Plasma Copper Levels Research Articles

Plasma copper and zinc concentration in individuals with autism correlate with selected symptom severity.

Aim:To assess plasma zinc and copper concentration in individuals with autism and correlate these levels with symptom severity.Subjects and methods:Plasma from 102 autistic individuals, and 18 neurotypical controls, were tested for plasma zinc and copper using inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Copper and zinc levels and Cu/Zn were analyzed for possible correlation with severity of 19 symptoms.Results:Autistic individuals had elevated plasma levels of copper and Cu/Zn and lower, but not significantly lower, plasma Zn compared to neurotypical controls. There was a correlation between Cu/Zn and expressive language, receptive language, focus attention, hyperactivity, fine motor skills, gross motor skills and Tip Toeing. There was a negative correlation between plasma zinc concentration and hyperactivity, and fine motor skills severity.Discussion:These results suggest an association between plasma Cu/Zn and severity of symptoms associated with autism.

Concentrations of retinol, α-tocopherol, copper, zinc and iron in plasma of young subjects differing in their engagement in motor activities

Concentrations of retinol, α-tocopherol, copper, zinc and iron in plasma of young subjects differing in their engagement in motor activities Study aim: To assess possible effects of gender and of the level of motor activity on the deficiencies of selected vitamins and minerals in young subjects. Material and methods: Four groups of physical education (PE) students (n = 15 each) were studied: sedentary men (SM) and women (SF), and physically active men (AM) and women (AF) engaged in endurance sports, all aged 18 - 24 years, were studied. Somatic measurements included body height and mass, and body fat content (by Durnin's method, from 4 skinfolds), the biochemical ones included concentrations of retinol, α-tocopherol, copper, zinc and iron in plasma. Results: Men had significantly higher retinol (p<0.05) and iron (p<0.01) levels than women. The AM and SF groups had significantly (p<0.05 - 0.01) higher plasma levels of copper and zinc than Group SM. Group AF had lower zinc levels than Groups AM and SF, that latter group having lower α-tocopherol compared with Group SM. Conclusions: Inasmuch the observed differences could be due to the respective intakes, the effect of motor activity and the associated increased elimination of minerals could not be ruled out.

Maternal BMI during Pregnancy: Effect on trace elements Status and Pregnancy Outcomes

Purpose: To investigate the effects of maternal prenatal body mass index (BMI) on trace elements (copper, iron and zinc) status, haematological parameters and pregnancy outcomes among pregnant women in Abakaliki, south-eastern Nigeria. Methods: Plasma levels of copper, iron and zinc of 349 pregnant women (gestational age ≤25 weeks; mean = 21.77±3.14 wks; aged = 15-45 years, mean = 27.04±4.75 yr) were analysed using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer while haematological and biochemical parameters were determined using standard laboratory techniques. Results: Four women (1.1%) were underweight, 40.7% had normal BMI, 35.5% were overweight, 17.2% were obese and 5.4% were morbidly obese. Maternal BMI was significantly positively related to age, parity and socioeconomic status. While a negative relationship was found between plasma copper and maternal BMI, significantly (p < 0.05) lower zinc levels were found in underweight and obese women when compared to women with normal BMI. Maternal anaemia was significantly lower in overweight/obese women. Also maternal BMI was related to one adverse pregnancy outcomes. Conclusion: Both high and low prenatal BMI are associated with alterations in trace element status, haemoglobin concentrations and adverse pregnancy outcomes. In the face of concurrent deficiencies of micronutrient in this population, as in most developing countries, it appears that maintenance of appropriate weight and food diversification/fortification during pregnancy would be alternative ways of mitigating the consequences associated abnormal prenatal weight.Keywords: Prenatal weight, Plasma Copper, Iron and zinc, Anaemia, Maternal morbidities, Foetal outcomes

Plasma protein oxidation is correlated positively with plasma iron levels and negatively with hemolysate zinc levels in sickle‐cell anemia patients

Sickle-cell anemia (SCA) is a disease of high oxidative stress. The oxidative medium of SCA was evaluated by protein oxidation parameters and their correlation with lipids and ions were investigated both in the plasma and in the erythrocyte. Blood samples were obtained from 15 steady-state patients with SCA, 10 carriers, and 10 controls. Plasma protein carbonyl, total sulfhydryl, total cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipids, and bilirubin levels were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Plasma copper, zinc, and iron levels were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, and ions were also determined in the hemolysate lipid extract. Patients had increased protein carbonyl and decreased total sulfhydryl levels compared with controls. Plasma cholesterol levels were lower than controls, and triglyceride levels were higher than carriers in patients with SCA. Plasma iron and hemolysate copper were higher in patients than carriers and controls. Plasma protein carbonyl levels were found to be correlated with plasma iron and hemolysate zinc levels in the patient group. Alterations of proteins, lipids, and ions in the plasma and erythrocyte of steady-state patients with SCA were demonstrated. Some of these alterations are related with each other and with the oxidative stress observed in the disease.

