Serum Zinc Concentrations Research Articles

Should zinc deficiency be tested and treated in CKD patients? Experience from a tertiary care hospital

Abstract Background: Hypozincemia is common in patients with chronic renal insufficiency and end-stage renal disease treated with peritoneal and hemodialysis. Several factors may contribute to and explain zinc deficiency associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We planned this study to see the prevalence of zinc deficiency in these patients and whether it is justified to test and treat it. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional, observational study. Study participants were patients diagnosed with CKD on maintenance hemodialysis. All patients were subjected to detailed history and clinical examination per predesigned performance. Serum zinc levels, along with serum iron studies, were sent. Patients with serum zinc concentrations of less than 80 μg/dL were diagnosed to have hypozincemia. The relation between hypozincemia and hematological parameters was studied. The data collected were entered into the MS Excel master sheet and analyzed. Results: A total of 112 patients aged 18 years and above, diagnosed with CKD and on maintenance hemodialysis, were selected for the study. The mean age of the study population was 51.0 ± 14.9 years. Approximately two-thirds (71 patients, 63.4%) of the study participants were males. All patients in the present study were anemic, with a mean hemoglobin level of 7.4 ± 1.2 g/dL. The prevalence of hypozincemia was observed to be 83.0% (93 of 112 patients). There was no statistically significant difference in the degree of anemia, serum iron and ferritin levels, serum urea/creatinine, and hypozincemia. Conclusion: Despite the high prevalence of hypozincemia in our study (83%), there was no relationship between hypozincemia and other hematological parameters; therefore, routine testing and treatment for zinc deficiency in CKD patients are not advisable.

Serum concentration of zinc, copper, iron, and its associated factors among pregnant women of small-scale farming in western Ethiopia

Micro-nutrients are required in small amounts to maintain growth and cell functioning to complete the life cycle through reproductions. However, pregnant women in developing countries like Ethiopia are vulnerable to multiple micro-nutrient deficiencies. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the serum level of metals and associated factors like dietary diversity, and health-related problems in pregnant women among small-scale farming in Kellem Wellega, western Ethiopia. A cross-sectional laboratory-based study was conducted from June to August 2021 on 417 pregnant women attending antenatal care at rural healthcare facilities. Data was collected by using per-tested structured questionnaires via face-to-face interviews. The data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 24.0, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between predictor and outcome variables. A statistically significant was considered at p value < 0.05 for all the analyses. Our study findings showed that 62.1, 80.9, and 71.9% of the participants were deficient in iron, zinc, and copper micro-nutrient levels, respectively. Pregnant women who could not have formal education were 3.24 (AOR = 3.24, 95% CI 1.33–7.91) and 3.98 (AOR = 3.98, 95% CI 1.2–13.15) times more likely to show zinc and copper deficiency than those who attended secondary school and above, respectively. Furthermore, pregnant women involved only in farming activities were 0.57 (AOR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.36–0.91) and 4.33 (AOR = 5.72, 95% CI 2.34–13.97) times more likely to be exposed to iron and zinc deficiency than those who were engaged in other activities. This study revealed that pregnant women with low income were 6.36 times more likely to be exposed to zinc micro-nutrient deficiencies than those with high-income participants (AOR = 6.36, 95% CI 1.47–27.61). Additionally, those participants who ate a varied diet between 1 and 4 items per day were 2.26 (AOR = 2.26, 95% CI 1.43–3.59) and 2.77 (AOR = 2.77, 95% CI 1.6–4.61) times more likely to suffer zinc and copper micro-nutrient insufficiency than those who consumed 5–10 items per day. Finally, pregnant women who developed diarrhea in the past three months were 1.82 (AOR = 2.77, 95% CI 1.14–2.92) and 2.52 (AOR = 2.52, 95% CI 1.3–4.91) times more likely to be exposed to iron and copper deficiency than those who never show the symptoms, respectively. This study identified low concentrations of zinc, iron, and copper in the blood serum of pregnant women of small-scale farmers.

