Plasma Zn Research Articles

Effects of trace element supplementation on apparent nutrient digestibility and utilisation in grass-fed zebu (Bos indicus) cattle

Trace element deficiencies in cattle are omnipresent, both in developing and industrialised regions. Little information is available on the effect of dietary trace elements on nutrient digestibility and utilisation, in spite of many deficiency-related symptoms suggesting a relevant role, such as loss of appetite in Zn deficiency and severe diarrhoea in Cu deficiency. The present study aimed to identify the early effects of dietary trace elements on nutrient utilisation in grass-fed zebu (Bos indicus) cattle. Adult bulls (n=8) were randomly assigned to a treatment: control or trace element supplementation (Zn, Mn, Cu, Se, I and Co) during 28 days. Grass mineral analysis suggested deficient Cu (5.53–9.60mg/kg) and Se (0.02–0.09mg/kg) concentrations in combination with high S (2577–3855mg/kg) and Mo (1.52–3.12mg/kg) and very high Fe (619–1214mg/kg) concentrations. Supplementation increased plasma Cu (0.82 vs. 0.61mg/l), Zn (1.40 vs. 0.89mg/l), Mn (0.30 vs. 0.05mg/l) and Se (0.07 vs. 0.06mg/l) concentrations (all P<0.05). Faecal Cu, Zn, Mn and Se were also increased (P<0.05), as was faecal Co (P=0.05) concentration in supplemented bulls. On the contrary, trace element supplementation did not affect plasma ceruloplasmin and superoxide dismutase activities (P>0.05). Also, no effects on apparent nutrient (dry matter, ash, protein, fat, and fibre) digestibility, apparent trace element absorption (except for Se and I) or plasma acyl carnitines (indicators of available energy substrates) were observed in this study (all P>0.05). Overall, despite clear improvement in trace element status – notwithstanding high concentrations of Cu antagonists in the grass diet – supplementation did not affect nutrient digestibility or utilisation in grass-fed zebu cattle.

Plasma concentrations of essential trace microminerals and thyroid hormones during single or twin pregnancies in fat-tailed ewes

The aim of this study was to monitor changes in plasma concentrations of essential trace microminerals including: Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Selenium (Se), Iodine (I) and thyroid hormones in single and twin fat-tailed pregnant ewes. Estrus of 150 fat-tailed Afshari ewes was synchronized using CIDR, inserted for 14 days and ewes given 400IU eCG im on the day of CIDR removal. A total number of 40 apparently healthy pregnant sheep (20 single and 20 twin pregnancies), 4–5 years old, weighing 60.19±1.65kg, were randomly selected using sonography. The ewes were assigned in 2 groups: group 1 (ewes carrying single fetus) and group 2 (ewes carrying twin fetuses). The blood samples were collected at days 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 of gestation and analyzed for plasma Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Se, I, T3 and T4 concentrations. Data were analyzed using a restricted maximum likelihood-based, mixed-effects model, and repeat measures analysis. A t-test was used to evaluate the differences between single and twin pregnancy of plasma micromineral levels, T3 and T4 hormones. Results indicated that the concentrations of Mn, Se, I, T3 and T4 were decreased (P<0.05) in plasma from day 90 in single and twin pregnant ewes. However, the level of Cu, Zn and Fe were decreased (P<0.05) during late gestation period. The Plasma Cu, Se and T3 concentrations in single were higher (P<0.05) than twin pregnant ewes on day 150 of pregnancy. Plasma Zn, Mn, I and T4 measured in twin were lower (P<0.05) than single pregnant ewes on all period of gestation. In conclusion, the twin had lower essential trace microminerals and thyroid hormones than single pregnant ewes during pregnancy (Zn, Mn, I, and T4) or late period of gestation (Cu, Se and T3).

