Association of Serum Levels of Trace Elements in Early Pregnancy with Bile Acid Metabolism and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus:A Nested Case-Control Study / 华中科技大学学报(医学版)

Objective To explore the association between serum trace element levels in early pregnancy and gestational dia-betes mellitus(GDM),and the mediating effect of bile acid metabolism changes in this association.Methods A nested case-con-trol study was designed based on the Guangxi Zhuang Birth Cohort.A total of 248 pregnant women(case group=124,control group=124)were included from June 2015 to July 2019 in Nanning city.The concentrations of 8 trace elements and 31 bile acids in serum were measured in early pregnancy.Conditional logistic regression and BKMR models were used to analyze the associa-tion and combined effect between trace elements and GDM risk,respectively.Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant anal-ysis(OPLS-DA)was used to screen potential bile acid biomarkers associated with GDM,and then conditional logistic regression was used to determine the association between specific bile acid levels and GDM risk.Multiple linear regression was used to e-valuate the association of serum trace element concentrations with differential bile acid metabolites.Mediation analysis was used to evaluate the mediating role of bile acids in the relationship between trace element exposure and GDM.Results After adjus-ting for confounding factors,serum vanadium(V)was found to be positively associated with the risk of GDM,while chromium(Cr),manganese(Mn),zinc(Zn),selenium(Se)and molybdenum(Mo)were negatively correlated with the risk of GDM(all P＜0.05).The OPLS-DA model and conditional Logistic regression analysis showed that taurocholic acid(TCA),glycochenodeoxy-cholic acid 3-sulfate(GCDCA-3S),glycochenodeoxycholic acid-3-O-β-glucuronide(GCDCA-3Gln),glycoursodeoxycholic acid-3-sulfate(GUDCA-3S),taurodeoxycholic acid-3-sulfate(TDCA-3S),and chenodeoxycholic acid(CDCA)might be potential bile acid metabolic markers of GDM(all P＜0.05).The concentrations of multiple trace elements were also significantly correlated with the levels of specific bile acids(all P＜0.05).Mediation analysis showed that GCDCA-3Gln and TCA mediated the associa-tion between serum Zn and Se and GDM risk,respectively(all P＜0.05).Conclusion Serum trace elements such as V and Cr are significantly associated with the risk of GDM in early pregnancy,and changes in bile acid metabolism may precede the occur-rence of GDM.It is suggested that the effect of trace elements on the metabolism of bile acids,especially conjugated bile acids,may be one of the mechanisms affecting the risk of GDM.

Causal effects of serum trace elements and nutrients on osteonecrosis:a Mendelian randomization analysis / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Multiple clinical observational studies have suggested a close relationship of serum trace elements and nutrients with osteonecrosis,but it remains unclear whether there is a genetic causal effect between serum trace elements and nutrients on osteonecrosis. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the causal effects of serum trace elements and nutrients on osteonecrosis using the Mendelian randomization approach. METHODS:The exposure factors of serum trace elements and vitamins with mononucleotide polymorphisms were obtained from the published UK Biobank database and publicly available databases of genome-wide association studies.The outcome event of osteonecrosis was derived from the FinnGen Biobank database.Mendelian randomization methods were employed to explore the causal relationship between seven trace elements and three nutrients with osteonecrosis.Causal inference was conducted using inverse variance weighting,MR-Egger,and weighted median methods.F-statistic was calculated to ensure the robustness of instrumental variables.Cochran's Q test and leave-one-out method were used for heterogeneity testing.MR-Egger regression and MR-PRESSO were employed for horizontal pleiotropy testing.PhenoScanner database was utilized to remove mononucleotide polymorphisms with horizontal pleiotropy to ensure the reliability of the results. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Causal relationships were found between serum selenium,phosphate,vitamin C,vitamin E,and osteonecrosis through Mendelian randomization analysis.Serum selenium,vitamin C,and vitamin E were found to have a protective effect on osteonecrosis,while excessive intake of phosphate increased the risk of osteonecrosis.No heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was observed during the study,and Mendelian randomization statistical power(Power value>80%)indicated the reliability of the aforementioned four results.These findings have important clinical implications for the development of targeted preventive and therapeutic measures for osteonecrosis.

