Blood-copper and zinc levels and consequences of cardiovascular complications: a study by INAA and FAAS

Concentration Enrichment in a Dissolving Microdroplet: Accessing Sub-nanomolar Electroanalysis

Droplet evaporation has previously been used as a concentration enrichment strategy; however, the measurement technique of choice requires quantification in rather large volumes. Electrochemistry has recently emerged as a method to robustly probe volumes even down to the attoliter (10-18 L) level. We present a concentration enrichment strategy based on the dissolution of a microdroplet placed on the surface of a Au ultramicroelectrode (radius ∼ 6.25 μm). By precisely positioning a 1,2-dichloroethane microdroplet onto the ultramicroelectrode with a microinjector, we are able to track the droplet's behavior optically and electrochemically. Because the droplet spontaneously dissolves over time, given the relative solubility of 1,2-dichloroethane in the water continuous phase, the change in volume with time enriches the concentration of the redox probe (Cp2*(Fe)II) in the droplet. We demonstrate robust electrochemical detection down to sub-nM (800 pM) concentrations of Cp2*(Fe)II. For this droplet, 800 pM constitutes only about 106 molecules. We extend the strategy in a single-blind study to determine unknown concentrations, emphasizing the promise of the new methodology. These results take voltammetric quantification easily to the sub-μM regime.

Association between dietary copper and cardiovascular disease: A narrative review

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity. Several studies have investigated the relationship between trace element status, including copper status, and CVDs in population studies; however, there are controversies about the role of dietary copper and CVD. We aimed to review the association between dietary copper intake with CVD and this association's related factors by reviewing both animal models and human studies. Some animal model studies have reported a strong relationship between dietary copper intake and atherogenesis based on the possible molecular pathways, whilst other studies have not confirmed this relationship. Human studies have not revealed a relationship between CVDs and dietary copper intake, but there is uncertainty about the optimal amount of dietary copper intake in relation reducing the risk of CVDs. These associations may be influenced by ethnicity, gender, underlying co-morbidities and the methods used for its measurement.

The Correlation Between Whole Blood Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) Levels and Cu/Zn Ratio and Sepsis-Induced Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction (SILVSD) in Patients with Septic Shock: A Single-Center Prospective Observational Study

Purpose

This study aimed to explore relationships between whole blood copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and Cu/Zn ratio and cardiac dysfunction in patients with septic shock.

Subjects and Methods

Between April 2018 and March 2020, septic shock patients with sepsis-induced left ventricular systolic dysfunction (SILVSD, left ventricular ejection fraction, LVEF<50%) and with no sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (non-SIMD, septic shock alone and LVEF>50%) and controls were prospectively enrolled. Whole blood Cu and Zn levels were measured using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Results

Eighty-six patients with septic shock including both 41 SILVSD and 45 non-SIMD and 25 controls were studied. Whole blood Cu levels and Cu/Zn ratio were significantly higher and Zn levels were lower in SILVSD compared with non-SIMD and controls (Cu, p=0.009, <0.001; Zn, p=0.029, <0.001; Cu/Zn ratio, p=0.003, <0.001). Both increased whole blood Cu and Cu/Zn ratio and reduced Zn were associated with lower LVEF (all p<0.001) and higher amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (Cu, p=0.002; Zn, p<0.001; Cu/Zn ratio, p<0.001) and had predictive values for SILVSD (Cu, AUC=0.666, p=0.005; Zn, AUC=0.625, p=0.039; Cu/Zn ratio, AUC=0.674, p=0.029). Whole blood Cu levels and Cu/Zn ratio were increased but Zn levels were reduced in non-survivors compared with survivors (Cu, p<0.001; Zn, p<0.001; Cu/Zn ratio, p<0.001). Whole blood Cu and Zn displayed the value of predicting 28-day mortality (Cu, AUC = 0.802, p<0.001; Zn, AUC=0.869, p<0.001; Cu/Zn ratio, AUC=0.902, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Findings of the study suggest that whole blood Cu levels and Cu/Zn ratio are increased in SILVSD patients and positively correlated with cardiac dysfunction, while whole blood Zn levels are reduced and negatively associated with cardiac dysfunction. Moreover, both whole blood Cu, Zn and Cu/Zn ratio might distinguish between SILVSD and non-SIMD in septic shock patients and predict 28-day mortality.

Trial Registration

Registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn/ChiCTR1800015709.

Integrated metabolomics and metallomics analyses in acute coronary syndrome patients

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Accurate risk prediction in ACS patients is critically important for helping clinicians make therapeutic decisions, such as recommending a more aggressive intervention and intensive follow-up. However, risk stratification in ACS patients remains challenging, and the identification of novel predictors is necessary for improving the prognostic prediction in ACS patients. We employed metallomics and untargeted metabolomics approaches to discover new biomarkers from the plasma samples of 20 ACS patients and 20 non-ACS patients. We identified metabolic changes related to lysophosphatidylcholines, caffeine, glycolysis, tryptophan and sphingomyelin metabolism (p value <0.05) that were perturbed in the ACS patients. Moreover, circulating metal elements, including Mg, Ca, K, Zn, Ni, Ga and In (p value <0.05), were altered in the ACS patients versus the controls. These changes suggest possible changes in cell membrane permeability and rigidity in ACS patients.

Development of radiochemistry in Pakistan – 1960 to 2010

With the inception of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) in 1956, peaceful uses of atomic energy commenced for the benefit of scientific community as well as masses of Pakistan. Radiochemistry played a vital role right from the beginning. The research and development in this field accelerated soon after the criticality of the first research reactor named as Pakistan Research Reactor (PARR- 1) at the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH), Islamabad. The first radioisotope produced at PARR-1 for application in nuclear medicine was 131I. Later on, many other radioisotopes were prepared and radiopharmaceuticals were synthesised for their use in industry and hospitals. Besides providing pure radioactive tracers for nuclear medicine, radiochemistry also enhanced the detection limit of impurities at all stages of nuclear fuel cycle for power generation. In 1983, research in the field of nuclear data measurement began. The main aim was to identify suitable conditions for the production of radionuclides for cancer diagnostics, treatment and therapy. With the establishment of a second research reactor (PARR-2) at PINSTECH, research in neutron activation analysis, radioisotope production and separation studies gained more momentum and many research articles were published. Solvent extraction, adsorption and ion-exchange were the main routes of separation in those studies. Separation of heavy metals and treatment of waste generated in a nuclear power plant are other important aspects related to environmental restoration and nuclear waste management, where radiochemistry is required. In future, work in radiochemistry will be continued on similar lines to develop novel radiopharmaceuticals, identify indigenous schemes for nuclear waste management and work out intelligent procedures for material characterization for benefit to mankind, especially the people of Pakistan.