Serum Concentrations Of Mn Research Articles

The association of serum manganese concentrations with all-cause, cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality: A cohort study based on the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

Abstract Objectives There is a debate on the association between the circulating manganese (Mn) levels and mortality. The aim of this study was to explore the nonlinear association between the serum Mn levels and all-cause or cause-specific mortality. Methods We included 8,145 adults from the United States (US) and their serum Mn concentrations obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2011–2014). We retrieved their survival information from baseline until 2019 using the national death index. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to show the risk of all-cause or cause-specific mortality according to the baseline serum Mn concentrations. Smooth curve fitting and threshold effect analyses were used to clarify the potential nonlinearity. Results During a median follow-up of 6.2 years, there were 716 deaths from all causes, 224 of which were due to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and 165 due to cancer. The serum Mn levels exhibited a U-shaped relationship with all-cause or CVD-associated mortality. Serum Mn levels lower than the threshold value (7.32 μg/L) were negatively associated with all-cause (fully adjusted HR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.80–0.94) and CVD (fully adjusted HR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.71–0.94) mortality. In contrast, serum Mn levels higher than the threshold value (7.32 μg/L) were positively associated with all-cause (fully adjusted HR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02–1.06) and CVD (fully adjusted HR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02–1.08) mortality. Conclusions The serum Mn concentrations showed a U-shaped relationship with all-cause and CVD-associated mortality among NHANES participants.

Low serum manganese as a noninvasive marker predicting the presence of myosteatosis among hospitalized patients with cirrhosis

Emerging evidence expands on a close connection between trace elements and muscular abnormalities, mostly focusing on sarcopenia. We hypothesized an association between concentrations of serum trace elements and myosteatosis, given that myosteatosis has a more pronounced clinical implication relative to sarcopenia, but there is a paucity of data in patients with cirrhosis. Consecutive patients were hospitalized for cirrhosis-associated complications. Serum trace elements (zinc, copper, manganese [Mn], magnesium, calcium, and iron) were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The presence of myosteatosis was defined according to computed tomography–demarcated intramuscular adipose tissue content. In total, the 295 patients with cirrhosis analyzed had a median age of 63 years and 53.6% were male. Among them, 42 patients presented with myosteatosis (14.2%) and concomitant higher Model for End-stage Liver Disease-Sodium and triglyceride concentrations and lower neutrophil counts and serum Mn concentrations (all P < .05). No differences were found regarding other 5 trace elements in patients with versus without myosteatosis. The median serum Mn concentrations were 1.16 µg/L, and this population was categorized into high-Mn and low-Mn groups. The proportion of myosteatosis was significantly lower in high-Mn group than that in low-Mn group (8.1% vs 20.4%, P < .001). Univariable binary logistic regression indicated that low Mn was associated with myosteatosis (odds ratio, 2.906; 95% confidence interval, 1.424–5.932; P = .003) in the context of cirrhosis. This result was validated according to multivariable analysis by adjusting for confounding factors. In conclusion, low serum Mn can be predictive of myosteatosis, a novel muscular abnormality representing more clinical relevance and close relation to inferior outcomes among cirrhosis.

Association between serum trace element, mineral, and amino acid levels with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adult women

The objective of the present study is assessment of serum trace element and amino acid levels in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients with subsequent evaluation of its independent associations with markers of liver injury and metabolic risk. Materials and methods140 women aged 20–90 years old with diagnosed NAFLD and 140 healthy women with a respective age range were enrolled in the current study. Analysis of serum and hair levels of trace elements and minerals was performed with inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS). Serum amino acid concentrations were evaluated by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV-detection. In addition, routine biochemical parameters including liver damage markers, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), were assessed spectrophotometrically. ResultsThe findings demonstrated that patients with NAFLD were characterized by higher ALT, GGT, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and cholinesterase (CE) activity, as well as increased levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and uric acid. NAFLD patients were characterized by reduced serum and hair Co, Se, and Zn levels, as well as hair Cu content and serum Mn concentrations in comparison to controls. Circulating Ala, Cit, Glu, Gly, Ile, Leu, Phe, and Tyr levels in NAFLD patients exceeded those in the control group. Multiple linear regression demonstrated that serum and hair trace element levels were significantly associated with circulating amino acid levels after adjustment for age, BMI, and metabolic parameters including liver damage markers. ConclusionIt is proposed that altered trace element handling may contribute to NAFLD pathogenesis through modulation of amino acid metabolism.

