Serum Fe Levels Research Articles

Microelements as risk factors for cancer of the lung and larynx

Selenium deficiency has been suggested by several studies to be associated with cancer risk. We conducted a case-control study in Szczecin, a region of northwestern Poland, on 86 cases of lung cancer, 87 cases of laryngeal cancer and an equal number of healthy controls. We studied the serum level of selenium and genotypes for four variants in four selenoprotein genes (GPX1, GPX4, TXNRD2 and SEP15) and the odds of being diagnosed with lung or laryngeal cancer. Among lung cancer cases, the mean selenium level was 63.2 µg/l, compared to a mean level of 74.7 µg/l for their matched controls (p 80 µg/l) was associated with an odds ratio of 0.10 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.34; p = 0.0002) for lung cancer and 0.24 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.59; p = 0.002) for laryngeal cancer. In four selenoproteins studied here we found a modest associations of genetic variants in GPX1 and GPX4 with lung and TXNRD2 with laryngeal cancer risk. We analyzed iron (Fe) level in serum of 77 lung cancer patients and 77 matched controls. We did not find difference in mean Fe level between cases and controls (1053.05 µg/l and 1059.39 µg/l). However, we found that Fe level in the lowest and highest quartiles was associated with a significant lung risk enhancement when compared to a serum Fe level in the middle quartiles (OR 0.3, p 0.02). We also observed that the relationship between the level of Fe and Se could be an important factor for lung cancer risk.

Trace elements and oxidative stress in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Due to increased metabolic requests, pregnancy can be considered as metabolic stress, especially if associated with oxidative stress triggered by disbalance of pro/antioxidants. The aim of the study was to determine serum concentrations of the trace elements iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) important in growth regulation and pro/anti-oxidant homeostasis, in relation to the total serum oxidant capacity (TOC) and total serum antioxidant capacity (TAC) in pregnant women with preeclampsia (n = 30) or with gestational hypertension (n = 30) and in healthy pregnant women (n = 37) and non-pregnant women (n = 30) as control groups expecting common differences between all pregnant women and controls and between preeclampsia and the other pregnancies indicating specific disbalance of the oxidative stress and analyzed trace elements. Serum Fe was determined by spectrophotometric method, Cu and Zn were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, TOC was determined by Enzymatic ANTIOX-CAP assay and TAC by Peroxide-activity assay. Serum Cu and TOC were significantly higher while Zn was lower in all pregnant groups regardless of hypertensive disorders. Serum Fe and TAC concentrations were found to be significantly higher in pregnant women with preeclampsia compared to pregnant controls. Increase of TOC in all pregnant women our study points to latent oxidative stress in pregnancy. Fe might have a role in etiopathogenesis of preeclampsia while the increase of TAC in the very beginning of preeclampsia might represent a stressdefence mechanism of the body. It has still to be revealed whether significantly higher serum Fe levels are associated with preeclampsia as a cause or as a consequence of this disorder.

Efek F100 dan formula tepung tempe terhadap kadar serum Fe dan hemoglobin pada anak gizi kurang

Background: Protein energy deficiency is a major public health problem in Indonesia. WHO has recommended F100 made from skim milk for undernourished patient. Alternative formulas have been developed using other nutritious foods that are cheaper, easily accessible and can be used for children with lactose intolerance such as tempe flour.Objective: To investigate the effect of F100 and tempe flour formula supplementation on serum Fe and hemoglobin (Hb) levels of undernourished child.Method: This was an experimental study with randomized controlled clinical trial design and purposive sampling method. Subjects of the study were undernourished patients aged 1-10 years hospitalized at Dr. Saiful Anwar Hospital Malang. Sample consisted of 30 patients divided into 2 groups; group 1 supplemented with F100 and group 2 with tempe flour formula. Hb level was assessed by cyanmethemoglobin and serum Fe level by colorimetric method. Dietary intake data was collected by visual comstock and food recall. Data were analyzed by chi square, unpaired t-test and double linear regression.Results: Statistical analysis showed that there were no significant differences in Hb (p=0.139) and serum Fe levels (p=0.313) between both groups after treatment. Intake data indicated that there was a significant disparity in protein (p=0.019) and Fe intake (p=0.006) between the two groups, whereas energy, fat and carbohydrate intake showed no significant differences. Lastly, the association between energy and nutrient intake with serum Fe and Hb levels was not significant and the correlation was weak (r<1).Conclusion: There were no significant differences in hemoglobin and serum Fe levels between F100 group and tempe flour formula group, but there was a significant difference in protein and Fe intake.

