COVID-19 pandemic and financial market volatility: A quantile regression approach.

The study examined the nexus between the COVID-19 pandemic and the market volatility of the global markets. For this purpose, a 30-country sample was used based on the most COVID-19 cases and deaths during the study period, from January 1 to December 12, 2020. We employed panel quantile regression and Panel Estimated Generalized Least Square (Panel-EGLS) frameworks to analyze the influence of COVID-19 on volatility in the whole sample and subsamples of emerging and developed markets. Our results of Panel-EGLS showed that the new cases and deaths positively impact volatility in the naïve and control models. The results from quantile regression also illustrated that new deaths and cases have positively influenced market volatility at the 50th and 75th quantiles. From the subsamples, our results demonstrate almost similar signs and significance for the impact of COVID-19 on market volatility in developed and emerging markets in both the naïve and control models. Both the results illustrate that any increase in COVID-19 positively caused volatility in the whole and subsamples at the mean and upper quantile levels. Our results necessitate coordinated global government actions to stabilize markets, mitigate volatility's impact by proactive policies in future health crises, and underscore a monetary policy for stability.

Tamoxifen-Loaded Eudragit Nanoparticles: Quality by Design Approach for Optimization of Nanoparticles as Delivery System.

Nanoparticles have numerous applications as drug carriers in drug delivery. The aim of the study was to produce tamoxifen nanoparticles with a defined size and higher encapsulation for efficient tissue uptake with controlled drug release. The quality by design approach was utilized to produce tamoxifen-loaded Eudragit nanoparticles by identifying the significant process variables using the nanoprecipitation method. The process variables (amount of drug, polymer, and surfactant) were altered to analyze the influence on particle size (PS), % encapsulation efficiency (EE). The results showed that the drug and polymer individually as well as collectively have an impact on PS, while the surfactant has no impact on the PS. The %EE was influenced by the surfactant individually and in interaction with the drug. The linear regression model was endorsed to fit the data showing high R2 values (PS, 0.9146, %EE, 0.9070) and low p values (PS, 0.0004, EE, 0.0005). The PS and EE were confirmed to be 178 nm and 90%, respectively. The nanoparticles were of spherical shape, as confirmed by SEM and TEM. The FTIR confirmed the absence of any incompatibility among the ingredients. The TGA confirmed that the NPs were thermally stable. The in vitro release predicted that the drug release followed Higuchi model.

Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles Using Alnus nitida Leaf Extract as a Potential Antioxidant and Anticancer Agent.

Biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant extracts is gaining attention as a substitute to the conventional physical and chemical synthesis methods. This study reports a facile, cost-effective, and ecofriendly synthesis of AgNPs using leaf extract of Alnus nitida (A. nitida) and their antioxidant and antiproliferative activities. The biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized using various analytical techniques including UV-visible spectroscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and dynamic light scattering. The antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of the extract and AgNPs was evaluated using different in vitro models. The UV-vis analysis revealed a surface plasmon resonance peak of 400 nm corresponding to the synthesis of AgNPs. SEM analysis confirmed the formation of heterogeneously dispersed particles of nano size, while the XRD and FTIR spectra confirmed the crystallinity and existence of different functional groups that helped in capping and stability of AgNPs. The antioxidant activity of AgNPs and extract, studied by 1,1-diphenyl 2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), 2, 2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and H2O2 scavenging assays, showed a dose-dependent effect. The AgNPs at 1000 µg/mL significantly scavenged DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, and H2O2 by 66.45, 74.65, 78.81, and 72.56% with an average IC50 value of 33.31, 18.50, 16.46, and 15.65 µg/mL, respectively. The cytotoxic potential investigated by MTT assay revealed promising antiproliferative effects against different cancer cell lines. The IC50 values of AgNPs on MDA-MB-231, A549, and Hep-G2 cells were 14.88, 3.6, and 5.38 µg/mL, respectively. The results showed that AgNPs were more effective against lung and hepatocellular carcinoma. The selectivity index showed that AgNPs remained highly selective in retarding the growth of A549 and Hep-G2 cells as compared to normal cell lines HPAEpiC and HRPTEpiC. Overall, this study showed that biosynthesized AgNPs were associated with considerable antioxidant and cytotoxic effects. Our work suggests that A. nitida-mediated AgNPs should be evaluated further in order to develop safe and effective formulations for the treatment of different degenerative diseases.

