Serum Mineral Levels Research Articles

Addition of chromium propionate in dog food: metabolic, immunological, and oxidative effects

ABSTRACT Chromium is a trace element essential in metabolising carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins and is involved in other biological functions. Therefore, this study determined whether chromium propionate supplementation in dogs improves haematologic, metabolic, immune/inflammatory, and antioxidant biomarkers. A commercial product (Labex® Chromium) containing 0.4% chromium was used at 500 g/ton of food, which provided an additional calculated amount of 2 mg of chromium per kg of food. We used ten beagles divided into two treatments: the chromium group (supplemented with 0.380 mg of chromium/dog/day; T-CHR) and the control group comprised dogs fed a basal diet (no chromium supplementation). The experiment included two periods of 28 days, with an interval of 15 days, i.e. the dogs in the control group in the first period were in the chromium group in the second period (all dogs underwent all treatments in a crossover design). Dogs supplemented with chromium had higher serum mineral levels on days 14 and 28 (P ≤ 0.001). The group in the chromium group showed significantly higher numbers of total leukocytes and lymphocytes and concentrations of total protein, globulin, thio-proteins, and catalase activity in blood than the control group. Serum urea concentrations and TBARS (lipid peroxidation) were lower (P ≤ 0.05) in the chromium group. Tendencies towards lower concentrations of reactive oxygen species were observed on day 28 in the T-CHR group (P = 0.10). Chromium supplementation increased the concentration of cytokines in serum (tumour necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], IFN-γ, and IL-10) and C-reactive protein (P ≤ 0.05). Dogs in the chromium group had higher gamma globulin concentrations than controls (P ≤ 0.001). These findings suggest that supplementation with chromium propionate (2 mg/kg) in food positivity modulates metabolic, antioxidant, and immune indicators in dogs.

Serum Mineral Levels and Haematobiochemical Parameters in Buffalo Calves with Allotriophagy (Pica Syndrome)

Pica is defined as a depraved or abnormal appetite characterized by licking and eating non-nutritive substances. The aim of this study was to report changes in the serum mineral levels and haematobiochemical parameters of buffalo calves with pica. The study included 30 buffalo calves exhibiting pica behaviour, such as licking stall walls or eating wool and non-food items (pica group), and 6 buffalo calves without the signs of pica behaviour (control group). The age of both groups ranged between 1 and 6 months. In the pica group, the haematological analysis revealed a decrease in red blood cells (P < 0.001) and red cell distribution width (P < 0.05) as well as an increase in the mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (P < 0.001), whereas the biochemical parameters were characterized by an increase in aspartate aminotransferase (P < 0.01), alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.001) and lactate dehydrogenase (P < 0.05) levels and a decrease in creatinine and glucose (P < 0.01) levels. Furthermore, the pica group showed a significant decrease in serum manganese, iron, zinc, selenium (P < 0.001) and copper (P < 0.01) concentrations. In conclusion, it was determined that deficiencies in the levels of serum iron, copper, zinc, manganese and selenium play an important role in the aetiology of pica in buffalo calves.

Effect of nano zinc supplementation on serum biochemical and mineral levels in Malabari kids fed on complete rations with varying energy levels

A study was conducted to assess the effect of dietary supplementation of nano zinc oxide (Zn) on mineral retention and serum mineral levels of Malabari kids. Fifteen Malabari kids of 2-3 months of age were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments with five replicates in each. The dietary treatments were: T1 (Control)- Complete feed containing CP- 14%, TDN- 70%, T2- Complete feed containing CP-14%, TDN- 65% with supplementation of 20 ppm nano zinc, T3 – Complete feed containing CP- 14%, TDN- 60% with supplementation of 20 ppm nano zinc for a period of 90 days. Blood was collected subjected to assess serum mineral status and serum biochemical analysis at end of trial. Serum zinc levels were significantly higher (p<0.05) in group T2 (1.65±0.23 mg/L), T3 (1.77±0.31 mg/L) compared to T1 (0.82±0.07 mg/L) group. Supplementation of nano zinc had no effect on mineral levels of calcium, phosphorous, copper and manganese. Supplementation of nano zinc at 20 ppm had no effect (P>0.05) on haemoglobin (g/dL), serum glucose, total protein, globulin and serum enzymes like ALT (IU/L), AST (IU/L), ALP (IU/L) and creatinine (mg/dL) levels. The study concluded that nano zinc supplementation to complete ration having lower energy (60 % TDN or 65 % TDN) in kids did not alter the serum calcium, phosphorous, copper , manganese and serum biochemical parameters while significantly (p<0.05) higher serum zinc levels was observed showing improved bioavailability.

