Serum Levels Of Trace Elements Research Articles

Investigating Catalase and Carbonic Anhydrase Enzyme Activities and Levels of Certain Trace Elements and Heavy Metals in Patients with Primary and Metastatic Hepatic Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among most common terminal cancer types in the world. Primary etiological factors include cirrhosis, hepatitis, aflatoxin and alcohol. The current study was conducted to determine cytosolic erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase and catalase enzyme activities and levels of some trace elements. For this purpose, 40 patients with primary and metastatic hepatic cancer and 29 healthy volunteers enrolled to the study. Catalase and carbonic anhydrase enzyme activities and serum trace element levels were measured in patient and control groups. In the current study, serum copper, magnesium, manganese and zinc levels were lower in the primary and metastatic hepatic cancer group in comparison with the control group (P

Estimation of the Serum and the Salivary Trace Elements in OSMF Patients

Gutkha packets contain trace elements like copper, zinc, iron and magnesium. This study compared the levels of the trace elements in patients with gutkha eating habits with or without oral submucous fibrosis and in healthy patients. A total of 75 patients were included in this study and they were divided into three groups; the individuals with a history of gutkha intake with OSMF, the individuals with a history of gutkha intake without OSMF and apparently healthy individuals without OSMF and without any habits. Blood and saliva was collected and they were subjected for analysis by using atomic absorption spectrometry and a differential pulse anodic stripping voltmeter. The results were tabulated and they were subjected to a statistical analysis. There was a significant difference in the serum Mg and Fe levels between the patients with habits and the normal healthy individuals. A significant difference was observed in the serum zinc levels in the patients with habits with and without OSMF. Altered serum trace element levels are documented in malignant cases and they are considered to be good biomarkers for malignancies. The serum copper and Zn levels and the Cu/Zn ratio in OSMF patients can be considered as the markers which show a susceptibility towards cancer.

Serum level of iron, zinc and copper in patients with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common neurologic disorders. It appears that in addition to the common risk factors, there may be other factors, such as serum level of trace elements, which affect the development or course of the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of iron, zinc and copper in patients with MS and compare them with the control group. Materials and Methods: In this study, serum levels of iron, zinc and copper were determined in 25 patients with MS and compared with those of 25 healthy individuals matched with age and sex. Data were analyzed in SPSS, version17 using statistical descriptive methods (mean- percentage, SD) and t-test Results: In this study, there were 9 males in the case and control groups and the rest were female. The mean age of the patients was 28±3/44 years for men and 24±2.55 years for women. Mean serum iron levels were significantly elevated in MS patients (127.04±34.67) compared to these levels in the control group (103/95±33/81). Mean serum zinc levels were significantly decreased in MS patients (10.92±2.114) as compared to these levels in the control group (14.05±3.2). Also, mean serum copper levels were significantly decreased in MS patients (88.58±19.56) compared to the levels in the control group (110/37±37/1). Conclusion: The findings of this study show that serum levels of Iron, Zinc and Copper in patients with MS are different from those in normal population.

Effects of omeprazole consumption on serum levels of trace elements

ProjectOmeprazole is one of the most frequently prescribed drugs in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It increases the gastric pH and this in turn may change the intestinal absorption of trace elements. This study was conducted to assess the effects of omeprazole consumption on the serum level of trace elements. ProceduresThe studied subjects were selected from the list of patients referred to the gastroenterology department of 5 Azar hospital in Golestan province of Iran for whom omeprazole was prescribed by a gastroenterologist. Blood samples were obtained before (phase I) and after an eight-week period (phase II) of omeprazole consumption. Serum levels of trace elements were assessed by the photometric method. ResultsSixty seven patients were recruited of whom, 35.82% were males. There was no significant difference in serum levels of Fe, P, Ca and Cu between phases I and II. Serum concentration of Zn was significantly lower in phase II than I (P=0.02). The proportion of male patients with low Zn levels was significantly higher in phase II (50%) than I (16.7%) (P=0.01). We found no significant difference in the proportion of female patients with low Zn levels between phase I (37.2%) and phase II (27.9%). ConclusionsWe found no significant reduction in serum levels of Fe, P, Ca and Cu in phase II. However, our results showed that serum level of Zn was significantly lower after omeprazole consumption in males. So, nutritional supplement of Zn should be considered in male patients treated with omeprazole.

