Optic neuropathy, myelopathy, anemia, and neutropenia caused by acquired copper deficiency after gastric bypass surgery

The Tao of Copper Metabolism: From Physiology to Pathology

As a transitional metal, copper plays a crucial role in maintaining the normal physiological activities of mammals. The intracellular copper concentration is meticulously regulated to maintain extremely low levels through homeostatic regulation. Excessive accumulation of free copper in cells can have deleterious effects, as observed in conditions such as Wilson's disease. Moreover, data accumulated over the past few decades have revealed a crucial role of copper imbalance in tumorigenesis, progression and metastasis. Recently, cuproptosis, also known as copper-induced cell death, has been proposed as a novel form of cell death. This discovery offers new prospects for treating copperrelated diseases and provides a promising avenue for developing copper-responsive therapies, particularly in cancer treatment. We present a comprehensive overview of the Yin- Yang equilibrium in copper metabolism, particularly emphasising its pathophysiological alterations and their relevance to copper-related diseases and malignancies.

What Is Best for Weight Loss? A Comparative Review of the Safety and Efficacy of Bariatric Surgery Versus Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Analogue

Obesity is a global health concern, necessitating effective weight-loss interventions. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of semaglutide, a pharmacotherapeutic option, with bariatric surgery, a commonly utilized surgical intervention, for weight reduction. A systematic review of clinical trials, including the STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People) trials, sustain trials, pioneer trials, and the STAMPEDE (Surgical Treatment and Medications Potentially Eradicate Diabetes Efficiently) trial, was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of these interventions. The analysis of the clinical trials revealed that semaglutide demonstrated significant weight reduction in participants. However, adverse effects such as gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances, increased pulse rate, and rare cases of thyroid cancer were observed. Long-term effects showed partial weight regain and a return of certain cardiometabolic variables to baseline levels after semaglutide withdrawal. Comparatively, bariatric surgery, as demonstrated in the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery (LABS) consortium and supported by the STAMPEDE trial, exhibited higher efficacy in weight reduction and the management of obesity-induced complications such as diabetes. The STAMPEDE trial demonstrated that bariatric surgery, specifically Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG), led to a significantly higher percentage of patients achieving desired diabetes treatment targets compared to medical therapy alone. While bariatric surgery showed superior efficacy, it also carried a higher risk of complications. In contrast, semaglutide presented a noninvasive alternative with significant weight reduction and lower incidences of adverse effects. In conclusion, this study highlights that bariatric surgery, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy, remains a highly effective intervention for weight loss and management of obesity-induced complications. However, semaglutide represents a valuable noninvasive alternative, offering significant weight reduction and lower risks of adverse effects. The choice between these interventions should be based on individual patient characteristics and a comprehensive assessment of the risk-benefit profile.

Diagnosis and therapeutic decision-making for the neutropenic patient

Determining the cause of a low neutrophil count in a pediatric or adult patient is essential for the hematologist's clinical decision-making. Fundamental to this diagnostic process is establishing the presence or lack of a mature neutrophil storage pool, as absence places the patient at higher risk for infection and the need for supportive care measures. Many diagnostic tests, eg, a peripheral blood smear and bone marrow biopsy, remain important tools, but greater understanding of the diversity of neutropenic disorders has added new emphasis on evaluating for immune disorders and genetic testing. In this article, a structure is provided to assess patients based on the mechanism of neutropenia and to prioritize testing based on patient age and hypothesized pathophysiology. Common medical quandaries including fever management, need for growth factor support, risk of malignant transformation, and curative options in congenital neutropenia are reviewed to guide medical decision-making in neutropenic patients.

The Epidemiology, Impact, and Diagnosis of Micronutrient Nutritional Dermatoses Part 1: Zinc, Selenium, Copper, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C

Dermatologists play a critical role in diagnosing and managing nutritional deficiencies as they often present with cutaneous findings. Traditionally, nutritional dermatoses are taught in the context of developing countries, famine, population displacement, and poor healthcare access; however, in the United States, common risk factors include chronic liver disease, alcoholism, psychiatric disease, bariatric surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, and hemodialysis. Additionally, nutritional dermatoses may be underdiagnosed in the United States and result in increased morbidity and utilization of hospital resources. There is a need for providers in developed nations to identify these deficiencies, and this review aims to meet that practice gap and provide relevant context to these diseases for dermatologists. This two-part review series will focus on the epidemiology, impact, appearance, and diagnostic modalities for micronutrient deficiencies, including zinc, selenium, copper, and vitamins A and C in part one. The companion review will focus on the B-complex vitamins.