Concentrações sanguíneas de cálcio, fósforo e magnésio e diferença cátion-ânion da dieta de vacas leiteiras

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to identify the effect of pre and postpartum DCAD on serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in peripartum Holstein cows. Blood samples were collected from 56 cows (18 primiparous and 38 multiparous) on days -7, +7, +14 and +28 relative to parturition, to determine serum levels of total and ionized calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and albumin; diet samples for determination of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and DCAD were collected at the same moments and urine samples were collected at day -7 for measurement of urinary pH. Prepartum DCAD was positively correlated with total calcium (p = 0.02) and with corrected total calcium (p = 0.01) at day -7. There was a negative correlation between prepartum DCAD and magnesium levels at day -7 (p = 0.02). No influence of prepartum DCAD on phosphataemia was observed. Postpartum DCAD did not correlate with serum mineral levels at any time point. Our results demonstrate that prepartum DCAD can influence calcium and magnesium homeostasis, but not phosphorus. In addition, parity and time period should be considered when evaluating serum levels of these minerals in Holstein cows during transition period.

Evaluation of serum mineral status in dermatological disorders of dogs

The study was undertaken to evaluate serum mineral status, specifically zinc, copper and selenium in dogs affected with dermatological disorders in comparison to normal healthy dogs. The study included 40 dogs of 2-5 years of age with skin diseases presented to University Veterinary Hospitals at Mannuthy and Kokkalai under the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, and ten apparently healthy dogs brought to the hospital for routine health check-up which served as control. Serum concentrations of the three minerals were compared not only between normal and dogs with skin diseases as a whole but also between individual skin diseases- six different skin diseases- with the control group. On comparing the dogs with skin ailments (n=40) and control group, the serum mineral levels analysed through Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) revealed that the concentration of zinc was significantly lower (p<0.01) in the diseased group (0.53 ± 0.04 mg/L) of dogs (n=40) than the control group (1.11 ± 0.09 mg/L) and the serum copper concentration was also significantly reduced (p<0.05) in diseased dogs (0.91 ± 0.08 mg/L) with respect to the control animals (1.23 ± 0.11 mg/L). The serum selenium concentration of diseased group of animals(n=40), however failed to show any significant difference from the control group of animals. The outcome of the study suggests a need for supplementation of zinc and copper in dogs with skin ailments like canine demodicosis that relapse even after prolonged therapy with acaricides.

The Effect of Chitosan and Chitosan Oligosaccharide on Serum Mineral and Vitamin Levels in Rats with Experimental Fluorosis

Fluorine toxicity occurs in different parts of the world. It is caused by the increase in the fluorine level in the waters, especially due to the dissolution of volcanic rocks over time. Water with high fluorine content can be taken with plant and animal irrigations, and foods obtained from plants and animals, or it can be taken directly with drinking water. In this study, the effects of chitosan (CS) and chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) on some serum trace minerals and vitamin levels in experimental fluorosis rats were investigated. Six groups were formed as control, fluorosis, fluorosis CS and COS groups, healthy CS and COS groups. CS and COS were administered orally for 28 days at a dose of 250 mg/kg. At the end of the study, ketamine anesthesia was administered and the heart was directly cannulated. Trace minerals (Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Se) and vitamins (retinol, α-tocopherol, D3) were analyzed. Cu, Zn, Se and Mn levels were found to be decreased in the F group compared to the control group. A significant increase was found in the Zn level in the F+CS group and in the Cu, Zn and Se levels in the F+CS group compared to the values in the F group. Serum retinol and α -tocopherol levels were decreased in the F, F+CS, F+COS and CS groups. In conclusion, our findings showed that there was a decrease in serum Zn, Cu, Se, retinol and α-tocopherol levels in rats with fluorosis, and COS was more effective than CS against the decrease in mineral and vitamin levels.

