Low zinc levels is associated with increased inflammatory activity but not with atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis or endothelial dysfunction among the very elderly

Relationship between Copper, Zinc, and Copper-to-Zinc Ratio in Hair and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease according to the SYNTAX Score

Coronary artery disease (CAD) continues to be a foremost contributor to global mortality, and the quest for modifiable risk factors could improve prophylactic strategies. Recent studies suggest a significant role of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) deficiency in atheromatous plaque formation. Furthermore, hair was previously described as a valuable source of information on elemental burden during the 6-8 week period before sampling. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of correlation between the extent of CAD evaluated with the SYNergy Between PCI With TAXUS and the Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score with Cu and Zn content in hair samples, as well as with the Cu/Zn ratio in a cohort of 130 patients. Our findings describe a statistically significant inverse correlation between Cu content and the Cu/Zn ratio in hair samples and the extent of CAD. In contrast, no significant correlation was found between Zn content and the extent of CAD. Considering the scarcity of existing data on the subject, the analysis of hair samples could yield a novel insight into elemental deficiencies and their potential influence on CAD extent.

Effects of a calcium/vitamin D/Zinc combination on anti-osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis is a major health problem in postmenopausal women, and characterized by deteriorated bone mass and micro-architecture. There have been some clinical trials demonstrating the beneficial effects of vitamin-D and some trace elements on calcium absorption and attenuation of osteoporosis development. However, effects of the combination of vitamin-D and zinc on calcium absorption and osteoporosis have not been adequately investigated.

METHODS

Network pharmacology was first performed to explore possible correlations between calcium/vitamin D/zinc and osteoporosis. Forty-nine female Sprague-Dawley rats (6 months old, 250 ± 20 g) were randomized into 7 experimental groups with 7 animals per group for the in vivo study, including one sham surgery control group, one ovariectomizing (OVX) group, and 5 OVX plus treatment groups. At the end of animal experiment, animal tibia and femur leg bones and blood were collected for H&E staining, bone microstructure analysis by a micro-CT, measurement of bone and serum Ca, P and Zn concentrations, and immunohistochemical detection of macrophage-colony stimulating factor receptor (M-CSFR) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL).

RESULTS

The network pharmacology analysis identified 57 candidate targets that were related to the osteoporosis-Ca/VitD/Zn interconnections. Further pathway analysis suggested that the combined treatment of Ca, VitD and Zn attenuated osteoporosis via modulation of metabolic pathways. We found that a therapy with Ca/VitD-M/Zn-M (73 mg/kg/day Ca, 0.6 g/kg/day VitD3 and 0.6 mg/kg/day zinc citrate) could significantly suppress the progression of osteoporosis in rats. After the Ca/VitD-M/Zn-M treatment, the ratio of bone volume/tissue volume, trabecular number and the trabecular thickness were all significantly elevated while the extent of trabecular separation was significantly reduced. Additionally, both serum calcium and bone calcium levels were significantly upregulated by the Ca/VitD/Zn treatment in a dose-dependent manner. The combination of Ca/VitD-M/Zn-M was superiou to either Ca/VitD-L/Zn-L or Ca/VitD-H/Zn-H treatment for such an effect. Moreover, the osteoporosis-associated M-CSFR and RANKL factors were both significantly downregulated by the Ca/VitD-M/Zn-M treatment in bone tissues of OVX rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined supplement of VitD and Zn facilitates the Ca(2 +) absorption and attenuates the development of osteoporosis via down-regulation of osteoporosis-associated factors M-CSFR and RANKL, thus potentially constitutes an alternative therapy for the postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Zinc in Cardiovascular Functions and Diseases: Epidemiology and Molecular Mechanisms for Therapeutic Development

Zinc is an essential trace element that plays an important physiological role in numerous cellular processes. Zinc deficiency can result in diverse symptoms, such as impairment of the immune response, skin disorders, and impairments in cardiovascular functions. Recent reports have demonstrated that zinc acts as a signaling molecule, and its signaling pathways, referred to as zinc signals, are related to the molecular mechanisms of cardiovascular functions. Therefore, comprehensive understanding of the significance of zinc-mediated signaling pathways is vital as a function of zinc as a nutritional component and of its molecular mechanisms and targets. Several basic and clinical studies have reported the relationship between zinc level and the onset and pathology of cardiovascular diseases, which has attracted much attention in recent years. In this review, we summarize the recent findings regarding the effects of zinc on cardiovascular function. We also discuss the importance of maintaining zinc homeostasis in the cardiovascular system and its therapeutic potential as a novel drug target.

