Plasma Zn Levels Research Articles

Zinc in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In the last 35 years, zinc (Zn) has been examined for its potential role in the disease multiple sclerosis (MS). This review gives an overview of the possible role of Zn in the pathogenesis of MS as well as a meta-analysis of studies having measured Zn in serum or plasma in patients with MS. Searching the databases PubMed and EMBASE as well as going through reference lists in included articles 24 studies were found measuring Zn in patients with MS. Of these, 13 met inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The result of the meta-analysis shows a reduction in serum or plasma Zn levels in patients with MS with a 95% CI of [−3.66, −0.93] and a p value of .001 for the difference in Zn concentration in μM. One of six studies measuring cerebrospinal fluid, Zn levels found a significant increase in patients with MS with controls. The studies measuring whole blood and erythrocyte Zn levels found up to several times higher levels of Zn in patients with MS compared with healthy controls with decreasing levels during attacks in relapsing-remitting MS patients. Future studies measuring serum or plasma Zn are encouraged to analyze their data through homogenous MS patient subgroups on especially age, sex, and disease subtype since the difference in serum or plasma Zn in these subgroups have been found to be significantly different. It is hypothesized that local alterations of Zn may be actively involved in the pathogenesis of MS.

Iron and Zinc Status in Thai Lactating Women and the Concentrations in Their Breast Milk During the First 6 Months of Lactation

BackgroundBreast milk is the gold standard of infant feeding especially during the first 6 months of life. Nutritional status and dietary intake of lactating women may affect breast milk concentration of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn).ObjectiveTo assess the status of Fe and Zn as well as their concentrations in breast milk of lactating women during the first 6 months of lactation, and to determine factors associated with Fe and Zn status in breast milk of lactating women.DesignThis was a longitudinal study over a 6‐month period. Lactating women were enrolled when visiting a well child clinic at Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital. Maternal intakes of dietary Fe and Zn, anthropometry, and breast milk Fe and Zn concentrations were determined at 2, 4 and 6 months of lactation. Complete blood count, Fe status using serum ferritin, and plasma Zn levels of the women were analyzed at 6 months of lactation.ResultsThere were 63 lactating women. The prevalence of Fe depletion (serum ferritin <12 ug/dL), Fe deficiency anemia (Hb <110 g/L) and Zn deficiency (plasma Zn <10.7 umol/L) were 4.8%, 3.2%, and 17.5%, respectively. The medians of dietary Fe and Zn intakes at 6 months were 8.67 and 5.04 mg, respectively. At 2, 4, and 6 months of lactation, the median levels of Fe in breast milk were 0.16, 0.13, and 0.13 mcg/L, while Zn levels were 1.1, 0.72, and 0.54 mcg/L, respectively. Breast milk Fe and Zn levels were significantly different between each period of lactation. At 6 months, Fe status was positively correlated with dietary Fe intake (b=0.515, p=0.018) and Fe levels in breast milk were inversely correlated with plasma Zn levels (b=−0.101, p=0.01).ConclusionThere were deficiencies of Fe and Zn during the first 6 months of lactation.Breast milk Fe and Zn concentrations were decreased during the lactation period. Nutrients in breast milk were affected by maternal nutritional status. Appropriate dietary intakes of lactating mothers should be advised and monitored.

Effect of Vitamin E Supplementation on Copper and Zinc Levels in Plasma and Arsenic Level in Hair and Hoof of Arsenic Exposed Goats

The aim of the present experiment was to investigate effect of vitamin E supplementation on level of Cu and Zn in plasma and that of arsenic in hair and hoof in arsenic exposed goats. Twenty four crossbred lactating goats were randomly distributed into 4 groups of 6 animals each. All the animals including control group were fed basal ration to meet the requirement. The animals in groups T1, T2 and T3 were given arsenic @ 50 mg/kg DM while those in groups T2 and T3 were additionally supplemented with vitamin E @100 IU and 150 IU/kg DM, respectively. The experiment lasted for 12 months. In all the groups, Zn decreased at the end of experiment while plasma Cu level was not affected. Plasma vitamin E level also decreased (P<0.05) in all treated groups and vitamin E supplementation in higher doses showed lower declining trend (12.23%) compared to its lower dose (14.05%). In all supplemented groups, plasma As level increased (P<0.05) and vitamin E in higher doses showed comparatively less increase in plasma As level. Concentration of As in hair and hoof increased (P<0.05) in all supplemented groups and vitamin E at higher doses reduced deposition of As. So, As exposure resulted in reduction in plasma Zn and plasma vitamin E level and increased retention of As in blood, hair and hoof in goats. Whereas, vitamin E supplementation @ 100–150 IU/kg DM reduced arsenic retention and resisted the decline in plasma Zn level.