Semen quality parameters and selected bio-chemical constituents level in plasma of Lohi rams

The current study was conducted to determine the level of some major biochemical constituents in seminal plasma of Lohi rams, and its correlation with semen physical characteristic. For this purpose six mature healthy rams were selected from the sheep herd maintained at Livestock Production and Research Institute, Bahadurnagar, Okara. All the experimental rams were kept under similar feeding and management conditions. Total 48 semen samples were collected during the breeding season (mid-autumn). Immediately after the collection samples were subjected to quantitative and qualitative sperm parameters. Seminal plasma was separated by centrifugation at 3000×g for 20min and samples were stored at −20°C till the analysis. The mean concentration of Na, K, Mg, Cu, P, Zn, and total protein (TP) in seminal plasma was 222.90mg/dl, 48.21ppm, 10.77mg/dl, 2.22mg/dl, 10.26mg/dl, 0.35ppm and 1.87mg/dl respectively. Statistical analysis of the data showed the significant negative correlation between biochemical constituent (Na, Mg, Cu) and sperm characteristics (ejaculated volume, mass activity, motility percentage, sperm concentration and spermatozoa abnormalities). There was significantly positive correlation between biochemical constituent (Zn, TP, P) and sperm characteristics (ejaculated volume, mass activity, motility percentage and sperm concentration). However they were negatively correlated with sperm abnormalities.

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.

Effect of weaning and in‐feed high doses of zinc oxide on zinc levels in different body compartments of piglets

High doses of Zn are widely used for prevention and treatment of diarrhoea in weaning piglets; however, the mechanism of action of Zn against diarrhoea is still not well understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether weaning induces Zn deficiency in piglets. Eight litters of primiparous sows were selected for the experiment, and 3 piglets presenting similar weights were selected within each litter. Two of the three selected piglets from each litter were weaned at 21d of age and fed two different diets: a commercial control diet (WCt) and the same diet plus 2000 ppm of Zn as ZnO (WZn). The third selected pig from each litter was kept unweaned (Uw) with the sow and the rest of the litter. All 24 selected animals were killed at 28 d of age, and blood, gastrointestinal content, liver, pancreas and spleen were sampled for Zn, Fe and Cu analysis (mg/kg or L of sample). Data were analysed using anova including treatment as a fixed factor. Weaned pigs fed WCt diet presented a lower Zn concentration in plasma than Uw animals (0.76 ± 0.091 vs. 1.10 ± 0.099 mg/L, p = 0.05). Zinc levels in liver, pancreas and spleen were not affected by weaning. Total concentration of Zn was higher in gastrointestinal contents of weaned animals fed WCt diet than in Uw pigs (p ≤ 0.001 for stomach, jejunum, ileum, caecum and colon). Supplementation with high doses of ZnO increased levels of Zn in gastrointestinal content (p < 0.001), liver (p < 0.001) and pancreas (p < 0.001) compared to WCt diet. It also increased plasma Zn to non-deficient levels (1.32 ± 0.086), but the increase was not as marked as in other locations and final concentration was not different than that in Uw animals (p = 0.231). Weaning creates a Zn deficiency situation in weaned pigs as observed by plasma Zn concentrations. ZnO supplementation counteracts Zn deficiency.

Zinc Supplementation Alters Plasma Aluminum and Selenium Status of Patients Undergoing Dialysis: A Pilot Study

End stage renal disease patients undergoing long-term dialysis are at risk for abnormal concentrations of certain essential and non-essential trace metals and high oxidative stress. We evaluated the effects of zinc (Zn) supplementation on plasma aluminum (Al) and selenium (Se) concentrations and oxidative stress in chronic dialysis patients. Zn-deficient patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis were divided into two groups according to plasma Al concentrations (HA group, Al > 50 μg/L; and MA group, Al > 30 to ≤ 50 μg/L). All patients received daily oral Zn supplements for two months. Age- and gender-matched healthy individuals did not receive Zn supplement. Clinical variables were assessed before, at one month, and after the supplementation period. Compared with healthy subjects, patients had significantly lower baseline plasma Se concentrations and higher oxidative stress status. After two-month Zn treatment, these patients had higher plasma Zn and Se concentrations, reduced plasma Al concentrations and oxidative stress. Furthermore, increased plasma Zn concentrations were related to the concentrations of Al, Se, oxidative product malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase activities. In conclusion, Zn supplementation ameliorates abnormally high plasma Al concentrations and oxidative stress and improves Se status in long-term dialysis patients.