High dietary iron and 137Cs radiation exposure induce oxidative stress and reduce bone mass

Astronauts are exposed to increased iron (Fe) stores and risk radiation exposure during spaceflight. We hypothesized that a high Fe diet and radiation exposure would independently increase markers of oxidative stress and result in loss of bone mass. Male rats (3‐mo‐old, n=32) were randomized to receive an adequate (45 mg Fe/kg) or high (650 mg Fe/kg) Fe diet for 4 wks and either 3 Gy (8 fractions, 0.375 Gy each) of 137Cs radiation (γ RAD) or sham exposure starting on d 14. Ex vivo pQCT quantified volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD); bone mechanical strength (ultimate load, UL) was assessed by 3‐pt bending (midshaft tibia) and compression of the femoral neck. Serum Fe and catalase increased only with the combined treatment, whereas serum glutathione peroxidase decreased in all groups. γRAD and high Fe diet lowered proximal tibial (PT) cancellous vBMD (by −15% and − 12%, respectively); high Fe diet produced a small decrease in femoral neck (FN) total vBMD (−4%, p=0.07). Cortical vBMD at midshaft tibia was lower after high Fe diet, but not after γRAD. Higher serum Fe levels at 4 wks were associated with lower PT cancellous vBMD (r = −0.61); higher serum catalase was associated with lower vBMD at the 3 different bone sites (r = − 0.52). No significant differences in UL at mid‐shaft tibia or FN were detected. Oxidative stress is increased by fractionated γRAD and iron overload and is associated with a negative impact on bone mass.Grant Funding Source : NASA Human Research Program and NSBRI via NASA NCC9‐588

Effect of Dietary Garcinia cambogia Extract on Serum Essential Minerals (Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium) and Trace Elements (Iron, Copper, Zinc) in Rats Fed with High-Lipid Diet

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of Garcinia cambogia extract on serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) concentrations in rats fed with the normal or the high-lipid and -cholesterol diet. Thirty 1-year-old female Sprague-Dawley rats (pathogen-free), weighing an average of 229 g, were randomly assigned to three experimental groups of ten animals each. Diets and tap water were given ad libitum for 75 days. Group 1 (control group) was fed with basal diet (2 % liquid vegetable oil, 0 % cholesterol), while the diets of groups 2 and 3 contained vegetable oil (2 % liquid vegetable oil and 5 % hydrogenated vegetable oil) and cholesterol (3 %) in high levels. 4,5 % G. cambogia extract containing 65 % HCA was added to the diet of group 3 as from day 45. Blood samples were withdrawn on days 0, 45 and 75. Serum mineral levels were analyzed using standard enzymatic colorimetric methods with a spectrophotometer. All significant differences were p<0.05. Serum Ca levels were not significantly different between all groups on days 45 and 75. Serum P level was significantly higher in the group fed with high-lipid diet and G. cambogia extract than in the control group on day 45. Serum Mg level was significantly higher in group 2 than in the control group on day 45. Serum Fe levels were significantly lower in the control group than in the other groups on days 45 and 75. Serum Zn level of the group fed with high-lipid diet and G. cambogia extract was significantly higher than in the control group on day 75. Serum Cu levels were significantly higher in group 2 than in the control group, and in group 3 than in group 2 on day 75. In conclusion, a diet containing the high fat amounts may lead to the increase in circular levels of some minerals due to the short-chain fatty acid production lowering the luminal pH which increases mineral solubility, or serving as a fuel for mucosal cells and stimulating cell proliferation in the large intestine. G. cambogia extract may be used in the P and Cu deficiencies due to increases resulting in the present P and Cu amounts in G. cambogia extract, or the use of phytate P in diet. It was hoped that with further evidence-based study this product will enter to mainstream medicines.

