Serum Copper Levels Research Articles

Prevalence of Wilson’s disease in Kashmiri population: A tertiary care hospital-based assessment

Background/Problem considered: The clinical symptoms and biochemical data are the most important factors in determining the diagnosis of Wilson's disease (WD). To reduce morbidity and mortality, it is required to establish the diagnosis effectively for its management. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the prevalence of WD and to measure copper and ceruloplasmin levels in the patients visiting Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar (SKIMS). Methods: It was a hospital-based observational descriptive study that lasted 5- years and involved a total of 1924 patients. Those subjects who visited the SKIMS (both in and out patient departments) with suspected Wilson's illness were included in the study. Results: Out of 1924, males showed predominantly higher presentation than females (57.9% vs 42.1%). Out of 17 (0.8%) subjects initially suspected of having Wilsons’s disease, only 02 subjects were actually positive for WD, and remaining 15 subjects others were diagnosed with other illnesses. The overall median serum levels of copper and ceruloplasmin were 111ug/dl and 37 mg/dl respectively. However, the subjects with confirmed WD included 01 male and 01 female., Moreover these 02 patients diagnosed with WD, had serum ceruloplasmin levels as 13 and 10 mg/dl. The female subject was having positive history of WD, as her sibling had already died from this disease. Conclusion: Serum copper and ceruloplasmin are still a better tool for diagnosis of the WD.

The Estimation of Copper Serum Level Among Obese Children

Background: Obesity means an excess amount of body fat. No general agreement exists on the definition of obesity in children as it does adults. Most professionals use published guidelines based on the body mass index (BMI), or a modified BMI for age, to measure obesity in children. Others define obesity in children as body weight at least 20% higher than a healthy weight for a child of that height, or a body fat percentage above 25% in boys or above 32% in girls Objective: to estimate the serum level of copper among obese children. Methods: This comparative study was conducted on fifty of overweight and/or obese children (based on BMI) and thirty of clinically healthy, age and sex matched children's served as controls also, the cases and controls were selected randomly from the pediatrics outpatient clinic of Benha University Hospital and Sheben El Kom Educational hospital, in the period between 2013 to 2015. Parental consent was obtained for all children included in the study. Results: In the current study there were no significant difference found between patients and control group regarding age, sex and residence, but there was significant difference between the two groups regarding income and socioeconomic state. P=0.04. Also, there were no static difference in height in patient when compared to control group, and patients had a higher statically significant Weight, BMI and Skin fold thickness when compared to control group. Additionally, that there were significantly higher rate of frequent bad nutritional habits including shipping breakfast (p=0.022) consumption of energy- dense food and food consumption during TV watch in patients than controls. P< 0.001 and the children's physical activity levels were lower in the patient’s group than the control group. P<0.001. Conclusion: The obesity varied remarkably with different socioeconomic levels. Obese children had a characteristic nutritional pattern like skipping breakfast and consumption of energy dense food

Advanced chelate technology-based trace minerals reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in Eimeria-infected broilers by modulating NF-kB and Nrf2 pathways