Relationship between trace elements in synovial fluid and cartilage and severity of knee osteoarthritis / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the relationship between trace elements in synovial fluid and cartilage and severity of knee osteoarthritis (KOA).@*METHODS@#Patients with KOA who underwent knee arthrocentesis or total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were recruited based on inclusion criteria between June 2021 and December 2021. Synovial fluid samples were obtained during knee arthrocentesis and TKA, and participants were divided into the mild group (grading Ⅰ/Ⅱ) and the severe group (grading Ⅲ/Ⅳ) according to the Kellgren-Lawrence grading (K-L grading). Cartilage samples with different degrees of wear were collected during the TKA from the same patient and were divided into mild wear (0-1 point) and severe wear (2-4 points) groups based on the Pelletier score. The contents of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) in synovial fluid and cartilage were evaluated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the differences between groups were compared.@*RESULTS@#A total of 33 synovial fluid samples were collected, including 19 specimens from 14 patients who underwent knee arthrocentesis of mild group, with 5 bilateral sides knee arthrocentesis in them, and 14 specimens from 14 TKA patients of severe group. The patients were significantly younger in the mild group than in the severe group ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in gender or body mass index between the two groups ( P>0.05). Nineteen pairs of cartilage samples with mild and severe wear were collected from severe KOA patients (K-L grading Ⅲ and Ⅳ), including 9 males and 10 females, with an average age of 70.4 years (range, 58-80 years). The body mass index ranged from 21.2 to 30.7 kg/m 2, with an average of 25.6 kg/m 2. The content of Zn in synovial fluid and cartilage from KOA patients was the highest, followed by Cu, and Mn was the lowest. The Cu content in synovial fluid was significantly higher in the severe group than in the mild group ( P<0.05), and in the severe wear group than in the mild wear group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in Zn and Mn content between the two groups ( P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The Cu content increases with the severity of cartilage wear in patients with KOA.

Association of the levels of heavy metals and trace elements during pregnancy with congenital heart defects in offspring: a prospective cohort study / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the association of the levels of heavy metals and trace elements during pregnancy with congenital heart defects (CHD) in offspring, and to establish a model for predicting the probability of CHD based on the levels of heavy metals and trace elements during pregnancy.@*METHODS@#Based on the prospective birth cohort study in Gansu Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital in 2010-2012, a nested case-control study was conducted for the follow-up observation of 14 359 pregnant women. Among the pregnant women, 97 pregnant women whose offspring were diagnosed with CHD during follow-up were enrolled as the CHD group, and 194 pregnant women whose offspring had no CHD were selected as the control group. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to measure the levels of heavy metals and trace elements in maternal blood samples and fetal umbilical cord blood samples. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between heavy metal and trace elements and CHD in offspring. A nomogram model for predicting the probability of CHD in offspring was established based on the levels of heavy metals and trace elements during pregnancy.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the CHD group had significantly higher levels of aluminum (Al), natrium (Na), calcium (Ca), titanium (Ti), selenium (Se), strontium (Sr), stannum (Sn), stibium (Sb), barium (Ba), and thorium (Th) in maternal blood samples (P<0.05), as well as significantly higher levels of Al, zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), kalium (K), Ca, Ti, chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), Se, Sr, argentum (Ag), cadmium (Cd), Sn, and plumbum (Pb) in umbilical cord blood (P<0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the increase in the Sb level in maternal blood was associated with the increase in the risk of CHD in offspring [adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=4.81, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.65-14.07, P=0.004], while in umbilical cord blood, the high levels of Al (aOR=4.22, 95%CI: 1.35-13.16, P=0.013), Mg (aOR=8.00, 95%CI: 1.52-42.08, P=0.014), and Pb (aOR=3.82, 95%CI: 0.96-15.23, P=0.049) were significantly associated with the risk of CHD in offspring. The levels of Al, Th, and Sb in maternal blood and levels of Al, Mg, and Pb in umbilical cord blood were included in the predictive model for CHD in offspring based on the levels of heavy metals and trace elements during pregnancy, and the calibration curve of the nomogram predictive model was close to the ideal curve.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Increases in the levels of Al, Th, Sb, Mg, and Pb during pregnancy may indicate the increase in the risk of CHD in offspring, and the nomogram predictive model based on these indices can be used to predict the probability of CHD in offspring.