Serum and salivary Cu/Zn ratio as a diagnostic biomarker for oral submucosal fibrosis: an analysis of trace metals and LOX gene variants.

This study aimed to analyze the serum and salivary levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn) and the Cu/Zn ratio and investigate the association between LOX gene variants (rs18800449 and rs2288393) and oral submucosal fibrosis (OSMF). A total of 250 subjects were included in the study: OSMF patients (n = 50), areca nut chewers without OSMF (n = 100) and controls (n = 100). Trace metals were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, while LOX gene variants were genotyped using the tetra primer amplification refractory mutation system (tetra ARMS) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The results showed significant variations in serum and salivary Cu, Zn, Fe and Cr levels and serum Mn concentrations among the three groups (p < 0.0001). Serum Cu levels were significantly higher in OSMF patients, while serum Zn levels were significantly lower. Both serum and salivary Cu/Zn ratios demonstrated a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001) and diagnostic potential to differentiate OSMF from chewers and controls. However, LOX gene variants did not show an association between OSMF and chewers, except for rs1800449 genotypes, which showed a significant and increased risk with the AA genotype in OSMF patients compared to controls (OR = 7.58; 95%CI 2.30-24.97). The study suggests that trace elements and genetic variants may impact the etiology of OSMF. The findings may aid in early diagnosis, suitable treatment, and as a prognostic indicator for disease progression.

Speciation analysis of manganese against the background of its different content in the blood serum of dairy cows.

Studies in the field of microelement speciation in the body of farm animals, in particular dairy cattle, are almost completely absent. The average concentration of Mn in the blood serum of all the studied animals (n = 80) was 2.5 μg/L, which corresponds to normal values. Of the total number of animals, 21% were the cows with the low normal values (serum Mn concentration ≤ 2 µg/L, i.e. less than Q25 of the total sample) and 25% were the animals with the high normal values (serum Mn concentration ≥ 2.72 µg/L, i.e. more than Q75 of the total sample). The data obtained in the course of the study indicate that the change in the Mn level, even in the range of normal values, is accompanied by the redistribution of this element over various protein fractions. The six found Mn blood serum forms are presumably represented by α2-macroglobulin (tetramer, dimer, and monomer), transferrin/albumine, manganese citrates, and "free" metal ions. The analyzed fractions of Mn found in the blood serum of cows had the following hierarchy of concentrations: in the group with low-normal values of Mn ("free" Mn >> tetrameric form of α2-macroglobulin >> transferrin/albumine >> dimeric form of α2-macroglobulin >> monomeric form of α2-macroglobulin >> citrate), in the group with high normal manganese values ("free" Mn >> monomeric form of α2-macroglobulin >> transferring/albumine >> citrate >> tetrameric form of α2-macroglobulin >> dimeric form of α2-macroglobulin). In the group with high normal Mn values relative to the group with low normal values, there was a percentage decrease in the tetrameric fraction of a2-macroglobulin from 17.2 to 4.4%, dimeric fraction of a2-macroglobulin from 6.9 to 2.2%, "free" Mn from 54.3 to 44.4% and an increase in monomeric fraction of a2-macroglobulin from 6.7 to 23.1%, transferrin/albumine from 10.1 to 17.7%, citrate from 4.8 to 8.2%. Our data demonstrate the features of Mn redistribution of dairy cows, which can be used for an extended assessment of the microelement status of animals.

The Extent of Burn Injury Significantly Affects Serum Micro- and Macroelement Concentrations in Patients on the First Day of Hospitalisation.