Zinc status and its association with C‐reactive protein and leptin levels in pediatric patients with Prader‐Willi syndrome

Zinc (Zn) is essential for normal growth and development in children. Patients with Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS) have morbid obesity and short stature. We conducted this cross‐sectional study to determine levels of plasma Zn, leptin, soluble leptin receptor (leptin sR), and serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) in pediatric patients with PWS.We enrolled 3 groups of children aged 2–15 years: 12 diagnosed with PWS, 18 with exogenous obesity, and 18 healthy with normal weight for height as controls. Levels of plasma Zn, leptin, leptin sR and serum CRP were measured.The PWS group had lower plasma Zn than the exogenous obesity and control groups (9.0±1.5, 12.1±3.1, 15.0±2.9 μmol/L, respectively; p=0.006 and p&lt;0.001). Zn deficiency was found in 83.3%, 38.9%, and none of those in the PWS, exogenous obesity, and control groups. The PWS group had higher CRP than the other 2 groups (7.1, 2.3, 1 mg/L, respectively; p=0.001 and p&lt;0.001). The PWS group had higher leptin but lower leptin sR levels than the other 2 groups. Plasma Zn had negative correlations with CRP and leptin.In conclusion, pediatric patients with PWS had Zn deficiency, increased CRP levels, and leptin resistance. The results from our study suggest that pediatric patients with PWS have a risk of inflammatory process that may be associated with Zn deficiency.This study was funded by the Nutrition Association of Thailand (Nestle Nutrition Institute Research Award)

ZnT2‐null mice have distinct morphological defects in the mammary gland that impair development and function

Women with genetic variation in ZnT2 have ~75% lower milk zinc (Zn) levels during lactation. ZnT2 imports Zn into mitochondria and secretory vesicles in mammary epithelial cells (MECs), which suggests that ZnT2 plays critical roles in mammary gland (MG) function and Zn secretion into milk. We used female ZnT2‐null (KO) mice to explore effects on MG function. While plasma Zn was similar, MG Zn content was significantly lower in adult KO compared with wild‐type (WT) mice (5.6 ± 0.5 vs 11.4 ± 0.9 μg/g; p&lt;0.05). KO MGs had irregular ductal branching, tightly clustered alveoli and greater collagen deposition around collapsed ducts. MG Zn content increased in both genotypes during lactation, but metallothionein expression was ~7 fold higher (p&lt;0.05) in KO compared with WT mice, suggesting Zn sequestration. Lipid accumulation was noted in MECs and the alveolar lumen of KO mice, suggesting secretion defects. Mice were bred and although pregnancy rate, litter size and weight were similar, KO mice had fewer litters surviving past d1 compared with WT mice (41% ± 46 vs 96% ± 6.1; p&lt;0.05). Interestingly, pups from KO dams had greater total body Zn content compared with WT pups (77.7 ± 3.2 vs 56.9 ± 7.4 μg/g; p&lt;0.05), suggesting Zn transfer in utero was enhanced. Our data implicate ZnT2 as a critical mediator of MG development and function and suggest that women with genetic variation in ZnT2 may have substantial lactational defects beyond the inability to transfer sufficient Zn into milk.Supported by NIH #HD058614 to SLK.