Parenteral Provision of Micronutrients to Pediatric Patients: An International Expert Consensus Paper

INTRODUCTION

Micronutrients (vitamins and trace elements) are essential to all nutrition. For children and neonates who are dependent upon nutrition support therapies for growth and development, the prescribed regimen must supply all essential components. This paper aims to facilitate interpretation of existing clinical guidelines into practical approaches for the provision of micronutrients in pediatric parenteral nutrition.

METHODS

An international, interdisciplinary expert panel was convened to review recent evidence-based guidelines and published literature to develop consensus-based recommendations on practical micronutrient provision in pediatric parenteral nutrition.

RESULTS

The guidelines and evidence have been interpreted as answers to 10 commonly asked questions around the practical principles for provision and monitoring of micronutrients in pediatric patients.

CONCLUSION

Micronutrients are an essential part of all parenteral nutrition and should be included in the pediatric nutrition therapy care plan.

Toxicity potential of denture adhesives: A scoping review

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Denture adhesives are widely used products, but limited evidence regarding their toxicity is available.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this scoping review was to map the existing literature on the toxic potential of denture adhesives.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This scoping review was structured based on the 5-step methodology proposed by Arksey and O'Malley and The Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. The methods were registered on the Open Science Framework (<osf.io/nqryt>). The following research question was formulated: Are there any toxic effects related to the use of denture adhesives? The electronic literature search was performed independently by 2 authors in the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. The inclusion criteria were in vitro and clinical studies; studies that evaluated the cytotoxic properties of denture adhesives as local or systemic implications; and studies published in English.

RESULTS

The search conducted in October 2020 provided 1099 articles. In total, 33 studies were included, 14 in vitro and 19 clinical studies. Commercially available denture adhesives have a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on fibroblasts and keratinocytes, with poor cell recovery noted in older human fibroblasts. Patients presented different levels of neurologic or hematological alterations associated with the excessive use of denture adhesives.

CONCLUSIONS

Most commercially available denture adhesives have a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect, and the use of well-adapted removable dental prostheses, proper patient follow-ups, and correct instructions for their use when indicated should be a priority.

Nutritional Optic Neuropathies: State of the Art and Emerging Evidences

Nutritional optic neuropathy is a cause of bilateral, symmetrical, and progressive visual impairment with loss of central visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, dyschromatopsia, and a central or centrocecal scotoma. The clinical features are not pathognomonic, since hereditary and toxic forms share similar signs and symptoms. It is becoming increasingly common due to the widespread of bariatric surgery and strict vegetarian or vegan diets, so even the scientific interest has recently increased. In particular, recent studies have focused on possible pathogenetic mechanisms, and on novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in order to prevent the onset, make a prompt diagnosis and an accurate nutritional supplementation, and to avoid irreversible optic nerve atrophy. Nowadays, there is clear evidence of the role of cobalamin, folic acid, thiamine, and copper, whereas further studies are needed to define the role of niacin, riboflavin, and pyridoxine. This review aims to summarize the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of nutritional optic neuropathy, and it is addressed not only to ophthalmologists, but to all physicians who could come in contact with a patient with a possible nutritional optic neuropathy, being a fundamental multidisciplinary approach.

Parenteral Provision of Micronutrients to Adult Patients: An Expert Consensus Paper

BACKGROUND

Micronutrients, an umbrella term used to collectively describe vitamins and trace elements, are essential components of nutrition. Those requiring alternative forms of nutrition support are dependent on the prescribed nutrition regimen for their micronutrient provision. The purpose of this paper is to assist clinicians to bridge the gap between the available guidelines' recommendations and their practical application in the provision of micronutrients via the parenteral route to adult patients.

METHODS

Based on the available evidenced-based literature and existing guidelines, a panel of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals with significant experience in the provision of parenteral nutrition (PN) and intravenous micronutrients developed this international consensus paper.

RESULTS

The paper addresses 14 clinically relevant questions regarding the importance and use of micronutrients in various clinical conditions. Practical orientation on how micronutrients should be prescribed, administered, and monitored is provided.

CONCLUSION

Micronutrients are a critical component to nutrition provision and PN provided without them pose a considerable risk to nutrition status. Obstacles to their daily provision-including voluntary omission, partial provision, and supply issues-must be overcome to allow safe and responsible nutrition practice.