Effect of polymeric stabilizers on the size and stability of PLGA paclitaxel nanoparticles.

The aim of this study is to formulate polymeric paclitaxel nanoparticles with various stabilizers to improve solubility, enhance stability, maximize therapeutic efficacy and minimize detrimental toxicities of paclitaxel. In this study, trastuzumab-guided poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-loaded paclitaxel nanoparticles were formulated with pluronic F-127, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), poloxamer 407, Tween-80, span 20, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) at different concentrations (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2%) using the solvent evaporation method. The nanoparticles were evaluated for physicochemical characteristics and short and long-term stability. The optimum particle size (190 nm ± 12.42 to 350 nm ± 11.1), PDI (0.13 ± 0.02 to 0.2 ± 0.01), surface charge (-19.1mv ± 1.5 to -40.4mv ± 1.6), drug loading (2.43 to 9.5 %) and encapsulation efficiency (greater than 80 %) were obtained with these stabilizers while keeping the polymer concentration, temperature, probe size, amplitude and sonication time constant. The nanoformulations were stably stored at 4 °C. The nanoformulations of paclitaxel with pluronic F-127, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and poloxamer 407 were found to be more soluble, stable, uniform in physicochemical properties, and efficient in drug loading and encapsulation for improved therapeutic effects.

Factors and Predictors of Health Related Quality of Life of the General Population of Pakistan.

Background and Objective: The standards of living, improvement in public health, and medical care in Pakistan are increasing day by day, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has been increasingly acknowledged in various patient's reported outcomes in Pakistan. However, a large-scale general population-based study on assessing HQRoL in Pakistan was not conducted. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate HRQoL for the general Pakistani population. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study with a population sample (n = 16,672) was selected from all Pakistan provinces using a stratified sampling approach. The EQ-5D-3L tool was used to measure the HRQoL of the general population of Pakistan. The descriptive and inferential statistics have been done by using SPSS version 20. Results: Overall, 121 health states were reported in this study. EQ-5D index and EQ-VAS scores were 0.74 ± 0.32 and 0.75 ± 0.25, respectively. The percentage of people responding to any problems increased with age. Males have better health as compared to females in all age groups. All demographics were significantly associated (P < 0.01) with the mean EQ5D index and VAS scores except residence (p > 0.05). The regression model reported that age was the best predictor of the EQ-5D index scores after adjusting for the covariates (beta = 0.19; p < 0.001). This study provides Pakistani population HRQoL data measured by the EQ-5D tool, based on a national representative sample. Conclusion: The current study concluded that Age, City, Gender, Education, Occupation, Residence, and House occupancy are significantly affecting HRQOL. The socioeconomically deprived groups and females have inferior health status than more advantaged. The trends detected in high-income nations were usually similar to Pakistan.

Tannic acid inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced cognitive impairment in adult mice by targeting multiple pathological features.

Tannic acid (TA) is a natural compound present abundantly in fruit such as grapes and green tea. In this study, we have evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of TA against Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxidative stress-mediated memory impairment, neuroinflammation, insulin signaling impairment, and Amyloid Beta (Aß) deposition in adult male mice. The LPS was administered once per week and TA twice a week to adult male mice for three months consecutively. Behavioral studies were performed using different behavioral models such as balance beam, novel object recognition (NOR), Morris water maze (MWM), and Y-maze tests. The protein expression of different mediators such as TNF-α, p-JNK, pIRS636, BACE1, APP, and Aß was evaluated through western blot and immunofluorescence staining techniques. Biochemical assays were carried out to assess the antioxidant activities of TA. The computational study was conducted to predict the binding mode of TA with target sites of TNF-α. Behavioral studies showed that the TA-treated mice exhibited gradual memory improvement. TA significantly inhibited BACE1 activity and reduced production and accumulation of Aß in the hippocampus of mice brains. Moreover, the TA significantly inhibited LPS-induced ROS production and enhanced the glutathione levels. Furthermore, we have shown via the computational method for the first time that TA inhibits LPS-triggered TNF-á½° and its downstream signaling to reduce AD pathology including memory impairment, neuroinflammation, insulin signaling impairment, and Aß deposition in adult mice. Taken together our current study demonstrates that TA is a potential candidate for the abrogation of LPS-induced neurotoxicity and AD pathology in rodent's models.