Symptomatic Characteristics of Hypozincemia Detected in Long COVID Patients

The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of hypozincemia in long COVID patients. This study was a single-center retrospective observational study for outpatients who visited the long COVID clinic established in a university hospital during the period from 15 February 2021 to 28 February 2022. Characteristics of patients with a serum zinc concentration lower than 70 μg/dL (10.7 μmol/L) were compared with characteristics of patients with normozincemia. In a total of 194 patients with long COVID after excluding 32 patients, hypozincemia was detected in 43 patients (22.2%) including 16 male patients (37.2%) and 27 female patients (62.8%). Among various parameters including the background characteristics of the patients and medical histories, the patients with hypozincemia were significantly older than the patients with normozincemia (median age: 50 vs. 39 years). A significant negative correlation was found between serum zinc concentrations and age in male patients (R = -0.39; p < 0.01) but not in female patients. In addition, there was no significant correlation between serum zinc levels and inflammatory markers. General fatigue was the most frequent symptom in both male patients with hypozincemia (9 out of 16: 56.3%) and female patients with hypozincemia (8 out of 27: 29.6%). Patients with severe hypozincemia (serum zinc level lower than 60 μg/dL) had major complaints of dysosmia and dysgeusia, which were more frequent complaints than general fatigue. The most frequent symptom in long COVID patients with hypozincemia was general fatigue. Serum zinc levels should be measured in long COVID patients with general fatigue, particularly in male patients.

The Prevalence of Anemia in Children Aged 6–23 Months and its Correlates Differ by District in Kapilvastu and Achham Districts in Nepal

BackgroundAnalyses of predictors of anemia or malnutrition often pool national or regional data, which may hide variability at subnational levels. ObjectivesWe sought to identify the risk factors for anemia in young Nepali children aged 6–23 mo in 2 districts: Kapilvastu and Achham. MethodsThis is an analysis of two cross-sectional surveys that were conducted as part of a program evaluation of an infant and young child feeding and micronutrient powder intervention that included anemia as a primary outcome. Baseline and endline surveys in each district (in 2013 and 2016) included hemoglobin assessments in n = 4709 children who were representative of children 6–23 mo in each district. Log-binomial regression models accounting for the survey design were used to estimate univariable and multivariable prevalence ratios for risk factors at multiple levels—underlying, direct, and biological causes. Average attributable fractions (AFs) for the population were calculated for significant predictor biomarkers of anemia in multivariable models. ResultsIn Accham, the prevalence of anemia was 31.4%; significant predictors included child’s age, household asset ownership, length-for-age z-score, inflammation (CRP concentration > 0.5 mg/L; α-1 acid glycoprotein concentration > 1 mg/mL), and iron deficiency (serum ferritin concentration < 12 μg/L with BRINDA-inflammation adjustment). In Kapilvastu, the prevalence of anemia was 48.1%; significant predictors included child’s sex and ethnicity, wasting and weight-for-length z-score, any morbidity in the previous 2 wk, consumption of fortified foods, receipt of multiple micronutrient powder distributions, iron deficiency, zinc deficiency (nonfasting serum zinc concentration of <65 μg/dL in the morning and that of <57 μg/dL in the afternoon), and inflammation. In Achham, average AFs were 28.2% and 19.8% for iron deficiency and inflammation, respectively. Average AFs for anemia in Kapilvastu were 32.1%, 4.2%, and 4.9% for iron deficiency, zinc deficiency, and inflammation, respectively. ConclusionsThe prevalence of anemia and its risk factors varied between districts, with inflammation contributing to a greater share of anemia in Achham than in Kapilvastu. The estimated AF for iron deficiency was around 30% in both districts; iron-delivering interventions and multisectoral approaches to anemia are warranted.