The molecular mechanisms of copper metabolism and its roles in human diseases

Copper is an essential element in cells; it can act as either a recipient or a donor of electrons, participating in various reactions. However, an excess of copper ions in cells is detrimental as these copper ions can generate free radicals and increase oxidative stress. In multicellular organisms, copper metabolism involves uptake, distribution, sequestration, and excretion, at both the cellular and systemic levels. Mammalian enterocytes take in bioavailable copper ions from the diet in a Ctr1-dependent manner. After incorporation, cuprous ions are delivered to ATP7A, which pumps Cu⁺ from enterocytes into the blood. Copper ions arrive at the liver through the portal vein and are incorporated into hepatocytes by Ctr1. Then, Cu⁺ can be secreted into the bile or the blood via the Atox1/ATP7B/ceruloplasmin route. In the bloodstream, this micronutrient can reach peripheral tissues and is again incorporated by Ctr1. In peripheral tissue cells, cuprous ions are either sequestrated by molecules such as metallothioneins or targeted to utilization pathways by chaperons such as Atox1, Cox17, and CCS. Copper metabolism must be tightly controlled in order to achieve homeostasis and avoid disorders. A hereditary or acquired copper unbalance, including deficiency, overload, or misdistribution, may cause or aggravate certain diseases such as Menkes disease, Wilson disease, neurodegenerative diseases, anemia, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. A full understanding of copper metabolism and its roles in diseases underlies the identification of novel effective therapies for such diseases.

Nutritional neuropathies

Neuropathies associated with nutritional deficiencies are routinely encountered by the practicing neurologist. Although these neuropathies assume different patterns, most are length-dependent, sensory axonopathies. Cobalamin deficiency neuropathy is the exception, often presenting with a non-length-dependent sensory neuropathy. Patients with cobalamin and copper deficiency neuropathy characteristically have concomitant myelopathy, whereas vitamin E deficiency is uniquely associated with a spinocerebellar syndrome. In contrast to those nutrients for which deficiencies produce neuropathies, pyridoxine toxicity results in a non-length-dependent sensory neuronopathy. Deficiencies occur in the context of malnutrition, malabsorption, increased nutrient loss (such as with dialysis), autoimmune conditions such as pernicious anemia, and with certain drugs that inhibit nutrient absorption. When promptly identified, therapeutic nutrient supplementation may result in stabilization or improvement of these neuropathies.

Copper Deficiency: Causes, Manifestations, and Treatment

BACKGROUND

The metabolism of the essential trace element copper remains incompletely understood and, until recently, nearly ignored in acute medicine. Menkes disease was for long the only known copper deficiency condition, but several case reports and investigations conducted over the last 2 decades have shown that deficiency is more frequent than previously suspected, with devastating individual consequences and potential public health consequences. The copper needs in healthy individuals are 0.9 mg/d, which translates to 0.3 mg/d intravenously in parenteral nutrition; the present review aims at gathering actual knowledge.

METHOD AND RESULTS

A review of literature was conducted in PubMed and Cochrane systematic reviews to identify the most recent information about copper deficiency and generate a narrative review. Copper deficiency has hereditary and acquired origins, the latter being the most frequent. Clinical manifestations are nonspecific but affect all organs and systems, particularly the hematologic (anemia) and the neurologic (myeloneuropathy) systems. Deficiency also affects the cardiovascular, cutaneous, and immune systems. Severe copper deficiency due to reduced absorption after bariatric bypass surgery has become frequent.

CONCLUSION

Deficiency is more frequent than previously recognized, probably because of changing nutrition patterns but also because of some treatments that have become very common such as bypass bariatric surgery and, in acute medicine, prolonged continuous renal replacement therapy. The patients may present with severe hematologic and neurologic complications that go untreated because copper deficiency was not considered in the differential diagnosis: These complications often need active intravenous repletion with doses 4-8 times the usual nutrition recommendations.

Treatment and Outcomes in Nutritional Optic Neuropathy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Nutritional optic neuropathy is a potential cause of severe visual loss; however, appropriate and timely management can result in excellent visual outcomes. The purpose of this review is to outline our current understanding of the treatment and outcomes for nutritional optic neuropathy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current understanding of nutritional optic neuropathy has been greatly aided by some well-reported and investigated epidemics of the condition, most notably the Cuban epidemic optic neuropathy of the early 1990s. More recently, there is an emerging literature surrounding nutritional deficiencies that can occur in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. There also continues to be a stream of case reports in the literature that add to our understanding. Nutritional optic neuropathy has a great deal of overlap with toxic optic neuropathies and hereditary optic neuropathies and should not be thought of in isolation from these conditions. The mainstay of treatment for nutritional optic neuropathy involves identifying and replacing deficient nutrients as well as identifying and eliminating contributory toxins. It is also important to identify contributory genetic factors and to consider the broader social, economic and societal factors which may contribute.

