Plasma Levels Of Trace Elements Research Articles

Trace element levels in plasma and red blood cells in critically ill children

Trace element levels in plasma and red blood cells in critically ill children

Determination of trace elements and electrolyte levels in kidney tissue of simvastatin-treated septic rats.

Trace elements are cofactors in various enzymes in the antioxidant defense and cell homeostasis required in the tissue during inflammation. In acute kidney injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), renal cells are affected by cytotoxicity. Renal evacuation and gastrointestinal absorption rates are important in regulating plasma levels of trace elements. Simvastatin is a widely used anti-lipidemic drug with known anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to examine the effect of simvastatin on trace elements and electrolyte levels in kidney tissue in rats with LPS-induced sepsis. Adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: control, LPS (20mg/kg, i.p., single dose), simvastatin (20mg/kg, o.p., 5days), and LPS + Simvastatin (LPS + Sim). Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc, copper, and histological structural changes were examined in kidney tissue samples 4h after LPS execution. The inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy technique (ICP-OES) was used to determine the tissue trace element levels. In rats with sepsis-induced LPS, selenium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium levels significantly decreased while copper, potassium, and zinc levels significantly increased compared to other experimental groups. In sepsis treated with the simvastatin (LPS + Simvastatin) group, trace elements and electrolyte levels are like the control groups, apart from selenium levels. Selenium levels were significantly decreased in the LPS + Simvastatin group compared to the controls. As a result of examining the kidney tissues under a light microscope, simvastatin improved tissue damage caused by LPS-induced acute kidney injury. LPS-induced renal injury and simvastatin caused significant changes in the oxidant/antioxidant system. In septic rats, simvastatin was shown to balance some trace element levels, and it may improve damage in the kidney tissue.

Single and Combined Associations of Plasma and Urine Essential Trace Elements (Zn, Cu, Se, and Mn) with Cardiovascular Risk Factors in a Mediterranean Population.

Trace elements are micronutrients that are required in very small quantities through diet but are crucial for the prevention of acute and chronic diseases. Despite the fact that initial studies demonstrated inverse associations between some of the most important essential trace elements (Zn, Cu, Se, and Mn) and cardiovascular disease, several recent studies have reported a direct association with cardiovascular risk factors due to the fact that these elements can act as both antioxidants and pro-oxidants, depending on several factors. This study aims to investigate the association between plasma and urine concentrations of trace elements and cardiovascular risk factors in a general population from the Mediterranean region, including 484 men and women aged 18–80 years and considering trace elements individually and as joint exposure. Zn, Cu, Se, and Mn were determined in plasma and urine using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Single and combined analysis of trace elements with plasma lipid, blood pressure, diabetes, and anthropometric variables was undertaken. Principal component analysis, quantile-based g-computation, and calculation of trace element risk scores (TERS) were used for the combined analyses. Models were adjusted for covariates. In single trace element models, we found statistically significant associations between plasma Se and increased total cholesterol and systolic blood pressure; plasma Cu and increased triglycerides and body mass index; and urine Zn and increased glucose. Moreover, in the joint exposure analysis using quantile g-computation and TERS, the combined plasma levels of Zn, Cu, Se (directly), and Mn (inversely) were strongly associated with hypercholesterolemia (OR: 2.03; 95%CI: 1.37–2.99; p < 0.001 per quartile increase in the g-computation approach). The analysis of urine mixtures revealed a significant relationship with both fasting glucose and diabetes (OR: 1.91; 95%CI: 1.01–3.04; p = 0.046). In conclusion, in this Mediterranean population, the combined effect of higher plasma trace element levels (primarily Se, Cu, and Zn) was directly associated with elevated plasma lipids, whereas the mixture effect in urine was primarily associated with plasma glucose. Both parameters are relevant cardiovascular risk factors, and increased trace element exposures should be considered with caution.