Association of serum levels of calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D with risk of developing aortic stenosis: the UK Biobank cohort.

This study was aimed to investigate the associations of serum calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D levels with the risk of developing aortic stenosis (AS). We included 296 415 participants who were free of prior diagnosis of any valvular heart disease from the UK Biobank. Serum levels of phosphate, calcium, and vitamin D were measured. Incidental AS was determined by the records of hospital data. Cox regression was used to examine the association of serum mineral levels with incidental AS after adjustment for potential confounders. The mean age was 56.4 years (SD 8.14) and 53.3% of participants were women. During an average follow-up of 8.1 years, 1232 individuals developed AS. After adjustment, each 0.5-unit increase in serum phosphate level was associated with a 50% increase of AS risk (hazard ratio 1.50, 95% confidence interval 1.26-1.80). We observed no association of serum calcium and vitamin D levels with AS. Increased serum phosphate level, but not calcium or vitamin D, was associated with a higher risk of incident AS, this association did not differed substantially between patients with and without decreased kidney function. This finding implied that phosphate may be a potential interventional target for AS.

Status of Common Serum Minerals and Trace Elements in COVID-19 Follow-up Cases: A Hospital-based Study from Eastern India

Introduction: Management of post Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) complications are the new challenges nowadays. It has been observed that in post COVID-19 cases the serum levels of several electrolytes and trace elements are deranged. Aim: This study was conducted to estimate the levels of different serum minerals and trace elements in one month post COVID-19 follow-up patients and compared with normal age- sex matched controls. Materials and Methods: This hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry in a tertiary care centre, over a period of six months (from January 2021 to June 2021). After fulfilling proper inclusion criteria, 223 COVID-19 follow-up patients of both genders (134 males and 89 females) were included as ‘case’ group. Age-sex matched 250 healthy volunteers were recruited as ‘control’ group. Levels of serum electrolytes (sodium and potassium) and trace elements (zinc, iron, calcium, phosphate, copper, magnesium and selenium) were estimated, analysed and compared against each other. Tables and statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Results: In this study, the levels of serum zinc and iron were found to be higher and serum calcium, phosphate, copper, magnesium and selenium levels were reduced in post COVID-19 one month follow- up cases in comparison to controls. Female cases were in deficient state of iron, calcium, copper and magnesium but had high serum zinc and phosphate when compared to males. No abnormalities were noted in the level of electrolytes in post COVID-19 cases. Conclusion: Assessment and monitoring of levels of the mineral throughout the course of post COVID-19 follow-up is advisable for timely and appropriate measures to combat with post COVID-19 complications.

Study of mineral profile in patients with hypothyroidism

Background: Thyroid hormones play important role in hemodynamic, thermoregulation and metabolism of the body. As a result, renal hemodynamic, glomerular filtration and electrolyte management may be affected in thyroid related problems. Thyroid disease particularly hypothyroidism has recently received more attention because it may be the primary cause of mineral metabolism disturbance due to its direct effect on bone turnover. Objective: To estimate the serum level of minerals (Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and selenium) in hypothyroid patients and compare them with normal healthy controls. Material and Methods: The study was carried out from January 2021 to December 2021 in 60 hypothyroid patients and 60 healthy controls (age group 20-60 years), attending the medicine OPD of Teerthanker Mahaveer College & Research Center, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. Serum minerals and thyroid profile were measured by using the automated method and their levels were compared with healthy individuals as controls. Results: The serum magnesium and phosphorus levels were significantly elevated whereas the levels of calcium and zinc were significantly decreased in hypothyroid patients compared to healthy subjects. However, iron (p=0.09) and selenium (p=0.38) levels in hypothyroid patients were found to be less than that of healthy individuals but the difference between them was not statistically significant. Conclusion: This study concludes that hypothyroid patients should have their serum mineral levels checked regularly, as early diagnosis and intervention can help to avoid further thyroid problems. It will be beneficial in treating hypothyroidism as well.