Variations in plasma biotin and mineral concentrations due to zinc-biotin supplementation in lame Karan Fries cows during peri-parturient period

Nutritional programme of pregnant cows have a significant effect on occurrence of lameness in later lactation. Highly productive lactating cows have much greater needs for minerals and vitamins. Blood biotin and zinc, that are important nutrients in the formation and integrity of the keratinized tissues, often decreases around calving and extra supplementation is recommended, particularly in lame cows during peri-parturient period . The present study was carried out on 40 high yielding lame crossbred KF cows maintained at Livestock Research Centre (LRC), NDRI Karnal, which were distributed into control and three treatment groups and supplemented with 10, 20 and 30 mg/d biotin and 2g of ZnSO&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt; during periparturient period. The results of the study suggested that, transition diet with biotin and Zn supplementation significantly increased the concentrations of plasma biotin and Zn levels in supplemental groups compare to control. The overall biotin values were 344.23±11.38, 637.42±24.78, 672.75±29.40 and 709.01±22.77 ng/L and Zn values were 0.40±0.01, 1.12±0.05, 1.22±0.05 and 1.18±0.05 ppm in control, T-1, T-2 and T-3 groups respectively. Thus, by feeding supplemental nutrients (biotin and zinc) lameness can be minimize in high yielding dairy cows during peri-parturient period.

Effect of dietary zinc level on growth, enzyme activity and body trace elements of hybrid tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus × O. aureus, fed soya bean meal-based diets

A feeding experiment was conducted to determine the dietary zinc (Zn) requirement of hybrid tilapia fed on a diet with soya bean meal as the sole protein source. The quantity of phytic acid in the experimental diet was 15.5 g kg−1. Juvenile hybrid tilapia were fed on diets containing 31–227 mg Zn kg−1 in triplicates for 6 weeks. Haematology of the fish was not affected by various dietary Zn levels. Fish fed on a diet containing 31 mg kg−1 endogenous Zn showed the lowest growth rates, feed utilization, and body and plasma Zn levels. Weight gain (WG), plasma Zn level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased when a higher quantity of dietary Zn of 127 mg kg−1 was administered to the experimental fish. Beyond this level, the values of these parameters were relatively stable. On the other hand, within the dietary Zn range tested, whole-body Zn and ash increased with higher dietary Zn levels. Analysis using a broken-line model showed that the dietary Zn requirements of hybrid tilapia fed on soya bean meal-based diets containing 15.5 g kg−1 endogenous phytic acid were 115, 115 and 105 mg kg−1 based on WG, whole-body Zn retention and plasma Zn level, respectively.

Zinc Absorption from Fortified Milk Powder in Adolescent Girls.

Zinc (Zn) is essential for development, growth, and reproduction. The Mexican government subsidizes micronutrient-fortified milk for risk groups, with positive effect on the targeted groups' plasma Zn level, inferring a good absorption is achieved although it has not being measured. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of micronutrient-fortified milk intake during 27days on Zn absorption in adolescent girls from northwest Mexico. Therefore, Zn absorption was evaluated in 14 healthy adolescent girls (14.1years old) with adequate plasma Zn levels, before and after 27days of fortified Zn milk intake. Fractional Zn absorption (FZA) was calculated from urinary ratios of stable isotopic Zn tracers administered orally and intravenously on days 0 and 27, and total absorbed Zn (TZA) was calculated. At the beginning, Zn intake was 6.8 ± 0.85mg/d (mean ± SE), and 50% of the adolescent girls did not achieve their requirement (7.3mg/d). Additionally, FZA was negatively correlated with Zn intake (r =-0.61, p = 0.02), while TZA (1.06mg/d) was insufficient to cover the physiologic requirements of adolescent girls (3.02mg/d). At the end of the intervention, all the girls reached the Zn intake recommendation and TZA, 3.09mg/d, which was enough to meet the physiological requirement for 57% of the adolescent girls. Therefore, the low Zn intake and the Zn status of adolescent girls were positively impacted by Zn-fortified milk intake and its good absorption rate.

