Serum Zn Levels Research Articles

The Relationship between Dietary, Serum and Hair Levels of Minerals (Fe, Zn, Cu) and Glucose Metabolism Indices in Obese Type 2 Diabetic Patients

The aim of this study was to assess the levels of Zn, Fe and Cu in the serum and hair, and dietary intake of type 2 diabetic patients and their association with glucose and lipid indices. The study was conducted on 62 people aged 40–78 years (31 diabetic patients and 31 healthy subjects, who were the control group). The content of trace elements in the hair and serum was analysed with the AAS method. The serum insulin, HbA1c, glucose, total cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations were measured by means of RIA, HPLC and colorimetric methods, respectively. The diabetic patients were found to have significantly higher dietary iron intake, higher hair Fe and lower serum Zn concentrations than the non-diabetic subjects, while the hair Zn and Cu contents were comparable in both groups. The serum Zn and Cu levels of the diabetic subjects were negatively correlated with the serum glucose, the serum Zn and Cu/Zn ratio was inversely correlated with the serum total cholesterol and the serum insulin level was positively associated with the hair Cu/Zn ratio. The results of this study indicate that the trace element status (Zn, Fe, Cu), as reflected in the blood serum and hair, may be disturbed due to metabolic derangement occurring in diabetes.

Serum Trace Elements in Children with End-Stage Renal Disease

Trace elements, which have a crucial role in metabolism and enzymatic pathways, are not routinely monitored in the blood of pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease. The present study was carried out to determine the serum levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and lead (Pb) in children with ESRD who were currently receiving conservative management or were on long-term hemodialysis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. This study involved 200 children who met the inclusion criteria. The children were divided into 4 groups: a hemodialysis group, a peritoneal dialysis group, a group of children with ESRD treated with conservative management, and a control group. Serum levels of Zn, Cu, Se, and Pb were evaluated using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer and compared between the groups. There was no significant difference in the serum concentration of Cu among the 4 study groups. There was also no significant difference in the serum concentrations of Zn, Se, and Pb between healthy children and children with CKD treated with conservative management or between the hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis groups. The levels of Zn and Se were significantly lower in the hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis groups than in the healthy children or in children with CKD treated with conservative management. The level of Pb in the blood was significantly lower in healthy children and children with CKD treated with conservative management than in the hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis groups. The levels of trace elements were substantially different between the dialysis groups and healthy children and children with CKD treated with conservative management. These results highlighted the role of osmosis during dialysis, as dialysate impurities can cause a disturbance in the levels of trace elements and the role of the kidney, even with minimum residual function, in the homeostasis of trace elements.

The Effect of Curcumin on Serum Copper and Zinc and Zn/Cu Ratio in Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome: A Double-Blind Clinical Trial

ABSTRACTMetabolic syndrome is a complex disorder with high socioeconomic costs and a high global prevalence. The serum concentrations of some trace elements are higher in people with metabolic syndrome compared to normal individuals. Curcumin is derived from turmeric and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin may therefore have a potential role in the management of cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin on serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and Zn/Cu ratio levels in patients with metabolic syndrome. A double-blind clinical trial was designed in which 120 individuals with metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned to one of three groups: curcumin 1gr/day, phospholipidated curcumin 1gr/day, or a placebo, each taken for 6 weeks. Serum copper and zinc were measured before and after intervention. At baseline, in addition to obtaining the anthropometric characteristics of participants, a fasting blood sample was taken from each participant, and the concentrations of serum Cu and Zn were measured by atomic absorption (Varian AA 240 FS model). Serum Zn concentrations rose significantly in the phospholipidated curcumin and curcumin groups, being significantly higher (p <.001) in the phospholipidated curcumin group than in the curcumin group (p <.05). Serum Zn concentration fell in the control group (p <.05). Changes in serum Zn level from baseline to the levels after six weeks' intervention were significantly different between the groups, but changes in serum Cu from between baseline until after intervention were not significantly different. The serum Zn/Cu level in phospholipidated curcumin and curcumin groups after intervention was higher than for the control group, but it was more significant in the group taking phospholipidated curcumin (p <.001). Curcumin and phospholipidated curcumin complex, given at a dose of 1 g per day for six weeks, were associated with an increase in serum zinc and consequently zinc-to-copper ratio.