Assessment of the dietary pattern and serum zinc concentrations of adults in Umuahia North Local Government Area, Abia State

Dietary pattern is a parameter that assesses the general profile of food and nutrient consumption which is characterized on the basis of the usual eating habits. This study was conducted to assess the dietary pattern and serum zinc concentrations of adults in Umuahia North Local Government Area, Abia State. To achieve this, a cross-sectional analytical study design was conducted on a designed questionnaire distributed amongst 252 respondents to collate data on their socio-demographic characteristics on age, sex, marital status, religion, occupation, and educational levels. Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was also carried out to assess adults’ dietary patterns daily, weekly, sometimes and none, on some foods such as cereals, vegetables, legumes, milk &amp; dairy, meat, fish &amp; seafood, eggs, roots, and tubers. Serum zinc was conducted on 50 volunteered adults from the study area. Serum zinc levels present in the collected blood samples were analyzed with the aid of an Atomic Adsorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Data obtained was analyzed with the aid of SPSS software on mean, standard deviation, t-test, and ANOVA for the hypothesis. Serum zinc deficiency was defined as a zinc level of less than 46 ug/dl from a reference book. The mean concentrations of serum zinc of healthy adults conducted were recorded as male 49.566 ± 19.384, female 24.017±6.999, 38.025±24.862 (18-25years ), 37.305±18.263 (26-40years) and 39.294±19.446 (41-55years) respectively. The results revealed that serum zinc concentrations in the participating healthy adults were within the reference level of 46 ug/dl, and also statistically significant at a p-value of 0.01 for the alternate hypothesis. Also, the relationship test of association between dietary pattern and serum zinc concentration is statistically significant as their p-value was less than 0.05 (0.027). Also, the tests confer with the alternate hypothesis that the association between dietary pattern and serum zinc concentration of adults in Umuahia North LGA is statistically significant. This study, therefore, recommends that studies should be carried out in other areas where symptoms of zinc deficiency are evident.

Supplemental Dietary Cystine Elevates Kidney Metallothionein in Rats by a Mechanism Involving Altered Zinc Metabolism

Dietary sulfur-containing amino acids influence zinc and copper status. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the status of these elements and tissue metailothionein in rats fed diets supplemented with sulfur-containing amino acids. In a series of experiments, a diet containing 100 g casein/kg diet was unsupplemented or supplemented with L-cystine (3–50 g/kg diet) or L-methionine (3 or 30 g/kg diet). Kidney concentrations of zinc and copper in rats fed the diet supplemented with high levels of cystine (25 or 50 g/kg) were significantly higher than those in rats fed the unsupplemented diet. Kidney concentrations of metallothionein and metallothionein mRNA were also significantly higher in rats fed cystine-supplemented diets. There was a correlation (r = 0.838, P < 0.01) between the levels of zinc and metallothionein in kidney of rats fed the diets with different levels of cystine and zinc. However, in the rats fed the diets with different levels of cystine and copper, the correlation was not as strong (r = 0.587, P < 0.01). The changes in kidney metallothionein concentration due to the addition of 3 or 30 g/kg cystine were associated with parallel changes in serum zinc concentration and in apparent absorption of zinc, but not in serum copper concentration or apparent absorption of copper. Addition of 3 or 30 g methionine/kg diet to the diet did not affect kidney concentrations of metallothionein or zinc. These results indicate that supplementation of cystine to the diet can induce kidney metallothionein through a mechanism involving altered zinc metabolism.

Isotopic composition of serum zinc and copper in healthy children and children with autism spectrum disorder in North America.

To better understand zinc and copper regulation and their involvement in various biochemical pathways as it relates to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), isotopic composition of serum zinc and copper were evaluated in both healthy children and children with ASD in North America. No significant difference in isotopic composition of serum zinc or copper with respect to healthy controls and ASD children were identified. However, the isotopic composition of serum copper in boys was found to be enriched in 65Cu in comparison to previously published healthy adult copper isotopic composition. Furthermore, in both boys and girls, the average isotopic composition of serum zinc is heavier than previously published healthy adult isotopic zinc composition. There was also a negative association between total zinc concentrations in serum and the zinc isotopic composition of serum in boys. Finally, children with heavier isotopic composition of copper also showed a high degree of variability in their zinc isotopic composition. While numerous studies have measured the isotopic composition of serum zinc and copper in adults, this is one of the first studies which measured the isotopic composition of serum copper and zinc in children, specifically those diagnosed with ASD. The results of this study showed that age and gender specific normal ranges of isotopic composition must be established to effectively use isotopic composition analysis in studying various diseases including ASD.