Effects of cord blood element levels on neurodevelopment of preterm and full-term children: A cohort study / 环境与职业医学

Background Essential and non-essential elements have an important impact on the development of the central nervous system during fetal development. Due to their less developed brain, preterm infants are more sensitive to element exposure, and are high-risk groups of neurodevelopmental abnormalities. However, it is not clear whether the effects of element exposure in utero on postpartum neurodevelopment are different between full-term infants and preterm infants. Objective To evaluate the effects of element exposure levels during pregnancy on neurodevelopment of children aged 6-24 months (of corrected age), and compare the effects between preterm and full-term children. Methods A prospective study design was adopted and this study was conducted based on the Maoming Birth Cohort Study (MBCS) in Maoming City, Guangdong Province. Twenty elements in cord blood of 197 preterm infants and 297 full-term infants were measured, including 11 essential trace elements [vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), strontium (Sr), tin (Sn), and iron (Fe)], and 9 non-essential trace elements [aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), thallium (Tl), lead (Pb), uranium (U), cerium (Ce), antimony (Sb), cadmium (Cd), and yttrium (Y)]. The neurodevelopment of the children at 6, 12, and 24 months were evaluated by the Ages and Stages Questionnaires-the Third Edition (ASQ-3). A generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was adopted to evaluate the associations between elements and neurodevelopment in full-term and preterm children separately. Results The positive rates of 10 elements (Mn, Cu, Zn, Se, Sr, Fe, Sb, Tl, Pb, and As) in cord blood were greater than 80%. Among the preterm birth children, the results of GEE analysis showed that after adjusting for the covariates, for each increase of interquartile range (IQR) in ln-transformed concentration, As was associated with problems/delay in the communication and problem-solving sub-scales, with the adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of 1.36 (1.03-1.80) and 1.55 (1.10-2.20), respectively; the adjusted OR (95%CI) of problems/delay in the fine motor and problem-solving sub-scales were 1.44 (1.00-2.07) and 1.76 (1.09-2.84) for Sb, respectively; the adjusted OR (95%CI) of problems/delay in the communication sub-scale was 1.37 (1.09-1.74) for Se. No statistically significant associations between umbilical cord blood element concentrations and neurodevelopment indicators were observed among full-term children. The results of stratified analysis by sex showed that the associations between umbilical cord blood element concentrations and neurodevelopment problems/delay were only significant among female preterm children. Conclusion Exposures to As, Se, and Sb during pregnancy may increase the risk of neurodevelopment problems/delay in preterm children aged 6-24 months, and female seem to be more vulnerable.

Interpretation of the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism micronutrient guideline (2022) / 中华临床营养杂志

Micronutrient (MN) deficiency is common in many acute and chronic diseases and should be monitored and managed. In February 2022, the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) released the MN guidelines. This guideline aimed to inform the evaluation, monitoring and treatment principles in MN management as part of daily clinical nutrition practice with standardized terminology to avoid confusion. Extensive literature review was conducted covering multiple databases including Medline, PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and CINAHL databases. For each kind of MN, information was summarized concerning main functions, optimal detection methods, susceptibility to inflammation, potential toxicity and recommended dose for supplementation via enteral or parenteral nutrition. Practical recommendations on MN supplementation and monitoring were provided to manage MN deficiency in high-risk diseases. This review was based on the contents in the guidelines with an emphasis on interpreting the critical issues.

