Serum Zn Levels Research Articles

Evaluation of Serum Trace Element Levels and Biochemical Parameters of COVID-19 Patients According to Disease Severity.

While the COVID-19 disease progresses mildly or asymptomatically in some people, its progression is severe and symptomatic in others, and it is an issue that requires a scientific response regarding the disease. The present study includes 60 people infected with COVID-19, and the cases were divided into the following groups: asymptomatic, mild, moderate, and severe. Serum Zn, Se, and Cu levels of these groups were analyzed by ICP-MS. All measurements in the patients were compared with those of 32 healthy individuals. When the patient group is compared with the control group, the serum Zn and Se concentrations were statistically low (p < 0.001) in the patient group. Serum Zn level decreased significantly in 4 different patient groups compared to the control group. Although the serum Se level decreased in all four patient groups compared to the control group, the change in Se level was statistically significant only in the severe and mild patient groups. This study examined serum Zn, Se concentrations, and biochemical parameters in patients with different severity of COVID-19, compared them with healthy individuals, and revealed new targets for diagnosis and treatment by revealing those data that may be important.

English

The economic importance of mastitis and antibiotic resistance is dictating to search non-antibiotic alternatives for the therapy. Trisodium citrate (TSC) being buffer system of the glandular tissue and, vitamin C (Vit. C), zinc and copper being important ingredients required for functioning of immune system fancy chances for a suitable alternative mastitis therapy. The current study was planned to evaluate therapeutic efficacy and cost effectiveness of these ingredients in subclinical mastitis. For this purpose, 40 sub-clinically mastitis cows were randomly divided into 2 equal groups. Group T1 was treated orally with TSC, Vit. C, ZnSo4 and CuSo4, while group T2 was treated with standard antibiotic therapy. Milk pH significantly (P&lt;0.05) differed between the two treatments till day 7th post-initiation of treatment when T1 restored the pH values within normal range earlier than T2. A non-significant (P&gt;0.05) difference was observed in milk pH, fat, lactose, proteins, TS, SNFs, somatic cell counts and restoration of milk yield between the two treatments indicting comparable efficacy. A statistically significant (P&lt;0.05) difference was observed in serum Cu and Zn levels indicating that the supplementation of Cu and Zn led to higher serum values in animals of T1. The use of non-antibiotic oral formulations as mastitis therapy resulted in a net profit of Rs. 457/animal/day. The oral non-antibiotic antibacterial formulation is a therapeutically and economically suitable alternative to rational antibiotic-based therapy to treat subclinical mastitis in dairy cows.

Zinc status, insulin resistance and glycoxidative stress in elderly subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Zinc deficiencies have been reported in numerous pathologies, such as diabetes mellitus, but also in the physiological process of ageing. Similarly, the end products of glycoxidation processes, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), are damaging compounds, a myriad of reports linking them to the development and progression of several age-associated chronic diseases. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationships between zinc status, glycoxidative stress and insulin resistance (IR) in elderly subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A group of 52 non-smoking subjects (9 men and 43 women, aged 65-83 years) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study: 27 patients with T2DM, and 25 apparently healthy control subjects. Serum zinc (Zn) levels were assessed using a commercial kit based on an end-point colorimetric method, and serum AGEs were evaluated with a fluorimetric analytic procedure. The calculated glucose-to-zinc ratio (Gly/Zn), insulin-to-zinc ratio (Ins/Zn) and insulin-zinc resistance index (HOMA-IR/Zn) were further used to study the associations between serum Zn levels, secretory function of β-pancreatic cells and AGEs. T2DM patients presented significantly higher serum insulin and Zn levels, as compared to the controls. We found a significant inverse correlation between Zn and AGEs, and a strong positive correlation between AGEs and the Gly/Zn ratio, suggesting that both Zn and AGEs are biomarkers that could reflect the persistence of hyperglycemia. We identified new surrogate biomarkers useful for the assessment of glycemic control with great potential for the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies for elderly diabetics, based on the evaluation of serum Zn levels.

Zinc Deficiency, Plasma Fatty Acid Profile and Desaturase Activities in Hemodialysis Patients: Is Supplementation Necessary?