Effects of acute and chronic inflammation on proteins involved in duodenal iron absorption in mice: a time-course study

In order to understand better the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of anaemia of inflammation, we carried out a time-course study on the effects of turpentine-induced acute and chronic inflammation on duodenal proteins involved in Fe absorption in mice. Expression levels of these proteins and hepatic hepcidin and serum Fe levels were determined in inflamed mice. In acutely inflamed mice, significantly increased expression of ferritin was the earliest change observed, followed by decreased divalent metal transporter 1 expression in the duodenum and increased hepcidin expression in the liver. Ferroportin expression increased subsequently, despite high levels of hepcidin. Hypoferraemia, which developed at early time periods studied, was followed by increased serum Fe levels at later points. The present results thus show that acute inflammation induced several changes in the expression of proteins involved in duodenal Fe absorption, contributing to the development of hypoferraemia. Resolution of inflammation caused attenuation of many of these effects. Effects in chronically inflamed mice were less consistent. The present results also suggest that inflammation-induced increases in ferritin appeared to override the effects of hepcidin on the expression levels of ferroportin in enterocytes.

The effect of prebiotic and organic zinc alone and in combination in broiler diets on the performance and some blood parameters

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of prebiotic and organic zinc alone and in combination in broiler diets on the live weight gain (LWG), feed consumption (FC), feed consumption ratio (FCR), carcass yield, some relative organ weights and blood parameters. A total of 160 Ross 308 one-day old male chicks were assigned to 4 treatment groups with 4 replicates of 10 birds each. Treatment for each group consisted of: first group (control group) received basal diet without supplementation; second group received 1 g/kg Mannano-ligosaccharide (MOS); third group received 80 mg/kg organic zinc (OZn); and fourth group received 80 mg/kg organic zinc + 1 g/kg Mannanoligosaccharide (MOS+OZn). The study lasted 42 days. The supplementation of MOS and OZn had no effect on the LWG, FC, FCR, carcass yield, serum aspartate aminotranferase, (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and triglyceride levels during the experiment (P>0.05). Relative organ weights (liver, spleen, pancreas) were significantly higher in OZn group than those in the other groups (P<0.001). There was a significant difference in serum total cholesterol and glucose levels between treatment groups and control group (P<0.001). Serum Zn and Fe levels were significantly lower in control group than those in OZn and MOS+OZn groups (P<0.001). The highest and the lowest Cu levels were in the MOS+OZn and control groups, respectively (P<0.001). These data suggest that OZn with MOS combination may have a beneficial effect on serum mineral level in broilers.

Effect of exercise and Lycium barbarum extract on serum Fe level and liver antioxidant enzyme activities rats fed with Fe-rich diet

Lycium barbarum is known for its potent anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. To study whether L.. barbarum extract can modulate serum Fe level and oxidative injury, thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups. Normal control (Group I): fed a balanced diet and kept sedentary (untrained) until the end of the experiment; Model Control (Group II): fed a Fe-rich diet and kept sedentary (untrained) until the end of the experiment; Training group (Group III): fed a Fe-rich diet and submitted to swimming training (1 h daily) for 2 weeks; LBCE group (group VI): fed a Fe-rich diet, received lycium barnarum carotenoid extract (200 mg/kg b.w. day) and submitted to swimming training (1 h daily) for 2 weeks. Results showed that LBCE could enhance Fe absorption and decrease liver oxidative injury in rats. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates for the first time that there a synergistic effects (LBCE and Fe) against liver oxidative damage in rats. Key words: Exercise, Fe, liver, Lycium barbarum, rat.

