Plasma Copper Concentrations Research Articles

Effect of three forages and two forage allowances offered to pregnant dry dairy cows in winter on periparturient performance and milk yield in early lactation

AbstractSixty multiparous, Holstein–Friesian pregnant dry dairy cows were allocated to three forage treatments (n = 20; fodder beet, kale or grass silage) at two feeding allowances (n = 30; high and low) for 70 (s.e. of mean, 16) d before parturition. Cows offered the high feeding allowance were offered 9 kg of dry matter (DM) of kale or fodder beet grazed in situ plus 5 kg DM of baled grass silage daily or clamp grass silage ad libitum offered indoors. Cows offered the low feeding allowance were offered 6 kg DM of kale or fodder beet grazed in situ plus 3·5 kg DM baled grass silage daily, or 9·5 kg DM of clamp grass silage daily offered indoors. After calving, all cows received a daily allowance of 14 kg DM perennial ryegrass herbage at pasture plus 4 kg concentrate cow−1 for the first 35 d of lactation. Cows offered grass silage had a greater increase in body condition score pre‐partum compared to those offered kale or fodder beet. Cows offered fodder beet pre‐partum had a greater milk solid and solids‐corrected milk yield in the first 35 d of lactation than those offered kale and grass silage pre‐partum. Offering fodder beet and kale pre‐partum increased plasma non‐esterified fatty acid concentrations pre‐partum relative to offering grass silage. Offering kale pre‐partum resulted in higher insulin‐like growth factor‐1 concentration post‐partum but lower plasma copper concentration pre‐partum and at calving than kale or grass silage. Offering the higher forage allowance pre‐partum resulted in a higher plasma calcium concentration at calving and higher plasma non‐esterified fatty acid concentration post‐partum.

Zinc and Copper Plasma Concentrations in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients from a Selected Population in Iran

The importance of trace elements in chronic inflammatory diseases is related to their cofactor role in immune system functions and in different metabolic processes in articular tissues. The aim of this study was to compare serum levels of Cu, Zn and Zn/Cu ratio in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients with healthy volunteers in Sari Rheumatology clinic, 2007. Zn and Cu plasma concentrations were assayed using atomic absorption spectrophotometery in 40 selected RA patients sera based on sex and age compared with healthy volunteers. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 10 software using independent sample t-test. Zn plasma content in patient group was significantly lower (p = 0.02) than that in healthy group. Also, Cu plasma content showed no differences in comparison with healthy group (p = 0.15). Results showed no correlation between Cu and Zn plasma concentrations in patient group (p = 0.946). In contrast, significant positive correlation was found between Zn and Zn/Cu ratio (p = 0.000); but decreased Zn/Cu ratio was more influenced by diminished Zn concentration. The study showed that spreading of RA in Iranian Society is related to age, sex, career and nutrition of the patients. However, consumption of Zn and Cu supplements in RA patients may be suggested by future investigations.

Comparison of concentrations of copper in plasma and serum from farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus)

AIM: To determine the relationship between the concentrations of Cu in plasma and serum in red deer, and to compare this relationship with those previously reported in cattle and sheep. METHODS: Paired serum and heparinised plasma samples from 114 red deer from 10 herds (n=6-20 per herd) were analysed for concentrations of Cu. Samples were collected either at slaughter (n=84; eight herds) or by jugular venepuncture (n=30; two herds). Thirty-nine of the samples taken at slaughter were from adult hinds from four herds, while other samples were taken from 10–14-month-old males, except for one herd (10 samples) where an equal number of 8–9-month-old males and females were sampled. The effect of age, gender and herd on the relationship between concentrations of Cu in plasma and serum was assessed using univariate ANOVA. The individual results for concentrations of Cu in serum were compared with those in plasma, using limits-of-agreement plotting. RESULTS: The mean concentration of Cu in plasma was not significantly different from that of serum (0.048; 95% CI=-0.14 to 0.24 µmol/L). There was no effect of age, sex or herd on this relationship. CONCLUSIONS: In deer, there was no significant difference between concentrations of Cu in plasma and serum regardless of age, sex or herd of origin. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In contrast to the situation in cattle and sheep, the concentration of Cu in serum can be used interchangeably with that in plasma for the estimation of concentration of Cu in blood of red deer.