A Metallomic Approach to Assess Associations of Plasma Metal Levels with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease: An Exploratory Study.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) involves the abnormal activity of transition metals and metal ion dyshomeostasis; however, the potential of trace metal biomarkers in predicting cognitive decline has not been evaluated. This study aimed to assess the potential of 36 trace elements in predicting cognitive decline in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) or AD. Participants (9 controls, 23 aMCI due to AD, and 8 AD dementia) underwent comprehensive cognitive tests, including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and trace metal analysis. The correlations between the plasma trace element levels and annual MMSE changes during follow-up were analyzed. We found that an increase in disease severity was linked to lower plasma levels of boron (B), bismuth (Bi), thorium (Th), and uranium (U) (adjusted p < 0.05). Higher baseline calcium levels (r = 0.50, p = 0.026) were associated with less annual cognitive decline; those of B (r = −0.70, p = 0.001), zirconium (r = −0.58, p = 0.007), and Th (r = −0.52, p = 0.020) with rapid annual cognitive decline in the aMCI group; and those of manganese (r = −0.91, p = 0.035) with rapid annual cognitive decline in the AD group. Overall, our exploratory study suggests that plasma metal levels have great potential as in vivo biomarkers for aMCI and AD. Larger sample studies are necessary to confirm these results.

Association of plasma trace element levels with neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Although the triggers causing angiogenesis in the context of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) are not fully understood, oxidative stress is likely involved. Oxidative stress in the eye can occur through exposure of macular tissues to sunlight and local or systemic exposure to oxidative stressors associated with environmental or lifestyle factors. Because trace elements have been implicated as regulators of oxidative stress and cellular antioxidant defense mechanisms, we hypothesized that they may play a role as a risk factor, modifying the progression toward nAMD.Herein, we determined whether levels of human plasma trace elements are different in 236 individuals with nAMD compared to 236 age-matched controls without AMD. Plasma levels of 16 trace elements including arsenic, barium, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, lead, antimony, selenium, vanadium and zinc were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Associations of trace elements with demographic, environmental and lifestyle factors and AMD-associated genetic variants were assessed.Elevated levels of barium and cadmium and reduced levels of chromium were observed in nAMD patients compared to controls. Mean plasma concentrations of barium were 1.35 μg/L (standard deviation [SD] 0.71) in nAMD and 1.15 μg/L (SD 0.63) in controls (P = 0.001). Mean levels of chromium were 0.37 μg/L (SD 0.22) in nAMD and 0.46 μg/L (SD 0.34) in controls (P = 0.001). Median levels for cadmium, which were not normally distributed, were 0.016 μg/L (interquartile range [IQR] 0.001–0.026) in nAMD and 0.012 μg/L (IQR 0.001–0.022) in controls (P = 0.002). Comparison of the Spearman's correlation coefficients between nAMD patients and controls identified a difference in correlations for 8 trace elements. Cadmium levels were associated with the smoking status (P < 0.001), while barium levels showed a trend of association with the usage of antihypertensive drugs. None of the AMD-associated genetic variants were associated with any trace element levels.In conclusion, in this case-control study we detected elevated plasma levels of barium and cadmium and reduced plasma levels of chromium in nAMD patients. An imbalance in plasma trace elements, which is most likely driven by environmental and lifestyle factors, might have a role in the pathogenesis of AMD. These trace elements may be incorporated as biomarkers into models for prediction of disease risk and progression. Additionally, population-based preventive strategies to decrease Cd exposure, especially by the cessation of smoking, could potentially reduce the burden of nAMD. Future studies are warranted to investigate whether supplementation of Cr would have a beneficial effect on nAMD.

Trace elements in saliva and plasma of patients with type 2 diabetes: Association to metabolic control and complications

AimAn analysis is made of the saliva and plasma levels of trace elements in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and their association to metabolic control and the presence of chronic complications. MethodsA cross-sectional observational clinical study was carried out in 74 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine the following trace elements in plasma and unstimulated basal saliva: 13Al, 16S, 4Be, 5B, 20Ca, 27Co, 29Cu, 24Cr, 38Sr, 15P, 3Li, 12Mg, 25Mn, 28Ni, 82Pb, 37Rb, 22Ti, 23V and 30Zn. ResultsThe levels of cobalt (p = 0.048) in saliva and of strontium (p = 0.001) in plasma were related to the presence of chronic complications. Significant differences with respect to metabolic control were observed for beryllium (p = 0.038), boron (p = 0.023) and phosphorus in saliva (p = 0.046), and for rubidium (p = 0.005), titanium (p = 0.016) and zinc in plasma (p = 0.013). A significant correlation (p < 0.001) was found between boron in plasma and boron in unstimulated basal saliva. ConclusionsThe determination of trace elements in plasma and saliva constitutes a complementary tool for the assessment of metabolic control and for predicting chronic complications associated to type 2 diabetes mellitus. Further studies involving the biomonitoring of trace elements in saliva and plasma are needed.

