Zinc In Women Research Articles

Serum concentrations of retinol, β-carotene and zinc in women with breast cancer submitted to radiotherapy according to prior treatment modality and toxicity

Serum concentrations of retinol, β-carotene and zinc in women with breast cancer submitted to radiotherapy according to prior treatment modality and toxicity

Comparison of Serum Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc amongst Preeclampsia and Normotensive Pregnant Women attending a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Tripura, Northeast India

Introduction: Preeclampsia is one of the most frequently encountered medical complications of pregnancy. If left untreated, it exerts serious medical complications for both the mother as well as baby. As a multifactorial progressive disease, identifying potential biomarkers for predicting preeclampsia is crucial for disease stratification and targeted therapy. There is a growing interest in early detection of micronutrient deficiencies, such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc, to understand the causes of preeclampsia development. Aim: To compare the serum levels of calcium, magnesium, and zinc in women with preeclampsia and normotensive pregnant women attending Agartala Government Medical College and Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital, Agartala, Tripura, India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Agartala Government Medical College, Agartala, Tripura, India, from January 2020 to December 2021. The study included primigravida women aged between 18 and 35 years, in their third trimester of pregnancy, with a singleton pregnancy. Sixty preeclampsia patients and 60 normotensive pregnant women were enrolled, and various biochemical parameters like serum calcium, magnesium, zinc, uric acid, urea, creatinine, Alanine Transaminase (ALT), and Aspartate Transaminase (AST) were analysed. Data were statistically analysed using the student t-test and Chi-square test. Results: The mean age (in years), gestational age (in weeks), and Body Mass Index (BMI) (Kg/m2 ) of the study subjects and control group were 26.02±4.69 and 23.4±3.81, 34.78±2.41 and 33.51±2.79, and 27.97±3.82 and 26.03±4.26, respectively. The authors observed that the levels of biochemical parameters like serum creatinine, AST, ALT, and uric acid were increased in preeclampsia. Furthermore, the serum concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and zinc were significantly decreased in preeclampsia. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that preeclamptic women have reduced levels of serum calcium, zinc, and magnesium compared to normal pregnant women. Therefore, dietary supplementation of these essential nutrients, either individually or in combination, may help prevent preeclampsia at an early stage and improve foetal outcomes.

Study the effect some of antioxidant in polycystic ovary syndrome women

This study was conducted at the Women and Children’s Hospital in Al-Qadisiyah from 1/10/2021 to 2/1/2022, and 50 patients were followed up for women suffering from polycystic ovaries on the third day of the menstrual cycle, and compared to the control group, which included 50 normal cases, which were confirmed to be free. Of the chronic diseases such as heart disease, thyroid, diabetes and blood pressure, the concentration of antioxidants was measured for both infected and non-infected women, including SOD, UA and MDA. A significant increase in antioxidants and decrease GSH was observed in women with PCOS compared to the control group. The concentration of copper, zinc, Cu and Zn elements was also measured, as we showed a high concentration of copper and a decrease in zinc in women with polycystic ovary syndrome compared to the control group.

Expression of metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and plasma zinc concentrations in women with fibroadenoma.

This study aims to investigate the association between the immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 and plasma zinc in women with fibroadenoma. This cross-sectional study included 37 premenopausal women with fibroadenoma. Waist circumference and body mass index of the participants were measured. Plasma zinc concentrations were determined using atomic flame absorption spectrophotometry. Fragments of breast tissue were fixed and incubated with primary mouse monoclonal antibodies (monoclonal antibodies matrix metalloproteinase -2 -507 and monoclonal antibodies matrix metalloproteinase -9-439). Semi-quantitative analysis of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 immunoreactivity was performed. Spearman's test and Friedman's test were used for statistical analyses. The p<0.05 were considered statistically significant. The average age of the participants was 32.81±9.51 years. The body mass index and waist circumference values were within the normal range. The mean plasma zinc concentration was 42.73±13.84 µg/dL, with 94.6% inadequacy. A statistically significant difference was found between the positive expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (p=0.0184). There was no significant correlation between the matrix metalloproteinase expression and the plasma zinc levels. Women with fibroadenoma had hypozincemia and positive expression of metalloproteinases.