Correlation analysis between trace element levels and carotid atherosclerosis / 中风与神经疾病杂志

@#To analyze the correlation between trace element levels and carotid atherosclerosis（CAS），explore the risk factors of CAS. Methods People who underwent physical examination，and performed carotid artery ultrasonography，trace element detection and inflammatory factors detection were collected from January 2020 to February 2022 in the Physical Examination Center of the First Hospital of Jilin University. 325 cases were selected in strict accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria，the subjects were classified into two groups according to carotid intima-media thickness（IMT）. There were 146 cases in the normal carotid artery group and 179 cases in the carotid atherosclerosis group. Chi-square test，t test and rank sum test were used to compare the differences in basic information，serum trace element levels，C-reactive protein（CRP） and blood biochemistry between the two groups；Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between carotid IMT and trace elements，CRP and inflammatory factors；multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of CAS；all tests were performed on two sides，and the difference was statistically significant at P<0.05.Results （1）The age，waist circumference，carotid IMT，systolic blood pressure，prevalence rate of diabetes，the ratio of smoking，drinking and male in the carotid atherosclerosis group were higher than those in the normal carotid artery group，and the difference was statistically significant（P<0.05）. （2）There were statistical differences（P<0.05） in the contents of CRP，iron，zinc，LDL-C，FBG and UA between the normal carotid artery group and the carotid atherosclerosis group. The contents of CRP，iron，LDL-C，FBG and UA in the carotid atherosclerosis group were higher than those in the normal carotid group，and the zinc content in the carotid atherosclerosis group was lower than that in the normal carotid artery group. （3）Carotid IMT was positively correlated with age，waist circumference，systolic blood pressure，diastolic blood pressure，iron，CRP，triglycerides，LDL-C，fasting blood glucose，uric acid，while negatively correlated with zincand ratio of zinc and copper. （4）Multivariate Logistic regression analysis of carotid atherosclerosis，the results showed that age，gender，the ratio of smoking，the ratio of drinking，CRP，zinc，LDL-C，and fasting blood glucose were risk factors for carotid atherosclerosis，and zinc was a protective factor for carotid atherosclerosis. Conclusion Trace element iron is positively correlated with carotid IMT，and the higher its level is，the higher the risk of CAS；the trace element zinc is negatively correlated with carotid IMT，and the higher its level is，the lower the risk of CAS is；zinc is a protective factor for CAS.

A Selective Fluorescent Probe for the Determination and Imaging of Fluoride in Living Cells

Abstract Fluoride anions are indispensable trace elements required for sustaining life. To investigate the homeostasis and action of fluoride in the body, a new highly sensitive and selective fluorescence detection method was designed for fluoride in aqueous solutions. A fluorescent probe for fluoride (FP-F) was synthesized for imaging F- in living cells. The design strategy for the probe was based on the specific reaction between fluoride and silica to mediate deprotection of this probe to fluorescein. Upon treatment with F-, FP-F, a closed and weakly fluorescent lactone, was transformed into an open and strongly fluorescent product. Under the optimum conditions, the detection limit for fluoride was 0.526 nM. FP-F could detect micromolar changes in F- concentrations in living cells by confocal microscopy.

Association between serum trace elements and dyslipidemia： a community-based cross-sectional study / 上海预防医学

Objective:To investigate the association between serum trace elements and dyslipidemia in Pudong New Area. Methods:A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out. A stratified， cluster sampling approach was used for sampling. In total 1 814 community residents aged above 35 years old were recruited in Pudong New Area， Shanghai. A face-to-face investigation was conducted and blood samples were collected. Serum levels of 16 trace elements， including boron， vanadium， chromium， manganese， iron， cobalt， nickel， copper， zinc， arsenic， selenium， strontium， molybdenum， tin， antimony， and barium were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry （ICP-MS）. The relationship between serum trace elements and dyslipidemia was analyzed with single and multiple Logistic regression models. Results:Prevalence of dyslipidemia is higher among participants of more than 45 years old with high BMI， hypertension or diabetes．Serum iron leveled the highest， followed by copper， zinc， selenium， strontium， boron and other trace elements. After adjusting for potential confounders， the odds ratios of dyslipidemia associated with the highest quartile of trace elements concentrations were 1.41 （95%CI： 1.12-1.78）， 0.77 （95%CI： 0.61-0.96）， 1.65 （95%CI： 1.31-2.09）， 1.27 （95%CI： 1.02-1.58）， and 1.32 （95%CI： 1.06-1.66） for chromium， cobalt， zinc， arsenic， and tin， respectively， compared with that associated with the other three quartiles. Conclusion:Some serum trace elements are potentially associated with dyslipidemia in community residents.