Serum Zinc and Long-Term Prognosis after Acute Traumatic Brain Injury with Intracranial Injury: A Multicenter Prospective Study

Serum zinc levels in the acute stages after traumatic brain injury (TBI) may be capable of predicting cinical and functional prognoses. This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum zinc levels and long-term survival and neurological outcomes in TBI patients with intracranial injury. This multicenter prospective cohort study enrolled adult TBI patients with intracranial injury who visited emergency departments between December 2018 and June 2020. Serum zinc levels drawn within 24 h after injury were categorized into four groups: low (<80.0 mcg/dL), low−normal (80.0−100.0 mcg/dL), high−normal (100.1−120.0 mcg/dL), and high (>120.0 mcg/dL). The study outcomes were 6-month mortality and disability (Glasgow Outcome Scale, 1−3). A multilevel multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to estimate associations between serum zinc and study outcomes. From the eligible TBI patients (N = 487), the median (interquartile range) serum zinc level was 112.0 mcg/dL (95.0−142.0). Six-month mortality and disability were 21.1% (103/487) and 29.6% (144/487), respectively. Compared to the high−normal zinc group, there were significant associations with 6-month mortality and disability observed in the low zinc group (aORs (95% CIs): 1.91 (1.60−2.28) and 1.95 (1.62−2.36) for the low group; 1.14 (0.67−1.94) and 1.15 (0.91−1.46) for the low−normal group; and 0.72 (0.44−1.16) and 0.88 (0.61−1.27) for the high group, respectively). Among the 122 TBI patients with diabetes mellitus, the low zinc group showed a higher incidence of 6-month mortality (aOR (95% CI): 9.13 (4.01−20.81)) compared to the high−normal zinc group. Moreover, the low and low−normal groups had higher odds for 6-month disability (aORs (95% CIs): 6.63 (3.61−12.15) for the low group and 2.37 (1.38−4.07) for the low−normal group). Serum zinc deficiency is associated with a higher incidence of 6-month mortality and disability after injury for TBI patients with intracranial injury.

Single and Combined Associations of Plasma and Urine Essential Trace Elements (Zn, Cu, Se, and Mn) with Cardiovascular Risk Factors in a Mediterranean Population

Trace elements are micronutrients that are required in very small quantities through diet but are crucial for the prevention of acute and chronic diseases. Despite the fact that initial studies demonstrated inverse associations between some of the most important essential trace elements (Zn, Cu, Se, and Mn) and cardiovascular disease, several recent studies have reported a direct association with cardiovascular risk factors due to the fact that these elements can act as both antioxidants and pro-oxidants, depending on several factors. This study aims to investigate the association between plasma and urine concentrations of trace elements and cardiovascular risk factors in a general population from the Mediterranean region, including 484 men and women aged 18−80 years and considering trace elements individually and as joint exposure. Zn, Cu, Se, and Mn were determined in plasma and urine using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Single and combined analysis of trace elements with plasma lipid, blood pressure, diabetes, and anthropometric variables was undertaken. Principal component analysis, quantile-based g-computation, and calculation of trace element risk scores (TERS) were used for the combined analyses. Models were adjusted for covariates. In single trace element models, we found statistically significant associations between plasma Se and increased total cholesterol and systolic blood pressure; plasma Cu and increased triglycerides and body mass index; and urine Zn and increased glucose. Moreover, in the joint exposure analysis using quantile g-computation and TERS, the combined plasma levels of Zn, Cu, Se (directly), and Mn (inversely) were strongly associated with hypercholesterolemia (OR: 2.03; 95%CI: 1.37−2.99; p < 0.001 per quartile increase in the g-computation approach). The analysis of urine mixtures revealed a significant relationship with both fasting glucose and diabetes (OR: 1.91; 95%CI: 1.01−3.04; p = 0.046). In conclusion, in this Mediterranean population, the combined effect of higher plasma trace element levels (primarily Se, Cu, and Zn) was directly associated with elevated plasma lipids, whereas the mixture effect in urine was primarily associated with plasma glucose. Both parameters are relevant cardiovascular risk factors, and increased trace element exposures should be considered with caution.

