The relationship between trace elements and cardiac markers in acute coronary syndromes

The Effects of Different Treatments on Serum Trace Element Levels in Dogs with Heart Failure

The prognostic and diagnostic role of some trace elements in heart diseases has been demonstrated. In this study, the effects of min. 30-day and min. 120-day treatment with pimobendan, enalapril, and furosemide, as monotherapy and in combination, on serum trace element levels in dogs with heart failure were evaluated. A total of 107 dogs were treated with pimobendan or enalapril as monotherapy and pimobendan + enalapril (PE), enalapril + furosemide (EF), or pimobendan + enalapril + furosemide (PEF) as combination therapy for a min. of 30 and 120 days. Serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), and chromium (Cr) were measured by an inductive coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy device. Mean serum Mg in dogs treated with pimobendan for a min. of 120 days was significantly lower than that for a min. of 30 days (p < 0.05). In dogs using the PEF combination, mean serum Fe was significantly higher in the min. 120-day treatment group than in the min. 30-day treatment group (p < 0.01). No significant difference was observed in mean serum Cu, Zn, Co, Mn, Se, or Cr between the treatment groups and the time periods (p > 0.05). The short- and long-term use of pimobendan, enalapril, furosemide, and their combinations may cause changes in mean serum Mg and Fe in dogs with heart failure.

Serum Zinc and Copper Concentrations and Dyslipidemia as Risk Factors of Cardiovascular Disease in Adults: Data Mining Techniques

This study aimed to examine the relationship between serum cholesterol levels and the ratio of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in the blood serum and the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In Phase I of the study, 9704 individuals between the age of 35 and 65 years were recruited. Phase II of the cohort study comprised 7561 participants who completed the 10-year follow-up. The variables which were measured at the baseline of the study included gender, age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP); biochemical parameters including serum Cu, Zn, copper-zinc ratio (Cu/Zn), zinc-copper ratio (Zn/Cu); fasted lipid profile consisting of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) as well as fasting serum glucose, and triglycerides-glucose (TyG) index. Decision tree (DT) and logical regression (LR) models were applied to examine the relationship between the aforementioned factors and CVD. CVD was diagnosed in 837 individuals (378 males and 459 females) out of 7561 participants. According to the LR models, SBP, TC, HDL, age, Zn/Cu, and TyG index for males and SBP, age, TyG index, HDL, TC, Cu/Zn, and Cu for females had the highest correlation with CVD (p-value ≤ 0.033). Based on the DT algorithm, 88% of males with SPB < 129.66 mmHg, younger age (age < 53 years), TyG index < 9.53, 173 ≤ TC < 187 mg/dL, and HDL ≥ 32 mg/dL had the lowest risk of CVD. Also, 98% of females with SBP < 128 mmHg, TyG index < 9.68, age < 44, TC < 222 mg/dL, and HDL ≥ 63.7 mg/dL had the lowest risk of CVD. It can be concluded that the Zn/Cu for men and Cu/Zn for women, along with dyslipidemia and SBP, could significantly predict the risk of CVD in this cohort from northeastern Iran.

Prediction of cardiovascular disease risk by serum zinc and copper concentrations and anthropometric measurements

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to investigate the association between cardiovascular disease (CVD) and various anthropometric indices, as well as the serum levels of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), copper-zinc ratio (Cu/Zn ratio) and zinc-copper ratio (Zn/Cu ratio), in a large population sample from northeastern Iranian.

METHOD

9704 individuals aged 35 to 65 were enrolled in the first phase of the study. After a 10-year follow-up, 7560 participants were enrolled into the second phase. The variables used in this study included demographic characteristics, such as gender and age; biochemical parameters including: serum Zn, Cu, Cu/Zn ratio, and Zn/Cu ratio; anthropometric parameters including: waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). The relationship between the aforementioned indices and CVD was examined using decision tree (DT) and logistic regression (LR) models.

RESULTS

A total of 837 individuals were diagnosed with CVD among the 7560 participants. LR analysis showed that BMI, age, WH zinc-copper ratio (Zn/Cu ratio), and serum Zn/Cu ratio were significantly associated the development of CVD in men, and WHR, age, BMI, serum Cu, and Cu/Zn ratio in women. DT analysis showed that, age was the most important predictor of CVD in both genders. 71% of women, older than 49 years, with a WHR≥ 0.89, serum Cu< 75 (µg/dl), BMI≥ 22.93 (kg/m2), and serum Cu≥ 14 (µg/dl), had the highest risk of CVD. In men, among those who were ≥ 53 years, with a WHR≥ 0.98, serum Zn/Cu ratio< 1.69, and BMI≥ 22.30, had the highest risk of CVD.

CONCLUSION

Among Iranian adult population, BMI, age, and WHR were one of the predictors of CVD for both genders. The Zn/Cu ratio was CVD predictor for men while Cu/Zn ratio was CVD predictor for women.

Co-supplementation of Vitamin K2 and Selenium Synergistically Improves Metabolic Status and Reduces Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Dyslipidemic Rabbits

This work investigated the impact of vitamin K2 and selenium co-supplementation on metabolic profile and indicators of cardiovascular health in dyslipidemic rabbits. Fifty adult male rabbits were equally allocated into 5 groups: Control group, Dyslipidemic group: received 0.5% cholesterol in diet for 12 weeks, groups 3, 4 and 5 dyslipidemic rabbits daily treated with vitamin K2 (10 mg/kg bw) or/and selenium (1 mg/kg bw) for 8 weeks. Co-supplementation of vitamin K2 and selenium significantly decreased body weight gain and blood pressure elevation in dyslipidemic rabbits compared to un-treated ones. Consuming vitamin K2 plus selenium also markedly lowered serum lipids encompassing cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL and elevated HDL relative to placebo. Additionally, such co-supplementation reduced fasting glucose and insulin, enhancing insulin sensitivity with respect to placebo. Regarding cardiovascular risk markers, dyslipidemic rabbits received vitamin K2 concurrently with selenium displayed lower levels of atherogenic index (LDL/HDL), serum C-reactive protein, heart fatty acid-binding protein and asymmetric dimethylarginine as well as aortic ox-LDL, lipid peroxidation and calcium but higher levels of serum nitric oxide and aortic total antioxidants than un-treated ones. Concomitant administration of vitamin K2 and selenium improved metabolic profile, markers of cardiovascular health and atherosclerosis in dyslipidemic rabbits.

Decreased Iron Ion Concentrations in the Peripheral Blood Correlate with Coronary Atherosclerosis

(1) Background: Obesity and diabetes continue to reach epidemic levels in the population with major health impacts that include a significantly increased risk of coronary atherosclerosis. The imbalance of trace elements in the body caused by nutritional factors can lead to the progression of coronary atherosclerosis. (2) Methods: We measured the concentrations of sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), Zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) in peripheral blood samples from 4243 patients and performed baseline analysis and propensity matching of the patient datasets. The patients were grouped into acute myocardial infarction (AMI, 702 patients) and stable coronary heart disease (SCAD1, 253 patients) groups. Both of these groups were included in the AS that had a total of 1955 patients. The control group consisted of 2288 patients. The plasma concentrations of calcium, magnesium, and iron were measured using a colorimetric method. For comparison, 15 external quality assessment (EQA) samples were selected from the Clinical Laboratory Center of the Ministry of Health of China. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis. The average values and deviations of all of the indicators in each group were calculated, and a p-value threshold of <0.05 was used to indicate statistical significance. (3) Results: The iron ion concentrations of the acute myocardial infarction (AMI) group were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05, AUC = 0.724, AUC = 0.702), irrespective of tendency matching. Compared to the data from the stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) group, the concentration of iron ions in the acute myocardial infarction group was significantly lower (p < 0.05, AUC = 0.710, AUC = 0.682). Furthermore, the iron ion concentrations in the (AMI + SCAD) group were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than in the control group. (4) Conclusions: The data presented in this study strongly indicate that the concentration of iron ions in the peripheral blood is related to coronary atherosclerosis. Decreases in the levels of iron ions in the peripheral blood can be used as a predictive biomarker of coronary atherosclerosis.