Maternal Serum Concentrations of Selenium, Copper and Zinc during Pregnancy are associated with Risk of Spontaneous Preterm Birth: A case-control study from Malawi

Maternal Serum Concentrations of Selenium, Copper and Zinc during Pregnancy are associated with Risk of Spontaneous Preterm Birth: A case-control study from Malawi

Analysis of serum calcium, sodium, potassium, zinc, and iron in patients with pre-eclampsia in Bangladesh: A case-control study.

Pre-eclampsia is a particular type of pregnancy condition. Although the primary etiology of pre-eclampsia is unclear, it hypothesizes that the alteration of trace elements and macro-minerals may play a crucial function in the pathogenesis of Pre-eclampsia. Therefore, our research sought to ascertain the serum level of trace elements (zinc, iron) and macro-minerals (sodium, calcium, potassium) and their possible association with pre-eclampsia. The present study was conducted with 74 pre-eclampsia pregnant women (case) and 118 pregnant women having normal blood pressure (controls). Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy determined the serum level of trace components and electrolytes. The researchers discovered notable differences in maternal age, gestational period, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, and creatinine level. Results of serum analysis revealed that calcium (52.06 ± 3.71 mg/L vs. 65.93 ± 2.57 mg/L, p < 0.05) and potassium (63.44 ± 5.33 mg/L vs. 102.54 ± 4.25 mg/L, p < 0.001) concentrations were substantially lower in the patient group than in control. Serum zinc (0.34 ± 0.02 mg/L vs. 0.52 ± 0.02 mg/L, p < 0.001) and iron (0.38 ± 0.03 mg/L vs. 0.46 ± 0.02 mg/L, p < 0.05) concentration were also considerably decreased in pre-eclampsia participants compared with a pregnant normotensive group. Pearson's correlation research results in the patient group revealed a connection between trace elements or macro minerals. In addition, the systolic blood pressure was positively correlated with sodium (r = 0.392, p < 0.01) and negatively correlated with potassium (r = -0.257, p < 0.05) in the control group. This study concludes that calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc levels were lower, whereas sodium levels were higher in Bangladeshi pre-eclampsia patients compared to controls. These findings with Pearson's correlation and the inter-element relationship between the patient and a control subject results can act as critical indication factors for patients with pre-eclampsia in Bangladesh and, as a result, may require a higher intake of calcium, potassium, iron, and zinc for effective therapeutic intervention and reduce the intake of sodium.

Zinc deficiency compromises the maturational competence of porcine oocyte by inducing mitophagy and apoptosis

Zinc, an essential trace mineral, plays a pivotal role in cell proliferation, maintenance of redox homeostasis, apoptosis, and aging. Serum zinc concentrations are reduced in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the underlying mechanism of the effects of zinc deficiency on the female reproductive system, especially oocyte quality, has not been fully elucidated. Thus, we established an in vitro experimental model by adding N,N,N′,N′-Tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl) ethylenediamine (TPEN) into the culture medium, and to determine the potential regulatory function of zinc during porcine oocytes maturation. In the present study, we found that zinc deficiency caused aberrant meiotic progress, accompanied by the disrupted cytoskeleton structure in porcine oocytes. Zinc deficiency impaired mitochondrial function and dynamics, leading to the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and acetylation level of the antioxidative enzyme superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), eventually induced the occurrence of oxidative stress and early apoptosis. Moreover, zinc deficiency perturbed cytosolic Ca2+ homeostasis, lipid droplets formation, demonstrating the aberrant mitochondrial function in porcine oocytes. Importantly, we found that zinc deficiency in porcine oocytes induced the occurrence of mitophagy by activating the PTEN-induced kinase 1/Parkin signaling pathway. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that zinc was a critical trace mineral for maintaining oocyte quality by regulating mitochondrial function and autophagy in porcine oocytes.

