Low Zinc Levels Research Articles

Effect of Nutrient Management on Physico-chemical Properties of Soil in Indian Mustard

A field experiment was conducted at the IFS Unit Instructional Farm of Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda (UP) during the winter (rabi) seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24. The study aimed to examine the impact of nutrient management on the soil properties of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) grown in clay loam soil. Mustard, an essential oilseed crop in India, encounters issues like low productivity and diminished soil fertility caused by excessive use of chemical fertilizers. The paper highlights the importance of integrating chemical and organic sources, such as vermicompost. Vermicompost enriched with biofertilizers, especially Azotobacter, PSB, PMB, NPK Consortia, and ZSB demonstrates significant potential in improving the soil conditions for mustard crops. The experiment utilized a split plot design (SPD) with four main factors in the main plot and four levels in the sub-plot, resulting in sixteen treatment combinations, each applied three times. The soil at the experimental site was characterized by a clay loam texture and low levels of organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus, zinc and sulfur, with moderate levels of available potash. The main plot treatments consisted of different fertility levels: 50% RNPKS, 75% RNPKS, 100% RNPKS and 125% RNPKS. Each main plot was further divided into four sub-plots, each with a combination of micronutrients and enriched vermicompost. The results indicated that the treatment of either 125% or 100% RNPKS and 2.5 kg Zn + 0.5 kg B + 500 kg enriched vermicompost ha-1 was superior in improving the soil properties for Indian mustard.

Adequate Levels of Zinc and Copper on Turkey Poult Performance, Immunological Response, and Skeletal Health.

In this study, the impact of varying dietary zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) levels on the growth, immunological response, and skeletal health of developing turkey poults was investigated. For 0-4 and 5-8 weeks of age, respectively, three Zn levels of 50, 70, and 90mg/kg and 45, 65, and 85mg/kg were employed. Three Cu levels, namely 8, 12, and 16mg/kg for 0-8 weeks of age, were also utilized. There were 288 (9 × 4 × 8) day-old turkey poults with equal body weight that were randomly assigned to 9 treatments, each consisting of 4 replicates and 8 poults per replicate. In comparison to other dietary combinations, there was a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in body weight gain observed in the 90 and 85mg Zn/kg with 16mg Cu/kg diet during 0-4 and 0-8 weeks of age, respectively, and the 70 and 65mg Zn with 16mg Cu /kg diet during 0-4 and 0-8 weeks of age, respectively. When compared to low levels of zinc in the diet at 5-8 and 0-8 weeks of age, respectively, feed conversion ratio was shown to be significantly (P ≤ 0.01) better with 90 and 85mg Zn/kg diet. In a similar pattern, feed utilization efficiency was considerably (P ≤ 0.01) higher at 16mg Cu/kg diet than it was at lower Cu levels in the diets given to the animals over the 0-4 week period. Compared to other dietary combinations, there was a substantial (P ≤ 0.01) improvement in cell-mediated immune response (foot web index to PHAP) and humoral immune response (HA titer to SRBC) when 85mg zinc and 16mg copper/kg diet was consumed at 0-4 and 5-8 weeks of age. At greater dietary Zn and Cu levels than its lower values, the weight of the spleen and thymus was considerably (P ≤ 0.05) higher. In a dietary combination of 90mg Zn with 16mg Cu/kg during 0-4 and 85mg Zn with 16mg Cu/kg diet during 5-8 weeks of age, respectively, there were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater bone width (proximal and distal), tibia bone ash, calcium, and phosphorus detected respectively. Significantly (P ≤ 0.01) greater Zn and Fe contents were found in the tibia bone at 90 and 85mg Zn/kg diet, respectively, compared to values obtained at other Zn levels in the diet throughout 0-4 and 5-8 weeks of age. During the first 8 weeks of life, a diet containing 12mg of copper per kilogram was shown to have a significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased Zn and Fe content in the tibia bone compared to other levels. It is possible to draw the conclusion from the data that, for growing turkey poults, dietary combinations of 90mg Zn/kg with 16mg Cu/kg diet and 85mg Zn with 16mg Cu/kg diet between 0 and 4 and 5-8 weeks of age, respectively, were sufficient for optimum development, immunity, and skeletal health indices.