Plasma Selenium, Zinc, Copper and Lipid Levels in Postmenopausal Turkish Women and Their Relation with Osteoporosis

It has been shown that the trace elements and lipids play role in the growth, development and maintenance of bones. We aimed to investigate serum selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and lipid (total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol) levels in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, osteopenia and in healthy controls, and to determine the relationship between Se, Zn, Cu and lipid parameters and bone mineral density (BMD). The study included 107 postmenopausal women; 35 healthy (group 1), 37 osteopenic (group 2) and 35 osteoporotic (group 3). The women in all three groups were carefully matched for body mass index (BMI). Serum concentrations of Se, Zn and Cu were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Plasma Se, Cu, Zn and lipid levels were similar in all groups (p > 0.05). When we combined the women in each of the three groups, and considered them as one group (n = 107) we found a positive correlation between BMI and lumbar vertebra BMD, femur neck BMD, femur total BMD; a positive correlation between TG and femur neck BMD, femur total BMD; a positive correlation between Zn and lumbar vertebra BMD (total T score) (p < 0.05). There was no correlation between Se, Cu, Zn, P and lipid parameters (p > 0.05). Although BMI has a positive effect on BMD, trace elements and lipids, except Zn and TG, did not directly and correlatively influence BMD. Further studies are needed to clarify the role and relationship of trace elements and lipid parameters in postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Neurological and hematological complications of copper deficiency during exclusive jejunal tube feeding

Summary Background and aims Hematological and neurological complications of copper deficiency have been described a few years ago, occurring mostly in patients with history of gastric resection. We report a case of copper deficiency during exclusive jejunal tube feeding, corrected by gastric but not by jejunal copper supplements. Methods Case report. Results A 46-year old woman, with exclusive jejunal tube feeding after esophageal cancer was investigated for unexplained anemia and leucopenia. The occurrence of neurological disability, mimicking vitamin B12 deficiency, led us to monitor copper status, which revealed a profound deficiency. Because we failed to restore plasma copper level through jejunostomy in spite of large amounts of copper, a gastrostomy was performed. Afterwards, a standard feeding mixture supplied through gastrostomy tube was sufficient to maintain copper plasma level and allowed for stopping supplementation. Conclusion Patients with exclusive jejunal tube feeding run a high risk of copper deficiency because of the fundamental role of the duodenal, and probably gastric, mucosa in copper absorption. Copper deficiency mimics vitamin B12 deficiency and its status should be systematically explored in post-surgical conditions by-passing the proximal gastrointestinal tract.

Oxidative Stress in Children with Severe Malaria

Fifty cases of severe malaria were studied for their oxidant and antioxidant status. Severe anemia (54%) was the most common presentation followed by hyperpyrexia, cerebral malaria and jaundice. Plasma malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, nitrite, ascorbic acid and copper levels were significantly raised in cases as compared with controls (p < 0.001). Plasma ceruloplasmin, glutathione and superoxide dismutase levels were significantly decreased in children with severe malaria (p < 0.001). Plasma zinc was increased in cases but difference is not statistically significant. Significantly decreased level of nitrites and increased value of glutathione was found in patients with hemoglobinuria and jaundice, respectively. The significantly elevated malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels reflect the increased oxidative stress, whereas decreased levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase point toward utilization of the antioxidants in severe malaria. Thus, changes in oxidants and antioxidants observed suggest the production of reactive oxygen species and their possible role in pathogenesis of severe malaria.