Burns exceeding 30% of total body surface area (TBSA) result in considerable hypovolemia coupled with the formation and release of inflammatory mediators, leading to subsequent systemic effects known as burn shock. Because of plasma exudation and the associated losses of large quantities of minerals, severe burns can lead to nutritional deficiencies and consequently disrupt homeostasis and metabolism of the entire body. The study group comprised 62 patients, who were divided into 3 groups according to the severity of burns. Serum samples were tested for concentrations of Ca, Mg, Mn, P, K, Zn, Cu, Fe, Se, Na, Cr, Ni, and Al. The mineral concentrations in serum of patients with burn injuries differ significantly from reference values, but this is not affected by the extent of the body burn. There are statistically significant decreases in serum concentrations of elements important for antioxidant protection (Zn, Cu, Se), and significant increases in the concentrations of toxic elements (Al and Ni), which may aggravate the effects associated with the state of burn shock. The Spearman rank correlation analysis did not reveal any statistically significant relationships between the serum concentrations of Mn, Ni, Al, K, Na, P, Mg, Zn, Se, Cr and the affected body surface area and severity of the burn—the values were at the lower end of the reference range. The obtained results indicate that proper nutrition, including elements replenishment, is extremely important in the recovery process of burn patients and time to nutrition is an important factor affecting patient survival after severe burn.

Manganese concentrations in whole blood, plasma and serum of adult warmblood horses from 3 locations in Germany

This study aimed to establish reference intervals for Mn in whole blood, plasma and serum of healthy, adult warmblood horses with known dietary Mn intake and to compare 2 methods of analysis. Between May 2018 and November 2019 a single blood sample was taken from a total of 270 clinically healthy horses (age: 3-25 years) in 3 stud farms. In lithium-heparin (LH) whole blood, LH plasma and serum Mn concentrations were analyzed by means of atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The reference intervals were calculated according to the recommendations of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) and the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) comprising the range between 2.5 and 97.5 percentile of the analyzed Mn concentrations. Concurrent to blood sampling feed samples were taken and analyzed in order to determine the Mn content of the corresponding feeding ration. The horses' whole-blood Mn levels were significantly (p < 0.0001) higher with a median Mn concentration of 12.4 μg/l (reference interval: 4.99-25.1 μg/l [AAS]; 5.99-25.3 μg/l [ICP-MS]) than in the corresponding serum (median: 1.65 μg/l, reference interval: 0.60-3.50 μg/l [AAS]; 1.11-2.96 μg/l [ICP-MS]) or LH plasma (median: 1.35 μg/l, reference interval: 0.22-2.68 μg/l [AAS]; 0.59-2.45 μg/l [ICP-MS]). In the comparison of methods, there were statistically significant differences in the Mn determinations for LH plasma and serum between AAS and ICP-MS, whereas they yielded comparable results for whole blood. Whole blood shows an average of 10-fold higher Mn concentrations than serum or LH plasma. When evaluating blood Mn concentrations, consideration must be granted to the sample material under analysis as well as to which method is employed since relevant differences were found between AAS and ICP-MS in serum and LH plasma.

A follow-up study of mucociliary clearance and trace element and mineral status in children with chronic rhinosinusitis before and three months after endoscopic sinus surgery