Estimation of serum mineral levels in age-related macular degeneration

Estimation of serum mineral levels in age-related macular degeneration

Early vs late initiation of sodium glycerophosphate: Impact on hypophosphatemia in preterm infants

Early electrolyte and mineral imbalances have emerged as a conspicuous problem in very preterm babies since the revision of nutrition guidelines and the eventual implementation of early aggressive parenteral nutrition (PN). We opted to carry out a study with the introduction of phosphorus as sodium glycerophosphate in PN from the first day onward to reveal the impact on serum phosphorus and calcium levels following the surge in the incidence of hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia. In this single-center, prospective, observational cohort study, inborn babies <32 gestational weeks and <1500g between August 2017 and July 2018 were enrolled consecutively. Infants born in the first 6-month of this period were initiated PN (Early phosphorus group) containing phosphorus (1mmolP as sodium glycerophosphate/100mlPN) immediately after birth, and in the latter six-months, mineral-free standard PN (Control group) was commenced up until 48h of life. Parenteral nutritional prescriptions of both groups were similar in terms of macro and micronutrient intakes except for early phosphorus, calcium, and sodium. Serum mineral and electrolyte levels were measured on Days 1-3-7 and compared between the groups. The primary outcome was the presence of hypophosphatemia in the first week of life. The secondary outcome was hypercalcemia, preterm morbidity, and mortality. A total of 261 infants were included in this study. There were 130 babies in Early phosphorus group and 131 in control group. Gestational ages (28.79±2.1 vs 28.46±2.2 weeks, respectively) and birth weights (1138±273 vs 1090±274g, respectively) were similar in the groups. Mean serum phosphorus levels were higher on all days in Early phosphorus group (p<0.001). Early phosphorus group had a lower incidence of hypophosphatemia on days 1-3 and 7 (p<0.001). The percentage of hypercalcemic infants was significantly lower in Early phosphorus group on day 3 (p<0.001). No difference was noted in terms of hypernatremia in the groups. Adding phosphorus to PN in the first hours of life reduced the frequency of hypophosphatemia and hypercalcemia without any surge in hypernatremia or morbidity. Nutrition guidelines need to be revised accordingly in terms of early mineral/electrolyte supplementation.

Serum and Hair Trace Element and Mineral Levels in Dairy Cows in Relation to Daily Milk Yield.

The objective of the present study was to assess hair and serum trace element and mineral levels in dairy cows in relation to daily milk yield. A total of 70 healthy 5-6-year-old Simmental cows were divided into two groups (n = 35) with high and low daily milk yield using median as a cut-off value. Hair and serum trace element and mineral content was evaluated using inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. A nearly twofold difference in daily milk yield (43.8 ± 9.7 vs 21.3 ± 7.1 L/day, p < 0.001) was significantly associated with 11% lower hair Cu (p = 0.043) and 35% higher Se levels (p = 0.058) content when compared animals with lower daily milk yield. Serum trace element levels were found to be more tightly associated with milk productivity in dairy cows. Particularly, serum levels of Se and Zn were found to be 73 and 35% higher in cows with higher milk productivity in comparison to animals with lower milk production, respectively. Serum Co levels also tended to increase with higher milk productivity. Serum minerals including Ca, Mg, and P were also found to be higher in highly productive cows by 6%, 14%, and 71%, respectively. The overall regression model based on serum trace element and mineral levels accounted for 38% of daily milk production variability. Generally, improvement of essential trace element and mineral supply, as well as prevention of copper overload in dairy cows, may be considered the potential tool for modulation of milk productivity.