Clinical significance of zinc: results of the 14-year prospective study of children

Purpose of the study: to determine the clinical significance of Zn deficiency based on the 14-year prospective study of children with different levels of zinc at birth. Patients and methods. Pregnant women and their newborns (n = 316) were screened for serum Zn levels. A total of 146 motherchild pairs were followed-up during the year, of which 102 children were followed-up for up to 14 years. Results. The study showed that the prevalence of zinc deficiency in the women followed-up was as follows: 77% in pregnant women, 80% in newborns. 94% of children with Zn deficiency at birth demonstrated zinc deficiency even at school age. There is a correlation between the serum Zn level in children and their mothers both during the newborn period and at school age (r = 0.38), with p &lt;0.05. the period of newborns, and at school age (r = 0.38), with p &lt;0.05. The 1-year-children with zinc deficiency, in comparison with infants with sufficient zinc levels are more often diagnosed with rickets 86,2% and 45,1%, anemia 37,9% and 17,7%, dystrophy 27,5% and 13,8 %, as well as atopic dermatitis 65.5% and 29.4%, allergic reactions 24.1% and 15.7%, at school age they were diagnosed with a pathology of the musculoskeletal system (79% and 52%, respectively), gastrointestinal tract (61% and 41%), nervous systems (54% and 30%) and skin (66% and 45%) with p &lt;0.05. The decrease in resistance of the body was identified 2 times more often in zinc-deficient children. The conclusion. Zinc is important at all stages of a person’s life, therefore the analysis of zinc availability should be carried out not only in pregnant and nursing mothers, children of early age, but also among risk groups for the deficiency of this microelement.

Determination of serum bone-related minerals during denosumab treatment in osteoporosis patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Mineral change by denosumab in osteoporosis with rheumatoid arthritis

This study included 51 osteoporosis patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were treated with anti-resorption drug, denosumab. To date, there has been no report on the changes of bone-related minerals after anti-resorption drug therapy. Fifty one osteoporotic patients with RA were retrospectively enrolled. Serum Zinc (Zn), Magnesium (Mg), Iron (Fe), and Copper (Cu) were examined at 1 week, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 months. Lumbar spine (L1-4) bone mineral density (L-BMD), and bilateral total hip BMD (H-BMD) were examined before and at 6 and 12 months after treatment commencement. Serum Fe gradually increased except at 4 and 10 months, and significantly increased at 12 months. Serum Mg slightly decreased at 1 week and 1 month, then increased up to 4 months, then gradually decreased to 8 months, then increased thereafter. Serum Zn significantly increased at every time point except at 1 week during the period. Serum Cu increased during the period but slightly decreased at 2, 8, and 12 months. L-BMD as well as H-BMD significantly increased at 12 months (5.1% and 5.1%, respectively). Denosumab might be a good option to improve bone-related minerals in OP patients with RA even without dietary supplement. Serum Fe and Mg values became approximately within normal range after the therapy. On the other hand, serum Zn significantly increased for 12 months, however, the Zn values showed still low status after the treatment. Thus, Zn supplementation and/or nutrition education are basically required for OP patients with RA, even though denosumab increases serum Zn level.

Association Between Advanced Keratoconus and Serum Levels of Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Copper, and Selenium.