BackgroundThe existing data demonstrate the potential role of trace elements in nasal mucociliary clearance, although the association between trace element and mineral status and ciliary function in children with chronic rhinosinusitis is insufficiently studied. Therefore, the objective of the present study is evaluation of trace element and mineral status and mucociliary function in pediatric CRS patients before and after functional endoscopic sinus surgery. MethodsThe present study involved 30 children with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps. During this follow-up the patients were examined preoperatively (point 0), underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery, and were repeatedly examined at three months postoperatively (point 1). At both points the patients were subjected to quality-of-life assessment using SNOT-20 questionnaire; endoscopic and computer tomography examination of the nasal sinuses; evaluation of ciliary function and mucosal cytology using high-speed videomicroscopy; assessment of blood count and inflammatory markers; as well as analysis of trace element and mineral levels in whole blood, serum, and hair using inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. ResultsThe obtained data demonstrate that endoscopic sinus surgery significantly improved sinonasal pathology in children with chronic rhinosinusitis, as evidenced by significantly reduced Lund-Mackay, Lund-Kennedy, and SNOT-20 scores. At the same time, no significant improvement of ciliary functions or mucosal cytology was observed postoperatively. Trace element status assessment demonstrated that postoperative serum Zn, whole blood Mg and Cu were significantly lower as compared to preoperative values. In contrast, serum Mn and Cr, as well as whole blood Cr and hair Se were characterized by a significant increase at three months postoperatively. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that serum Zn is significantly associated with the number of ciliated cells and cell viability, whereas serum Mn and whole blood Cu concentrations are inversely associated with cell viability and ciliary length, respectively. Hair Se was found to be associated with the number of neutrophils in the mucosa biopsy. ConclusionRedistribution of trace elements and minerals may at least partially mediate prolonged recovery of mucosal ciliary function in children with chronic rhinosinusitis in three months after functional sinus surgery, although the particular mechanisms of these alterations in trace element levels are to be discovered.

Elevated serum manganese concentration in dogs as a possible predisposing factor of cerebral babesiosis in dogs.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate a relationship between the occurrence of clinical signs of brain involvement in dogs with babesiosis and the concentration of manganese (Mn) in their serum. The study included seven dogs with early babesiosis (Group 1), seven dogs with cerebral babesiosis (Group 2) and seven healthy dogs (Group 3). Haematological and biochemical blood tests were performed in all dogs, and the results were analysed statistically. The Mann-Whitney rank test was used to demonstrate the differences in Mn concentrations, as well as other haematological and biochemical parameters between groups. In dogs in Group 2 with cerebral babesiosis, as compared to dogs in Groups 1 and 3, a statistically significant increase in serum Mn concentration was shown (P = 0.002 and P = 0.029) that may have been associated with the development of anaemia and/or impairment of liver function. Given the well-established neurotoxic effects of Mn in humans, experimental rodents and primates, additional studies on the role of Mn in the pathogenesis of the cerebral form of canine babesiosis are warranted.

Serum essential trace elements and toxic metals in Chinese diabetic retinopathy patients.

Trace elements are essential for the proper functioning of proteins, enzymes, and transcriptional factors. However, toxic metals will compete with essential trace elements, and damage enzymatic activities and various physiological functions. We aimed to investigate the status of serum essential trace elements and toxic metals in Chinese diabetic retinopathy (DR) patients, and to analyze their associations.This retrospective study included 33 normal subjects (normal group), 44 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) patients with DR (DR group), and 58 T2D patients without DR (diabetes mellitus [DM] group). Serum levels of zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd), and cesium (Cs), were measured for all participants using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.The serum concentrations of Mn (0.0226 μg/L) and Zn (98.162 μg/L) were significantly lower in DR group, compared with both the DM group and normal group (P < 0.05). In contrast, the serum levels of Cs (0.0354 μg/L) and Cd (0.0149 μg/L) were significantly higher in DR group, compared with the normal group (Cs: z = 3.136, P = .002; Cd: z = 3.766, P < .0001). Similarly, the serum Cs level in the DM group was 0.0323 μg/L, which was significantly higher than that in the normal group (0.0167 μg/L, z = 2.692, P = .007). Moreover, the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve values of Mn (0.753 [95% confidence interval, CI 0.635–0.872, P = .002]), and Cd (0.797 [95% CI 0.643–0.952, P = .003]) were significantly greater than those of Zn and Cs, for DR identification.Our results suggest that deficient essential trace elements and accumulated toxic metals were highly associated with the presence of DR.

Effects of Dietary Iron Concentration on Manganese Utilization in Broilers Fed with Manganese-Lysine Chelate-Supplemented Diet.