Background: Desaturation and elongation are critical processes in endogenous metabolic fatty acid pathways. Zinc (Zn) is a cofactor for desaturases and elongases enzymes. There is limited evidence regarding the relationships between biomarkers of Zn status, nutritional intake, plasma phospholipid fatty acid profile and clinical outcomes among patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD).Objective: To examine the relationships between dietary and serum levels of Zn and Cu/Zn ratio and to explore associations of these micronutrients with PUFA profile and estimated desaturase and elongase enzyme activities in serum phospholipids among HD patients.Methods: This study included 40 adult patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. Repeated 24-h recalls were applied for dietary intake assessment. Serum concentration of Zn and Cu were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and fatty acid composition by gas-liquid chromatography. Desaturase and elongase activities were calculated from product-precursor fatty acid ratios.Results: Inadequate dietary Zn intake was found in 55% of HD patients. They all had serum Zn concentration below the reference value of 60 μg/dL (mean 38.8 ± 7.72 μg/dL). Adequate zinc intake was accompanied with significantly higher intake of energy, total fats, SFA, MUFA and proteins. There was no correlation between Zn serum status and Zn intake estimates. Serum Cu/Zn ratio was high, (2.76 ± 0.68), directly and significantly associated with HD period, CRP, BMI, VFA, and inversely with Kt/V, albumin, iron, and iPTH. The n-6/n-3 ratio in plasma phospholipids was elevated (12.25 ± 3.45) and patients with inadequate Zn intake had lower n-3 PUFA intake and status compared to those with adequate intake. Serum Zn concentrations were inversely correlated with linoleic/dihomo-γ-linolenic acid ratio (LA/DGLA) (p = 0.037), related to D6-desaturase activity (p = 0.033) and directly with DGLA relative abundances (p = 0.024). Cu status was inversely associated with EPA level (p = 0.03) and estimates of elongase activity (p = 0.001). Furthermore, positive relationship was found between the Cu/Zn ratio and determined elongase value (p = 0.01).Conclusion: Findings of this study underpin the high prevalence of Zn deficiency and inadequate n-3 PUFA intake and status among subjects undergoing HD. The results obtained indicate that the assessment of Zn status should be a standard parameter of nutritional status screening in HD patients while emphasizing the importance of Cu/Zn determination. Although further research is warranted, Zn and-n-3 PUFA supplementation in HD patients might be beneficial for the prevention and attenuation of adverse health outcomes

Alterations of serum trace elements and other biochemical parameters are correlated with the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus: A preliminary study on Bangladeshi population

BackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's defense system wrongly attacks healthy body tissues. The objective of this current setup was to quantify and compare the serum concentration of ascorbic acid (Vit-C), malondialdehyde (MDA), c-reactive protein (CRP) and trace elements (Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) in SLE and normal subjects. MethodsThe proposed case-control study was performed with 25 SLE patients and 25 healthy subjects as case and control, respectively. The serum level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and vitamin C was evaluated by UV spectrophotometric method. For the determination of CRP, the latex agglutination method was used, whereas serum trace elements were estimated by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). ResultsThis analysis demonstrated that patients with SLE possessed a significant (p < 0.001) higher level of MDA and lower level of vitamin C compared to control subjects. Pearson’s correlation analysis found negative correlation between the serum level of MDA and vitamin C (r= -0.023, p = 0.887) for patients while control group also possessed similar result (r= -0.157, p = 0.453). The current findings have also revealed that serum level of Zn and Cu in SLE patients was significantly (p < 0.05) lowered to that of the control group, while serum level of Mn also showed a similar scenario. During Pearson’s correlation analysis a significantly (p < 0.05) negative correlation was found between Zn and Mn (r= -0.410, p = 0.042) in patients’ group. ConclusionAlthough our study was limited to a small sample size and confined to a particular area of the country, the study results support a significant role of antioxidants, CRP, and trace elements in the generation of SLE and, therefore, recommends a large spectrum study of the associations between SLE and these biochemical parameters.

Investigation of the relationship between GSTM1 gene variations and serum trace elements, plasma malondialdehyde levels in patients with colorectal cancer.

