Serum Zn Levels Research Articles

Serum zinc level: a prognostic marker for severe pneumonia in children

Background: Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of under 5 mortality among children in developing countries. Zinc deficiency is postulated as cause of severe pneumonia, but evidences shows conflicting results on whether serum zinc levels predicts the severity of pneumonia. So prospective study was undertaken to study the relationship between serum zinc levels and severity of pneumonia in children with community acquired pneumonia.Methods: Fifty cases of pneumonia (group 1) and 50 cases of severe pneumonia (group 2) according to WHO classification were enrolled into the study. Demography, anthropometry and immunization status were recorded. A single zinc measurement was performed for all the patients within 24 hours of admission. The severity, clinical course including recovery to discharge was compared between two groups with respect to their serum zinc levels.Results: Mean (±SD) age group of the study population was 22 months±16.05 and 21.88 months±15.97 months in boys and girls respectively. Pneumonia was high in girls (59%) and children between 2 to <12 months had higher (36%) infection rate. Mean zinc level in pneumonia and severe pneumonia group were 68.69µg/dl±28.77 and 68.08µg/dl±27.55 respectively. There was no difference in the nutritional status (weight for height and height for age) of the study group. Serum Zn level was low in 56 % and 52% of pneumonia and severe pneumonia group respectively. Comparison of serum zinc levels between the ARTI groups did not achieve statistical significance (p=0.430). However, the duration of recovery is earlier than 1 week in pneumonia cases when compared to severe pneumonia patients (p<0.001, OR 1.375).Conclusions: Normal zinc levels was associated with early recovery in simple pneumonia patient, so study of serum zinc levels in severe pneumonia patients has prognostic value.

Analysis of serum zinc and copper levels in patients with oral potentially malignant disorders: A cross-sectional study

Aims and Objectives: Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) are the important trace elements that play an important role in various functions of the human body at cellular and molecular level. The purpose of this study was to assess the alterations in serum Cu and Zn levels in oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and to correlate the variations with the severity and progression of the OPMDs. Materials and Methods: In this institution-based study, 20 of each clinically diagnosed and histopathologically proven cases of leukoplakia (Group 1), oral lichen planus (Group 2), clinically diagnosed cases of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and 20 healthy age and sex matched controls were taken based on the clinical staging. Clinical examination of the selected subjects was carried out and an informed consent was obtained, following which blood samples were collected from the participants. After serum separation, Cu and Zn levels were analyzed using the colorimetric method. Data were sent for the statistical analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 21.0. Results: Serum copper levels were increased and zinc levels were decreased in patients with OPMDs when compared to that in the control group. However, gradual increase in the levels of serum Cu was found with the advancing stages of OSMF. No statistical significant relation was observed in the levels of serum Zn with the disease progression in OSMF. Conclusion: Serum Cu and Zn levels can have diagnostic significance in early evaluation of OPMDs. Increased serum Cu levels can be used as a marker of disease progression and severity in OSMF.

Comparative Study for Serum Zinc and Copper Levels in Cases with Normal Pregnancy Versus Preeclampsia

Background: Preeclampsiais a leading cause of both maternal and prenatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Preeclampsia is more common in developing countries due to women’s low dietary intake of essential minerals and vitamins, micronutrients such as copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese and selenium. Aim of work: was to investigate the levels of serum zinc and copper in preeclamptic women versus normal pregnant women. Patients and Methods: This case-control prospective study included a total of 50 pregnant women attending the Antenatal Clinic, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Al-Azhar University Hospital. Subjects were categorized into 2 groups. Group I:25 women with preeclampsia and Group II:25 normal pregnant women without preeclampsia who served as controls. Studied group women were subjected to the following investigations: Urine analysis for detection of albumin and measurement of the degree of proteinuria, CBC, liver function tests, renal function tests, coagulation profiles and serum zinc and copper estimation were done. Results: have showed that preeclamptic pregnant women have low serum concentration of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) comparing to the healthy pregnant women. Zinc levels in control group was 95.7 mg/dL and in preeclamptic group 60.8 mg/dL with highly significance statistical difference (p<0.001). Copper levels in control group was 96.7mg/dL and in preeclamptic group 62.9 mg/dL with highly significance statistical difference (p<0.001). Concusion: It could be concluded thatthere are certain circumstances where preeclamptic pregnant women have low serum concentration of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) than the healthy pregnant women. This suggests the possible involvement of depleted serum trace element in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, but we could not tell if this decrease in serum levels of Zn and Cu was a cause or a result of preeclampsia.

Prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis in relation to serum cadmium concentrations: cross-sectional study using Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) data

ObjectivesIt has been suggested that exposure to heavy metal cadmium (Cd) may contribute to a high risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was to investigate the association of...

Serum Levels of Trace Elements, Vitamin D and Oxidant Status in Children with Asthma

Purpose: The aim of this study was to detect serum levels of trace elements, vitamin D and oxidant status in asthmatic children and to understand whether these elements reduce the number of attacks or use them as supplementation.Methods: Fifty children with asthma and 50 healthy children were included in the study. We studied serum levels of vitamin D, selenium Se , manganese Mn , chromium Cr , chlorine Cl , iron Fe , calcium Ca , zinc Zn , sodium Na , magnesium Mg , potassium K , copper Cu , total antioxidant capacity TAS , total oxidative status TOS and oxidative stress index OSI in both group.Results: In asthmatic group, the serum level of Cr, Se, Zn and TAS levels were lower p=0.040, p=0.000, p=0.000, p=0.000 respectively and serum Cu, TOS and OSI levels were higher than controls p=0.000, p=0.000, p=0.000 respectively . Serum TAS level showed negative correlation with TOS, OSI, Fe, Cu, Mn, Se, Zn and positive correlation with Se and Vitamin D.Conclusion: The supplementation of Se, Zn and Cr may provide better control of attacks and can be use treatment of asthma in children and modulating plasma antioxidants may have a beneficial effect on asthma progression

A comparative evaluation of the micronutrient profile in the serum of diabetes mellitus Type II patients and healthy individuals with periodontitis.

Background:Micronutrients play an important part in metabolism and maintenance of tissue function the maintenance of the integrity and vitality of the periodontal tissues depends on the availability of adequate nutrients, and it is possible that deficiencies can produce pathological alterations in the periodontal tissues. However, the association between nutritional factors and periodontal health is not fully understood. The essential micronutrients for maintaining health include zinc, copper, selenium, and iron. These micronutrients are required for a variety of biomolecules to maintain the normal structure, function, and proliferation of cells and also immune functions. Periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus (DM) are considered to have a bidirectional relationship, and periodontitis is recognized as the 6th major complication of DM. The number of studies on the role of micronutrients with regard to periodontal disease is limited.Aims:This study aims to evaluate the role of micronutrients-zinc, copper, selenium, and iron, in the serum of chronic periodontitis patients and chronic periodontitis with DM Type II patients, to see whether they can serve as potential markers for chronic periodontitis and also to assess whether periodontitis can have systemic effects.Materials and Methods:A volume of 5 ml of venous blood was collected from each of the study participants, from the antecubital vein. The blood was then centrifuged and stored at −20°C before being analyzed. Zinc, copper, and selenium were estimated by the atomic absorption spectrophotometry, bathophenanthroline method was used to estimate iron.Statistical Analysis:It was carried out using Student's t-test and analysis of variance. The honestly significant difference Tukey test and Pearson's correlation was also used.Results:The mean serum zinc levels were significantly higher in healthy controls as compared to Periodontitis and Periodontitis with DM type II. The mean serum copper levels were significantly higher in Periodontitis with diabetes as compared to controls and periodontitis. Serum selenium levels were significantly higher in controls as compared to periodontitis with diabetes. The mean serum iron levels were significantly higher in periodontitis with diabetes. The Zinc: Copper (Zn: Cu) ratio was found to be significant for the periodontitis with diabetes group.Conclusion:The results obtained from this study suggests that the serum levels of micronutrients Zn and Se were decreased and levels of Cu and Fe are increased in chronic periodontitis as compared to healthy control. There was a potentiated difference in the values in patients with DM Type II. The results show that the levels of these micronutrients can be used as effective biomarkers for chronic periodontitis and that periodontitis has systemic manifestations.

Correlation of Copper and Zinc in Spontaneous Abortion.

