Serum Concentrations Of Trace Elements Research Articles

Calcium deficiency is associated with malnutrition risk in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

ABSTRACT Background and Aim Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often have the condition of malnutrition, which can be presented as sarcopenia, micronutrient deficiencies, etc. Trace elements (magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, plumbum and manganese) belonging to micronutrients, are greatly vital for the assessment of nutritional status in humans. Trace element deficiencies are also the main manifestation of malnutrition. Calcium (Ca) has been proved to play an important part in maintaining body homeostasis and regulating cellular function. However, there are still a lack of studies on the association between malnutrition and Ca deficiency in IBD. This research aimed to investigate the role of Ca for malnutrition in IBD patients. Methods We prospectively collected blood samples from 149 patients and utilized inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to examine their venous serum trace element concentrations. Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the association between Ca and malnutrition. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to calculate the cutoffs for determination of Ca deficiency. Results Except Ca, the concentrations of the other six trace elements presented no statistical significance between non-malnutrition and malnutrition group. In comparison with non-malnutrition group, the serum concentration of Ca decreased in malnutrition group (89.36 vs 87.03 mg/L, p = 0.023). With regard to ROC curve, Ca <87.21 mg/L showed best discriminative capability with an area of 0.624 (95% CI: 0.520, 0.727, p = 0.023). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that Ca <87.21 mg/L (OR = 3.393, 95% CI:1.524, 7.554, p = 0.003) and age (OR = 0.958, 95% CI:0.926, 0.990, p = 0.011) were associated with malnutrition risk. Serum Ca levels were significantly lower in malnutrition group than those in non-malnutrition group among UC patients, those who with severe disease state or the female group. Conclusions In patients with IBD, Ca deficiency is an independent factor for high malnutrition risk.

Shining a Light on Trace Elements: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Serum Concentrations in Febrile seizure.

Febrile seizures (FS) are a common occurrence in pediatric patients and are typically triggered by high fevers above 100.4°F (38°C), often associated with viral or bacterial infections such as respiratory or gastrointestinal infections. Recent research suggests that the serum concentration of trace elements may play a role in the occurrence of FS. This study aimed to assess the association between serum levels of trace elements and FS in pediatric patients. A comprehensive search of four databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar, was conducted up to February 2024. The study followed the PICO structure, focusing on the Population (pediatric patients with FS), Intervention (serum concentrations of selenium, zinc, magnesium, and copper), Comparison (with or without controls), and Outcome (occurrence of FS). The methodological quality of the included observational studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) tool. Out of a total of 168 papers, 37 met the inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis, covering studies published between 2018 and 2023. Lower serum zinc levels were observed in pediatric patients with FS compared to control groups (SMD: -1.25, 95% CI: -1.47, -1.03). Conversely, higher serum copper levels were found in control groups compared to those with FS (SMD: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.82). Additionally, lower serum magnesium levels were detected in the FS group compared to controls (SMD: -0.76, 95% CI: -1.57, 0.05), while serum selenium levels were approximately two times lower in the FS group than in controls (SMD: -2.23, 95% CI: -2.76, -1.70). Our meta-analysis suggests that pediatric patients with FS have lower serum concentrations of trace elements compared to controls. Further research is warranted to elucidate the potential role of trace elements in the pathogenesis of FS. This meta-analysis and systematic review was registered in the International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024519163). Registry URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024519163 registry number: CRD42024519163.

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.

Serum trace elements during treatment in pancreatic cancer patients and their associations with cancer prognosis

