Serum Zinc Concentrations Research Articles

Including 60 mg Elemental Iron in a Multiple Micronutrient Supplement Blunts the Increase in Serum Zinc after 12 Weeks of Daily Supplementation in Predominantly Anemic, Nonpregnant Cambodian Women of Reproductive Age

Multiple micronutrient (MMN) supplementation may result in interaction effects due to competing absorptive pathways of trace elements. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of MMN supplementation with or without iron on serum zinc, selenium, and copper concentrations in Cambodian women. In a 2×2 factorial double-blind randomized 12-wk trial, predominantly anemic, nonpregnant women (aged 18-45 y) received daily 60 mg of iron (Fe; n=201); 14 other micronutrients including zinc (15 mg), selenium (65 μg), and copper (2 mg), but no iron (MMN; n=202); 60 mg iron plus MMN (Fe+MMN; n=206); or a placebo (n=200). Fasting morning blood was collected at baseline and 12 wk from women in 26 villages in Kampong Chhnang province. Serum zinc, selenium, and copper concentrations (secondary outcomes of the randomized controlled trial) were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Generalized linear regression was used to estimate intervention effects [β coefficient (95% CI)] for Fe (with or without MMN) and MMN (with or without Fe) after testing for the presence of an Fe×MMN interaction. A total of 760 women completed the trial. Zinc deficiency prevalence at baseline was 45% (inflammation-adjusted serum zinc <10.7 μmol/L). A significant Fe × MMN interaction (P=0.02) was detected in the 2×2 analysis with serum zinc concentration as the outcome: the MMN group had a higher mean serum zinc concentration at 12 wk (12.3 μmol/L; 95% CI: 12.2, 12.4 μmol/L) compared with all other groups, and the Fe+MMN group had a higher mean serum zinc concentration (11.6 μmol/L; 95% CI: 11.5, 11.7 μmol/L) compared with the Fe group (11.0 μmol/L; 95% CI: 10.9, 11.0 μmol/L) and the placebo group (11.2 μmol/L; 95% CI: 11.1, 11.4 μmol/L). The inclusion of 60 mg iron in the daily MMN formulation may be interfering with the absorption and/or metabolism of supplemental zinc in Cambodian women. This is of particular concern when MMN supplementation is implemented in populations with risk of zinc deficiency. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT-02481375.

Zinc concentration in preterm newborns at term age, a prospective observational study

ObjectivesTo determine zinc concentrations and associated factors in a population of preterm newborns at term age.DesignThis analytical, descriptive, observational and prospective study was conducted in the neonatal unit of a...

Zinc treatment modulates hematological and morphological changes in rat erythrocytes following arsenic exposure.

The aim of this study was to understand the effects of zinc supplementation on antioxidant defense systems, hematological indices, and erythrocyte morphology in conditions of chronic arsenic toxicity. Male Wistar rats were segregated into four groups: control, arsenic treated, zinc supplemented, and arsenic + zinc treated. The animals in the arsenic-treated group were given arsenic orally in drinking water in the form of sodium arsenite at a dose level of 100 mg L-1, and zinc was administered to zinc-treated animals in the form of zinc sulfate orally in drinking water at a dose level of 227 mg L-1. The animals were subjected to different treatments for a period of 12 weeks, and various investigations were undertaken that included serum zinc content, activity of antioxidant enzymes, and hematological indices. Further, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies were performed to assess morphological changes in erythrocytes. Arsenic treatment significantly reduced serum zinc concentrations, which, however, were restored to near-normal levels upon zinc supplementation. The activities of enzymes involved in antioxidant defense systems were altered in the erythrocyte lysates of arsenic-treated rats, which interestingly revealed a significant improvement upon simultaneous zinc supplementation. A significant reduction in the counts of total leukocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes was observed following arsenic intoxication, which came back to near control levels following zinc supplementation. Also, protective effects of zinc were evident from SEM that revealed maintenance of topographical appearances of erythrocytes in conditions of arsenic toxicity. Thus, this study clearly shows the protection afforded by zinc on erythrocytes during arsenic-induced toxicity.