This study investigated the effects of substituting inorganic trace minerals (ITM) with advanced chelate technology-based TM (ACTM) in broiler chicken feed on productive performance, metabolic profile, humoral immunity, antioxidant status, and modulation of NF-kB and Nrf2 signaling pathways in mixed Eimeria species exposure. The study involved 480 newly hatched male broiler chickens, which were divided into 5 treatment groups, each with 6 replicate cages and 16 chickens per replicate. The experimental treatments included an uninfected negative control group fed a basal diet with recommended inorganic TM levels (NC), an infected positive control group fed the same diet (PC), a PC group supplemented with salinomycin (SAL), and two PC groups in which the basal diet was replaced with 50% and 100% ACTM instead of inorganic TM (ACTM50 and ACTM100, respectively). All groups, except for the NC group, were orally challenged with mixed Eimeria species oocysts on day 14. According to the results, the PC group showed lower feed intake, breast yield, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentration, lactobacillus spp. counts, and serum IgG levels, but higher jejunal TGF-β expression versus the NC group. The broilers in the NC, SAL, and ACTM100 groups showed higher body weight gain, carcass yield, and TGF-β expression, but lower serum alkaline phosphatase activity, ileal E. coli count, and jejunal expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, Nrf2, and SOD1 compared to the PC group, with the NC group having the highest body weight gain and lowest IL-1β and Nrf2 expression levels. Furthermore, the administration of ACTM100 treatment improved feed efficiency, increased serum iron, zinc, manganese, and copper levels, enhanced total antioxidant capacity and different antioxidant enzyme activities, and reduced malondialdehyde concentration. In conclusion, complete replacement of ITM with ACTM effectively protects broilers from Eimeria infection, with similar positive effects to SAL treatment in terms of productive performance and anti-inflammatory responses and better antioxidant responses and mineral availability.

CLASSIFICATION OF COLORECTAL CANCER PATIENTS BASED ON SERUM MICRONUTRIENTS: AN EXPLORATORY INVESTIGATION

Abstract Introduction/Objective Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a growing global health challenge with a multifactorial etiology encompassing genetic susceptibility, nutrition, and inflammation in the bowel. To examine micronutrient status in CRC patients undergoing CRC resection. Methods/Case Report We performed a pilot case-control study including 13 consecutive CRC patients and 10 healthy controls (CTRL) comparing the serum levels of 29 micronutrients, namely Copper, Zinc, Selenium, Chromium, Manganese, Carnitine, Choline, Inositol, Methylmalonic acid (MMA), Vitamin (Vit) B1, Vit B2, Vit B3, Vit B5, Vit B6, Vit C, Vit A, Vit D3, Vit E, Vit K1, Vit K2 and the amino acids Serine, Valine, Leucine, Isoleucine, Asparagine, Glutamine, Arginine, Citrulline and Cysteine. The analysis of trace metals (copper, zinc, selenium, chromium, manganese) in serum was done using the Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) methodology using the Agilent 8900 QQQ instrument. The analysis of serum water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins and amino acids was conducted using the LC/MS (Xevo-TQ-XS) mass spectrometer (WBA0127). Elution of the fat-soluble vitamins was performed using a solid-phase extraction system with an OASIS Prime HLB plate containing 10 mg of sorbent per well, in a Waters vacuum manifold equipped with a waste collection plate. Comparison among continuous biological variables was carried out by multivariate ANOVA model (MANOVA), accounting for the effect of sex and age Results (if a Case Study enter NA) After considering the effect of age and sex, copper, arginine, and cysteine were increased, while zinc, selenium, chromium, Vit B1, Vit K1, and Vit A were decreased in CRC patients in comparison with CTRL. Zinc levels perfectly predicted the diagnosis of CRC, and was associated with lymph nodes (pN), of the pTNM staging. Copper levels in serum was strongly associated with the pathological pTNM staging of CRC. Conclusion Though this is a preliminary study which needs confirmation with a larger longitudinal cohort, our results show that serum micronutrients are linked to tumor growth, likely caused by increased demand from tumor tissue associated with an aberrant cell proliferation and changes in the antioxidant function.