Background & AimsIn this study, we assessed serum trace element concentrations in patients with pancreatic cancer and compared the results to those of healthy controls and patients with chronic pancreatitis. We evaluated the association between trace element concentrations during cancer treatment and the risk of cancer progression and mortality in pancreatic cancer patients. MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary center in Korea. Serum trace element concentrations of cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) were measured at diagnosis using an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry in 124 pancreatic cancer patients, 50 chronic pancreatitis patients, and 120 healthy controls. Trace elements were measured after a median of 282.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 224.0–326.5) days from treatment initiation to assess changes in trace element concentrations during treatment. ResultsSerum Co and Cu concentrations were significantly higher in patients with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer than in healthy controls, while serum Se and Zn concentrations were significantly lower. During treatment, serum concentrations of Cu, Se, and Zn were significantly decreased in patients with pancreatic cancer.During the follow-up (median 152.5; 95% CI, 142.8–160.0 months), 85.5% of patients experienced progression or relapse, and 84.7% of patients died. Patients with decreased Se and Zn concentrations during treatment had a higher mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 2.10; 95% CI, 1.31–3.38; P = 0.0020 for Se; HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.06–2.79; P = 0.0269 for Zn) compared to those with unchanged or increased trace element concentrations during treatment. Patients with a greater reduction in Zn concentrations during treatment had a higher mortality than those with a smaller reduction (HR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.01–2.52; P = 0.0483). Patients whose Zn status changed to deficient after treatment had an increased mortality (HR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.16–2.67, P = 0.0084). Patients with multiple (≥ 2) trace element deficiencies after treatment had poorer outcomes than those with no or single trace element deficiency. ConclusionsThis study revealed that decreases in Se and Zn concentrations during cancer treatment were associated with adverse outcomes in terms of cancer progression and mortality in patients with pancreatic cancer. Further prospective investigations are recommended.

Inverse association between maternal serum concentrations of trace elements and risk of spontaneous preterm birth: a nested case-control study in China.

Few studies have evaluated the joint effect of trace elements on spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB). This study aimed to examine the relationships between the individual or mixed maternal serum concentrations of Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Sr and Mo during pregnancy, and risk of SPTB. Inductively coupled plasma MS was employed to determine maternal serum concentrations of the six trace elements in 192 cases with SPTB and 282 controls with full-term delivery. Multivariate logistic regression, weighted quantile sum regression (WQSR) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to evaluate the individual and joint effects of trace elements on SPTB. The median concentrations of Sr and Mo were significantly higher in controls than in SPTB group (P < 0·05). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, compared with the lowest quartile levels of individual trace elements, the third- and fourth-quartile Sr or Mo concentrations were significantly associated with reduced risk of SPTB with adjusted OR (aOR) of 0·432 (95 CI < 0·05). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, compared with the lowest quartile levels of individual trace elements, the third- and fourth-quartile Sr or Mo concentrations were significantly associated with reduced risk of SPTB with adjusted aOR of 0·432 (95 % CI 0·247, 0·756), 0·386 (95 % CI 0·213, 0·701), 0·512 (95 % CI 0·297, 0·883) and 0·559 (95 % CI 0·321, 0·972), respectively. WQSR revealed the inverse combined effect of the trace elements mixture on SPTB (aOR = 0·368, 95 % CI 0·228, 0·593). BKMR analysis confirmed the overall mixture of the trace elements was inversely associated with the risk of SPTB, and the independent effect of Sr and Mo was significant. Our findings suggest that the risk of SPTB decreased with concentrations of the six trace elements, with Sr and Mo being the major contributors.

Trace element concentrations in blood samples from dairy cows with uterine torsion and their neonatal calves.

Mineral deficiencies can lead to dystocia and abnormalities in neonates. Stillbirth of neonatal calves in dairy cows due to dystocia has become an economic problem. Uterine torsion (UT) is a common form of dystocia observed in dairy cows. However, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports on the characteristics of serum trace element concentrations in dairy cows with UT. This study aimed to comprehensively measure serum trace element concentrations in dairy cows with UT and dystocia. Dairy cows with (n = 15) and without (n = 27) UT and neonates (n = 9 and n = 26, respectively) were included in this study. Blood samples (10 mL) were collected, and serum trace element concentrations were evaluated using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrophotometry. The mortality rate at birth was significantly higher in calves delivered by cows with UT than those delivered by cows without UT. The odds ratio for mortality rate at birth in dairy cows with UT was 7.85. Serum zinc (Zn) levels were significantly lower in cows with UT than in cows without UT (p = 0.01). The copper: Zn ratio was significantly higher in cows with UT than in cows without torsion (p = 0.05). In contrast, serum Cobalt (Co) concentrations were significantly higher in neonates from cows with UT than in neonates from cows without UT (p = 0.01). Uterine torsion is associated with a high mortality rate at birth and considerable economic losses. Cows with UT had low serum Zn levels, and neonates born to these cows had high serum Co levels.