To investigate the possibility of an association between serum levels of zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and selenium (Se) and advanced keratoconus (KCN). In this study, 50 patients with advanced KCN and 50 control subjects were included. Plasma levels of Zn, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, and Se were compared between the groups. Mean ± SD age of the patients in the case and control groups was 29.3 ± 3.5 and 28.9 ± 5.9 years, respectively (P = 0.669). Among serum parameters, there were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in serum levels of Ca, Mg, and Fe (P > 0.05), whereas serum levels of Zn and Cu were significantly lower in the case group than the control group [65.92 ± 7.90 vs. 87.36 ± 13.64 μg/dL and 78.48 ± 11.96 vs. 116.34 ± 20.87 μg/dL, respectively (both P < 0.001)] as well as the serum level of Se [79.76 ± 19.16 vs. 87.41 ± 15.91 μg/dL (P = 0.032)]. The lower serum levels of Zn, Cu, and Se in patients with advanced KCN compared with healthy controls indicate the possible role of antioxidants in the etiopathogenesis of KCN, which points to early treatment of this progressive degenerative disease with supplementation therapy, rather than keratoplasty techniques.

Differential effect of nanoparticle and standard forms of ZnO on serum zinc and magnesium levels in rats.

This study examined the effect of chronic (2 weeks) administration of zinc oxide nanoparticles (NPs-ZnO) and standard zinc oxide (S-ZnO) on the levels of zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) in rat serum. S-ZnO and NPs-ZnO were administered either per os (p.o.) or intraperitoneally (i.p.) at doses of 7mg/kg or 14mg/kg. Neither form of ZnO administered p.o. altered serum zinc concentration. However, different effects dependent upon either S-ZnO or NPs-ZnO forms were noticed after i.p. administration. Namely, while S-ZnO increased serum zinc concentration (by 136%) only at the higher dose (14mg/kg), both doses of NPs-ZnO increased zinc concentration (by 97% at 7mg/kg and by 564% at 14mg/kg). The form-dependence of the ZnO effect was also demonstrated in the effect on the serum magnesium level. Only the S-ZnO form (at the dose of 14mg/kg) reduced serum magnesium concentration (by 14% p.o., 6% i.p.). No influence of NPs-ZnO on the serum calcium level was observed. The present study demonstrated effects on the serum Zn and Mg levels, which differed between the standard and nanoparticle forms of ZnO. This may contribute to the different functional effects of these ZnO forms shown previously.

Serum Zinc Level in Asthmatic and Non-Asthmatic School Children.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic disorders among children. Zinc (Zn) is an essential dietary antioxidant and may have a special role in assisting the airways of asthmatic subjects. The primary objective of this study was to measure serum Zn levels among asthmatic school children and to compare this to the serum Zn level in non-asthmatic children. The secondary objective was to investigate the relationship between Zn levels and the degree of asthma control. A cross-sectional study following forty asthmatic children and forty matched non-asthmatic children of both genders was conducted. Weight, height, body mass index (BMI), BMI Z-scores, serum Zn, hemoglobin, total protein, and albumin concentrations were measured in both groups. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and dosage of inhaled steroids were measured in asthmatic school children. The results show the mean Zn level among asthmatic children was 12.78 ± 1.8 μmol/L. Hypozincemia was detected in four asthmatic children. Asthma and control groups were matched in age, gender, and BMI Z score (p > 0.05). No significant difference was observed in Zn levels, hemoglobin, albumin, and total protein between both groups (p > 0.05). Among asthmatics, Zn levels were not significantly associated with the degree of asthma control (well controlled, mean Zn = 12.9 ± 1.5, partially controlled, mean Zn = 11.9 ± 1.6, and uncontrolled, mean Zn = 3.62 ± 2.2) (p = 0.053). The Zn level was not correlated with the FEV1 Z score. There was no significant association between Zn level and the dosage of inhaled steroids or IgE concentrations (p > 0.05). The findings show that Zn may not play a major role in the degree of asthma control. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results.