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.

Alcohol Use and Zinc Status in HIV+ Adults in Miami, Florida

Objective:Zinc (Zn) deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in HIV, and is not reversed with ART. Zn deficiency affects the immune system and may be aggravated by excessive alcohol use. We examined the effect of alcohol consumption on plasma and dietary Zn, and its association with disease progression in HIV+ adults.Methods:After consenting, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score 蠅8 was used to identify excessive alcohol intake among 274 HIV+ adults. Nutrient intake was estimated with two 24‐hour dietary recalls; blood was drawn for plasma Zn levels, and parameters of HIV disease progression were obtained from medical charts.Results:Mean age was 45.9±7.8, 64% were male, 69% were Black, 43% had excessive alcohol drinking, 65% were Zn deficient, 40% used multivitamins with 15 mg Zn/day. CD4 cell count was lower in excessive alcohol drinkers compared to non‐drinkers or moderate drinkers (374.8±54.1 vs. 459.2±62.6 cells/mm3, P=0.029). CD4 cell count and viral load were better in non‐drinkers and moderate drinkers (β=0.2, SE=1.7, P=0.03 and β=‐0.18, SE=0.22, P=0.049, respectively) than in excessive drinkers. There was no relationship between excessive drinking and Zn deficiency. Excessive drinking was correlated with tobacco (r=0.24, P&lt;0.001) and illicit drug use (r=0.25, P&lt;0.001). Zn intake was correlated with energy (r=0.491, P&lt;0.001) and protein (r=0.718, P&lt;0.001) intake, but not with plasma levels of Zn.ConclusionModerate or no alcohol consumption is associated with better measures of HIV disease progression than excessive drinking, but is not associated with Zn deficiency.Funded by NIDA &amp; NIAAA

Therapeutic effects of transdermal systems containing zinc-related materials on thermal burn rats.

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of slow zinc (Zn) release from β-tricalcium phosphate powder (ZnTCP) containing 10 mol% Zn on rats with thermal burns. The first-aid tapes were contained zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) solution, ZnTCP suspensions or zinc oxide ointment. After thermal burn treatments were performed on Zn-deficient rats, the groups D1, D2 and D3 were treated with tapes containing ZnTCP, ZnSO4 and zinc oxide ointment. The effects of the tapes on wound area, plasma Zn levels and alkaline phosphatase activity (Alp) were investigated. The wound area profiles of all rat groups could be separated into before and after the scab formation at around day 6. The area under the curve (Aw-AUC) for wound area profiles, therefore, was evaluated as an index of therapeutic scores for the thermal wound. The order of Aw-AUC was D3>C>D2>D1. The degree of expansion at the initial stage by thermal burns of group D1 was the lowest and that of group D2 was the highest, and the order was D1<D3<C<D2. ZnTCP treatment could control the initial inflammation caused by thermal burns.

Plasma micronutrients status and gonadotrophin hormone profiles during peripubertal period in female Black Bengal goat

The aim of the study was to address the micronutrients’ status and hormonal profiles and their relationships during the sexual maturity in Indian prolific Black Bengal goats. Female Black Bengal kids (12) were selected at day 1 of age and subjected to the weekly blood samplings from the day 1 age up to 8 weeks post puberty. Live body weight was recorded weekly. The occurrence of estrus was checked by a teaser buck, followed by transrectal ultrasonographic (USG) examination on 10th day post puberty. Plasma samples harvested from the blood samples were assayed for progesterone to detect luteal function and confirm the timing of puberty onset. The female Black Bengal goats attained puberty at an average age of 25.47±3.84 weeks with a mean body weight of 7.93±0.87 kg. The plasma samples were further utilized for estimating zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Plasma Zn, Fe and FSH levels increased during the months preceding puberty onset. Plasma Cu and Mn levels remained higher during the month of puberty. The significant correlations of body weight with plasma FSH, LH, Cu, Zn and Mn levels and between micronutrients and gonadotrophin hormones before puberty onset might have important functions of micronutrients and gonadotrophin hormones for bringing about puberty onset in prolific Black Bengal goats.