Zinc, copper, and selenium levels in vitiligo: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Vitiligo is a dermatological disease characterized by loss of melanocytes, causing non-scaly white macules on the skin. Zinc, copper, and selenium are important micronutrients that play a role in the normal functioning of the body and have been found to potentially aid in vitiligo treatment, although the relationship between their serum levels and vitiligo is not yet fully understood. This is a systematic review aimed at assessing the levels of serum zinc, copper, and selenium and their association with vitiligo. This review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items of the systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist and Cochrane guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar and 41 studies published between 1970 and 2022 including 3353 vitiligo cases and 10,638 controls were included in the meta-analysis conducted from August 2022 till September 2023. The quality of the studies was assessed using the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute Study Quality Assessment tool, and the risk of bias was represented using the RobVis tool. The statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager (RevMan) Version 5.4. This meta-analysis indicate a significant decline in serum zinc levels (Z = 4.97; P < 0.0001; SMD = − 0.86; 95% CI − 1.19 to − 0.52) in vitiligo group with high statistical heterogeneity (Tau2 = 0.74; Chi2 = 513.95, d.f. = 26 [P < 0.00001]; I2 = 95%). Similarly for serum copper levels there was decline (Z = 2.43; P < 0.0001; SMD = − 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] − 0.91 to − 0.10) in vitiligo group and high statistical heterogeneity (Tau2 = 0.92; Chi2 = 475.10, d.f. = 22 [P < 0.00001]; I2 = 95%). On the other hand, there was a increase of serum selenium levels in the vitiligo group (Z = 0.56; P < 0.0001; SMD = 0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58 to 1.04) and the results reveals high statistical heterogeneity among studies (Tau2 = 1.93; Chi2 = 406.44, d.f. = 11 [P < 0.00001]; I2 = 97%) in vitiligo patients compared to healthy controls. Publication bias was not found for the studies analysed. This study analyses the association of serum micronutrient levels and vitiligo among patients and controls from published research along with sub-group analysis specific to Asian populations using a meta-analysis. Low serum levels of Zinc and copper and high selenium levels are associated with Vitiligo.

Serum ceruloplasmin ,copper and iron levels as a risk factors for coronary heart diseases(CHD)

Ceruloplasmin (Cp) is one of the acute phase protein, in this review ,we studied the level of ceruloplasmin with copper (Cu) and iron in 90 patients with coronary heart diseas ( those patients are divided into three groups, whom are stable angina , unstable angina and myocardial infarction compared with 30 healthy volunteers) and the roles of them as diagnostic and prognostic tools.The diagnosis was attend by a clinical examination carried out by the consult medical staff in Ibn AL-Nafis hospital. The result: ceruloplasmin recorded a significantly(p

Obesity Mediates the Association Between Serum Copper and Inflammation: A Cross-sectional and Mendelian Randomization Study.

Copper is an important biological trace element, but its overexposure can be harmful to the human body. Herein, we aimed to assess the association between serum copper levels and inflammation. A total of 5231 participants were analyzed from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2011 and 2016. Participants with higher serum copper levels had higher values of systemic inflammation indexes. The concentration of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) increased with serum copper concentration (β = 2.8, p < 0.001). Participants with high and very high copper levels had higher ORs (odds ratios) of having inflammation (high: OR 2.92 (0.77-11.04), p = 0.074; very high: OR 8.66 (3.18-23.54), p = 0.011), which were further exacerbated in people with diabetes and males. Body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage are two main mediators in the association between serum copper and hs-CRP, accounting for 12.62% and 19.72%, respectively. The random-effects inverse variance-weighted (IVW) analysis revealed that there was a genetic causal relationship between serum copper and obesity (OR 1.15, p = 0.014). Our results suggest that serum copper is positively associated with inflammation, which may be mainly mediated by obesity.

B-278 Evaluation of serum copper, zinc and selenium reference intervals using The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data

Abstract Background Serum copper, zinc and selenium, are commonly ordered for assessment of nutrient status or investigation of deficiency or overload. Review of reference intervals for these analytes is challenging as most laboratories do not have the resources to do a de novo reference interval study and many literature references are not recent. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) survey presents a unique opportunity to access a comprehensive database that includes biochemical parameters and health information in order to review reference intervals regularly, especially for more esoteric tests such as trace elements. In this study, copper, zinc and selenium reference intervals were calculated using NHANES data. Methods NHANES data for individuals 18 years of age and older was obtained from three releases between 2012-2016. Copper, selenium and zinc 95% confidence intervals were evaluated by age, sex and body mass index (BMI) partitions using quantile regression. All calculations were performed in R using the quantreg package. Results The calculated reference intervals for serum copper, zinc and selenium are shown in Table 1. Serum copper had the largest changes observed between sexes, with females having a much wider reference interval on the high end. Oral contraceptive use is known to increase serum copper levels which likely explains this trend. BMI over 30 also increased the serum copper reference interval, more clearly in women than in men. Zinc reference intervals were more aligned between women and men, with slightly higher intervals observed in men. BMI did not have much effect in either sex. For selenium, men had slightly higher reference intervals than women. Conclusions NHANES data provides a comprehensive data set for reference interval evaluation, especially for more esoteric analytes such as trace elements.