Oxidative stress status and plasma trace elements in patients with asthma or allergic rhinitis

Introduction This study was conducted to evaluate the oxidant/antioxidant balance (oxidative stress status) and plasma essential trace element levels in patients with bronchial asthma or allergic rhinitis. Methods A total of 94 individuals consisting of 19 allergic asthmatics; 17 non-allergic asthmatics; 22 patients with allergic rhinitis; and 36 healthy control people were enrolled into this study. Superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity as antioxidant defence mechanism parameters, along with malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of lipid peroxidation, were determined in erythrocytes of patient groups and controls. Plasma copper and zinc levels were also determined in all groups. Results CuZnSOD activity was significantly lower in all groups of patients (p<0.001 for allergic asthmatics, p=0.008 for allergic rhinitis patients, and p<0.001 for non-allergic asthmatics) when compared to those of controls. Erythrocyte GSH-Px enzyme activity was not different when compared to that of the control group. Similarly, the patient groups had no difference from those of the controls with respect to erythrocyte MDA levels. While plasma Cu levels in all asthmatic patients were not different from those of the controls, allergic rhinitis patients had significantly elevated (p<0.001) Cu levels compared to those of the controls. No statistically significant difference was established between patient groups and controls with respect to plasma zinc levels. Conclusion While defective CuZnSOD activity observed in all patients groups was expected to cause an increase in lipid peroxidation indicated by high MDA levels in these patients groups, the fact that MDA levels were not different from those of controls in all patient groups indicates that other components of anti-oxidant defence system preserve their functions in these patients. On the other hand, statistically significant difference between all patients groups and controls with respect to trace elements was only observed in allergic rhinitis patients who had higher levels of Cu than those of controls.

Total antioxidant status of zinc, manganese, copper and selenium levels in rats exposed to premium motor spirit fumes

Background:Frequent exposure to premium motor spirit (PMS) is common and could be a risk factor for liver dysfunction in those occupationally exposed. A possible association between PMS fumes and plasma total antioxidant status as well as plasma levels of zinc, manganese, copper and selenium using a rodent model could provide new insights into the pathology of the liver where cellular dysfunction is an established risk factor.Aim:This study aimed to determine the total antioxidant status and plasma levels of zinc, copper, selenium and manganese in those occupationally exposed using rodent model.Materials and Methods:25 albino Wistar rats of both sexes were used for this study. The animals were divided into five groups of five rats in each group. Group 1 rats were not exposed to PMS fumes (control group), group 2 rats were exposed for 1 hour daily, group 3 for 3 hours daily, group 4 for 5 hours daily and group 5 for 7 hours daily. The experiment lasted for a period of 4 weeks. Blood samples obtained from all the groups after 4 weeks of exposure were used for the determination of plasma total antioxidant status as well as plasma levels of zinc, manganese, copper and selenium.Results:Results showed significant increases in means of plasma copper (69.70±0.99 for test and 69.20±1.02 for control, P < 0.05) and selenium (72.70±1.58 for test and 68.20±0.86 for control, P < 0.05) in the exposed rats when respective mean values were compared with those of corresponding controls. Mean body weight index (BWI) and percentage weight increase (PWI) were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in exposed rats when compared with the unexposed group. The mean plasma levels of zinc (137.40±4.06 for test and 147.80±2.52 for control) and manganese (65.75±1.02 for test and 70.00±0.71 for control) showed significant decrease (P < 0.05) when compared with control. Plasma level of total antioxidant status (TAS) did not differ significantly in exposed rats when compared with the control group.Conclusion:This study showed that frequent exposure to PMS fumes may lead to increase plasma levels of copper and selenium probably due to liver dysfunction and decrease in plasma levels of zinc and manganese probably as a result of interference in their metabolic pathway of the exposed groups.

Increased Copper in Individuals with Autism Normalizes Post Zinc Therapy More Efficiently in Individuals with Concurrent GI Disease.

Aim:To assess plasma zinc and copper concentration in individuals with autism.Subjects and methods:Plasma from 79 autistic individuals, and 18 age and gender similar neurotypical controls, were tested for plasma zinc and copper using inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.Results:Autistic individuals had significantly elevated plasma levels of copper and Cu/Zn and lower, but not significantly lower, plasma Zn compared to neurotypical controls.Zn levels increased significantly in autistic individuals with and without GI disease after zinc therapy. Cu decreased significantly after zinc therapy in the GI disease group but not in the autistic group without GI disease.Autistic children significantly improved with respect to hyperactivity and stimming after zinc therapy in autistic children with GI disease. Autistic children without GI disease did not improve in these symptoms after the same therapy.Discussion:These results suggest an association between zinc and copper plasma levels and autism, and they suggest that zinc therapy may be most effective at lowering copper levels in autistic children with GI disease.