Analysis of trace elements in blood sera of breast cancer patients by particle induced X-ray emission

Trace elemental imbalance in human beings is postulated to exert action, directly or indirectly, on the carcinogenic process. The objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of trace elements in blood sera of breast cancer patients and analyze their alteration with respect to healthy controls. This work was also intended to establish the role played by the trace elements in carcinogenic process. Particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) technique was used for trace elemental analysis of blood sera of breast cancer patients and healthy controls. The PIXE measurements were carried out using a 2.5 MeV collimated proton beam from the 3 MV Tandem Pelletron accelerator at Institute of Physics, Bhubaneswar, India. On comparing the trace elemental content in the sera of breast cancer patients with those of control subjects, significant variations were observed in the levels of most of the trace elements. The serum levels of almost all the elements except Fe and Cu were observed to be depressed in cancer patients with respect to normal subjects. However, this variation was significant only for Ti (P < 0.00005), Cr (P < 0.005), Mn (P < 0.0005), Ni (P < 0.01), Zn (P < 0.000001), and Se (P < 0.05). On the other hand, significant elevations were observed in serum Fe (P < 0.05) and Cu (P < 0.005) levels in cancer patients. The findings presented in this paper give guidelines for future study into the possible roles and interactions of essential trace elements in the breast carcinogenic process.

Iron absorption in hepcidin1 knockout mice

Hepcidin, the Fe-regulatory peptide, has been shown to inhibit Fe absorption and reticuloendothelial Fe recycling. The present study was conducted to explore the mechanism of in vivo Fe regulation through genetic disruption of hepcidin1 and acute effects of hepcidin treatment in hepcidin1 knockout (Hepc1-/-) and heterozygous mice. Hepcidin1 disruption resulted in significantly increased intestinal Fe uptake. Hepcidin injection inhibited Fe absorption in both genotypes, but the effects were more evident in the knockout mice. Hepcidin administration was also associated with decreased membrane localisation of ferroportin in the duodenum, liver and, most significantly, in the spleen of Hepc1-/- mice. Hypoferraemia was induced in heterozygous mice by hepcidin treatment, but not in Hepc1-/- mice, 4 h after injection. Interestingly, Fe absorption and serum Fe levels in Hepc1-/- and heterozygous mice fed a low-Fe diet were not affected by hepcidin injection. The present study demonstrates that hepcidin deficiency causes increased Fe absorption. The effects of hepcidin were abolished by dietary Fe deficiency, indicating that the response to hepcidin may be influenced by dietary Fe level or Fe status.

Depressed Antioxidant Status in Pregnant Women on Iron Supplements: Pathologic and Clinical Correlates