Analysis of zinc and copper levels in very low birth weight infants using human milk additives: phase 1 trial findings

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess whether the micronutrients zinc and copper, provided by human milk additives, are sufficient for very low birth weight preterm infants. MethodA phase 1 randomized double-blind controlled trial was conducted with very low birth weight preterm infants. This is a secondary analysis of copper and zinc. Sixty-six newborns were part of the initial sample, with forty participating and reaching the final stage of the study. Inclusion criteria were: gestational age less than 37 weeks, birth weight greater than or equal to 750 g and less than or equal to 1500 g, small or appropriate for gestational age, exclusively receiving human milk at a volume greater than or equal to 100 mL per kilogram per day, and hemodynamically stable. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: intervention, Lioneo (received human milk with additive based on lyophilized human milk), n = 20, and control, HMCA (received human milk with commercial additive based on cow's milk protein), n = 20, and their serum levels of zinc and copper were measured on the first and twenty-first days. ResultsThere was a reduction in intragroup zinc serum levels from the first to the twenty-first day of the study (p < 0.01). There was no intergroup difference. No difference was found in serum copper levels. ConclusionHuman milk additives were not sufficient to maintain adequate zinc serum levels in very low birth weight newborns. It was not possible to affirm whether human milk additives were sufficient to maintain adequate serum copper levels in the studied sample. UTN: U1111–1220–0550.

Unlocking vitiligo’s metal code: an analytical cross-sectional study of serum levels of trace elements in vitiligo patients

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired depigmenting skin disorder often associated with social stigma and having a significant psychological impact on patients. The study aimed to determine the correlation between serum levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and Cu/Pb, Cu/Hg, Cu/Cd, Se/Hg, Se/Pb, Se/Cd, Zn/Hg, Zn/Pb, and Zn/Cd ratios in vitiligo patients. Materials and methods: In this analytical cross-sectional study, we enrolled 110 vitiligo patients as cases and 110 normal adults as controls. VIDA (Vitiligo Disease Activity Score) and VASI (Vitiligo Area Severity Index) were used to assess the activity and severity of vitiligo in patients. Venous blood samples of all study participants (aged &gt;12 years) were examined for serum levels of Zn, Cu, Se, Pb, Hg, and Cd using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. SPSS.21 version software was used for the analysis of the data. Results: We noted a statistically significant (p-value &lt; 0.05, student’s t-test) difference in mean serum levels of Cu, Zn, and Se (microgram/liter) between cases and controls, denoted as 1370.67 ± 484.36 versus 2887.30 ± 3744.15, 1324.50 ± 555.02 versus 1603.81 ± 551.03, 248.95 ± 120.06 versus 287.15 ± 117.37, respectively. A significantly low serum level of Se was observed in female vitiligo patients, unlike controls. Vegetarian patients had low levels of Pb (p-value &lt;0.05) in comparison to non-vegetarian patients. Significantly low Zn/Hg and Cu/Hg ratios were observed in cases compared to controls. Limitations: Our study was limited by a small sample size. Being an observational study done from a single center, chances of inclusion of patients from a limited geographical area cannot be ruled out. Conclusion: Low levels of Zn, Cu, and Se could play a crucial role in the etiopathogenesis of vitiligo, which can vary based on the gender and diet pattern of the patient.