Decreased Zinc and Increased Copper in Individuals with Anxiety

Aim:To assess plasma zinc and copper levels in individuals with anxiety and to test the hypothesis that there is a relationship between copper and zinc concentration and improved symptoms.Subjects and methods:Serum from 38 individuals with anxiety and 16 neurotypical age, gender and size similar controls were tested for plasma zinc and copper concentration using inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Zinc and copper levels, pre and post therapy, were compared and assessed for perceived anxiety symptoms.Results:In this preliminary study, individuals with anxiety had significantly higher plasma levels of Cu (P = 0.0348), Cu/Zn (P = 0.0493) and lower Zn (P = 0.0294) compared to controls. Zn levels normalized (increased to the normal range) and Cu/Zn significantly decreased after zinc therapy (P = 0.0004, P = 0.0033, respectively), but Cu did not significantly decrease (0.3577). These same patients improved significantly with respect to perceived overall symptoms after zinc and anti-oxidant therapy (P = 0.013).Discussion:These results suggest an association between Zn plasma levels and individuals with anxiety, demonstrate that zinc therapy is effective in increasing zinc plasma levels, and show that zinc supplementation may play a role in improved symptoms.

Analysis of Copper and Zinc Plasma Concentration and the Efficacy of Zinc Therapy in Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) and Autism.

AimTo assess plasma zinc and copper concentration in individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) and autistic disorder, and to analyze the efficacy of zinc therapy on the normalization of zinc and copper levels and symptom severity in these disorders.Subjects and methodsPlasma from 79 autistic individuals, 52 individuals with PDD-NOS, 21 individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome (all meeting DSM-IV diagnostic criteria), and 18 age and gender similar neurotypical controls, were tested for plasma zinc and copper using inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.ResultsAutistic and PDD-NOS individuals had significantly elevated plasma levels of copper. None of the groups (autism, Asperger’s or PDD-NOS) had significantly lower plasma zinc concentrations. Post zinc and B-6 therapy, individuals with autism and PDD-NOS had significantly lower levels of copper, but individuals with Asperger’s did not have significantly lower copper. Individuals with autism, PDD-NOS and Asperger’s all had significantly higher zinc levels. Severity of symptoms decreased in autistic individuals following zinc and B-6 therapy with respect to awareness, receptive language, focus and attention, hyperactivity, tip toeing, eye contact, sound sensitivity, tactile sensitivity and seizures. None of the measured symptoms worsened after therapy. None of the symptoms in the Asperger’s patients improved after therapy.DiscussionThese results suggest an association between copper and zinc plasma levels and individuals with autism, PDD-NOS and Asperger’s Syndrome. The data also indicates that copper levels normalize (decrease to levels of controls) in individuals with autism and PDD-NOS, but not in individuals with Asperger’s. These same Asperger’s patients do not improve with respect to symptoms after therapy, whereas many symptoms improved in the autism group. This may indicate an association between copper levels and symptom severity.

Serum Biochemistry Values, Plasma Mineral Levels, and Whole Blood Heavy Metal Measurements in Wild Northern Goshawks (Accipiter gentilis)

Serum chemistry panels and complete mineral and heavy metal screens were performed on blood samples from eight adult northern goshawks (Accipiter gentilis) breeding in Pennsylvania. Serum chemistry panels were performed to determine the health status of each bird. Biochemical values measured included serum glucose, sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, uric acid, creatine kinase, and aspartate transaminase. Glucose, creatine kinase, and aspartate transaminase values were elevated when compared with published values for northern goshawks and other species of raptors. Complete mineral screens were performed to better document the blood mineral content of northern goshawks. Plasma calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, total phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc levels were determined. Whole blood heavy metal screens were done to evaluate the northern goshawk's exposure to environmental arsenic, cadmium, lead, thallium, and selenium. Arsenic, cadmium, lead, and thallium whole blood levels of less than 0.05 ppm in all birds indicated that the northern goshawks were not being exposed to significant levels of heavy metals in their environment. Whole blood selenium levels of the northern goshawks were above the minimum dietary requirement for avian species (0.130-0.200 ppm) and below published toxic selenium concentrations.