BackgroundHumans require minute amounts of trace metals to maintain body’s normal growth and physiological functions; such elements may also play a vital role in pregnancy and pregnancy outcome. The present study was con- ducted to assess the role of two trace metals, zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in women with history of spontaneous abortion (SAb cases) in comparison to women without such history (controls).Materials and MethodsIn this retrospective study, a total of 277 subjects were enrolled from the Obstetrics and Gyne- cology Department, Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, India. Personal demographic information, medical history, reproductive history especially details of number of SAb, duration of last SAb, number of children, etc. were recorded using pre- designed and pre-tested proforma. Serum Zn and Cu levels were measured by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer.ResultsThe data indicated that the serum level of Cu (P<0.01) and Zn was lower in SAb cases as compared to controls. Correlation between the number of SAbs and trace metals levels showed a significant negative correlation between Cu and Cu/Zn and the number of SAbs. Cu/Zn was higher in controls and women having at least one child as compared cases and women without child, respectively. Pregnant women had higher levels of trace elements as compared to non-pregnant women at the time of enrollment.ConclusionThe data revealed that trace metals such as Zn and Cu have a positive role in pregnancy outcome and optimum levels of Zn and Cu might be able to decline the chances of SAb occurrence in addition to other factors. The ratio of Cu/Zn has a positive role in reproductive outcomes.

Alopecia Areata Different View; Heavy Metals.

Background:Alopecia areata (AA) is a noncicatricial alopecia affecting any hair-bearing area. Although AA is considered to be an autoimmune disease, oxidative stress has been shown to be an important factor in the etiology of AA. Trace elements are highly essential for humans since they form the building blocks of large molecules, function as the cofactors of enzymes, and have some key biological functions. The aim of this study was to investigate serum levels of heavy metals like iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in patients with AA.Materials and Methods:The study included a patient group of 30 with AA and a control group of 31 healthy individuals. Serum levels of heavy metals were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.Results:The 30 patients included 17 (56.7%) men and 13 (43.3%) women with a mean age of 33.8 (range, 19–48) years. Serum Zn and Mn levels were significantly lower and serum Cd, Fe, Mg, Pb, Co, and Cu levels were significantly higher in the patient group compared to that of the control group (P<0.05 for all).Conclusion:The results indicated that low levels of Zn and Mn are associated with AA while other metals were normal. So Zn supplementation may have some beneficial effect in AA while Fe prescription is fruitless.

Thyroid functions and levels of some trace elements in children with beta-thalassemia major

Background High plasma iron in β-thalassemia major (BTM) leads to enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, and endocrine disorders. We aimed to assess thyroid function and trace elements [copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn)] in patients of BTM and to evaluate the relation, if any, of thyroid function with iron store in the form of ferritin levels. Patients and methods A total of 30 children with BTM and 30 healthy controls were enrolled and interviewed at the Al-Azhar University. Complete blood count, random blood sugar, liver enzymes, and creatinine were measured in all participants. Iron level, total iron-binding capacity, ferritin level, Zn level, and Cu level in sera were determined. Thyroid function was also assessed by evaluating free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Results There were significantly increased serum iron, ferritin, Cu, and Zn levels, whereas total iron-binding capacity was depleted in patients with BTM as compared with healthy controls. There were significant positive correlations between ferritin level and both serum Cu and Zn (r=0.536 and 0.513, respectively), with P value less than 0.05. Moreover, there were significant positive correlations between TSH level and both serum Cu and Zn (r=0.416 and 0.355, respectively), with P value less than 0.05. Thyroid function represented by FT3, FT4, and TSH did not correlate with serum ferritin level. Conclusion Careful monitoring of ferritin, Cu, Zn, TSH, FT4, and FT3 levels at regular intervals is recommended for early diagnosis of thyroid dysfunctions in patients with BTM.

Sequential changes in serum zinc concentrations in calves with experimentally induced endotoxin shock measured by the particle-induced X-ray emission method.

The aim of the present study was to measure changes in the serum concentrations of some elements in endotoxin-challenged calves using a particle-induced X-ray emission analysis and to screen for elements useful as diagnostic markers. The results obtained revealed that serum Zn concentrations were more accurate diagnostic markers for detecting endotoxin shock in calves than other elements. Serum Zn level in endotoxin-challenged calve was significantly lower from 8 to 12 hr after the endotoxin challenge than pre-challenge values. In addition, serum Zn concentrations in calves from 4 to 24 hr after endotoxin challenges were significantly lower than those of control. Our results indicate that serum Zn concentration has potential as diagnostic markers for detecting inflammation in calves with endotoxin shock.