Zinc Deficiency in Critically Ill Patients: Impact on Clinical Outcome.

Background Zinc is a trace element essential for the normal functioning of many vital enzymes and organ systems. Studies examining the rates and degrees of zinc deficiency and its consequences in patients with critical illnesses remain scarce. Materials and methods This is a prospective observational study assessing zinc deficiency in critically ill adult patients admitted to a tertiary care intensive care unit (ICU) and its impact on clinical outcomes. Patients were divided into those with normal (≥ 71 µg/dl) and low (≤ 70 µg/dl) zinc levels. Zinc-deficient patients were further divided into mild, moderate, and severe zinc deficiency groups based on zinc levels of 61-70 µg/dl, 51-60 µg/dl, and below 51 µg/dl, respectively. The primary outcome assessed was ICU mortality, and the secondary outcomes were ICU length of stay (LOS), duration of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), acute kidney injury (AKI) at admission, need for non-invasive ventilation (NIV), renal replacement therapy (RRT), or vasopressors during the course of the ICU. Other parameters compared included APACHE (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation) II, SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) score on day 1, and levels of lactate, procalcitonin, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, and serum albumin. The study also compared the mean zinc levels in patients with low and high SOFA scores (scores up to 7 vs. 8 and above) and low and high APACHE II values (scores up to 15 vs. 16 and above). Results A total of 50 patients were included, of whom 43 (86%) were zinc deficient. Mortality in zinc-deficient and normal zinc-level patients was 33% and 43%, respectively (p = 0.602). Patients with zinc deficiency were also older (mean age 69 vs. 49 years, p = 0.02). There was no difference in secondary outcome parameters, except for more zinc-deficient patients needing RRT. Twenty-six of the zinc-deficient patients had severe zinc deficiency, ten moderate, and seven mild (p = 0.663). ICU mortality was approximately 42%, 10%, and 29% in the severe, moderate, and mild deficiency groups, respectively (p = 0.092). Zinc levels were similar between those with low and high APACHE II scores (mean 47.9 vs. 45.5 µg/dl, p = 0.606) as well as between low and high SOFA scores (mean 47.8 vs. 45.7 µg/dl, p = 0.054). Conclusion The present study suggests that zinc deficiency is very common in critically ill patients but does not correlate with their severity of illness, nor does it lead to a poorer outcome in these patients. However, further studies with a larger cohort of patients would be required to make definitive conclusions.

Hair zinc level and autism spectrum disorder in children

Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. In children with ASD, the neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders are characterized by impaired quality of interaction, communication, and social imagination, with limited interest and repetitive behavior. Various studies have found that the mean zinc level is lower in children with ASD than in children without ASD, especially in the low functioning autism. Objective To compare hair zinc level in children with and without ASD. Methods This case-control study included children with ASD and controls without ASD. Subjects were children under 5 years old who came to Prof I.G.N.G. Ngoerah Hospital and Masadini Clinic in Denpasar. Hair zinc cut-off level was determined by the area under curve (AUC) based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results A total of 128 subjects consisted of 64 cases and 64 controls, with a mean age of 4 (SD 0.8) years. Most subjects were male (76%); 82.3% were well-nourished. The mean maternal age at delivery was 28.82 (SD 3.2) years. Subjects’ mean hair zinc level was 87.9 (SD 231.1) ?g/g. Bivariate analysis with Chi-square test revealed that children with hair zinc concentration of <33.88 ?g/g were 22.19 times more likely to have ASD than those with higher zinc levels (OR 22.19; 95%CI 8.02 to 42.09; P<0.001). Conclusion Low hair zinc level is more likely to occur in children with ASD than in children without ASD.

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.

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.

Associations between Zinc Deficiency, Taste Changes, and Salivary Flow Rates following Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgeries.