Zinc status among children with bronchial asthma in central child's teaching hospital/Baghdad

Background:Pediatric asthma is a syndrome of lung dysfunction with an imbalance between the forces that maintain airway patency and those forces that operate to narrow or close the pediatric airway. Zinc has been supposed to have anti-oxidant, anti- apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects in the organism . Zinc deficiency is suspected to play a role in the pathogenesis, control, and severity of allergic, skin and airway diseases.&#x0D; Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between zinc serum level and bronchial asthma( its duration and severity).&#x0D; Patients and methods: A prospective case –control study was conducted at the central Child teaching hospital in Baghdad in a period extended for six months from 15th March to 15th September , 2016. 47 children from ages 2 to 12 years (mean age 5.6year ) of both gender who were known cases of asthma were enrolled in the study, matched in age and gender with the control group of 47 healthy children without history of chronic disease. The zinc concentrations in serum were measured in both cases and controls.&#x0D; Results:A total of 94 children were included, 47 patients who were asthmatic (22 males&amp; 25 females). Mean age of children with asthma and control group children was 5.6 year . Body mass index percentile was higher in asthmatic patients (p 0.001). The study shows that asthmatic children significantly more likely to have family history of asthma compared to control group (p&lt;0.001). in this study the meanconcentrations of zinc are lower in asthmatic children(67.4µg/dl) incomparison tocontrols(86.1µg/dl). And a significant correlation between serum zinc level with each of asthma severity and use of steroids and bronchodilator , (p &lt; 0.001) for each.There was no significant association between age , gender, Body mass index(BMI) family history and duration of asthma with the low serum zinc level . (p 0.923, 0.478, 0.343 and 0.138 respectively).&#x0D; Conclusion:Serum zinc level is lower in patients with bronchial asthma regardless their age and gender, and serum zinc level has significant relation to the severity of asthma and the use of steroid.

A Zinpyr-1-based Fluorimetric Microassay for Free Zinc in Human Serum.

Zinc is an essential trace element, making it crucial to have a reliable biomarker for evaluating an individual’s zinc status. The total serum zinc concentration, which is presently the most commonly used biomarker, is not ideal for this purpose, but a superior alternative is still missing. The free zinc concentration, which describes the fraction of zinc that is only loosely bound and easily exchangeable, has been proposed for this purpose, as it reflects the highly bioavailable part of serum zinc. This report presents a fluorescence-based method for determining the free zinc concentration in human serum samples, using the fluorescent probe Zinpyr-1. The assay has been applied on 154 commercially obtained human serum samples. Measured free zinc concentrations ranged from 0.09 to 0.42 nM with a mean of 0.22 ± 0.05 nM. It did not correlate with age or the total serum concentrations of zinc, manganese, iron or selenium. A negative correlation between the concentration of free zinc and total copper has been seen for sera from females. In addition, the free zinc concentration in sera from females (0.21 ± 0.05 nM) was significantly lower than in males (0.23 ± 0.06 nM). The assay uses a sample volume of less than 10 µL, is rapid and cost-effective and allows us to address questions regarding factors influencing the free serum zinc concentration, its connection with the body’s zinc status, and its suitability as a future biomarker for an individual’s zinc status.

Serum Copper and Zinc Levels in Patients with Endometrial Cancer.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate serum concentrations of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), in relation with metabolic profile and clinicopathologic features of patients with endometrial cancer. A total of 47 women with endometrial cancer and 45 controls were eligible for the study. Clinicopathologic features and metabolic profile as well as serum copper and zinc levels were evaluated in each subject. Patients with endometrial cancer (Cu mean 3.72 ± 2.15mg/L, median 3.54 [0.41-9.16] mg/L and Zn mean 1.83 ± 0.71mg/L, median 1.77 [0.71-4.02]mg/L) exhibited lower Cu and Zn levels than those of controls (Cu mean 6.06 ± 1.79mg/L, median 6.32 [2.95-9.05]mg/L and Zn mean 2.48 ± 0.89mg/L, median 2.23 [1.23-4.54]mg/L) (p < 0.001). Cu/Zn ratio was also higher (0.85 ± 1.96 vs. 2.57 ± 0.73) in controls as compared with patients with endometrial cancer. While Cu levels showed no significant correlation with age, body mass index, gravidity, and parity, a positive correlation was found between Zn levels and parity. When cancer patients were evaluated on their own, both Cu and Zn levels showed positive correlation with age. Additionally, the cancer patients with myometrial invasion > 1/2 exhibited lower Cu levels compared with the cancer patients with myometrial invasion < 1/2. The data of the present study suggested that women with endometrial cancer are characterized by altered serum Cu and Zn levels as compared with controls. Imbalance of these trace element levels might be associated with endometrial cancer among Turkish patients.

