Alteration of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) tissue levels and speciation in rats with desferioxamine-induced iron deficiency.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the impact of iron deficiency and iron replenishment on serum iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) speciation and tissue accumulation in a deferrioxamine-induced model of iron deficiency. A total of 26 male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control; Fe-deficient; Fe-replenished (with iron (II) gluconate). Serum ferritin and transferrin levels were assessed using immunoturbudimetric method. Liver, spleen, and serum metal levels were assessed using ICP-MS. Speciation analysis was performed using a hyphenated HPLC-ICP-MS technique. Desferrioxamine injections resulted in a significant decrease in tissue iron content that was reversed by Fe supplementation. Iron speciation revealed a significant increase in serum transferrin-bound iron and reduced ferritin-bound Fe levels. Serum but not tissue Cu levels were characterized by a significant decrease in hypoferremic rats, whereas ceruloplasmin-bound fraction tended to increase. At the same time, Zn levels were found to be higher in liver, spleen, and serum of Fe-deficient rats with a predominant increase in low molecular weight fraction.Both iron-deficient and iron-replenished rats were characteirzed by increased transferrin-bound Mn levels and reduced low-molecular weight fraction. Hypothetically, these differences may be associated with impaired Fe metabolism under Fe-deficient conditions predisposing to impairment of essential metal handling. However, further studies aimed at assessment of the impact on Fe deficiency on metal metabolism are highly required.

Profiling of selenium and other trace elements in breads from rice and maize cultivated in a seleniferous area of Punjab (India).

The objective of the study was to assess selenium and other elements levels in Indian Roti bread from Se-rich maize and rice using inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. Se levels in Roti bread from Se-rich maize and rice exceeded those in the control samples by a factor of more than 594 and 156, respectively. Using Se-enriched maize increased bread Co, Cr, Mn, Mo, and Zn content, whereas Fe and I levels were reduced. In Se-rich rice-based bread a decrease in Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, I, Mo, and Zn contents was observed. Daily consumption of Se-rich maize and rice bread (100 g) could account for 5.665% and 4.309% from recommended dietary allowance, also exceeding the upper tolerable levels by a factor of 7.8 and 5.9, respectively. Therefore, Roti bread from both Se-rich maize and rice may be considered as an additional source of selenium. At the same time, regular intake of Se-rich grains and its products including breads may cause adverse health effects even after a few days and should be regularly monitored in order to prevent Se overload and toxicity.

Sulfhydryl groups as targets of mercury toxicity.

The present study addresses existing data on the affinity and conjugation of sulfhydryl (thiol; -SH) groups of low- and high-molecular-weight biological ligands with mercury (Hg). The consequences of these interactions with special emphasis on pathways of Hg toxicity are highlighted. Cysteine (Cys) is considered the primary target of Hg, and link its sensitivity with thiol groups and cellular damage. In vivo, Hg complexes play a key role in Hg metabolism. Due to the increased affinity of Hg to SH groups in Cys residues, glutathione (GSH) is reactive. The geometry of Hg(II) glutathionates is less understood than that with Cys. Both Cys and GSH Hg-conjugates are important in Hg transport. The binding of Hg to Cys mediates multiple toxic effects of Hg, especially inhibitory effects on enzymes and other proteins that contain free Cys residues. In blood plasma, albumin is the main Hg-binding (Hg2+, CH3Hg+, C2H5Hg+, C6H5Hg+) protein. At the Cys34 residue, Hg2+ binds to albumin, whereas other metals likely are bound at the N-terminal site and multi-metal binding sites. In addition to albumin, Hg binds to multiple Cys-containing enzymes (including manganese-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), arginase I, sorbitol dehydrogenase, and δ-aminolevulinate dehydratase, etc.) involved in multiple processes. The affinity of Hg for thiol groups may also underlie the pathways of Hg toxicity. In particular, Hg-SH may contribute to apoptosis modulation by interfering with Akt/CREB, Keap1/Nrf2, NF-κB, and mitochondrial pathways. Mercury-induced oxidative stress may ensue from Cys-Hg binding and inhibition of Mn-SOD (Cys196), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) (Cys497) activity, as well as limiting GSH (GS-HgCH3) and Trx (Cys32, 35, 62, 65, 73) availability. Moreover, Hg-thiol interaction also is crucial in the neurotoxicity of Hg by modulating the cytoskeleton and neuronal receptors, to name a few. However, existing data on the role of Hg-SH binding in the Hg toxicity remains poorly defined. Therefore, more research is needed to understand better the role of Hg-thiol binding in the molecular pathways of Hg toxicology and the critical role of thiols to counteract negative effects of Hg overload.