Dietary iron (Fe) influences manganese (Mn) utilization in chickens fed with inorganic Mn-supplemented diet. This study aimed to determine if dietary Fe levels affect Mn utilization in broilers fed with organic Mn-supplemented diet. Nine hundred 8-day-old broilers were randomly assigned to 1 of 6 treatments in a 3 (Fe level) × 2 (Mn source) factorial arrangement after feeding Mn- and Fe-unsupplemented diets for 7days. The broilers were fed the basal diets (approximately 28mg Mn/kg and 60mg Fe/kg) supplemented with 0, 80, or 160mg/kg Fe (L-Fe, M-Fe, or H-Fe), and 100mg/kg Mn from Mn sulfate (MnSO4) or manganese-lysine chelate (MnLys) for 35days. The H-Fe diet decreased (P < 0.05) body weight gain and feed intake as compared with L-Fe and M-Fe diets regardless of dietary Mn sources. Dietary Fe levels did not influence (P > 0.10) serum Mn concentration in MnLys-treated broilers, but serum Mn concentration decreased (P < 0.05) with dietary Fe increasing in MnSO4-treated broilers. The Mn concentration in the duodenum and tibia decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing dietary Fe levels regardless of dietary Mn sources, and MnLys increased (P < 0.04) these indices as compared with MnSO4. Dietary Fe levels did not significantly influence (P > 0.11) Mn concentration and activity and mRNA abundance of manganese-containing superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in the heart of MnLys-treaded broilers, but the H-Fe diet decreased (P < 0.05) these indices in MnSO4-treated broilers as compared with M-Fe and L-Fe diets. The L-Fe diet increased (P < 0.001) duodenal divalent metal transporter 1 mRNA abundance when compared with the M-Fe and H-Fe diets on day 42, regardless of dietary Mn sources. The M-Fe and H-Fe diets decreased (P < 0.001) duodenal ferroportin 1 (FPN1) mRNA level when compared with the L-Fe diet in MnSO4-treated broilers, while dietary Fe levels did not significantly influence (P > 0.40) duodenal FPN1 mRNA abundance in MnLys-treated broilers. These results indicated dietary Fe levels decreased Mn utilization in MnSO4-treated broilers, but did not influence Mn utilization in MnLys-treated broilers evaluated by Mn concentrations in the serum and heart, and the activity and mRNA expression of heart MnSOD.

Prenatal manganese exposure and neuropsychological development in early childhood in the INMA cohort.

Manganese (Mn) is an essential element, diet being its main source. Some epidemiological studies have found that a prenatal excess of Mn could negatively affect neuropsychological development during infancy, but the evidence is inconclusive. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between maternal serum Mn concentrations and child neuropsychological development assessed at 1 year of age. study subjects were 1179 mother-child pairs from two Spanish cohorts (Valencia and Gipuzkoa) of the INMA (Environment and Childhood) Project. Mn was measured in serum samples collected during the first trimester of pregnancy. Child neuropsychological development was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, composed of both mental and psychomotor scales. Sociodemographic, lifestyle and dietary information was collected through questionnaires during pregnancy and during the child's first year of life. Serum Mn was log-2 transformed. Multivariable linear regression models were built. Generalized additive models were used to assess the shape of the relation between prenatal exposure to Mn and the neuropsychological test scores. geometric mean and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of maternal serum Mn was 1.50 (1.48-1.53) μg/L. Levels of Mn were higher among non-working mothers and in those with a higher consumption of nuts. The association between maternal Mn levels and child neuropsychological development was negative in the multivariable models for the mental (β [95% CI]=-0.39 [-2.73, 1.95]) and psychomotor scales (β [95% CI]=-0.92 [-3.48, 1.65]), although the coefficients were not statistically significant. The best shape describing the relationship between Mn and the Bayley scales was linear in both cases. This study shows a null association between maternal prenatal levels of Mn and neuropsychological development at one year after birth in two cohorts within the INMA study.

Effects of Dietary Iron on Manganese Utilization in Broilers Fed with Corn-Soybean Meal Diet.