Trace elements and oxidative stress in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

BackgroundThe early imbalances of trace elements in type 1 diabetes (T1D) may cause disturbance of glucose metabolism and more oxidative stress that may enhance the development of insulin resistance and diabetic complications. We aim to evaluate the serum level of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), and copper (Cu), the degree of oxidative stress and evaluate their relations to glycemic control in children with T1D.MethodsA case–control study which included 100 diabetic children and 40 healthy children age, sex, and ethnicity-matched as a control group. The diabetic children were divided into poor and good controlled patients according to glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c %). Studied children underwent history taking, clinical examination and laboratory measurement of serum Se, Zn, Mg, and Cu levels, erythrocyte reduced glutathione (GSH) and peroxidase enzyme activity (GPx).ResultsSerum Se, Zn, Mg, Cu, erythrocyte GSH, and GPx were significantly lower in the diabetic group in comparison to the control group (P<0.05) and their levels were lower in poorly controlled patients compared to good controlled patients (P<0.05). The serum Se, Zn, Mg, erythrocyte GSH, and GPx showed a negative correlation with A1c %. The serum Se showed a positive correlation with erythrocyte GSH and GPx ([r=0.56, P<0.001], [r=0.78, P<0.001], respectively).ConclusionChildren with T1D, especially poorly controlled cases, had low serum Se, Zn, Mg, Cu, GSH, and GPx. Low serum Se in diabetic children may affect the erythrocyte GSH-GPx system.

Can Exchange Transfusion Normalize Serum Levels of Copper, Zinc, and Magnesium in Severe Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia?

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a frequently encountered problem. Erythrocytes, especially reticulocytes are rich in copper (Cu) and magnesium (Mg) so its serum levels increase after hemolysis. Zinc (Zn) plays an important role in synthesis of some enzymes included in the bilirubin metabolism and may cause hemolysis. Exchange transfusion is the main treatment for severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia but can exchange transfusion affect the previous trace elements. We measured Cu, Zn, and Mg serum levels in full-term neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of Minia University hospital with severe indirect hyperbilirubinemia before and after exchange transfusion. There were significant higher serum Cu and Mg and lower Zn serum levels in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia than controls and their levels were significantly normalized after exchange transfusion. Significant positive correlations between the total bilirubin levels and hemoglobin, Cu and Mg serum levels and significant negative correlations with Zn levels were present. There were no significant correlations between maternal and neonatal serum levels of any of them. Exchange transfusion can normalize the significant higher Cu and Mg and lower Zn serum levels in neonates with severe indirect hyperbilirubinemia which were not related to their maternal serum levels.

Zinc supplementation does not influence serum levels of VEGF, BDNF, and NGF in diabetic retinopathy patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Objectives: This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of zinc (Zn) supplementation on serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and nerve growth factor (NGF) in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR).Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 50 patients with DR were allocated into the Zn (n = 25) and placebo (n = 25) groups to receive 30 mg Zn gluconate or maltose dextrin per day, respectively, for three months. Metabolic parameters and blood pressure were measured. Serum levels of Zn were assessed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and serum levels of VEGF, BDNF and NGF by ELISA.Results: Forty-five patients completed the intervention. Levels of VEGF, BDNF and NGF were not affected by the Zn supplementation. Levels of VEGF correlated negatively with levels of Zn and positively with BDNF and NGF. There was also a positive correlation between BDNF and NGF. Serum levels of VEGF, BDNF and NGF were negatively correlated with serum levels of the diabetic parameters measured.Conclusions: Strong positive relationship between the growth factors and their inverse association with metabolic factors is possibly suggesting the contribution of these factors in the pathogenesis of DR through acting in a same biological pathway.

A Study of Serum Zinc, Iron, Selenium, and Copper levels in patients with bladder cancer

