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Trace elements and vitamin levels in menopausal women receiving hormone replacement therapy.

Trace elements are extremely important in human metabolism, growth, and tissue repair. The risk of nutritional disturbances, in particular, vitamin and trace element deficiencies, are striking during menopause. The aim of this longitudinal study was to evaluate the effect of estrogen treatment on serum levels of copper, zinc, magnesium, calcium, vitamin E, and vitamin A in menopausal women. Thirty-eight menopausal women were included in the study, and were administered a continuous hormone replacement therapy (HRT) of 0.625 mg conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) and 2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). Blood samples were obtained before and six months after HRT. There was a statistically significant difference between levels of serum copper, zinc, magnesium, calcium, vitamin E and vitamin A before and after HRT (p < 0.001). In conclusion we observed a beneficial effect of HRT on serum levels of trace elements, vitamin A, and vitamin E in addition to the well known other benefits.

Calcium↗

Trace elements in two pulverized coal-fired power stations.

Beside major pollutants (particulates, carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides), coal combustion generates emissions of potentially toxic trace elements. The current work focuses on predicting the fate of eight trace elements (As, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, V, and Zn) in power stations that fire pulverized coal and are equipped with flue gas scrubbers. The core of the study is global equilibrium analysis carried out with the aid of three extensive databases. The first set of equilibrium constants describes conditions prevailing in the furnace and the flue gas duct, while the second set describes reactions in the flue gas scrubber. Melting behavior of ash and solubility of trace elements within the slag are described as a third set of data. To test the modeling approach taken in this paper, the predicted overall partitioning of trace elements is compared with measured data from two full-scale facilities. The results of the study indicate that As, Cd, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn are captured in the fly ash, and that the fate of these element correlates with the overall particle capture of the power plants. Calculations for the flue gas scrubber facilities show that nonvolatile trace elements are likely to dissolve in the scrubber solution, and that capture of these elements likewise is correlated with the overall particulate behavior. Theoretical predictions of the melting behavior indicate that As, Ni, Zn, and to some extent Pb are likely to dissolve in the molten ash.

Air Pollutants↗

[Changes in trace elements contents of renal cells in cadmium poisoning].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the possible role of trace elements in renal damage caused by cadmium poisoning and its mechanism. METHODS: An experimental animal model with renal damage caused by cadmium poisoning was prepared, and trace elements contents in subcellular components in renal cells, lipid peroxidation reaction, renal function and its ultrastructural changes were determined. RESULTS: Uptake of cadmium could cause transfer of copper, zinc and manganese mainly distributed in the mitochondrion to cell nuclei and cytoplasm, and content of selenium and activity of glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-px) in cytosol declined and content of propandiolal increased. CONCLUSION: It suggests that changes in trace elements contents, especially in selenium content, during renal damage caused by cadmium poisoning, could correlate with the increase of lipid peroxidation, and abnormal subcellular distribution of trace elements was one of the important roles in renal damage caused by cadmium poisoning.

Animals↗

Major and trace elemental analysis in milk powder by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA).

Major and trace element in seven different kinds of milk powder were studied. The concentration of 24 elements were determined by ICP-OES method, from these elements 9 elements determined by INAA. The determination of trace element contents of foodstuffs, especially milk as daily drink for all peoples age which being a complex food has great importance. The elemental analysis of milk is important both as an indicator of environmental contamination and because milk is a significant pathway for toxic metal intake and a source of essential nutrients for humans. The major elements are Ca, K, Mg, Na, P and S. While trace element are B, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, V, W and Zn. ICP-OES technique is shown to be a powerful tool for trace determinations in powder samples. This is shown by its use for analysis of a series of the milk powders mentioned and comparative results of other direct technique such as instrumental neutron activation analysis. Analysis of both standard reference material A-11 milk powder and NBS Orchard leaves for quality accurance had been completed, and used for a relative method calculate. The importance of the major and trace elements to human health was discussed.

Animals↗

Accumulation of trace elements by Pistia stratiotes: implications for phytoremediation.

The toxicity of eight potentially toxic trace elements (Ag, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) to Pistia stratiotes was examined to determine if this plant showed sufficient tolerance and metal accumulation to be used to phytoremediate waste water and/or natural water bodies polluted with these heavy metals. Young plants of equal size were grown hydroponically and amended with 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0 mM of each heavy metal individually for 21 days. Root elongation as well as emergence of new roots decreased significantly with increase in metal concentrations. The plant had the lowest and the highest tolerance indices for Hg and Zn respectively. The study indicated reduction in the rate of leaf expansion relative to metal type, their concentrations and the duration of exposure. A significant reduction in biomass production was observed in metal treated plants compared with the control plants. The relative growth rate of P. stratiotes was retarded by heavy metals under study. All trace elements accumulated to higher concentrations in root tissue rather than in shoot. Trace element accumulation in tissues and the bioconcentration factors were proportional to the initial concentration of individual metals in the growth medium and the duration of exposure. In terms of trace element removal, P. stratiotes presented differential accumulation and tolerance levels for different metals at similar treatment conditions. The implications of these results for phytoremediation are discussed.