Blood trace minerals concentrations and oxidative stress in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with increased oxidative stress. Certain essential trace minerals have shown to play an important role in the maintenance of redox homeostasis. We determined the concentrations of trace minerals in OSA patients and assessed their relationships to OSA severity as indicated by the apnea/ hypopnea index (AHI). We enrolled 44 patients with newly diagnosed mild to moderate OSA and 20 without OSA. The following parameters were measured: polysomnographic values of nocturnal sleep; plasma trace minerals zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and erythrocyte selenium (Se); oxidative stress status; and plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Compared to controls matched for age, gender, and body mass index, OSA patients had lower concentrations of plasma Zn and erythrocyte Se and higher plasma concentrations of Cu and Fe. OSA patients had significantly higher plasma concentrations of hs-CRP, TNF-α, and malondialdehyde (MDA), and lower erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase activities. Significant differences in all the above parameters were also found in patients with moderate OSA compared to those with mild OSA. Furthermore, AHI values correlated significantly with neck circumference, GPx activity, and MDA, hs-CRP, and TNF-α concentrations in OSA patients. AHI values were also negatively associated with concentrations of plasma Zn and erythrocyte Se, but were positively linked to plasma concentrations of Fe and Cu. Abnormal concentrations of these trace minerals may reflect oxidative damage and inflammatory response, thus increasing the severity of OSA.

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.

Plasma zinc, vitamin B(12) and α-tocopherol are positively and plasma γ-tocopherol is negatively associated with Hb concentration in early pregnancy in north-west Bangladesh.

The objective of the current analysis was to explore the association of multiple micronutrients with Hb concentration among pregnant women in a South Asian setting, a topic that has not been adequately explored. Sociodemographic, anthropometric and micronutrient status (plasma ferritin, transferrin receptor, retinol, a- and g-tocopherol, folate, vitamin B12, Zn) and Hb concentration were assessed at early pregnancy. The biochemical sub-study was nested within a double-blind, placebo-controlled, community-based vitamin A and b-carotene supplementation trial in rural north-western Bangladesh (JiVitA). All assessments were conducted before trial supplementation was initiated. A systematic sample of 285 women was selected from those enrolled in the biochemical sub-study. Seventeen per cent of women were mildly anaemic; moderate and severe anaemia was uncommon (2.1 %). a-Tocopherol, vitamin B12 and Zn deficiencies were common (43.5%, 19.7% and 14.7%, respectively); however, vitamin A, folate and Fe deficiencies were comparatively rare (7.4%, 2.8% and ,1%,respectively). Plasma Zn, vitamin B12 and a-tocopherol were positively associated and plasma g-tocopherol was negatively associated with Hb (P < 0.05) after adjustment for gestational age, inflammation status, season and nutritional status measured by mid-upper arm circumference. Among pregnant women in rural Bangladesh with minimal Fe deficiency, plasma Zn, vitamin B12, and a- and g-tocopherol concentrations were associated with Hb concentration. Appreciating the influence on Hb of micronutrients in addition to those with known associations with anaemia, such as Fe, folate, and vitamin A, is important when addressing anaemia in similar settings.

Involvement of the essential metal transporter Zip14 in hepatic Cd accumulation during inflammation

Upregulation of Zip14 contributes to hepatic zinc (Zn) and non-transferrin-bound iron (Fe) uptake during infection and inflammation. We investigated whether this essential metal transporter is also involved in hepatic cadmium (Cd) uptake under these conditions. An injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), turpentine oil (Tur) and n-hexane (Hex) resulted in an decrease in plasma Zn and Fe concentrations to 25–50% and an increase in hepatic concentrations of both metals to 150–200% of control mice. LPS significantly increased plasma interleukin (IL)-6 levels more rapidly than Tur or Hex. Tur or Hex significantly increased hepatic Zip14 mRNA expression and decreased ferroportin 1 mRNA expression following continuous increase of IL-6 level. Hepatic Cd and Zn concentrations increased significantly after repeated injections of Cd in Tur- or Hex-treated mice fed a control diet. Treatment with Tur or Hex additionally increased hepatic Cd accumulation in Zn-deficient mice, unlike in Fe-deficient mice. These results suggest that Zn transporters, such as Zip14, may be involved in hepatic Cd uptake during inflammation.