P794 Effectiveness of administering zinc acetate hydrate to patients with inflammatory bowel disease and zinc deficiency: a retrospective observational two-center study

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients frequently have zinc deficiency and that IBD patients with zinc deficiency are at higher risk for IBD-related complications and surgery. We reported the efficacy of zinc replacement therapy for IBD patients with zinc deficiency at ECCO2020, and now we report the results of our analysis with an extended observation period and an additional number of patients. Methods IBD patients with zinc deficiency who received zinc acetate hydrate (ZAH) from March 2017 to November 2021 were registered in this 2-center（Hokkaido University Hospital and Sapporo Higashi Tokushukai Hospital）, retrospective, observational study. Results One hundred twenty patients with Crohn’s disease (CD, n=82) or ulcerative colitis (UC, n=38) were registered. Median serum zinc level and CDAI in CD patients significantly improved (59.0-92.3 μg/dL, P&amp;lt;0.001; 118-86, P&amp;lt;0.001, respectively) 4 weeks after ZAH administration. Similarly, median serum zinc levels and CDAI significantly improved (58.5-82.0 μg/dL, P&amp;lt;0.001; 96-78, P&amp;lt;0.001, respectively) 20 weeks after ZAH administration. In the 18 patients who underwent endoscopy both within 4 weeks before and within 60 weeks after ZAH administration, median SES-CD improved from 11.5 to 5.5 (P&amp;lt;0.001). Logistic regression analysis identified “serum zinc level ≥52 μg/dl before ZAH administration” as a factor contributing to normalization of serum zinc concentration and “CDAI ≥96 before ZAH administration” as a factor contributing to improvement of disease activity. Median serum zinc level and partial Mayo scores (PMS) in UC patients significantly improved (63.0-94.0μg/dL, P&amp;lt;0.001; 2-0, P=0.002, respectively) 4 weeks after ZAH administration. Median serum zinc levels significantly improved (62.0-100.0μg/dL, P&amp;lt;0.001) 20 weeks after ZAH administration, but no significant changes in PMS were observed. In the 12 patients who underwent endoscopy both within 4 weeks before and within 60 weeks after ZAH administration, median UCEIS improved from 5 to 3 (P=0.004). Logistic regression analysis identified “dose of ZAH ≥75 mg/day” as a factor contributing to normalization of serum zinc concentration and “serum zinc level ≥65 μg/dl before ZAH administration” as a factor contributing to improvement of disease activity. In both CD and UC, there was a significant correlation between serum zinc level and CDAI, CRP, and serum albumin level before ZAH administration. Conclusion ZAH administration to IBD patients with zinc deficiency is effective in improving zinc deficiency and may contribute to improving disease activity in IBD.

Association of mineral status with metabolic disorders in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. A preliminary study

Background: Hypertension and comorbid diseases are often characterized by inadequate intake of minerals and disturbances in mineral status. Aim: This study aimed to estimate the association of minerals status and dietary supply of minerals with body mass index (BMI) and serum levels of glucose and lipids in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. Methods: A total of 69 hypertensive patients were included in the study. Blood pressure and BMI were recorded, and the levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), and glucose were measured in the serum of all subjects. Furthermore, the concentrations of iron, zinc, and copper were measured in serum, erythrocyte, urine, and hair samples. The dietary intake of energy and minerals was also estimated. The association between minerals and metabolic parameters was analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation and multivariate regression. Results: The results showed a significant negative correlation of the iron level in serum and copper level in erythrocytes with BMI was found. The zinc concentration in serum positively correlated with the level of TG. Multivariate regression analysis in the crude model and the model adjusted for age and gender showed the relationship between the iron level in urine and TC and also between the iron level in serum and BMI. Conclusion: The levels of iron, copper, and zinc were associated with metabolic parameters such as BMI and levels of lipids and glucose in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients.