The aim of this study is to investigate of the relationship between GSTM1 gene variations and serum trace elements, plasma malondialdehyde levels in patient with colorectal cancer. Mateials and Methods. Genotype distributions of GSTM1 gene variations were determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction method. Serum trace element levels were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer method and plasma MDA levels were measurement by spectrophotometric method. Serum Cu levels, plasma MDA levels and Cu/Zn ratio were determined significantly higher in the group of CRC patient carrying the GA heterozygous genotype of the GSTM1 (rs 112,778,559) gene variation compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05). Serum Cu, Zn levels, plasma MDA levels and Cu/Zn ratio were determined significantly higher in patients carrying GG homozygous genotype of the GSTM1 (rs 112778559) gene variation compared to healthy controls carrying same genotype (p < 0.05). Serum Cu, Zn levels, plasma MDA levels and Cu/Zn ratio were determined significantly higher in the group of CRC patient carrying the GG homozygous genotype of the GSTM1 (rs 12068997) gene variation compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05). On the other hand, serum Se levels were detected significantly lower in CRC patients carrying GA heterozygous and GG homozygous genotypes for GSTM1 (rs 112,778,559) and (rs 12,068,997) gene variations compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05). In our study, the evaluation of serum Cu, Zn and Se trace element levels and plasma MDA levels according to GSTM1 gene variations genotype distributions were enabled to obtain important biomarkers in terms of CRC development and progression.

The correlation between serum selenium, zinc, and COVID-19 severity: an observational study

BackgroundWithout an adequate immune response, SARS-CoV2 virus can simply spread throughout the body of the host. Two of the well-known immunonutrients are selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn). Se and Zn deficiency might lead to inflammation, oxidative stress, and viral entry into the cells by decreasing ACE-2 expression; three factors that are proposed to be involved in COVID-19 pathogenesis. Thus, in the current study we aimed at evaluating the correlation between serum Se and Zn status and COVID-19 severity.MethodsEighty-four COVID-19 patients were enrolled in this observational study. Patients were diagnosed based on an infectious disease specialist diagnosis, using WHO interim guidance and the recommendations of the Iranian National Committee of Covid-19. The patients with acute respiratory tract infection symptoms were checked for compatibility of chest computed tomography (CT) scan results with that of Covid-19 and Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for corona virus infection. The severity of Covid-19 was categorized into three groups (mild, moderate, and severe) using CDC criteria. Serum Zn and Se level of all subjects was measured. The severity of the disease was determined only once at the onset of disease.ResultsAccording to the results of linear regression test, there was a significant association between Zn and Se level and COVID-19 severity (β = − 0.28, P-value = 0.01 for Se; β = − 0.26, P-value = 0.02). However the significance disappeared after adjusting for confounding factors. Spearman correlation analysis showed a significant negative association between serum Zn, Se and CRP level (r = − 0.35, P-value = 0.001 for Se; r = − 0.41, P-value < 0.001 for Zn).ConclusionResults suggest that increasing levels of Se and Zn were accompanied by a decrease in serum CRP level. However, the significant association between Se, Zn, and disease severity was lost after adjusting for confounding factors.

Serum and Hair Trace Element and Mineral Levels in Dairy Cows in Relation to Daily Milk Yield.

The objective of the present study was to assess hair and serum trace element and mineral levels in dairy cows in relation to daily milk yield. A total of 70 healthy 5-6-year-old Simmental cows were divided into two groups (n = 35) with high and low daily milk yield using median as a cut-off value. Hair and serum trace element and mineral content was evaluated using inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. A nearly twofold difference in daily milk yield (43.8 ± 9.7 vs 21.3 ± 7.1 L/day, p < 0.001) was significantly associated with 11% lower hair Cu (p = 0.043) and 35% higher Se levels (p = 0.058) content when compared animals with lower daily milk yield. Serum trace element levels were found to be more tightly associated with milk productivity in dairy cows. Particularly, serum levels of Se and Zn were found to be 73 and 35% higher in cows with higher milk productivity in comparison to animals with lower milk production, respectively. Serum Co levels also tended to increase with higher milk productivity. Serum minerals including Ca, Mg, and P were also found to be higher in highly productive cows by 6%, 14%, and 71%, respectively. The overall regression model based on serum trace element and mineral levels accounted for 38% of daily milk production variability. Generally, improvement of essential trace element and mineral supply, as well as prevention of copper overload in dairy cows, may be considered the potential tool for modulation of milk productivity.

Vitamins A and D and Zinc Affect the Leshmanicidal Activity of Canine Spleen Leukocytes.