Antioxidant activity of melatonin in diabetes in relation to the regulation and levels of plasma Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Se in Zucker diabetic fatty rats

ObjectiveTo study the antioxidant activity of melatonin in diabetes in relation to the regulation and levels of plasma copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se) in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) and lean (ZL) rats. MethodsAt 6 wk of age, both ZDF (n = 30) and ZL (n = 30) animals were subdivided into three groups: control (C) (n = 10), vehicle (V) (n = 10), and melatonin-treated (M) (10 mg/kg/d; n = 10) rats for a 6-wk period. At the end of treatment period, plasma mineral levels were measured by flame (Cu, Zn, and Fe), electrothermal (Mn), and hydride generation (Se) atomic absorption spectrometry. ResultsZDF rats had significantly higher Cu, Fe, and Mn plasma levels than did ZL rats (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between control and vehicle groups (P > 0.05). Melatonin treatment did not influence plasma levels of these antioxidant minerals (Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn) in ZDF groups (M-ZDF versus C-ZDF group) and ZL (M-ZL versus C-ZL group) rats with the exception of Zn, whose mean plasma level was lower in the M-ZL versus C-ZL group. However, plasma Se levels increased significantly (P < 0.05) after melatonin supplementation in both groups (M-ZDF and M-ZL). ConclusionThe higher mean plasma Cu, Fe, and Mn levels in the ZDF group are related to the enhanced oxidative stress in diabetes and obesity. Melatonin administration significantly enhanced plasma Se levels in both groups (M-ZDF and M-ZL). This is the first study to report that melatonin treatment increases plasma Se levels.

Effect of Zinc Source on Performance, Zinc Status, Immune Response, and Rumen Fermentation of Lactating Cows

Two experiments were conducted to examine the effect of zinc (Zn) source on the performance, Zn status, immune response, and rumen fermentation of lactating cows to find the most available Zn source for dairy production. In Experiment 1, a total of 30 multiparous Holstein cows were randomly allocated by body weight and milk yield to one of five treatments in a completely randomized design. Cows were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) with no Zn addition (containing 37.60 mg Zn/kg TMR by analysis), and the basal TMR supplemented with 40 mg Zn/kg TMR from either Zn sulfate or one of three organic Zn chelates with weak (Zn-AA W), moderate (Zn-Pro M), or strong (Zn-Pro S) chelation strengths, respectively for 55 days. In Experiment 2, the in vitro rumen fermentation method was used in a completely randomized design involving a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. The four Zn sources were the same as those used in Experiment 1, and the three supplemental Zn levels in the rumen fluid were 0, 10, and 20 μg/mL, respectively. The feed intake, milk composition, and somatic cell count (SCC) were unaffected (P > 0.05) by treatments. However, the milk yield was increased (P < 0.05) by addition of Zn from both the Zn-AA W and Zn-Pro S. Plasma Zn level at the end of the experiment was increased (P < 0.05) by addition of Zn from all three organic sources. Serum antibody titers on day 21 after vaccination with foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccine were increased (P < 0.05) by both supplemental Zn-AA W and Zn-Pro S. The organic Zn sources with different chelation strengths supplemented at the added Zn level of 10 μg/mL were more effective (P < 0.05) in improving the rumen fermentation than Zn sulfate, with the most effective being Zn-AA W. In conclusion, Zn source had no influence on the feed intake, milk composition, and SCC; however, both the Zn-AA W and Zn-Pro S were more effective than Zn-Pro M and Zn sulfate in enhancing the rumen fermentation, Zn status, and humoral immune response as well as improving milk yield of lactating cows. The improved milk production might be attributed to the improved rumen fermentation, Zn status, and immune function.