Diazem ve Dormicum Uygulanan Ratlarda Serum İz Element Düzeylerindeki Değişimin Belirlenmesi

Aim: Diazepam and midazolam are widely used medicines in neurological illnesses and there are some side effects which have been observed with chronic usage of these medicines. The interaction of these medicines with trace elements during metabolisation has vital importance. Trace elements have an important role on diseases and health. For this reason, rats were exposed to diazepam and midazolam and carrriers of these medicine and determination of the change in trace elements levels was aimed in this six-week study. Material and Methods: Diazepaman and midazolam, respecitevely in 1mg/kg and 0.75 mg/kg doses, were given intraperitonally twice a day for six weeks. Trace element levels taken from the blood serum samples after giving the medicine were analyzed by SEM-EDX. The levels of 32 trace elements were determined and major differences were observed between control, carriers and experimental groups. In diazepam group, K, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Sb, Hg, Pb, Mn, Zr, In and Bi elements and in carriers group, Na, K, Mo , Zr, Ag and In elements were found to reveal statistically meaningful decreases. K, Mo, Zr, Ag and In elements for midazolam group and Na, K, Mo, Ag and In elements in carriers group display a statistically meaningful decrease compared to control group. Results: Chronic usage of Diazepam and Midazolam causes change in serum trace elements levels and these vital levels must be observed when these medicines are used. Key words: Diazepam; Midazolam; SEM-EDX; Trace Element.

Clinical Factors Associated With Serum Copper Concentration In Patients On Hemodialysis

It is well known that renal insufficiency influences trace element metabolism. In particular, patients treated with hemodialysis (HD) are at higher risk for both deficiency and excess of trace elements. However, derangements of serum trace element levels reported by previous studies were sometimes inconsistent. In addition, harmful effects by trace element derangements seem quite unclear. In this cross-sectional study, we examined clinical factors associated with serum copper levels in patients treated with HD for more than or equal to 6 months. In 49 patients (male : female =29 : 20, age 71 ± 10 years, HD duration 84 ± 71 months), the mean value of serum copper was 93.8 ± 16.2 μg/dL. In univariate analysis, there were no significant correlation between serum copper levels and patient’s age, sex, HD duration, the presence of diabetes mellitus, serum albumin levels, and body mass index. Serum copper levels significantly correlated with serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP; r =0.474, P =0.001) and malondialdehyde-low-density lipoprotein ( r =0.371, P =0.009). It was notable that serum copper levels tended to be lower in those treated with higher dose of sevelamer hydrochloride ( r =−0.255, P =0.07). In multivariate analysis, hs-CRP remained to be an independent determinant of serum copper levels. We showed significant association of serum copper levels with inflammation and oxidative stress in HD patients. Further studies are required to investigate whether sevelamer may improve serum copper levels, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Serum levels of trace elements in Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C under interferon therapy

The relationships between chronic liver diseases and trace heavy metal contents in blood are debatable and have not been understood clearly. The present study was designed to determine the interaction of IFN α-2b with some trace elements as (Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) in patients with chronic hepatitis C, and study the effect of this interaction on the response to therapy. This study was performed on 42 patients having positive HCV-Ab & HCV-RNA by PCR and treated with interferon and ribavirin. Besides, 20 healthy subjects served as control. ALT and trace elements were determined before and after treatment with IFN-α 2b. The results showed that the levels of Zinc and Manganese in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients’ were decreased compared to healthy group and this decrement became more after treatment. While the levels of Iron and Copper increased compared to healthy group and these increment became more after treatment. Serum ALT levels in the patients after treatment was statistically significant decrease ( p < 0.05) when compared to its level before treatment. Conclusion: Our findings imply that the levels of trace elements (manganese, iron, copper, zinc, and Cu: Zn ratios) might serve as biochemical parameters with a predictive value for the responsiveness of patients to interferon/ribavirin therapy as there were changes in the levels of some trace elements (Zn and Mn) between responder and non-responder patients. So trace element abnormalities may reflect the condition of liver dysfunction.