Simple SummaryCanine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a zoonosis caused by the protozoan Leishmania infantum, with dogs being considered the main domestic reservoirs of the parasite and potential transmitters to humans through the phlebotomine vector. CanL is a chronic infectious disease that characteristically occurs in underdeveloped and developing countries, with a broad spectrum of clinical and immunopathological manifestations. Despite the efforts in the fight against the disease, many endemic sites of CanL persist, preceding human infection and representing a serious public health problem. The therapeutic arsenal for the treatment of leishmaniasis is limited by toxicity, high costs, and inefficacy, in some cases. Treatment failure implies the permanence of dogs as reservoirs of the parasite, with further aggravation of the public health problem, indicating that new therapies should be evaluated in order to increase the treatment efficacy. Recent studies have shown that nutrients can regulate the immune response in many clinical conditions, but no study has been conducted using spleen leukocytes in CanL. In this paper, we demonstrate for the first time that nutrients added to cultures of spleen leukocytes from dogs infected with CanL can modulate the immune response and parasite load compared to healthy dogs.Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a chronic disease caused by Leishmania infantum, and the limitations of the current treatments have encouraged new alternatives, such as the use of immunomodulatory nutrients. The objective of this study was to determine the serum levels of vitamin A (retinol), vitamin D (25(OH)VD3), and zinc (Zn) in dogs with CanL and the effect of in vitro supplementation with the respective active forms ATRA, 1,25(OH)2VD3, and SZn on spleen leukocyte cultures. Serum retinol, 25(OH)VD3, and Zn were determined by HPLC, ELISA, and ICP-MS, respectively. Spleen leukocyte cultures were used for the detection of NO and ROS by flow cytometry; the IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10 levels were determined by ELISA; and the parasite load was determined by microscopy. We detected low serum levels of retinol and Zn and high levels of 25(OH)VD3 in the CanL group. The in vitro supplementation of CanL spleen leukocytes with ATRA, 1,25(OH)2VD3, and SZn, in addition to a soluble leishmania antigen (SLA) treatment, increased the NO and ROS levels, while the treatments with only ATRA and SZn increased the TNF-a levels. Increased IL-10 and IFN-g levels were observed with the addition of SLA to the medium, although the addition of the three nutrients led to a reduction of the IL-10 levels, and the addition of 1,25(OH)2VD3 and SZn led to a reduction of IFN-g. A supplementation with 1,25(OH)2VD3 and SZn reduced the parasite load but only in the absence of SLA. We suggest that the nutrients we tested are involved in the leishmanicidal mechanism, showing a potential for investigation in future studies.

Serum trace elements levels and clinical outcomes among Iranian COVID-19 patients

Objectives: The relationship between immunity and trace elements levels is well known. We aimed to estimate the association of serum trace elements with severity and outcomes in the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients.Methods: In this single-centered, prospective, observational study, we enrolled 114 patients admitted to severe intensive care units (ICUs) and corresponding 112 sex and aged-matched non-ICU ward patients. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were all collected. We analyzed serum levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and manganese (Mn) in both severity groups.Results: The serum levels of Cu, Se, and Mn in both groups were within the normal range while Zn serum levels were lower than normal values. Based on these findings, Zn, Cu, Se, and Mn serum levels were not associated with disease severity (P > 0.05), while we found Zn serum levels were strongly associated with patient outcomes (P = 0.005). Our results indicated lower Mn serum levels were associated with age more than 55 years (P= 0.006). Our results were not in favor of a causal relationship between serum trace elements levels and disease severity.Conclusion: We found Zn level to be a strong indicator for patients’ outcomes that can be considered for monitoring patient prognosis. Nutritional measures or supplementation can help reduce poor outcomes caused by low Zn levels in Iranian COVID-19 patients.