Back ground: The association of serum trace elements like Zinc, Iron, Selenium, and copper has been found in different types of cancer. Many authors observed direct association between micronutrient deficiency and the cancer mortalities. Many of essential trace element are required for growth “ play an important role in the suitable biochemistry of the body “ and they could also stimulate the growth of tumors. Objectives : Assessment the level of trace element ( Zn, Fe, Se, and Cu ) in serum of patients with bladder cancer. Patients &amp; Methods: Serum samples of (40) male and female patients with bladder cancer and (20) healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Bladder cancer patients were undergo cystoscopy and diagnosed clinically by consultant urologist as newly diagnosed for primary bladder tumor. Tumor characterized by 2 independent pathologists according to the criteria of WHO . Trace element were determined by Automic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Results : Significant increase in serum (Cu) levels and significant decrease in serum (Zn, Fe, and Se) levels in bladder cancer patients when compared with normal group. Conclusion : Low serum ( Zn, Fe, and Se) and high Cu levels in bladder cancer patients when compared with control indicates the role of bladder cancer disorders in trace elements metabolism. Key words: Trace elements, bladder cancer.

Serum Copper and Zinc Levels in Vitiligo Patients

Background: vitiligo is a common, acquired, discoloration of the skin, characterized by well circumscribed, ivory or chalky white macules and patches. Researchers suggested that vitiligo may arise from autoimmune (AI), genetic, oxidative stress or neural causes. Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are trace elements that are required in minutely small doses. The unique process of keratinization and melanin formation is enzyme-dependent and therefore could be influenced by trace elements deficiencies or excesses as trace elements are involved in enzymatic activities and immunologic reactions. Aim of work: this study aimed to detect the levels and roles of serum Zn and Cu in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Patients and methods: our study included 50 vitiligo patients and 50 apparently healthy controls. Age of study groups ranged from 15 to 60 years and both sexes. Serum Zn and Cu levels were measured in each study group. Results: serum Zn levels were statistically significant lower in both the studied groups, but in vitiligo group they were much lower than the control group. Serum Cu levels were statistically insignificant higher in vitiligo group than the control group. Conclusion: there is a relationship between vitiligo and serum Zn. Further studies are needed to obtain better knowledge about effect of the trace elements in vitiligo patients.

Status of Some Basic Antioxidants in Pre- and Postmalaria Treatment in Children

Malaria is the most common tropical disease to which infants and children are the most susceptible. It is caused by Plasmodium species and is associated with oxidative stress, which has an effect on body antioxidants. The relationship between the degree of parasitemia and copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and uric acid was evaluated in this study.Seventy children (mean age: 7.80 ± 0.38 years) microscopically diagnosed positive for malaria parasite were selected. Fifty-six apparently healthy children (mean age: 6.68 ± 0.48 years) served as the control group. The malaria group was classified into pretreatment and posttreatment groups. The pretreatment group was also subgrouped based on parasitemia into four as follows: group A, group B, group C, and group D. Serum Cu and Zn were studied. Uric acid, an abundant endogenous metabolic antioxidant, was also determined.The serum levels of Cu and Zn were significantly lower in pretreatment malaria patients compared with control. Uric acid level was slightly raised in the malaria patients but not significant (p &gt; 0.05). In the posttreatment malaria patient group, serum uric acid and Cu levels were significantly raised compared with control (p = 0.008). Also, serum Cu and uric acid were significantly higher in the malaria posttreatment compared with the pretreatment group. Serum Zn level though higher in the posttreatment group compared with the pretreatment group was not significantly different (p &gt; 0.05). The result showed a negative correlation between serum Cu level and parasitemia, and serum Zn level and parasitemia while that of uric acid and parasitemia was positively correlated but none of these were significantly correlated with parasitemia.The observed changes in Cu, Zn, and uric acid levels in this study could be a reflection of progressive upregulation of the antioxidant system to combat the associated oxidative stress in this condition.

Impact of Anticoagulants on Assessment of Zinc in Plasma

The aim of this study was to compare zinc (Zn) level in EDTA, heparin, citrate plasma and serum. The blood samples from the same healthy volunteers (n = 10) were sampled by use of different anticoagulants (EDTA, heparin and citrate) or with no anticoagulant. Zn level was determined by flame atomic-absorption spectrometer (AAnalyst 800, PerkinElmer, USA). Zn level in EDTA, heparin, citrate plasma and serum was in reference range (0.7 to 1.5 μg mL–1), and the difference between sample groups was not observed (P = 0.079). However, correlation was observed only between Zn level in heparin plasma and citrate plasma (rs = 0.72; P = 0.016) and citrate plasma and serum (rs = 0.76; P = 0.012). In conclusion, in Zn blood analysis, sample collection step is important and should be observed when planning study and when comparing the results of Zn level from various studies. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License .