The role of macro- and microelements in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary

PCOS is a common disease that occurs in 3–15% of women of childbearing age, according to various authors. Despite numerous studies, there are still many conflicting views on the etiology of PCOS, as well as on the diagnostic criteria and treatment methods for this disease.Purpose of the study. Evaluation of macro- and microelements in blood serum of women with PCOS and study of their role in development of this disease.Materials and methods. The control group consisted of 38 healthy women. The study group included 52 women with PCOS. In both groups magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), selenium (Se), and vanadium (V) were determined in blood serum. Samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Statistical significance of the results was evaluated using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney criteria, Student’s t-test.Results of the study. Increase in Mn, Ni, and Zn was found in women with PCOS an. Cu, Mg, Cr, Se, V value in both groups were the same. The medians of the Mn, Ni and Cr level exceed the permissible standards in both groups of women, which indicate an increased exposure these metals on the population. Mn and Ni were significantly higher in women with PCOS compared to the control group. The authors of the study suggested that an increased exposure level of Mn and Ni may be the cause or background factor for the PCOS.Conclusion. Higher levels of manganese, nickel and zinc in the blood serum in women with PCOS compared with the control group were found. An increased manganese and nickel exposure on the body can cause PCOS. Increase in zinc in women with PCOS is likely due to the body's adaptive response.

Consumption of Traditional and Indigenous Foods and Their Contribution to Nutrient Intake among Children and Women in Botswana

ABSTRACT In Botswana, traditional diets are gradually being replaced by westernized diets high in energy-dense and nutrient- poor, while micro nutrient deficiencies among the population remain. We determined the consumption of traditional and indigenous foods (TIF) and their contribution to nutrient intake among children and women in Botswana. TIF accounted for relatively high percentages of energy intake in children (41%) and women (36%) respectively. The mean intake of vitamin A in children and vitamin A and zinc in women was high from TIF compared to non-TIF. Research attention to determining the full potential of TIF in contributing to nutrition and health is warranted.

The Nutritional Contribution of Potato Varietal Diversity in Andean Food Systems: a Case Study

Potato is the backbone of agriculture and diets in high-altitude food systems of Peru, where farmers grow diverse varietal portfolios. Here we report on the role of diverse landraces and modern potato varieties in the Andean diet. The dry matter, energy, protein, iron and zinc content of 12 floury and 9 bitter landraces was determined. The contribution of varietal diversity to the dietary intake of energy, protein, iron and zinc was established during two contrasting periods of overall food availability. Results show that the potato and intraspecific diversity make an important contribution to nutrition. Most floury landraces contain higher concentrations of protein and iron compared to the reference value reported in the 2009 Peruvian food composition table for a boiled and peeled floury landrace. Traditional freeze-drying of bitter landraces doesn’t affect energy or iron concentrations, but reduces protein and zinc content considerably. Protein and iron contents in boiled chuno derived from the bitter landraces are lower compared to the mean value reported in the food composition table. The contribution of varietal diversity ideally needs to be taken into account when conducting nutrition studies in diversity hotspots like the Andes where potato is a main staple. The potato adds positively to the nutritional balance and the recommended requirements for energy, protein, iron and zinc of women and children. Floury landraces and modern varieties complement each other in light of seasonality, providing valuable nutrients during contrasting periods of the year. The potato thus contributes positively to food security. However, the overall diversity of the diet was found to be poor, resulting in micronutrient deficiencies. Options to strengthen food based approaches to attend undernutrition are discussed.

Micronutrient Status and Dietary Intake of Iron, Vitamin A, Iodine, Folate and Zinc in Women of Reproductive Age and Pregnant Women in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa: A Systematic Review of Data from 2005 to 2015.

A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the status and intake of iron, vitamin A, iodine, folate and zinc in women of reproductive age (WRA) (≥15–49 years) and pregnant women (PW) in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa. National and subnational data published between 2005 and 2015 were searched via Medline, Scopus and national public health websites. Per micronutrient, relevant data were pooled into an average prevalence of deficiency, weighted by sample size (WAVG). Inadequate intakes were estimated from mean (SD) intakes. This review included 65 surveys and studies from Ethiopia (21), Kenya (11), Nigeria (21) and South Africa (12). In WRA, WAVG prevalence of anaemia ranged from 18–51%, iron deficiency 9–18%, and iron deficiency anaemia at 10%. In PW, the prevalence was higher, and ranged from 32–62%, 19–61%, and 9–47%, respectively. In WRA, prevalence of vitamin A, iodine, zinc and folate deficiencies ranged from 4–22%, 22–55%, 34% and 46%, while in PW these ranged from 21–48%, 87%, 46–76% and 3–12% respectively. Inadequate intakes of these micronutrients are high and corresponded with the prevalence figures. Our findings indicate that nationally representative data are needed to guide the development of nutrition interventions and public health programs, such as dietary diversification, micronutrient fortification and supplementation.

