Serum Levels Of Trace Elements Research Articles

Comparison of Serum Copper, Selenium and Zinc Concentrations Among the States of Glucose Tolerance

Trace element is essential for the proper growth, development, and physiology of the organism and the primary source of trace element is dietary intake. Among trace elements, the role of copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) in the pathogenesis of diabetes have been widely recognized. However, there is little information available about these 3 trace elements across the different states of glucose tolerance.We examined associations between serum levels of trace elements - Cu, Zn, and Se with various stages of glucose tolerance in a representative, cross-sectional sample of US adults. Our sample included 5,087 adults (≥20 years) with available serum concentrations of Cu, Zn and Se as well as states of glucose tolerance, defined by history, HbA1c, fasting, and 2-hour plasma glucose concentrations. Serum concentrations of trace elements were compared with glucose tolerance status with the consideration of covariates. Regression analyses was used to examine the relationship of trace elements with HOMA-IR, HOMA-B, and BMI in non-diabetic subjects with the consideration of appropriate covariates.Serum Se (P<0.0001) and Zn (P<0.0001) concentrations differed significantly among 3 groups based on the states of glucose tolerance, while no difference was noted in serum Cu concentration. In non-diabetic subjects, serum Cu concentration was positively correlated with BMI (P<0.0001) with a possible compensatory increased beta cell function (P=0.018). Serum Se concentration was negatively correlated with insulin resistance (P=0.016) but not with beta cell function or BMI. Serum Zn concertation was negatively correlated with beta cell function (P=0.0023) and BMI (P=0.018), but not with insulin resistance.We found that a higher serum concentration of trace elements was associated with negative glucose and fuel homeostasis in a non-deficiency population possibly through different mechanisms. Although the casual relationship remains to be elucidated, we recommend against trace element supplementation in a non-deficiency population.

Relationship between gestational diabetes and serum trace element levels in pregnant women from Eastern Iran: a multivariate approach.

The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has increased over the recent decades. Exposure to environmental contaminants may be a risk factor for the development of GDM, but this is heavily dependent on particular circumstances. Studies on various areas linking various factors are therefore needed. We examined the associations between serum trace element levels and incidents of GDM among 102 pregnant women (diabetic n = 60 and healthy n = 42) living in Birjand (Iran). Blood serum samples were analyzed for concentrations of elements linked to particulate matter air pollution such as As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, V, and Zn. Concentrations of As (8.58 vs. 3.15 μg/L), Cd (6.74 vs. 0.52 μg/L), and Hg (2.60 vs. 0.90 μg/L) were significantly higher in women with GDM. Risk difference (RD) estimation showed that As, 0.516 (0.355, 0.677); Cd, 0.719 (0.534, 0.904); and Hg, 0.505 (0.276, 0.735) increase GDM probability, while V lower that risk, -0.139 (-0.237, -0.042). With the principal component analysis, we were able to separate subjects according to their GDM status based on element levels. Such classification revealed very high efficiency with a true positive rate of 93%, according to linear discriminant analysis. GDM subjects presented higher levels of As, Cd, and Hg, indicating that these elements may disturb insulin metabolism and promote the development of GDM. Therefore, we conclude that systematic monitoring of trace elements followed by multivariate modeling in women planning pregnancy should be carried out to prevent the development of GDM.

Serum Vitamin and Trace Element Levels of Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the change in serum vitamin and trace element levels of patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), which is one of the bariatric surgery ...

The Impact of the serum level of trace elements on the severity of neuropathy in type 2 Diabetic patients