Association between serum heavy metals level and cancer incidence in darbandikhan and Kalar Area, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.

: Exposure to heavy metals is considered as the main threat to human health and biological system. Darbandikhan Lake is one of the three large lakes in Kurdistan, Northern Iraq; it is currently at a high risk of pollution by sewage and municipal wastes. The current study was designed to highlight the potential association between concentration of heavy metals and carcinogenicity in people who live in Darbandikhan and the surrounding area. : A case-control study was carried out on 29 cancerous patients and 25 healthy individuals from Darbandikhan, Kalar, and the surrounding area; the patients were admitted to the Hiwa Oncology Center in Sulaimani City. Determination of serum concentrations of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), was performed by an inductively coupled plasma atomic absorption spectrophotometer. : Serum concentration of Pb, Fe, and Cu was higher in cancer group compared with control in nonsignificantly different (P > 0.05) for Pb, whereas significantly (P < 0.05) for Cu and Fe. Higher serum Cd concentration was detected in control group compared with the cancer group. Differences not detected in Cr and As serum concentration analysis between both groups. Serum level of Zn was nonsignificantly higher in control group compared with the cancer group (P > 0.05). Discrepancies in the serum level of heavy metals of cancer group might reveal the involvement of heavy metal as a contributing factor of carcinogenicity in these areas.

Effect of Varied Sources of Tannin on Micro-Mineral Bioavailability in Goats Fed Oak Leaves Based Diets

Eighteen crossbred (Chegu×Jamunapari) goats (15.99 kg; 7–9 months) were randomly assigned to three groups. The animals were fed a common concentrate mixture as a supplement to three different forage sources (with a concentrate to roughage ratio of 30: 70) namely, green grass (PC, Pennisetum clandestinum), oak leaves i.e. Quercus semecarpifolia (QS) and Quercus leucotricophora (QL) with the latter two groups serving as tannin-containing diets while the PC group as a control. The condensed and hydrolysable tannin content of the QS and QL diets was CT 1, HT 3.4 vs. CT 1.9, HT 1.6, respectively. A metabolism trial of six days duration was conducted at 90 d post-feeding. Blood samples were collected on 0, 60 and 120 d of experiment for estimation of serum minerals. The digestibility of DM, CP and fibre fractions were lower (P<0.05) in QL than PC and similar with QS. Daily intake and balance of Fe, Mn and Zn was higher (P<0.01) in QS and QL groups than the control group. Serum level of Co, Fe and Zn were higher (P<0.05) in QS than PC, but at par with QL. Average daily gain was higher in QS and QL as compared to PC. Feed gain ratio was better in QS (22.9±0.08) than PC (39.5±0.06), but at par with QL (29.9±0.04). Overall, the study revealed that goats fed tannin-from QS-based diet showed comparatively better performance than that of QL-based diet. Further, feeding of oak leaves was beneficial in augmenting feed intake, micro-mineral balance and growth performance of goats as compared to animals fed grass based diet.

Biochemical relations between copper, selenium, zinc, and magnesium with the glycemic state of diabetic pregnant women