Serum zinc levels in cancer patients are low and difficult to elevate when complicated by liver cirrhosis: A retrospective study.

In this study, we analyzed blood zinc concentration in patients with various cancer types and the degree of improvement in relation to the underlying disease following treatment with zinc preparations. Serum zinc levels of 530 cancer patients whose blood zinc levels were measured at our hospital from 2016 to 2021 were retrospectively examined in accordance with the primary disease. Changes in zinc levels were analyzed in 155 patients whose zinc levels had been measured on 2 or more occasions in accordance with whether they had received zinc preparations. In addition, the concentration course of zinc before and after zinc formulation administration in 73 patients was examined in accordance with the presence or absence of liver cirrhosis complications. Mean serum zinc levels were below normal in all carcinomas measured, and zinc levels were significantly lower in cirrhosis-hepatocarcinoma cases than in other primary disease cases. Furthermore, serum zinc levels in patients who did not receive zinc preparations decreased significantly over time. In patients who received zinc preparations, the elevated levels of zinc after treatment were significantly lower in patients with cirrhosis than in those without cirrhosis. There was a weak inverse correlation between pre-dose zinc concentration and increased zinc concentration in patients with cirrhosis. In the analysis of covariance, the presence of liver cirrhosis was predominantly correlated with elevated zinc per dose. In summary, serum zinc levels in cancer patients are low and especially low in cancer patients with liver cirrhosis compared with those without cirrhosis after the administration of zinc preparations.

Assessment of serum Vit A, D and zinc nutritional status and related dietary and exercise behaviors of children and adolescents in rural and urban area.

Vitamin A and vitamin D deficiency in children and adolescents has a negative impact on their growth and development. This study aimed to learn the nutritional status of vitamin A and D among rural children and adolescents and to explore related dietary and exercise behaviors. A total of 10 counties (cities, districts) from 90 counties (cities, districts) in Zhejiang Province were selected by the method of random cluster sampling. Children and adolescents were investigated and their food and nutrient intake were calculated. The concentration of serum vitamin A in urban area was 0.38 ng/ml, which was higher than that in rural area (p < 0.05); while the concentration of serum vitamin D in urban area was 21.25 mg/L, which was lower than that in rural area (p < 0.05). The concentration of serum zinc was 101 μg/dl in urban area and 107 μg/dl in rural area (p < 0.05). The intake of dietary fiber, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and vitamin C was lower than the recommended value. In rural area, the intakes of cereals, tubers and beans, livestock, poultry and meat of children and adolescents were higher than the recommended values; while the intake of vegetables, fruits, eggs, milk, fish and shrimp, soybean and nuts was lower than the recommended value. The intake of edible oil and salt is higher than the recommended value. The time of medium and high intensity exercise time in rural area is more than that in urban area in the age group of 12-17 years, while the sitting time is less than that in urban area. Children and adolescents living in rural area should be guided to eat reasonably, and to choose foods with high nutrient density and with low oil, salt and sugar.

Variation of Serum Zinc Concentrations Among Kala-Azar Endemic and Nonendemic Population in Bangladesh

Background &amp; objectives: Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) or Kala-azar is a deadly disease putting 350 million people from 88 countries at risk. In Bangladesh, 45 districts are endemic. Zinc is an essential trace element and its relevance for proper functioning of the entire immune system is already well documented. Though low serum zinc levels have been reported in many parasitic diseases, limited information is available regarding zinc status in human leishmaniasis. This study was conducted to evaluate the zinc level in endemic and non-endemic population of kalaazar. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the serum zinc concentrations in kala-azar endemic and non- endemic population of 06 to 60 years of age range during the period of July 2014 to June 2015.Venous blood was collected from 92 subjects to estimate serum zinc concentrations. Results: Mean Serum zinc levels were found 63.66 microgm/dl in kala-azar patients of endemic area, 69.44 microgm/dl in kala-azar endemic populations and77.34 microgm/dl in non-endemic populations. Conclusion: The average serum zinc concentrations is lower in populations of kala-azar endemic zone compared to populations from kala-azar nonendemic zone. It was also found that kala-azar patient had lower zinc concentrations compared to non-kala-azar patients. There may have potential association of low zinc level and occurrence of kala-azar. J Dhaka Med Coll. 2021; 29(1): 111-117

Association between Dietary Zinc Intake, Serum Zinc Level and Multiple Comorbidities in Older Adults.