Geographic variation of environmental, food, and human hair selenium content in an industrial region of Russia.

The objective of the present study was investigation of the selenium (Se) levels in environmental samples, main consumed food products, as well as human hair in the areas of the Orenburg region. Se levels in the environmental objects (water, soil, wheat), frequently consumed food products (wheat bread, ryebread, beef, pork, chicken, milk, cottage cheese), as well as human hair samples in the western (n = 210), central (n = 195), and eastern (n = 120) areas were assessed using inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrometry (soil). The obtained data demonstrate that water (87% and 89%), soil (41% and 48%), and wheat (11% and 11%) Se levels Central and Eastern areas were significantly higher than those in the Western area. The level of Se in foods was found to be the highest in the Eastern (wheat bread and beef), Central and Eastern (ryebread and pork), or Central (milk and cottage cheese) areas of the Orenburg region. Hair Se content (0.298 (0.233-0.591) µg/g) as well as dietary Se intake (84.3 (73.7-95.8) µg/day) did not differ significantly between the studied areas. At the same time, regression analysis demonstrated that Se intake with wheat bread (ß = 0.634; p = 0.042) was the strongest predictor of hair Se. The revealed associations between environmental and food Se content and Se status of the population underline the necessity of continuous monitoring of Se intake and exposure in order to prevent potential health effects associated with both deficiency and overload.

The role of the thioredoxin/thioredoxin reductase system in the metabolic syndrome: towards a possible prognostic marker?

Mammalian thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) is a selenoprotein with three existing isoenzymes (TrxR1, TrxR2, and TrxR3), which is found primarily intracellularly but also in extracellular fluids. The main substrate thioredoxin (Trx) is similarly found (as Trx1 and Trx2) in various intracellular compartments, in blood plasma, and is the cell's major disulfide reductase. Thioredoxin reductase is necessary as a NADPH-dependent reducing agent in biochemical reactions involving Trx. Genetic and environmental factors like selenium status influence the activity of TrxR. Research shows that the Trx/TrxR system plays a significant role in the physiology of the adipose tissue, in carbohydrate metabolism, insulin production and sensitivity, blood pressure regulation, inflammation, chemotactic activity of macrophages, and atherogenesis. Based on recent research, it has been reported that the modulation of the Trx/TrxR system may be considered as a new target in the management of the metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes, as well as in the treatment of hypertension and atherosclerosis. In this review evidence about a possible role of this system as a marker of the metabolic syndrome is reported.

Cobalt in athletes: hypoxia and doping - new crossroads.

Cobalt is an essential trace element that is known to mimic hypoxia and hypoxic training. Inorganic Co compounds are capable of Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) activation, resulting in up-regulation of gene expression including erythropoietin (Epo). Experimental studies have demonstrated that Co treatment may increase hypoxic tolerance of different tissues, improve muscle metabolism and exercise performance. Other mechanisms may also involve modulation of steroid hormone and iron metabolism. Based on these experimental studies, in 2017 inorganic cobalt compounds were added into the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list as doping agents. However, the existing data on beneficial effects of cobalt on exercise performance in athletes are scarce. Similarly, only experimental studies demonstrated exercise-induced decrease in tissue Co levels, whereas human data are inconsistent. In addition, multiple studies have demonstrated that excessive Co intake may be toxic due to prooxidant, proinflammatory, and proapoptotic activity. Therefore, monitoring of Co deficiency and overload is required to prevent potential health hazards in athletes. At the same time, modulation of Co status should be performed through supplementation avoiding excessive doses of inorganic cobalt that are used for doping and are accompanied by adverse health effects of metal toxicity.