Research progress on chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Lycium ruthenicum / 中草药

Lycium ruthenicum is a kind of medicinal and edible plant with excellent health-care effect, which is a unique medicinal plant in the desert region of northwest China. Phytochemical investigations have identified that the fruit of this herb contains a variety of bioactive ingredients, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and polysaccharides, as well as of fatty acids, amino acids, and some trace elements (such as manganese, selenium, and zinc, etc). Modern pharmacological researches have demonstrated that both the extract of L. ruthenicum and its constituents exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities, such as anti-oxidation, anti-fatigue, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity, cardiovascular and liver protection, as well as immune-regulatory activity. The chemical constituents of L. ruthenicum and their pharmacological effects are systematically summarized in this paper, and all information presented here may strongly facilitate further investigations on the pharmacological activities of this herb and the development and applications of the related products of this herb.

Association between the SNPs in trace element-related metabolic genes and the risk of gastric cancer: a case–control study in Xianyou of China

This study aims to analyse the potential relationship between single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in trace element related metabolic genes GSTM3, GSTP1, GPX1 and NKG2D and the risk of gastric cancer. A case–control study was conducted in the hospital of Xianyou, Fujian, China. In this study, a total of 299 patients with histopathological diagnosis in gastric cancer and 295 healthy control subjects were involved. Association between the SNPs in trace element-related metabolic genes and gastric cancer risk was analysed using the unconditional logistic regression model. No relationship was found between the SNPs of GSTM3 and GPX1 genes and gastric cancer risk. However, the risk of gastric cancer is related to the SNPs of NKG2D gene (rs1049174). Patients who carry the rs1049174 GG genotype have a higher incidence of the gastric cancer and a multivariate odds ratio (OR) of 1.85 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.02–3.38). Through haplotype analysis, two haplotypes (i.e. A_rs1746123-T_rs10431294-G_rs1049174 and T_rs1746123-T_rs10431294-C_rs1049174), OR of 0.29 (95% CI: 0.15–0.56) and 0.33, (95% CI: 0.22–0.50), respectively, were found to have lower incidence of gastric cancer. Meanwhile, another two haplotypes (T_rs1746123-C_rs10431294-C_rs1049174 and T_rs1746123-T_rs10431294-G_rs1049174), OR of 1.81 (95% CI: 1.40–2.34) and 3.09 (95% CI: 2.30–4.16), respectively, were found to have a higher incidence of gastric cancer. Further, no influence of the haplotype on the risk of cardia gastric cancer was found. However, the haplotype T_rs1746123-T_rs10431294-C_rs1049174 had lower incidence of noncardia gastric cancer by 46%. Our data showed that polymorphisms of trace element-related metabolic genes are important in gastric cancer pathology.

Energy supply nutrients and mineral composition analysis in breast milk in Lanzhou urban / 中华临床营养杂志

Objective To analyze the energy supply nutrients (protein,fat and lactose) and mineral elements (calcium,copper,iron,zinc,magnesium,sodium,potassium) supplied in breast milk from the resident of Lanzhou,and investigate the problems of those energy supply nutrients and mineral elements in breast milk of this population so that to provide basis for breast feeding.Methods Breast milk from 1 215 mothers whose babies were fed totally by the breast milk and grew well was collected and assayed for the contents of protein,fat,lactose,calcium,copper,iron,zinc,magnesium,sodium and potassium in Lanzhou region.The optimal range for breast feeding was set by normal distribution method.The results were compared with the breast milk from other internal region in order to clarify the contents difference.Results The prevalence of mother-milk-fed in this region was 48.5％.The normal ranges (unit:g/100 g) of fat,lactose and protein were 1.57-5.11,6.58-7.16 and 0.79-1.35,and the normal ranges of calcium,copper,iron,zinc,magnesium,sodium and potassium were 5.25-7.83 mmol/L,5.66-8.28 mmol/L,0.14-0.3 mmol/L,15-64.48 μmol/L,0.98-1.62 mmol/L,1.92-18.82 mmol/L,7.95～ 17.31 mmol/L in the high quality breast milk.Compared with the other internal region,the normal ranges of the protein,fat and lactose in Lanzhou were lower.The contents of protein,fat,lactose,calories,calcium,copper,zinc and sodium in the breast milk from the whole investigated population were significantly lower compared with breast milk of high quality (P＜0.01).Conclusion The quality of breast milk in Lanzhou is not so good.The contents of various nutrients in breast milk should be improved to a proper level by appropriate ways so that to improve the growth and development of the baby.