Dynamic changes of serum trace elements following cardiac surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundCardiac surgeries are known to induce an inflammatory response. Besides, dietary factors such as trace elements contribute to promoting cardiovascular health by maintaining oxidative balance. Here we systematically review the literature about alterations in serum concentrations of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and selenium (Se) in response to cardiac surgeries. MethodsA systematic search was performed on databases until the end of December 2022. Studies assessing the changes of mentioned elements in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery were included. Changes in the means and standard deviations of the elements before and after the cardiac surgery were utilized as desired effect sizes. ResultsAmong 1252 records found in the primary search, 23 and 21 articles were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis respectively. Seventeen studies evaluated the changes in serum Zn and Cu levels, and fifteen studies assessed Se levels. According to the results of quantitative analysis, Zn, Cu, and Se concentrations, one day after the surgery were significantly lower than preoperative values (WMD for Zn: 4.64 µmol/L [3.57–5.72], WMD for Cu: 1.62 µmol/L [0.52–2.72], and WMD for Se: 0.1 µmol/L [0.03–0.16]). The concentration of trace elements recovered gradually during the first-week post-operation and reached preoperative levels or even higher. ConclusionSerum trace elements dropped significantly soon after the cardiac surgery, but they reached their baseline levels mostly during the first week after the surgery. Future studies are warranted to elucidate the impact of alterations in serum concentration of trace elements on the outcomes and complications of open-heart surgeries.

Association between serum copper, zinc, and selenium concentrations and depressive symptoms in the US adult population, NHANES (2011–2016)

BackgroundEvidence suggests that alterations in serum trace element concentrations are closely associated with mental illness. However, ​studies on the relationship between serum copper, zinc, and selenium concentrations and depressive symptoms are limited and with controversial results. We aimed to investigate the association between serum concentrations of these trace elements and depressive symptoms in US adults.MethodsData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2011–2016) were used in this cross-sectional study. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Items (PHQ-9) was employed to assess depressive symptoms. Multiple logistic regression was performed to determine the relationship between the serum concentrations of copper, zinc, and selenium and depressive symptoms.ResultsA total of 4552 adults were included. Subjects with depressive symptoms had higher serum copper concentrations (123.88 ± 1.87) than those without depressive symptoms (116.99 ± 0.86) (p < 0.001). In Model 2, weighted logistic regression analysis showed that the second (Q2) quartile of zinc concentrations (odds ratio [OR] = 1.534, 95% confident interval [CI]: 1.018 to 2.313) were significantly associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms. Subgroup analysis revealed that the third (Q3) and fourth (Q4) quartiles of copper concentrations (Q3: OR = 2.699, 95% CI: 1.285 to 5.667; Q4: OR = 2.490, 95% CI: 1.026 to 6.046) were also positively associated with depressive symptoms in obese individuals after controlling for all confounders. However, no significant relationship between serum selenium concentrations and depressive symptoms was observed.ConclusionsObese US adults with high serum copper concentrations, as well as US adults in general with low serum zinc concentrations, were susceptible to depressive symptoms. Nevertheless, the causal mechanisms underlying these relationships need to be further explored.