Effects of Genotype on Testis, Semen Quality, and Mineral Composition of Semen in Various Ram Breeds

This study was carried out on nine 3-5-year-old rams of different species: four Norduz, two Karakas, and three Ile de France × Akkaraman rams. Sperm of each ram was collected by means of an artificial vagina once per month from June to October 2007. In each case, the sperm volume, pH, viscosity, mass activity, motility, concentration, abnormal spermatozoa ratio, and the sperm death/live ratio were recorder along with the animals' testis diameter and scrotum circumferences. The concentrations of calcium, potassium, copper, magnesium, iron, and zinc levels in seminal plasma were determined. There were changes in the measured parameters according to genotype and time of sampling, which can be useful for better planning of anestrous mating programs for these ram species.

Ceruloplasmin and superoxide dismutase (SOD1) in heterozygotes for Wilson disease: A case control study

At the time of this study, there were five known patients with Wilson disease (WD) in Iceland. The mutation, a 7-bp deletion in exon 7 on chromosome 13 for WD, is only known in Iceland. In twenty healthy Icelandic heterozygotes for WD and their age- and gender-matched controls, copper concentration in plasma, ceruloplasmin (CP) concentration, CP oxidative activity and CP-specific oxidative activity in serum and superoxide dismutase (SOD1) activity in erythrocytes were determined. The same determinations were done on the five WD patients. There was no significant difference in these parameters between the heterozygotes and the controls, although an inclination toward lower CP determinations and higher SOD1 activity in the heterozygotes was noted. As expected the WD patients were low on the copper and CP parameters, but their SOD1 activity was within the upper normal range. In conclusion, the CP parameters and SOD1 activity are within the normal range in Icelandic heterozygotes for WD, although with a trend toward mild dyshomeostasis. This may indicate subclinical copper retention in the heterozygotes, but a bigger study group is needed to confirm this.

3 years of continuous oral zinc therapy in 4 patients with Wilson's disease.

A competitive relationship exists between copper and zinc: among other effects, excessive dietary zinc is known to decrease the absorption of copper from the gastro-intestinal tract. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of oral zinc therapy in 4 patients with Wilson's disease, who, during a 3-year period, took zinc as their only medication to influence their copper metabolism. Physical examinations, oral 64Cu loading tests, plasma concentrations of copper, zinc and ceruloplasmin, and the urinary copper excretion were used to monitor the effect of therapy. The dosages used ranged from 3 x 100 to 3 x 400 mg zinc sulphate per day. The clinical and biochemical results of the oral zinc therapy were good in all 4 patients and no toxic side-effects were seen. Our conclusion from this study is that oral zinc may well be a low toxic alternative to D-penicillamine in the treatment of Wilson's disease.

Superoxide dismutase, copper and zinc concentrations in platelet-rich plasma of pneumonia patients

The aim of this study was to analyse platelet superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities (total SOD, manganese SOD and copper zinc SOD) and copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) concentrations during the course of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), and to compare them between patients with normal platelet count and those who have developed reactive thrombocytosis (RT). Platelet count, SOD activities and Cu and Zn concentrations in platelet-rich plasma were measured in patients with CAP on admission and at discharge. Post-therapeutic platelet count increased significantly from the value recorded on admission. By the end of treatment, 42% of patients developed RT. All platelet SOD activities as well as Cu concentration were significantly lower in CAP patients than in control subjects. The initial Zn concentration was greater in CAP patients compared with controls and showed a decrease at discharge. On admission, there was no difference in all SOD activities between either subgroup with normal platelet count or subgroup with RT. At discharge all SOD activities were significantly lower in patients with RT. Also, catalytic activities of those enzymes were significantly lower in both subgroups in comparison with the initial values. Post-therapeutic Cu value was lower in patients with RT in comparison with patients having normal platelet count. Zn concentration decreased significantly at discharge when compared with the initial values only in patients with RT. The pattern of changes might be indicative of a certain role of platelets in antioxidant response during treatment in CAP patients.