The prevalence of taste change (hypogeusia) and its association with zinc deficiency is unclear due to differences in methods of assessment. We investigate the prevalence of hypogeusia using mixed methods and link it with changes in zinc levels following mini gastric bypass (MGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG). This was a prospective observational study of MGB (N = 18) and SG (N = 25). Hypogeusia was evaluated by using a validated questionnaire and by taste strips procedure along with serum zinc levels and salivary flow rate measurements. The mean age was 40.0 ± 9.7 years; 60.5% were female. By using a questionnaire, MGB patients experienced greater hypogeusia than SG at 3 months (72.0% vs 36.0%; (p=0.03)), but not at 6 months (56.0% vs 45.0%; (p=0.74)), respectively. Using taste strips, at 6 months, more MGB patients experienced hypogeusia compared with SG (44.0% vs 11.0%; p=0.03). Zinc level was reduced following MGB at 6 months (85.6 ± 16.9 μgm/dl vs 67.5 ± 9.2 μgm/dl; (P=0.004)) but was increased at 6 months following SG (76.9 ± 11.4 vs 84.9 ± 21.7 μgm/dl). Reduction in the rate of salivary flow was observed in 66.0% and 72.0% of MGB and SG patients, respectively, at 3 months and in 53.0% and 70.0% at 6 months. Taste change is more prevalent following MGB compared with SG, especially at 6 months postoperation which parallel with changes in zinc levels. More than half of all patients who had undergone bariatric surgery (BS) had low to very low salivary flow rates during the follow-up. This study suggests an association between low zinc levels and reduced salivary flow with hypogeusia following BS.

Sex differences in serum trace elements and minerals levels in unmedicated patients with major depressive episode: The role of suicidal ideation

BackgroundWe aimed to examine the influence of gender on serum trace elements and minerals levels in depression, as well as the impact of suicidal ideation (SI) on these gender dimorphisms. MethodsA total of 260 unmedicated patients with a current major depressive episode were enrolled. The Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation was utilized to evaluate SI. The serum levels of copper, zinc, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium were quantified. ResultsWithin the non-SI (NSI) group, females exhibited higher levels of copper (p = 0.001) and phosphorus (p = 0.008), and lower levels of zinc (p = 0.022) and calcium (p = 0.008) compared to males. Conversely, no discernible gender disparities were observed in the SI group (all p > 0.05). Also, no group differences in these trace elements/minerals were observed between the SI and NSI groups (all p > 0.05). Notably, serum iron levels exhibited a significant group-by-sex interaction effect (p = 0.024). Further analysis revealed that iron levels were higher in the SI group than in the NSI group among females (p = 0.048), but lower in females than in males within the NSI group (p < 0.001). Moreover, a positive association between the fourth quantile of serum iron and SI was detected in females (odds ratio [OR] = 2.88, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–8.11). ConclusionsGender effects on serum trace element/mineral levels were different in depressed patients with and without SI. Female patients were susceptible to SI when serum iron was at the upper end of normal.

Serum zinc levels in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients: A retrospective observational study.

Zinc is vital for cellular functions, but kidney failure increases zinc deficiency risk. We compared zinc levels in hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients in Isfahan, Iran. A retrospective study included 150 patients (75 PD and 75 HD). Serum zinc levels were assessed through photometry. Statistical analysis employed Chi-square, independent t-test, and correlation. Serum zinc was below normal in both groups (P < 0.01). HD patients had lower zinc levels (70.85 ± 7.68 mg/dL) compared to PD (75.04 ± 13.55 mg/dL, P = 0.021), remaining significant after adjusting for confounders (P = 0.011). Zinc levels in PD and HD patients are lower than in the general population, with HD patients having lower levels than PD patients.

Role of zinc in chronic telogen effluvium in serum and hair of patients with alopecia.