Zinc deficiency as a mediator of toxic effects of alcohol abuse.

OBJECTIVE: To review data on the role of ethanol-induced alteration of Zn homeostasis in mediation of adverse effects of alcohol abuse. METHODS: The scholarly published articles on the association between Zn metabolism and alcohol-associated disorders (liver, brain, lung, gut dysfunction, and fetal alcohol syndrome) have been reviewed. RESULTS: It is demonstrated that alcohol-induced modulation of zinc transporters results in decreased Zn levels in lungs, liver, gut, and brain. Zn deficiency in the gut results in increased gut permeability, ultimately leading to endotoxemia and systemic inflammation. Similarly, Zn deficiency in lung epithelia and alveolar macrophages decreases lung barrier function resulting in respiratory distress syndrome. In turn, increased endotoxemia significantly contributes to proinflammatory state in alcoholic liver disease. Finally, impaired gut and liver functions may play a significant role in alcoholic brain damage, being associated with both increased proinflammatory signaling and accumulation of neurotoxic metabolites. It is also hypothesized that ethanol-induced Zn deficiency may interfere with neurotransmission. Similar changes may take place in the fetus as a result of impaired placental zinc transfer, maternal zinc deficiency, or maternal Zn sequestration, resulting in fetal alcoholic syndrome. Therefore, alcoholic Zn deficiency not only mediates the adverse effects of ethanol exposure, but also provides an additional link between different alcohol-induced disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Generally, current findings suggest that assessment of Zn status could be used as a diagnostic marker of metabolic disturbances in alcohol abuse, whereas modulation of Zn metabolism may be a potential tool in the treatment of alcohol-associated disorders.

Copper and zinc levels in soil, water, wheat, and hair of inhabitants of three areas of the Orenburg region, Russia.

The objective of the present study was to assess the level of zinc and copper in soil, water, wheat and hair of inhabitants of the western, central, and eastern areas of the Orenburg region. A total of 525 water, soil, and wheat samples, as well as 420 hair samples were assessed using atomic absorption spectrometry (water, soil, wheat) and inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (hair). The highest levels of Zn and Cu in water (4.9(4.2-5.1) and 1.0(0.9-1.1) mg/l), soil (23.8(20.7-27.0) and 2.6(1.9-3.1) mg/kg), and wheat (24.7(20.5-31.0) and 4.8(4.2-5.5) mg/kg) were observed in the eastern area (p < 0.001). Hair zinc levels in inhabitants of the western (184(165-198) µg/g) and eastern (224(211-253) µg/g) areas of the region exceeded the respective values from the central area by 32% and 61% (p < 0.001). In turn, hair Cu levels in the central (16.4(14.3-17.8) µg/g) and eastern (17.9(16.4-19.0) µg/g) areas exceeded the values from the western area by 10% and 20%, respectively. Correlation analysis demonstrated that hair Zn levels were positively correlated with water and soil content, whereas wheat Zn levels were associated with soil and water content. For copper significant direct correlation was observed only between soil and water Cu content. In multiple regression models, only water zinc level was significantly associated with hair Zn content, although the general model accounted for 55% of variability of hair Zn content. Higher zinc and copper exposure in the eastern area is presumably associated with higher activity of metal-processing industry.