Evaluation of Plasma Trace Elements in Different Stages of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered as the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Its global prevalence is estimated between 25 and 45%, occurring mainly in overweight individuals with unhealthy dietary habits and low levels of physical activity. Many studies have investigated the association of trace elements with liver diseases, though not with NAFLD. In this work, we investigated trace element levels in plasma of patients and not-patients and their possible association with various stages of the disease. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed for the determination of As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cs, Cu, Fe, Rb, Sr, Tl, and Zn in the plasma of 189 free-living residents of Athens, Greece, either healthy or patients with mild, moderate, or severe NAFLD. The disease was diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound; blood samples were analyzed for total, HDL and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and liver enzymes, namely aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and γ-glutamyltransferase (Gamma-GT); insulin resistance was determined by the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR). Zinc exhibited a statistically significant negative association with the severity of the disease, while cesium showed a statistically significant positive association. Moreover, thallium and iron were inversely associated with insulin levels. Trace element determination in plasma could be useful for establishing relationships with NAFLD status of patients. Further research is required for the verification and interpretation of these findings.

Plasma concentrations of the trace elements copper, zinc and selenium in Brazilian children with autism spectrum disorder

The association between the plasma levels of trace elements, such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se), in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), has attracted the interest of many physicians in the very recent years, because the impaired homeostatic regulation of trace elements, including their levels in the bloodstream and their potential neurotoxicity, contribute to the onset and exacerbation of ASD. In this study, we investigated 23 pediatric subjects (≤ 18 yrs old, both sexes) with ASD, all residents in the city of Campo Grande in Brazil, by searching for their micronutrient levels in plasma in relation with metabolic and nutrition biomarkers. Aside for the few evidence reported, generally, the Brazilian cohort of ASD children here examined did not show a marked difference in micro-nutrient intake in relation with their resident geographical area and their dietary habit or metabolic state, although a slight difference in the levels of magnesium and phosphorus was retrieved due to sex difference.

Trace elements in patients on continuous renal replacement therapy.

Intensive care patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), treated with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) are at great risk for disturbances in plasma levels of trace elements due to the underlying illness, AKI, and dialysis. This study was performed to increase our knowledge regarding eight different trace elements during CRRT. Thirty one stable patients with AKI, treated with CRRT, were included in the study. Blood, plasma and effluent samples were taken at the start of the study and 36±12h later. A group of 48 healthy volunteers were included as controls and exposed to one fasting blood sample. Samples were analysed for trace elements (Cr, Cu, Mn, Co, Zn, Rb, Mo, Se) and standard blood chemistry. Blood and plasma levels of selenium and rubidium were significantly reduced while the levels of chromium, cobalt, and molybdenum were significantly increased in the study group vs. healthy volunteers. There was an uptake of chromium, manganese, and zinc. Molybdenum mass balance was around zero. For selenium, copper, and rubidium there were a marked loss. The low levels of selenium and rubidium in blood and plasma from CRRT patients, together with the loss via CRRT effluent, raises the possibility of the need for selenium supplementation in this group of patients, despite the unchanged levels during the short study period. Further investigations on the effect of additional administration of trace elements to CRRT patients would be of interest.

TRACE ELEMENTS IN PLASMA AND NUTRITIONAL ASSESSMENT IN PATIENTS WITH COMPENSATED CIRRHOSIS ON A LIVER TRANSPLANT LIST.