Peripheral zinc and neopterin concentrations are associated with mood severity in bipolar disorder in a gender-specific manner

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a recurrent, episodic mood disorder for which there are no current diagnostic, prognostic or theranostic biomarkers. Two peripheral markers of the acute phase immune response, zinc and neopterin, are consistently associated with severity of depression in literature. Given gender differences in clinical presentation of BD and in inflammatory processes, we aimed to explore the interaction between gender and immune biomarkers to predict mood severity in BD. Participants with DSM IV BD I and II were recruited through the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute during an acute mood episode. Healthy controls (HC) were recruited through advertisements. Participants fasted for at least 6h when blood was drawn for biomarkers. We found that zinc concentrations were significantly lower in the BD group at baseline (p<.05), and there was also a significant interaction between gender and zinc (p<.05), associated with depression severity. Also, we found a significant interaction between gender and neopterin, associated with mania severity (p<.05). We found that mania severity was associated with neopterin in men, while depression severity was positively associated with zinc in women. Our report bears replication in larger samples and highlights the potential for differences in the underlying pathophysiology between men and women with BD.

Factors that Affect the Content of Cadmium, Nickel, Copper and Zinc in Tissues of the Knee Joint

Osteoarthritis causes the degradation of the articular cartilage and periarticular bones. Trace elements influence the growth, development and condition of the bone tissue. Changes to the mineral composition of the bone tissue can cause degenerative changes and fractures. The aim of the research was to determine the content of cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in the tibia, the femur and the meniscus in men and women who underwent a knee replacement surgery. Samples were collected from 50 patients, including 36 women and 14 men. The determination of trace elements content were performed by ICP-AES method, using Varian 710-ES. Average concentration in the tissues of the knee joint teeth amounted for cadmium 0.015, nickel 0.60, copper 0.89 and zinc 80.81 mg/kg wet weight. There were statistically significant differences in the content of cadmium, copper and zinc in different parts of the knee joint. There were no statistically significant differences in the content of cadmium, nickel, copper and zinc in women and men in the examined parts of the knee joint. Among the elements tested, copper and nickel showed a high content in the connective tissue (the meniscus) compared to the bone tissue (the tibia and the femur).

P.2.d.018 - Clinical correlates of age at onset distribution in bipolar disorder: a comparison between diagnostic subgroups

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a recurrent, episodic mood disorder for which there are no current diagnostic, prognostic or theranostic biomarkers. Two peripheral markers of the acute phase immune response, zinc and neopterin, are consistently associated with severity of depression in literature. Given gender differences in clinical presentation of BD and in inflammatory processes, we aimed to explore the interaction between gender and immune biomarkers to predict mood severity in BD. Participants with DSM IV BD I and II were recruited through the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute during an acute mood episode. Healthy controls (HC) were recruited through advertisements. Participants fasted for at least 6 h when blood was drawn for biomarkers. We found that zinc concentrations were significantly lower in the BD group at baseline (p<.05), and there was also a significant interaction between gender and zinc (p<.05), associated with depression severity. Also, we found a significant interaction between gender and neopterin, associated with mania severity (p<.05). We found that mania severity was associated with neopterin in men, while depression severity was positively associated with zinc in women. Our report bears replication in larger samples and highlights the potential for differences in the underlying pathophysiology between men and women with BD.

A Pilot Study of the Efficacy in Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss using 5% Minoxidil Solution Combined with Oral Chelated Zinc Supplement