Influence of some Trace Elements and Biochemical Parameters on Breast Cancer

The study investigates the levels of serum trace elements as well as total protein and cholesterol which may be regarded as biochemical markers in the case of breast cancer. Serum samples were collected from 25 healthy females and 25 females with breast cancer, 24 hours before mastectomy surgery. Serum Cu, Zn, Pb and Fe were measured by using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Total protein, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were analyzed enzymatically. Compared with the healthy females, the females with breast cancer exhibited a significant increase in the level of Cu (p > 0.009), Pb (p > 0.03), Cu/Zn ratio (p > 0.001), total protein (p > 0.005), total cholesterol (p > 0.001) and total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio (p > 0.05). They also exhibited a significant decrease in the level of Zn (p > 0.002), but there was no significant change in the level of Fe, Cu/Fe ratio and HDL-cholesterol. It was concluded that the type and level of the elements and the level of protein and cholesterol might have a correlation with breast cancer; a high level of Cu, Pb, Cu/Zn ratio, total protein, total cholesterol and total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio, and a low level of Zn may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

The effect of aerobic exercise programme on trace element levels of young men

The object of this study is to search the effects of 24 week exercise programme on serum Trace element levels of young men. The exercise programme was applied during 24 weeks as 5 days/week. The serum samples were prepared after being diluted by 1% Triton X-100 (Sigma Chemical Co: T-9284) solution. Calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium contents in the serum samples were determined with Varian 240FS model “Flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS)” device in flame emission mode, and iron and zinc contents were determined in the mode of atomic absorption spectrometry. According to the results of the analysis, while there were significant differences (P<0.01) in the Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, Zinc parameters between pre-exercise and post-exercise period, there were no significant difference between Iron and Magnesium parameters. As a result, while the 24-week exercise programme applied on sedentary young men caused significant changes on Calcium, Potassium, Sodium and Zinc parameters, it did not change Magnesium and Iron levels. It can be pointed out that the people who have regular exercises should pay attention to their nutrition because they may have health problems based on the lack of trace element if they don’t pay attention to their nutrition. Key words: Aerobic exercise, trace element, sedentary, health.

Correlation of Oxidative Stress with Serum Trace Element Levels and Antioxidant Enzyme Status in Beta Thalassemia Major Patients: A Review of the Literature

Beta thalassemia major is an inherited disease resulting from reduction or total lack of beta globin chains. Patients with this disease need repeated blood transfusion for survival. This may cause oxidative stress and tissue injury due to iron overload, altered antioxidant enzymes, and other essential trace element levels. The aim of this review is to scrutinize the relationship between oxidative stress and serum trace elements, degree of damage caused by oxidative stress, and the role of antioxidant enzymes in beta thalassemia major patients. The findings indicate that oxidative stress in patients with beta thalassemia major is mainly caused by tissue injury due to over production of free radical by secondary iron overload, alteration in serum trace elements and antioxidant enzymes level. The role of trace elements like selenium, copper, iron, and zinc in beta thalassemia major patients reveals a significant change of these trace elements. Studies published on the status of antioxidant enzymes like catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and glutathione S-transferase in beta thalassemia patients also showed variable results. The administration of selective antioxidants along with essential trace elements and minerals to reduce the extent of oxidative damage and related complications in beta thalassemia major still need further evaluation.

Serum trace elements and heavy metals in polycystic ovary syndrome

We aimed to investigate the serum levels of essential trace elements copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg) and heavy metals cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co) and lead (Pb) in the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A total of 65 (35 patients with PCOS and 30 healthy controls) women were included in the study. Serum Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb, Mg, Co and Cd levels were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. Serum Cu and Zn levels were significantly higher, but Mn and Pb levels were lower in patients with PCOS compared with the healthy participants (p < 0.01). There was no difference between patients with PCOS and the controls with respect to the serum levels of Mg, Co and Cd. This is the first study investigating serum Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb, Co, Mg and Cd levels in the patients with PCOS. The serum levels of trace elements and heavy metals might change in patients with PCOS. The findings in this study should be investigated with further trials in order to obtain new insights into PCOS.