To determine the levels of zinc in hair and serum samples of chronic telogen effluvium patients. The case-control study was conducted at the Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, from April 2017 to May 2018, and comprised diagnosed cases of chronic telogen effluvium in group A, and healthy controls matched for age and gender in group B. Hair pull test was done, and level of zinc in hair and serum samples was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Of the 100 subjects, 50(50%) were in group A; 28(56%) females ad 22(44%) males with mean age 27.46±4.98 years. There were 50(50%) subejcts in group B; 26(52%) males ad 24(48%) females with mean age 28.34±4.92 years (p>0.05). Significantly low levels of zinc were observed in serum as well as hair samples in group A compared to group B (p<0.05). A positive significant association was observed in the level of zinc in hair with their concentration in the serum of subjects in both the groups (r=0.310, p<0.05). Low levels of zinc in hair and serum were found to be associated with chronic telogen effluvium.

Dietary patterns, plasma and hair trace element in Ukrainian cohort of adults during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

Adequate mineral intake is important for optimal immune protection against viral infections. However, there is insufficient data on the mineral status of the Ukrainian adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study included people aged 35-80 years with a history of COVID-19 (study group, n=35) and those without (control group, n=26). Dietary intake was assessed using 7-day weighted food records. Trace element analysis of plasma and hair was performed by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (Elvatech, Ukraine). Low levels of zinc, copper, and, to a lesser extent, iron and selenium were found in the participants' plasma and hair samples. Low hair zinc levels were found in 75.8 % of participants in the study group and 95.8% in the control group (p=0.065). Hair zinc was positively associated with plasma levels (β 0.09, CI 0.03 to 0.15, p=0.007). Participants with a COVID-19 history had higher hair zinc levels than the control group, but still below normal. The difference between groups may be explained by the higher proportion of zinc supplementation (62.9% vs 16.0%, p=0.0005). The low supply of trace elements was independent of estimated dietary intake and history of COVID-19. With increasing age of the participants, the selenium content in their hair decreased (β -0.02, CI -0.03 to -0.01, p=0.001). Current findings show the need to improve the nutrition of Ukrainians, as well as to monitor the supply of minerals for the development of optimal nutritional interventions. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Keywords: trace elements; zinc; selenium; dietary intake; age; COVID-19

Environmental Exposure to Trace Elements and Heavy Metals Preceding the Clinical Onset of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The immune dysregulation underlying inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can start years before the diagnosis, but the role of triggering factors and environmental exposures during this period is still uncertain. This single-center case-control study included asymptomatic subjects with an incidental diagnosis of IBD during the colorectal cancer screening program. Twenty-two minerals and 17 metals were determined at diagnosis in hair samples and compared 1:2 to healthy controls. Six patients with preclinical IBD (3 ulcerative colitis, 67% left-sided; 3 Crohn's disease, 100% ileal, 67% inflammatory behavior) and 13 healthy non-IBD controls were included. No relevant occupational exposures were identified. We found statistically significant higher levels of sodium, potassium, and boron among cases compared to controls; while lower levels of zinc, uranium, copper, and germanium were observed. A range of environmental exposures can be identified during the preclinical phase of IBD, but their relationship with the symptomatic onset and disease progression should be further explored.

Predictors of outcome of trace element levels in acute myeloid leukaemia patients: a prospective study for one year

Abstract Background Trace elements are essential for mammalian metabolism. To date, no data have been presented predicting the relapse-free survival of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients based on the level of trace elements in the serum. This prospective cohort study had the following objectives: (i) to quantify essential trace elements in the serum of AML patients.(ii) to examine the predictive values of the trace element levels in newly diagnosed de novo AML patients. Methods 50 patients AML were studied. The control group consisted of 50 patients. Serum levels of the trace elements copper, zinc, copper to zinc ratio and selenium, were measured by spectrophotometry. The associations of trace element with the relapse-free survival of these AML patients were assessed by Kaplan–Meier survival curves. Results AML patients, a control group, and AML subgroups with and without hematological relapse were evaluated for trace element concentrations. AML patients showed higher copper and lower zinc levels than controls. AML patients had increased Cu/Zn ratios. AML patients had reduced selenium levels. Relapsed AML patients had increased copper and Cu to Zn ratios, but decreased zinc and selenium. Copper, zinc, Cu to Zn ratio, and selenium cut-off values for AML relapse and nonrelapse were identified via ROC curve analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that patients with higher copper, lower zinc, higher Cu to Zn ratio, or lower selenium had a shorter estimated mean relapse-free survival time. Conclusions Trace element levels are correlated with long-term relapse-free survival in newly diagnosed AML patients and may serve as predictive biomarkers.