Brachydactyly in Pseudopseudohypoparathyroidism

A 26-year-old woman was seen for a longstanding mild elevation of parathyroid hormone (PTH), with otherwise normal serum mineral levels. Repeat testing confirmed elevated PTH 75 pg/mL (15 to 65 pg/mL) with normal calcium 9.1 mg/dL (8.6 to 10.0 mg/dL), phosphorus 3.7 mg/dL (2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL), and creatinine 0.67 mg/dL (0.59 to 1.04 mg/dL). The results of 24-hour urine calcium excretion, thyroid stimulating hormone, and free thyroxine tests were normal. Total 25-hydroxy-vitamin D level was 18 ng/mL, indicating mild deficiency.

Association of vitamins, minerals, and lead with lipoprotein(a) in a cross-sectional cohort of US adults.

Lipoprotein(a)(Lp[a]) is a low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C)-like particle with potent pro-atherothrombotic properties. The association of Lp(a) with several circulating factors, including vitamins, remains unresolved. We performed an observational analysis using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III cohort, a cohort used to monitor the nutrition status of US-citizens. We used multivariable linear regression to test associations of Lp(a) and LDL-C with levels of serum vitamins and minerals and whole-blood lead. Analyses controlled for factors known to associate with Lp(a) (age, sex, race/ethnicity, statin use, hemoglobin A1c, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, glomerular filtration rate, alcohol intake, and saturated fat intake). LDL-C was corrected for Lp(a) mass. Multiple sensitivity tests were performed, including considering factors as categorical variables (deficient, normal, elevated). Among 7,662 subjects, Lp(a) correlated (β-coefficient) positively (change per 1 conventional unit increase) with carotenoids (lycopene (0.17(0.06,0.28), p=0.005), lutein (0.19(0.07,0.30), p=0.002), β-cryptoxanthin (0.21(0.05,0.37), p=0.01), β-carotene (0.05(0.02,0.09), p=0.003), and α-carotene (0.15(0.01,0.30), p=0.04)) and lead (0.54(0.03,1.05), p=0.04) levels when tested as continuous variables. LDL-C had similar associations. Lp(a) did not associate with vitamins A, B12, C, or E retinyl esters, folate, RBC-folate, selenium, ferritin, transferrin saturation, or calcium. With factors as categorical variables, Lp(a) but not LDL-C negatively associated with elevated vitamin B12 (-5.41(-9.50, -1.53), p=0.01) and folate (-2.86(-5.09, -0.63), p=0.01). In conclusion, Lp(a) associated similarly to LDL-C when vitamins, minerals, and lead were tested as continuous variables, while only Lp(a) correlated with vitamin B12 and folate when tested as categorical variables. These observations are hypotheses generating and require further studies to determine causality.

Biochemical analysis of serum mineral and vitamin levels in benign essential blepharospasm

Biochemical analysis of serum mineral and vitamin levels in benign essential blepharospasm

Changes in Serum Mineral Composition During Poxvirus Infection in Sheep and Their Lambs

Minerals have crucial roles in terms of vital function in the organism including hormones, enzymes, cell formation etc. Oxidative stress and related hormones, regarding infectious diseases, affect all functions of body including mineral taking, metabolism and excretion. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the pox disease on blood minerals composition of sheep and lambs. This study was conducted on 20 healthy sheep, 20 poxvirus infected sheep and their lambs (Totally 80 subjects). One-shot blood samples from sheep and lambs were collected and serums were separated immediately. Serum mineral levels were analysed in the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In general, the level of Cu in infected animals was higher than in healthy ones. Zn, Fe, Mg and Na levels of healthy animals were found higher than infected subjects. The difference between healthy and infected animal groups for serum Ca and K levels was not significant. Positive correlations were found between serum Zn, Fe, Mg and Na levels. However, a negative correlation was found between Cu-Zn and Cu-Fe pairs. Consequently, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mg and Na levels in serum, which are vital for animal organisms, showed significant changes in sheep and their lambs during poxvirus infection. To rapid healing or prevention of the diseases, mineral disorders must be corrected urgently.