Plasma Copper and Bone Mineral Density in Osteopenia: An Indicator of Bone Mineral Density in Osteopenic Females

Copper concentrations in blood plasma have been determined in 25 osteopenic females using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. A high degree of correlations has been demonstrated between the copper concentrations in plasma and the bone mineral density of the lumbar spine as measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and quantitative computerized tomography. Results clearly indicate the involvement of copper in bone health and osteopenia. It is further suggested that plasma copper might be useful as a cheap and simple method indicative of bone mineral density in osteopenic postmenopausal females.

Concentration of blood and seminal plasma elements and their relationships with semen parameters in men with spinal cord injury

The relationship of calcium, magnesium, zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) concentrations in blood and seminal plasma on sperm parameters of spinal cord-injured (SCI) men and of normal controls was determined. The study included 93 SCI men and 145 neurologically intact men. Colorimetric and flame atomic absorption spectrophotometers were used. Seminal Zc and Cu had a relationship with sperm motility in SCI men.

Iron supplementation by intraperitoneal injection eliminates the accumulation of hepatic copper induced by excess calcium in rats

Excess calcium is well known to induce iron deficiency. Furthermore, excess calcium increases hepatic copper concentration and decreases renal copper concentration. We investigated the effect of iron supplementation on the tissue distribution of copper in rats given a high-calcium diet. Male rats (5 weeks old) were divided into four groups; a control group, and three groups given a diet containing 5-fold higher calcium than its requirement and an intraperitoneal iron supplementation of 0, 1 or 2 mg/week as iron dextran. The animals were fed their respective experimental diets with or without iron supplementation for 4 weeks. Although the high-calcium diet had no effect on calcium concentrations in the liver, kidney, testis, spleen and plasma, it reduced haematocrit and iron concentrations in the liver, kidney and testis and the rats had a moderate iron deficiency. The iron supplementation restored to normal these signs of iron deficiency. The high-calcium diet increased hepatic copper concentration but decreased plasma copper concentration and ceruloplasmin activity, which was restored by the iron supplementation. The copper concentration in bile was neither affected by the high-calcium diet nor the iron supplementation. The high-calcium diet decreased the copper concentration in the kidney, which was not restored by the iron supplementation. These results suggest that secondary iron deficiency stimulates hepatic accumulation of copper in rats given excess calcium by suppressing copper efflux into the circulation. The reduced renal copper concentration by excess calcium is independent of the iron deficiency.

Copper deficiency in sheep: An assessment of the relationship between concentrations of copper in serum and plasma

AIM: To assess the relationship between concentrations of copper in serum and plasma in sheep. METHODS: Concentrations of Cu were measured in paired serum and heparinised plasma samples collected from 110 sheep in nine flocks. Linear regression was used to evaluate whether flock or gender had a significant effect on the association between concentrations of Cu in serum and plasma. The individual results for concentrations of Cu in serum were then compared with those from plasma, using correlation and limits of agreement plotting. RESULTS: Concentrations of Cu in serum ranged from 7.3 to 22 (mean 14.0) µmol/L, while concentrations in plasma ranged from 9 to 27 (mean 16.3) µmol/L. On average, concentrations of Cu in serum were 2.3 µmol/L lower than in plasma. Over the range of values seen in this study, concentrations of Cu in plasma and serum were significantly correlated (r=0.89), and mean concentrations in serum were 87% of those in plasma. There was no effect of flock or gender on the relationship between concentrations of Cu in serum and plasma. Despite the significant correlation, there was marked variability between individual samples in the proportion of Cu that was lost during clotting, with the 95% limits of agreement for serum Cu ranging from 70 to 104% of the plasma concentration. CONCLUSIONS: As in cattle, the individual variability in the loss of Cu during clotting in sheep is too great for concentration of Cu in serum to be used as a substitute for that in plasma. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When assessing the blood Cu pool as part of the diagnosis of Cu-responsive disease in sheep, the concentration of Cu in plasma should be measured in preference to that of serum. We suggest that a range of 4.5 to 9 µmol/L in plasma be used to define marginal Cu status in sheep.