Sequential Evaluations of Trace Elements in Patients Receiving Parenteral Nutrition

To evaluate alterations of serum trace element (TE) levels in critically ill patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) including the recommended doses of TEs. Measurements of serum levels of TEs such as zinc, iron, copper, manganese and iodine were performed on the day before, and two and four weeks after, administration of PN. Forty-six patients who received PN from October 2007 to August 2009, were enrolled. All patients received 100µmol (6.5mg) zinc, 35µmol (2mg) iron, 5µmol (0.3mg) copper, 1µmol (0.05mg) manganese and 1µmol (0.13mg) iodine as the recommended daily doses. There were no significant differences in the serum levels of iron, copper and manganese among the three measurement points. On the other hand, there were significant differences in the serum levels of zinc (p<0.001), triiodothyronine (T3) (p=0.010) and unbound T3 (p=0.006) among the three points, but not for thyroxine (T4) and unbound T4. The recommended doses of TEs are justified for critically ill patients in terms of constant serum levels, except for zinc and iodine.

Serum Trace Element Presentation in Female Wistar Rats administered with Paracetamol &amp; Paracetamol/Methionine.

A number of therapeutic agents are known to alter serum trace element levels with dangerous consequences. An earlier study had demonstrated significant alteration in the levels of some trace elements in male rats dosed with paracetamol/methionine. This study is designed to compare serum element presentation at the 4th hour (peak of absorption) with the 16th hour (peak of toxicity) so as to establish how early in the course of paracetamol exposure trace element alteration takes place. This is because essential trace elements take part not only in the process of cell division but in DNA repair system as well, DNA repair system prevents mutation. And because cell division is a continuous process and has been described to be characterized by at least one spontaneous mutation per a million cell divisions, then it becomes expedient to carry out a study of this nature. Eight female Wistar rats per group were used for the study. They were administered with different doses of paracetamol/methionine (5:1) ranging from 350-5000 mg/kg bw. Results indicate that trace element alterations commenced as early as the 4th hour, with these alterations lasting till the end of the 16th hour in both paracetamol &amp; paracetamol/methionine groups at most levels of exposure. Although studies had indicated that addition of methionine to paracetamol may ensure tissue protection even at toxic doses, evidence from this study suggests that it may not prevent trace element alteration, a situation capable of rendering genes to be susceptible to mutation and provoking oxidative stress-induced diseases.Key words: paracetamol; peak; absorption; toxicity; trace elements; Wistar rats

Serum cadmium levels are independently associated with endothelial function in hemodialysis patients

Hemodialysis (HD) patients are at risk of deficiency of essential trace elements and excess of toxic trace elements. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relation between the serum levels of some trace elements and heavy metals (iron, zinc, manganese, copper, magnesium, cobalt, cadmium, and lead) and endothelial function in HD patients. Forty-eight chronic HD patients without known atherosclerotic disease and 42 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals were included in the study. The serum levels of trace elements (iron, zinc, manganese, copper, and magnesium) and heavy metals (cobalt, cadmium, and lead) were measured by Atomic Adsorption Spectrophotometer (UNICAM-929). The serum levels of iron, zinc, and manganese were lower, and levels of copper, magnesium, cobalt, cadmium, and lead were higher in HD patients compared to controls. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD %) in HD patients was lower than that in the control group (7.27 ± 0.76 vs. 11.29 ± 0.82, P < 0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between FMD % and serum levels of cobalt (r = -0.313, P = 0.03) and cadmium (r = -0.524, P < 0.01). A linear regression analysis showed that serum cadmium levels were still significantly and negatively correlated with FMD % (regression coefficient = -0.526, P < 0.001). We first demonstrated that serum cadmium levels independently predict endothelial function in HD patients without known atherosclerotic disease.

The Correlation of Serum Trace Elements and Heavy Metals with Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