Improved Ocular Bioavailability of Moxifloxacin HCl using PLGA Nanoparticles: Fabrication, Characterization, In-vitro and In-vivo Evaluation.

Improving the bioavailability of a drug at the ocular surface presents a profound challenge. Due to ocular physiological barriers, conventional eye drops exhibit poor bioavailability of drugs. Sustained-release nanoparticles may improve the residence time and hence increase absorption of the drug from the corneal surface. The current study focuses on the development of a nanoparticle-based system for the ophthalmic sustained delivery of moxifloxacin, to enhance ocular retention and bioavailability of the drug. PLGA was used as the matrix-forming polymer in the nanoparticle formulation. Nanoparticles were manufactured using a double emulsion (w/o/w) solvent evaporation technique. The formulation was optimized based on physicochemical properties, including size, polydispersity index, and stability. Nanoparticles were also evaluated for in-vitro drug release and pharmacokinetic evaluation in a rabbit model. The optimized formulation exhibited a relatively high initial release rate for six hours followed by sustained release of a drug via diffusion. The in-vivo ocular tolerance studies confirmed that moxifloxacin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles were non-irritating to the eye. The pharmacokinetic studies revealed that the nanoparticles provided a high Cmax, AUC, MRT, and low clearance rate when compared to commercial eye drops. It can be concluded that such PLGA nanoparticles offer the potential for improved bioavailability of moxifloxacin HCl.

The role of melatonin and its analogues in epilepsy.

Extensive research has gone into proposing a promising link between melatonin administration and attenuation of epileptic activity, the majority of which suggest its propensity as an antiseizure with antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. In the past few years, a number of studies highlighting the association of the melatonergic ligands with epilepsy have also emerged. In this context, our review is based on discussing the recent studies and various mechanisms of action that the said category of drugs exhibit in the context of being therapeutically viable antiseizure drugs. Our search revealed several articles on the four major drugs i.e. melatonin, agomelatine, ramelteon and piromelatine along with other melatonergic agonists like tasimelteon and TIK-301. Our review is suggestive of antiseizure effects of both melatonin and its analogues; however, extensive research work is still required to study their implications in the treatment of persons with epilepsy. Further evaluation of melatonergic signaling pathways and mechanisms may prove to be helpful in the near future and might prove to be a significant advance in the field of epileptology.

Expectations, Fears and Perceptions of doctors during Covid-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the expectations and fears faced by doctors during Covid-19 Pandemic. METHODS: This is a mixed method exploratory survey. A questionnaire exploring expectations of doctors from administration and seniors as well as their fears while working during pandemic, was developed on Google survey Forms. It included eight closed ended questions and four open ended questions. Data was collected through online Google survey Forms during month of March and April 2020. Doctors were approached through email and WhatsApp group. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 33.58±4.21 years. Female 150(67.5%) and Male 72(32.4%) participated. 29(13.1%) Associate Professor, 34(15.3%) Assistant Professor, 56(25.2%) Senior Residents and 103(46.3%) residents, medical officers and house officers responded to the survey. 134(60.3%) doctors were working in hospitals which were not dealing with Covid-19. Fear included, infecting family members 177(79.7%), rapid spread of disease 140(63%), complications of disease 134(60.3%), becoming a carrier in 64(28.8%) and 62(27.9%) feared missing the diagnosis. More than 80% expected from seniors and administration, of providing PPE, facilitation, continue chain of supply of essential items, ensuring doctor safety, avoiding exposure of all doctors and keeping reserve workforce, limiting routine checkups, avoid panic and 20% had no expectations. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that doctors had their fears and perceptions regarding pandemic which need to be addressed while policy making. They fear wellbeing of their families and contacting Covid-19, if not provided proper PPE. Our study provides insight of expectations, fears and perceptions of our frontline which invariably gives insight of the views of healthcare workers.