Toxic metal(loid)-based pollutants and their possible role in autism spectrum disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and stereotypic behaviors. Many studies support a significant relationship between many different environmental factors in ASD etiology. These factors include increased daily exposure to various toxic metal-based environmental pollutants, which represent a cause for concern in public health. This article reviews the most relevant toxic metals, commonly found, environmental pollutants, i.e., lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), aluminum (Al), and the metalloid arsenic (As). Additionally, it discusses how pollutants can be a possible pathogenetic cause of ASD through various mechanisms including neuroinflammation in different regions of the brain, fundamentally occurring through elevation of the proinflammatory profile of cytokines and aberrant expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Due to the worldwide increase in toxic environmental pollution, studies on the role of pollutants in neurodevelopmental disorders, including direct effects on the developing brain and the subjects' genetic susceptibility and polymorphism, are of utmost importance to achieve the best therapeutic approach and preventive strategies.

Cadmium and atherosclerosis: A review of toxicological mechanisms and a meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies.

Cadmium has been proposed to be the one of the factors of atherosclerosis development, although the existing data are still controversial. The primary objective of the present study is the review and the meta-analysis of studies demonstrating the association between Cd exposure and atherosclerosis as well as review of the potential mechanisms of such association. We performed a systematic search in the PubMed-Medline database using the MeSH terms cadmium, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, mortality and humans up through December 20, 2017. Elevated urinary Cd levels were associated with increased mortality for cardiovascular disease (HR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.07-1.67) as well as elevated blood Cd levels (HR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.24-2.56). Analysis restricted to never smokers showed similar, though more imprecise, results. Consistently, we also observed an association between Cd exposure markers (blood and urine) and coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Moreover, Cd exposure was associated with atherogenic changes in lipid profile. High Cd exposure was associated with higher TC levels (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.10-2.01), higher LDL-C levels (OR = 1.31, 95% CI 0.99-1.73) and lower HDL-C levels (OR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.09-3.55). The mechanisms of atherogenic effect of cadmium may involve oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, enhanced lipid synthesis, up-regulation of adhesion molecules, prostanoid dysbalance, as well as altered glycosaminoglycan synthesis.

Assessment of gender and age effects on serum and hair trace element levels in children with autism spectrum disorder.

The primary objective of the present study was to investigate the levels of essential trace elements in hair and serum in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and investigate the age and gender effects. Children with ASD were characterized by significantly higher levels of copper (Cu) (+8%), iron (Fe) (+5%), and selenium (Se) (+13%) levels in hair and only 8% higher serum Cu levels. After stratification for gender, ASD boys were characterized by significantly increased hair Cu (+ 25%), Fe (+ 25%), and Se (+ 9%) levels, whereas in girls only Se content was elevated (+ 15%). Boys and girls suffering from ASD were characterized by significantly higher serum manganese (Mn) (+20%) and Cu (+18%) as compared to the control values, respectively. In the group of younger children (2-5 years), no significant group difference in hair trace element levels was detected, whereas serum Cu levels were significantly higher (+7%). In turn, the serum concentration of Se in ASD children was 11% lower than that in neurotypical children. In the group of older children with ASD (6-10 years), hair Fe and Se levels were 21% and 16% higher, whereas in serum only Cu levels were increased (+12%) as compared to the controls. Correlation analysis also revealed a different relationship between serum and hair trace element levels with respect to gender and age. Therefore, it is highly recommended to assess several bioindicative matrices for critical evaluation of trace element status in patients with ASD in order to develop adequate personalized nutritional correction.

Hair toxic and essential trace elements in children with autism spectrum disorder.

The objective of the study was to investigate hair trace elements content in children suffering from autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A total of 74 ASD children and 74 sex- and age-matched controls divided into two age groups (2-4 and 5-9 years) were investigated. Hair trace elements content was assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. A general cohort of ASD children was characterized by 29 %, 41 %, and 24 % lower hair levels of chromium (Cr), iodine (I), and vanadium (V), respectively, whereas the level of selenium (Se) exceeded the respective control values by 31 %. In ASD children aged 2-4 years hair Cr, I and V content was 68 %, 36 % and 41 % lower than in the controls. Older ASD children were characterized by 45 % increase in hair Se levels. In a general cohort of ASD children hair beryllium (Be) and tin (Sn) levels were 50 % and 34 % lower than the control values. In the first age group (2-4 years) of ASD children 34 %, 42 %, and 73 % lower levels of arsenic (As), boron (B), and Be were detected. In the second age group of ASD children only a nearly significant 25 % decrease in hair lead (Pb) was detected. Surprisingly, no significant group difference in hair mercury (Hg), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) content was detected. Generally, the results of the present study demonstrate that children with ASD are characterized by lower values in hair of not only essential but also toxic trace elements.