Long-Term Inhalation of Ultrafine Zinc Particles Deteriorated Cardiac and Cardiovascular Functions in Rats of Myocardial Infarction

Substantial ultrafine zinc particles exist in air pollutions. The level of Zn concentrations in serum and tissue could affect patients with myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of the study is to investigate the change of cardiac functions and peripheral hemodynamics in MI rats after long-term inhalation of ultrafine Zn particles. Coronary artery ligation surgery was performed to induce MI in Wistar rats. The inhalation of ultrafine Zn particles was carried out for 6 weeks after the operation. Physiological and hemodynamic measurements and computational biomechanics analysis were demonstrated in eight groups of rats at postoperative 4 and 6 weeks. There was no statistical significance between shams and shams with inhalation of ultrafine Zn particles. There were significant impairments of cardiac and hemodynamic functions in MI rats. In comparison with MI rats, the inhalation of ultrafine Zn particles for 4 weeks slowed down the progression from MI to heart failure, but the inhalation for 6 weeks accelerated the process. The long-term inhalation of ultrafine zinc particles induced excessive accumulation of zinc in serum and tissue, which deteriorated cardiac and hemodynamic dysfunctions in MI rats. The findings suggested the importance for regulating Zn intake of MI patients as well as looking at ways to lower zinc concentrations in air pollutions.

No Association of Hair Zinc Concentration with Coronary Artery Disease Severity and No Relation with Acute Coronary Syndromes

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Although zinc (Zn) was reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and protective properties in CVDs, its association with coronary artery disease (CAD) is still unclear. As methods commonly used to assess Zn levels in blood and urine do not show the full picture of the microelement supply, in this study, the nutritional status of Zn in patients with angiographically confirmed CAD was assessed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. We found no association between Zn and the severity of CAD evaluated with the Coronary Artery Surgery Study Score (p = 0.67). There were no statistically significant differences in Zn levels between patients with acute coronary syndrome and those with stable CAD (p = 0.937). A statically significant negative correlation was observed between Zn content and serum triglyceride concentration (p < 0.05). Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were found to have a significantly lower hair Zn content compared to non-diabetic individuals (p < 0.01). The role of Zn in the pathogenesis of CAD and its complications need further well-designed research as the moderation and supplementation of Zn dietary intake could be a simple intervention to reduce the CVDs risk.

Retrospective observational study evaluating zinc plasma level in patients undergoing thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair and its correlation with outcome

Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair is related to a relevant morbidity and in-hospital mortality rate. In this retrospective observational single-center study including serum zinc levels of 33 patients we investigated the relationship between zinc and patients' outcome following TAAA repair. Six patients died during the hospital stay (18%). These patients showed significantly decreased zinc levels before the intervention (zinc levels before intervention: 60.09 µg/dl [survivors] vs. 45.92 µg/dl [non-survivors]). The post-interventional intensive care SOFA-score (Sepsis-related organ failure assessment) (at day 2) as well as the SAPS (Simplified Acute Physiology Score) (at day 2) showed higher score points in case of low pre-interventional zinc levels. No significant correlation between patient comorbidities and zinc level before intervention, except for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which was significantly correlated to reduced baseline zinc levels, was observed. Septic shock, pneumonia and urinary tract infections were not associated to reduced zinc levels preoperatively as well as during therapy. Patients with adverse outcome after TAAA repair showed reduced pre-interventional zinc levels. We speculate that decreased zinc levels before intervention may be related to a poorer outcome because of poorer physical status as well as negatively altered perioperative inflammatory response.

Potential Nutrients from Natural and Synthetic Sources Targeting Inflammaging-A Review of Literature, Clinical Data and Patents

Inflammaging, the steady development of the inflammatory state over age is an attributable characteristic of aging that potentiates the initiation of pathogenesis in many age-related disorders (ARDs) including neurodegenerative diseases, arthritis, cancer, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis. Inflammaging is characterized by subclinical chronic, low grade, steady inflammatory states and is considered a crucial underlying cause behind the high mortality and morbidity rate associated with ARDs. Although a coherent set of studies detailed the underlying pathomechanisms of inflammaging, the potential benefits from non-toxic nutrients from natural and synthetic sources in modulating or delaying inflammaging processes was not discussed. In this review, the available literature and recent updates of natural and synthetic nutrients that help in controlling inflammaging process was explored. Also, we discussed the clinical trial reports and patent claims on potential nutrients demonstrating therapeutic benefits in controlling inflammaging and inflammation-associated ARDs.