Copper Deficiency after Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity: a Systematic Review

A large number of patients undergoing bariatric surgery are deficient in copper, and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass can further aggravate it. Delays in diagnosis and treatment of copper deficiency can leave patients with residual neurological disability. This has led to recommendation from the British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society that copper levels should be monitored annually after gastric bypass. This review concludes that copper deficiency in adequately supplemented patients is rare and can be adequately treated if a related haematological or neurological disorder is diagnosed. The cost of routine monitoring may therefore not be justified for adequately supplemented, asymptomatic patients who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The screening may however be necessary for high-risk patient groups to prevent severe complications and permanent disability.

Investigating Factors Involved in Post Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) Neuropathy

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has gained popularity as the leading bariatric procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity. Due to the rising numbers of bariatric surgeries, neurologic complications have become increasingly recognized. Our aim was to examine biochemical and hormonal factors that are associated with neuropathy post-LSG.

METHODS

Thirty-two patients were included: 16 patients with neuropathy in the neuropathic group (NG) and 16 patients without neuropathy in the control group (CG). Diagnosis was made by a consultant neurologist, and blood samples were taken to examine vitamin deficiencies and hormones involved in neuropathy.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the BMI (p = 0.1) in both groups as well as excess weight loss percentages post-LSG at 12 months (p = 0.6). B12 levels were within normal range, but higher in NG (p = 0.005). Vitamin B1 and B2 levels were significantly lower in NG; p values are 0.000 and 0.031, respectively. Vitamin B6 levels were significantly higher in NG (p = 0.02) and copper levels were lower in NG (p = 0.009). There was no significant difference in GLP-1 response in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Our data showed post-LSG neuropathy is associated with lower levels of vitamin B1, B2, and copper, plus patients who are older in age. Vitamin B6 was significantly higher in the NG, which is, at toxic levels, associated with neuropathy. No difference in preoperative BMI, excess weight loss percent at 1 year, and GLP-1 levels was found. Larger data is required to validate our results.

Oral copper absorption in men with morbid obesity

Copper deficiency has been reported in patients with severe obesity, both before and after bariatric surgery, the latter at increased rates. However, little is known about the absorption of copper. Because of differences in copper dynamics between men and women in the limited available data, we evaluated copper absorption in men who were candidates for bariatric surgery. All patients gave informed consent, approved by the University of Pennsylvania Institutional Review Board, to participate in a pharmacokinetics study. After a 12-h fast, body composition was measured using air displacement plethysmography and a single oral dose of 4mg copper gluconate was given followed by serial measures of serum copper over 10h. Meals and snacks very low in copper were provided. The seven participants had age 52±8years, BMI 44.87±9.01kg/m² and fat free mass 77.92±14.45kg. Baseline serum copper was 36.1±19.5μg/dL and ceruloplasmin was 50.86±4.58mg/dL. Peak copper absorption occurred within 1-2h. The AUC for six subjects was 254.6±151.3μg/100mLh. The estimated volume of distribution (1.98±0.36L) was ∼25mL/kg fat free mass. In these severely obese men, copper absorption occurred early in spite of their normal copper status, suggesting no impairment of absorption due to obesity. Further studies of copper absorption after the significant weight loss and possible malabsorption derived from bariatric surgery are needed.

Management of obesity after spinal cord injury: a systematic review

CONTEXT

Individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) are susceptible to central and visceral obesity and it's metabolic consequences; consensus based guidelines for obesity management after SCI have not yet been stablished.

OBJECTIVES

To identify and compare effective means of obesity management among SCI individuals.

METHODS

This systematic review included English and non-English articles, published prior to April 2017 found in the PubMed/Medline, Embase, CINAHL Psychinfo and Cochrane databases. Studies evaluating any obesity management strategy, alone or in combination, including: diet therapy, voluntary and involuntary exercise such as neuro-muscular electric stimulation (NMES), pharmacotherapy, and surgery, among individuals with chronic SCI were included. Outcomes of interest were reductions in waist circumference, body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI) and total fat mass (TFM) and increases in total lean body mass (TLBM) from baseline. From 3,553 retrieved titles and abstracts, 34 articles underwent full text review and 23 articles were selected for data abstraction. Articles describing weight loss due to inflammation, cancer or B12 deficiency were excluded. The Downs and Black reported poor to moderate quality of the studies.

RESULTS

Bariatric surgery produced the greatest permanent weight reduction and BMI correction followed by combinations of physical exercise and diet therapy. Generally, NMES and pharmacotherapy improved TLBM and reduced TFM but not weight.

CONCLUSIONS

The greatest weight reduction and BMI correction was produced by bariatric surgery, followed by a combination of physical exercise and diet therapy. NMES and pharmacologic treatment did not reduce weight or TFM but increased in TLBM.