Araceae↗

Trace elements in soils and crops.

To demonstrate the total amounts to be expected in soils, the ranges of contents of some 60 trace elements in ten representative Scottish arable surface soils are compared with ranges in soil-forming rocks and with crustal averages. It is, however, the amounts potentially available to plants rather than the total contents that are biologically significant. In temperate climates, trace element mobilization is greatest when weathering takes place under conditions of impeded pedological drainage, leading to the formation of gleyed soils. Mobilized trace elements occur in arable surface soils largely in adsorbed and chelated forms, which are available to plants to a greater or smaller extent depending on the prevailing soil parameters and on the element in question. Different species take up different amounts of trace elements: the proportions in the various plant parts vary with the element and the stage of growth. Information is required about the mobilization and uptake of many elements about which little is at present known but which may affect the functions of essential elements through inter-element interactions. Systematic soil surveys in which soils are mapped by associations related to parent material, with their series related to genetic soil types, provide a useful countrywide guide to trace element status.

Agriculture↗

The trace element selenium and the thyroid gland.

Apart from the essential trace element iodine, which is the central constituent of thyroid hormones, a second essential trace element, selenium, is required for appropriate thyroid hormone synthesis, activation and metabolism. The human thyroid gland has the highest selenium content per gram of tissue among all organs. Several selenocysteine-containing proteins respectively enzymes are functionally expressed in the thyroid, mainly in thyrocytes themselves: three forms of glutathione peroxidases (cGPx, pGPx, and PH-GPx), the type I 5-deiodinase, thioredoxin reductase and selenoprotein P. The thyroidal expression of type II 5-deiodinase still is controversial. As thyrocytes produce H2O2 continuously throughout life an effective cell defense system against H2O2 and reactive oxygen intermediates derived thereof is essential for maintenance of normal thyroid function and protection of the gland. In experimental animal models long-term and strong selenium deficiency leads to necrosis and fibrosis after high iodide loads. Combined iodide and selenium deficiency such as in central Zaire is thought to cause the myxedematous form of endemic cretinism. Inadequate selenium supply and prediagnostically low serum selenium levels are significantly correlated with the development of thyroid carcinoma and other tumors. Though selenium supply controls expression and translation of selenocysteine-containing proteins no direct correlation is found between selenium tissue content and expression of various thyroidal selenoproteins, indicating that other regulatory factors contribute to or override selenium-dependent expression control, e.g., in thyroid adenoma, carcinoma or autoimmune disease. As both trace elements, iodine and selenium, were washed out from the upper layers of the soil during and after the ice ages in many regions of the world adequate supply with these essential compounds needs to be provided either by a balanced diet or supplementation.

Animals↗

[Major, minor and trace-elemental contents analysis in northeast soybeans by ICP-AES].

Major, minor and trace elemental contents in northeast China soybeans were determined by using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Three different sample digestion methods including two wet digestions, HNO3-HClO4 and HNO3-H2SO4 and a dry ash method were compared. Owing to the high oil content in soybeans, long time is needed and access acid should be added with mixed acid digestion methods, which may result in higher sample blank. Therefore, the dry ask method would be more proper for the pre-treatment of soybean samples. Potassium and phosphorus are major elements in soybeans, so the effect of potassium and phosphorus on the other elements was investigated. Results showed that the potassium and phosphorus did not affect the determination of other trace elements. There are not significant differences in trace elemental contents for the eleven northeast China soybeans.

Copper↗

[FAAS determination of trace elements in tea-leaves using suspension sampling with ultrasonic agitation].

It is known that some minerals and trace elements such as Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn are the necessary elements in human body. The lack of these elements can cause various diseases. Because tea contains all kinds of minerals and trace elements, drinking tea is healthy for people. In order to contrast teas of different sort grades and producing areas the minerals and trace elements in the tea have been determined using suspension sample introduction technique. To determine the content of trace elements in tea-leaves, samples were powdered and sieved after being heated at (80 +/- 2) degerees C for 4 hours. 5 mL 0.15% agar solution was added and mixed thoroughly with the samples by ultrasonic agitation. Then the prepared suspension of sample was directly introduced to FAAS for determination. The results of this method are consistent with those obtained by wet treatment method, and the relative deviation of treatment method is less than +/- 0.96%. The t-test shows that no difference was found. The present method is convenient, rapid and accurate.