Amounts of tissue magnesium and some trace elements in cats with mammary tumors related to various clinicopathological parameters

BackgroundMammary tumors are one of the major malignancies seen in cats. Researchers have indicated the similarity between the epidemiological and clinicopathological patterns of feline mammary tumors and human breast cancer (HBC). In recent years, the investigation of trace elements in cancer tissues becomes prevalent in HBC due to the role of these elements in biochemical and physiological processes. This study, it is aimed to evaluate some trace elements in feline mammary tumors according to clinical and pathological findings. MethodsA total of 60 tumoral masses from 16 female cats with mammary tumors were included in the study. The study groups were formed according to histopathology as malignant epithelial tumor (MET; n = 39) and hyperplasia and dysplasia (H&D; n = 21). Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn), Selenium (Se) and Zinc (Zn) trace elements in mammary tissues were analyzed by using an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrophotometer. ResultsThe mean age and weight of the cats were 11.75 ± 0.75 years and 3.35 ± 0.21 kg; respectively. Eleven of 16 cats were intact whereas the rest of them had been spayed. Metastases were observed in 10 cats. Tissue Mg level in group MET was significantly higher than in group H&D (P < 0.01) while the other elements had not significant differences between the groups. In group MET, analyzed elements were not statistically significant related to the inflammation, ulceration and invasion to the peripheral muscle (P > 0.05). However, tissue Fe level was significantly higher in T2 than in T3 (P < 0.05). The mean levels of tissue Fe, Mg and Mn had significant differences related to histological grading as P < 0.01, P < 0.05 and P < 0.001; respectively. A mild to severe correlation was found between tissue Zn and Se, Cu, Fe, Mg, and Mn levels. ConclusionTissue Mg and some trace elements were evaluated in feline mammary tumours in regard to various clinicopathological parameters. Tissue Mg level was sufficient to differentiate the malignant epithelial tumors from hyperplasia and dysplasia. However, Mn and Se tended to distinguish different tumor types. Tissue Fe, Mg and Mn had significant differences related to histological grading. Also, the Fe level was significantly higher in T2 than in T3 and Zn level tended to be higher in T3 than in T1. It was concluded that Mg, Se, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn provided useful information on the pathogenesis of feline mammary tumors. Further research is needed on the tissue and serum concentrations of trace elements which may provide valuable information for the disease prognosis.

Investigation of the Association of Serum Trace Elements Concentrations and Serum Biochemical Parameters with the Risk of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Case-Control Study.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrinological syndrome characterized by hyperandrogenism of ovarian origin and is often considered a predisposing factor for metabolic disorders. The objective of the study was to investigate serum levels of (a) trace elements (copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), and manganese (Mn)); and (b) biochemical parameters (glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), albumin, total protein, creatinine, and C-reactive protein (CRP) with risk of PCOS. Another objective was to explore the relationship between serum trace elements and biochemical variables. Serum trace elements were estimated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and biochemical parameters were estimated by colorimetric methods in 99 PCOS cases and 82 controls. Linear and non-linear associations of serum variables with PCOS risk were studied under logistic, probit, GAM, and BKMR model. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS 22.0 and R package version 4.2.1. All studied serum trace elements (except Zn) are significantly associated with PCOS. Combined effect analysis revealed Mg-Se and Fe-Cu association with PCOS risk. A significant association of cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, CRP, and albumin was observed. Furthermore, linear regression analysis suggests an association between Mg-Cu and Mg-Fe-Mn with HDL-C; Fe and Cr-Cu with albumin; and Cu-Se with cholesterol and LDL-C both.

Investigation of Serum Trace Element Levels of Nigerian Women at a Late Stage of Pregnancy

Abstract Introduction: Minerals such as selenium, zinc, copper, and manganese often referred to as antioxidant trace elements have been recognized as modulators of oxidative stress-induced conditions. Due to this very crucial function, their constant monitoring during gestation is not only encouraged but desirable. Aim: The study aims to evaluate serum levels of Zn, Cu, Mn, and Se during gestation. Materials and Methods: Forty third-trimester pregnant women (29 weeks to term) attending antenatal clinics at maternity centers within the Osogbo metropolis as well as 40 apparently healthy women, age matched, and nonpregnant that served as controls were participants for the study. Serum obtained from 5 mL of blood was used for the elemental study (inductive computerize plasma emission spectrometry). Data were analyzed using Student’s t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The level of statistical significance was P &lt; 0.05. Results: Concentrations of serum trace elements (Zn, Mn, and Cu) levels were significantly lower, but selenium was significantly higher in pregnant women compared to the control group. Correlation results revealed a relationship only between copper and manganese. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that Nigerian pregnant women in the Osogbo metropolis are at risk of zinc, copper, and manganese depletions. This suggests that both the fetus and pregnant mother may be susceptible to oxidative stress-induced conditions.