Antioxidant status of children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome

The production of free radicals can cause renal injury and play an important role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Markers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated in 48 patients with active nephrotic syndrome (ANS) and 30 age- and gender-matched healthy children. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl, nitrite, copper, zinc, selenium, ascorbic acid, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were estimated in patients with ANS and controls. Measurements were repeated in 39 cases after achievement of remission, and in 10 other children who were in remission of >6 months' duration. Plasma MDA and nitrite levels were significantly higher and selenium was lower in ANS patients compared with controls. Plasma protein carbonyl, copper ascorbic acid, zinc, and superoxide dismutase levels were comparable in ANS patients and controls. Plasma copper level was significantly higher in active cases than in the remission and long-term remission groups. Selenium value showed a rise and then normalized in long-term remission. Among different sub-groups of ANS, no significant differences were found in the levels of various parameters, except plasma selenium, which was significantly lower in first-attack nephrotic syndrome (FANS) in comparison to infrequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (IRNS) and frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (FRNS) patients. Thus, we observed evidence of oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defense during acute nephrotic syndrome. Antioxidant status recovered completely only during long-term remission.

Comparison of Plasma Copper, Iron and Zinc Levels in Hypertensive and Non-hypertensive Pregnant Women in Abakaliki, South Eastern Nigeria

With the increasing speculations of the involvement of nutrition, particularly trace elements in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, a comparative study of plasma copper, iron and zinc levels was carried out between preeclamptic and non-eclamptic Nigerian women living in Abakaliki, Southeastern Nigeria. Data for 40 preeclamptic and 40 non-eclamptic women matched for age, gestational age, Body Mass Index (BMI), parity and socioeconomic status from a cohort of 349 pregnant women recruited at gestational age <25 weeks for the assessment of impacts of trace elements’ status on pregnancy outcomes were analyzed. In addition to trace elements which were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Buck Scientific, Model AVG 210), Total White Blood Cell Count (TWBC) and Haemoglobin Concentration (HbC) were determined using standard laboratory techniques. The preeclamptic and the non-eclamptic women had comparable TWBC and HbC with the former having significantly (p < 0.05) higher blood pressure. However, although, the preeclamptic women had lower plasma copper, iron and zinc levels than the non-eclamptic women, only copper was found to be statistically significant (6.02±7.23 vs. 10.23±9.84 μmol/l, p<0.05). It is thus concluded that preeclampsia is associated with significant decrease in plasma copper. Further research is desired to elucidate the role of trace elements, especially copper in the pathogenesis of pregnancy induced hypertension.

Association Between Seminal Plasma Copper and Magnesium Levels with Oxidative Stress in Iraqi Infertile Men

To study the association between copper, magnesium and malondialdehyde levels in seminal plasma of oligozoospermic, azoospermic in relation to normozoospermic men. The present study was conducted at the Chemistry and Biochemistry department, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad-Iraq during September 2007 to February 2008 after obtaining approval from the research and ethics committee and obtaining written consent, 78 infertile men (age range 33.01±4.20 years) were recruited at the institute of embryo research and infertility treatment, Al-Kadhimiya teaching hospital, Iraq and were categorized according to their seminal fluid parameters to oligozoospermia (n=43) and azoospermia (n=35). 41 fertile men (age range 30.29±2.30 years) were selected as controls. Seminal plasma copper and magnesium were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Malondialdehyde was measured calorimetrically using thiobarbituric acid assay which detects thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Seminal plasma copper level was decreased significantly (p=0.000) in the azoospermic group compared to the control group. Whereas, the level decreased non-significantly in the oligozoospermic group. Seminal plasma magnesium levels were decreased significantly (p=0.000) in all the infertility groups studied. On the other hand, malondialdehyde levels which is an end product of lipid peroxidation were significantly elevated (p=0.000) in all the infertility groups studied. Copper and magnesium work in different ways in order to maintain normal environment for spermatozoa for normal fertilization to occur.

Plasma zinc and copper levels in children of families with history of cardio-vascular disease