Changes in essential trace elements and heavy metals may affect the atherosclerotic state of patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD). The aim of the study was to evaluate the relation between the serum levels of some trace elements and heavy metals (iron, zinc, manganese, copper, magnesium, cobalt, cadmium, lead, and copper/zinc ratio) and carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) in HD patients. Fifty chronic HD patients without known atherosclerotic disease and 48 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals were included in the study. The serum levels of trace elements (iron, zinc, manganese, copper, and magnesium) and heavy metals (cobalt, cadmium, and lead) were measured by Atomic Adsorption Spectrophotometer (UNICAM-929). CIMT was assessed by carotid artery ultrasonography. The serum levels of iron, zinc, and manganese were lower; levels of copper, magnesium, cobalt, cadmium, lead, and copper/zinc ratio were higher in HD patients compared to controls. CIMT in HD patients were higher than the control group (0.64 ± 0.11 vs 0.42 ± 0.05, p < 0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between CIMT and serum levels of zinc (r = -0.70, p < 0.01), iron (r = -0.71, p < 0.01), and manganese (r = -0.47, p < 0.01), while there was a significant positive correlation between CIMT and serum levels of copper (r = 0.63, p < 0.01), magnesium (r = 0.77, p < 0.01), cobalt (r = 0.63, p < 0.01), cadmium (r = 0.48, p < 0.01), lead (r = 0.38, p < 0.01), and copper/zinc ratio (r = 0.68, p < 0.01). A linear regression analysis showed that serum levels of magnesium, cadmium, lead, and copper/zinc ratio were still significantly and positively correlated with CIMT. We propose that copper/zinc ratio, magnesium and toxic metals cadmium and lead are independent determinants of CIMT in maintenance HD patients without known atherosclerotic disease.

Selenium Is Significantly Depleted Among Morbidly Obese Female Patients Seeking Bariatric Surgery

The aim of this study was to compare serum levels of trace elements in morbidly obese female patients seeking bariatric surgery with those of age-matched females with body mass index (BMI) less than or equal to 30. Blood samples were collected from 66 morbidly obese female patients seeking bariatric surgery prior to undergoing surgery. Blood was collected also from 44 female patients (with BMI less than or equal to 30) prospectively from April 2009 till February 2010. Exclusion criteria in both groups were the presence of any co-morbidities on medication, patients receiving any vitamin supplement or any herbal product intake, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Serum zinc, magnesium, copper, and selenium were measured and compared between the two groups. The mean age and BMI for morbidly obese female patients was 28.5years (21.5-35.5) and 45.26kg/m(2) (40.3-50.22). The control group had a mean age and BMI of 30.75years (21.35-40.15) and 25.88kg/m(2) (22.73-29.03). For morbidly obese patients, the serum level of copper, zinc, selenium, and magnesium was 1,623.84, 698.34, 86.08, and 17,830μg/l, respectively, compared to 1,633.36, 734.82, 101.14, and 18,260μg/l for the control group. The serum levels of the trace elements were not statistically significantly different between the two groups except for selenium, which was significantly reduced among morbidly obese female patients (p < 0.0001). Serum selenium level is significantly reduced among morbidly obese female patients seeking bariatric surgery.

Increase in non-transferrin bound iron and the oxidative stress status in epilepsy patients treated using valproic acid monotherapy

This study aims to investigate the alteration of iron homeostasis and oxidative stress status in epilepsy patients treated with valproic acid (VPA) monotherapy. 24 epilepsy patients receiving VPA monotherapy (12 men, 12 women, age 27.5 ± 7.2 y) and 24 sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers were included in the study. The level of iron status parameters; serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, non-transferrin bound iron (NTBI), serum level of trace elements (copper, zinc and selenium), concentration of antioxidant parameters, activities of antioxidant enzymes and level of lipid peroxidation product were determined. NTBI was found in the patients although their other iron status parameters were normal. Levels of antioxidant parameters were decreased while activities of antioxidant enzymes were increased. Levels of serum MDA were significantly increased in patients with epilepsy. The daily dose of valproic acid associated was statistically significant: serum concentration of NTBI (r = 0.579; p = 0.003) and MDA (r = 0.465; p = 0.022). A positive correlation existed between NTBI and zinc (r = 0.522; p = 0.009). According to our results, VPA treatment in patients with epilepsy contributes to the metabolism of iron, leading to the formation of NTBI and an increase in oxidative stress.