- In chronic liver disease, trace element levels in plasma are usually low. However, the specific cause and functional implications of this abnormality are yet not well understood. These element levels may decrease as a result of abnormal liver function in patients with cirrhosis and/or malnutrition. - To evaluate the nutritional status and the profile of trace elements in plasma of patients with cirrhosis on a liver transplant list and to correlate them with disease severity. - This cross-sectional study evaluated 31 male patients diagnosed with compensated liver cirrhosis on a waiting list for liver transplant. Nutritional status was objectively evaluated through anthropometry using Mendenhall score and Blackburn classification, subjectively through the Detsky questionnaire and severity of the disease by MELD and CTP score. Trace elements (Zn, Se, Cu, Ca, Fe, Mg and Mn) in plasma were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney test. - According to the nutritional assessment 19 (61.3%) were malnourished and 12 (38.7%) were overweight. Regarding disease severity 12 (39%) were classified as Child A, 17 (55%), Child B and 2 (6%) Child C, with 46.9% of patients with MELD score >17. The trace element analysis indicated that 31 (100%) had Mn levels above the reference range, 23 (74.2%) low levels of Cu, 29 (93.5%) with deficiency of Se, and 31 (100%) low levels of Ca and Mg. Disease severity did not show statistical difference between the studied trace elements, in contrast to the nutritional status, in which the malnourished group showed higher levels of Mn (P=0.01) and Fe (P=0.01) and low levels of Zn (P=0.03) when compared to the overweight group. - The results showed that the trace elements in plasma are altered in chronic liver disease; without significant correlation to disease severity, but correlated to nutritional status. Malnutrition is present in the patients studied, nonetheless a new scenario with an increase in the prevalence of overweight was verified regardless of the degree of hepatic decompensation.

Plasma levels of trace elements and exercise induced stress hormones in well-trained athletes

This study analyzed the variation and relationship of several trace elements, metabolic substrates and stress hormones activated by exercise during incremental exercise. Seventeen well-trained endurance athletes performed a cycle ergometer test: after a warm-up of 10min at 2.0Wkg−1, the workload was increased by 0.5Wkg−1 every 10min until exhaustion. Prior diet, activity patterns, and levels of exercise training were controlled, and tests timed to minimize variations due to the circadian rhythm. Oxygen uptake, blood lactate concentration, plasma ions (Zn, Se, Mn and Co), serum glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and several hormones were measured at rest, at the end of each stage and 3, 5 and 7min post-exercise. Urine specific gravity was measured before and after the test, and participants drank water ad libitum.Significant differences were found in plasma Zn and Se levels as a function of exercise intensity. Zn was significantly correlated with epinephrine, norepinephrine and cortisol (r=0.884, P<0.01; r=0.871, P<0.01; and r=0.808, P=0.05); and Se showed significant positive correlations whit epinephrine and cortisol (r=0.743, P<0.05; and r=0.776, P<0.05). Neither Zn nor Se levels were associated with insulin or glucagon, and neither Mn nor Co levels were associated with any of the hormones or substrate metabolites studied. Further, while Zn levels were found to be associated only with lactate, plasma Se was significantly correlated with lactate and glucose (respectively for Zn: r=0.891, P<0.01; and for Se: r=0.743, P<0.05; r=0.831, P<0.05).In conclusion, our data suggest that there is a positive correlation between the increases in plasma Zn or Se and stress hormones variations induced by exercise along different submaximal intensities in well-hydrated well-trained endurance athletes.

Trace elements as predictors of preeclampsia in type 1 diabetic pregnancy

Preeclampsia (PE) affects approximately 5% of all pregnancies, but is increased several-fold in women with pre-gestational type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Increased oxidative stress and altered maternal plasma trace elements that modulate the antioxidant system have been implicated in PE. In non-diabetic women, increased plasma copper and iron and decreased manganese, selenium, and zinc have been associated with PE in cross-sectional studies. In a longitudinal study, we hypothesized that plasma levels of trace elements differ between T1DM women with vs. without subsequent PE. Samples were collected during the first (gestation 12.2 ± 1.9 weeks, [mean ± SD]), second (21.6 ± 1.5 weeks), and third (31.5 ± 1.7 weeks) trimesters of pregnancy, all before the onset of PE. We compared 23 T1DM women who subsequently developed PE with 24 T1DM women who remained normotensive; and we included 19 non-diabetic (non-DM) normotensive pregnant women as reference controls. Trace elements were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. In T1DM women with subsequent PE vs normotensive, only plasma zinc was significantly higher at the first trimester, while copper:zinc and copper:high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratios were higher throughout gestation (all P < .05). These findings persisted after adjustment for covariates. Higher copper:zinc ratios may contribute to oxidative stress in T1DM women who develop PE. Ratios of pro- to anti-oxidant factors may predict risk for PE in diabetic pregnancies more effectively than individual trace element levels.