To investigate the effects of dietary iron (Fe) levels on manganese (Mn) utilization, 900 8-day-old broilers were randomly assigned to 1 of 6 treatments in a 3 (Fe level) × 2 (Mn level) factorial arrangement after feeding Mn- and Fe-unsupplemented diet for 7days. The broilers were then fed with basal corn-soybean meal diets (approximately 28mg Mn/kg and 60mg Fe/kg) added with 0, 80, or 160mg/kg Fe (L-Fe, M-Fe, or H-Fe), and 0 or 100mg/kg Mn for 35days. Body weight gain was lower for H-Fe broilers than that for L-Fe and M-Fe broilers. On day 42, H-Fe broilers had lower serum Mn concentration as compared with L-Fe and M-Fe broilers, and tibia Mn concentration decreased as dietary Fe increased. In Mn-supplemented broilers, liver Mn was lower in L-Fe and H-Fe treatments than that in M-Fe treatment. H-Fe treatment decreased Mn concentration and manganese-containing superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity in the heart when compared with L-Fe and M-Fe treatments. Dietary Fe did not significantly influence Mn concentrations in the liver and heart, and heart MnSOD activity in Mn-unsupplemented broilers. In the duodenum, L-Fe treatment decreased divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) mRNA abundance when compared with M-Fe and H-Fe treatments, and ferroportin 1 (FPN1) mRNA level was higher in M-Fe treatment than that in L-Fe and H-Fe treatments. These results suggested H-Fe diet decreased Mn status in broilers evaluated by Mn concentrations in serum and heart, and heart MnSOD activity. Dietary Fe influenced Mn absorption possibly through effects on duodenal DMT1 and FPN1 expression.

Comparison of serum essential trace metals between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls

Preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that essential trace metals (ETMs) play an important role in the pathophysiology of brain-based disorders, including schizophrenia. This case-control study aimed to evaluate the association between ETMs and schizophrenia, and to further examine the association between ETMs and clinical characteristics in schizophrenia. One-hundred and five (n = 105) subjects who meet DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia between the ages of 18 and 40 were recruited for the study. One hundred and six (n = 106) age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) were recruited for comparison. Serum concentrations of seven ETMs [i.e. iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni) and molybdenum (Mo)] were evaluated using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, which allows for the quantitative analysis of multiple ETMs at a single time point. Compared to HCs, serum concentrations of Mn and Mo were significantly lower in patients with schizophrenia. In contrast, serum concentrations of Fe and Ni were significantly higher in patients with schizophrenia. Additionally, correlations between specific ETMs and metabolic parameters (particularly those related to liver and renal function) were found in patients with schizophrenia, and the correlations between every two ETMs in HCs were widely interrupted. Differential levels of selected ETMs (i.e., Mn, Mo, and Ni) were identified between patients with schizophrenia and HCs following adjustment for potential confounders. The findings here should therefore be evaluated in future studies.

Effect of an Acute Exercise Until Exhaustion on the Serum and Urinary Concentrations of Cobalt, Copper, and Manganese Among Well-Trained Athletes

The current information about the effect of physical exercise on the body concentrations of several minerals is still limited, both in the acute (short-term) and adaptive (long-term) responses. So, this manuscript aims, on the one hand, to assess the possible differences on basal levels of cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) concentrations in serum and urine between athletes and sedentary participants and, on the other hand, to evaluate the effect of an acute progressive physical exercise until voluntary exhaustion on the serum and urinary concentrations of Co, Cu, and Mn. Two groups participated in this survey, one was formed by untrained, sedentary males (CG; n = 26), and the other group was constituted by national endurance (long and middle distances) athletes (AG; n = 21). All participants were from the same region of Spain. Participants of both groups performed a physical test on a treadmill, reaching voluntary exhaustion. Blood and urine samples of each participant were collected before and at after the tests. Once obtained and processed, the concentrations of Co, Cu, and Mn elements were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The differences in the studied variables were evaluated using a mixed model by means of an ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests. In the comparison of the pre-test values between groups, the results showed that serum concentrations of Mn were significantly lower in CG than in AG (p < 0.01). In urine, Co and Mn levels were significantly higher among CG participants (p < 0.01) than among AG ones, while in the case of Cu, the values were lower (p < 0.01) in the CG than in the AG. Regarding the effects of the effort tests, no significant changes were found among the participants of the CG. It was observed that the serum concentrations of Co (p < 0.05) and Cu (p < 0.01) decreased after the test among the AG participants. Also, the results showed that there were no statistical differences in Co and Mn values (expressed in μg/g creatinine). However, the urinary post-test Cu concentrations were lower (p < 0.05) among AG participants. In basal conditions, serum concentrations of Mn were significantly lower in CG than in AG. In urine, Co and Mn levels were significantly higher among CG participants and Cu level was significantly lower in CG, a fact which may reflect adaptive responses to exercise. An incremental exercise to exhaustion in AG produces a decrease in Co and Cu serum concentrations, as well as in urinary excretion of Cu.