Redistribution of tissue zinc pools during lactation and dyshomeostasis during marginal zinc deficiency in mice

Zinc (Zn) requirements are increased during lactation. Increased demand is partially met through increased Zn absorption from the diet. It is estimated that 60–80% of women of reproductive age are at risk for Zn deficiency due to low intake of bioavailable Zn and increased demands during pregnancy and lactation. How Zn is redistributed within the body to meet the demands of lactation, and how Zn deficiency affects this process, is not understood. Female C57bl/6J mice were fed a control (ZA; 30mg Zn/kg) or a marginally Zn deficient (ZD; 15mg Zn/kg) diet for 30 days prior to mating through mid-lactation and compared with nulliparous mice fed the same diets. While stomach and plasma Zn concentration increased during lactation in mice fed ZA, mice fed ZD had lower stomach Zn concentration and abrogated plasma Zn levels during lactation. Additionally, femur Zn decreased during lactation in mice fed ZA, while mice fed ZD did not experience this decrease. Furthermore, red blood cell, pancreas, muscle and mammary gland Zn concentration increased, and liver and adrenal gland Zn decreased during lactation, independent of diet, while kidney Zn concentration increased only in mice fed ZD. Finally, maternal Zn deficiency significantly increased the liver Zn concentration in offspring but decreased weight gain and survival. This study provides novel insight into how Zn is redistributed to meet the increased metabolic demands of lactation and how marginal Zn deficiency interferes with these homeostatic adjustments.

Effect of additional vitaminEand zinc supplementation on immunological changes in peripartumSahiwal cows

This study was conducted to exploit ameliorative effect of additional vitamin E and/or zinc supplementation on immune response of peripartum Sahiwal cows. Thirty-two pregnant dry Sahiwal cows were blocked into four treatment groups (n = 8), namely control, zinc (Zn), vitamin E (Vit E) and zinc + vitamin E (Zn + Vit E). Feeding regimen was same in all the groups except that the Sahiwal cows in the zinc-, vitamin E- and zinc + vitamin E-fed groups were additionally supplemented with 60 mg Zn/kg DM, 1000 IU vitamin E and 60 mg/kg + 1000 IU Zn + vitamin E, respectively, from day 60 pre-partum to day 90 post-partum. Blood samples were collected on days -60, -45, -30, -15, -7, -3, 0, 3, 7, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 with respect to day of parturition and analysed for total immunoglobulin (TIG), immunoglobulin G (IgG), interleukin-2 (IL-2), vitamin E (Vit E) and zinc (Zn) status. Before calving, cows showed a decrease in plasma TIG, IgG, IL-2, Vit E and Zn levels. However, increased levels of plasma TIG, IgG, IL-2, Vit E and Zn were observed after calving. After calving, Sahiwal cows supplemented with Zn + Vit E had higher plasma TIG, IgG and IL-2 in comparison with cows of control and Zn + Vit E-fed groups. In the present study, plasma vitamin E level was higher in Vit E-fed and Zn + Vit E-fed cows; however, zinc level was higher in Zn- and Zn + Vit E-supplemented cows. In conclusion, a reduced immune response during peripartum period in Sahiwal cows was ameliorated by dietary vitamin E and zinc supplementation.

Protective effects of oyster extract against hepatic tissue injury in alcoholic liver diseases

Oyster extract is an effective bioactivity component. It has abundant nutritional value and antiviral, antitumor and immune defense functions. The role of oyster extract in treating liver injury has been paid more attention. We use Wistar rats to make alcoholic liver disease model through injecting alcohol into rats’ stomachs. These rats were randomly divided into five groups: model group, control group, low-dose, middle-dose and high-dose experimental group with a dose of 0.12 g kg−1, 0.40 g kg−1, and 1.20 g kg−1 alcoholic. After nine weeks, serum biomarkers (ALT, AST, TG and TCHO), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), C3a, C5a, IL-17, TNF-α, anti-MAA-HAS IgG, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, NK cell activation and zinc content were assessed. The results showed that the serum biomarkers(ALT, AST, TG and TCHO), MDA content, anti-MAA-HSA IgG, serum C3a, C5a IL-17 and TNF-α levels of oyster extract treatment groups were significantly decreased in comparison with model group. On the contrary, GSH showed adverse trend. Serum CD3+, CD4+ and NK cell activation were significantly increased in middle-dose group and high-dose group compared with model group, and there was decrease of CD8+ activity in high-dose group. Plasma Zn level was decreased in model group compared with that in control group. Meanwhile, Mean plasma Zn levels increased dramatically following the dose increase of a given oyster extract.

Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of zinc-enriched yeast in rats.

Zinc-enriched yeast (ZnY) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) are considered zinc (Zn) supplements currently available. The purpose of the investigation was to compare and evaluate pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of ZnY and ZnSO4 in rats. ZnY or ZnSO4 were orally administered to rats at a single dose of 4 mg Zn/kg and Zn levels in plasma and various tissues were determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Maximum plasma concentration values were 3.87 and 2.81 μg/mL for ZnY and ZnSO4, respectively. Both ZnY and ZnSO4 were slowly eliminated with a half-life of over 7 h and bone had the highest Zn level in all tissues. Compared to ZnSO4, the relative bioavailability of ZnY was 138.4%, indicating that ZnY had a significantly higher bioavailability than ZnSO4.

Effect of vitamin E and zinc on cellular antioxidant enzymes in Karan Fries cows during transition period

The present study was conducted to explore the effect of vitamin E and zinc on oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes during transition period in Karan Fries cows. Sixteen crossbred Karan Fries cows with confirmed pregnancy were selected two months before expected date of calving. The cross bred cows were randomly distributed in to two groups: eight cows were kept as control and eight cows were supplemented with vitamin E @ 1000 IU and zinc @ 60 ppm. Vitamin E and zinc supplementation was started from two months prepartum to two months postpartum. Blood samples were collected on the days -60, -45, -30, -15, -7, 0, + 7, + 15, + 30, + 45 and + 60 with respect to expected date of calving and plasma was separated. The plasma samples were analyzed for antioxidant enzymes (Superoxide dismutase, Catalase and Glutathione peroxidase), minerals (Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) and vitamins (E & A). The activity of plasma superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly lower (P< 0.001) in treatment as compared to control cows (139.16± 0.87 vs. 146.98± 1.87 units/L; 23.06± 1.89 vs. 25.14± 1.85 nmol/min/ml and 78.43± 6.35 vs. 79.01± 4.90 nmol/min/ml, respectively). Plasma vitamin E and A were significantly (P< 0.001) higher in treatment group than control group (2.60± 0.05 vs. 2.38± 0.06 and 0.83± 0.01 vs. 0.79± 0.01 μg/ml, respectively). Plasma vitamin E decreases towards calving and this decrease was more significant (P< 0.001) from 30 days before calving to the day of calving in control group than treatment group. Plasma Zn was significantly (P< 0.001) higher in treatment group than control group (1.68± 0.03 vs. 1.52± 0.03). Plasma Zn level decreased at the time of parturition, this decrease was more significant (P< 0.001) from 7 days before calving to the day of calving in control group as compared to treatment group. Plasma copper, iron and manganese did not vary significantly in control and treatment group. The results of this study indicated that supplementations of antioxidants like vitamin E and zinc have beneficial effects in improving the antioxidant activity and decrease oxidative stress to animals.

Effect of zinc and selenium supplementation on antioxidative status of seminal plasma and testosterone, T4 and T3 level in goat blood serum

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) on antioxidative status and testosterone, T4 and T3 levels in 12 bucks aged between 2 and 4 years, weighing 25–35 kg. The experimental animals were divided in control and test groups containing six animals each. The animals of the control group were not given any supplementation, whereas test group were given supplementation of Zn and Se in the form of 150-ppm zinc sulphate and 0.50-ppm sodium selenite, respectively, for 105 days. Zn and Se levels in serum and seminal plasma, testosterone, T4 and T3 levels in serum and antioxidative status of seminal plasma were estimated at 0, 60, 75, 90 and 105 days of the experiment. After 60 days of supplementation, concentration of Zn and Se in seminal plasma and serum increased significantly (P<0.05) as compared to control. After 60 days, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), glutathione reductase (GSHR) and catalase (CAT) activity in seminal plasma of test group increased significantly (P<0.05), whereas lipid peroxidation (LPO) decreased significantly (P<0.05) as compared to control. After 60 days, serum testosterone, T4 and T3 concentration in test group increased significantly (P<0.05) as compared to control. It may be concluded that Zn and Se supplementation can improve the antioxidative status and hormone levels by increasing the Zn and Se level in seminal plasma and serum, respectively.