Role of mineral mixture supplementation in enhancing productivity and profitability of peri-urban dairy farming

A study of 3 months duration was conducted in coastal belt of Odisha to assess the effect of supplemental mineral mixture on productive performance of lactating crossbred cows. Twenty crossbred cows were divided into two groups (T1 and T2) consisting of ten animals each. Animals in group T1(control) were fed on homemade concentrate mixture in fodder based diet consisting of concentrate and roughage (40:60), whereas the animals in group T2 were additionally supplemented with mineral mixture at 2% of concentrate mixture. Average daily dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, milk composition were recorded at fortnight intervals during the trial. A digestibility trial of six days duration was conducted at the end of experimental feeding. DMI was not influenced by mineral mixture supplementation. Apparent digestibility of crude protein and ether extract were higher (P<0.05) in mineral mixture supplemented group than control group. Supplementation of mineral mixture improved the serum mineral level and improved milk yield by 18%. It was concluded that dietary supplementation of mineral mixture improved nutrient utilization, mineral bioavailability and milk production performance in dairy cows fed fodder based diet and enhanced income of farm families by 30%.

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.

Effects of combined ethanol extract of Funtumia africana and Abutilon mauritianum leaves on prostate biomarkers and serum mineral levels in prostatic hyperplasia induced male rats

Introduction: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prostate disorder in ageing males that negatively affects the quality of life and requires multidimensional approaches to ameliorate its adverse health effects. Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of combined ethanol extract of Funtumia africana and Abutilon mauritianum leaves on the prostate biomarkers, serum mineral levels and prostate histomorphology of BPH induced rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six male Wistar albino rats randomly distributed into 5 groups containing 6 rats each was used for this study. Group 1 served as the normal control rats without BPH induction while groups 2–5 were BPH induced rats that served as BPH control (untreated), finasteride control, and BPH induced treated with 200 and 600 mg/kg/d of the combined ethanol extract of F. africana and A. mauritianum leaves respectively. BPH was induced in the rats by subcutaneous injection of 5 mg/kg/d of testosterone propionate injection and treatment followed 1h after the induction for 28 consecutive days. All the biochemical analyses and prostate histological examinations were carried out using standard methods. Results: BPH induction significantly elevated serum prostatic acid phosphatase activities and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentrations in the BPH control rats relative to the normal control. The BPH induction caused significant (P&lt;0.05) reductions in the serum levels of calcium and selenium levels and significantly increased the serum inorganic phosphate concentration in the BPH control when compared with the normal control. Treatment with the combined extract significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased the serum zinc, calcium, copper, iron and inorganic phosphate and significantly reduced serum selenium level when compared with the BPH control. The combined extract further significant (P&lt;0.0) reduced the serum prostatic acid phosphatase activities and PSA level relative to the BPH control. The BPH control showed severe prostate histomorphological alterations consistent with BPH which were largely reduced to mild alterations in combined extract-treated BPH induced rats. Conclusion: This study revealed that the combined ethanol extract of F. africana and A. mauritianum leaves positively regulate the serum mineral levels, serum prostatic acid phosphatase activities, PSA levels and improves prostate histomorphology BPH induced rats.

Early persistent hyperparathyroidism post-renal transplantation as a predictor of worse graft function and mortality after transplantation.

Persistent hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is frequently seen after transplantation contributing to post-transplant complications. We conducted a retrospective single center analysis to explore the relationship of early pHPT and long-term allograft outcome. Patients were divided into high (N=153) and low (N=252) PTH groups based on serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level 3months post-transplant (PTH≥150 and<150pg/mL, respectively). High PTH was found to be an independent predictor for reduced kidney allograft function up to 3years post-transplant. eGFR decreased by 11.4mL/min (P<.001) and the odds of having an eGFR<60mL/min 3years post-transplant were sixfold higher (P<.01) in the high compared to the low PTH group. Subgroup analysis based on eGFR 1year post-transplant, presence of slow graft function (SGF), and transplant type revealed similar results. High PTH three months post-transplant was also independently associated with an increased risk for overall mortality and for death with a functioning graft (P<.05). pHPT three months post-renal transplantation is an independent predictor for a worse allograft function up to 3years post-transplant and a risk factor for mortality. This relationship remains statistically significant after accounting for baseline allograft function, presence of SGF and serum mineral levels abnormalities.