Zinc is one of the essential micronutrients in the geriatric population, but the importance of zinc status and dietary zinc intake has been poorly characterized. We aimed to explore the relationships among dietary zinc intake, serum zinc concentrations and multimorbidity in a cross-sectional study of 300 employees of Electric Generating Authority of Thailand aged ≥ 60 years. Comprehensive questionnaires were completed, and clinical and laboratory assessments were performed. Factors associated with low serum zinc concentrations were identified using multivariate multinomial logistic regression analyses. The mean serum zinc level was 80.5 (12.8) µg/dL. After adjustment for baseline characteristics, being female and having been in education for ≤12 years were independent risk factors for the lowest tertile (T1) of serum zinc. After additional adjustment for clinical and biochemical parameters, there was a significant association between depression (Thai Geriatric Depression Scale-15 score > 5) and low serum zinc levels (T1 vs. T3, odds ratio (OR): 2.24; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06−4.77). Furthermore, as serum albumin increased, serum zinc concentration substantially increased (T1 vs. T3, OR: 0.01; 95% CI: 0.002−0.070). Therefore, the early detection of risk factors and the further management of depression and low serum albumin may assist physicians in preventing low serum concentrations.

Associations Between Inflammation Biomarkers and Serum Ferritin and Zinc Concentrations in Preschool Children in Nepal

Concentration of trace nutrients is affected by inflammation; however, there has been limited research on iron and zinc, particularly in children. The objective of the current was to assess associations between inflammation biomarkers and serum ferritin and zinc concentrations., The study used α-1 glycoprotein (AGP) as a second biomarker because C-reactive protein (CRP) detection as a biomarker for inflammation is less sensitive in chronic infections The study utilized cross-sectional data of 1649 preschool Nepalese children from Nepal National Micronutrient Status Survey 2016. A standardized, highly sensitive technique was used to measure CRP and AGP. To obtain associations between CRP and AGP, nutrient concentrations were stratified across classifications of CRP and AGP. Concentrations level greater and smaller than several CRP and AGP cut-off points, namely, 0.5 mg/L, 1.0 mg/L, 3.0 mg/L and 5.0 mg/L (CRP) and 0.5 mg/L, 1.0 mg/L, 1.5 mg/L and 2.0 mg/L (AGP). With CRP biomarker at interval of > 0.5-1 mg/L, the median (25^th and 75^th percentiles) was 21.6 (11.5, 37.8) mg/L for ferritin; and 83.9 (63.8, 108.8) mg/L for zinc. Corresponding values for ferritin and zinc with AGP biomarker were 22.2 (10.9, 35.9) mg/L and 83.9 (65.6, 106.9) mg/L respectively. CRP concentration at interval of ≥ 5 mg/L was negatively associated with ferritin concentration [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)= 0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI): (0.24, 0.82)]. AGP concentration at interval of ≥ 1.0 mg/L was negatively associated with zinc concentration [aOR: 0.71; 95% CI: (0.50, 1.00)]. High CRP and AGP levels as defined by their low cut-off points (below0.5 mg/L) had no influence on zinc and ferritin concentrations. Using both CRP and AGP as biomarkers for inflammation provides higher precision in the detection of inflammation. This combination of biomarkers is therefore recommended in future research for assessing zinc and iron deficiencies. The negative association of CRP and AGP with serum ferritin and zinc concentrations highlight the need to pay special attention to non-biological factors with elevated levels of the two inflammation biomarkers.

Low serum zinc concentration is associated with low serum testosterone but not erectile function.