Background and aim: This study was designed in order to estimate the alterations in the levels of serum zinc, magnesium and copper in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic peripheral neuropathy in comparison to those without neuropathy and their relation to duration of diabetes and glycemic control.Method: 71 patients with Type 2 diabetes recruited and divided into 2 groups: Group 1: 47 patients with diabetic neuropathy and Group 2: 24 patients with type 2 diabetes without diabetic neuropathy. The presence and absence of neuropathy was assessed using neuropathy disability score and neuropathy symptom score. Full history and examination were taken from all participants. Neuropathy symptom score and neuropathy disability score was assessed. A blood sample was taken for measuring A1c, serum zinc, magnesium, and copper Results: There was a significant difference between both groups as regard duration of diabetes and serum copper level (P value< 0.05). After performing linear regression analysis, the duration of Diabetes was the significant risk factor for the diabetic neuropathy symptoms. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups as regard serum zinc, serum magnesium, glycated hemoglobin, age, sex, and hypertension.Conclusion: High serum CU and low serum Mg and Zn are not independent risk factors for diabetic neuropathy as previously thought, and its alterations in diabetic patients may be due to the hyperglycemia itself

Serum Copper, Ceruloplasmin, Iron, Transferrin level in patients with Psoriasis and their relationship with severity of the disease

Psoriasis is a common, chronic, immune mediated inflammatory disease that involves the innate immunological system (keratinocyte, dendritic cell, histiocytes, mast cells and endothelial cells) and acquired immunological system (T lymphocytes). Essential trace elements like iron (Fe), copper (Cu) undergo redox cycling and have physiological significance in inflammatory process. This study is aimed at measuring the level of copper, ceruloplasmin, iron and transferrin in psoriasis patient and to assess its relationship with the severity of the disease. This is an observational cross sectional study. It was conducted at the department of Dermatology and Venereology, BSMMU, Dhaka. Age range of the patient was 18 to 65 years. The mean age of the patients was 39.1±13.54 years, 57.9% patients were male and 42.1% were female. Male: female ratio was 1.4:1. Male patients were predominant. Mean duration of disease 5.36±4.05 years with range from 1.0 to 14 years. Most of the (76.3%) patients had mild disease followed by 23.7% had moderate to severe disease. Serum level of trace elements was compared between mild and moderate to severe group of psoriasis patients but difference were not statistically significant (p&gt;0.05). Weak negative correlation was found between PASI score and serum levels of copper (r = “0.134, P = 0.423), iron (r = –0.080, p = 0.632), transferrin (r = –0.079, p = 0.638) and weak positive correlation was found with ceruloplasmin (r = 0.228, p = 0.168). The results of the present research provide valuable information and correlation between the measured biomarkers and severity of psoriasis. Serum Ceruloplasmin, copper, iron and serum transferrin could serve as a biomarker of psoriasis but not as a marker of psoriasis severity.&#x0D; J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 29, No.1, April, 2020, Page 59-68

Evaluation of Serum Levels of Trace Elements in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: A Case-Control Study

Evaluation of Serum Levels of Trace Elements in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: A Case-Control Study

Impact of chemotherapy on antioxidant micronutrient levels in patients with mature lymphoid malignancies

Introduction. Cancer treatments are now intense and are associated with nutritional deficiencies. The nutritional status of a patient may influence the tolerability of chemotherapy. Aim. We investigated the effects of chemotherapy on serum levels of trace elements (copper, iron, manganese, selenium, and zinc) and vitamins (A, C, and E) in patients with mature lymphoid malignancies (MLMs) at diagnosis and after 3 months. Material and methods. A case-control study of adults diagnosed with and treated for various MLMs. Thirty-nine cases and 39 age and sex-matched controls were recruited into this study. Venous blood samples were collected from the controls, cases at baseline and after 3 months of chemotherapy. Trace elements were determined by AAS while vitamins were determined by HPLC. Results. The levels of trace elements and antioxidant vitamins A and E were significantly higher (p&lt;0.001) in cases than in controls while vitamin C was lower in cases compared to controls (p=0.005). After 3 months of treatment, 28 patients were available for analysis. There was a significant decline (p&lt;0.001) in all the levels of trace elements and vitamins after chemotherapy. Conclusion. Chemotherapy is associated with a significant reduction in antioxidants levels in patients with MLMs.

The Relationship between Serum Trace Elements and Oxidative Stress of Patients with Different Types of Cancer.