The Relationship of Trace Element Levels with Obesity and Cardiovascular Health

Objective: One of the most important factors affecting cardiovascular health is obesity. Trace elements, which play a role in every stage of metabolism, are also related to our cardiovascular health. The aim of this study was to determine serum trace element levels in individuals and to examine the relationship between trace elements and cardiovascular risk. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with individuals who applied to the outpatient clinic between 01.03.2022-31.04.2022. Sociodemographic characteristics, BMI, and Framingham risk score values were recorded. Serum iron, zinc, copper and selenium levels were analyzed in the laboratory. Results: A total of 180 individuals were included in the study. Of the individuals, 33.3% were overweight and 32.8% were obese. The mean Framingham Risk Score (FRS) was 9.31±7.99 (1-37). FRS values of normal weight individuals (7.84±3.05) were lower than the mean FRS values of overweight (8.80±3.39) and obese (13.39 ± 6.24) groups (p

Relationship Between Serum Copper, Zinc Level and Tumour Aggressiveness in Invasive Cervical Cancer

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Background: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;Cervical cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality, exhibits considerable variability in aggressiveness. The role of trace elements such as copper and zinc in influencing tumor behavior and progression has garnered attention. This study investigates the relationship between serum copper and zinc levels and tumor aggressiveness in invasive cervical cancer.&amp;lt;i&amp;gt; Methods:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among 150 women with invasive cervical cancer attending the outpatient department and Colposcopy Clinic of the Department of Gynecological Oncology, BSMMU, Dhaka, from April 2022 to March 2023. Participants were divided into two groups based on tumor aggressiveness: Group 1 (less aggressive) and Group 2 (more aggressive), with 75 women in each group. Serum copper and zinc levels were measured and analyzed for differences between groups. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Result:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Serum copper levels were significantly higher in Group 2 (152.31 ± 41.81 µg/dL) compared to Group 1 (139.31 ± 25.52 µg/dL) with a p-value of 0.023. Conversely, serum zinc levels were significantly lower in Group 2 (55.24 ± 28.13 µg/dL) compared to Group 1 (66.29 ± 31.58 µg/dL) with a p-value of 0.025. The copper/zinc ratio was significantly higher in Group 2 (2.76 ± 1.20) compared to Group 1 (2.10 ± 1.00) with a p-value of &amp;lt;0.001. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusion:&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Elevated serum copper levels and copper/zinc ratio, along with decreased zinc levels, are associated with more aggressive cervical cancer. These findings suggest that trace element imbalances may serve as biomarkers for assessing tumor aggressiveness and could inform future therapeutic strategies.

Serum levels of iron, zinc, selenium, copper and oxidative stress in hypertensive patients: A comparative study of age-related changes in the governorate of Basrah, Iraq

Hypertension is the force of blood through blood vessels, where the heart works harder and blood vessels are under more pressure. The relationship between trace element levels and oxidative stress in hypertension is under investigation, with conflicting results. This study aimed to determine the relationship between concentrations of certain antioxidant trace elements (iron, zinc, selenium, and copper) and protein carbonyl concentration as an indicator of oxidative stress in the serum of hypertensive patients compared to the control group in Basra, Iraq, according to age. The study included 100 hypertensive patients (44 males and 56 females) compared to 50 healthy individuals (25 males and 25 females). Patients were divided into three age groups: 35–45, 46–56, and over 57 years. The study showed a significant decrease (p&lt;0.001) in the mean concentration of all selected elements in the patients' serum compared to the control group. Conversely, the mean protein carbonyl level showed a significant increase (p&lt;0.001) in patients compared to the control group. Trace element concentrations decreased in patients with increasing age, while carbonyl protein levels increased, especially in the third age group. The study also showed a significant negative correlation between protein carbonyl level and all trace elements at p&lt;0.001. These results suggest that hypertension is associated with an imbalance in oxidative stress and trace elements. Monitoring trace element intake may help reduce oxidative stress and improve overall health in individuals with hypertension, especially with advancing age, by restoring the balance of essential elements and antioxidants in the body.