Changes in Serum Trace Element Concentrations Before and After Surgery in Resectable Breast Cancer.

Minerals and trace elements (TEs) play vital roles in normal biological functions and in all cancers. Breast carcinoma is the most commonly occurring cancer in women. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in TE levels before and after breast cancer surgery and the clinical utility and reliability of TE levels assayed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Thirteen patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and 34 with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) treated with planned surgery were enrolled between August 2017 and February 2019. Blood samples were collected before and the day after resection of the primary tumor. All enrolled patients received mastectomy or quadrantectomy and axillary lymph node dissection/biopsy. Serum TE concentrations were determined using ICP-MS. Changes in boron, titanium, vanadium, chromium, copper, zinc, and selenium levels from before to after surgery differed between IDC and DCIS patients. Boron and copper levels before surgery and changes in titanium, vanadium, and chromium before and after surgery are potential predictors distinguishing DCIS from IDC. Subset analysis showed that chromium is a potential biomarker for luminal subtype, while titanium and chromium are potential biomarkers for pathological staging. Changes in serum TEs before and after surgery may help with diagnosis and staging of breast cancer and in establishing TE supplementation protocols.

A six-month study of anti-SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination: A comparative analysis of essential trace elements and anti-RBD IgG sera levels

BackgroundAlthough essential trace elements (ETEs) play pivotal roles in life-supporting biochemical processes, their function in innate and adaptive immunity has not been fully elucidated, particularly during immunization. Furthermore, the association between anti-SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG antibodies and ETE levels with vaccine responsiveness has not been investigated. MethodsThe present study explored the status of ETEs (Mn, Cu, Zn, and Se) in sera of healthy women before and after vaccination with the anti-SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in a follow-up period of six months. The main aim was to explore links between ETE levels and IgG antibodies produced against Spike glycoprotein's Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD). ResultsA recombinant protein of SARS-CoV-2 comprising the receptor binding domain was successfully expressed in HEK-293 T cells. The purified protein was suitable for producing a sensitive antibody detection assay for human serum and monitored seropositivity, indicating a transient response with peak anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels 2 months after vaccination. In parallel to increasing antibody titers, serum concentrations of Cu, Mn, and Se were not affected by vaccination, and concentrations remained relatively constant at the different sampling times during the 6-month observation period. Total serum Zn concentrations were slightly elevated when compared between the first and last sampling dates. Overall, no consistent effects of vaccination on any of the three trace elements analyzed in our study were observed. ConclusionVaccination of adult healthy female volunteers with an mRNA vaccine was not associated with consistent changes in serum trace element concentrations over a six-month observation period.