The concentration of copper, zinc, manganese and selenium in the serum and liver of goats with caprine arthritis-encephalitis.

Concentrations of four trace elements, copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and seleni- um (Se), have thus far proven to be affected by lentiviral infections in people and rhesus monkeys. As small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) infection is responsible for one of the most important goat diseases, caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE), we evaluated serum and liver concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn, Se in goats severely affected by symptomatic CAE and compared them with litera- ture reference intervals. Serum and liver samples of dairy goats euthanized due to severe clinical form of CAE were collected and screened for the concentration of Cu, Zn, Mn (54 serum sam- ples, 22 liver samples), and Se (36 serum samples, 22 liver samples) using flame atomic absorption spectrometry for Cu, Zn, Mn and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy for Se. In both serum and liver samples concentration of Zn was the highest, followed by Cu concentration, and then by Mn and Se. There was no relationship between serum and liver concentrations of trace elements. Liver concentrations of all four trace elements and serum Cu concentration fell within literature reference intervals, although liver Se concentration was mainly in the lower marginal range (between 0.4 and 1.0 mg/L). Serum Zn concentration was elevated (>1.2 mg/L) in all goats, serum Mn concentration was elevated (>0.04 mg/L) in 42 (78%) goats and serum Se concentra- tion was elevated (>1.6 mg/L) in 13 (36%) goats. Concluding, severe symptomatic CAE does not appear to be associated with the level of any of the four trace elements.

Trace element levels are associated with neuroinflammatory markers in children with autistic spectrum disorder

The objective of the present study was to estimate the association between brain inflammatory markers and serum trace element levels as assessed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry at NexION 300D. Leukocyte elastase (LE), α1-proteinase inhibitor (α1-PI) activity, anti-nerve growth factor-antibodies (anti-NGF-Ab), and anti-myelin basic protein-antibodies (anti-MBP-Ab) levels were assessed as inflammatory markers. The obtained data demonstrate that the increase in LE and α1-PI activity is associated with higher serum Cr and Cu levels, respectively. The increase in Anti-NGF-Ab levels was associated with a nearly significant 16% increase in serum Mn levels. Autistic children with high MBP-Ab levels were characterized by 28% higher serum Mn and lower Mg concentration. The results of correlation analysis were generally in agreement with the outcome of group comparisons. Regression analysis demonstrated that serum Mg was significantly negatively associated with LE activity, whereas both serum Fe and V concentrations were characterized by a positive influence on the parameter. In turn, serum Cu was a significant predictor of α1-PI, as well as Cr levels. At the same time, the serum concentrations of Cd and Fe were found to be inversely associated with α1-PI levels. Serum Cd and Mn levels were significant positive predictors of anti-MBP-Ab levels, whereas Mg levels had a negative impact on anti-MBP-Ab values. Generally, the obtained data demonstrate the interrelationship between trace element homeostasis and neuroinflammation in autism. Hypothetically, modulation of trace element status may be used for reduction of neuroinflammatory response, although further studies are required to reveal the underlying mechanisms of the observed associations.

Correlation between airborne manganese concentration at the workstations in the iron foundry and manganese concentration in workers' blood.