Cancer Influences the Elemental Composition of the Myocardium More Strongly than Conjugated Linoleic Acids-Chemometric Approach to Cardio-Oncological Studies

The aim of the study was to verify in a cardio-oncological model experiment if conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) fed to rats with mammary tumors affect the content of selected macro- and microelements in their myocardium. The diet of Sprague-Dawley females was supplemented either with CLA isomers or with safflower oil. In hearts of rats suffering from breast cancer, selected elements were analyzed with a quadrupole mass spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma ionization (ICP-MS). In order to better understand the data trends, cluster analysis, principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis were applied. Mammary tumors influenced macro- and microelements content in the myocardium to a greater extent than applied diet supplementation. Significant influences of diet (p = 0.0192), mammary tumors (p = 0.0200) and interactions of both factors (p = 0.0151) were documented in terms of Fe content. CLA significantly decreased the contents of Cu and Mn (p = 0.0158 and p = 0.0265, respectively). The level of Ni was significantly higher (p = 0.0073), which was more pronounced in groups supplemented with CLA. The obtained results confirmed antioxidant properties of CLA and the relationship with Se deposition. Chemometric techniques distinctly showed that the coexisting pathological process induced differences to the greater extent than diet supplementation in the elemental content in the myocardium, which may impinge on cardiac tissue's susceptibility to injuries.

Supplementation of Lipoic Acid, Zinc and Clopidogrel Reduces Mortality Rate and Incidence of Ventricular Arrhythmia in Experimental Myocardial Infarction

Despite the significant advances in management of coronary heart diseases, myocardial infarction (MI) is still associated with a high mortality rate. The present study was planned to investigate the possible protective effects of the anti-oxidants lipoic acid and zinc sulfate as well as the anti-platelet clopidogrel on cardiac dysfunction in experimental isoproterenol (ISO)-induced MI, aiming at achieving useful means for protection and therapy against MI. Wistar rats of both sexes were allocated into five groups: control, untreated MI and MI pre-treated with lipoic acid, zinc, or clopidogrel. All rats were subjected to ECG recording and measurement of plasma levels of troponin I, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) unit, triglycerides and total cholesterol. The hearts were isolated and studied on Langendorff preparation for assessment of intrinsic cardiac activities. The results revealed that the percent mortality was markedly reduced upon pre-treatment and the total arrhythmia was also decreased except for the zinc pre-treated rats. The ST-segment elevation was significantly reduced and the plasma levels of CK-MB were only decreased in lipoic acid and clopidogrel pre-treated rats with variable hypolipidemic effect. Hearts of clopidogrel pre-treated rats showed augmented inotropic activity both basal and in response to β-adrenergic stimulation. While zinc pre-treated hearts revealed improved rate of contraction and increased myocardial flow rate. Overall, these results indicate that lipoic acid, zinc and clopidogrel were variably effective in modifying the ISO-induced MI insults and offered partial protection against experimental myocardial damage.

Assessment of Concentrations of Heavy Metals in Postmyocardial Infarction Patients and Patients Free from Cardiovascular Event

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) constitute the first cause of death among the population of developing and developed countries. Atherosclerosis, which is a disorder with multifactorial etiopathogenesis, underlies most CVDs. The available literature includes ample research studies on the influence of classic cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. However, environmental exposure to heavy metals, among other substances, is still an unappreciated risk factor of CVDs. This study aimed to assess the concentration of some heavy metals (copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), and iron (Fe)) in the blood serum of postmyocardial infarction (post-MI) patients and patients free from myocardial infarction (MI) as well as estimate the relationship between the occurrence of MI and increased concentration of heavy metals. The concentration of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Mn, Co, and Fe) was assessed using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique in a group of 146 respondents divided into two groups: post-MI group (study group (SG), n = 74) and group without cardiovascular event (CVE) having a low CV risk (control group (CG), n = 72). The concentration of the analyzed heavy metals was higher in SG. All the heavy metals showed a significant diagnostic value (p < 0.001). The highest value of area under the curve (AUC) was observed for manganese (Mn) (0.955; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.922–0.988), while the lowest value was found for zinc (Zn) (0.691; 95% CI = 0.599–0.782). In one-dimensional models, high concentrations of each of the analyzed heavy metals significantly increased the chances of having MI from 7-fold (Cu) to 128-fold (Mn). All the models containing a particular metal showed a significant and high discrimination value for MI occurrence (AUC 0.72–0.92). Higher concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn, Co, and Fe were found to considerably increase the chances of having MI. Considering the increasingly higher environmental exposure to heavy metals in recent times, their concentrations can be distinguished as a potential risk factor of CVDs.

A novel hypothesis on metal dyshomeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Potential pathogenetic mechanism and therapeutic implications

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor dysfunctions resulting from the loss of upper (UMNs) and lower (LMNs) motor neurons. While ALS symptoms are coincidental with pathological changes in LMNs and UMNs, the causal relationship between the two is unclear. For example, research on the extra-motor symptoms associated with this condition suggests that an imbalance of metals, including copper, zinc, iron, and manganese, is initially induced in the sensory ganglia due to a malfunction of metal binding proteins and transporters. It is proposed that the resultant metal dyshomeostasis may promote mitochondrial dysfunction in the satellite glial cells of these sensory ganglia, causing sensory neuron disturbances and sensory symptoms. Sensory neuron hyperactivation can result in LMN impairments, while metal dyshomeostasis in spinal cord and brain stem parenchyma induces mitochondrial dysfunction in LMNs and UMNs. These events could prompt intracellular calcium dyshomeostasis, pathological TDP-43 formation, and reactive microglia with neuroinflammation, which in turn activate the apoptosis signaling pathways within the LMNs and UMNs. Our model suggests that the degeneration of LMNs and UMNs is incidental to the metal-induced changes in the spinal cord and brain stem. Over time psychiatric symptoms may appear as the metal dyshomeostasis and mitochondrial dysfunction affect other brain regions, including the reticular formation, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. It is proposed that metal dyshomeostasis in combination with mitochondrial dysfunction could be the underlying mechanism responsible for the initiation and progression of the pathological changes associated with both the motor and extra-motor symptoms of ALS.

A clinical evaluation of the alterations in the level of serum zinc, copper, iron, and manganese in the ischemic heart disease patients of Bangladesh - A case-control study

Background

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a major cause of death globally. Countries vary in their rates, and changes have occurred over time. Nowadays, developing countries pose new public health challenges.

Objectives

The objective of the present study was to appraise the alterations in the levels of serum Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn that occur in patients with ischemic heart disease and to depict the correlations of the effects of these changes that lead to the pathogenesis of IHD.