Influence of trace elements and their correlation with semen quality in fertile and infertile subjects

There has been increasing curiosity about the appraisal of essential trace elements present in human body fluids and their correlation to human health. Human seminal plasma contains several trace elements that have an imperative role in the normal functioning of the semen. As a result, it is very important to evaluate Zn and other trace elements present in the seminal plasma for the assessment of male infertility. The main objective of this research is to evaluate Zn concentrations and their intercorrelations with semen parameters such as sperm concentration, sperm motility, and normal morphology of the sperm, towards their contribution to human fertility. Materials and methods: The concentrations of trace elements such as Zn, Mg, Ca, and Na in human seminal plasma were estimated by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results: Zinc concentration was highly significant in the control samples from fertile subjects when compared with all the categories of semen samples. The concentration of Zn in the seminal plasma positively correlated with sperm concentration, sperm motility, and normal sperm morphology. Conclusion: Alliance of the concentration of Zn in the seminal plasma with the semen quality parameters indicates that Zn could be an indicator for sperm anomalies and male infertility.

Effect of dietary amounts of inorganic and organic zinc on productive and physiological traits of White Pekin ducks

The effects of different dietary amounts of organic and inorganic Zn were studied in male White Pekin ducks (WPD) from 1 to 56 days of age. The control diet (26 ppm of Zn from raw ingredients) was supplemented with 30, 60 and 120 ppm of Zn from both inorganic and organic sources, for a total of seven treatment groups, each containing five replicates of nine 1-day-old ducklings each. BW, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded at 1, 28 and 56 days of age. At 56 days of age, five birds per group were used in a digestibility trial to measure Zn retention and excretion. At the end of the trial, five birds per treatment were slaughtered and carcass traits as well as Zn content in tibia and liver were measured. Samples of blood from five birds per treatment were used to measure plasma concentration of Zn and Cu. BW gain during the entire period of the trial increased (P < 0.001) by 30 and 60 ppm of Zn. Increasing Zn contents progressively increased (P < 0.001) the tibia and the liver Zn contents as well as the plasma Zn and Cu contents. The concentration of 120 ppm of Zn increased (P < 0.001) tibia ash and decreased (P < 0.001) abdominal fat in the carcasses. In the period 1 to 56 days, Zn oxide increased (P < 0.001) growth rate and improved (P < 0.03) FCR compared with organic Zn, whereas organic Zn increased (P < 0.003) the dressed carcass percentage. Organic Zinc increased (P < 0.001) Zn and Cu concentration in the plasma. A level of 30 ppm of Zn from an inorganic source was adequate for male WPD during 1 to 56 days of age, based on positive effects of growth rate and Zn excretion.

Determination of Trace Metals in Human Seminal Plasma Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and Multivariate Statistical Analyses for Sperm Parameters

We have simultaneously determined the presence of 30 different trace metals in human seminal plasma by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP−MS). To date, high concentrations of metals (e.g. Zn, Cu, Mg and Fe) in seminal plasma have been sporadically reported and only few reports have discussed the relationships between trace metals and human semen profiles. Ninety-four seminal plasma specimens were first classified in three groups (normozoospermia, oligozoospermia, and azoospermia) according to the WHO guideline for sperm concentration. No significant differences were found among the three groups for all the metals examined. The concentration of metals in the specimens were then compared with sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and volume using multivariate regression analysis, principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis. The most cumulative contribution ratio and grouping were extracted for profile analysis. Zn showed a positive correlation with motility and morphology (r = 0.3142 and 0.6205), whereas trace metals such as Se and Tl showed positive correlations with all sperm properties. Heavy metals such as Cu, Cd, and Cr also showed high positive or negative correlations with sperm properties. In summary, this study is the first to report the simultaneous determination of metals (in addition to the commonly reported Zn), including trace and heavy metals, in human seminal plasma as analyzed by multivariate regression analysis

Mammalian Neuro Endocrinological Changes and Oxidative Stress during Chronic Lead Intoxication