Objective Many studies have identified causal and promotive roles of oxidative stress (OxS) and oxidative damage caused by OxS in the occurrence and progression of cancer. Many biomarkers in the blood circulation of patients may change correspondingly with the development of tumors. This study is aimed at investigating the correlation between OxS and serum trace element (TE) levels of patients with different types of cancer. Methods 1143 different types of cancer patients and 178 healthy controls from Mar. 2018 to Aug. 2020 in Mianyang Central Hospital were involved in this study. Their levels of OxS parameters (including total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidant stress index (OSI)) and the concentrations of serum TEs (including Cu, Zn, Fe, and Se) were determined. Results Compared with healthy controls, all types of cancer patients had higher TOS level (all Padj < 0.001) and OSI level (z = 6.228 ~ 9.909, all Padj < 0.001) and lower TAS level (all Padj < 0.001). Compared with healthy controls, the changes of four TE levels in serum were different in different types of cancer patients, among which Cu increased in all groups, but there was no statistical difference in gastric and brain cancer; Se decreased in all groups, but there was no statistical difference in gastric, colorectal, esophageal, and other cancer; Zn was significantly decreased in breast cancer patients (Padj < 0.001); there was no statistical difference in the change of Fe in liver, kidney, and other cancer. Spearman correlation showed that the change of Cu concentration was most closely related to the three OxS parameters and was strongly correlated in the observed several types of tumors (rs > 0.6). Multinomial logistic regression showed that the risks of different tumors are related to the level change of multiple TEs and OxS parameters (ORTOS = 1.19 ~ 2.82, OROSI = 2.56 ~ 4.70, ORTAS = 0.20 ~ 0.46, ORCu = 0.73 ~ 1.44, ORZn = 0.81 ~ 0.91, ORFe = 0.68 ~ 1.18, and ORSe = 0.22 ~ 0.45, all P < 0.006). Conclusions The OxS exists in the occurrence and development of cancer, which may be related to the changes of certain trace elements. In order to evaluate OxS correctly, it is necessary to detect TAS and TOS and at the same time, their ratio OSI should be detected. Assessment of markers representing the overall level of OxS and TEs may guarantee improved the monitoring of disease occurrence and development risk in cancer patients.

Alterations in the Serum Trace Element Levels in Women Infected with Chlamydia Trachomatis

Most infectious diseases are accompanied by changes in the levels of several trace elements in the blood. A total of 88 female patients referred to the Nawroz Private Laboratory in the Duhok province, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, were enrolled in this study. The enrolled patients were sent to the laboratory for investigation of their hormone levels because they were suffering from various gynecologic abnormalities. The serum levels of anti-chlamydia immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM antibodies were estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests, and the serum trace element levels were evaluated by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results showed that 10 (11.4 %) of the samples tested positive for the presence of anti-chlamydia IgG antibodies, whereas none of the samples tested positive for anti-chlamydia IgM antibodies. Furthermore, a significant reduction in the serum potassium levels was observed in response to the chlamydia infection, whereas no significant changes were observed in any of the other elements.

Beyond the Mind-Serum Trace Element Levels in Schizophrenic Patients: A Systematic Review.

The alterations in serum trace element levels are common phenomena observed in patients with different psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, or major depressive disorder. The fluctuations in the trace element concentrations might act as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of many psychiatric and neurological disorders. This paper aimed to assess the alterations in serum trace element concentrations in patients with a diagnosed schizophrenia. The authors made a systematic review, extracting papers from the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Among 5009 articles identified through database searching, 59 of them were assessed for eligibility. Ultimately, 33 articles were included in the qualitative synthesis. This review includes the analysis of serum levels of the following trace elements: iron, nickel, molybdenum, phosphorus, lead, chromium, antimony, uranium, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, copper, selenium, calcium, and manganese. Currently, there is no consistency regarding serum trace element levels in schizophrenic patients. Thus, it cannot be considered as a reliable prognostic or diagnostic marker of schizophrenia. However, it can be assumed that altered concentrations of those elements are crucial regarding the onset and exaggeration of either psychotic or negative symptoms or cognitive dysfunctions.