Methods

Zn, Cu, Fe, and Mn in the IHD patients were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS).

Results

This study evaluated 52 patients with IHD, and 61 healthy volunteers served as controls. The primary outcomes of interest were explored regarding the correlations of the serum levels of these trace elements in patients with IHD. The secondary outcomes were explored in terms of inter-element relations to connect them with the pathogenesis of IHD. Our study found significantly reduced levels of Zn and Cu (2.50 ± 0.19 mg/L and 2.52 ± 0.17 mg/L, respectively) and an elevated level of Fe (148.97 ± 17.25 mg/L) in the patient group with IHD. The level of Mn (7.32 ± 1.23 mg/L) was elevated in the sera of the patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) compared to healthy control subjects.

Conclusion

Our results indicate strong associations of the pathogenesis of IHD with depleted serum levels of Zn and Cu and elevated Fe and Mn levels, which may provide a prognostic tool for the treatment of this concerning the disease.

Copper promotion of myocardial regeneration

IMPACT STATEMENT

Copper promotes angiogenesis, but the mechanistic insights have not been fully elucidated until recently. In addition, the significance of copper promotion of angiogenesis in myocardial regeneration was increasingly revealed. Copper critically participates in the regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) of angiogenic gene expression. Interestingly, myocardial ischemia causes copper efflux from the heart, leading to suppression of angiogenesis, although HIF-1α, the critical subunit of HIF-1, remains accumulated in the ischemic myocardium. Strategies targeting copper specific delivery to the ischemic myocardium lead to selective activation of HIF-1-regulated angiogenic gene expression. Vascularization of the ischemic myocardium re-establishes the tissue injury microenvironment, and rebuilds the conduit for communication between the tissue injury signals and the remote regenerative responses including stem cells. This process promotes myocardial regeneration. Thus, a simple and effective copper supplementation to the ischemic myocardium would become a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment of patients with ischemic heart diseases.

Cross-sectional analysis of trace element status in thyroid disease

BACKGROUND

The synthesis of thyroid hormone depends on a set of trace elements, most importantly selenium and iodine. The dietary supply with certain micronutrients is limited in many areas of the world, including central Europe and large parts of Asia and Africa. Moreover, both thyroid disease risk and therapy effects are modulated by trace element supply and status.

OBJECTIVE

Assessment of trace element status in thyroid patients in a European metropolis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Adult patients visiting a medical praxis in Berlin, Germany, were enrolled into a cross-sectional analysis, and serum samples were obtained from thyroid patients (n = 323) with different conditions including goitre, hypothyroidism, malignancy or autoimmune thyroid disease. Trace elements (iodine, selenium, copper and zinc) were assessed by ICP-MS/MS or total reflection X-ray analysis, along with two protein biomarkers of selenium status (selenoprotein P, glutathione peroxidase), and compared to the clinical phenotype.

RESULTS

The patients displayed relatively low serum zinc and selenium concentrations as compared to a set (n = 200) of healthy subjects (zinc; 1025+/-233 vs. 1068+/-230 μg/L, p < 0.01, selenium; 76.9+/18.8 vs. 85.1+/-17.4 μg/L, p < 0.0001). A high fraction of patients (37.5%) was classified as selenium-deficient (serum selenium concentrations <70 μg/L), in particular the patients with thyroid malignancy (59%). Serum copper was not different between the groups, and total serum iodine concentrations were unrelated to thyroid disease. Explorative statistical analyses yielded no significant interactions between the trace elements and disease parameters, except for free thyroxine inversely correlating to the copper/selenium ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

In adult thyroid patients, there is no relation of circulating copper, iodine, selenium or zinc concentrations to thyroid hormone. However, a large fraction of German thyroid patients displays a considerable selenium deficit, known to constitute a disease risk potentially impairing convalescence and aggravating autoimmune disease processes. It appears advisable to testing thyroid patients for selenium deficiency, and once diagnosed, an increased supply via dietary counselling or active supplementation should be considered.

Is There a Link between Zinc Intake and Status with Plasma Fatty Acid Profile and Desaturase Activities in Dyslipidemic Subjects?

The prevalence of obesity and dyslipidemia has increased worldwide. The role of trace elements in the pathogenesis of these conditions is not well understood. This study examines the relationship between dietary zinc (Zn) intake and plasma concentrations of Zn, copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) with lipid profile indicators, fatty acid composition in plasma phospholipids and desaturase enzyme activities in a dyslipidemic population. The role of the newly proposed biomarker of Zn status, the linoleic:dihomo-gama-linolenic acid (LA:DGLA) ratio, in predicting Zn status of dyslipidemic subjects has been explored. The study included 27 dyslipidemic adults, 39-72 years old. Trace elements were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry and fatty acid composition by a liquid gas chromatography. Desaturase activities were calculated from product-precursor fatty acid ratios. Dietary data were obtained using 24 h recall questionnaires. Insufficient dietary intake of Zn, low plasma Zn concentrations and an altered Cu:Zn ratio is related to modified fatty acid profile in subjects with dyslipidemia. Plasma Zn status was associated with obesity. There was no correlation between dietary Zn intake and plasma Zn status. The LA:DGLA ratio was inversely linked to dietary Zn intake. Cu, in addition to Zn, may directly or indirectly, affect the activity of desaturase enzymes.

Selenium (Se) uptake and dynamic changes of Se content in soil-plant systems

In this study, we collected crop plants and associated soil samples and determined these for selenium (Se) content to analyze the uptake, enrichment, and translocation of Se in the different soil-plant systems of an agricultural production area, elucidate the dynamic mechanisms relating to Se content in plants and soil during different growth periods, and screen plants for high Se enrichment ability. Bioconcentration factor determinations indicated that the grains of rice have the strongest Se enrichment ability, followed by soybean and corn. Translocation factor analysis indicated that the grains of rice and corn have similar low translocation abilities for Se compared with soybean. Within the study area, the Se content in plants was closely related to the soil available Se content and varied considerably among different growth periods and plant organs. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of local agricultural products.

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.

Oxidative stress in ischemia and reperfusion: current concepts, novel ideas and future perspectives

Oxidative stress remains a major contributor to myocardial injury after ischemia followed by reperfusion (I/R) as the reperfusion of the myocardial infarction (MI) area inevitably leads to a cascade of I/R injury. This review focused on concepts of the antioxidative defense system and elucidates recent research using antioxidants like vitamin C, E and β-carotene or essential trace elements to activate compounds of antioxidative pathways in the circulation. In this context, important defense mechanisms like superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase will be described. Furthermore, the different mechanisms through which myocardial protection can be addressed, like ischemic postconditioning in myocardial infarction or adjunctive measures like targeted temperature management as well as new theories, including the role of iron in I/R injury, will be discussed.

Elemental Analysis of Whole and Protein Separated Blood Serum of Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Sjögren's Syndrome

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren's syndrome (SS) are systemic autoimmune diseases with complex symptoms and pathogenesis that are still not completely understood. Several studies showed that the trace element homeostasis and also the levels of antioxidant plasma proteins are changed in autoimmune disorders; however, these results are controversial. In this study, the potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) concentrations of the serum and proteins-immunoglobulin G (IgG), transferrin (Trf), albumin (Alb), and ceruloplasmin (Cp)-separated from serum samples by affinity chromatography were determined in patients with SLE and SS. Ca and K levels were found to be decreased in the case of both disorders compared to the control group, and the competitive antagonism of Cu and Zn was also observed: elevated Cu concentration together with a lower Zn concentration was measured in the sera of patients with autoimmune diseases. After fractionation, the trace element concentration of protein containing fractions altered to that of the control group. In case of the autoimmune disorders, the highest Cu concentration was determined in the Alb-containing protein fractions while the Zn level decreased in the Alb and increased in the Cp as well as in the IgG- and Trf-containing fractions compared to the healthy samples. Changes have also been found in the level and distribution of K and Ca.