Trace Metal and Organochlorine Pesticide Concentrations in Cold-Stunned Juvenile Kemp's Ridley Turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) from Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Whole blood and keratin mercury concentrations, complete blood cell counts, and plasma biochemical health profiles were evaluated in 31 juvenile cold-stunned Kemp's ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) from Cape Cod, Massachusetts. In addition, plasma copper, zinc, selenium, and cadmium concentrations were measured for 16 of these turtles. Liver mercury concentrations were measured for 6 turtles that were dead upon acquisition or died during rehabilitation. Concentrations of 18 organochlorine pesticides were measured in plasma of 18 live turtles, and liver, kidney, fat, and brain of 3 deceased turtles. Metal levels were generally similar to those previously published for sea turtles, with mean values (wet weight) of 24 ng/g for blood mercury, 67 ng/g for liver mercury, 389 ng/g for keratin mercury, 690 ng/g for plasma copper, 2290 ng/g for plasma zinc, and 490 ng/g for plasma selenium. Cadmium was not detected in any sample. Organochlorine levels were generally low in comparison to values published for cold-stunned juvenile Kemp's ridley turtles in the 1980s. Several significant correlations between metal levels, hematology, and plasma biochemical health parameters were detected; however, the cause of these correlations could not be determined. This study demonstrates that Kemp's ridley turtles may be exposed to contaminants at a young age. Further investigation of the sources and effects of contaminants in juvenile sea turtles is warranted.

Quality Specifications for the Determination of Copper, Zinc, and Selenium in Human Serum or Plasma: Evaluation of an Approach Based on Biological and Analytical Variation

Trace element external quality assessment schemes monitor laboratory performance and provide a stimulus for improvement in accuracy. However, monitoring of participant performance varies according to the scheme and can lead to conflicting conclusions. Quality specifications based on biological intra- and interindividual variability were calculated and compared to those currently used by various trace element external quality assessment schemes for plasma or serum copper, zinc, and selenium concentrations. For this purpose, we evaluated results reported by participating laboratories in different schemes, at key concentrations, using z scores. Minimal quality specifications developed from the biological intra- and interindividual variability were, for Cu, +/-0.84 micromol/L or 12% of the assigned target concentration, whichever is greater; for Zn, +/-1.20 micromol/L or 15% of the assigned target concentration, whichever is greater; and for Se, +/-0.072 micromol/L or 12% of the assigned target concentration, whichever is greater. Reported performance of the participating laboratories depended on analyte, concentration, and the selected quality specification. In addition, the most commonly used methods for the determination of Cu, Zn, and Se may give different results. The proposed minimal quality specifications based on biological variation are generally slightly less stringent than those currently in use, although they do not drastically change the performance evaluation in the different schemes. These specifications are a first step in the harmonization of practices among the schemes and remain to be evaluated.

Present situation of biomarkers for copper status

Serum or plasma copper and ceruloplasmin concentrations are the most widely used laboratory indicators to evaluate copper status. Both indicators are decreased in moderate or severe copper deficiency. The activity of several cuproenzymes is decreased in mild copper deficiency. However, their use is limited by the nonexistence of standardized assays and high interindividual variability and because some of these indicators are affected by other conditions. Recently, it was shown that the protein expression of the copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase (CCS) is increased in erythrocytes of rodents with mild copper deficiency. However, no traditional laboratory indicators have been identified as potential early markers of copper excess. It is possible that the biomarkers studied so far are not sensitive enough to detect an increase in body copper before the appearance of functional or clinical effects or that the homeostatic mechanisms are so strong that no significant changes in body copper occur with mild-to-moderate copper exposure. The identification of appropriate biomarkers for early detection of an increase in body copper represents a major challenge for further research, and the development of new approaches, such as network biology, allows us to search and propose new candidates to be studied. Recently, we found that CCS mRNA abundance in mononuclear blood cells significantly decreased after copper supplementation. The usefulness of this indicator to detect an increase in body copper should be assessed in clinical trials.