Maternal serum zinc levels and urinary tract infections among pregnant women at a tertiary hospital in Lusaka, Zambia: a cross-sectional study

Background: Micronutrient deficiency is one of the leading public health problems, particularly in lower-middle-income countries. The link between serum zinc (Zn) levels and urinary tract infections (UTIs) among pregnant women is still poorly understood. We investigated the association between maternal serum Zn levels and UTIs among pregnant women at women and newborn hospital in Lusaka, Zambia.Methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study among 228 pregnant women aged 18 to 45 years between 1 September and 30 November 2019. Serum Zn levels were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), whereas UTIs were determined based on the local hospital guidelines. We used the logistic regression model to determine the association between Zn levels and UTIs. The analysis was done at a significance level of 5% and 95% confidence interval.Results: Of the total participants, 118/228 (51.75%) tested positive for UTIs from urine culture. The mean serum Zn levels in the group diagnosed with UTIs were 53.95 ug/dl (SD=35.10), while in those who had no UTIs, it was 50.05 ug/dl (SD=35.10). In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, we found no evidence of an association between serum Zn levels and UTIs (p=0.435).Conclusions: From the study findings, there was no association between serum Zn levels and UTIs. This result suggests that Zn may not have any role in urinary tract infection. Nevertheless, more extensive studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Correlation between serum albumin and serum zinc in malignant lymphoma.

Zinc (Zn) is a cofactor for more than 200 enzymes within the human body. Zn deficiency can result in cell-mediated immune dysfunction. Furthermore, serum Zn levels have been reported to be associated with nutritional status, but this association has not been clarified in malignant lymphoma. This study aimed to examine the deficiency of serum Zn levels and clarify the factors that are correlated with serum Zn in malignant lymphoma. Initial malignant lymphoma was diagnosed in patients at Fujita Health University Hospital between April 2011 and March 2019. Based on the serum Zn levels, the study population was divided into "deficient" and "low or normal". For the serum Zn levels of patients undergoing pre-chemotherapy, laboratory parameters and nutritional factors were included. We compared these factors between the abovementioned two groups, and the serum Zn levels with its correlation factors were investigated. A total of 77 patients (Deficient group, n=20 and Low or Normal group, n=57) were enrolled. Histology, hemoglobin, serum albumin levels, Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS), neutrophile-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), prognostic nutrition index (PNI) and Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) were significantly different between the two groups. Of these parameters, only serum albumin level was significantly associated with serum Zn level (p=0.0024; estimated regression coefficient, 9.51; adjusted coefficient of determination, 0.28). Poor nutritional status at the initial diagnosis may have affected Zn deficiency in initial malignant lymphoma.

Risk factors of post-tonsillectomy dysgeusia

Abstract Objective To investigate risk factors for dysgeusia after tonsillectomy. Methods A retrospective survey of medical records identified 318 patients (163 male and 155 female subjects aged 12–75 years, average 41.7 ± 16.1 years) who underwent tonsillectomy. Results Thirty three patients (10.4%) and seven patients (2.2%) reported suffering from dysgeusia three and six months after tonsillectomy, respectively. Average age, serum level of Zn and operation time were not significantly different between positive and negative findings of dysgeusia. Women with positive findings of dysgeusia (72.7%) was significantly higher than men (27.3%) (Odds ratio: 3.276, 95% CI: 1.441–7.450, p Conclusions Women and under 60 years old patients had a significantly higher rate of dysgeusia after tonsillectomy. It is recommended that patients are informed of the potential postoperative complication of dysgeusia.

Effects of the chelating agent DTPA on naturally accumulating metals in the body

Diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (DTPA) is the most widely used chelating agent for Pu and Am. Volunteers were assigned to receive intravenous injections or aerosol inhalations of 1 g of DTPA on days 1-4; volunteers received once daily injections of CaDTPA or ZnDTPA, CaDTPA inhalation as an aerosol, or CaDTPA injection on day 1 and ZnDTPA on days 2-4. CaDTPA injection or inhalation increased the excretion rates of Zn in urine with concomitantly reduced levels of serum Zn. Injection of CaDTPA reduced activities of serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) in parallel with the kinetics of Zn, whereas CaDTPA and ZnDTPA injection reduced activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and reduced activities of creatinine kinase (CK) were observed upon CaDTPA injection and its inhalation. Intravenous administration of CaDTPA and ZnDTPA enhanced excretion rates of Mn in urine, whereas transient reduction of Mn levels in serum was detected only via CaDTPA injection. Both CaDTPA and ZnDTPA transiently reduced levels of Mg in serum without affecting the excretion rates. On the other hand, both DTPAs increased excretion rates of toxic metals such as Pb and Cd, and CaDTPA also increased the rates of Hg. These results suggest that DTPA, and especially CaDTPA, removes essential metals and that the activities of these metalloenzymes are good indicators for the imbalance of essential metals during the DTPA administration. Our results also show that CaDTPA injection is more potent for removing these metals than ZnDTPA and inhalation of CaDTPA, and DTPA may be useful for the treatment of acute heavy metal poisoning with Pb, Cd, or Hg.