Impact of elemental iron on human spermatozoa and mouse embryonic development in a defined synthetic culture medium

There is a paucity of studies on effect of iron in embryo culture procedures. This study aims to ascertain the optimal, tolerance and toxic levels of iron in a protein-free embryo culture medium (PFM) to determine the effect of iron on embryonic development. The application of PFM in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) is intended to eliminate disease transmission and improve ART treatment outcome. The optimal, tolerance and toxic levels of iron on human spermatozoa and mouse embryos were determined by challenging them with different levels of iron (ferric iron; Fe⁺³). Human normozoospermic semen samples (n=24) and days 1-4 Quakenbush Special (Qs) mouse embryos (n=1160) were incubated in PFM supplemented with different concentrations of Fe⁺³ over different periods of time. 2.0μg/mL (35.8μM) of Fe⁺³ was the optimal level of Fe⁺³ for human spermatozoa with a tolerance range of 0.5-2μg/mL; whereas a level of 0.11μg/mL (2μM) of Fe⁺³ was the optimum for day 2 embryos. Levels of ferric iron at 0.11 to 2.8μg/mL appear to enhance spermatozoa motility, preserve its DNA integrity and possibly increase percentage of blastocysts developed but levels of ferric iron >16μg/mL is hazardous for both spermatozoa and embryos. In spite of beneficial effects of iron it is premature to recommend its supplementation in embryo culture media because of the known deleterious nature of iron and the paucity of toxicological data. Toxicological studies must be performed following which it can be decided whether it is safe to consider iron as a supplement in human embryo and spermatozoa culture media.

Metabolic syndrome in patients with severe mental illness in Gorgan

Background:

Metabolic syndrome is commonly associated with cardiovascular diseases and psychiatric mental illness. Hence, we aimed to assess the metabolic syndrome among severe mental illness (SMI).

Materials and Methods:

The study included 267 patients who were referred to the psychiatric unit at 5^th Azar Education Hospital of Golestan University of Medical Sciences in Gorgan, Iran.

Results:

The mean waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride and fasting blood glucose levels were significantly higher in the SMI with metabolic syndrome, but the high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol was significantly lower. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in SMI patients was 20.60%. There were significant differences in the mean of waist circumference, systolic (except for women) and diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol and fasting blood glucose in men and women with metabolic syndrome when compared with subjects without metabolic syndrome. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in SMI women was higher than men. The most age distribution was in range of 30-39 years old. The most prevalence of metabolic syndrome was in age groups 50-59 years old. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was increased from 30 to 59 years old.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with SMI in Gorgan is almost similar to those observed in Asian countries. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was lower than western countries. These observations may be due to cultural differences in the region. It should be mention that the families of mental illness subjects in our country believe that their patients must be cared better than people without mental illness. These findings of this study suggest that mental illness patients are at risk of metabolic syndrome. According to our results, risk factors such as age and gender differences may play an important role in the presence of metabolic syndrome. In our country, women do less physical activity than men; therefore, the incidence of metabolic syndrome is higher among women.

Copper Ion from Cu2O Crystal Induces AMPK-Mediated Autophagy via Superoxide in Endothelial Cells

Copper is an essential element required for a variety of functions exerted by cuproproteins. An alteration of the copper level is associated with multiple pathological conditions including chronic ischemia, atherosclerosis and cancers. Therefore, copper homeostasis, maintained by a combination of two copper ions (Cu(+) and Cu(2+)), is critical for health. However, less is known about which of the two copper ions is more toxic or functional in endothelial cells. Cubic-shaped Cu2O and CuO crystals were prepared to test the role of the two different ions, Cu(+) and Cu(2+), respectively. The Cu2O crystal was found to have an effect on cell death in endothelial cells whereas CuO had no effect. The Cu2O crystals appeared to induce p62 degradation, LC3 processing and an elevation of LC3 puncta, important processes for autophagy, but had no effect on apoptosis and necrosis. Cu2O crystals promote endothelial cell death via autophagy, elevate the level of reactive oxygen species such as superoxide and nitric oxide, and subsequently activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) through superoxide rather than nitric oxide. Consistently, the AMPK inhibitor Compound C was found to inhibit Cu2O-induced AMPK activation, p62 degradation, and LC3 processing. This study provides insight on the pathophysiologic function of Cu(+) ions in the vascular system, where Cu(+) induces autophagy while Cu(2+) has no detected effect.

The association between Metabolic Syndrome and serum levels of lipid peroxidation and interleukin-6 in Gorgan

BACKGROUND

There are limited studies on the relationship between inflammatory marker such as IL-6 and lipid peroxidation and metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of present study was to assess IL-6 and lipid peroxidation in subjects with and without the metabolic syndrome and their association with metabolic syndrome components.

METHODS

Age and gender matched 40 subjects with metabolic syndrome and 40 control groups took part in this study.

RESULTS

The mean malondialdehyde level was significantly higher in overweight and obese subjects with metabolic syndrome than control groups (P<0.05). The mean level of IL-6 in men and the mean level of malondialdehyde in women with metabolic syndrome was significantly higher than control groups (p<0.05). There were significant positive correlation between malondialdehyde and fasting blood glucose, triglyceride and systolic blood pressure (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that higher levels of IL-6 and malondialdehyde may cause insulin resistance and metabolic disorders in all subjects with metabolic syndrome. Malondialdehyde level shows strong association with some metabolic syndrome components. This means the greater risk of metabolic syndrome.

Study of oxidants and antioxidants in patients of acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Oxygen free radicals have become attractive candidates to explain injuries in ischemic heart. An association between raised serum uric acid concentration and increased cardiovascular risk has been recognized, however its role in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is still unclear. Recently, zinc is also trying to establish its role in tissue injury and oxidative stress.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was carried on 75 AMI patients. 5 ml of blood was drawn from each patient within 6 h of AMI, to estimate plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), serum zinc, whole blood superoxide desmutase, serum uric acid, and whole blood glutathione peroxidase (GPx). The same biochemicals were also determined in 50 age and gender matched controls for comparison.

RESULTS

We found significantly increased level of plasma MDA (5.649 ± 0.1780 vs. 2.757 ± 0.1623), serum uric acid (4.533 ± 0.1526 vs. 3.200 ± 0.1616) and significantly decreased levels of serum zinc (104.5 ± 1.874 vs. 115.3 ± 3.077), whole blood GPx (4599 ± 101.1 vs. 5519 ± 81.63) and superoxide desmutase (166.8 ± 1.896 vs. 188.3 ± 4.120). All the parameters studied also showed similar significant changes in male and female cases separately.

CONCLUSION

Raised MDA and decreased zinc, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide desmutase levels denote the increased oxidative stress. Even being a defense, uric acid is raised as it is abundantly present in our body. Thus, AMI exhibits oxidative stress dependent changes irrespective of gender.