The Role of Zinc Homeostasis in the Prevention of Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Diseases

Zinc is an essential micronutrient for human health and is involved in various biological functions, such as growth, metabolism, and immune function. In recent years, research on intracellular zinc dynamics has progressed, and it has become clear that zinc transporters strictly control intracellular zinc localization, zinc regulates the functions of various proteins and signal transduction pathways as a second messenger similar to calcium ions, and intracellular zinc dyshomeostasis is associated with impaired insulin synthesis, secretion, sensitivity, lipid metabolism, and vascular function. Numerous animal and human studies have shown that zinc deficiency may be associated with the risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and zinc administration might be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of these diseases. Therefore, an understanding of zinc biology may help the establishment of novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and CVDs. This review will summarize the current knowledge on the role of zinc homeostasis in the pathogenesis of diabetes and atherosclerosis and will discuss the potential of zinc in the prevention of these diseases.

Zinc as a Biomarker of Cardiovascular Health

The importance of zinc (Zn) for cardiovascular health continuously gains recognition. As shown earlier, compromised Zn homeostasis and prolonged inflammation are common features in various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Similarly, Zn biochemistry alters several vascular processes, and Zn status is an important feature of cardiovascular health. Zn deficiency contributes to the development of CVDs; thus, Zn manipulations, including Zn supplementation, are beneficial for preventing and treating numerous cardiovascular (CV) disorders. Finally, additional long-term, well-designed studies, performed in various population groups, should be pursued to further clarify significant relationships between Zn and CVDs.

The response of zinc transporter gene expression of selected tissues in a pig model of subclinical zinc deficiency

This study compared the relative mRNA expression of all mammal zinc (Zn) transporter genes in selected tissues of weaned piglets challenged with short-term subclinical Zn deficiency (SZD). The dietary model involved restrictive feeding (450 g/animal*day^-1) of a high-phytate diet (9 g/kg) supplemented with varying amounts of zinc from ZnSO₄*7H₂O ranging from deficient to sufficient supply levels (total diet Zn: 28.1, 33.6, 38.8, 42.7, 47.5, 58.2, 67.8, 88.0 mg Zn/kg). Total RNA preparations comprised jejunal and colonic mucosa as well as hepatic and nephric tissue. Statistical modelling involved broken-line regression (P≤.05). ZIP10 and ZIP12 mRNAs were not detected in any tissue and ZnT3 mRNA was only identified in the kidney. All other genes were expressed in all tissues but only a few gene expression patterns allowed a significant (P<.0001) fitting of broken-line regression models, indicating homeostatic regulation under the present experimental conditions. Interestingly, these genes could be subcategorized by showing significant turnarounds in their response patterns, either at ~40 or ~60 mg Zn/kg diet (P<.0001). In conclusion, the present study showed clear differences in Zn transporter gene expression in response to SZD compared to the present literature on clinical models. We recognized that certain Zn transporter genes were regulated under the present experimental conditions by two distinct homeostatic networks. For the best of our knowledge, this represents the first comprehensive screening of Zn transporter gene expression in a highly translational model to human physiology.

Zinc supplementation and immune factors in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

PURPOSE

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of zinc supplementation on immune factors in randomized controlled trials.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was done in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases up to December 2020. We used standard and weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals for net changes in selected parameters of immune responses. Subgroup analysis was used to find heterogeneity.

RESULT

Overall, 35 RCTs comprising 1995 participants were eligible for this meta-analysis. There was a significant reduction of circulating CRP (WMD: -32.4; 95% CI: -44.45 to -19.62, p < 0.001), hs-CRP (WMD: -0.95; 95% CI: -1.01 to -0.89, p < 0.001), Neutrophil levels (SMD: -0.46; 95% CI: -0.90 to -0.01, p = 0.043), following zinc supplementation. CD4 level also increased significantly, (WMD: 1.79; 95% CI: 0.57 to 3, p = 0.004). Zinc supplementation had no significant effect on WBC (SMD: -0.66; 95% CI: -1.67 to 0.36, p = 0.204), lymphocyte (WMD: 1.86; 95% CI: -0.86 to 4.58, p = 0.181), monocyte levels (SMD: -0.16; 95% CI: -0.07 to 0.39, p = 0.167), CD3 (SMD: 0.37; 95% CI: -0.49 to 1.22, p = 0.399).