Zinc and copper are beneficial to health, growth and development, and also for the prevention of cardiovascular- disease (CVD) with regard to improved dietary habits as a preliminary step in CVD prevention. This study was conducted among 2-18-year old children with significant family risk for premature CVD in comparison to controls.Materials and Methods: One hundred randomly selected children of parents who had premature myocardial infarctions were included in the study. The controls were 100 individuals randomly selected from the case group's neighbors and matched for age, sex and socioeconomic status. A four-day food record questionnaire was used to assess zinc and copper intakesResults: The daily average intake of zinc was significantly lower in the case than in the control group (6.89±2.97 vs. 8.30±2.45 mg, P=0.047). The mean serum zinc level was not significantly different between both groups (82.12±14.1 vs. 92.26±23.7 μg/dL, P&gt;0.05). The daily intake and serum level of copper were not significantly different between the case and the control groups. No case of copper deficiency was found. The mean systolic blood pressure was not significantly different between the zinc-deficient and zinc-sufficient subjects.Although the mean diastolic blood pressure of the former was higher than the latter, there was no statistically significant difference. About 23.7% of all studied sample had mild to moderate degrees of failure to thrive, with significantly lower daily intake and serum zinc level than other subjects (5.41±1.06 mg, 82.09±12.74 μg/dL vs. 6.89±2.14 mg, 99.25±27.15 μg/dL, respectively, P&lt;0.05).Conclusion: We propose that children, especially those with significant family risk of premature CVD, place increased emphasis on the consumption of foods rich in zinc.

Relationship between liver and blood plasma copper level and abortion in cattle

Copper is a component of a number of metalloenzymes. Copper deficiency is endemic in ruminants worldwide and causes diseases of economic importance. Blood plasma samples were collected from 318 cows (198 aborting and 120 recently calved cows) originating from 16 commercial Holstein dairy herds in southeast Iran. Liver samples were taken from 76 cows (64 aborting and 12 recently calved cows) from a total of 318 followed cases. Liver copper concentrations of aborting cows are lower than 20 mg/kg DM (the marginally deficient status) in all of the slaughtered cows except two cases (96.875%) and all of 12 samples of recently calved cows, which were followed, had liver copper concentrations between 15 and 20 mg/kg DM. If we consider 20 mg/kg DM as the threshold level of liver copper, therefore serum copper concentration =9 mmol/L will be a good indicator of copper deficient status. The results of the present study show that plasma copper concentration of aborting cows is significantly lower than recently calved cows (p < 0.05). Results of the evaluation of plasma copper concentrations show that 87.87% of aborting cows and 11.67% of recently calved cows are copper deficient. Based on the results of present study it seems that copper deficiency has close relationship with abortion in cattle. To prevent the economic loss due to hypocuprosis, early treatment of positive cows is necessary and prevention of the abortion has to be achieved through proper nutritional programs during gestation.

Maternal-Fetal Distribution of Calcium, Iron, Copper, and Zinc in Pregnant Teenagers and Adults

Adolescence is marked by intensive growth and development. When pregnancy occurs during this period of the mother's growth, there is an increase in her nutritional needs. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of calcium, iron, copper, and zinc in maternal plasma, the placenta, and in the cord plasma of pregnant teenagers and adults. A total of 80 sets of maternal plasma, placentas, and cord plasma (40 from teenagers and 40 from adults) were analyzed using synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence. The levels of calcium, copper, and zinc in the maternal and cord plasma from teenagers were not significantly different than those from adults. Iron levels in the teenagers maternal and cord plasma were higher than in the adults. All of the minerals analyzed were present at higher levels in the placentas from adults than those from teenagers. However, the low quantities of placental calcium, iron, copper, and zinc in the teenagers do not compromise the levels of these minerals in the cord plasma. Future research regarding the placental transport of these minerals is recommended to investigate the efficiency of mechanisms of transfer of these minerals in pregnant teenagers.

Copper and ceruloplasmin levels in relation to total thiols and GST in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Presence of oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is well proved. Current study was undertaken to know the relation between fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and copper along with antioxidants like total thiols and ceruloplasmin, and antioxidant enzyme glutathione S transferase (GST). The study group consisted of a total of 201 subjects which included nondiabetic healthy control subjects (n = 78) and diabetic patients (n = 123). Plasma total thiols, GST, copper and ceruloplasmin levels were measured all the subjects using spectrophotometric methods and FPG levels were determined in clinical chemistry analyzer Hitachi 912. There was significant increase in FPG (P<0.001) and copper (P<0.001) and decrease in ceruloplasmin (P<0.001) and protein thiols (P<0.001) in type 2 DM cases compared to healthy controls. There was no significant change in GST between type 2 DM cases and controls. There was significant negative correlation of FPG with antioxidants like ceruloplasmin (r = -0.420, P<0.001) and total thiols (r = -0.565, P<0.001). Protein thiols correlated positively with ceruloplasmin (r = 0.364, P<0.001). Our study indicates possible increase in copper mediated generation of ROS leading to increased consumption of available antioxidants in the body.