Plasma Levels of Zinc, Copper, Copper/Zinc Ratio, and Activity of Carbonic Anhydrase in Equine Piroplasmosis

We have determined the plasma concentrations of copper, zinc, copper/zinc ratio, and carbonic anhydrase activity in horses infected with Babesia equi. The study was conducted in 14 horses with the disease and 10 healthy animals that served as controls. The infection was confirmed by the clinical manifestations of the disease and by Giemsa staining of thin blood smears showing the parasites inside red blood cells. The horses with piroplasmosis had lower plasma levels of zinc, elevated copper, and increased activity of carbonic anhydrase. Consequently, the copper/zinc ratio was also higher than in the healthy controls.

Effect of Molybdenum and Sulphur on Copper Status and Mohair Quality in Merghoze Goat

This study was made on the effects of a normal diet containing 12.8 mg Cu kg(-1) DM which added gradually molybdenum and sulphur on the copper status and fibre quality in eight 1-year Merghoze goat. One group (n = 4 mean weight 31 +/- 2.0 kg) was treated with Mo and S supplements for 20 weeks, the second group (n = 4 mean weight 32 +/- 2.1 kg) served as controls. In addition of blood sampling for measuring copper status in plasma, the copper content and quality of fleeces were measured every 6 weeks. Mohair measurements were carried out by taking patch samples (10 x 10 cm2) from the mid-side area of the goat. The analytical set consists of plasma copper concentrations (Pl Cu), Trichloroacetic acid soluble copper concentrations (TCA-Cu), and fleece copper content. The results indicated that the addition of 20-30 mg Mo and 2-2.5 g S kg(-1) DM to the normal diet did produce sub clinical copper deficiency in treated goats. One such visual symptom was the loss of fleeces pigmentation and poorer crimp being observed. The Pl Cu minus TCA-Cu plasma became more than 2 microM in the blood of treated goat, indicating that there was a significant thiomolybdate formation in the body. The results showed that there was a significant decrease in Pl Cu (p < 0.05) along with a significant increase in thiomolybdate (MoS) production after 4 months. The sub clinical signs of copper deficiency and mohair quality are likely to be from high molybdenum intake and thiomolybdate formation in the body.

Poor zinc and selenium status in phenylketonuric children and adolescents in Brazil

Because of the restricted intake of high-biologic-value protein, children with phenylketonuria (PKU) may have lower than normal plasma concentrations of copper, zinc, and selenium. The purpose of the present study was to investigate erythrocyte zinc levels and serum copper and selenium levels in children and adolescents with PKU by analyzing the relation between their diet and the laboratory profiles of these elements. The study was conducted in 32 children and adolescents with PKU, who were on a special diet. Dietary records and blood samples were collected from each subject. Erythrocyte zinc and serum selenium levels were below normal in 37.5% and 90.6% of the subjects, respectively. Plasma copper levels were normal. Metabolic formulas were the only source of 86.9% of the zinc, 65.6% of the copper, and 32.4% of the selenium. Despite this, there was no significant correlation between the zinc formula supply and erythrocyte zinc levels (rho = -0.143, P = .435) or the supply and serum levels for copper (rho = -0.117, P = .523) and selenium (rho = 0.113, P = .538). These results suggest that Brazilian patients with PKU present with low ingestion levels, low serum selenium levels, and low erythrocyte zinc levels.

A novel silicon complex is as effective as sodium metasilicate in enhancing the collagen-induced inflammatory response of silicon-deprived rats