The dishomeostasis of metal ions plays an important role for the cognitive impartment

Profound synapse loss is one of the major pathological hallmarks associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and might underlie memory impairment. The homeostasis of metal ions plays an important role in health and neurodegenerative disease by influencing cellular biochemical pathways. The disturbance of some metal ions may have cytotoxic effects, which may cause cell death leading to neurodegenerative disorders such as AD. The aim of the present study was to investigate metal concentrations in whole blood from Chinese AD patients with APOE e4 allele carrier. Concentrations of metals (magnesium, calcium, manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, selenium, cadmium, mercury and lead) were determined in whole blood by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in 40 Chinese people with different Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score. Normal APP processing could be restored when magnesium was adjusted back to physiological concentration. Our findings suggest that supplementation of magnesium has a therapeutic potential for preventing AD. We observed that Plasma Mg, Zn and Se levels were found to be significantly lower in patients with AD compared with controls. Furthermore, there is a significant negative correlation between manganese and MMSE score. Whereas other metal ions have no association with MMSE score. These result suggests that dishomeostasis of metal ions may involve in the progress of AD pathology, and elevation of brain magnesium exerts substantial synaptoprotective effects in a mouse model of AD and may have therapeutic potential for treating AD in humans.

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.

Reduced Plasma Zinc Levels, Lipid Peroxidation, and Inflammation Biomarkers Levels in Hemodialysis Patients: Implications to Cardiovascular Mortality

Despite the fact that low plasma zinc (Zn) levels play important roles in the oxidative stress, the relationships between lipid peroxidation and inflammation biomarkers with low plasma Zn levels have not been investigated in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Zn plasma levels, electronegative LDL [LDL(–)] levels, and inflammation markers as predictors of cardiovascular (CV) mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Forty-five HD patients (28 men, 54.2 ± 12.7 years, 62.2 ± 51.4 months on dialysis and BMI 24.3 ± 4.1 kg/m2) were studied and compared to 20 healthy individuals (9 men, 51.6 ± 15.6 years, BMI 25.2 ± 3.9 kg/m2) and followed for 24 months to investigate the risks for CV mortality. LDL(–) levels were measured by ELISA, plasma Zn levels by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, C-reactive protein (CRP) level by immunoturbidimetric method, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels by a multiplex assay kit. HD patients presented low plasma Zn levels (54.9 ± 16.1 μg/dL) and high-LDL(–) (0.18 ± 0.12 U/L) and TNF-α (5.5 ± 2.2 pg/mL) levels when compared to healthy subjects (78.8 ± 9.4μ g/dL, 0.10 ± 0.08U/L, 2.4 ± 1.1 pg/mL, respectively, p < 0.05). Zn plasma levels were negatively correlated to TNF-α (r = –0.49; p = 0.0001) and LDL(–) (r = –0.33; p = 0.008). During the 2 years, 24.4% of the patients died, all due to CV disease. Analysis by the Cox model showed that high CRP, TNF-α, IL-6 levels, and long duration of HD were significant predictors of mortality. In conclusion, reduced Zn levels were associated with lipid peroxidation and inflammation, and we confirm here in a Brazilian cohort of HD patients that inflammation markers are strong predictors of CV death.

Effects of Zinc Supplement on Plasma Homocysteine Level in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients: a Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Increased homocysteine (hCys) level is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular complications in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate effect of zinc (Zn) supplement on serum hCys level in ESRD patients. One hundred ESRD patients with Zn deficiency were enrolled in this double-blind randomized clinical trial. They were randomly subdivided into two groups and supplemented with Zn (Zn group) or placebo (control group) for 6weeks. Fasting plasma hCys and Zn levels were measured before and at 43rd days after the start of the study. Serum Zn levels increased significantly (p < 0.0001), in Zn-treated group in comparison to placebo-treated group. In the Zn-treated group, serum hCys levels reduced significantly (p < 0.0001), compared to placebo group (p > 0.05). There was a significant (p < 0.0001) reduction of mean percentage of hCys in Zn-treated group compared to the placebo group. Our study showed that Zn supplementation decreases serum hCys levels in ESRD patients with Zn deficiency.