Iron (Fe) remains a commonly prescribed supplement in pregnancy. Its possible pathologic potential is either uncommonly considered or ignored. We determined the antioxidant status in pregnant women with and without Fe supplements. Fifty-eight apparently healthy pregnant women on Fe supplements were selected for the study from the antenatal clinic of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Fifty-five aged matched pregnant women who were not on Fe from various parishes of the Christ Apostolic Church, Ibadan (non-drug using Christian sect) were randomly selected as controls. Both groups were classified according to the trimesters of pregnancy. The gestational age in both pregnant women on Fe supplements and non-supplement pregnant women was similar. Fruit and vegetables consumption was higher in the supplement than in the non-supplement group (57.2% vs. 37.3%). Anthropometric indices, weight, height, and BMI, were also similar. But while the weight of the Fe supplement group decreased by nearly 3% in the third trimester, it increased by over 10% (p < 0.00) in the non-supplement group in the same period. Serum Fe level was significantly higher in the supplement than the non-supplement group (p < 0.001). In contrast, the levels of the antioxidants, ascorbic acid, copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and bilirubin were all significantly decreased (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, p < 0.05, and p < 0.05, respectively). Uric acid level though also lower in the supplement group did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05), while vitamin E was similar in both groups. There was relative stability of all antioxidants except uric acid, which declined from the first to the last trimester in the non-supplement group. The significantly higher Fe level in the second trimester was sustained in the third trimester though to a lesser degree (p < 0.05) and associated with significant decreases in the following antioxidant levels in the supplement group, ascorbic acid, bilirubin, Cu, and Zn (p < 0.02, p < 0.02, p < 0.02, and p < 0.001, respectively). Uric acid and vitamin E though lower in the supplement group were not significantly different. Remarkably, percentage changes between the first and third trimesters revealed that serum Fe increased by over 116% in the Fe supplement group, while it only increased by over 50% in the non-supplement group. This was associated with 23.50% decrease in ascorbate level (p < 0.003) in the supplement group, while it decreased by only 3.70% in the non-supplement group (p > 0.05). Again vitamin E decreased by 17.22% in the supplement group, while it decreased by only 7.30% in the non-supplement group during the period. Uric acid and bilirubin levels decreased by similar proportions during the period, while Zn decreased by 18.55% in the supplement group and by 14.86% in the non-supplement group. In contrast Cu increased by 7.20% in the supplement group, while it increased by only 2.96 in the non-supplement group. Additionally, all the antioxidants in the supplement group except vitamin E, viz, ascorbic acid, bilirubin, Cu, uric acid, and Zn, were significantly inversely correlated with serum Fe level (r - 0.299, p < 0.05, r - 0.278, p < 0.05, r - 0.383, p < 0.05, and r - 0.0369, p < 0.05). These data imply markedly depressed antioxidant status in the Fe supplement pregnant group with attendant oxidative stress (most probably pro-oxidant Fe-induced). This is associated with molecular and cellular damage as well as a number of pathologic and clinical correlates that underlie the exacerbation of morbidity and mortality in maternal and child populations, particularly in the developing countries. This appears to call for serious caution and prior evaluation of antioxidant and Fe status and during the use of Fe supplements in pregnancy for monitoring and prognostic purposes and to avert or ameliorate oxidative stress-induced pathologies in maternal and fetal systems.

Is There Any Association Between Serum Iron And Copper Levels In Hemodialysis Patients?

The aim of the present study was to determine changing in serum iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and ferritin levels in hemodialysis patients and to indicate whether there were any correlations between elements and ferritin levels. The study was carried out on 47 hemodialysis patient with the mean age 50.26±16.36 yr who were dialyzed with a range of 2-16 years. This group called as "Hemodialysis group". Blood samples were taken before (pre-hemodialysis) and after (post-hemodialysis) the hemodialysis session. "Control group" included 23 healthy volunteers with the mean age 39.52±11.54 yr. The findings demonstrated that there were no significant differences between the all groups according to data of serum Fe levels. However, serum Cu levels were higher in pre-hemodialysis than the control group (p&lt;0.05) and serum ferritin levels were higher in group pre and post-hemodialysis than the control group (p&lt;0.001). In pre-hemodialysis a significant positive correlations between ferritin and Fe (r=0.373, p&lt;0.05), Fe and Cu (r=0.410, p&lt;0.01) were determined. Findings obtained from the study deliberate that alterations in the levels of Cu may be important for the hemodialysis patients. In addition to correlation between Fe and Cu suggests that there is association between these elements. Further studies are necessary to clarify the association between Fe and Cu.

Investigation of Some Biochemical Parameters and Mineral Substance During Pregnancy and Postpartum Period in Awassi Ewes