Effects of 85 dB Noise Exposure on Macro and Trace Element Levels in Plasma and Brain Areas of Rats

In this study, our hypothesis was that workplace noise can alter brain element levels like immobilization and light-dark cycle shift, and we aimed to investigate the effects of workplace noise on element levels of brain areas as well as changes in blood of chronically noise-exposed rats. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into three groups. The first group was the control. The second group (noise exposed) was subjected to daily 8 h 85 dB workplace noise for 15 days, and the third group (noise exposed plus normal condition) was also subjected to the same noise exposure and then returned to normal condition for 15 days. In noise-exposed group, Na, K, Ca, Mg , Fe, Cu, and Zn levels in plasma significantly increased when compared with controls (p = 0.03 for Na; p = 0.005 for K and Mg; p = 0.002 for Ca and Fe; p = 0.01 for Cu and Zn). In this group, Fe level of temporal lobe significantly increased (p = 0.021) while Mg level significantly increased in frontal (p = 0.021) and temporal (p = 0.001) lobes when compared with controls. In the noise-exposed plus normal condition group, plasma Na, K, Fe, Cu, and Zn levels were greatly similar to controls. But, plasma Ca and Mg levels significantly decreased when compared with controls (p = 0.002 and p = 0.007) and noise-exposed group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001). Fe level of temporal lobe significantly increased when compared with controls (p = 0.001) and noise exposed group (p = 0.001). These alterations may be attributed to impaired intake of water and micronutrients or their excretions, emerging by acoustic stress.

Mineral changes in pregnant women in Nnewi, Anambra State

Objectives : To investigate the plasma levels of trace elements (zinc, copper magnesium and selenium) in pregnant women and their changes in various stages of pregnancy. Subjects and Methods : A total of 66 apparently healthy pregnant women aged between 19-38years were enrolled for the study. The objectives of the study were explained to all participants and their informed consent obtained. Plasma levels of zinc, copper, magnesium and selenium were evaluated at different gestational ages (20 in the first trimester, 26 in the second trimester and 20 in the third trimesters of pregnancy). Ten out of the twenty subjects that were enrolled in the first trimester were followed up in their third trimester. Also, 10 out of the 26 subjects that were enrolled in the second were followed up in their third trimester, and their results were compared with that of a control group of 35 non pregnant women of similar age who were not on oral contraceptives. Data were analysed using the student t test and by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Result : The levels of magnesium, copper, and zinc were significantly lower in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women (0.79 ±0.02 vs 0.95 ± 0.01(mmol/l), 16.30 ± 0.40 vs 18.78 ± 0.14, and 17.72 ±0.65 vs 21.02 ± 0.34 (umol/l), respectively p (8.68 ±0.38 vs 6.38 ±0.15 umol/l) was observed in the pregnant women than in the control groups. Conclusion : The result showed that mineral decrease (a reduced mineral level) occurs in pregnant women in Nnewi and could affect pregnancy outcome

Plasma trace elements levels are not altered by submaximal exercise intensities in well-trained endurance euhydrated athletes