Correlation of trace elements (serum zinc and copper) in type 2 diabetic patients with and without complications

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is supposed to be associated with alteration in the serum levels of trace elements. Conversely, research also suggests that imbalances of specific elements associated with the complications of diabetes mellitus. Copper plays important role in oxidative stress and it’s one of the important factor contributes to aetiology of DM. And zinc involved with synthesis & secretion of insulin. So, we have choose copper and zinc to find association in diabetics patients. Materials and Methods: In this cross sectional observational study total of one hundred and twenty (120) subjects were included and categorized into 3 groups. On the basis of screening, 80 patients were divided into two study groups: Group I (40 patients with micro- or macrovascular complications) and Group II (40 diabetic patients without complications). Group III include the 40 age and sex matched non-diabetic healthy control subjects selected for comparison. Serum zinc, copper concentration and HbA1c% (glycated haemoglobin) were estimated in all three study groups. Result: Serum copper concentration and HbA1c% were significantly (p Conclusion: Alteration in levels of trace elements (like, Zn and Cu) are found to be important influencing factors for diabetic patients for developing complications. From the present study, it may be determined that altered levels of trace elements (like zinc and copper) may have contributory a role in the pathogenesis and progression of type 2 DM. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Serum copper, Serum zinc, HbA1c%

Increased oxidative stress and altered serum macro-minerals and trace elements levels are associated with coronary artery disease

BackgroundThis study was designed to evaluate the serum malondialdehyde (MDA), non-enzymatic antioxidants (vitamin A and C), macro-minerals (magnesium and calcium), and trace elements (zinc, copper, and iron) levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and to explore their role in disease progression. MethodsThis prospective case-control study was comprised of 40 CAD patients and 40 healthy volunteers as cases and control subjects, respectively. The level of lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring the serum MDA level using a UV spectrophotometer. The levels of vitamins A and C were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and UV spectrophotometric method, respectively. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was used to measure serum macro-minerals (Mg and Ca) and trace elements (Zn, Cu, and Fe) concentrations. ResultsThe mean age of CAD patients and control subjects was 53.90 ± 2.22 and 37.03 ± 1.50 years, respectively. This study revealed significantly higher concentrations of MDA (p < 0.01) and lower concentrations of vitamin A (p < 0.01), and vitamin C (p < 0.05) in the CAD patients than in control subjects. The mean values of Mg, Cu, Zn, Ca, and Fe were 11.67 ± 0.64, 1.17 ± 0.03, 0.43 ± 0.02, 107.38 ± 1.81, and 1.66 ± 0.04 μg/mL, respectively for the CAD patients and 19.38 ± 0.65, 1.07 ± 0.02, 0.87 ± 0.02, 94.29 ± 1.89, and 1.52 ± 0.05 μg/mL, respectively for the controls and the differences were significant (p < 0.05) between the patients and controls. ConclusionFrom these findings, we can suggest that there is a strong association of CAD with an elevated level of MDA, depleted levels of antioxidants, and altered macro-minerals and trace elements concentrations.

Associations between serum trace elements and inflammation in two animal models of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

BackgroundThe comparison of hepatic steatosis animal models has allowed the understanding of mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the progression to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We investigated the changes in serum levels of trace elements and inflammation markers in fatty livers using two rat models of NAFLD, the methionine and choline deficient (MCD) diet model and Obese-Zucker rats.Material and methodsNAFLD was induced in male Wistar rats by 3-week MCD diet administration, after which, blood samples were collected. 12-week old Obese (fa/fa) and Lean (fa/-) male Zucker rats were also used. Serum levels of hepatic enzymes, Urea, Uric acid, Ca2+, Cl, Fe, K, Na, Mg and Zn were quantified, as well as the inflammation markers TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6.ResultsIn MCD rats, a serum increase in Cl, Mg and Na and a decrease in Ca2+, Zn were detected in comparison with control rats. An increase in only serum Ca2+ was found in Obese-Zucker rats. In MCD rat serum, Zn was inversely correlated with IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, Urea and Uric Acid; Ca2+ was inversely correlated with IL-1beta, IL-6 and Urea; Cl and Mg were directly correlated with Uric Acid and Urea, respectively. In Obese-Zucker rats, Cl and IL-1beta were inversely correlated, whereas Ca2+ and Urea where directly correlated, as well Fe and TNF-alpha.ConclusionsThe serum concentrations of trace elements change significantly only in MCD rats, which spontaneously progress to NASH. The causes of these changes may be a result of defense strategies of the organism, which is regulated by immunoregulatory cytokines. These results might suggest that the impairment of trace element status should be taken into account when the effectiveness of a pharmacological treatment is under evaluation.