Abstract Background: Zinc supplement is popular trace element gave to female pattern hair loss (FPHL). But the type of patient, efficacy and side effect in detail of Zinc supplement are not well characterized. Objective: To determine efficacy and side effect of chelated Zinc in women with FPHL which using 5% minoxidil solution. Materials and methods: 18 Thai women with FPHL applied 5% topical minoxidil solution twice daily combined with 15 mg oral chelated Zinc for 24 weeks. Then measure growth of hair by global photograph, hair density and hair shaft diameter during 24 weeks of treatment. Results: All 18 female patients were attached to the study at 24-week follow up visit. The mean age was 47.5 ± 9.7 years (range, 26-61 years). Percentage of increasing in hair density and hair shaft diameter at 24-week follow-up visit after receiving 5% minoxidil solution combined with oral chelated Zinc supplement was 12.2% and 5.5%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences improvement in both hair density and hair shaft diameter (p<0.001 and p<0.001). Furthermore, The assessment of Global Photographic Review (GPR) by two dermatologists showed 11.1% of patients had moderately improved, 61.1% had minimally improved and 27.8% no change. There were no statistically significant differences between serum Zinc and Ferritin. Furthermore, no side effect of oral chelated Zinc was reported. Conclusions: Using chelated Zinc as additional trace supplements in FPHL has an efficacy to improve hair density and hair shaft diameter with no side effect.

Enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase and zincemia in women with preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is a complex syndrome of unknown aetiologic origin. It is characterized by the clinical triad of hypertension, edema and protenuria. Current concepts of the genesis of preeclampsia include endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress. This study assessed the relationship between the activity of superoxide dismutase, the zincemia and the preeclampsia. A case-control study was carried out with 94 women, age between 17 and 44 years, which were divided in two groups: women with preeclampsia (n = 44) and control group women with normal pregnancy (n = 50). The activity of superoxide dismutase enzyme was determined according to Ransod kit. Zinc concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes were determined using the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry technique, both determined before delivery and during puerperium. Student's t-test and the paired t-test were used for statistical analysis, and significance was established at p < 0.05. The study revealed plasma hypozincemia more pronounced in women with severe preeclampsia (p < 0.05). This behavior was not observed in erythrocytes, whose concentrations remained stable, before delivery and puerperium in women with preeclampsia and normal pregnancy. The antioxidant activity of the enzyme superoxide dismutase was found elevated in women with and without preeclampsia (p>0.05), with significant reduction in activity in the postpartum period (p < 0.05) in both groups studied (p>0.05). This study shows there are alterations in biochemical parameters of zinc in women with preeclampsia. The activity of superoxide dismutase shows that this marker cannot be used to predict the evolution of the disease.

Immune response in relation to zinc status, sex and antioxidant defence in Italian elderly population: the ZENITH study

Evaluation of some immune markers in Italian elderly population in relation to zinc status, gender and antioxidant defence. Observational study. Italian population. Apparently healthy, free-living subjects, 56 men and 52 women, aged 70-85 y, enrolled in Italy. Lymphocytes were unstimulated or stimulated with the mitogen phytohemoagglutinin (PHA). The proliferative capacity was measured as incorporation of [3H]-thymidine and reported as stimulation index (SI). Cytokine secretion by lymphocytes was determined by ELISA. The antioxidant enzyme activities were measured using commercial kits. Dietary zinc intake, as well as zinc in serum, red blood cells and urine were on the normal range of values and did not show any difference between men and women. The proliferative response showed a high variability without significant differences between men and women. The amount of secreted pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines was similar in men and women. No differences were found in the activity of antioxidant enzymes in lymphocytes, namely superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, between men and women. An association between SI and serum zinc level in men was found. SI resulted negatively correlated with interleukin (IL)-1beta (R2 = 0.036 and P = 0.012) and IL-10 (R2 = 0.34 and P = 0.040) only in men. IL-10 of PHA-stimulated lymphocytes was negatively correlated with red blood zinc in men (R2 = 0.41 and P = 0.008), while IL-10 of unstimulated and PHA-stimulated lymphocytes were negatively correlated with serum zinc in women (R2 = 0.38 and P = 0.020; R2 = 0.31 and P = 0.040, respectively). No correlation was observed between immune markers and antioxidant enzyme activities. Only weak differences on immune response between men and women were observed. However, zinc status appears to have more influence on the ability of lymphocytes to proliferate in men than in women.