Quantifying the association between acute leukemia and serum zinc, copper, and selenium: a meta-analysis

Acute leukemia is a clonal malignant disorder that occurs when immature blast cells accumulate in bone marrow. Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are related to normal lymphocyte maturation and immune function regulation. Selenium (Se) is protective against oxidative damage. The aim of this meta-analysis is to statistically synthesize results from studies that have investigated the levels of Zn, Cu, and Se in acute leukemia patients. The effect size, delta, was used to standardize the raw data. The robust variance estimation (RVE) method was performed to measure the pooled effect size and variance. Results suggest significant negative differences for levels of serum Zn (p < .05, delta = −1.21; 95% CI, −2.13-−0.28) and Se (p < .05, delta = −1.84; 95% CI, −3.39-−0.29) and significantly positive differences between serum Cu levels (p < .01, delta = 1.94; 95% CI, 1.02–2.87) in acute leukemia, as compared to the controls.

Role of environmental factors & oxidative stress with respect to in vitro fertilization outcome.

Background & objectives:Oxidative stress, lifestyle factors as also exposure to certain environmental factors are known to affect the fertility status in human beings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of OS and lifestyle and environmental factors affecting IVF outcome.Methods:A total of 253 couples were included, and biological samples such as blood, follicular fluid (FF), cumulus cells and semen were collected. Relevant biochemical parameters and metals namely lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were determined in the biological samples. β-human chorionic gonadotropin levels ≥100 IU/l were considered to predict viable pregnancy on the 15th day of embryo transfer (ET).Results:The mean body mass index (BMI) was significantly lower in females with positive IVF outcome compared to those with negative outcome. Couples residing in the residential area showed more percentage of positive IVF outcomes as compared to couples residing in industrial/agricultural area. FF Zn level was significantly higher (P<0.001) among the females’ participants who have undergone ET as compared to those who have not undergone ET. FF MDA and serum Cu levels were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the female participants with negative IVF outcome as compared to positive IVF outcome. Logistic regression revealed that maternal BMI (P=0.034) and FF MDA level (P=0.047) were significantly associated with the IVF outcome.Interpretation & conclusions:The success rate of IVF was about 31.8 per cent, and BMI was significantly lower in females with positive outcome. The higher levels of MDA in FF and SP might have a negative impact on IVF outcome, higher Zn level in SP, FF and serum might have a positive role in embryo transfer as well as IVF outcome. The role of stress management and nutrition supplementation during the IVF treatment may be explored.

Association between serum zinc and copper levels and antioxidant defense in subjects infected with human T-lymphotropic virus type 1.

IntroductionCopper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are important trace elements that are also structural ions of superoxide dismutase (SOD), which reduce oxidative stress. Zinc deficiency and excess copper have been reported to be associated with inflammation. The human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a retrovirus, which is believed to cause systemic inflammation. The aim of this study is to measure levels of Zn, Cu, SOD, and prooxidant–antioxidant balance (PAB) in HTLV-1-positive patients and investigate the association between serum Zn and Cu concentrations and levels of oxidative stress in them.MethodsThe serum samples of 1,116 subjects who had participated in the “Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorder” study, including 279 HTLV-1-positive and 837 HTLV-1-negative patients, were used. Levels of Zn, Cu, SOD, and PAB were measured.ResultsZinc and SOD levels were lower in the HTLV-1-positive group; however, the difference was statistically significant only for the level of SOD (P=0.003). On the other hand, levels of copper and PAB were significantly higher in HTLV-1 positive subjects; P=0.004 and P=0.002, respectively.ConclusionIn HTLV-infected patients, serum Zn concentration is lower and Cu concentration is higher than healthy controls. This altered situation might be either primary or secondary to HTLV-1 infection, which should be investigated in larger studies. We showed that SOD is significantly lower in HTLV-1-infected subjects. As in some other viruses that evolve different mechanisms to potentiate virus replication by changing the physiologic condition of host cells, HTLV-1 too probably decreases the activity of copper–zinc SOD1 by suppressing its gene.