Assessment of copper and zinc in liver diseases

The liver is a primary storage site for a variety of metabolites. It plays a role in wide variety of metabolic, toxic, excretory, circulatory and defence functions inside the body. Damage to the organ may not evidently affect its activity since the liver has considerable functional reserve. Liver disease is a common term for any damage that reduces the functioning of the liver. Chronic liver disease is identified by gradual destruction of liver cells resulting in fibrosis. It is affected by different conditions including viral hepatitis, excessive alcoholism, genetic, autoimmune and NAFLD. The present study was carried out in Govt. Medical College, Jalaun at Department of Biochemistry. The diagnosis of Liver disease was done by ultrasonographic examination of liver. This study comprised a total of 50 patients, 25 of whom were healthy controls and 25 of whom were Liver Disease patients. After overnight fasting 8-12 hours (under aseptic condition) blood sample (8ml) was drawn from antecubital vein of each subject using a plain vial and was analyzed for serum Cu, Zn &amp; liver profile parameters (serum bilirubin, serum SGOT, serum SGPT and serum ALP done by colorimetric method and calmagnite method, diazo method, IFCC method and assessed by kinetic method respectively. The present study’s findings, indicates that the level of serum copper in liver disease patient was 127.38±28.81µg/dl, which is significantly higher than that of 86.54 ± 15.88µg/dl found is healthy controls (p&amp;#60;0.001). Also, serum copper is strongly linked with biochemical parameters of liver enzyme (SGOT &amp; SGPT). Likewise, the mean value of serum zinc in liver disease were 58.08 ± 13.11µg/dl, which is significantly lower than that of69.88± 6.67µg/dl found in healthy subjects. Further, serum zinc has shown a significant weakly linked with serum SGPT.Therefore, during routine assessments of individuals with liver disease, serum trace elements (Cu and Zn) can be highly effective indicators for detecting the severity of liver damage. Thus, based on the findings of our current investigation, zinc and copper supplementation, as well as a reduction in copper intake, may help to enhance patient survival and preventing the development of hepatitis B to liver cirrhosis.Considering findings of the study, it is recommended that serum trace element concentrations be corrected on a regular basis to help with various problems of liver cirrhosis and maybe to slow the progression of liver disease.

Comparison between Macro and Trace Element Concentrations in Human Semen and Blood Serum in Highly Polluted Areas in Italy.

Macro and trace elements are important regulators of biological processes, including those ones linked to reproduction. Among them, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Se, and Zn ensure normal spermatic functions. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of 26 macro and trace elements (Al, As, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, U, V, and Zn) in blood serum and also in semen of healthy young men, homogeneous for age, anthropometric characteristics, and lifestyle, living in three highly polluted areas in Italy. Furthermore, a comparison among three geographical areas was performed to highlight any difference in the investigated parameters and, overall, to speculate any correlations between chemical elements and semen quality. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) among the three areas were found for each investigated element, in both semen and serum samples, where inter-area differences were more evident in semen than in blood serum, suggesting human semen as an early environmental marker. Considering the homogeneity of three cohorts, these differences could be due more to environmental conditions in the recruiting areas, suggesting that variations in those involved in reproductive-associated pathways can have an impact on male fertility. Nevertheless, more research is needed to evaluate threshold values for sperm dysfunction and male infertility. Actually, the role of different dietary intake and environmental exposure underlying the observed differences in the recruiting areas is under further investigation for the same cohort.

Trace Elements in Pregnant and Non-pregnant Sheep and Goats and Their Relation to Steroid Hormones

Background: One of the major factors affecting the physiology of pregnancy and reproductive cycle is the trace elements intake and their levels in serum of brood ewes and does. The main objective of this investigation was to study the association between serum concentration of trace elements, ovarian findings, stage of pregnancy and steroid hormones in sheep and goats. Methods: Total of 129 ewes (68 pregnant and 61 non-pregnant) and 54 does (32 pregnant and 22 non-pregnant) were examined clinically and ultrasonographically for pregnancy diagnosis and monitoring the ovarian findings. Pregnant animals were categorized according to the gestational stage into 1 to 2, greater than 2 to 3, greater than 3 to 4 and greater than 4 months. According to the ovarian findings, non-pregnant animals were categorized as having mature corpus luteum (CL), large follicle ( greater than 5 mm) and corpus luteum (CL+F), growing follicles (GF, less than 5.mm) and mature follicle (MF, greater than 5 mm). Animals were bled and serum was harvested and assayed for estrogen (E2), progesterone (P4), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) levels. Result: Mn (P=0.01), Fe (P=0.05) and Zn (P=0.001) were lower in pregnant compared with non-pregnant ewes. Fe was significantly higher (P=0.03) in non-pregnant compared with pregnant does at any gestational stage. Ewes with MF had higher Se (P=0.02) and Fe (P=0.001) compared with other ewes. Fe (P=0.001) and Zn (P=0.000) were higher in does having MF compared with other does. A positive association between E2 and serum Fe in non-pregnant ewes (P=0.03) and does (P=0.05) was found. It can be concluded that pregnancy associated with a decrease in serum trace elements in sheep and goats.