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of relative exercise intensity on various plasma trace elements in euhydrated endurance athletes. Twenty-seven well-trained endurance athletes performed a cycloergometer test: after a warm-up of 10 min at 2.0 W kg −1, workload increased by 0.5 W kg −1 every 10 min until exhaustion. Oxygen uptake, blood lactate concentration ([La −] b), and plasma ions (Zn, Se, Mn and Co) were measured at rest, at the end of each stage, and 3, 5 and 7 min post-exercise. Urine specific gravity ( U SG) was measured before and after the test, and subjects drank water ad libitum. Fat oxidation (FAT OXR), carbohydrate oxidation (CHO OXR), energy expenditure from fat (EE FAT), from carbohydrates (EE CHO) and total EE (EE T) were estimated using stoichiometric equations. A repeated measure (ANOVA) was used to compare plasma ion levels at each exercise intensity level. The significance level was set at P < 0.05. No significant differences were found in U SG between, before, and after the test (1.014 ± 0.004 vs. 1.014 ± 0.004 g cm −3) or in any plasma ion level as a function of intensity. There were weak significant correlations of Zn ( r = 0.332, P < 0.001) and Se ( r = 0.242, P < 0.01) with [La −] b, but no relationships were established between [La −] b, VO 2, FAT OXR, CHO OXR, EE FAT, EE CHO, or EE T and plasma ion levels. Acute exercise at different submaximal intensities in euhydrated well-trained endurance athletes does not provoke a change in plasma trace element levels, suggesting that plasma volume plays an important role in the homeostasis of these elements during exercise.

Plasma Levels of Trace Elements Have an Implication on Interferon Treatment of Children with Chronic Hepatitis B Infection

This study evaluated the plasma levels of trace elements in children with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and assessed whether they can be a factor that affects the response to interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) treatment. The study included 35 cases (ten girls, 25 boys) aged 3-13 years with chronic HBV infection and the control group. Plasma levels of copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) were measured before IFN-alpha treatment and biochemical, virological, and histopathologic response to treatment were assessed. Children were followed for at least 15 months. Although plasma Cu levels showed no difference between the groups, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn levels were significantly lower in the study group before treatment. Fourteen cases (40%) showed biochemical response; 17 (48.6%) showed virological response; 16 (47.6%) showed histopathologic response, and ten (28.6%) showed response according to all three parameters. Plasma Cu and Mn levels of patients with triple response showed no difference; but Mo, Se, and Zn levels were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in the study group. No difference was observed between responders and nonresponders (p > 0.05). Plasma levels of Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn are lower in children with chronic HBV infection compared to healthy children. The pretreatment levels of these elements did not show difference between responders and nonresponders to IFN-alpha.

Evaluation of Antioxidant Levels and Trace Element Status in Nigerian Sickle Cell Disease Patients with Plasmodium Parasitaemia

Homozygous sickle cell disease (genotype HbSS) confers a certain degree of protection to human (especially Africans) Plasmodium falciparum malaria, yet the precise mechanism remains unknown. Recent observations suggest that the mechanism might also involve immune and non-immune components. In this study, the plasma levels of trace elements (Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr, Cd and Se) and antioxidants (urea, albumin and total antioxidants) were determined in Nigerians with sickle cell disease with (HbSS+M), or without (HbSS-M) Plasmodium parasitaemia, haemoglobin AA with Plasmodium parasitaemia (HbAA+M) compared with those having haemoglobin AA without Plasmodium parasitaemia (HbAA-M) using spectrophotometric method. The mean level of urea was significantly higher while the total antioxidants (TAS), Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Se and albumin were not significantly different in HbAA+M subjects when compared with HbAA-M subjects. In HbSS-M subjects, the levels of Fe, Zn, Mn and TAS were significantly lower while the level of urea was significantly higher when compared with HbSS+M subjects. There were no significant differences in the values of Mg, Cu, Cd, Se and albumin in HbSS-M subjects when compared with HbAA-M. In HbSS+M subjects, significantly lower levels of Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Se, total antioxidants, but significantly higher level of urea were observed when compared with the HbAA-M subjects. The result of this study revealed an aggravating effect of Plasmodium parasitaemia on deranged levels of trace elements in Nigerians with sickle cell disease.