Comparative Study of Elemental Concentrations in the Scalp Hair and Nails of Myocardial Infarction Patients Versus Controls from Pakistan

Ischemia heart disease has become a ubiquitous cause of morbidity and a leading contributor to mortality worldwide. The present study was aimed to quantify the elemental levels for Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Pb, Sr, and Zn in the scalp hair and nails of myocardial infarction (MI) patients and counterpart controls by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The effects of elemental imbalances on the development of atherosclerosis were evaluated. Average concentrations of Pb (14.7 μg/g), Sr (21.6 μg/g), and Cr (3.70 μg/g) were significantly higher in the scalp hair of the patients, while those of Na, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Cd were measured at almost comparable levels in the scalp hair of the patients and controls. In the case of nail samples, average concentrations of Na (1260 μg/g), K (873 μg/g), Sr (70.9 μg/g), Cu (16.6 μg/g), and Mn (16.9 μg/g) were significantly higher in the patients than controls. The correlation study revealed significantly divergent mutual variations among the elements in MI patients and controls. Principal component analysis also manifested the diverse apportionment of the elements in both donor groups. Most of the elements revealed significant disparities in their concentrations based on gender, abode, and smoking habits of the donors in both groups. In conclusion, the elemental imbalance has potential proatherogenic effect that would have a significant impact on sensitive population groups.

Deficient zinc levels and myocardial infarction : association between deficient zinc levels and myocardial infarction: a meta-analysis

The purpose of this study is to clarify the association between Zn levels and myocardial infarction (MI) using a meta-analysis approach. We searched articles in the PubMed, OVID, and ScienceDirect published as of November 2014. Thirteen eligible articles with 2886 subjects from 41 case-control studies were identified. Overall, pooled analysis indicated that subjects with MI had lower Zn levels than healthy controls (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -1.848, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = [-2.365, -1.331]). Further subgroup analysis found that subjects with MI had lower Zn levels than healthy controls in serum (SMD = -1.764, 95 % CI = [-2.417, -1.112]) and hair (SMD = -3.326, 95 % CI = [-4.616, -2.036]), but not in toenail (SMD = -0.396, 95 % CI = [-1.114, 0.322]). The subgroup analysis stratified by type of Zn measurement found a similar pattern in inductively coupled plasma-atomic absorption spectrometry (ICP-AAS) (SMD = -2.442, 95 % CI = [-3.092, -1.753]), but not in neutron activation analysis (NAA) (SMD = -0.449, 95 % CI = [-1.127, 0.230]). Lower Zn levels in MI patients were found both in male (SMD = -3.350, 95 % CI = [-4.531, -2.169]) and female (SMD = -2.681, 95 % CI = [-3.440, -1.922]). And the difference of Zn levels according to MI in Asia (SMD = -2.555, 95 % CI = [-3.267, -1.844]) was greater to that among the population in Europe (SMD = -0.745, 95 % CI = [-1.386, -0.104]), but no difference was found in Oceania (SMD = -0.255, 95 % CI = [-0.600, 0.089]). In conclusion, this meta-analysis indicates that there is a significant association between Zn deficiency and MI. We suggest that a community-based, long-term observation in a cohort design should be performed to obtain better understanding of causal relationships between Zn and MI, through measuring hair Zn at baseline to investigate whether the highest zinc category versus lowest was associated with MI risk.

Association between copper levels and myocardial infarction: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

There are conflicting reports as to the correlation between copper (Cu) levels and myocardial infarction (MI). The purpose of the present study is to clarify the association between Cu levels and MI.

METHODS

We searched articles in Pubmed and the Chinese Journal Full-text Database published as of October 2014. A meta-analysis was used to pool estimates of the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Pooled analysis indicated that subjects with MI had higher serum Cu levels than healthy controls (SMD = 1.629, 95%CI = [1.027, 2.232], Z = 5.30, p < 0.001). Further subgroup analysis stratified by ethnicity indicated that subjects with MI had higher serum Cu levels than healthy controls among members of the Asian race (SMD = 2.191, 95%CI = [1.401, 2.981], Z = 5.43, p < 0.001), but not among members of the Caucasian race (SMD = 0.411, 95%CI = [-0.030, 0.851], Z = 1.83, p = 0.068). The results obtained from hairs showed no association between MI and hair Cu levels (SMD = 0.338, 95% CI = [-0.171, 0.848], Z = 1.30, p = 0.193). But the subgroup analysis stratified by geological location indicated that subjects with MI had higher hair Cu levels than healthy controls in Pakistan (SMD = 0.785, 95% CI = [0.587, 0.983], Z = 10.29, p < 0.001), but not in India (SMD = -9.028, 95% CI = [-10.747, -7.309], Z = 7.77, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis indicates a significant association between high serum Cu levels and MI. However, the subgroup analysis found that there was significant effect modification of Cu levels by ethnicity. Thus, we suggest that a trans-regional multicenter study is needed to obtain better understanding of causal relationships between Cu and MI in different human races.

Serum level of copper in patients with coronary artery disease

Background:

Atherosclerotic disease is the most important cause of mortality in the world. Oxidation is an important pathway in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) through oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and free radical formation. Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient for enzymes that catalyse LDL oxidation reactions. Therefore, an evaluation of Cu in the atherosclerotic disease is important.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, 334 subjects without recent cardiac event and history of collagen vascular or infectious disease were investigated. All patients divided into four groups to evaluate severity of CAD according to Syntax scoring system. All groups were matched in cardiovascular risk factors.

Results:

The serum level of Cu was significantly higher in total atherosclerotic groups than normal group (P value = 0.001) and significantly increased with severity of atherosclerosis.

Conclusion:

The finding indicated that the serum level of Cu is higher in atherosclerotic patients and it increases with severity of atherosclerosis. Therefore, it may be possible that the basic relationship exist between serum Cu level and atherosclerosis and an association between Cu level and severity of atherosclerosis.

3D element imaging using NSECT for the detection of renal cancer: a simulation study in MCNP

This work describes a simulation study investigating the application of neutron stimulated emission computed tomography (NSECT) for noninvasive 3D imaging of renal cancer in vivo. Using MCNP5 simulations, we describe a method of diagnosing renal cancer in the body by mapping the 3D distribution of elements present in tumors using the NSECT technique. A human phantom containing the kidneys and other major organs was modeled in MCNP5. The element composition of each organ was based on values reported in literature. The two kidneys were modeled to contain elements reported in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and healthy kidney tissue. Simulated NSECT scans were executed to determine the 3D element distribution of the phantom body. Elements specific to RCC and healthy kidney tissue were then analyzed to identify the locations of the diseased and healthy kidneys and generate tomographic images of the tumor. The extent of the RCC lesion inside the kidney was determined using 3D volume rendering. A similar procedure was used to generate images of each individual organ in the body. Six isotopes were studied in this work - (32)S, (12)C, (23)Na, (14)N, (31)P and (39)K. The results demonstrated that through a single NSECT scan performed in vivo, it is possible to identify the location of the kidneys and other organs within the body, determine the extent of the tumor within the organ, and to quantify the differences between cancer and healthy tissue-related isotopes with p ≤ 0.05. All of the images demonstrated appropriate concentration changes between the organs, with some discrepancy observed in (31)P, (39)K and (23)Na. The discrepancies were likely due to the low concentration of the elements in the tissue that were below the current detection sensitivity of the NSECT technique.