Zinc metabolism and its role in immunity status in subjects with trisomy 21: chromosomal dosage effect.

Trisomy 21 (T21), which causes Down syndrome (DS), is the most common chromosomal aneuploidy in humankind and includes different clinical comorbidities, among which the alteration of the immune system has a heavy impact on patient's lives. A molecule with an important role in immune response is zinc and it is known that its concentration is significantly lower in children with T21. Different hypotheses were made about this metabolic alteration and one of the reasons might be the overexpression of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene, as zinc is part of the SOD1 active enzymatic center. The aim of our work is to explore if there is a linear correlation between zinc level and immune cell levels measured in a total of 217 blood samples from subjects with T21. Furthermore, transcriptome map analyses were performed using Transcriptome Mapper (TRAM) software to investigate whether a difference in gene expression is detectable between subjects with T21 and euploid control group in tissues and cells involved in the immune response such as lymphoblastoid cells, thymus and white blood cells. Our results have confirmed the literature data stating that the blood zinc level in subjects with T21 is lower compared to the general population; in addition, we report that the T21/control zinc concentration ratio is 2:3, consistent with a chromosomal dosage effect due to the presence of three copies of chromosome 21. The transcriptome map analyses showed an alteration of some gene's expression which might explain low levels of zinc in the blood. Our data suggest that zinc level is not associated with the levels of immunity cells or proteins analyzed themselves and rather the main role of this ion might be played in altering immune cell function.

Investigation of Serum Pro-Inflammatory Markers and Trace Elements Among Short Stature in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar Populations.

Short stature is prevalent among children worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Various trace elements, including zinc, magnesium, iron, copper, chromium and selenium, are crucial for proper body development. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between trace elements and TNF-α and IL-6 to elicit and possible pathway responsible for short stature. Two hundred and twenty samples were recruited for this study, 100 short statures and 120 controls were randomly selected. Six trace elements were measured using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α in serum were assessed utilizing the Enzyme-Linked-Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Superoxide dismutase was also analysed to determine the oxidative stress response. The study revealed notable distinctions in serum trace element levels of short stature. They exhibited significant lower levels of zinc and magnesium, alongside higher levels of copper. The altered Cu/Zn ratio seemed to have a positive correlation with short stature. Conversely, no significant disparities were observed in iron, chromium, and selenium levels. Furthermore, a significant rise was noted in proinflammatory marker TNF-α and cytokine IL-6. Additionally, superoxide dismutase was low in the short statures In silico study shows a high affinity of Zinc with TNF alpha. It may be suggested that inflammation at any time during childhood, with the rise in TNF alpha tightly binds with zinc and may have led to a decrease in zinc serum levels, altered redox homeostasis and resulted in short stature. The altered Cu/Zn ratio along with high TNF alpha and IL6 may be used as a marker for short stature in the initial years of growth in children before they reach maturity at the age of 18. Thereafter, introducing zinc supplementation could potentially enhance stature by mitigating TNF-alpha level. Further experimental studies will help to establish the exact role of zinc with TNF alpha in short stature.

Взаимосвязь уровня цинка в сыворотке крови с тяжестью и характером течения COVID-19

Zinc is a trace element with potent immunoregulatory and antiviral properties, and it is used for the prevention and treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at the beginning of epidemic. However, we do not know the clinical significance of serum zinc levels in COVID-19 patients. This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between serum zinc levels and COVID-19 infection. Patients and methods. A prospective study was carried out in Al-Basrah city, Iraq, from November 2021 to March 2022. Initially, serum zinc levels were compared between COVID-19 patients and healthy controls. Then COVID-19 patients with zinc deficiency were compared to those with normal zinc levels. Results. COVID-19 patients showed significantly lower zinc levels after exclusion of zinc intake compared to healthy controls (p = 0.027). Among COVID-19 patients, 60 (40%) were found to be zinc deficient. These patients had a longer recovery period and a higher need for hospitalization. Conclusion. Zinc is an important trace element that plays a crucial role in immunity function, and the results of the present study demonstrate significantly lower zinc levels in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls. Key words: COVID-19, zinc, immune system