Background Micronutrients, have specific roles in the metabolism, normal growth, and the pathogenesis and progress of diseases with a specific alteration in diabetic patients. Aim The present study aims to follow up the levels of urinary and serum copper, selenium, zinc, and magnesium (Cu, Se, Zn, and Mg) of pregnant diabetic primigravida and multigravida (second and third pregnancy) women compared with their levels in healthy nondiabetic pregnant ones and their possible association with the glycemic status. Patients and methods Three groups of pregnant diabetic, primigravida women, second pregnancy and third pregnancy with their corresponding nondiabetic pregnant controls were followed up in this study. Results The results of this study showed that the urinary levels of Cu, Se, Zn, and Mg were significantly higher in diabetic pregnant women when matched with healthy controls in all durations of sample collection at the first day of the third, sixth, and ninth months of pregnancy. The results are highly significant at multigravida (second and third pregnancy) than the primigravida ones. However, serum (Cu, Se, Zn, and Mg) levels were decreased all over the pregnancy periods. Conclusion The results confirmed that alterations of urinary levels of Cu, Se, and Zn are associated with diabetes mellitus.

Serum Levels of Selenium and Zinc in Patients with Breast Cancer: A Case-Control Study

Background: Zinc (Zn) and Selenium (Se) are trace minerals that have high anti-cancer and chemopreventive properties. Objectives: This study aimed at evaluating the serum levels of both elements in women with breast cancer (BC) compared with control group and the correlation of them with risk factors of BC. Methods: In a case-control study, 142 women with BC and 158 healthy controls, aged 19 to 88 years, were selected. Both groups did not use any type of supplement 3 months before participation in the study; there was no history of chronic kidney or liver disease or malabsorption disorders among the participants and body mass index was between 18.5 and 30 based on Quetelet index. The Se by graphite furnace and Zn by flame were atomized and the amount of each of 2 elements was measured and recorded by the Absorption device. Results: The mean Zn was 689.57 ± 146.13 mg/dL in the patient group and 874.85 ± 150.53 mg/dL in the control group (P < 0.001). Also, the mean Se was 101.24 ± 17.27 mg/dL in the patient group and 115.36 ± 13.31 mg/dL in the control group (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference between Se level with stage in patients; therefore, the Se level was lower in metastatic stage compared with 2 other stages (P = 0.028). Conclusions: Decreasing the serum levels of Se and Zn may be the risk factors for BC. It seems that adding micronutrients of Zn and Se in patients with low serum levels may reduce the risk of BC.

Effects of zinc sources and levels of zinc amino acid complex on growth performance, hematological and biochemical parameters in weanling pigs.

ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to investigate the effects of zinc amino acid complex (ZnAA) on growth performance, hematological and biochemical parameters in weanling pigs.MethodsIn Exp. 1, a total of 216 Duroc×Landrace×Large White weanling pigs were assigned randomly to 6 dietary treatments. Each treatment had 6 replicates (pens) with 6 pigs each. The diets were corn-soybean meal based with supplementation of 0, 20, 40, 80, 120 mg Zn/kg from ZnAA or 40 mg Zn/kg from feed-grade zinc sulfate. The experiment lasted 42 days. In Exp. 2, a total of 180 weanling pigs were assigned randomly to 3 dietary treatments supplemented with 0, 80, or 800 mg Zn/kg from ZnAA.ResultsIn Exp. 1, pigs fed 40 to 80 mg Zn/kg from ZnAA had higher (p<0.05) average daily gain (ADG) than the unsupplemented group during d 0 to 14. During d 0 to 42, the pigs fed 20 to 120 mg Zn/kg from ZnAA had increased (p<0.05) ADG. Pigs fed 20 to 120 mg/kg Zn from ZnAA had lower feed:gain (p<0.05), increased the activity of serum Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase on d 14, and increased serum Zn levels on d 42 (p<0.05). In Exp. 2, pigs fed diets with 800 mg Zn/kg had increased average daily feed intake during d 15 to 28 (p<0.05) compared to the unsupplemented group. During d 0 to 28, the pigs fed supplemental Zn had increased ADG (p<0.05). On d 14 and d 28, pigs fed supplemental Zn had higher the serum alkaline phosphatase activities (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the hematological parameters and organ indices.ConclusionSupplementation with 20 to 80 mg/kg Zn from ZnAA improved the growth performance in weaned pigs. The piglets can tolerate up to 800 mg/kg Zn from ZnAA with limited potential health effects.