Exposure profile of mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, antimony, copper, selenium and zinc in maternal blood, cord blood and placenta: the Tohoku Study of Child Development in Japan

BACKGROUND@#The effects of prenatal exposure to toxic elements on birth outcomes and child development have been an area of concern. This study aimed to assess the profile of prenatal exposure to toxic elements, arsenic (As), bismuth (Bi), cadmium (Cd), mercury (total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MHg), inorganic mercury (IHg)), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb) and tin (Sn), and essential trace elements, copper (Cu), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn), using the maternal blood, cord blood and placenta in the Tohoku Study of Child Development of Japan (N = 594-650).@*METHODS@#Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to determine the concentrations of these elements (except mercury). Levels of THg and MeHg were measured using cold vapour atomic absorption spectrophotometry and a gas chromatograph-electron capture detector, respectively.@*RESULTS@#Median concentrations (25th-75th) of As, Cd, Pb, Sb, Sn and THg in the maternal blood were 4.06 (2.68-6.81), 1.18 (0.74-1.79), 10.8 (8.65-13.5), 0.2 (0.06-0.40) and 0.2 (0.1-0.38) ng mL and 5.42 (3.89-7.59) ng g, respectively. Median concentrations (25th-75th) of As, Cd, Pb, Sb, Sn and THg in the cord blood were 3.68 (2.58-5.25), 0.53 (0.10-1.25), 9.89 (8.02-12.5), 0.39 (0.06-0.92) and 0.2 (0.2-0.38) ng mL and 9.96 (7.05-13.8) ng g, respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#THg and Sb levels in the cord blood were twofold higher than those in the maternal blood. Cord blood to maternal blood ratios for As, Cd and Sb widely varied between individuals. To understand the effects of prenatal exposure, further research regarding the variations of placental transfer of elements is necessary.

Analysis on the results and establish the reference range of trace element in whole blood of pregnant women / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective The levels of multi-trace elements in whole blood of pregnant women in Zhejiang province were analyzed to establish the reference range for this population.Methods Routine physical exami-nation data of 21 151 pregnant women during January 2015 to September 2016 from Hangzhou Dian Medical Center were analyzed retrospectively.Three groups including early pregnancy group,middle pregnancy group and late pregnancy group were divided according to the pregnancy period.A total of 1 859 women range from 20 to 40 years old healthy without pregnant were selected as control group.The levels of copper(Cu),zinc (Zn),calcium(Ca),magnesium(Mg)and iron(Fe)in different pregnancy groups were analyzed statistically. The reference interval of each element in the early,middle and late pregnancy group should be established re-spectively if necessary.Results There were significant differences existed in the levels of Cu between early, middle,late pregnancy group and the control group(P<0.05).The levels of whole blood Cu increased gradu-ally with the time of pregnancy.Compared with the control group,the levels of Zn in other group were differ-ent,and the deficiency rates in early,middle,late pregnancy group were 5.6%,9.3% and 5.0% respectively. There was no significant difference in the level of Fe between the control group and the early pregnancy group (P=0.083).But the levels of Fe in middle and late pregnancy group showed significant difference with control group(P< 0.05).The reference ranges published in manufactures′ package inserts could not meet clinical needs.Conclusion The lack of trace elements existed in different stages of pregnancy.It′s important to moni-tor and analyze the levels of trace elements during each stages of pregnancy,and intervention measures should be done as necessary.T he taken of Cu supplement should based on its reference interval in each stage of preg-nancy respectively.T he taken of Fe supplement should based on the reference interval of healthy,reproductive-age w omen.