Copper Serum Levels in the Hemodialysis Patient Population.

Copper is an essential element in the diet of mammals, including humans. It plays an important role in the physiological regulation of various enzymes and is consequently involved in several biological processes such as angiogenesis, oxidative stress regulation, neuromodulation, and erythropoiesis. Copper is essential for facilitating the transfer of iron from cells to the bloodstream, which is necessary for proper absorption of dietary iron and the distribution of iron throughout the body. In particular, patients with end-stage renal failure who require renal replacement therapy are at increased risk for disorders of copper metabolism. Many studies on hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplant patients have focused on serum copper levels. Some reported mild deficiency, while others reported elevated levels or even toxicity. In some cases, it has been reported that alterations in copper metabolism lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, malnutrition, anemia, or mielopathy. The aim of this review is to evaluate the role of copper in patients undergoing hemodialysis and its potential clinical implications.

Correlation of Co-Morbidities with Symptom Severity of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

This study aims to identify potential correlations of the severity of symptoms of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with serum nutritional levels, body composition indicators, diet partiality, and sleep disturbances. The cohort of this cross-sectional study included 120 children with ASD and 110 typically developing (TD) children to assess symptoms of ASD, and to measure serum levels of vitamins and minerals and the body composition values. Diet partiality and sleep disturbances were assessed by administering questionnaires. The serum levels of folic acid, copper, and vitamin B were lower in children with ASD than in TD children, while magnesium and homocysteine were higher (p < 0.05). Children with ASD had greater chest circumference, abdominal skinfold thickness, and body mass index (BMI) than TD children (p < 0.05), and higher prevalences of diet partiality and sleep disturbances (p < 0.001). Lower vitamin A levels and higher vitamin D levels were related to social impairment in children with ASD. Moreover, there were significantly positive correlations of BMI, chest circumference, diet partiality, and sleep disturbances with severity of ASD symptoms (p < 0.05). Collectively, rational nutritional supplementation, dietary management, and behavioral interventions are essential for children with ASD.

Serum copper levels and uterine artery Doppler to predict menstrual disturbances in IUCD users

Serum copper levels and uterine artery Doppler to predict menstrual disturbances in IUCD users

Evaluating the serum levels of zinc, copper, magnesium, and 25-hydroxy vitamin D in children with idiopathic drug-resistant epilepsy; a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDrug-resistant epilepsy is defined as failure of seizure control in spite of using 2 or 3 proper antiepileptic drugs in appropriate time. Mineral elements play important roles in neuronal function; it is believed that mineral deficiency may lead to complications through seizure management. In the present study, serum levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and 25-hydroxy vitamin D (Vit D) in drug-resistant-epilepsy (DRE) patients were evaluated and compared with the controlled patients.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, epileptic patients were included and categorized into two groups of DRE and well-controlled patients. Patients’ serum samples were analysed to evaluate Zn, Cu, Mg, Ca, and Vit D levels. The primary objective was comparison of serum levels of different trace elements between the groups.ResultsSixty-four epileptic children including 33 DRE and 31 well-controlled children entered the study. The DRE children showed a significantly earlier onset of disease compared to the other group (p = 0.014). Comparing the frequency of developmental delay between the groups, the results showed this complication was significantly more frequent in the DRE group (p < 0.001). Concerning serum elements, the results showed a significantly higher concentration of Zn in the well-controlled group than the DRE group (p = 0.007). On the other hand, no significant differences were observed between the groups regarding the means of Vit D, Ca, Cu, and Mg levels (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe results of the present study delineated that drug-resistant epilepsy patients had earlier onset of disease and were at higher risk of neurodevelopmental delay compared with well-controlled-epilepsy patients. A significant lower serum levels of Zn were also observed in drug-resistant-epilepsy patients. This finding may suggest the role of zinc supplementation in help to better control of drug-resistant seizures, as well as, the importance of serum zinc monitoring in epileptic patients.