Levels of selenium, zinc, copper, and cardiac troponin I in serum of patients with acute coronary syndrome

The aim of this study was to assess the levels of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and troponin I (TnI) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) on admission to our emergency department in comparison to healthy control subjects. Patients with diagnosed ACS (n = 100) were included in the study group. Control subjects (n = 100) were selected from healthy volunteers in the same age range. Venous blood samples were obtained to evaluate the levels of Se, Zn, Cu, and TnI (on admission for the ACS group). Serum Se, Zn, and Cu levels were significantly less in the ACS group compared to the control group (p <0.001, p <0.01, and p <0.001, respectively). The serum TnI level was significantly greater in the ACS group compared to the control group (p <0.05). The serum Se level in the ACS group correlated significantly with the TnI level (r = -0.211, p = 0.035). These results indicate that Se, Zn, and Cu deficiencies may be risk factors for ACS, and a decreased serum Se level in patients with ACS might reflect the degree of myocardial necrosis.

Biological effects of selenium compounds with a particular attention to the ontogenetic development

Selenium is a trace element that is essential for living organism. Its beneficial effect is, however, expressed in a very narrow dosage range: the high and low doses of selenium are connected with pathological manifestations. The toxicity depends on the chemical form of selenium, state of organism, interactions with heavy metals and on the stage of ontogenetic development. Whereas one dose of sodium selenite (20 micromol/kg b.w.) is lethal in adult rats, suckling rats are entirely resistant. However, within one week after administration of the same dose, cataract of eye lens developed. The highest incidence of cataract was observed in 10-day-old animals and it decreased until day 20. From postnatal day 20 to day 40 the rats were resistant to both the lethal and cataractogenic effects of selenium. The incidence of cataract may be suppressed by premature weaning, lower hydration of suckling, change of water soluble/water insoluble lens protein ratio, thyroxine treatment, and by interaction with mercury. By means of its oxidative and reduction properties, selenium is involved in the maintenance of the cell redox homeostasis. Typical example is its possible cardioprotective effect: selenium decreased number of arrhythmias, reduced infarct size and improved the contractile recovery after ischemia/reperfusion injury. Selenium supplementation may thus increase cardiac tolerance to ischemic damage.

Evaluation of copper concentration in subclinical cases of white muscle disease and its relationship with cardiac troponin I

The present study aims to evaluate the serum level of copper (Cu) in lambs suffering from subclinical forms of white muscle disease (WMD) and its relationship with cardiac troponin I (cTn-I) as a novel biomarker of cardiovascular disorders. Ten milliliters of jugular blood were taken from 200 lambs less than one year old to measure serum concentrations of Cu, selenium (Se), and cTn-I. The subjects were divided into 2 groups, namely, the deficient group which included 36 lambs, and the control group which included 164 lambs according to the reference serum Se concentration (50 ng/mL). Serum Se levels in the deficient group were lower than 50 ng/mL. By contrast, the control group showed Se levels higher than 50 ng/mL. Differences among the serum Cu and cTn-I levels were determined in both groups. The mean ±SD and median of serum Cu and cTn-I levels in the deficient group were lower and higher than those in the control group, respectively. A significant positive correlation was observed between serum Cu and Se levels, and also serum Cu and Se levels showed a negative correlation with serum cTn-I concentrations. Stepwise linear regression analysis showed that serum Cu levels were correlated positively with serum Se levels (p<0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that the area under curve (AUC) of Cu was significantly higher than that of cTn-I based on the reference diagonal line. It is important to keep in mind that the value of AUC for the ROC curve is between 0.5 and 1.00, in which the lowest accuracy is related to the reference diagonal line with AUC of 0.5. A cut-off was determined to indicate which Cu level can discriminate between affected and healthy lambs. The cut-off level, sensitivity, and specificity of Cu in this study were 144.5 ng/mL, 74%, and 61%, respectively.

Selenium status in soil, water and essential crops of Iran

Abstracts

As a contributing factor to health, the trace element selenium (Se) is an essential nutrient of special interest for humans and all animals. It is estimated that 0.5 to 1 billion people worldwide suffer from Se deficiency. In spite of the important role of Se, its concentrations in soil, water and essential crops have not been studied in Iran. Therefore, the main aim of the current study was to determine the Se content of soil, water, and essential crops (rice in North, wheat in Center, date, and pistachio in South) of different regions of Iran. Sampling was performed in the North, South, and Central regions of Iran. In each selected area in the three regions, 17 samples of surface soil were collected; samples of water and essential crops were also collected at the same sampling points. Upon preliminary preparation of all samples, the Se concentrations were measured by ICP-OES Model Varian Vista-MPX. The amount of soil-Se was found to be in the range between 0.04 and 0.45 ppm in the studied areas; the Se content of soil in the central region of Iran was the highest compared to other regions (p<0.0001). The average Se concentration in irrigation water of different areas was less than 0.01 mg/L, and the mean concentrations of Se in the rice, wheat, date, and pistachio samples were 0.95, 0.74, 0.46, and 0.40 ppm, respectively. Although Se-soil and water-Se level in different regions were low, the typical levels of Se in the essential crops were relatively high.

Evaluation of zinc and selenium alterations in children with acute infections: Correlation with markers of inflammation

Objectives: To investigate and assess selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) serum alterations in children with acute infections. Material and Methods: We determined Se, Zn, C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and procalcitonin (PCT) in 80 children hospitalized with acute infections. The patients were divided in two groups: Bacterial infections: 40 children (mean age 4.8 years); viral infections: 40 children (mean age 5.7 years). Morning blood samples were collected from each patient in three different periods: (a) in the acute phase (admission), (b) during the inflammatory process (4th day of hospitalization), and (c) after recovery (28–33 days after the first sampling). Results: We found that patients with bacterial infections had significantly lower levels of Se (48.9±16.4 mg/L vs. 58.1±13.7 mg/L, p=0.014) and Zn (69.3±19.4 mg/dL vs. 79.9±13.1 mg/dL, p=0.008) than those with viral infections on admission. Zn and Se levels were significantly increased after remission and the 4th day of hospitalization in patients with bacterial infections. Se and Zn were inversely related with the inflammatory markers CRP (r=−0.480, p=0.002 and r=−0.380, p=0.02, respectively), and PCT (r=−0.670, p < 0.001 and r=−0.510, p<0.01, respectively), in the same patients group on admission. We also found a positive correlation between the two micronutrients (r = 0.400, p<0.01) in children with bacterial infections on admission. Conclusions: Zn and Se behave as negative acute phase reactants and their levels were inversely associated with the progress of infection in patients with bacterial infections. The changes of micronutrients (Se, Zn) during the inflammatory process are transient and resolve without any dietary intervention.

The relationship between serum levels of Zn and Cu and severity of coronary atherosclerosis

The essential trace elements play important roles in the maintainance of the normal structure and physiology of cells. Several research groups have demonstrated that they also play important roles in states of cardiovascular diseases. Our aim is to investigate whether there is a relationship between trace elements (Zn and Cu) and the degree of atherosclerosis. The sample consisted of 67 patients with coronary artery disease and 26 clinically healthy individuals. Ninety-three subjects were separated into four groups according to their Gensini scores, the number of diseased vessels, the presence of acute coronary syndrome, and ejection fraction. Each group was divided into three subgroups, and serum zinc and copper levels were measured for each individual. The serum levels of zinc and copper were found to be significantly lower in patients with atherosclerosis than in the control group, but there were no significant differences in the serum levels of Cu and Zn between severe atherosclerosis and mild atherosclerosis. In Spearman's rank correlation, the zinc and copper levels were correlated with the Gensini score and the number of diseased vessels. The present study revealed a relationship between the serum levels of zinc and copper and atherosclerosis, but not between these levels and the severity of the disease.