Summary The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of the reproductive status on the serum chemistry and mineral substance in Awassi ewes at 21, 120 and 145 days of pregnancy and 7 and 14 days postpartum. All blood profiles were determined in 20 healthy pregnant Awassi ewes. Serum urea, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, total protein, albumin, alanine transaminase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK) were higher in pregnancy while serum glucose, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), P and Ca levels were higher in lactation. Neither the pregnancy nor the lactation effected AST, LDH, Fe and Mg levels. Lower (P<0.001) serum glucose levels were recorded on days 21, 120 and 145 of pregnancy, compared to days 7 and 14 postpartum. Blood total protein levels (P<0.01) decreased, while total bilirubin and direct bilirubin (P<0.01) increased, especially at 120 days of pregnancy. Serum urea (P<0.001) and ALT (P<0.05) levels increased on day 21 of pregnancy, compared with any other stages of gestation and days 7 and 14 postpartum. While serum CK (P<0.01) and albumin (P<0.001) levels were significantly higher on day 145 of gestation, serum ALP (P<0.05), and creatinine (P<0.001) levels were higher at 14 day postpartum. Although without statistical significance, the highest LDH concentration was found in the lactation periods. The mean level of serum Ca at 14 days postpartum was significantly (P<0.001) higher than prepartum period. The highest Mg levels were found at 14 days postpartum. Serum P levels were lower at 120 days of gestation and were higher 14 days postpartum. A gradual increase in serum Fe levels was recorded during pregnancy when compared to day 7 and 14 postpartum but it was not statistical significance. In conclusion, the present findings suggest that serum glucose, creatinine, urea, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, total protein, albumin, ALT, CK, ALP, Ca and P concentrations of the ewes similarly fed, could alter depending on gestation period and parturition which have to be taken in to consideration for the correct interpretation of serum chemistry and elements status.

Change in Serum Trace Elements Concentration before and after Removal of Gallbladder with Gallstone

Epidemiological evidence among the human population has shown a significantly increased incidence of gallstone disease worldwide. The levels of nutrients are represented by different physiological and pathological processes. The aim of this work is to analyze the change in trace element (Al, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mg, Mn, Ni, Se, and Zn) concentrations of human serum 48h before and after the removal of gallbladder with gallstone in 15 patients by using Inductively Coupled Plasma – Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The results showed increased post operative serum Fe, Ni and Se levels and decreased level of other elements significantly. The results were statistically compared (p < 0.05). This study indicates the complexity of interpreting changes in trace elements in serum after surgery.

Relationships among Iron, Protein Oxidation and Lipid Peroxidation Levels in Rats with Alcohol-induced Acute Pancreatitis

It has been previously shown that alcohol induces the damage of pancreatic parenchyma tissue, but the mechanism of this damage is still poorly understood. Assuming that oxygen radical damage may be the involved, we measured markers of oxidative damage in pancreatic tissue, blood serum, plasma, and whole blood of rats with early-stage alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis. Thirty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: the control group (group 1), the acute pancreatitis group 1 day (group 2), and 3 days (group 3) after the injection of ethyl alcohol into the common biliary duct, respectively. The levels of Fe in tissue and serum, whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, fibrinogen and homocysteine (Hcy) levels, erythrocyte and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), and tissue and plasma protein carbonyl levels were found to be significantly higher in groups 2 and 3 than in group 1. However, the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) in tissue and erythrocytes were significantly lower in groups 2 and 3 than in group 1. These results suggest that elevated Fe levels in serum and pancreatic tissue in rats with early-stage alcohol-induced acute pancreatitis is associated with various hemorheological changes and with oxidative damage of the pancreas.

Serum mineral levels according to iron nutrition state and physical activity in young women

The iron nutrition status influences other micro‐mineral status through interacting in the intestinal absorption or in the uptake into tissue. The iron‐deficiencies of women are usually not a kind of an anemia, but a state of only iron storage depletion without anemia. Extracellular mineral concentrations can be changed by exercise through water and electrolyte loss of sweat. We compared the minerals levels in serum according to body iron stores and physical activity in young women. We collected bloods of young collegiate sedentary women and physically active athletic women, and serum concentrations of Na, Cl, Ca, Fe, Zn, Se were measured by neutron activation analysis method. The proportion of females with iron depletion(ID, serum ferritin &lt;20μg/L) were 50% in sedentary and athletic women, respectively. The subjects were divided into 4 groups according to physical activity and iron storage. The serum Na, Cl and Ca level showed increasing tendencies in sedentary with normal iron status compared to the athletes with ID, although no significant differences among 4 groups. The serum Fe levels did not show significant differences among 4 groups, although lower values in the athletes than sedentary women. The serum Zn and Se concentrations were the highest in athletes with normal iron status and the lowest in sedentary with ID. In conclusion, this study suggests that the serum Se and Zn concentrations in young women might be influenced by the chronic physical activity and iron status. This study was supported by the MOST of Korea