Comparison of Speciation Analysis of 7 Trace Elements in Opercalina turperthum by Water Extraction and Semi-bionic Extraction / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To study the extraction rate and speciation of antivitiligo-related elements in Opercalina turperthum by water extraction and semi-bionic extraction. METHODS:Water extraction and semi-bionic extraction were respectively used. Wa-ter-soluble state and suspension state in extract of O. turperthum were separated by microporous filtering film;organic and inorgan-ic trace elements in water-soluble state were separated by macroporous resin. The contents of Cu,Zn,Fe,Ca,Mg,Mn and Sr were detected by flame atomic adsorption spectrophotometry,and speciation analysis was conducted. RESULTS:After water extrac-tion,extraction rates of 7 trace elements were 40.47%-72.49%;ratio of suspended particles was 3.69%-8.78%;ratio of organic state/inorganic state was 104.36% in water-soluble state of Sr and 3.94%-48.39% in water-soluble state of Cu,Zn,Fe,Ca,Mg, Mn. After semi-bionic extraction,except for Mn,extraction rates of trace elements were higher than water extraction,extraction rates of Cu,Zn,Fe,Ca,Mg,Sr were 77.69%-90.19%;ratio of suspended particles was 0.39%-8.57%;the ratio of organic state/inorganic state was 72.74%-180.79% in water-soluble state of elements. CONCLUSIONS:Cu,Zn,Fe,Ca,Mg,Mn and Sr in O. turperthum are dissolved easily,mainly existing in the form of inorganic state. After semi-bionic extraction,except for Mn,the dis-solution rate of other elements and the proportion of organic trace elements after dissolution increase significantly. Both dissolution and effective utilization rate of trace elements by semi-bionic extraction are higher than water extraction.

Levels of 43 Trace Elements in Hyperplastic Human Prostate.

Aims: The aim of this exploratory study was to clarify the differences between the prostatic levels of trace elements in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and healthy male inhabitants. Methodology: We prospectively evaluated the prostatic levels of 43 trace elements in 32 patients with BPH and 32 healthy males. Measurements were performed using instrumental neutron activation analysis with high resolution spectrometry of long-lived radionuclides combined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: In the hyperplastic prostates a significant increase in the mean level of Bi, Cr, Hg, Sb, and Se and a significant decrease in the mean level of Ce, Cs, Dy, Er, Gd, Ho, La, Mo, Nd, Pb, Pr, Sm, Sn, Tb, Tm, U, and Y was observed. It was not found any differences in the mean prostatic level of Ag, Al, Au, B, Be, Br, Cd, Co, Fe, Li, Mn, Nb, Ni, Rb, Sc, Th, Ti, Tl, Yb, Zn, and Zr between BPH-patients and healthy males. Conclusion: Present study finding of trace element contents and correlation between pairs of trace element mass fractions indicates that there is a great disturbance of prostatic trace element metabolism in BPH gland. Obtained data did not confirm a critical role of Cd and Pb accumulation in the pathogenesis of BPH. A potential age-related Zn, Fe, and Se deficiency in the prostate has not been found as being involved in the etiology of BPH. This work data cast doubts on a beneficial effect of the Zn, Fe, and Se supplementations on BPH prevention and treatment. Additional studies of other chemical elements in BPH are planned.

Investigation on reference values of whole blood trace elements among pregnant women in Hangzhou area / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To establish the normal reference intervals of whole blood trace elements among pregnant women in Han‐gzhou area to provide the clinical diagnostic basis for ensuring the health of pregnant women and their fetuses .Methods A total of 122 whole blood samples in pregnant awaiting delivery in a general hospital of Hangzhou City during 2015 were collected randomly . The levels of lead(Pb) ,cadmium(Cd) ,copper(Cu) ,zinc(Zn) ,nickel(Ni) ,chromium(Cr) ,beryllium(Be) ,manganese(Mn) ,cobalt (Co) ,arsenic(As) ,molybdenum(Mo) ,thallium(Ti) and thallium(Tl) were determined with ICP‐MS .And the results were statisti‐cally analyzed .Results The detection results of whole blood Cu ,Cr ,Mn and Ti showed a normal distribution .The 5% -95% refer‐ence interval was determined according to x ± 1 .96s ,the normal reference intervals for these 4 elements were 255 .37 -668 .23 , 56 .09-151 .93 ,18 .46-54 .60 and 800 .90 -2 632 .02 μg/L respectively .Conclusion Formulating the normal reference values of whole blood microelements levels has an important significance for clinical doctors to provide the nutritional health care guidance and master the heavy metal pollution level .