An experiment was conducted with rats to determine whether silicon deprivation affects the inflammatory response to the injection of type II collagen, and to compare the effectiveness of the organic complex arginine silicate inositol (ASI) with inorganic silicon (NaSiO 3) in mitigating any observed change in response. Dark Agouti rats were fed a ground corn–casein–safflower-based diet containing about 2.8 mg Si/kg. The experimental variables were supplemental 0 and 35 mg Si/kg as either ASI or NaSiO 3. After five weeks on their respective treatments, each rat was injected with type II collagen and euthanized four weeks later. Urine was collected before injection during week five and week nine before euthanasia. The silicon-supplemented rats generally exhibited a more marked inflammatory response than the silicon-deprived rats. The circulating number of lymphocytes was higher ( p<0.003) and number of neutrophils was lower ( p<0.008) in silicon-deprived than silicon-supplemented rats. ASI and NaSiO 3 were about equally effective in enhancing these changes. Post-injection of tibial release of prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2) ( p<0.04), urinary excretion of magnesium ( p<0.03) and deoxypyridinoline ( p<0.009), and plasma osteopontin ( p<0.009), magnesium ( p<0.0007) and copper ( p<0.004) were higher in silicon-supplemented than silicon-deprived rats. The increases in plasma magnesium (Si×sex, p<0.04) and copper (Si×sex, p<0.02) were more marked in male than female rats. One but not the other silicon supplement when compared to silicon deprivation significantly affected the tibial release of PGE 2, and plasma copper and iron concentrations. However, with the exception of the pre-injection urinary excretion of helical peptide, no other of the variables determined was significantly different between rats fed ASI and those fed NaSiO 3. The findings suggest that, in rodents, physiological amounts of silicon promote the immune response, sex may influence the response to dietary silicon, and that both organic silicon complexes and inorganic silicon are similarly effective in preventing changes in inflammation induced by silicon deprivation.

Indicators of the Internal Environment of Beef Cattle during Fattening and their Correlation to the Quality of Beef

The objective of the study was to determine selected indicators of the internal environment in individual cattle categories during the period of fattening to evaluate the relation of the individual blood components to the growth intensity and qualitative indicators of the meat. The trial involved half-siblings - bulls, heifers and steers housed in one stable. The threesome always had a common father. During the trials the live weight was monitored and blood samples were taken on days 310, 403, 448, 479, 512, 554 and 618 of age. The concentrations of total proteins, glucose, total cholesterol, urea and catalytic concentrations of ALP, ALT, AST, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium and copper in the blood plasma were assessed. In all cases the levels of indicators of the internal environment were within the range of the physiological values for the respective age category. Compared to bulls and steers, the concentration of total plasma cholesterol of the heifers was significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05 and p &lt; 0.01, respectively). The last samples were taken prior to slaughter of the animals and the individual components were correlated with the nutritional values and meat indicators; the correlation between the amount of glucose and urea in the blood serum and the tenderness of the meat was significant (p &lt; 0.05 and p &lt; 0.01). The correlation between the concentration of proteins in the blood plasma, the level of nitrogen or total protein in the muscles, the water-holding capacity and meat tenderness was positive. The study provides a basis for implementing helpful adjustments in current cattle management practises. Blood indicators presented in this paper can be added to existing knowledge to benefit veterinary research and clinical evaluations.

Effects of copper sulfate, tri-basic copper chloride, and zinc oxide on weanling pig growth and plasma mineral concentrations (2008)

Two 28-d experiments were conducted to determine the effects of increasing dietary zinc and copper levels on weanling pig performance. In each experiment, 180 weanling pigs (PIC, 21 d of age, 12.5 lb in Exp. 1 and 13.2 lb in Exp. 2) were allotted to 1 of 6 treatments with 5 and 6 replications in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. Diets were fed in 2 phases (d 0 to 14 and 14 to 28), and the trace mineral premix provided 165 ppm zinc and 16.5 ppm copper to all diets. In Exp. 1, treatments were arranged as a 2 × 3 factorial with 2 levels of added copper from tri-basic copper chloride (TBCC; 0 or 150 ppm) and 3 levels of added zinc from zinc oxide (0, 1,500, or 3,000 ppm from d 0 to 14 and 0, 1,000, or 2,000 ppm from d 14 to 28). In addition, blood collected on d 14 was analyzed for plasma zinc, copper, and phosphorus concentrations. No copper × zinc interactions were observed (P > 0.25) for any of the growth data. Addition of TBCC increased (P < 0.03) ADG and ADFI over control pigs from d 0 to 14, 14 to 28, and 0 to 28. Pigs fed increasing dietary zinc had increased (linear, P < 0.003) ADFI during both phases and increased ADG from d 0 to 14 and 0 to 28. No effects were observed for blood metabolites in plasma copper; however, copper × zinc interactions were observed (P < 0.03) for both plasma zinc and phosphorus. The interactions occurred because increasing dietary zinc oxide increased plasma zinc and phosphorus when TBCC was not included in the diet but had relatively little effect when TBCC was added to the diet.