Trace Element Levels in Serum Are Potentially Valuable Diagnostic Markers in Dogs.

Simple SummaryDetermining trace element concentrations in serum can provide useful information about some diseases. Furthermore, a single blood sample can nowadays be used to determine trace element profiles by multielement techniques such as inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Along with other routinely determined biochemical parameters, trace element profiles provide information about the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prognosis of diseases, and enable evaluation of the suitability of trace element supplementation as an adjunct therapy. In this study, we evaluated the suitability of using trace element profiles, together with other routinely determined biochemical parameters, in dogs suffering different diseases, as diagnostic markers in routine clinical practice.The objective of this study was to obtain information about the role of trace element imbalance in the pathogenesis of certain diseases in dogs and to evaluate the suitability of trace element profiling as an additional tool in the diagnosis. Serum trace element concentrations (copper, molybdenum, selenium and zinc) were measured in a cohort of healthy (control) dogs (n = 42) and dogs affected by hepatic (n = 25), gastrointestinal (n = 24), inflammatory/infection (n = 24), and renal (n = 22) diseases. These data were analyzed together with data on basic biochemical parameters (alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, albumin, globulin, and glucose) by using chemometric techniques. The chemometric analysis revealed distinctive association patterns between trace elements and biochemical parameters for each clinical disorders. The findings provide clear evidence for the important role of trace elements in disease, particularly in relation to acute phase reactions, with serum copper providing an indirect measurement of ceruloplasmin (positive acute-phase protein) and serum selenium and zinc acting as negative acute phase reactants. Molybdenum may also be a suitable marker of incipient renal disease. Thus, the analysis of trace element profiles, by multielement techniques, in a single serum sample would be a valuable additional tool for the diagnosis of certain diseases.

Serum trace element and amino acid profile in children with cerebral palsy

BackgroundThe existing data demonstrate that both trace elements and amino acids play a significant role in neurodevelopment and brain functioning. Certain studies have demonstrated alteration of micronutrient status in children with cerebral palsy, although multiple inconsistencies exist. The objectiveof the present study was to assess serum trace element and mineral, as well as amino acid levels in children with cerebral palsy. Methods71 children with cerebral palsy (39 boys and 32 girls, 5.7 ± 2.3 y.o.) and 84 healthy children (51 boys and 33 girls, 5.4 ± 2.3 y.o.) were enrolled in the present study. Serum trace element and mineral levels were assessed using inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS). Amino acid profile was evaluated by means of high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). ResultsChildren with cerebral palsy are characterized by significantly lower Cu and Zn levels by 6% and 8%, whereas serum I concentration exceeded the control values by 7%. A tendency to increased serum Mn and Se levels was also observed in patients with cerebral palsy. Serum citrulline, leucine, tyrosine, and valine levels were 15 %, 23 %, 15 %, and 11 % lower than those in healthy controls. Nearly twofold lower levels of serum proline were accompanied by a 44 % elevation of hydroxyproline concentrations when compared to the control values. In multiple regression model serum I, Zn, and hydroxyproline levels were found to be independently associated with the presence of cerebral palsy. Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between Cu, Mn, Se, I, and Zn levels with hydroxyproline and citrulline concentrations. ConclusionThe observed alterations in trace element and amino acid metabolism may contribute to neurological deterioration in cerebral palsy. However, the cross-sectional design of the study does not allow to estimate the causal trilateral relationships between cerebral palsy, altered trace element, and amino acid metabolism.