Assessment of Selenium Concentration in Selected Organs of Farmed Raccoon Dogs (Nyctereutes Procyonoides)

The aim of the study was to determine selenium concentrations in the liver, kidneys, lungs, heart and muscles of farmed raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and to evaluate their impact on hair coat quality. Selenium concentration was determined using the modified Watkinson's spectrofluorometric method. Subjects were 20 farmed raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) at the age of 8-9 months, which were kept on a farm in south-eastern Poland. The results show that liver selenium content averaged 0.23±0.10 μg/g w.w. (wet weight). The concentrations ranged from 0.04 to 0.49 μg/g w.w. Kidney selenium concentration (0.49±0.17 μg/g w.w. on average) was over twice that of liver concentration. Animals with higher scores for hair coat quality had lower selenium concentrations in the kidneys and liver, and higher selenium concentrations in muscles, but the differences were not significant. When relating Se concentrations determined in the liver of raccoon dogs to the biochemical criteria, it is concluded that 80% of the analysed raccoon dogs were deficient in this element and 20% had marginal levels. The results obtained in our study suggest that the food used on the farm did not fully meet the Se requirement of the raccoon dogs.

Tissue distribution of selenium and effect of season and age on selenium content in roe deer from northwestern Poland

The aim of the study was to compare selenium concentrations in different organs of roe deer from northwestern Poland. Samples of liver, kidneys, heart and lungs, collected from 74 roe deer shot during the hunting seasons of 2008-2009 in northwestern Poland, were studied. Selenium concentration in the organs was determined spectrofluorimetrically. Mean selenium concentration was 0.06 µg/g w.w. in the liver, 0.41 µg/g w.w. in the kidneys and 0.05 µg/g w.w. in the heart and lungs. Season had a significant effect on selenium concentration in the liver, kidneys, lungs and heart. In all the organs, the highest selenium concentration was found in spring and the lowest in autumn and winter. All animals studied were deficient in selenium. The low selenium concentration in the liver or heart can disturb their function, and in the future, it may be a factor contributing to the population decline of roe deer in the northwestern part of Poland.

An approach to the arsenic status in cardiovascular tissues of patients with coronary heart disease

Among non-cancer effects of arsenic, cardiovascular diseases have been well documented; however, few are known about the arsenic fate in cardiovascular tissues. We studied the analytic bioinorganic arsenic behaviour in cardiovascular tissues from an arsenic exposure coronary heart disease patient group from Antofagasta-Chile against a small unexposed arsenic coronary heart patient group. Total arsenic concentrations were measured in pieces of cardiovascular tissues of the arsenic-exposed and unexposed coronary heart patient groups by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HG-AAS); speciation analysis was made by high performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS). Pieces of auricle (AU), mammary artery (MAM), saphenous vein (SAP) and fat residuals (FAT) were considered in this study. The arsenic concentrations in AU and MAM tissues were significantly different between both groups of patients. Also, it was demonstrated that the AU is an 'As(3+) target tissue.' Otherwise, linking of the total concentrations of arsenic with conditional variables and variables related to medical geology factors allowed us to infer that the latter are more important for the cardiovascular risk of arsenic exposure in the Antofagasta region. Knowledge of total arsenic and the prevalence of the trivalent ion (As(3+)) in the AU of patients could contribute to understanding the effect of arsenic on cardiovascular diseases.

Bioimaging of metals and biomolecules in mouse heart by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and secondary ion mass spectrometry

Bioimaging mass spectrometric techniques allow direct mapping of metal and biomolecule distributions with high spatial resolution in biological tissue. In this study laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) was used for imaging of transition metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Ti), alkali and alkaline-earth metals (Na, K, Mg, and Ca, respectively), and selected nonmetals (such as C, P, and S) in native cryosections of mouse heart. The metal and nonmetal images clearly illustrated the shape and the anatomy of the samples. Zinc and copper were inhomogeneously distributed with average concentrations of 26 and 11 μg g(-1), respectively. Titanium and manganese were detected at concentrations reaching 1 and 2 μg g(-1), respectively. The highest regional metal concentration of 360 μg g(-1)was observed for iron in blood present in the lumen of the aorta. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) as an elemental and biomolecular mass spectrometric technique was employed for imaging of Na, K, and selected biomolecules (e.g., phosphocholine, choline, cholesterol) in adjacent sections. Here, two different bioimaging techniques, LA-ICPMS and SIMS, were combined for the first time, yielding novel information on both elemental and biomolecular distributions.

Cardiac biomarkers in a model of acute catecholamine cardiotoxicity

Coronary heart disease and in particular its most serious form — acute myocardial infarction (AMI) — represents the most common cause of mortality in developed countries. Better prognosis may be achieved by understanding the etiopathogenetic mechanisms of AMI. Therefore, a catecholamine model of myocardial injury, which has appeared to be very similar to AMI in human in some aspect, was used. Male Wistar:Han rats were randomly divided into two groups: control group (saline) and isoprenaline group (ISO; synthetic catecholamine, 100 mg.kg— 1 subcutaneously [s.c.]). After 24 hours, functional parameters were measured, biochemical markers in the blood and metals content in the heart tissue were analysed and histological examination was performed. ISO caused marked myocardial injury that was associated with myocardial calcium overload. Close correlation between myocardial impairment (i.e. serum TnT, stroke volume index and wet ventricles weight) and the levels of myocardial calcium was observed. Direct reactive oxygen species (ROS) involvement was documented only by non-significant increase in malonyldialdehyde 24 hours after ISO injury. Moreover, myocardial element analysis revealed no significant changes as for the content of zinc and iron while selenium and copper increased in the ISO group although it reached statistical significance only for the latter.

Selenium levels in first-degree relatives of diabetic patients

The present study was conducted to evaluate the serum selenium levels in first-degree relatives of diabetic patients (FDR) according to controls. Insulin resistance, serum lipid levels, inflammation markers, and blood pressure were also studied in these patients. Serum levels of selenium in FDR were significantly lower than control group (74.65 +/- 5.9 vs 88.7 +/- 8.7 microg/dl, p < 0.0001). HsCRP, HOMA-IR, insulin, homocysteine levels were significantly higher in FDR according to the control group (1.32 +/- 0.9 vs 0.63 +/- 0.4 mg/dL, p < 0.0001; 2.07 +/- 0.84 vs 1.51 +/- 0.69, p < 0.0001; 9.26 +/- 3.8 vs 6.8 +/- 2.98 microU/MI, p < 0.0001; 15.7 +/- 7.4 vs 11.5 +/- 5.1 micromol/L, p < 0.0001, respectively). There was significant correlation between selenium levels and hsCRP (r = - 0.450, p < 0.0001). There was also weak significant correlation also between HOMA-IR and selenium levels (r = -0.227, p = 0.003). There was a correlation between systolic blood pressure and BMI (r = 0.365, p < 0.0001). But there was no correlation between selenium levels and blood pressure or other parameters. HsCRP, HOMA-IR, homocysteine levels in individuals with selenium levels < 80 microg/L (n = 78) was significantly higher than hsCRP HOMA-IR, homocysteine levels in individuals with selenium levels >or= 80 (n = 91; 1.23 +/- 0.98 vs 0.81 +/- 0.76 mg/dL, p < 0.003; 1.99 +/- 0.88 vs 1.64 +/- 0.74, p < 0.005; 15.0 +/- 7.6 vs 12.9 +/- 5.7 micromol/L, p < 0.049, respectively). Selenium deficiency may contribute to cardiovascular disease risk in FDR.

