The Assessment of Iodine Concentrations in Colostrum and Breast Milk Using ICP-MS: The Impact of Delivery Type, Thyroid Function and Gestational Diabetes-A Pilot Study.

Considering the spectrum of benefits of breast milk feeding, determining the essential components of an infant's only food-mother's milk-seems justified, especially in the case of those whose deficiency (e.g., iodine) may result in developmental disorders. The main aim of this study was the determination of the total iodine content of breast milk (including colostrum and mature milk). A secondary objective was to assess the influence of factors such as the type of delivery, hypothyroidism, gestational diabetes or the stage of lactation on this parameter. The study materials were colostrum and milk after 1 (n = 14), 2 and 3 months (n = 8) of lactation with a range of iodine concentrations (µg/L): 195-1648 and 170-842, 174-650 and 273-751, respectively. Iodine was determined using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Multivariate statistical analysis revealed, e.g., that delivery by caesarean section or dose of L-thyroxine taken by women to normalise thyroid hormones, had a significant effect on iodine concentrations in breast milk. Further research aimed at assessing the quality of breast milk should also include determining the factors influencing it.

The Impact of Kohlrabi Sprouts on Various Thyroid Parameters in Iodine Deficiency- and Sulfadimethoxine-Induced Hypothyroid Rats.

Brassica sprouts, as the rich source of dietary glucosinolates, may have a negative effect on thyroid function. In this study, kohlrabi sprouts diet, combined with two models of rat hypothyroidism, was tested. TSH, thyroid hormones and histopathology analysis were completed with the evaluation of immunological, biochemical, haematological parameters, cytosolic glutathione peroxidase, thioredoxin reductase in the thyroid, and plasma glutathione peroxidase. A thermographic analysis was also adapted to confirm thyroid dysfunction. The levels of TSH, fT3 and fT4, antioxidant enzyme (GPX) as well as histopathology parameters remained unchanged following kohlrabi sprouts ingestion, only TR activity significantly increased in response to the sprouts. In hypothyroid animals, sprouts diet did not prevent thyroid damage. In comparison with the rats with iodine deficiency, kohlrabi sprouts diet decreased TNF-α level. Neither addition of the sprouts to the diet, nor sulfadimethoxine and iodine deficiency, caused negative changes in red blood cell parameters, glucose and uric acid concentrations, or kidney function. However, such a dietary intervention resulted in reduced WBC levels, and adversely interfered with liver function in rats, most likely due to a higher dietary intake of glucosinolates. Moreover, the possible impact of the breed of the rats on the evaluated parameters was indicated.

Assessment of the Effect of Selenium Supplementation on Production of Selected Cytokines in Women with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

The impact of selenium on the course of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) was mainly assessed by monitoring the titer of antithyroid autoantibodies in most of the studies conducted hitherto. On the other hand, the imbalance in activity of T cells such as Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg may be relevant in the pathogenesis of this disease. Hence, the assessment of changes in the secretion of cytokines by these cells during selenium supplementation in patients with HT seems to be an important issue and was the main goal of this study. A further aim was to search for correlations among these cytokines, as well as markers of thyroid function, selenium/iodine status in the body, and other biochemical parameters. The group of 29 women with newly diagnosed Hashimoto's thyroiditis was supplemented with selenium in a dose of 100 µg/day for 6 months. Immunological parameters: interferon γ, tumor necrosis factor α, chemokine CXCL10, interleukin 4, interleukin 1ß, interleukin 17, transforming growth factor ß, and C-reactive protein, as well as selenium status parameters were determined in serum twice, i.e., before and after supplementation. Selenium supplementation was associated with a change in the production of two cytokines: interferon γ and interleukin 1ß, for which a decrease and an increase in concentration were observed, respectively. The partial least squares (PLS) model revealed the presence of many relevant correlations among analyzed parameters. The stage of HT development, degree of thyroid dysfunction, and selenium supplementation of diet are interdependent factors which shape the profile of some cytokines secreted by cells participating in the autoimmunity process.

The Influence of Organic Vanadium Complexes on an Antioxidant Profile in Adipose Tissue in Wistar Rats.