Serum, Whole Blood, Hair, and Mucosal Essential Trace Element and Mineral Levels in Children with Verified Chronic Rhinosinusitis Undergoing Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

The objective of the present study was to assess hair, serum, whole blood, and excised tissue essential element content in children with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Eighty-eight children with chronic rhinosinusitis and 66 healthy controls were enrolled in the present study. Evaluation of endoscopic Lund-Kennedy and computed tomography Lund-Mackay scores, as well as tissue sampling, was performed only in children with chronic rhinosinusitis. Assessment of Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-20 (SNOT-20) scores was performed in both cases and controls. Hair, whole blood, blood serum, and excised mucosal tissue (only in patients) analysis was performed using inductively coupled argon plasma mass-spectrometry. The obtained data demonstrate that whole blood Ca, Mg, Se, and Zn, as well as hair Ca, Cu, Mg, and Zn levels in the examined patients were significantly lower as compared with the control values. Only serum Zn concentration in children with CRS exceeded the respective control values, whereas serum Cu levels only tended to decrease in CRS. In turn, hair Fe content in children with CRS exceeded that in healthy controls. Regression analysis demonstrate that hair Ca levels, as well as whole blood Ca, Se, and Zn concentrations, were considered as negative predictors, whereas increased hair iron level was significantly directly associated with CRS. Significant associations between hair, serum, whole blood, and tissue element levels and Lund-Kennedy and Lund-Mackay scores were also revealed. Generally, the obtained data demonstrate that chronic rhinosinusitis is associated with impaired essential metal levels in pediatric patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. The observed alterations may contribute to CRS pathogenesis through modulation of mucociliary clearance, immunity, inflammatory response, and redox environment.

Status of oxidative stress, trace elements, sialic acid and cholinesterase activity in cattle naturally infected with Babesia bigemina

Babesia bigemina infection (also known as Texas fever) is reported as the most prevalent and main causative agent of bovine babesiosis, worldwide. The current study was undertaken to assess indicators of oxidative stress including activities of antioxidant enzymes and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidation status of biomolecules and serum levels of trace elements as well as indicators of inflammation including sialic acid (SA) contents and cholinesterase activity in cattle naturally infected with B. bigemina. An infected group comprised of 20 crossbred Holstein cattle (3–4 years old) were diagnosed to be positive by both microscopy and nested PCR assay. The infected animals were subdivided into two groups according to their parasitemia rates (<20 % and>20 %). Furthermore, 10 healthy cattle were included as the control. The infection caused severe anemia in a parasitemia-burden dependent fashion. The activities of catalase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase as well as the levels of TAC, zinc, selenium, copper and manganese were significantly decreased as the parasitemia increased, accordingly. However, the activity of superoxide dismutase as well as the levels of malondialdehyde, protein carbonylation, DNA damage and iron, were significantly elevated in a parasitemeia-burden dependent manner. Additionally, glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly elevated with the lower rate of parasitemia, but the higher rate had no significant effect as compared to control. Moreover, total, protein and lipid binding SA contents were significantly increased but the activities of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase were significantly reduced, parasitemia dependently. Conclusively, the infection was remarkably associated with the induction of anemia, oxidative stress and inflammation.

Relationship between Selected Trace Elements and Hematological Parameters among Japanese Community Dwellers.