Association of Helicobacter pylori infection with gastroduodenal disease, epidemiologic factors and iron‐deficiency anemia in Turkish children undergoing endoscopy, and impact on growth

The purpose of the present paper was to investigate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and clinical symptomatology, breast-feeding and socioeconomic level. The relationship between H. pylori and iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) and the effect of H. pylori infection on growth were also investigated. The subjects consisted of 70 patients aged 4-16 years who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for recurrent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and dyspeptic complaints during a 2 year period. Patients were divided into two groups according to presence of histological evidence of H. pylori infection (group 1, H. pylori positive; group 2, H. pylori negative) and groups were compared with respect to epidemiologic characteristics, gastrointestinal complaints, height and weight SD scores and IDA. Thirty-five (50%) of the 70 patients participating in the study were H. pylori positive. The mean age of group 1 was significantly higher than that of group 2. There were similar characteristics and symptomatology between groups. The majority of the patients in group 1 belonged to low socioeconomic class (class I and II; P < 0.05). The number of the patients exclusively breast-fed for > or =4 months was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1. Gastritis was significantly more frequent in group 1. Mean hemoglobin, serum Fe and ferritin levels were 11.6 +/- 1.7 g/dL, 45.0 +/- 23.2 microg/dL and 11.9 +/- 8.4 microg/dL, respectively, for group 1 and 12.2 +/- 0.7 g/dL, 79.3 +/- 26.4 microg/dL and 42.1 +/- 31.8 microg/dL, respectively, for group 2. The mean serum Fe and ferritin levels of group 2 were significantly higher than those of group 1. IDA was observed in 20 (57.1%) and six (17.1%) patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. IDA was significantly more frequent in group 1. Helicobacter pylori infection was found to be the only variable that had significant effect on IDA. Mean SD height and weight for group 1 were lower than those of the group 2. When the patients were evaluated in four groups according to H. pylori and IDA status, mean height SD score of patients with both H. pylori infection and IDA was significantly lower than that of the patients negative for H. pylori and IDA concomitantly. Low socioeconomic status seems to be an important risk factor for H. pylori infection. Exclusive breast-feeding at least for 4 months can have a protective role against H. pylori infection. Increased frequency of growth retardation and IDA in H. pylori-infected patients in the present study supports similar findings in the literature, although there is still need for detailed studies to clarify the causative mechanisms.

체내 철 수준이 뇌로의 구리 이동과 분포에 미치는 영향

Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element indispensable for brain development and function; either excess or deficiency in Cu can cause brain malfunction. While it is known that Cu and Fe homeostasis are strictly regulated in the brain, the question as to how systemic Fe status may influence brain Cu distribution was poorly understood. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that dietary Fe condition affects Cu transport into the brain, leading to an altered brain distribution of Cu. Rats were divided into 3 groups; an Fe-deficient (Fe-D) group which received an Fe-D diet (3~5 ㎎ Fe/㎏), a control group that was fed with normal diet (35 ㎎ Fe/㎏), and an Fe-overload group whose diet contained an Fe-O diet (20 g carbonyl Fe/㎏). Following a 4-week treatment, the concentration of Cu/Fe in serum, CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) and brain were determined by AAS, and the uptake rates of Cu into choroids plexus (CP), CSF, brain capillary and parenchyma were determined by an in situ brain perfusion, followed by capillary depletion. In Fe-D and Fe-O, serum Fe level decreased by 91% (p ＜ 0.01) and increased by 131% (p ＜ 0.01), respectively, in comparison to controls. Fe concentrations in all brain regions tested (frontal cortex, striatum, hippocampus, mid brain, and cerebellum) were lower than those of controls in Fe-D rats (p ＜ 0.05), but not changed in Fe-O rats. In Fe-D animals, serum and CSF Cu were not affected, while brain Cu levels in all tested regions (frontal cortex, striatum, hippocampus, mid brain, and cerebellum) were significantly increased (p ＜ 0.05). Likewise, the unidirectional transport rate constants (K in ) of Cu in CP, CSF, brain capillary and parenchyma were significantly increased (p ＜ 0.05) in the Fe-D rats. In contrast, with Fe-O, serum, CSF and brain Cu concentrations were significantly decreased as compared to controls (p ＜ 0.05). Cu transport was no significant change of Cu transport of serum in Fe-O rats. The mRNA levels of five Cu-related transporters were not affected by Fe status except DMT1 in the CP, which was increased in Fe-D and decreased in Fe-O. Our data suggest that Cu transport into brain and ensuing brain Cu levels are regulated by systemic Fe status. Fe deficiency appears to augment Cu transport by brain barriers, leading to an accumulation of Cu in brain parenchyma.