One of the aspects of biological activity of vanadium is its influence on carbohydrate metabolism. For more than 30 years, various vanadium complexes have been tested as antidiabetic agents. This study researched organic vanadium complexes with bipyridinium ligands and their influences on metabolic rate, as well as on the antioxidant activity of adipose tissue. The effects of sodium (2,2'-bipyridine) oxidobisperoxovanadate (V) octahydrate (known as the V complex), bis(2,2'-bipyridine) oxidovanadium (IV) sulfate dehydrate (known as the B complex), and bis(4.4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine) oxidovanadium (IV) sulfate dihydrate (labelled as the BM complex) were assessed. Solutions of the tested complexes were introduced intraperitoneally with a probe to animals fed with either a control diet or a high-fat diet. The BM complex had a significant influence on the increase in ferric reducing antioxidant power, as well as on the concentration of glutathione in the adipose tissue of rats fed with a high-fat diet. The V complex increased the concentration of glutathione in the adipose tissue of rats fed with control fodder, as well as significantly reduced the relative change in rat weight for the high-fat diet. Furthermore, the presence of each tested vanadium complex had an impact of statistically significant increase in basal metabolic rate, regardless of applied diet. Further research on these organic vanadium complexes is necessary to understand the mechanisms responsible for their ability to affect adipose tissue.

Determination of Essential Minerals and Trace Elements in Edible Sprouts from Different Botanical Families-Application of Chemometric Analysis.

BACKGROUND: elemental deficiency may result in the malfunctioning of human organisms. Sprouts, with their attractive looks and well-established popularity, may be considered as alternative sources of elements in the diet. Moreover, the uptake of micro- and macronutrients from sprouts is better when compared to other vegetable sources. The aim of the study was to determine and compare the level of the selected essential minerals and trace elements in 25 sprouts from different botanical families, to preselect the richest species of high importance for human diets. METHODS: the Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Mg, Ca determinations were performed using atomic absorption spectrometry with flame atomization and iodine by the colorimetric method. RESULTS: beetroot sprouts had the highest levels of Zn, Fe, and Mg, while onion sprouts were the richest in Mn and Ca, among all of the tested sprouts. Sprouts of the Brassicaceae family were generally richer in Ca, Mg, and Zn than sprouts from the Fabaceae family. Results allow preselection of the most perspective sprouts as possible dietary sources of essential minerals and trace elements. For rucola, leeks, onions, and beetroot sprouts, the data on minerals and trace element compositions were performed for the first time.

Positive effects of selenium supplementation in women with newly diagnosed Hashimoto's thyroiditis in an area with low selenium status.

OBJECTIVE: Autoimmune thyroid diseases, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, are the most common ones among autoimmune diseases. The reported effects of selenium supplementation on the course of Hashimoto's thyroiditis are not consistent. It is therefore important to continue this line of research. DESIGN: The participants received selenium in the form of sodium selenite(IV) at a dose of 100 µg/day for 6 months. PATIENTS: Newly diagnosed and previously untreated Hashimoto's thyroiditis with euthyroidism or subclinical hypothyroidism. A total of 36 patients (aged 20 to 52 years) qualified for this study, of whom 29 women were successfully enrolled and completed the intervention. MEASUREMENTS: Both before and after supplementation the following parameters in serum were tested: anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies, thyroid function indicators, selenium as well as antioxidant status parameters and other biochemical parameters (lipid profile, glucose). Iodine supply and subjective assessment of physical and psychological health were also monitored. RESULTS: Selenium supplementation decreased significantly level of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies what might have had a stabilizing effect on thyroid function, as values of thyroid parameters were within normal range before and at the end of the study. Mean level of selenium among patients was not different to healthy people in Poland. Median of ioduria was within normal range. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows a potential way of protective effect of selenium in limiting development of overt hypothyroidism. The increase in the concentrations of Se and SELENOP in the serum of patients verifies successful supplementation and good compliance, but did not affect the antioxidant status parameters measured.

Effect of long-term proton pump inhibitor therapy on complete blood count parameters and selected trace elements: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely prescribed for several gastrointestinal conditions, often as long­term therapy. The effects of term PPI use have not been fully elucidated. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the association between long­term PPI use and complete blood count parameters, particularly red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, and hemoglobin concentrations, as well as serum levels of selected micronutrients such as selenium (Se), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We enrolled 37 patients on long­ term PPI therapy (mean [SD] age, 57.1 [15.4] years) and 30 healthy controls (mean [SD] age, 39.3 [11.8] years). In each group, complete blood count, and serum Fe levels were performed, and serum Cu, Zn, and Se levels were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS: Red blood cell and WBC counts were lower in the PPI group compared with controls (mean [SD], 4.24 [0.55] ×106/µl vs 4.7 [0.4] ×106/µl; P <0.001 and 6.13 [1.44] ×103/µl vs 7.3 [1.28] ×103/µl; P <0.001, respectively). Hemoglobin and serum Fe concentrations were also lower in the PPI group (mean [SD], 12.5 [1.8] g /dl vs 14.3 [0.8] g /dl; P <0.001 and 16.3 [5.4] µmol/l vs 23.4 [2.7] µmol/l; P <0.001, respectively). Serum Zn and Cu concentrations were higher in PPI users than in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Long­term PPI therapy may reduce RBC and WBC counts as well as hemoglobin levels, leading to iron deficiency. It may also aff ect concentrations of some micronutrients, although the underlying mechanism of this association is not fully clear.