Effects of Zinc Acetate on Serum Zinc Concentrations in Chronic Liver Diseases: a Multicenter, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial and a Dose Adjustment Trial

The essential trace element zinc maintains liver functions. Liver diseases can alter overall zinc concentrations, and hypozincemia is associated with various hepatic pathologies. Modulating systemic zinc through dietary supplementation is potentially useful for liver diseases. We evaluated the usefulness of zinc (NPC-02; acetate formulation) supplementation. We conducted two NPC-02 studies on zinc-deficient patients (serum zinc < 70 μg/dL). Study 1: double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial on 57 subjects with chronic liver diseases comparing serum zinc in patients given NPC-02 (NPC-02 group) versus placebo (Placebo group). Study 2: dose adjustment study on 43 subjects with/without liver diseases to determine proportions maintaining serum zinc target (≥ 80 μg/dL but < 200 μg/dL). In study 1, NPC-02 subjects had higher serum zinc concentrations at week 8 than Placebo subjects (83.2 ± 20.2 and 61.3 ± 12.0, respectively; P < 0.0001), and more NPC-02 than Placebo subjects achieved the serum zinc target (15/27 vs. 1/26). In study 2, the NPC-02-induced serum zinc increase was dose-dependent in subjects both with and without liver diseases (r = 0.5143, P = 0.0022 and r = 0.5753, P = 0.0005, respectively). Interestingly, there was a marginally positive correlation between serum zinc and albumin levels in subjects with but not in those without liver diseases (r = 0.4028, P = 0.0631 and r = 0.1360, P = 0.5567, respectively). NPC-02 dose-dependently increases serum zinc in hypozincemic patients, regardless of liver disease. NPC-02 is a potentially effective therapy for liver cirrhosis, in which zinc deficiency is common. Clinical trial registry number: NCT02337569, NCT02321865.

Zinc Deficiency Among Lactating Mothers in Jakarta : Associated Factors

Background and Objectives : Deficiency of zinc is prevalent worldwide mostly in developing countries. However, its prevalence among vulnerable group such as lactating mothers is still unknown in most populations. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of zinc deficiency among lactating mothers in Jakarta and factors that influence it.Methods :A cross sectional study was conducted in Puskesmas Kecamatan Grogol Petamburan, West Jakarta and Puskesmas Kecamatan Cilincing, North Jakarta between February and April 2019. A total of 75 lactating mothers at 3–6 months postpartum, aged 20–40 years old were recruited using consecutive sampling method. Subjects were interviewed for education levels, occupation, physical activity, types of breastfeeding (exclusive or not), and numbers of parity. Dietary assessment of zinc and protein was carried using semi quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Weight and height were measured to assess the body mass index (BMI). Blood samples were taken to analyze serum zinc concentrations. Descriptive analysis, one way ANOVA, and unpaired t-test were used, p-values ≤0.05 were considered significant.Results :The mean of serum zinc was 62.33 ± 11.89 and zinc deficiency was found in 76% of the subjects. There were no significant differences of serum zinc related to education levels, occupation, types of breastfeeding, numbers of parity, zinc intakes, protein intakes, and categories of BMI. Significant difference of serum zinc was found between levels of daily physical activity (p = 0.008) – light, moderate, and vigorous. Conclusion :Zinc deficiency was prevalent among lactating mothers in Jakarta. There was a significant difference of serum zinc between different levels of daily physical activity.