Copper, zinc and selenium imbalance in Moroccan haemodialysis patients and its correlation to lipid peroxidation.

Background: Haemodialysis patients are at risk of developing trace elements imbalance and lipid peroxidation. The present study was aimed to assess plasma levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and malondialdehyde (MDA) of haemodialysis patients and to investigate the possible effect of haemodialysis on these trace elements and MDA imbalance. Methods: Blood samples of fifty hemodialysis patients and forty healthy controls subjects were analyzed for determination of hemoglobin, albumin, creatinine, urea and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Cu, Zn and Se were determined in plasma (before and after hemodialysis) and erythrocytes and MDA in plasma before and after hemodialysis. Results: The study showed that, plasma Zn and Se concentrations were lower in haemodialysis patients compared to that of healthy controls, while plasma Cu, MDA and Cu/Zn ratio were higher. Plasma Cu/Zn ratios were positively correlated to MDA and weakly correlated to hs-CRP levels whereas plasma Se concentrations were inversely correlated to MDA. In addition, MDA levels increased after haemodialysis session. Conclusions: Based on the results of the present study regarding the imbalance of trace elements in haemodialysis patients, it seems reasonable to periodically assess the trace elements status and consider possible correctional therapy in case of deficiency.

The reference range of copper,iron,zinc,calcium and magnesium in peripheral blood of preschool children in Suzhou / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective Accodring to the guideline of Reference Intervals in the Clinical Laboratory(ISO15189) ,to establish the reference range of Cu ,Fe ,Zn ,Ca and Mg in the peripheral blood of preschool children in Suzhou .Methods Using atomic absorp-tion spectrometry to detect the levels of Cu ,Fe ,Zn ,Ca and Mg in peripheral blood of 3 992 Kindergarden children in Suzhou from Apr to May 2014 ,according the age ,the children were divided into three groups ,1 511 cases in 3 to 4 years old group including 750 boys ,761 girls ,1 169 cases in 4 to 5 years old group including 570 boys ,599 girls ,1 312 cases in 5 to 6 years old group inclu-ding 604 boys 708 girls .According to NCCLS's guideline C28 -A2 to define the reference range .Results The concentration of copper ,iron ,zinc ,calcium ,magnesium had no significant differences in different gender and age groups(P>0 .05) ,the reference ranges in peripheral blood of the preschool children in Suzhou were Cu 11 .47-32 .53 umol/L ,Fe 6 .86-9 .80 mmol/L ,Zn 64 .46-133 .02 umol/L ,Ca 1 .47-2 .09 mmol/L ,Mg 1 .21 -1 .75 mmol/L .Conclusion There are regional difference on the levels of Cu ,Fe ,Zn ,Ca ,Mg in children's peripheral blood ,each region should to establish the local reference range follow the guideline .

Survey of serum zinc levels among preschoolers in Kaifeng area / 中国现代医生

Objective To understanding the distribution and variation of children zinc level in Kaifeng to provide guid-ance for the prevention of children's lack of trace elements. Methods All 2054 cases of healthy children aged 0 month to 6 years old were randomly sampled in 2014 in the region, among which 1205 cases were male and 849 cases were female. Their Zinc levels were tested with atomic absorption spectrometry. Results Peripheral blood zinc levels of the boys and girls in 2014 was positively related to age (P<0.01), and there were no significant gender differences in the same age group (P>0.05). The overall deficiency rate was 26.5% in the sample and was similar among different age groups. Conclusion As people become more aware of the need of prenatal and postnatal care and have deeper under-standing of zinc, zinc deficiency rate in children has decreased. However, the rate is still high among preschoolers. At-tention should be paid to promote balanced diet among them to increase zinc supplement and absorption.