Simultaneously removal of inorganic arsenic species from stored rainwater in arsenic endemic area by leaves of Tecomella undulata: a multivariate study.

In the present study, an indigenous biosorbent (leaves of Tecomella undulata) was used for the simultaneous removal of inorganic arsenic species (As(III) and As(V)) from the stored rainwater in Tharparkar, Pakistan. The Plackett-Burman experimental design was used as a multivariate strategy for the evaluation of the effects of six factors/variables on the biosorption of inorganic arsenic species, simultaneously. Central composite design (CCD) was used to found the optimum values of significant factors for the removal of As(III) and As(V). Initial concentrations of both inorganic As species, pH, biosorbent dose, and contact time were selected as independent factors in CCD, while the adsorption capacity (q e) was considered as a response function. The separation of inorganic As species in water samples before and after biosorption was carried out by cloud point and solid-phase extraction methods. Theoretical values of pH, concentration of analytes, biosorbent dose, and contact time were calculated by quadratic equation for 100 % biosorption of both inorganic As species in aqueous media. Experimental data were modeled by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Thermodynamic and kinetic study indicated that the biosorption of As(III) and As(V) was followed by pseudo second order. It was concluded that the indigenous biosorbent material efficiently and simultaneously removed both As species in the range of 70.8 to 98.5 % of total contents in studied ground water samples. Graphical abstract Optimizing the significant varable by central 2(3) + star orthogonal composite design.

Preconcentration and determination of lead and cadmium levels in blood samples of adolescent workers consuming smokeless tobacco products in Pakistan.

The present study was aimed to evaluate the cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) levels in the blood samples of adolescent boys, chewing different smokeless tobacco (SLT) products in Pakistan. For comparative purpose, boys of the same age group (12-15 years), not consumed any SLT products were selected as referents. To determine trace levels of Cd and Pb in blood samples, a preconcentration method, vortex-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction (VLLME) has been developed, prior to analysis by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The hydrophobic chelates of Cd and Pb with ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate were extracted into the fine droplets of ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, while nonionic surfactant, Triton X-114 was used as a dispersing medium. The main factors affecting the recoveries of Cd and Pb, such as concentration of APDC, centrifugation time, volume of IL and TX-114, were investigated in detail. It was also observed that adolescent boys who consumed different SLT products have 2- to 3-fold higher levels of Cd and Pb in their blood samples as compared to referent boys (p < 0.001).

Rapid ionic liquid-based ultrasound assisted dual magnetic microextraction to preconcentrate and separate cadmium-4-(2-thiazolylazo)-resorcinol complex from environmental and biological samples.

A rapid and innovative microextraction technique named as, ionic liquid-based ultrasound-assisted dual magnetic microextraction (IL-UA-DMME) was developed for the preconcentration and extraction of trace cadmium from environmental and biological samples, prior to analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The proposed method has many obvious advantages, including evading the use of organic solvents and achieved high extraction yields by the combination of dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) and magnetic mediated-solid phase extraction (MM-SPE). In this approach ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [C4mim][PF6] play an important role to extract the cadmium-4-(2-thiazolylazo)-resorcinol (Cd-TAR) complex from acid digested sample solutions and ultrasonic irradiation was applied to assist emulsification. After then, dispersed small amount of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in sample solutions to salvaged the IL and complete phase separation was attained. Some analytical parameters that influencing the efficiency of proposed (IL-UA-DMME) method, such as pH, volume of IL, ligand concentration, ultra-sonication time, amount of Fe3O4 MNPs, sample volume and matrix effect were optimized. Limit of detection (LOD) and enrichment factor (EF) of the method under optimal experimental conditions were found to be 0.40µgL(-1) and 100, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of 50µgL(-1) Cd was 4.29%. The validity and accuracy of proposed method, was assessed to analyzed certified reference materials of fortified lake water TMDA-54.4, SPS-WW2 waste water, spinach leaves 1570a and also checked by standard addition method. The obtained values showed good agreement with the certified values and sufficiently high recovery were found in the range of 98.1-101% for Cd. The proposed method was facile, rapid and successfully applied for the determination of Cd in environmental and different biological samples.