Cross-sectional association between dietary zinc intake and phalangeal osteoporosis

To examine the association between dietary zinc intake and phalangeal osteoporosis. Methods: The subjects of this study were members aged over 40 years or above of the general population who had undergone routine health examinations at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University in Changsha, Hunan, China, between October 2013 and December 2015. Dietary zinc intake was measured using the semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Phalangeal osteoporosis was diagnosed according to the WHO criteria based on the assessment of bone mineral density. According to the quartile distribution, serum zinc concentrations were classified into categories: Q1≤15.40 mg/d, Q2 15.41-18.67 mg/d, Q3 18.68-22.76 mg/d, and Q4≥22.77 mg/d. The association between dietary zinc intake with phalangeal osteoporosis was evaluated by conducting multivariable adjusted logistic regression. The dose-response relationship between them was assessed by restricted cubic spline regression. Results: A total of 6 267 subjects were included, 602 (9.6%) among them were suffered from phalangeal osteoporosis. The multivariable-adjusted models (i.e. Model 2 and 3) showed that, compared with the lowest quartile, the odds ratios (ORs) for phalangeal osteoporosis were lower in the second, third and fourth quartiles of dietary zinc intake (Model 2: P for trend = 0.045; Model 3: P for trend = 0.031) in the total population; the ORs for phalangeal osteoporosis were lower in the third and fourth quartiles of dietary zinc intake (Model 2 and 3: P for trend = 0.018) in the male population; and the ORs for phalangeal osteoporosis were lower in the second, third and fourth dietary zinc intake quartiles (Model 2: P for trend = 0.227; Model 3: P for trend = 0.217) in the female population. There also existed dose-response relationship between dietary zinc intake and the prevalence of phalangeal osteoporosis (P<0.001). Conclusion: Dietary zinc intake is negatively associated with phalangeal osteoporosis in the total population and male subgroup, but not female subgroup.

Relationship Between Serum Zinc Concentration with Post-partum Depression among Women in Coastal Area of Indonesia

Relationship Between Serum Zinc Concentration with Post-partum Depression among Women in Coastal Area of Indonesia

Effectiveness of zinc supplementation on diarrhea and average daily gain in pre-weaned dairy calves: A double-blind, block-randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

The objective of this clinical trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of zinc supplementation on diarrhea and average daily weight gain (ADG) in pre-weaned dairy calves. A total of 1,482 healthy Holstein heifer and bull calves from a large California dairy were enrolled at 24 to 48 hours of age until hutch exit at approximately 90 days of age. Calves were block-randomized by time to one of three treatments: 1) placebo, 2) zinc methionine (ZM), or 3) zinc sulfate (ZS) administered in milk once daily for 14 days. Serum total protein at enrollment and body weight at birth, treatment end, and hutch exit were measured. Fecal consistency was assessed daily for 28 days post-enrollment. For a random sample of 127 calves, serum zinc concentrations before and after treatment and a fecal antigen ELISA at diarrhea start and resolution for Escherichia coli K99, rotavirus, coronavirus, and Cryptosporidium parvum were performed. Linear regression showed that ZM-treated bull calves had 22 g increased ADG compared to placebo-treated bulls (P = 0.042). ZM-treated heifers had 9 g decreased ADG compared to placebo-treated heifers (P = 0.037), after adjusting for average birth weight. Sex-stratified models showed that high birth weight heifers treated with ZM gained more than placebo-treated heifers of the same birth weight, which suggests a dose-response effect rather than a true sex-specific effect of ZM on ADG. Cox regression showed that ZM and ZS-treated calves had a 14.7% (P = 0.015) and 13.9% (P = 0.022) reduced hazard of diarrhea, respectively, compared to placebo-treated calves. Calves supplemented for at least the first five days of diarrhea with ZM and ZS had a 21.4% (P = 0.027) and 13.0% (P = 0.040) increased hazard of cure from diarrhea, respectively, compared to placebo-treated calves. Logistic regression showed that the odds of microbiological cure at diarrhea resolution for rotavirus, C. parvum, or any single fecal pathogen was not different between treatment groups. Zinc supplementation delayed diarrhea and expedited diarrhea recovery in pre-weaned calves. Additionally, zinc improved weight gain differentially in bulls compared to heifers, indicating a research need for sex-specific dosing.

Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis and Phase Angle on Different Oral Zinc Supplementation in Eutrophic Children: Randomized Triple-Blind Study.

The parameters derived from bioelectrical impedance, phase angle (PA) and bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) have been associated with cell membrane integrity and body cell mass. Zinc is a micronutrient that exerts important structural functions and acts in maintaining cellular functionality. To evaluate cell integrity and body cell mass, PA and BIVA were evaluated in children orally supplemented with zinc at different concentrations. Anthropometric, bioelectrical (resistance and reactance) and serum zinc variables were collected from two randomized, triple-blind, controlled clinical trials. Sampling was composed of 71 children consisting of three groups: a control group who received a placebo and two experimental groups who received oral supplementation of 5 or 10 mg-Zn/day for three months. The three groups presented increases (p < 0.001) in the linear height and weight. In the group supplemented with 10 mg-Zn/day, there was an increase in reactance values (p = 0.036) and PA (p = 0.002), in addition to vector displacement (p < 0.001) in relation to the confidence ellipses. An increase in serum zinc concentration was found (p < 0.001) in all three groups. Whit this, the supplementation with 10 mg-Zn/day promotes changes in the integrity of the cell membrane associated with the increase in the cellular mass of healthy children.

Effects of non-medicated and medicated urea molasses multi-nutrient block supplements on nutrient intake and blood mineral profile of lactating Saanen goats.

Poor nutrition is a major contributor to the performance of dairy goats on smallholder farms. Hence, strategic supplementation is required to overcome nutritional deficiencies. This paper reviews the effects of urea molasses multi nutrient block (UMMB) and medicated urea molasses multi-nutrient block (MUMB) supplements in comparison with imported commercial mineral blocks (CMB) on nutrient intake and blood mineral profile of Saanen lactating goats. A 90-day feeding trial was conducted at Yusof Ecofarm, Tanah Merah, Kelantan, Malaysia. Twenty four (24) Saanen lactating goats were assigned to four dietary treatments with six (6) goats in each group based on completely randomized block design. Goats in T1 (control) were fed with basal diet only that comprise of roughages and goat pellet while T2, T3 and T4 received equal amount of basal diet and allowed for ad-libitum licking of UMMB, MUMB and CMB respectively. Total dry matter intake (DMI) (kg/d) were 1.14, 1.29, 1.25 and 1.16 in T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively whereas the UMMB, MUMB and CMB intakes (g/d) were 86.8, 50.4 and 36.6 respectively. There were significant differences (p&lt;0.05) between treatments on nutrient intake. Crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), ether extract (EE), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in T2 and T3 as compared to T1 and T4. The serum concentrations of calcium (Ca), ferum (Fe), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in T2 with the values of 33.60 ppm, 341.67 ppb, 270.00 ppb and 138.30 ppb respectively as compared to other treatments. Hence, the findings of this research revealed that both UMMB and MUMB were effective in improving nutrient intake and blood mineral profile of lactating Saanen goats.

In vivo study of the efficacy, biosafety, and degradation of a zinc alloy osteosynthesis system

In this study, a comprehensive analysis of a novel zinc alloy osteosynthesis system in a canine mandibular fracture model is presented. The efficacy of the system was compared for PLLA (poly-l-lactic acid) and titanium materials using X-ray radiography, micro-CT tomography, undecalcified bone histomorphometry, and a three-point bending test. Histology, blood normal, blood biochemical, and serum zinc concentration tests were also performed to assess the biosafety of the zinc alloy osteosynthesis system. The degradability of the zinc alloy was evaluated using a micro-CT and scanning electron microscope during the 24-week post operation period. The results showed that zinc alloy possesses good mechanical properties that support fracture healing. Its uniform and slow corrosion leads to adequate degradation behavior in 24 weeks. Additionally, the zinc alloy proved to be biocompatible, indicating that this novel osteosynthesis system is safe for use in the body. The results of the study demonstrate that this zinc alloy-based osteosynthesis system is a promising candidate for a new generation of osteosynthesis systems, with further improvements required in the future.