Relationship between Some Trace Elements, Lipid profile and Hypothyroidism

There are many questions still remain concerning the relationship between the trace elements and thyroid hormones. Therefore, this study was undertakento evaluate the concentration levels of some trace elements (zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, magnesium), and to reach the possible correlation between these trace elements and thyroid hormones in hypothyroidism.The study was included 50 patients with hypothyroidism and 28 healthy volunteers' serves as control group matched with age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). All participant had not taken vitamin or mineral supplements for at least 2 weeks before sampling, blood sampling were drawn to determine the serumtrace elements levels (Zn, Cu, Se, Mn, and Mg), thyroid hormone (T3, T4, and TSH), and lipid profile (TC, TG, LDL, HDL, and VLDL). The results indicate that the hypothyroidism patients have significant increase in TSH levels (P&lt; 0.01), and significant decrease in T3, T3/T4 levels (P&lt;0.001), although, there were decrease in serum trace elements (Se, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Mg) in hypothyroidism patients compared with controls group, (P&lt; 0.001 for all serum Se, Zn, Cu, Mn, and P&lt; 0.01 for Mg). The results indicate that there was no significant correlation between serum Cu, Mn, Mg and T3, T4, and TSH level; but, there was a significant positive correlation between Se-T3 (r=0.286, P&lt;0.04), and Zn-T3 (r=0.3, P&lt;0.01), also there was only a significant negative correlation between serum Se-TSH levels (r=-0.315, P&lt; 0.02) in hypothyroidism patients. There is significant increase in the mean serum cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) in patients compared with normal controls (P 0.01, P&lt;0.001, &lt;0.05) respectively. Also, there is significant decrease in the mean serum concentration of high density lipoprotein (HDL) in the patients with hypothyroidism than control, and our results showed that there is positive correlation between TSH levels and lipid (cholesterol, triglyceride, and very low density lipoproteins), although, there is negative correlation between Mg concentration and lipid (TC, TG, LDL) levels. We conclude that the trace elements Se, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Mg have altered in hypothyroidism patients; there are correlations between some trace elements (Se, and Zn) and thyroid hormones, but there are no obvious correlations between the other trace elements (Cu, Mn, and Mg) status and thyroid hormones. That is means there is an interactions between some trace elements and thyroid hormones levels.

Serum Copper, Zinc, and Magnesium Levels in Patients with Chronic Fluorosis

Although there are many studies on effect of fluoride on trace elements in experimental animals, few studies exist on serum trace elements levels in patients with endemic fluorosis. We aimed to determine the serum levels of trace elements including serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and serum levels of minerals including calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K) in patients with endemic fluorosis. The study group consisted of 30 patients with endemic fluorosis (17 females, 13 males, mean age 33.53±9.85 years). An age, gender, and body mass index matched 30 healthy volunteers comprised control group (21 females, ten males with a mean age 33.93±7.39 years). Urine fluoride levels of chronic fluorosis patients were significantly higher than that of control subjects as expected (1.92±0.10 mg/l vs. 0.41±0.09 mg/l, respectively; P<0.001). Serum Cu levels (89.14±16.77 μg/dL vs. 102.69±25.04 μg/dL, respectively, P=0.017), serum Zn levels (77.98±20.58 μg/dL vs. 94.57±35.87μg/dL, respectively, P=0.032), and serum Mg levels (1.92±0.18 mg/dL vs. 2.07±0.31 mg/dL, respectively, p=0.022) was significantly lower in chronic fluorosis patients than in controls. There were no statistically significant differences between the fluorosis group and control group with respect to serum levels of Na, K, Ca, and P. We concluded that chronic fluorosis is associated with reduced serum levels of Cu, Zn, and Mg.

Trace Elements in Obese Turkish Children

The quality of the diet of obese children is poor. Eating habits may alter micronutrient status in obese patients. In this study, we determined the serum levels of selenium, zinc, vanadium, molybdenum, iron, copper, beryllium, boron, chromium, manganese, cobalt, silver, barium, aluminum, nickel, cadmium, mercury, and lead in obese Turkish children. Thirty-four obese and 33 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. Serum vanadium and cobalt levels of obese children were significantly lower than those of the control group (0.244 ± 0.0179 vs. 0.261 ± 0.012 μg/l, p < 0.001, and 0.14 ± 0.13 vs. 0.24 ± 0.15 μg/l, p = 0.011, respectively). There was no significant difference between groups regarding the other serum trace element levels. In conclusion, there may be alterations in the serum levels of trace elements in obese children and these alterations may have a role in the pathogenesis of obesity.