Macro- and microelements in serum and seminal plasma as biomarkers for bull sperm cryotolerance

ABSTRACTBackgroundWide variation in fertility rates is observed when using frozen bull semen, even when the bulls have met quality standards for semen production. Therefore, a simple and reliable test to assess the freezing potential of bull semen based on the analysis of fresh semen or blood would be of great value. Attention is now turning to assessment of seminal plasma components such as proteins and elements. In the present study, the concentrations of macro- and microelements in fresh bull semen plasma and in serum and their correlation with quality characteristics of fresh semen and with semen quality after freezing and thawing were determined. Ejaculates were collected from 30 mature bulls, and semen volume, concentration, sperm motility, morphology, tail membrane integrity, plasma membrane permeability and DNA fragmentation were determined on the day of collection and after freezing and thawing. The concentrations of macroelements (Na, Mg, K and Ca) and microelements (Cu, Fe, Zn and Se) were determined in the seminal plasma and serum. The semen samples were classified into satisfactory and unsatisfactory groups according to the fresh semen quality.ResultsZinc and Se levels measured in serum were associated with almost all fresh and frozen-thawed semen quality characteristics, while Fe levels were associated only with acrosomal defects in fresh semen. Zinc and Fe levels in fresh seminal plasma were associated with various quality characteristics of fresh and frozen-thawed semen, while Se level in fresh seminal plasma was not associated with any of the semen quality characteristics.ConclusionsMicroelements were shown to be useful as biomarkers involved in the analysis of bull sperm quality and could be used as an additional tool to predict bull semen quality after freezing and thawing. Our results confirm that the analysis of Zn and Se levels in serum and Zn, Cu and Fe levels in fresh seminal plasma can provide information to discriminate between bull semen samples with spermatozoa with high or low cryotolerance.

Plasma Concentrations of the Trace Elements Copper, Zinc, Lead and Selenium in Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder at Zagazig University Hospitals

Background: Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) has a multifactorial etiology involving interactions between genes, environment, and diet. Among the environmental factors that have received significant attention related to ASD are toxic metals, such as lead (Pb). Given the importance of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) metabolism for healthy neurological functioning and detoxification of heavy metals. Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element having a very narrow range between deficient, essential, and toxic doses. Objective: To evaluate the association between the level of serum Cu, Zn, Pb, and Se in children with ASD. Patients and Methods: Our case-control study was carried out in the psychiatric and neurology clinic, Pediatric Department, Zagazig University Hospital, during the period 2018 - 2019. It enrolled 42 children, (13 males and 8 females) with autism diagnosed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) and the Childhood Autism Rating Scales (CARS) (with no other medical disease). The control group enrolled 21 apparently healthy children. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the studied groups regarding the presence of plasma zinc and selenium (lower in the autistic group). There was a statistically significant difference between the studied groups regarding the presence of copper and plasma lead (higher in the autistic group). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between plasma selenium and lead level. Conclusion: Our results suggested an association between serum Cu, Zn, Pb, and Se in children with ASD.

Serum zinc concentration and risk of adverse outcomes to in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer: A prospective cohort study in northern China

Zinc (Zn) plays an important role in female reproductive health. Few studies have currently assessed the effects of female Zn level on the outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). This study investigated the association between serum Zn concentration and IVF-ET outcomes, and the potential effects of some lifestyles on this association. A prospective cohort study design was adopted, and 305 women undergoing IVF-ET were recruited from two cities, Beijing and Shandong, in northern China. Fasting blood specimens were obtained on the day prior to the first treatment cycle. A questionnaire was used to collect demographic characteristics and lifestyle information. Serum Zn concentration was measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Female serum Zn levels in Beijing center were found to be significantly higher than those in Shandong center. Women who failed to achieve clinical pregnancy had significantly lower Zn concentrations among Shandong subjects, but not in Beijing or the total participants in both centers. For Beijing participants, no statistically significant associations were found between Zn concentrations and the failure risk of IVF-ET [adjusted relative risk (aRR) = 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37–1.15]. For Shandong participants, lower Zn concentrations (< 610.3 ng/mL) were associated with a 66% increased risk of IVF-ET failure (aRR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.10–2.51). Also, significantly positive correlations were observed between Zn concentrations and the habitual consumption of two food types, including fresh vegetables and beans or bean products, but this was not the case in Beijing. It was concluded that the effect of serum Zn concentrations on IVF-ET outcome may vary by the geographic location. Lower Zn levels might be a risk factor for IVF-ET failure among Shandong women, which can be addressed by adjusting the food intakes. These findings have implications for human infertility treatment and public health problem addressing.