Periconceptional Nutrient Intake and Risk for Neural Tube Defect-Affected Pregnancies

We investigated whether intakes of nutrients, including folate, by women in the periconceptional period were associated with risks of neural tube defect (NTD)-affected pregnancies. Data were part of a case-control study of fetuses and infants with NTDs among 1989-1991 California births. We conducted interviews with mothers of 409 NTD cases and 420 nonmal-formed controls. Nutrient intake for the 3 months before conception was derived from food frequency questionnaires and from questions to mothers about vitamin/mineral supplement use. We computed NTD risk for each nutrient controlling for the influence of all other studied nutrients and for maternal education, race/ethnicity, height, and prepregnancy weight. Most single nutrients reduced NTD risks when intakes were considered in quartiles and unadjusted for other nutrients. Some of the same nutrients, however, did not provide similar interpretations when we adjusted for other nutrients. Adjusted analyses revealed decreased NTD risks with increased intakes of methionine, lutein, magnesium, zinc, and thiamin for women who did not use vitamin supplements periconceptionally. We observed decreased NTD risks associated with increased intakes of linoleic acid, cysteine, calcium, and zinc for women who used supplements. We also observed increased NTD risks with increased intakes of oleic acid. For users as well as nonusers of vitamin supplements, we observed reduced risks with increased intakes of grains and dairy products. Chance was a likely alternative explanation for many of the observed risk patterns.

Zinc absorption and intestinal losses of endogenous zinc in young Chinese women with marginal zinc intakes

The objective of this study was to determine fractional absorption of exogenous zinc and intestinal excretion of endogenous zinc in women of childbearing age whose habitual dietary zinc intake was marginal. The target population (L group) comprised residents of a remote farming village in northeast China and the control subjects (M group) were residents of Beijing. Mean (+/-SE) calculated dietary zinc intakes were 5.2 +/- 0.2 and 8.1 +/- 0.2 mg/d, respectively. The phytate-zinc molar ratio in the diet of both groups was approximately 10:1. 70Zn was administered intravenously before breakfast and 67Zn orally with three main meals in 1 d. Subsequently, all feces were collected quantitatively until the second visible marker had been excreted and 12-h urine samples were collected on days 3-9. Fractional absorption was determined by measuring cumulative fecal excretion of nonabsorbed 67Zn and endogenous fecal zinc by isotope-dilution technique (70Zn). Fractional absorption values for L and M groups, respectively, were 0.31 +/- 0.03 and 0.34 +/- 0.03 (P=0.45). Corresponding figures for endogenous fecal zinc were 1.30 +/- 0.07 and 2.34 +/- 0.20 mg Zn/d (P<0.001). Both the estimated total size of the pools of zinc that exchange with zinc in plasma within 2 d (r=0.762, P<0.001) and the excretion of endogenous zinc in the feces (r=0.706, P<0.0001) were positively correlated with calculated total daily zinc absorption. We conclude that fractional absorption of zinc does not differ between women consuming marginal and adequate quantities of zinc in their diets, but endogenous zinc is conserved effectively by the intestine in women whose habitual dietary zinc is marginal.

Mineral Balances of Men and Women Consuming High Fiber Diets With Complex or Simple Carbohydrate

Calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, and zinc balances of 20 men, 19 premenopausal women, and 12 postmenopausal women were determined while they consumed self-selected diets or high fiber diets with either complex or simple carbohydrate. Self-selected intakes of calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc were generally below RDA levels. Iron intakes of premenopausal women were less than two-thirds RDA. Balances during the self-selected intake period of calcium in men and women and of magnesium and zinc in women were negative, but lower-than-usual intakes could have contributed to this. High fiber diets did not adversely affect zinc, copper, manganese or iron balances. Calcium and magnesium balances were generally negative, especially in women, even though intakes were adequate. Excretion of copper was increased in premenopausal women consuming the simple carbohydrate diet. The levels of magnesium and especially calcium needed to maintain balance when consuming a high fiber diet may be above present RDA levels.

Zinc status in women with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis

Zinc status has been shown to influence various cell-mediated immunologic mechanisms. These cell-mediated mechanisms are important in preventing mucocutaneous infections caused by Candida albicans. This study evaluated the relationship between zinc status and recurrent vaginal candidiasis by comparing plasma and erythrocyte zinc in 29 patients with recurrent vaginal candidiasis and 20 control subjects matched for age, race, and parity. The results indicated that there was a significantly lower level of plasma zinc in women with recurrent vaginal candidiasis (81 + 11.6 mg/dl) than in the control subjects (91 ± 14.2 mg/dl) with a significant value of p = 0.015. These differences in plasma zinc levels were even greater when adjusted for dietary zinc and supplemental zinc with the use of analyses of covariance. No differences in erythrocyte zinc measurements were found between the two groups. These results suggest that mild zinc deficiency is associated with recurrent vaginal candidiasis and may play a role in the susceptibility of women to recurrent vaginal candidiasis.