Trace element concentration and cognitive dysfunction in elderly residents in Birjand.

Trace elements were suggested to have a main role in modulating cognitive function. However, there are several controversial findings regarding the association between serum trace element concentration and cognitive function in patients with cognitive disorders. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the changes in serum trace element concentrations in elderly with cognitive dysfunction versus the participants with normal cognitive function. This cross-sectional study included 191 older adults over 60 years from Birjand County, Iran. Participants were assessed for cognitive performance and serum trace elements concentration including aluminum (AL), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), Chrome (Cr), copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn). Our findings showed no significant difference in the serum concentration of AL, Co, Cr, Zn, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Se of elderly with cognitive dysfunction versus the subjects with normal cognitive function. However, the concentration of Cu significantly increased in the serum of the elderly with cognitive dysfunction versus participants with normal function. In conclusion, our study indicated an increase in the serum concentration of Cu in the elderly with cognitive dysfunction in the sample of the Birjand Longitudinal Aging Study. However, due to the main limitations of our study including low sample size and cross-section design, these findings should be interpreted with caution.

Effect of breast cancer and breast cancer treatment on the blood serum concentrations of trace elements and selenoproteins

Effect of breast cancer and breast cancer treatment on the blood serum concentrations of trace elements and selenoproteins

Evaluation of Vitamin D and trace element level in sera of patients with Rheumatoid arthritis

Objective: The purpose of this research was to assess the serum concentration of (1,25-(OH)2D3) and trace elements in patients with rheumatoid arthritis as compared to healthy individuals. Methods: This research was performed on 72participants, 37 cases of RA and 35 healthy individuals, with age range 39-67 years. Serum (1,25-(OH)2D3) levels was determined and compared in cases and healthy controls. Results: The serum (1,25-(OH)2D3) levels were significantly lower in the RA patients (13.24 ± 1.06 ng/ml), when compared to the healthy individuals (26.9 ± 1.7 ng/ml). The examination of data revealed that the levels of (Magnesium, Manganese, Nickel and Rubidium) were remarkably elevated in RA patients when compared to healthy control , serum levels of (Chromium, Cobalt and Germanium) were remarkably decreased in RA patients when compared to healthy control. Conclusions: (1,25-(OH)2D3) insufficiency is more widespread among patients with RA and may be one of the reasons leading to evolution of rheumatoid arthritis. Supplementation with (1,25-(OH)2D3) may be required both for the avoidance of bone loss besides for painkilling in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Current results propose that alterations in the serum concentration of trace elements may yield good indication to their role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Serum Trace Elements Concentrations in Patients with Restless Legs Syndrome.

Increased brain and serum zinc levels in patients with idiopathic restless legs syndrome (idiopathic RLS or iRLS) were described when compared with controls, suggesting a possible role of zinc in the pathogenesis of this disease. However, serum magnesium, calcium, manganese, iron, and copper levels of RLS patients were similar to controls, suggesting a specific impairment of zinc-dependent metabolism in RLS. The aim of this study is to assess the serum concentrations of trace elements involved in oxidative stress or causing peripheral nerve toxicity in a large series of patients with iRLS and controls. We determined serum levels of iron, copper, manganese, zinc, magnesium, selenium, calcium, aluminium, lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury in 100 patients diagnosed with iRLS and in 110 age- and sex-matched controls using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. Serum copper, magnesium, selenium, and calcium concentrations were significantly higher in RLS patients than in controls. These differences were observed both in men and women. There were no major correlations between serum trace metal concentrations and age at onset of RLS or RLS severity, nor was there any association with a family history of RLS or drug response. This study shows an association between increased serum concentrations of copper, magnesium, selenium, and calcium with RLS in a Spanish Caucasian population and does not confirm the previously reported increase in serum zinc concentrations in patients suffering from this disease, suggesting that the different accuracy of the analytical methods used could have influenced the inconsistent results found in the literature.