and obese children. A cross-sectional study design was used to collect relevant data from overweight and obese children who visited the Hunan Children's Hospital from January 2019 to December 2021 through questionnaire surveys. Fasting blood samples were collected from the subjects, and various indicators such as blood glucose, blood lipid, and mineral elements were detected. All children were divided into an overweight group (n=400) and a NAFLD group (n=202). The NAFLD group was divided into 2 subgroups according to the ALT level: A non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) group and a non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) group. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the association between minerals (copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and iron) and NAFLD, NAFL and NASH. A total of 602 subjects were included, of whom 73.6% were male, with a median age of 10 (9, 11) years, and a body mass index (BMI) of 24.9 (22.7, 27.4) kg/m2. The intergroup comparison results showed that compared with the overweight group, the NAFLD group had higher levels of age, BMI, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lower level of high density lipoprotein (HDL). The NAFL group had higher levels of age, BMI, DBP, SBP, ALT, and AST, and lower levels of HDL compared with the overweight group. The levels of age, BMI, DBP, SBP, TG, LDL, ALT, and AST of NASH were higher than those in the overweight group, while the level of HDL was lower than that in overweight group (all P<0.017). After adjusting for a variety of confounders, the OR of NAFLD for the highest quantile of iron was 1.79 (95% CI 1.07 to 3.00) compared to the lowest quantile, and no significant association was observed between copper, zinc, calcium, and magnesium, and NAFLD. The subgroup analysis of NAFLD showed that the OR for the highest quantile of iron in children with NAFL was 2.21 (95% CI 1.26 to 3.88), while no significant association was observed between iron level and NASH. In addition, no significant associations were observed between copper, zinc, calcium, and magnesium levels and NAFL or NASH. High iron level increases the risk of NAFLD (more likely NAFL) in overweight and obese children, while copper, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and other elements are not associated with the risk of NAFLD in overweight and obese children.