The Role of Zinc in Thyroid Hormones Metabolism.

Thyroid hormones play an important role in body homeostasis by facilitating metabolism of lipids and glucose, regulating metabolic adaptations, responding to changes in energy intake, and controlling thermogenesis. Proper metabolism and action of these hormones requires the participation of various nutrients. Among them is zinc, whose interaction with thyroid hormones is complex. It is known to regulate both the synthesis and mechanism of action of these hormones. In the present review, we aim to shed light on the regulatory effects of zinc on thyroid hormones. Scientific evidence shows that zinc plays a key role in the metabolism of thyroid hormones, specifically by regulating deiodinases enzymes activity, thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) synthesis, as well as by modulating the structures of essential transcription factors involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Serum concentrations of zinc also appear to influence the levels of serum T3, T4 and TSH. In addition, studies have shown that Zinc transporters (ZnTs) are present in the hypothalamus, pituitary and thyroid, but their functions remain unknown. Therefore, it is important to further investigate the roles of zinc in regulation of thyroid hormones metabolism, and their importance in the treatment of several diseases associated with thyroid gland dysfunction.

Relationship between serum zinc and homocysteine in children with nephrotic syndrome

Background In children, most idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a minimal lesion, which responds well to steroids. Hyperhomocysteinemia is pathologic and worsens NS by causing chronic inflammation, leading to glomerular sclerosis. Zinc metalloenzymes are involved in homocysteine metabolism.&#x0D; Objective To assess for a possible relationship between serum zinc and homocysteine in children with NS.&#x0D; Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in children with NS aged 1-18 years, who were admitted to Hasan Sadikin Hospital from November 2017 - January 2018. Subjects were selected consecutively. Serum zinc and homocysteine were measured in all subjects. Statistical analysis was done with Pearson’s correlation test. If the distribution was not linear, the analysis was continued with non-linear regression.&#x0D; Results There were 23 children who met the inclusion criteria. Mean serum homocysteine and zinc levels were 10.37 (SD 4.11) µmol/L and 51.13 (SD 29.69) µg/dL, respectively. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed no linear correlation between them (r coefficient -0.173; P=0.430). However, after adjusting for age and serum albumin level, multiple regression analysis suggested a cubical relationship between serum homocysteine and zinc, using the equation: homocysteine = -4.572 + 0.735 x zinc - 0.0012 x zinc2 + 0.00005 x zinc3 x age (months) (R2 multiple=53.2%; P=0.012). This equation indicates that 53.2% of homocysteine variation was influenced by serum zinc concentration.&#x0D; Conclusion In childhood NS, homocysteine is not correlated linearly with zinc, but related with cubical model.

Elucidation of Malaria on Metabolic Activities During Pregnancy

Background:Malaria is extended to more than 90 countries of the world, and is also considered as a major public health and socio-economical problem.Objective:The aim of this study is the elucidation of malaria on metabolic activities in pregnancy.Material and Methods:A total of 60 patients with gestational vivax malaria were recruited in this study, and 60 healthy pregnant women were selected as a control group. These women were selected using simple random sampling technique. A sample of 5 ml venous blood was drawn from each patient, centrifuged at 5000 rpm for 20 minutes to separate the serum. The serum samples were analyzed for enzyme activity such as Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Creatine Phospho Kinase (CPK), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), and Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase / aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT/AST) by using kit method on Microlab 300 and trace metal content Magnesium, Iron, Copper and Zinc (Mg, Fe, Cu, and Zn) by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (Varian AAS Model A-20).Results:There was an increased level of Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Creatine Phospho Kinase (CPK), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), and Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase / aspartate aminotransferase in sixty pregnant women suffering from vivax malaria as compared to the control subjects. Whereas, the low concentrations of serum iron, copper, magnesium and zinc were observed in patients as compared to the control subjects.Conclusion:The findings of this study suggest that in order to enhance the immunity and develop resistance towards malaria during pregnancy, it is necessary to balance enzyme activity and provide diverse metals in the therapy to cure this disease.