Evaluation of human hair as a possible surrogate of whole blood and plasma to diagnose deficiency to essential elements and exposure to toxic elements

The appropriate selection andmeasurement of biomarkers of internal dose is of critical importance. In the present study,we evaluated the relationship between trace element levels in hair with those levels in whole blood or plasma in a Brazilian population. Then, hair, blood and plasma were collected from 280 adult volunteers for metals determination. For sample analysis an ICP-MSwas used. Manganese, copper, lead and strontium levels in blood varied from 5.1 to 14.7, from 494.8 to 2383.8, from 5.9 to 330.1 and from 11.6 to 87.3 g/L, respectively. Corresponding levels in hair varied from 0.05 to 6.71, from 0.02 to 37.59, from 0.02 to 30.63 and from 0.9 to 12.6 g/g. Trace element levels in plasma varied from 0.07 to 8.62, from 118.2 to 1577.7 and from 2.31 to 34.2 g/L for Mn, Cu and Sr, respectively. There was a weak association (r=0.22, p<0.001) between lead levels in hair with those levels in blood. Moreover, copper and strontium levels in blood correlate with those levels in plasma (r=0.64, p<0.001 for Cu) and (r=0.22, p<0.05 for Sr). However, for Cu,Mn and Sr therewas no correlation between hair levels with levels in blood. Our findings suggest that while the idea of measuring trace elements in hair is attractive, hair is not an appropriate biomarker to evaluate deficiency to the essential elements Cu, Mn and Sr or the exposure to Pb.

Evaluation of the use of human hair for biomonitoring the deficiency of essential and exposure to toxic elements

Monitoring the nutritional status of essential elements and assessing exposure of individuals to toxic elements is of great importance for human health. Thus, the appropriate selection and measurement of biomarkers of internal dose is of critical importance. Due to their many advantages, hair samples have been widely used to assess human exposure to different contaminants. However, the validity of this biomarker in evaluating the level of trace elements in the human body is debatable. In the present study, we evaluated the relationship between levels of trace elements in hair and whole blood or plasma in a Brazilian population. Hair, blood and plasma were collected from 280 adult volunteers for metal determination. An ICP-MS was used for sample analysis. Manganese, copper, lead and strontium levels in blood varied from 5.1 to 14.7, from 494.8 to 2383.8, from 5.9 to 330.1 and from 11.6 to 87.3 μg/L, respectively. Corresponding levels in hair varied from 0.05 to 6.71, from 0.02 to 37.59, from 0.02 to 30.63 and from 0.9 to 12.6 μg/g. Trace element levels in plasma varied from 0.07 to 8.62, from 118.2 to 1577.7 and from 2.31 to 34.2 μg/L for Mn, Cu and Sr, respectively. There was a weak correlation ( r = 0.22, p < 0.001) between lead levels in hair and blood. Moreover, copper and strontium levels in blood correlate with those levels in plasma ( r = 0.64 , p < 0.001 for Cu) and ( r = 0.22, p < 0.05 for Sr). However, for Cu, Mn and Sr there was no correlation between levels in hair and blood. Our findings suggest that while the idea of measuring trace elements in hair is attractive, hair is not an appropriate biomarker for evaluating Cu, Mn and Sr deficiency or Pb exposure.

Plasma and erythrocytes antioxidant status and trace element levels in proteinuric patients with moderate glomerular function

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of moderate glomerular dysfunction on oxidative stress. We determined the plasma and erythrocyte malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as a marker of lipid peroxidation, erythrocyte glutathione (GSH) levels and activities of GSH-Px, GSH Red and SOD as an antioxidant enzymes, and plasma trace element levels containing Fe, Cu and Zn in twenty proteinuric patients (6.8 ± 5.1 g/day) with moderate glomerular function and in 20 anemic control subjects. We found that the erythrocyte and plasma MDA levels and erythrocyte GSH-Px activities were significantly higher (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) and the erythrocyte GSH levels and activities of GSH-Red and SOD activities were significantly lower (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) in the patients than in the anemic subjects. Plasma Fe and Zn levels were not to be found significantly different in the patients compared to the anemic subjects. But plasma Cu levels were significantly higher in the patients (p < 0.05) when compared with the levels of anemic subjects. This study was concluded that cellular antioxidant activity decreases in proteinuric patients with moderate glomerular function. This may increase lipid peroxidation reactions by causing oxidative stress in erythrocyte membranes.