This study aimed (1) to assess serum trace elements concentrations and hematological parameters, (2) to evaluate the sex differences in the associations between serum trace elements levels and hematological parameters, and (3) to identify the associations between serum trace elements concentrations and risk of anemia among Japanese community dwellers. This is a community-based cross-sectional study that utilized the data of the 2014 Iwaki Health Promotion Project. Participants were 1176 community dwellers (>18 years) residing in the Iwaki District, Aomori Prefecture, Japan. We assessed the data of serum trace elements concentrations of cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) as well as the hematological parameters of red blood cells (RBC) counts, hemoglobin, packed cells volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH). Serum concentrations of Zn (871.5 μg/L vs. 900.1 μg/L) and Fe (946.8 μg/L vs. 1096.1 μg/L) were significantly lower in females than in males, while serum concentrations of Co (0.4 μg/L vs. 0.3 μg/L) and Cu (1062.4 μg/L vs. 965.3 μg/L) were significantly higher in females. By multivariate linear regression, serum Se concentration was significantly, positively associated with PCV (β = 1.04; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.17, 1.92; p = 0.016) among the study participants. Serum Zn also had positive associations with hemoglobin (β = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.77; p = 0.020), PCV (β = 1.79; 95% CI: 0.78, 2.81; p < 0.001), and RBCs count (β = 15.56; 95% CI: 7.31, 31.69; p = 0.002). On the other hand, serum Co concentration was negatively associated with the hematological parameters, particularly in females. Moreover, serum Zn concentration had a decreased risk of anemia (lowest vs. highest quartiles: odds ratio (OR) = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.23, 0.76; p = 0.005) while higher Co concentrations had an increased risk of anemia (lowest vs. highest quartiles: OR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.04, 3.67; p = 0.037). However, no significant association was found between serum Cu level and hematological parameters. There were substantial sex differences in serum trace elements, implying that trace elements metabolism differed between males and females. Zn can play a protective role in the development of anemia. Surprisingly, increased Co concentration increased the risk of anemia among our study population, which called for further studies to confirm and to consider for speciation analysis.

Effect of High Trace Element Levels in Serum of Women Undergoing Intra-cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) on Implantation Rate

Objectives: To assess the effects of trace element concentrations in serum on implantation rate in women undergoing ICSI. Study design: Across-sectional study was conducted between March 2018 to April 2019 in Kamal ALSamarai Hospital, center of fertility and IVF. One hundred and seventeen women underwent ICSI using GnRH-antagonist protocol were recruited. Concentration E2, P4 and two trace elements (Cu, Zn, and Cu/ Zn) were measured in serum specimen. Women’s were evaluated in two groups; the study group consisted of patients with successful implantation (n = 21) and women in the second group (n=96) experienced implantation failure. Results: No significant differences were observed in age or BMI between the groups. Serum copper levels were significantly higher differences (P=0.001) in group of failure (198 ± 107?g/dL) than in group of successful implantation (133 ± 46?g/dL), zinc concentrations in group of successful and failure out of the maximum of normal range (137 ± 40?g/dL versus 135 ± 34?g/ dL respectively) but statistically significant differences were did not observed (P?0.05). When we calculated the copper/zinc ratio (Cu/Zn), it was significantly higher differences (P=0.001) in group of failure (1.59 ± 1) than in group of successful (1.03 ± 0.4). In conclusion, we observed that high serum copper concentrations and (high Cu/Zn ratio) are a risk factor for implantation failure.

Level of trace elements in serum and toenail samples of patients with onychocryptosis (ingrown toenail) and onychomycosis

BackgroundOnychocryptosis (ingrown toenail) and onychomycosis are common pathologies of the toenail and affecting many people. Since levels of trace elements have been shown to vary in certain diseases, in the presented work, chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) levels of toenail and serum samples of healthy individuals and patients with onychocryptosis and onychomycosis were compared. MethodsSerum and toenail samples of 88 voluntary subjects (healthy n = 24; onychomycosis n = 24; onychocryptosis n = 40) aged between 19–80 years were collected. Levels of trace elements in the samples were analyzed by using an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrophotometer (ICP-OES Thermo iCAP - 6000). The differences in medians between the groups for elements were evaluated with Kruskal -Wallis H test with post hoc for pairwise comparisons in SPSS 18. ResultsMg (p < 0.001) and Mn (p = 0.002) levels were significantly increased whereas Zn (p = 0.011) level was decreased in toenails of patients with onychomycosis compared to healthy subjects. Although Mg and Mn levels were higher in female subjects with onychomycosis (p = 0.001; p = 0.019), Mn was only increased in male subjects (p = 0.015). Mg was the only trace element found to be independent of sex, age, and smoking status in patients with onychomycosis. However, no significant difference has been found in serum trace element levels neither between any groups nor toenail trace element levels of patients with onychocryptosis and healthy subjects. ConclusionAs a response of the human body to pathogens like fungi in toenails, Mg, Mn and Zn levels vary. Especially the role of Mg ions in onychomycosis needs to be investigated more specifically.