The dangerous effect of lead was evaluated in male mice exposed to lead acetate at dose 2000 and 4000 ppm in drinking water, as well as subjects working in fields with high lead levels. Lead exposure exhibited marked decrease in body weight, as well as in hematological parameters such as hemoglobin content, hematocrit percent, erythrocytes and leucocytes count. In addition, there was a disruptive effect on neurological and endocrinological systems reflected by alterations in T3, T4, testosterone and cortisol hormones. In contrast, there was an elevation in serotonin level, along with a reduction in the concentrations of plasma Zn and Fe in lead exposed mice and human individuals. The study showed increases in the lipid peroxidation product (MDA), accompanied with decreases in GSH and SOD in lead exposed subjects and animals. The study thus indicated that exposure to lead pollution should be avoided as it affect neuro-endocrinological systems, increases oxidative stress and decreases fertility.

Therapeutic effect of zinc‐containing calcium phosphate suspension injection in thermal burn‐rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of suspensions of zinc-containing tricalcium phosphate (TCP) in the healing of thermal burns in rats. β-ZnTCP containing 10 mol % zinc, α-ZnTCP containing 0.9 mol % zinc, and ZnSO4 ·(H2O)7 (ZnSO4) were used. The injections were prepared to suspend ZnSO4 , α-ZnTCP, and β-ZnTCP powders in 2 mL of 1% sodium alginate saline solution containing 2 mg of Zn. In vitro Zn release rates were measured in simulated body fluid. The release of Zn from ZnSO4 was very fast, but that from α-ZnTCP and β-ZnTCP was slowed by transformation to hydroxyapatite. The suspensions were injected into group C (control), D1 (ZnSO4), D2 (α-ZnTCP), and D3 (β-ZnTCP) rats after thermal burns treatment for 3 h. The area under the curve for the plasma Zn for group D1 was the highest, and the order was groups D1 > D2 ≥ D3 ≥ C. The wounded area (Aw) of group D1 had almost the same profile as that of group C, and the Aw at 18 days was about 20%. In contrast, the Aw of group D2 and D3 decreased, and on day 15 was 8% and 37%, respectively. The results indicated that the healing process was shorter in the rats given α-ZnTCP and β-ZnTCP than those given ZnSO4 or the control.

Dietary zinc depletion and repletion affects plasma proteins: an analysis of the plasma proteome

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a problem world-wide. Current methods for assessing Zn status are limited to measuring plasma or serum Zn within populations suspected of deficiency. Despite the high prevalence of Zn deficiency in the human population there are no methods currently available for sensitively assessing Zn status among individuals. The purpose of this research was to utilize a proteomic approach using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) and mass spectrometry to identify protein biomarkers that were sensitive to changes in dietary Zn levels in humans. Proteomic analysis was performed in human plasma samples (n=6) obtained from healthy adult male subjects that completed a dietary Zn depletion/repletion protocol, current dietary zinc intake has a greater effect on fractional zinc absorption than does longer term zinc consumption in healthy adult men. Chung et al. (Am J Clin Nutr 87 (5):1224-1229, 2008). After a 13day Zn acclimatization period where subjects consumed a Zn-adequate diet, the male subjects consumed a marginal Zn-depleted diet for 42days followed by consumption of a Zn-repleted diet for 28days. The samples at baseline, end of depletion and end of repletion were pre-fractionated through immuno-affinity columns to remove 14 highly abundant proteins, and each fraction separated by 2DE. Following staining by colloidal Coomassie blue and densitometric analysis, three proteins were identified by mass spectrometry as affected by changes in dietary Zn. Fibrin β and chain E, fragment double D were observed in the plasma protein fraction that remained bound to the immunoaffinity column. An unnamed protein that was related to immunoglobulins was observed in the immunodepleted plasma fraction. Fibrin β increased two-fold following the Zn depletion period and decreased to baseline values following the Zn repletion period; this protein may serve as a viable biomarker for Zn status in the future.