Nutritional Optic Neuropathy Caused by Copper Deficiency After Bariatric Surgery

A 47-year-old woman developed severe bilateral visual loss 4 years after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and 24 years after vertical banded gastroplasty. Her serum copper level was 35 μg/dL (normal, 80-155 μg/dL). She was prescribed elemental copper tablets. Because her methylmalonic acid was slightly elevated, she received vitamin B12 injections as well. Five weeks later, she reported that her vision had improved and, at 10 months, her vision had recovered from 20/400 bilaterally to 20/25 in each eye. This case highlights the importance of checking copper levels in addition to the "more routine" vitamin levels, such as B1, B6, B12, E, and serum folate in patients with suspected nutritional optic neuropathy after bariatric surgery, particularly if it involved a bypass procedure.

Bariatric Surgery and the Neuro-Ophthalmologist

BACKGROUND

As the prevalence of obesity increases, so, too, do the prevalences of weight-related diseases and surgical procedures to promote weight loss. It is important for neuro-ophthalmologists to be familiar with these procedures and possible downstream effects on afferent and efferent visual function.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Review of ophthalmology, neurology, general surgery, obesity, endocrinology, nutrition, psychiatry, and neurosurgery literature.

RESULTS

Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective treatment for weight loss in obese individuals. There is Level IV evidence that it is associated with improvement in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Laboratory nutrient deficiencies are common following some types of bariatric procedures. Symptomatic deficiencies are less common but can be devastating. Thiamine deficiency can cause nystagmus and other symptoms in weeks to months after surgery, whereas B12 or copper deficiency can cause optic neuropathy in years to decades following bariatric surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery is a potential treatment for IIH. Postoperative vitamin deficiencies may cause nystagmus, optic neuropathy, nyctalopia, and/or ophthalmoparesis weeks to years after surgery.

Neurological Complications of Bariatric Surgery

Obesity has attained pandemic proportions, and bariatric surgery is increasingly being employed resulting in turn to more neurological complications which must be recognized and managed. Neurological complications may result from mechanical or inflammatory mechanisms but primarily result from micro-nutritional deficiencies. Vitamin B12, thiamine, and copper constitute the most frequent deficiencies. Neurological complications may occur at reasonably predictable times after bariatric surgery and are associated with the type of surgery used. During the early post-operative period, compressive or stretch peripheral nerve injury, rhabdomyolysis, Wernicke's encephalopathy, and inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathy may occur. Late complications ensue after months to years and include combined system degeneration (vitamin B12 deficiency) and hypocupric myelopathy. Bariatric surgery patients require careful nutritional follow-up with routine monitoring of micronutrients at 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months post-operatively and then annually after surgery and multivitamin supplementation for life. Sustained vigilance for common and rare neurological complications is essential.

Idiopathic hyperzincemia with associated copper deficiency anemia: a diagnostic dilemma

Prompt serum copper and zinc in addition to vitamin B12 levels should be measured in patients suffering from refractory anemia with neurological symptoms. A timely copper supplementation can help revert the hematological and possibly the neurological manifestations.

Copper, selenium and zinc levels after bariatric surgery in patients recommended to take multivitamin-mineral supplementation

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery is widely performed to improve obesity-related disorders, but can lead to nutrient deficiencies. In this study we examined serum trace element concentrations before and after bariatric surgery.

METHODS

We obtained serum trace element concentrations by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method in 437 patients (82% women, median preoperative body-mass index 46.7 kg/m(2) [interquartile range 42-51]) undergoing either gastric banding (22.7%), sleeve gastrectomy (20.1%), or gastric bypass (57.3%) procedures. Trace element data were available for patients preoperatively (n = 44); and 3 (n = 208), 6 (n = 174), 12 (n = 122), 18 (n = 39), 24 (n = 44) and 36 months (n = 14) post-operatively. All patients were recommended to take a multivitamin-mineral supplement after surgery.

RESULTS

Copper deficiency was found in 2% of patients before surgery; and after surgery deficiency rates ranged from 0 to 5% with no significant change in median concentrations during follow-up (p = 0.68). Selenium deficiency was reported in 2% of patients before surgery; and after surgery deficiency rates ranged from 11 to 15% with a near-significant change in median concentrations (p = 0.056). Zinc deficiency was reported in 7% before surgery; and after surgery deficiency rates ranged from 7 to 15% with no significant change in median concentrations (p = 0.39).

CONCLUSIONS

In bariatric surgery patients recommended to take multivitamin-mineral supplements, serum copper, zinc and selenium concentrations were mostly stable during the first years after bariatric surgery. There was a possible tendency for selenium concentrations to decline during the early postoperative period.