Room temperature ionic liquid-based dispersive liquid phase microextraction for the separation/preconcentration of trace Cd(2+) as 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) complex from environmental and biological samples and determined by FAAS.

The current work develops a new green methodology for the separation/preconcentration of cadmium ions (Cd(2+)) using room temperature ionic liquid-dispersive liquid phase microextraction (RTIL-DLME) prior to analysis by flame atomic absorption spectrometry with microsample introduction system. Room temperature ionic liquids (RTIL) are considered "Green Solvents" for their thermally stable and non-volatile properties, here 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [C4mim][PF6] was used as an extractant. The preconcentration of Cd(2+) in different waters and acid digested scalp hair samples were complexed with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol and extracted into the fine drops of RTILs. Some significant factors influencing the extraction efficiency of Cd(2+) and its subsequent determination, including pH, amount of ligand, volume of RTIL, dispersant solvent, sample volume, temperature, and incubation time were investigated in detail. The limit of detection and the enhancement factor under the optimal conditions were 0.05 µg/L and 50, respectively. The relative standard deviation of 100 µg/L Cd(2+) was 4.3 %. The validity of the proposed method was checked by determining Cd(2+) in certified reference material (TM-25.3 fortified water). The sufficient recovery (>98 %) of Cd(2+) with the certified value. The mean concentrations of Cd in lake water 13.2, waste water 15.7 and hair sample 16.8 µg/L, respectively and the developed method was applied satisfactorily to the preconcentration and determination of Cd(2+) in real samples.

Speciation of vanadium in coal mining, industrial, and agricultural soil samples using different extractants and heating systems.

A fast microwave-assisted extraction procedure was developed for the speciation of vanadium (V) species in soil samples collected from the vicinity of the Lakhra coal power plant (situated near a coal mining area) and industrial and agricultural areas. Soil samples were treated with two extracting reagents, (NH4)2HPO4 (0.2-1 M) and Na2CO3 (0.1-0.5 M), and heated by conventional and microwave methods for different time intervals to extract V+5 species. The V+4 and total V were extracted from filtration residue and the same subsamples of soil by treating with the acid mixture of HNO3-HCl-HClO4-H2SO4 (1:1:1:1, v/v/v/v). No significant difference between V+5 contents obtained by conventional heating and microwave-assisted extraction was observed (P = 0.485). The extraction efficiency of 0.6 M (NH4)2HPO4 for V+5 was lower (4-7%) than that obtained by 0.2 M Na2CO3 solution. The levels of V+5 were higher in soil samples collected from the vicinity of the Lakhra coal power plant and industrial areas, compared to those obtained from agricultural soil.

Effects of selenium and zinc status in biological samples of hepatitis C patient after herbal and pharmaceutical supplements.

The use of natural remedies and pharmacological mineral supplements for liver disease treatment has a long history. In present study, the levels of selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) were determined in biological samples (serum and whole blood) of female hepatitis C patients (n = 132), age ranged 30-45 years, before and after 30 days treatment with herbal/pharmaceutical supplements. For comparative study, 128 age-matched female subjects, residing in the same residential areas and have socioeconomic status, were selected as referents. The Se and Zn in supplements, blood, and sera were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. It was observed that Zn and Se in blood and serum samples of viral hepatitis C (HCV) patients were reduced in the range of 28.6-39 % and 24-36 %, respectively, as compared to those of referents. After herbal/pharmaceutical supplementations, 20.6-25.0 and 9.15-13.2 % of Zn and 10.6-12.1 and 19.6-21.4 % of Se were enhanced in sera and blood samples of HCV patients, respectively. The resulted data indicated that the levels of Se and Zn in addition to some biochemical parameters were improved in HCV patients after herbal/pharmaceutical supplementation. The effects of both supplements were not significantly different (p > 0.05).