Copper and zinc in stage I multiple myeloma: relation with ceruloplasmin, lipid peroxidation, and superoxide dismutase activity

Background The main aim of this study was to assess the serum levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) with lipid peroxidation, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) activity, and ceruloplasmin (Cp) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Materials and methods The study was conducted in 34 MM patients at stage I. Serum Cu and Zn levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Also, spectrophotometric assays of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in addition to Cp and Cu/Zn SOD were quantitated. Results The results showed a significant decrease in the serum Zn levels in patients with MM (p < 0.0001). Also, serum Cu levels were significantly higher (p < 0.0001). However, the serum Cu/Zn ratio was significantly higher in the cancer patients (p < 0.0001). A significant difference was observed in the patients group compared with the control group according to the Cu/Zn SOD activity (p < 0.0001). Moreover, serum levels of Cp and MDA were significantly increased in patients (p < 0.0001, both). Conclusions The elevated levels of serum Cu and MDA with a decrease in Zn and Cu/Zn SOD might explain the increased oxidative stress in MM disease. As the high Cu level was observed in MM patients, therefore, Cu levels should be concentrated in the pathogenesis and progression of MM disease.

The comparison of zinc, copper and iron levels in serum, aorta and left internal mammarian artery tissues in coronary by-pass graft surgery patients

Trace elements are crucial for vital enzymatic reactions in all metabolic processes. Zinc (Zn) acts as a co-factor for many enzymes. Copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) have pro-atherogenic effects resulting in atherosclerosis. Aorta exposing high pulsatile pressure is sensitive for atherosclerosis because of its fast metabolism and poor nutrition by diffusion from vasa vasorum. We aimed to determine the relationship between serum Zn, Cu and Fe levels with aortic and left internal mammary artery (LIMA) tissues in 33 atherosclerotic individuals who inevitably underwent coronary artery by-pass graft (CBAG) surgery that is an end-point treatment for atherosclerosis. Trace elements in serum and tissues were measured using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrophotometer. Pre-operative (Pre-op) serum Fe levels were statistically 46% higher than post-operative (Post-op) values (p = 0.009). Aortic Fe level was 49.8% higher than LIMA Fe (p = 0.0001). Our study points out the tendency of aortic tissue to atherosclerosis via pro- atherogenic effect of Fe. LIMA, being a potential graft for CBAG, is resistant to atherosclerosis with its intimal specialty of graft patency. In conclusion, serum Zn, Cu and Fe levels in atherosclerotic CBAG patients might be monitored to reveal minor alterations pre-operatively and post-operatively for ameliorating the treatment and life quality.

Evaluation of Some Trace Elements and Vitamins in Major Depressive Disorder Patients: a Case-Control Study.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental disorder worldwide; however, little is known about its etiology. It is well known that levels of certain trace elements are associated with the pathogenesis of some diseases. Accordingly, this study aims to evaluate the effect of trace elements and vitamins in the etiology of MDD. In this case-control study, sixty men patients with MDD and sixty, age and gender matched, control subjects were examined. Serum levels of Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Mn, Mg, and Al were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry as well as serum levels of vitamins E and A were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. The results revealed that there were significantly higher levels (p < 0.001) of Cu, Cr, and Al in patients sera compared with control. While there were significantly lower levels (p < 0.001) of Zn, Ni, Mn, Mg, vitamin E, and vitamin A in MDD patients as compared with control. In addition, high Cu/Zn ratio (p < 0.05) was observed with the depressive disorder patients. The present study highlights some main indications: a significant relationship between the disturbances of element levels and vitamins (E and A) with MDD. Cu and Zn seemed to have a crucial role in understanding the pathogenesis of depressive disorders, where Cu/Zn ratio could have an important role in the diagnosis and monitoring of MDD. Moreover, the results suggest that the reduction in the antioxidant vitamin E leads to increased risk of MDD. Finally, more studies on using trace element supplementation would be suggested to clarify their effect, in order to improve the therapy of MDD.

Serum copper and zinc levels and the risk of oral cancer: A new insight based on large-scale case-control study.

Limited evidence exists on the roles of serum copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in oral cancer risk. We aimed to preliminarily explore the association between serum Cu and Zn levels and oral cancer risk with relatively large-scale samples. Serum Cu and Zn levels of 344 oral cancer patients and 1,122 matched healthy controls in this case-control study were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Restricted cubic spline revealed the U-shaped relationship between serum Cu or Zn levels and the risk of oral cancer. Serum deficient or elevated levels of Cu were significantly associated with the risk of oral cancer: The ORs were 1.38 (95% CI: 1.01-1.89) and 2.82 (95% CI: 1.60-4.98), respectively. The positive association of serum low or high levels of Zn with oral cancer risk was also observed: The ORs were 2.72 (95% CI: 1.60-4.62) and 12.41 (95% CI: 9.09-16.93), respectively. Additionally, there were multiplicative interactions between the aforementioned trace elements and smoking. This preliminary study suggests that both serum excess and deficient levels of Cu or Zn were significant correlation with oral cancer risk, which may provide a new insight on the roles of serum Cu and Zn in oral cancer.