To investigate the relation between serum zinc concentration and several factors, including serum testosterone concentration and the score of questionnaires on sexual function in patients with sexual problems. This study comprised 720 men (age, 46.3 [21-83] years) with some kind of sexual problem. Age, scores of the Sexual Health Inventory for Men and the Erection Hardness Score, and endocrinologic data including serum concentrations of testosterone, prostate-specific antigen, and zinc were included in this study. After serum zinc concentration of the men was classified into 5 groups (<70, 70≤ <80, 80≤ <90, 90≤ <100, ≤100 μg/dl), the relation of each parameter with serum zinc concentration was assessed for a trend analysis. Finally, the relation between serum concentrations of zinc and testosterone as well sexual function evaluated by the scores of the questionnaires was investigated. Only serum testosterone concentration (ptrend=0.028) and serum cortisol concentration (ptrend=0.003) showed a statistically significant relation to serum zinc concentration by trend analysis. Interestingly, trend analysis between serum concentrations of testosterone and zinc still showed a significant association after adjustment for serum cortisol concentration (ptrend=0.032). However, no significant association was found in the relation between serum zinc concentration and the scores of the questionnaires after adjustment for serum concentrations of testosterone and cortisol. We clearly showed that after adjustment for serum cortisol concentration by trend analysis, serum testosterone concentration decreased as serum zinc concentration decreased, although sexual symptoms were not associated with this decrease.

Relationship of zinc level with pathogenetically significant homeostasis disorders in severely burned patients.

The aim of the study was to assess the zinc content and identify the relationship between the concentration of this element and changes in the biochemical status of patients and markers of inflammation during burn shock. We examined 23 patients aged 45.3±16.1 years with burns of I-II-III degree, area of 31-80%. The serum concentrations of zinc, albumin, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined. The majority of patients (21/23) had severe hypocincemia, correlated with burn area (r=-0.53; p=0.008). A decrease in zinc levels during burn shock was associated with the development of hypoalbuminemia (r=0.52, p=0.01). The association of deviations in ALT and AST activity with changes in zinc concentration was revealed (-0.59<γ<-0.61, 0.008<p<0.009), which may indicate the role of hepatic dysfunction in the development of hypocinkemia. The development of a systemic inflammatory response was revealed. The correlation analysis revealed an association between the zinc and interleukin-6 levels (r=-0.63, p=0.03), as well as zinc and CRP (r=-0.41, p=0.04). From the first days after the injury, zinc deficiency is observed in severely burned patients, which is affected by an inflammatory reaction and hypoalbuminemia. Due to the fact that zinc is one of the key factors in maintaining homeostasis in the body, it is necessary to further study the molecular mechanisms of regulating the level of this trace element in burned patients and to develop ways to correct hypocinkemia that contribute to the effective treatment of burn disease.

A Longitudinal Observational Study on Micronutrient (Zinc) in Antenatal Women in Tertiary Center of Central Hospital, Bhopal

Background: Zinc is the crucial micronutrient that is essential for the normal embryogenesis process. It alsosupports fetal brain development during pregnancy, as well as with being an assist to the mother during labour.Changes in zinc homeostasis have been related to several outcomes in pregnancy including prolonged labour, fetalgrowth restriction, fetal death, preeclampsia, and preterm birth.Aim: Aim of this study was to evaluate the level of zinc in 1st to 3rd trimester of pregnant women.Material and Methods: The present study conducted at Department of Biochemistry and collaboration with theDepartment of Obs. &amp; Gynaecology LN Medical College &amp; J.K.Hospital. Total 300 cases attended from ANCClinic were screened for the study. Estimation of serum zinc concentration was done by automated colorimetrickit method.Results: Findings were, that there was significantly decrease in serum zinc concentration (p&lt;0.05) in 1st to 3rdtrimester of pregnancy period.Conclusion: Zinc is most important micronutrient for the proper course of pregnancy and fetal development.Any changes in their concentrations can leads to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Therefor serum zinc concentrationshould be investigated, thereby reducing adverse pregnancy outcome.