CONCLUSION

Zinc supplementation decreased the CRP, hs-CRP and TNF-α, IL-6, neutrophil and increased CD3 and CD4 level significantly.

A Brief Overview from the Physiological and Detrimental Roles of Zinc Homeostasis via Zinc Transporters in the Heart

Zinc (mostly as free/labile Zn²⁺) is an essential structural constituent of many proteins, including enzymes in cellular signaling pathways via functioning as an important signaling molecule in mammalian cells. In cardiomyocytes at resting condition, intracellular labile Zn²⁺ concentration ([Zn²⁺]_i) is in the nanomolar range, whereas it can increase dramatically under pathological conditions, including hyperglycemia, but the mechanisms that affect its subcellular redistribution is not clear. Therefore, overall, very little is known about the precise mechanisms controlling the intracellular distribution of labile Zn²⁺, particularly via Zn²⁺ transporters during cardiac function under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Literature data demonstrated that [Zn²⁺]_i homeostasis in mammalian cells is primarily coordinated by Zn²⁺ transporters classified as ZnTs (SLC30A) and ZIPs (SLC39A). To identify the molecular mechanisms of diverse functions of labile Zn²⁺ in the heart, the recent studies focused on the discovery of subcellular localization of these Zn²⁺ transporters in parallel to the discovery of novel physiological functions of [Zn²⁺]_i in cardiomyocytes. The present review summarizes the current understanding of the role of [Zn²⁺]_i changes in cardiomyocytes under pathological conditions, and under high [Zn²⁺]_i and how Zn²⁺ transporters are important for its subcellular redistribution. The emerging importance and the promise of some Zn²⁺ transporters for targeted cardiac therapy against pathological stimuli are also provided. Taken together, the review clearly outlines cellular control of cytosolic Zn²⁺ signaling by Zn²⁺ transporters, the role of Zn²⁺ transporters in heart function under hyperglycemia, the role of Zn²⁺ under increased oxidative stress and ER stress, and their roles in cancer are discussed.

Roles for endothelial zinc homeostasis in vascular physiology and coronary artery disease

The discovery of the roles of nitric oxide (NO) in cardiovascular signaling has led to a revolution in the understanding of cardiovascular disease. A new perspective to this story involving zinc (Zn) is emerging. Zn and its associated Zn transporter proteins are important for the integrity and functions of both the large conduit vessels and the microvascular resistance vessels. The Zn and NO pathways are tightly coordinated. Zn ions are required for the dimerization of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and subsequent generation of NO while generation of NO leads to a rapid mobilization of endothelial Zn stores. Labile Zn may mediate important downstream actions of NO including vascular cytoprotection and vasodilation. Several vascular disease risk factors (including aging, smoking and diabetes) interfere with Zn homeostatic mechanisms and both hypozincaemia and Zn transporter protein abnormalities are linked to atherosclerosis and microvascular disease. Some vegetarian diets and long-term use of certain anti-hypertensives may also impact on Zn status. The available evidence supports the existence of a Zn regulatory pathway in the vascular wall that is coupled to the generation and actions of NO and which is compromised in Zn deficiency with consequent implications for the pathogenesis and therapy of vascular disease.

Zinc deficiency and its predictive capacity for anemia: Unique model in school children

BACKGROUND

Zinc deficiency is thought to be common in children, but its predictive capacity for anemia is unclear. Thus, this study identified zinc deficiency in school children, and investigated the association between zinc status and hemoglobin, together with other estimates of anemia.