Omega-3 fatty acids and the cardiometabolic syndrome

Benefits of fish consumption in patients with the cardiometabolic syndrome relate to the high biologic value of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, as well as certain minerals and vitamins in fish. Recently, the American Heart Association issued new guidelines for the intake of omega-3 oils for the prevention of coronary heart disease. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the potential health benefits of fish consumption and/or fish oil supplements in reducing cardiometabolic syndrome risk factors. The consumption of fish or fish oil containing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, decreases triglyceride, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers, improves endothelial function, prevents certain cardiac arrhythmias, reduces platelet aggregation (including reactivity and adhesion), reduces vasoconstriction, enhances fibrinolysis, reduces fibrin formation, and decreases the risk of microalbuminuria and sudden cardiac death. Thus, fish intake or fish oil supplement use is beneficial to reduce cardiometabolic risk factors.

Thoracic aortic aneurysm patients with Chlamydophila pneumoniae infection showed a shift in trace element levels in serum and diseased aortic tissue

Few studies have been performed on trace elements in tissues and serum in cardiovascular disease and none in aortic aneurysm. In this study the concentrations of 10 trace elements were determined in serum and aneurysmatic aortic tissue from 23 patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Macroscopically, normal thoracic aortic tissue specimens from 10 forensic autopsies and serum from 23 healthy blood donors served as controls. DNA from the intracellular respiratory pathogen Chlamydophila pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae), which may be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, was found in 26% (6/23) of the patients but in none of the controls. The serum copper/zinc ratio, a well-known marker of ongoing infection and/or inflammation, was higher (26%, p<0.001) in aneurysm patients. C. pneumoniae requires iron for its growth. In our aneurysm patients iron was higher in serum (by 54%, p<0.001) and aneurysmal tissue (by 60%, p<0.001). Although calcium was lower in patient sera (by 8%, p<0.001), it tended to be higher (by 20%, ns) in aneurysmatic tissue. In addition, mercury concentrations in serum and aneurysmatic tissue were positively correlated (r=0.51, p<0.05). Moreover, C. pneumoniae-positive aneurysmatic tissues had lower concentrations of manganese (46%, p<0.05) and zinc (26%, ns) but a higher concentration of mercury (50%, p<0.05) than C. pneumoniae-negative aneurysmatic tissues. In conclusion, aneurysm patients showed a shift in trace element levels in serum and in the diseased part of the aorta, the pattern being partly different in C. pneumoniae-positive compared with C. pneumoniae-negative patients. The results are compatible with active infection and/or inflammation, possibly initiated by C. pneumoniae.

The relationship between established coronary risk factors and serum copper and zinc concentrations in a large Persian cohort

INTRODUCTION

The relationship between demographic and biochemical characteristics, including several established coronary risk factors, and serum copper and zinc was assessed in a large Iranian population sample.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A group of 2233 individuals, 15-65 years of age [1106 (49.5%) males and 1127 (50.5%) females] was recruited from residents of the Greater Khorasan province in northeast of Iran. Demographic data were collected using questionnaires. Coronary risk factors were determined using standard protocols, and trace elements were measured in serum using atomic absorption spectroscopy.

RESULTS

Degree of glucose tolerance and smoking habit were not associated with serum zinc and copper levels. Serum copper levels were significantly higher in obese and hypertensive than in normal subjects (p<0.001). In the whole group and for the female subgroup, serum zinc (p<0.01) and copper (p<0.001) were both significantly lower in individuals with normal versus high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. A strong positive correlation was found between serum copper and body mass index (BMI) (r=0.85, p<0.001). Weaker positive associations were found between serum copper and calculated 10 years' coronary risk (r=0.11, p<0.001). Serum zinc/copper ratio was strongly inversely associated with calculated 10 years' coronary risk (r=-0.10, p<0.001). The partial Eta squared (PES) values for factors determining serum zinc were hypertension (0.007, p=0.01) and BMI (0.004, p=0.01); and for serum copper, they were gender (0.02, p=0.001), hypertension (0.004, p=0.009), and 10 years' coronary risk for men (0.003, p=0.03) and women (0.002, p=0.07).

CONCLUSION

Significant associations between serum trace element concentrations and several coronary risk factors, including calculated 10 years' coronary risk scores, were found.

Tissue 65Zinc translocation in a rat model of chronic aldosteronism

Zinc, an essential micronutrient, is involved in wound healing. The hypozincemia seen with chronic aldosteronism is associated with enhanced fecal and urinary excretory Zn losses, and its tissue distribution is less certain. This study monitored tissue 65Zn distribution in uninephrectomized rats at weeks 1 and 4 of aldosterone/salt treatment (ALDOST). Plasma and tissue total radionucleotide uptake was determined by calculating its mean radioactivity at 1, 4, 8, 24, and 48 hours after intravenous 65Zn administration and where respective area under the concentration-time curves (AUC) were determined by the linear trapezoidal rule and expressed as a tissue:plasma AUC ratio. Examined tissues included: (1) injured heart and kidney in response to ALDOST and incised skin; (2) noninjured liver, skeletal muscle, and spleen sites of stress-linked Zn uptake; and (3) bone, a major storage and release site when Zn homeostasis is threatened. In comparison with age-matched and gender-matched controls, the following were found with week 1 and 4 ALDOST: (1) reduced plasma 65Zn; (2) an accumulation of 65Zn in heart and kidneys, where a well-known vasculopathy involves intramural vessels, and in incised skin at week 1; (3) an organ-specific increase in tissue 65Zn in liver, in keeping with upregulated metallothionein expression, skeletal muscle, and spleen; and (4) a fall in bone and healed skin Zn at week 4. Thus a wide-ranging disturbance in Zn homeostasis appears during ALDOST to include its translocation from plasma to injured heart, kidneys, and skin and noninjured liver, skeletal muscle, and spleen together with a resorption of stored Zn in bone at week 4. Zinc dyshomeostasis is an integral feature of chronic aldosteronism.

Serum Selenium and Glutathione Peroxidase Concentrations in Iranian Patients with Angiography-Defined Coronary Artery Disease

This study investigated the relationship between serum selenium (Se) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels and the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) among Iranian patients. Three groups were compared: patients undergoing angiography with angiographically defined CAD, individuals with a normal angiogram, and apparently healthy controls with no evidence of overt CAD. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and lipid profiles, serum Se and GPx measurements, and angiographic assessment were carried out using standard protocols. Mean serum Se concentrations were not significantly different between patients with and without CAD and the control group. The mean value of serum GPx in the control group was significantly higher than in patients with or without CAD. Selenium status did not differentiate between patients with and without CAD, which may be related to the fact that angiography is not a very sensitive index of global atherosclerosis, and it is possible that patients who were CAD negative by angiogram still have significant disease. It may also be that Se is not a good marker of CAD.