A green preconcentration method for determination of cobalt and lead in fresh surface and waste water samples prior to flame atomic absorption spectrometry.

Cloud point extraction (CPE) has been used for the preconcentration and simultaneous determination of cobalt (Co) and lead (Pb) in fresh and wastewater samples. The extraction of analytes from aqueous samples was performed in the presence of 8-hydroxyquinoline (oxine) as a chelating agent and Triton X-114 as a nonionic surfactant. Experiments were conducted to assess the effect of different chemical variables such as pH, amounts of reagents (oxine and Triton X-114), temperature, incubation time, and sample volume. After phase separation, based on the cloud point, the surfactant-rich phase was diluted with acidic ethanol prior to its analysis by the flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The enhancement factors 70 and 50 with detection limits of 0.26 µg L(-1) and 0.44 µg L(-1) were obtained for Co and Pb, respectively. In order to validate the developed method, a certified reference material (SRM 1643e) was analyzed and the determined values obtained were in a good agreement with the certified values. The proposed method was applied successfully to the determination of Co and Pb in a fresh surface and waste water sample.

Interaction between selenium and arsenic in biological samples of psoriasis patients.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a noncontagious, chronic skin disease affecting 1 in 50 people worldwide. METHODS: The aim of present study was to compare the levels of arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) in samples of whole blood, urine, and scalp hair of 418 psoriasis patients of both genders aged 25 - 55 years. All psoriatic patients lived in the vicinity of a cement factory, and were categorized as mild, moderate, and severe. For comparison purposes, 395 healthy age-matched referent/control subjects, residents of industrial and non-industrial areas, were selected. The concentrations of essential trace and toxic elements were measured by electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy after microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity and accuracy of methodology was checked by using certified reference materials (CRMs) and the conventional wet acid digestion method on the same CRMs and real samples. RESULTS: The observed mean values of As were significantly higher in scalp hair, blood, and urine samples of patients with mild and severe psoriasis as compared to the controls (p = 0.01 - 0.001), while the concentrations of Se were lower in the scalp hair and blood, but higher in the urine samples of psoriasis patients of all categories. CONCLUSIONS: The deficiency of Se in psoriatic patients may undoubtedly be caused by the toxic element exposures via dust produced by the cement factory.

Investigation of essential trace and toxic elements in biological samples (blood, serum and scalp hair) of liver cirrhotic/cancer female patients before and after mineral supplementation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The aim of present study was to compare the levels of essential trace and toxic elements in biological samples (blood, serum and scalp hair) of female liver cirrhotic/cancer patients (n = 132), of two age groups (20-45 years) and (46-60 years), before and after sixty days treatment with mineral supplementation. For comparison purpose, same biological samples were also collected from healthy female subjects (n = 75) of same age groups. METHODS: The biological samples were oxidized by 65% HNO(3): 30% H(2)O(2) (2:1) in microwave oven. The digests of all biological samples were analyzed for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS: The levels of Se and Zn were lower in liver cirrhotic/cancer patients as compared to healthy individuals (p < 0.001). The patients of liver cirrhosis/cancer have two folds higher As and Cd levels in biological samples as related to age matched referents. Moreover, negative correlation was observed between essential and toxic elements. CONCLUSIONS: The pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis/cancer has been associated with changes in the balance of certain essential trace and toxic elements. It was observed that the status of Se and Zn in addition to some biochemical parameters was improved in biological samples of both groups of patients after sixty days treatment with mineral supplementation.