Low plasma zinc levels (but not selenium) are associated with anti-SARS-COV-2 IGG and IGA seropositivity in the general population: A case-control study

Low plasma zinc levels (but not selenium) are associated with anti-SARS-COV-2 IGG and IGA seropositivity in the general population: A case-control study

Minerals and Serum Metabolites Profile in Cows Reared on Natural Pastures in a Semi-Arid Area

This study aimed to profile minerals and metabolite levels in cows solely reliant on natural pastures. Mineral plays a significant role in cattle production and reproduction. Measures of serum metabolites are good indicators in disease diagnosis and nutritional status of animals. A total of 179 blood samples were collected from cases of cows of different ages and breeds experiencing dystocia (n=50), downer cow syndrome (n=34), vaginal prolapse (n=16), retained placenta (n=13), and abortions (n=69) following reports submitted to the North-West (NWU) Animal Hospital in Mafikeng Campus. Analysis of minerals and serum metabolite were done using ICP-MSand IDEXX Catalyst Chemistry Analyser. The data were coded and analysed using the Statistical Software for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to show the distribution of the minerals and serum metabolites levels across the reproductive conditions. The results were significantly different at 5% (P &lt;0.05). Low zinc levels were seen in cows with abortions and dystocia. In downer cow syndrome, the levels of iron, magnesium and phosphorus were high. Low Iodine levels were seen in cows with vaginal prolapse, retained placenta, abortion and dystocia. Low phosphorus levels were noted in cows with vaginal prolapse. Significant differences were seen in the concentrations of Urea/BUN, Total bilirubin, Aspartate amino-transferase (AST), ammonia and lipase. The levels of minerals and serum metabolites are significant indicators in cows presenting with different reproductive conditions and could affect production.

Zinc deficiency increases lung inflammation and fibrosis in obese mice by promoting oxidative stress

BackgroundZinc deficiency can lead to multiple organ damage. In this study, we investigated the effects of zinc deficiency on obesity-related lung damage. MethodsC57BL/6 J mice were fed a diet with differing amounts of zinc and fat over a 6-month period. Palmitic acid was used to stimulate A549 cells to construct a high-fat alveolar epithelial cell model. Western blotting and histopathological staining were performed on animal tissues. Nuclear expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was detected in cultured cells. A reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay kit was used to detect intracellular ROS. Furthermore, Nrf2 siRNA was used to examine zinc deficiency effects on A549 cells. ResultsPathological results showed significant damage to the lung structure of mice in the high-fat and low-zinc diet group, with a significant increase in the expression of inflammatory (IL-6, TNF-α) and fibrosis (TGFβ1, PAI-1) factors, combined with a decrease in the expression of Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1 in the antioxidant pathway. In A549 cells, high fat and low zinc levels aggravated ROS production. Western blot and immunofluorescence results showed that high fat and zinc deficiency inhibited Nrf2 expression. After Nrf2-specific knockout in A549 cells, the protective effect of zinc on oxidant conditions induced by high fat was reduced. Phosphorylated Akt and PI3K levels were downregulated on the high-fat and low-zinc group compared with the high-fat group. ConclusionsZinc attenuated lung oxidative damage in obesity-related lung injury and Nrf2 activation is one of the important mechanisms of this effect. General significanceRegulating zinc homeostasis through dietary modifications or supplemental nutritional therapy can contribute to the prevention and treatment of obesity-related lung injury.

Zinc Levels and Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Mini Review.

The aim of this nonsystematic mini review was to discuss serum levels of zinc in subjects with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Most studies have reported low zinc levels in subjects with DFUs. Furthermore, there is some evidence that oral zinc supplementation may have a positive and beneficial impact on DFUs healing. Nonetheless, findings have so far not provided definitive answers. More studies are needed to clarify the role of zinc and its supplementation in this setting.