METHODS

For this case-control study, 349 of 483 children between 6.5 and 14.8 years old were included from primary schools in Bolu, Turkey. We measured weight, length, body mass index, and complete blood count with serum zinc, ferritin, vitamin B12 and folate. We investigated the differences between the groups and the effects of independent predictors such as age, gender, ferritin, zinc, vitamin B12 and folate on hemoglobin, on hierarchical multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight (10.9%) of 349 children had low serum zinc concentration, and 21 (6.0%) were anemic. There were 12 anemic children in the zinc-deficient group and nine in the zinc-sufficient control group (31.5% vs 2.9%) with similar ferritin levels. On regression analysis, zinc had the strongest association with hemoglobin. On receiver operating characteristic analysis, the cut-off for serum zinc for prediction of anemia was 71.5 μg/dL.

CONCLUSIONS

The strongest association of zinc with hemoglobin suggests that low zinc contributed the most to the observed anemia in children.

Increased Zinc Serum Level: New Clues in Babol Stroke Patients, Northern Iran

Background

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide. The role of zinc as a new predictor of stroke was considered.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted in Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital within a year on 100 stroke and 100 control patients.

Findings

The difference in zinc serum level in two groups was significant (deficiency: 3 (3%) in patients versus 20 (20%) in control group, normal: 25 (25%) versus 54 (54%), and increased level: 72 (72%) versus 26 (26%); p < 0.001). Difference in zinc serum levels was statistically significant with ischemic heart disease (deficiency: 0 cases (0%), normal: 8 cases (24%), increased level: 24 cases (75%), p = 0.003). Increases in zinc serum level were significantly correlated with the frequency of hemorrhagic and ischemic patients (deficiency: 3 (3.3%) hemorrhagic versus 0 (0%) ischemic; normal: 19 (21%) versus 6 (60%), increased level: 68 (75.6%) versus 4 (40%); p = 0.025). Regression logistics showed that ischemic heart disease (p < 0.001; OR = 28.29, %95 CI: 5.53; 144.87), hyperlipidemia (p < 0.001; OR = 0.26, %95 CI: 0.12; 0.56), and zinc serum level (p < 0.001, OR = 15.53, %95 CI: 4.03; 59.83) each had a significant role.

Conclusions

Babol stroke patients are prone to increased zinc serum level as a new parameter. Ischemic heart disease, increased levels of zinc, and hyperlipidemia were found to be probable predictor factors for stroke in Babol.

Trace minerals intake: Risks and benefits for cardiovascular health

Minerals play a major role in regulating cardiovascular function. Imbalances in electrolyte minerals are frequent and potentially hazardous occurrences that may lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Transition metals, such as iron, zinc, copper and selenium, play a major role in cell metabolism. However, there is controversy over the effects of dietary and supplemental intake of these metals on cardiovascular risk factors and events. Since their pro-oxidant or antioxidant functions can have different effects on cardiovascular health. While deficiency of these trace elements can cause cardiovascular dysfunction, several studies have also shown a positive association between metal serum levels and cardiovascular risk factors and events. Thus, a J- or U-shaped relationship between the transition minerals and cardiovascular events has been proposed. Given the existing controversies, large, well-designed, long-term, randomized clinical trials are required to better examine the effects of trace mineral intake on cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in the general population. In this review, we discuss the role of dietary and/or supplemental iron, copper, zinc, and selenium on cardiovascular health. We will also clarify their clinical applications, benefits, and harms in CVDs prevention.

Evaluation of Serum Trace Element Levels and Superoxide Dismutase Activity in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Translating Basic Research into Clinical Application

The relationship of minerals and trace elements with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is complex. Alterations in their metabolism can be induced by the diseases and their complications. To study the role of trace elements in IBD patients' serum zinc and copper and their related enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), activity were measured in patients with IBD patients as well as in healthy subjects. In addition, the correlation between serum trace element levels, albumin, total protein, urea level, copper/zinc ratio, and disease activity (DA) was determined in these subjects. Serum samples were obtained from 35 patients (19 ulcerative colitis (UC) and 16 Crohn's disease (CD)) in the active phase of the disease and 30 healthy control subjects. Serum levels of zinc, copper, SOD activity, albumin, total protein, and urea were measured. The results were compared between the two groups using independent Student's t test in statistical analysis. Serum levels of zinc, SOD activity, albumin, and total protein were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in patients than controls, while serum urea level was significantly higher in patients compared to controls. Copper concentrations did not differ between patients with IBD (mean ± SD, 58.8 ± 20.7 μg/d) and controls (55.57 ± 12.6 μg/d). Decreased levels of zinc and SOD activity are associated with increased inflammatory processes indicating inappropriate antioxidant system in patients with IBD. Additionally, lower levels of albumin and total protein with higher level of urea reflect metabolic problems in liver system.