Serum trace elements are associated with hemostasis, lipid spectrum and inflammatory markers in men suffering from acute ischemic stroke.

The primary objective of the study is investigation of the association between trace elements status and hemostasis, lipid spectrum and inflammatory markers in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). A total of 30 men suffering from AIS and 30 healthy controls were involved in the current survey. Blood count, serum lipid spectrum, complement components C4 and C3a, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), S100B protein, NR2 antibodies (NR2Ab), and total antioxidant status (TAS), as well as plasma fibrinogen, and D-dimer levels and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were assessed. Serum trace elements were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. AIS patients were characterized by significantly increased fibrinogen, D-dimer, TG, C3a, C4, NR2Ab, and VEGF levels. The leukocyte count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and serum atherogenic index were also increased in stroke patients. Oppositely, TAS and APTT values, bleeding and blood coagulation time were decreased. AIS patients were characterized by significantly decreased serum Fe and Co concentrations, whereas the level of Cu, I, Li, Mn, Se, Zn, As, Pb, Ni, and especially V and B in serum was significantly increased. Serum V and B tightly correlated with the procoagulant state and inflammatory markers. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant inverse association between serum Se levels and stroke markers after adjustment for covariates. Therefore, it is hypothesized that elements like vanadium and boron may be closely involved in stroke pathogenesis by modulation of hemostasis and inflammation, whereas the observed increase in Se levels may be considered as a compensatory reaction.

Age-related differences in hair trace elements: a cross-sectional study in Orenburg, Russia.

BACKGROUND: Age-related differences in the trace element content of hair have been reported. However, some discrepancies in the data exist. AIM: The primary objective of this study was to estimate the change in hair trace elements content in relation to age. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Six hundred and eighteen women and 438 men aged from 10-59 years took part in the current cross-sectional study. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Hair Cr, Mn, Ni, Si, Al, As, Be, Cd and Pb tended to decrease with age in the female sample, whereas hair Cu, Fe, I, Se, Li and Sn were characterised by an age-associated increase. Hair levels of Cr, Cu, I, Mn, Ni, Si and Al in men decreased with age, whereas hair Co, Fe, Se, Cd, Li and Pb content tended to increase. Hair mercury increased in association with age in men and in women, whereas hair vanadium was characterised by a significant decrease in both sexes. The difference in hair trace element content between men and women decreased with age. These data suggest that age-related differences in trace element status may have a direct implication in the ageing process.

Mercury and metabolic syndrome: a review of experimental and clinical observations.

A significant interrelation between heavy metal exposure and metabolic syndrome (MetS) development has been demonstrated earlier. Despite the presence of a number of works aimed at the investigation of the role of Hg in MetS development, the existing data remain contradictory. Therefore, the primary objective of the current work is to review the existing data regarding the influence of mercury on universal mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of the development of MetS and its components. The brief chemical characterization of mercury is provided. The role of mercury in induction of oxidative stress has been discussed. In particular, Hg-induced oxidative stress may occur due to both prooxidant action of the metal and decrease in antioxidant enzymes. Despite the absence of direct indications, it can be proposed that mercury may induce endoplasmic reticulum stress. As it is seen from both in vivo and in vitro studies, mercury is capable of inducing inflammation. The reviewed data demonstrate that mercury affects universal pathogenetic mechanisms of MetS development. Moreover, multiple investigations have indicated the role of mercury in pathogenesis of MetS components: dyslipidemia, hypertension, insulin resistance, and obesity to a lesser extent. The present state of data regarding the interrelation between mercury and MetS denotes the following perspectives: (1) Further clinic-epidemiologic and experimental studies are required to estimate the association between mercury exposure and the development of MetS components, especially obesity; (2) Additional investigations of the possible effect of organism's mercury content modulation on MetS pathogenesis should be undertaken.