Abnormalities in copper status associated with diminished ovarian reserve: A case-control and cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to illustrate the copper status of diminished ovarian reserve in Chinese women, especially the effects of copper, ceruloplasmin, non-ceruloplasmin-bound copper (NCC) and CuZn superoxide dismutase (SOD1). This case-control, cross-sectional investigation included women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR group, n = 35) and matched normal ovarian reserve (NOR group, n = 35). The serum levels of copper, ceruloplasmin, NCC, SOD1, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, testosterone, and anti-Müllerian hormone were tested and analyzed. The serum copper concentrations (60.88%), NCC (54.75%) and SOD1 (54.75%) in the DOR group were significantly higher than those in the NOR group (all P < 0.001), and the concentrations of the three markers were higher in most subgroups (P < 0.001). The correlation analysis verified the correlation between copper status and impaired ovarian function. Additionally, linear regression analysis showed that NCC and SOD1 levels were negatively correlated with anti-Müllerian hormone (P < 0.05 or 0.001). Our exploration found significant increases in copper, NCC and SOD1 levels in DOR and suggests a possible link. Copper status is expected to serve as the predictive marker for DOR.

Correlation of Zinc and Copper Levels In Mothers and Cord Blood of Neonates With Prematurity and Intrauterine Growth Pattern.

Background Trace elements like zinc and copper are indispensable for human growth and development, exerting significant influence on a multitude of physiological processes. Acting as pivotal components for transcription factors and catalytic cofactors for enzymes, these elements play essential roles in cellular differentiation and maturation Objective The objective of this study was to study serum zinc and copper levels in mothers and neonates in relation to prematurity and intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Methods This was a cross-sectional study that included 100 mothers who met the inclusion criteria. Maternal history was recorded, and gestational age was estimated using the New Ballard scoring system. Maternal and cord blood samples were taken for zinc and copper analysis. Results The comparison of maternal copper and zinc levels between term and preterm neonates revealed a statistically significant difference with both trace elements found in less concentration in preterm when compared to the term patients (p= 0.03 for Zinc; 0.0001 for copper). We also report a statistically significant difference in maternal and cord blood copper and zinc levels in cases with IUGR compared to normal neonates. Conclusion The findings show that maternal zinc and copper levels are critical for the intrauterine growth of the fetus and for appropriate gestational age.

Profile of Micronutrients in Patients Presenting with Pityriasis Alba in a Tertiary Care Center: A Case–control Study

Abstract Background: Pityriasis alba (PA) is a common, self-limiting skin disease of childhood. Several micronutrient deficiencies have been attributed to causing PA. Few studies have found a decreased level of serum zinc to be associated with PA, whereas other studies have found a deficiency of serum copper, magnesium, ferritin, and Vitamin D3 to be associated with PA. Aims and Objectives: The objective of the study was to estimate the serum levels of micronutrients (zinc, copper, magnesium, and ferritin), hemoglobin (Hb), serum albumin, and Vitamin D3 in patients of PA and compare the same with that of controls. Materials and Methods: A total of 36 patients with PA and 36 controls were enrolled in the study. Five milliliters of venous blood will be obtained from both cases and controls to conduct the investigations. The serum levels of zinc, ferritin, magnesium, copper, Vitamin D3, hemoglobin, and serum albumin levels were detected. The data were analyzed statistically. Results: In this study, we observed a low serum level of zinc associated with PA patients, when compared to healthy controls with P &lt; 0.042. The serum levels of magnesium in cases were significantly low compared to controls with P &lt; 0.002, which was statistically significant. Vitamin D and Hb levels were also significantly reduced in the PA patients. However, we did not find statistical significance between serum levels of copper, albumin, and ferritin in cases and controls with P = 0.408, P = 0.055, and P = 0.082, respectively. Conclusion: PA is a multifactorial etiological condition, in which micronutrient deficiency is an important cause and supplementation of micronutrients among these patients may be beneficial.