Chromium, zinc and magnesium status in type 1 diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chromium, zinc, and magnesium are involved in insulin signal transduction, glucose metabolism, and cellular antioxidative defense. This review details the statuses of chromium, zinc, and magnesium in type 1 diabetes patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Blood levels of trace elements (especially magnesium and zinc) were lower in type 1 diabetes patients than in controls and were even lower in type 1 diabetes patients with poor glycemic control. Studies with mouse models have shown that chromium and magnesium supplementation alleviated diabetes-induced complications and improved glycemic control.

SUMMARY

Many studies indicated positive correlations between decreased levels of serum chromium, zinc, and magnesium and poor glycemic control. The supplementation of type 1 diabetes patients with zinc, magnesium, and chromium may help to control diabetes and prevent diabetes-related oxidative injuries, but require further study.

Analysis of Alpha-2 Macroglobulin from the Long-Lived and Cancer-Resistant Naked Mole-Rat and Human Plasma

Background

The naked mole-rat (NMR) is a long-lived and cancer resistant species. Identification of potential anti-cancer and age related mechanisms is of great interest and makes this species eminent to investigate anti-cancer strategies and understand aging mechanisms. Since it is known that the NMR expresses higher liver mRNA-levels of alpha 2-macroglobulin than mice, nothing is known about its structure, functionality or expression level in the NMR compared to the human A2M.

Results

Here we show a comprehensive analysis of NMR- and human plasma-A2M, showing a different prediction in glycosylation of NMR-A2M, which results in a higher molecular weight compared to human A2M. Additionally, we found a higher concentration of A2M (8.3±0.44 mg/mL vs. and 4.4±0.20 mg/mL) and a lower total plasma protein content (38.7±1.79 mg/mL vs. 61.7±3.20 mg/mL) in NMR compared to human. NMR-A2M can be transformed by methylamine and trypsin resulting in a conformational change similar to human A2M. NMR-A2M is detectable by a polyclonal antibody against human A2M. Determination of tryptic and anti-tryptic activity of NMR and human plasma revealed a higher anti-tryptic activity of the NMR plasma. On the other hand, less proteolytic activity was found in NMR plasma compared to human plasma.

Conclusion

We found transformed NMR-A2M binding to its specific receptor LRP1. We could demonstrate lower protein expression of LRP1 in the NMR liver tissue compared to human but higher expression of A2M. This was accompanied by a higher EpCAM protein expression as central adhesion molecule in cancer progression. NMR-plasma was capable to increase the adhesion in human fibroblast in vitro most probably by increasing CD29 protein expression. This is the first report, demonstrating similarities as well as distinct differences between A2M in NMR and human plasma. This might be directly linked to the intriguing phenotype of the NMR and suggests that A2M might probably play an important role in anti-cancer and the anti-aging mechanisms in the NMR.

The Relationship between Zinc Status and Inflammatory Marker Levels in Rural Korean Adults Aged 40 and Older

BACKGROUND

Serum cytokines and C-reactive protein (CRP) are known as one of the major risk factors in atherosclerosis. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of zinc have been suggested, but few data are available on the relationship between zinc status and inflammatory markers in epidemiological studies.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aims to investigate the cross-sectional relationships of serum cytokines and CRP with dietary zinc intake and serum zinc levels in healthy men and women aged 40 and older in rural areas of South Korea.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A group of 1,055 subjects (404 men, 651 women) was included in dietary zinc analysis while another group of 695 subjects (263 men, 432 women) was included in serum zinc analysis. Serum IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP were measured as inflammatory markers.

RESULTS

There was no significant inverse relationship between dietary zinc intake and inflammatory markers. We found a significant inverse relationship between serum zinc levels and all three inflammatory markers in women (P for trend = 0.0236 for IL-6; P for trend = 0.0017 for TNF-α; P for trend = 0.0301 for CRP) and between serum zinc levels and a single inflammatory marker (IL-6) in men (P for trend = 0.0191), although all R2 values by regression were less than 10%.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, serum zinc levels may be inversely related to inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α, and CRP), particularly in women.