Hair concentration of essential trace elements in adult non-exposed Russian population.

Appropriate reference values of hair trace element content are required for correct interpretation of biomonitoring data. The primary objective of the current study was to estimate the reference values of selected essential trace elements in hair of adult Russian population. Involved in current investigation were 7256 occupationally non-exposed adults aged from 20 to 60 years and living in the European part of Russia. Occipital hair essential metal and metalloid (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, V, Zn) content was estimated using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The reference ranges were calculated in accordance with the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) recommendations. Women were characterized by 55, 18, 58, and 7% higher values of hair Co, Cu, Mn, and Zn content as compared to the values observed in men. At the same time, hair Cr, Fe, Se, and V concentration in men significantly exceeded the respective female values by 65, 13, 20, and 56%. Consequently, the reference ranges of essential hair trace elements content should be separately calculated for both men and women. The obtained reference ranges for hair Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, V, and Zn in men were 0.11-0.67, 0.007-0.045, 10.4-22.6, 11.1-40.5, 0.24-1.05, 0.089-0.480, 0.014-0.083, and 125.7-262.8 µg/g, respectively. The respective values estimated for women were 0.06-0.40, 0.011-0.085, 12.1-44.5, 8.9-25.6, 0.32-2.05, 0.094-0.504, 0.010-0.056, and 140.0-315.1 µg/g. The reference ranges for hair Co (0.07-0.50), Cr (0.009-0.073), Cu (11.8-29.2), Fe (9.6-31.5), Mn (0.29-1.76), Se (0.093-0.482), V (0.011-0.069), and Zn (134.7-301.9) content (µg/g) in the general cohort were also calculated.

Speciation of Serum Copper and Zinc-Binding High- and Low-Molecular Mass Ligands in Dairy Cows Using HPLC-ICP-MS Technique.

The objective of the present study was assessment of the major copper and zinc species in dairy cow blood serum using a hybrid high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) technique. A total of seventeen 5-6-year-old female Simmental cows, cultivated in the Southern Ural region, were examined. Speciation of serum Cu and Zn was performed using chromatographic PerkinElmer Series 200 system equipped with Agilent Bio SEC-5 Column and docked with NexION 300D mass spectrometer. Analysis of serum 63Cu species revealed four major fractions containing 2.5% (A), 15.6% (B), 75.6% (C), and 11.9% (D) of total copper levels. The revealed fractions could be assigned to tetrameric and dimeric macroglobulin, ceruloplasmin, albumin, and low molecular mass (LMM) copper compounds, respectively. Minor fraction (E) containing <1% of total serum Cu levels may be represented by low-molecular mass Cu species. Speciation analysis also revealed four Zn fractions containing 6.3% (A), 16.9% (B), 71% (C), and 3% (D) of total Zn levels that may be attributed to zinc-bound tetrameric and dimeric macroglobulin, albumin, and Zn-amino acid compounds. Correlation analysis demonstrated that relative levels (%) of Zn-B (dimeric α2-macroglobulin), Zn-C (albumin), and Zn-D (LMM) fractions correlate inversely with Cu-A (monomeric α2-macroglobulin) (r = -0.600), Cu-D (albumin) (r = -0.696), and Cu-C (ceruloplasmin) (r = -0.652), respectively. The obtained data demonstrate the particular features of Zn and Cu transport in dairy cows that may be used for assessment of dietary status of trace elements.