Manganese (Mn) used as raw material for melting process in the ferrous foundry is considered as hazardous neurotoxic substance because it accumulates in the central nervous system and may cause neurological disorders. The furnace-men and melting department workers are potentially exposed to manganese particles or fume in the workplace. The objective of the research has been to investigate the sources and levels of manganese exposure in the foundry by correlation of blood-manganese (B-Mn) and air-manganese (air-Mn) measurement. Air-Mn and Mn of blood serum were measured involving workers who worked in a big-sized foundry during 1 year. The standard method of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ID-121 was used for air and blood assessment and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was carried out for air and blood sample analysis. The air sampling results have revealed that there is a high exposure to manganese (4.5 mg/m3) in the workplace as compared to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) time weighted average (the reference time-weighted average (TWA) = 1 mg/m3). The average blood serum Mn concentration was 2.745 μg/l for subjects working for shorter than 3 months and 274.85 μg/l for subjects working 3-12 months. Against the research hypothesis there was no correlation between the air-Mn concentration and the B-Mn (serum) level of manganese in the serum of the exposed subjects. It may be due to short time of air sampling of manganese airborne particles, and a real-time monitoring of airborne manganese particles is suggested for any future study. Med Pr 2017;68(4):449-458.

Mineral Profiles and Metabolic Status of Animals in North Eastern Ghat Zone of Odisha

Feeds, fodders and serum of cows in eight villages from two districts of North Eastern Ghat (NEG) agro-climatic zone of Odisha were collected and analysed for macro and micro mineral contents and metabolic profiles of animals. Among the roughages, paddy straw was found to be deficient in calcium, phosphorus and manganese. Paddy straw contained 0.27 to 0.32% of calcium and 0.09 to 0.13% phosphorus which was lowest among all the roughages and concentrates. Compounded feed and ground nut oil seed cake had the highest calcium and phosphorus contents, respectively. The content of manganese, copper and zinc in different feeds and fodders in this zone varied from 19.16 to 55.58, 5.10 to 41.36 and 25.80 to 49.47 ppm, respectively; whereas, the iron content of the feed and fodders were above 100 ppm which is above the critical level. From the serum profile study it was found that the percentage of animals deficient in Ca, P, Mg, Zn and Cu were 68.3, 54.3, 60.4, 62.0 and 40.0, respectively; whereas only 2.5 and 13% of the animals showed less serum Fe and Mn concentration, respectively. Average serum concentration of glucose, cholesterol, protein, albumin and globulin of the animals were 43.99 mg/dl, 66.34 mg/dl, 5.75 g/dl, 2.34 g/dl and 3.42 g/dl respectively. It was recommended that supplementation minerals like Ca, P, Mg, Zn and Cu along with protein rich feeds may be given in the diets of cattle for better health and productivity.

Serum Trace Elements and Electrolytes Are Associated with Fasting Plasma Glucose and HbA1c in Postmenopausal Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

The primary aim of the research was to assess the level of trace elements and electrolytes in serum of postmenopausal diabetic women. Sixty-four postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and 64 age- and body mass index-matched controls were examined. Serum trace elements were assessed using inductively coupled plasma dynamic reaction cell mass spectrometry (ICP-DRC-MS). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were evaluated using Randox kits. The obtained data demonstrate that DM2 patients were characterized by 42 and 34% higher FPG and HbA1c levels, respectively (p<0.001). The level of Cu and Se in diabetic postmenopausal women was increased by 10 and 15% in comparison to the respective control values (p=0.002 and <0.001). Serum Mn, Zn, and Ni concentrations were lower than the control ones by 32% (p=0.003), 8% (p=0.003), and 23% (p=0.046), respectively. FPG and HbA1c levels directly correlated with serum Se (p<0.001) and Cu (p=0.014 and p=0.028) concentrations and inversely related to Zn (p<0.001) and Tl (p=0.023 and p=0.029) levels. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between serum Zn and Se and FPG and HbA1c levels. It is proposed that Zn and Se play an important role in DM2 pathogenesis. Further studies are required to assess the intimate mechanisms of the observed differences.