Interaction between iodine and glucosinolates in rutabaga sprouts and selected biomarkers of thyroid function in male rats.

Rutabaga sprouts belong to the Brassicaceae family and may exert a negative influence on thyroid function, because they are a rich in glucosinolates. These sprouts are also valuable source of iodine (6.5 ±â€¯0.6 µg/100 g of fresh weight). Sprouts were tested in a long-term experiment with young male rats as an element of their diet, combined with two models of hypothyroidism, the first - deficit of iodine and the second - sulfadimethoxine ingestion as a pharmacological agent caused inhibition of thyroid peroxidase. Evaluations were performed for the serum TSH and thyroid hormones together with analyzes of thyroid histopathology, cytosolic glutathione peroxidase (GPX1), thioredoxin reductase in the thyroid, plasma GPX3 and CAT, erythrocyte GPX1. Rutabaga sprouts' intake by healthy rats did not cause any harmful effect on their health, including thyroid function. For animals with hypothyroidism, rutabaga sprouts enhanced the adverse effect of iodine deficiency or ingestion of sulfadimethoxine on the organism. According to the results obtained for young male rats thyroid function, the interpretation of data for human exposure to rutabaga sprouts has to be avoided. Furthermore, unless new scientific data confirms a lack of the negative effect of brassica sprouts on thyroid function in human, they should not be excluded from the group of goitrogenic products.

Bis(4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine)oxidovanadium(IV) Sulfate Dehydrate: Potential Candidate for Controlling Lipid Metabolism?

Vanadium is a trace element mainly connected with regulation of insulin metabolism which is particularly important in diabetes. In recent years, organic complexes of vanadium seem to be more interesting than inorganic salts. Nevertheless, the effect of vanadium on lipid metabolism is still a problematic issue; therefore, the main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 3 organic complexes of vanadium such as sodium (2,2'-bipyridine)oxidobisperoxovanadate(V) octahydrate, bis(2,2'-bipyridine)oxidovanadium(IV) sulfate dehydrate, and bis(4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine)oxidovanadium(IV) sulfate dihydrate in conjunction with high-fat as well as control diet in nondiabetes model on the following lipid parameters: total cholesterol, triglycerides, and high density lipoprotein as well as activity of paraoxonase 1. All of these parameters were determined in plasma of Wistar rats. The most significant effect was observed in case of bis(4,4'-dimethyl-2,2' bipyridine)oxidovanadium(IV) sulfate dehydrate in rats fed with high-fat diet. Based on our research, bis(4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine)oxidovanadium(IV) sulfate dihydrate should be the aim of further research and perhaps it will be an important factor in the regulation of lipid metabolism.

Does valproate therapy in epileptic patients contribute to changing atherosclerosis risk factors? The role of lipids and free fatty acids.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to demonstrate the relationship between the valproate (VPA) treatment versus lipid and serum free fatty acids (FFAs) profiles to be the potential atherosclerosis risk factor in epileptic patients. METHODS: Fasting blood samples were taken from 21 adult VPA-treated patients and 21 controls. The profiles of lipids, FFAs, clinical parameters and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated. RESULTS: No significant differences between the study group and controls were found for any of the studied parameters. However, significant differences in the total cholesterol (CHOL), low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides, the CHOL/HDL (high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol) ratio, and Atherogenic Index of Plasma were observed for overweight patients when compared to those of normal weight. Patients with uncontrolled epilepsy tended to have significantly lower palmitic acid level than seizure-free patients. Oleic acid was found to be positively correlated with VPA concentration for patients with uncontrolled epilepsy, and with the dose corrected VPA concentration for all the patients. The acid was however negatively correlated with stearic acid for both the controls and the patients with uncontrolled epilepsy. PLS method revealed CHOL, LDL, triglycerides and myristic acid to be positively interrelated for the whole group under the study, whereas these parameters were found to be negatively correlated with VPA concentration, and positively with BMI. Furthermore, high sensitivity C-reactive protein was found to be negatively correlated with palmitic acid levels. CONCLUSION: Overweight VPA-treated patients are exposed to higher risk of atherosclerosis. Alterations in FFAs are likely to depend on seizures control, and on VPA levels.