Serum trace element and amino acid profile in children with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: The existing data demonstrate that both trace elements and amino acids play a significant role in neurodevelopment and brain functioning. Certain studies have demonstrated alteration of micronutrient status in children with cerebral palsy, although multiple inconsistencies exist. THE OBJECTIVE: of the present study was to assess serum trace element and mineral, as well as amino acid levels in children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: 71 children with cerebral palsy (39 boys and 32 girls, 5.7 ±â€¯2.3 y.o.) and 84 healthy children (51 boys and 33 girls, 5.4 ±â€¯2.3 y.o.) were enrolled in the present study. Serum trace element and mineral levels were assessed using inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS). Amino acid profile was evaluated by means of high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). RESULTS: Children with cerebral palsy are characterized by significantly lower Cu and Zn levels by 6% and 8%, whereas serum I concentration exceeded the control values by 7%. A tendency to increased serum Mn and Se levels was also observed in patients with cerebral palsy. Serum citrulline, leucine, tyrosine, and valine levels were 15 %, 23 %, 15 %, and 11 % lower than those in healthy controls. Nearly twofold lower levels of serum proline were accompanied by a 44 % elevation of hydroxyproline concentrations when compared to the control values. In multiple regression model serum I, Zn, and hydroxyproline levels were found to be independently associated with the presence of cerebral palsy. Correlation analysis demonstrated a significant correlation between Cu, Mn, Se, I, and Zn levels with hydroxyproline and citrulline concentrations. CONCLUSION: The observed alterations in trace element and amino acid metabolism may contribute to neurological deterioration in cerebral palsy. However, the cross-sectional design of the study does not allow to estimate the causal trilateral relationships between cerebral palsy, altered trace element, and amino acid metabolism.

Selenium, Zinc, Chromium, and Vanadium Levels in Serum, Hair, and Urine Samples of Obese Adults Assessed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry.

The objective of this study was to investigate of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), and vanadium (V) levels in blood serum, hair, and urine of adult obese patients. A total of 199 lean and 196 obese subjects were enrolled in the study. Serum, hair, and urinary metal and metalloid analysis were performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry at NexION 300D (PerkinElmer Inc., USA). The results established that obese subjects were characterized by 47% and 30% lower serum Cr and V levels compared with controls, respectively, whereas serum Se levels exceeded control values by 9%. In contrast, hair Cr, Se, and V content in obese subjects exceeded the control values by 51%, 21%, and 50%, respectively. In turn, hair Zn levels were found to be significantly lower by 11% compared with the lean control values. In urine, the levels of V and Zn were found to be 30% and 18% higher in obese patients. Prevalence of hypertension in obese subjects was associated with a trend for impaired Se and Zn levels. In a regression model adjusted for age, gender, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and glucose intolerance, serum Cr, V, and hair Zn were inversely associated with body mass index (BMI), whereas hair Se was considered as the positive predictor. Our data allow proposing that the observed alterations may at least partially contribute to metabolic disturbances in obesity. In turn, monitoring of Se exposure in a well-nourished adult population is required to reduce its potential contribution to obesity.

Trace Element and Mineral Levels in Serum, Hair, and Urine of Obese Women in Relation to Body Composition, Blood Pressure, Lipid Profile, and Insulin Resistance.

The objective of this study was to evaluate serum, hair, and urinary trace element and mineral content in normal-weight and obese women in relation to metabolic risk factors. A total of 80 women aged 30-70 y.o. were enrolled in the obese group (n = 40) and normal-weight group (n = 40). Serum, hair, and urinary trace element and mineral levels were assessed using inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. Body fat percentage was evaluated using bioimpedance. Obese subjects were characterized by significantly higher body fat percentage, blood pressure, serum triglyceride concentration, and insulin resistance. Serum Ca, Fe, Mg, Se, V, Zn levels, hair Fe, Mg, V content, and urinary Se and V concentrations were found to be lower in obese subjects as compared to lean controls. In turn, serum Cu and urinary Fe levels in obese women were characterized by a significant increase. In multiple regression models serum Cu, Se, and Zn levels were significantly associated with BMI even after adjustment for blood biochemistry, body composition, and blood pressure. Serum trace element and mineral levels also significantly contributed to group discrimination. These findings allow to propose that obesity-associated disturbances in trace element and mineral status may at least partially contribute to metabolic risk in obese subjects.