The Effect Of Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid on Multiple Sclerosis in Mice

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which a deficiency of vitamin B12 along with folic acid can contribute to its progression. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of these two vitamins in altering myelin base protein (MBP) in the MS model of rats and also to measure some ionic parameters in serum. Methods: Brain histology was followed by analysis of the relationship between vitamin B12 treatment or folic acid and MBP as well as changes in total protein concentration (TPC). MBP expression was assessed by SDS-PAGE and serum levels of iron. Copper and zinc were also assessed by Duncan test. Results: MBP expression in cortical extract was increased by simultaneous treatment with vitamin B12 and folic acid compared with the groups treated individually. Histological examinations showed that the highest level of tissue repair was in the same group. There was a significant difference between cortical TPC in the control and treatment of vitamin B12 and folic acid, but serum levels of Fe, Zn and Cu were not significantly different between the groups. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the combination of these vitamins increases the expression of MBP protein.

SERUM LEVEL OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN PANCREATIC DUCTAL ADENOCARCINOMA

Abstract INTRODUCTION Trace elements named copper (Cu), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) could play a role in the development of malignancy since they act as cofactors of antioxidant enzymes. The aim was to evaluate the alterations in the serum levels of Cu, Se and Zn in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), by analyzing portal and arterial blood, collected before (pre) and after (post) tumor resection. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was carried out between September 18-May 19 with 27 resected PDAC patients. The portal and arterial blood samples collected during surgery were immediately sent to the Biochemistry laboratory, where they were stored at -80 °C until processed by mass spectrometry (ICP-MS, 7700x, Agilent). RESULTS Blood was not diluted during surgery (similar hematocrit). There was a significant positive correlation between arterial and portal serum levels (Spearman coefficient). CONCLUSIONS The concentrations of the trace elements are significantly lower after pancreatic resection. The good correlation between arterial and portal serum levels suggests that portal blood collection is unnecessary. Grants: New diagnostic strategies for early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (DIAGNOPANC). Ministry for Science and Innovation, 2018. C. Seijo Fernandez, Servicio de Anestesia, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias. A. Montes Llaneza, Unidad Enfermería Quirófano, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias. E. Castro Celeiro, Unidad Enfermería Quirófano, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias. L. Barneo Serra, Servicio de Cirugía, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias.

Patterns and Associations of Essential Trace Elements (Cu, Fe and Zn) in Saudi Adults with Varying Levels of Glycemia.

The homeostasis of trace elements were observed to contribute to certain diabetic outcomes. This cross-sectional study determined the differences and associations between serum levels of copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in Saudi patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) as well as those with prediabetes. Anthropometrics were measured, and fasting blood samples were collected from 119 patients with T2DM (aged 41–64 years), 95 non-T2DM (aged 27–55 years) and 80 with prediabetes (aged 35–57 years). Circulating trace minerals were determined using an inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometer. Serum levels of Cu and Fe were significantly lower in T2DM than non-T2DM (adjusted p-values < 0.001). There was no difference in the Zn levels of the T2DM and non-T2DM groups. The serum Cu levels were significantly lower in the prediabetes group than the non-T2DM group (p < 0.05). The serum levels of Cu, Fe and Zn were inversely associated with circulating glucose in the T2DM and prediabetes subjects (p-values < 0.001). In conclusion, the differences in circulating trace elements were observed in Saudi subjects with varying glycemic statuses, suggesting an inverse association between T2DM progression and the decreasing serum Cu, Fe and Zn levels. Intervention trials are warranted to determine whether early correction of trace mineral deficiencies is beneficial in populations at higher risk for T2DM.