Myocardial injury induced by scorpion sting envenoming and evidence of oxidative stress in Egyptian children

In the present study, 45 children in Upper Egypt (less than 16 years old) were admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for scorpion envenomation (SE). They were compared with 30 apparently healthy children of matching age and sex as controls. Out of the studied victims, 35 children (78%) showed signs of severe envenomation, while 10 victims (22%) showed signs of mild envenomation. The case fatality was 33%. The serum levels of cardiac markers, cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and I (cTnI), as well as the enzymatic activities of creatine kinase-MB (CPK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined for both victims and controls. In addition, the serum levels of oxidative stress markers, nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and zinc (Zn) were measured. Electrocardiography and echocardiography were done. All the envenomed victims showed significantly higher mean values of cTnT, cTnI, CPK-MB and LDH than control group. These cardiac markers were elevated in severe cases and in non survivors in comparison with mild cases and survivors respectively. Furthermore, the serum levels of NO and MDA were significantly higher while the serum levels of SOD, GSH and Zn were significantly lower in all envenomed victims than the controls (p < 0.05 for all). There were no significant differences in the serum levels of oxidative stress markers among severe and mild cases or between survivors and non survivors victims. There were no significant correlations between the serum levels of cardiac markers and the oxidative stress markers in envenomed victims. In conclusions, oxidative stress occurs in scorpion envenomed children, but does not determine prognosis. Cardiac markers, but not the oxidative stress, remain the most important determining factor for the severity and the outcome of SE.

Value of Serum Zinc in Diagnosing and Assessing Severity of Liver Disease in Children With Wilson Disease.

Wilson disease (WD) is a rare inborn error of copper metabolism with diverse manifestations. There has been no study of zinc (Zn), the copper's antagonist, in WD diagnosis and severity so far. Our aims were to evaluate serum Zn in WD and its correlation with the disease severity score (revised WD index). Although the ATP7B mutation analysis is highly accurate for WD diagnosis, it may not be readily available in a resource-limiting setting. We proposed a disease diagnostic score (Proposed WD diagnostic score) which incorporates serum Zn. Medical records of WD and non-WD children seen at King's College Hospital from 2005 to 2015 were reviewed for the selected parameters using the Proposed WD diagnostic score. Available serum Zn data in WD children before disease diagnosis and the calculated severity score were statistically analyzed. Diagnostic values of the Proposed WD diagnostic score were evaluated. Serum Zn level was significantly lower in 8 WD-acute liver failure (ALF) (5.8 [4.1-8.3] μmol/L) compared to 18 WD-non-ALF (13.5 [6.1-22.2] μmol/L) and 9 ALF from indeterminate cause (9.8 [7.0-12.1] μmol/L) (P < 0.001). Serum Zn significantly correlated with the revised WD index (r = -0.554, P = 0.004). The Proposed WD diagnostic score that included serum Zn level as 1 of the parameters had sensitivity and specificity of 87% and 99.2%, respectively. Serum Zn is a novel parameter for diagnosis and correlates with severity of WD. The Proposed WD diagnostic score is useful while awaiting ATP7B mutation analysis.

Effect of Different Levels and Sources of Supplemental Nano Zinc on Blood-Biochemical Profile and Serum Mineral Status in Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

This study examined the suitability and comparative efficacy of Zn through different levels and sources on blood-biochemical profile and serum mineral status. 63 weaned (130±3.1g) wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) divided into 7 equal groups in completely randomized design. These rats were fed a common basal (synthetic) diet for 90 days, except for Zn supplementation, which was 10 ppm through zinc sulphate or 10, 20 and 40 ppm nano Zn either from commercial or synthesized (prepared by green method) source. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from each animal through cardiac puncture and analysed for hemato-biochemistry and serum minerals. The Hb, PCV in blood and glucose, urea, total protein, albumin, globulin and creatinine in serum were comparable (P>0.05) among various treatment groups. Serum Ca, P, Cu, Fe and Mn were also not affected by source and different levels of Zn supplementation, however, serum Zn levels were significantly (P<0.001) higher in nano zinc supplemented groups as compared to control and 10 ppm nano Zn groups. It is concluded that Zn nano particles can be safely supplemented up to 40 ppm level in the diet of rats.