Interactions Between Different Selenium Compounds and Essential Trace Elements Involved in the Antioxidant System of Laying Hens.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the interactions between different selenium (Se) compounds including sodium selenite (SS), selenium-enriched yeast (SY), and nano-selenium (NS) and various essential trace elements involved in the antioxidant systems, and to evaluate the effects on laying performance and egg quality. A total of 288 21-week-old Hyline Sophie hens were allotted to four dietary treatments: (1) basal diet without Se supplementation; (2) basal diet supplemented with 0.3mg/kg Se of SS; (3) basal diet supplemented with 0.3mg/kg Se of SY; (4) basal diet supplemented with 0.3mg/kg Se of NS. Each treatment had eight replicates with nine hens per replicate. The trial lasted for 35days. Results demonstrated that NS supplementation decreased the egg production (EP) and increased the feed conversion rate (FCR) and eggshell thickness and that SY changed the egg shape index (p < 0.05). Supplementation with three Se compounds significantly increased serum Se concentration and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in all treatment groups, as well as total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity in the SY and NS groups. Yolk iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) concentrations in the NS group were also increased with Se supplementation. While the serum zinc (Zn) concentration decreased in the NS and SY groups, as well as the yolk manganese (Mn) concentration in the SY group. And the total antioxidant capability (T-AOC) of yolk with 3days of storage in the SY and NS groups, malondialdehyde (MDA) value in the NS group, and the T-SOD activity and MDA value of yolk with 10days of storage in the SY group also decreased. Thus, the source of Se compounds may influence the balance between Se and other trace elements including Zn, Mn, Fe, and Cu, which is important for proper antioxidant defense in blood and egg yolk of laying hens.

Role of Zinc in Zinc-α2-Glycoprotein Metabolism in Obesity: a Review of Literature.

Excessive adipose tissue promotes the manifestation of endocrine disorders such as reduction of the secretion of zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG), an adipokine with anti-inflammatory and lipid-mobilizing activity. The molecular structure of this adipokine includes binding sites for zinc, a trace element with important antioxidant and immunological proprieties that also participates in energy metabolism and stimulates the function of ZAG. The objective of this review is to highlight current data on the metabolism of ZAG in obesity and the role of zinc in this process. The identified studies show that subjects with obesity have low serum concentrations of zinc and ZAG, as well as low expression of the genes encoding this protein. Thus, zinc appears to be an important regulator of the homeostasis of ZAG in the body; however, alterations in the metabolism of zinc in obesity appear to compromise the functions of ZAG. Therefore, further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between zinc and ZAG metabolism and its repercussions in obesity.

Problem of mineral insufficiency at chronic pancreatitis in dependence on age

The high incidence of chronic pancreatitis (CP) which arise at young people of working age, the development of serious complications are pushing for the development of new diagnostic methods and the search for effective ways to treat this disease. In this regard, a relevant and promising direction is the further study of the mechanisms of pathogenesis and the formation of trophological (including mineral) deficiency in CP, followed by the development of comprehensive programs for their correction. Aim is to study mineral status of patients with chronic pancreatitis, depending on their age. Material and methods. A sample of 218 patients (140 women, 78 men) with CP with exocrine insufficiency aged 18 to 72 years was examined. The control group consisted of 20 healthy individuals who underwent a planned outpatient examination. To assess the mineral status, macronutrients were determined photometrically, iron by the bathophenanthroline method, the remaining trace elements (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd) were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry in blood serum. Results and discussion. Patients with CP at all age groups revealed a statistically significant (p<0.001) decrease in serum concentration of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, copper, zinc, and iron compared to the level in healthy individuals, which increased with age. In the group of patients older than 60 years, the state of hypomineralemia was detected by the level of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, copper, zinc, iron, which required correction of the mineral status. With increasing age of patients with CP, the content of toxic metals (lead and cadmium) increased compared with that in the group of healthy individuals. Сonclusions. The findings suggest that the age of patients with CP is a predictor of mineral deficiency and the accumulation of toxic elements, which must be considered when forming a complex treatment.