Postnatal manganese exposure attenuates cocaine-induced locomotor activity and reduces dopamine transporters in adult male rats

In the present study, we examined whether exposing rats to manganese (Mn) during the preweanling period would affect basal or cocaine-induced locomotor activity in adulthood and reduce the number of striatal dopamine transporter binding sites. On postnatal day (PD) 1–21, rats were given oral supplements of vehicle or Mn chloride (250 or 750 μg/day). Striatal Mn and iron (Fe) accumulation as well as serum Fe levels were measured on PD 14, PD 21, and PD 90. Throughout the dosing period, rats were evaluated on standard measures of sensory and motor development. During adulthood, the basal and cocaine-induced locomotor activity of vehicle- and Mn-exposed rats was assessed using automated testing chambers. After completion of behavioral testing, striatal dopamine transporter binding sites were measured using [ 3H]GBR 12935. Results showed that early Mn exposure enhanced striatal Mn accumulation on PD 14 and PD 21, while depressing serum Fe levels on PD 21. Exposure to Mn on PD 1–21 did not affect striatal or serum Mn or Fe levels on PD 90. During the second postnatal week, Mn-exposed rat pups performed more poorly than controls on a negative geotaxis task, however basal motor activity of preweanling rat pups was not affected by Mn treatment. When tested in adulthood, basal locomotor activity of vehicle- and Mn-exposed rats also did not differ. In contrast, adult rats previously exposed to 750 μg/day Mn showed an enhanced locomotor response when challenged with 10 mg/kg cocaine. A different pattern of results occurred after treatment with a higher dose of the psychostimulant, because Mn-exposed rats showed an attenuated locomotor response when given 20 mg/kg cocaine. Importantly, Mn-exposed rats exhibited long-term reductions in striatal dopamine transporter binding sites. Considered together, these results indicate that postnatal Mn exposure has long-term behavioral and neurochemical effects that can persist into adulthood.

Impact of Cu and Fe Concentrations on Oxidative Damage in Male Infertility

Oxidative stress in the reproductive system is thought to have an effect on the fertilizing ability of sperm. The purpose of this study was to assess the interaction of iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) ions in suspected subfertile and fertile male groups and to find out the relationships of the semen parameters (sperm count, motility, and abnormal morphology), glutathione, malondialdehyde, and reactive oxygen species with these variables. Semen and blood obtained from 60 subfertile men and from 40 fertile volunteers were examined. The sperm count and motility in the subfertile male group were found lower than those in fertile male group (p < 0.001). Cu levels in serum and seminal plasma in the subfertile male group were significantly higher than those in the fertile male group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). There was also a significant increase in the Fe level of seminal plasma in the subfertile male group (p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the Fe level of serum in the subfertile male group. In conclusion, these findings suggest that Cu and Fe might be mediators of the effects of oxidative damage and play an essential role in spermatogenesis and male infertility; the determination of Fe and Cu levels in serum and seminal plasma during infertility investigation is recommended.