Clinical Laboratory Techniques↗

Trace elements: implications for nursing.

Although most were unknown a few years ago, present evidence indicates that at least 25 trace elements have some pertinence to health. Unlike vitamins, they cannot be synthesized. Some trace elements are now considered important only because of their harmful effects but traces of them may be essential. Zinc is especially important during puberty, pregnancy and menopause and is related to protein metabolism. Both fluoride and cadmium accumulate in the body year after year. Cadmium is positively correlated with several chronic diseases, especially hypertension. It is obtained from smoking and drinking soft water. Silicon, generally associated with silicosis, may be necessary for healthy bone and connective tissue. Chromium, believed to be the glucose tolerance factor, is obtained from brewer's yeast, spices, and whole wheat products. Copper deficiency may be implicated in a wide range of cardiovascular and blood related disorders. Either marginal deficiencies or slight excesses of most trace elements are harmful. Nurses should instruct patients to avoid highly refined foods, fad diets, or synthetic and fabricated foods. A well balanced and varied diet is the best safeguard against trace element excesses or deficiencies.

Cadmium↗

Serum trace element levels and the complexity of inter-element relations in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Trace elements have been postulated to play a role in Parkinson's disease (PD). In order to elucidate whether changes in the serum levels of trace elements reflect the progression of PD, we assessed serum levels of 12 elements (Na, K, Fe, Al, Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg, Mn, Si, P and S) in early PD, severe PD and normal subjects, using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The concentrations in micromol/ml, the relative mole percentage distribution and inter-element relations were computed. Statistical analysis of these data showed a definite pattern of variation among certain elements in early and severe PD compared to controls. In both early and severe PD serum, Al and S concentrations were significantly decreased (p<0.05) compared to the controls. Fe (p<0.01) and Zn (p<0.05) concentrations were significantly lower in severe PD, while K, Mg, Cu (p < 0.01) and P (p < 0.05) concentrations were higher in early and severe PD compared to the controls. The data revealed an imbalance in the inter-element relations in both early and severe PD serum compared to controls, as shown by the direct and inverse correlations. These results suggest a disturbance in the element homeostasis during the progression of PD.

Acute Disease↗

Trace elements and oxidative stress in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

OBJECTIVES: Many trace elements have activator or inhibitor roles in the antioxidative defense systems in diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). In this study, we aimed to show the levels of trace elements with action in oxidative stress, and to show the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker of oxidative stress, and the activity of paraoxonase (PON1) as an antioxidant in COPD and smokers. METHODS: We included 25 patients with COPD, and 20 healthy non-smokers in the study. We selected them from the hospitalized patients at the Hospital of Dicle University, Turkey, between April 2003 and January 2004. The clinical condition of the patients was stable. RESULTS: The serum copper (Cu) and MDA concentrations in COPD patients were higher than the control group. There were no differences in zinc (Zn) concentration and Cu/Zn ratio between COPD patients and the control group. We found lower serum PON1 activities in COPD patients compared with the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in Zn concentration and Cu/Zn ratio between smokers and non-smokers in COPD. There were statistically significant differences in Cu, MDA concentrations and serum PON1 activities between smokers and non-smokers in COPD. CONCLUSION: We could suggest that trace elements such as Cu, oxidants and antioxidants such as MDA and PON1 have roles in oxidative stress, and in COPD.

Aged↗

[Trace elements in buried human bones and their value. A review].

Since more than a decade, the trace element content of archaeological human bones is analyzed by physical anthropologists. Some of these elements give clues to the diets of ancient populations, others serve in estimating weaning age and the length of the active reproductive time span in human females. Therefore, trace element analysis becomes very important for palaeodemography and palaeoecology. On the other hand, a lot of basic research still has to be carried out, especially concerning the alteration of trace element concentrations in ancient bones either by soil processes or by microorganisms. The lack of reference series is obvious. Recommendations for the techniques to be applied are given, the parameters which may bias the interpretation of the data are discussed and the diagnostic potential of trace element analysis is demonstrated.

Archaeology↗

[Particle induced X-ray emission for trace element analysis of hairs from patients with cancer].

In this paper, trace element analysis of the hairs from the patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and osteoma was made using particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) technique in order to obtain some information on the correlation between trace element and these two tumors. The hair samples of 34 NPC patients were each collected before and three months after radiotherapy (60Co) (group 1). The hair specimens from 34 osteoma patients were collected preoperatively and postoperatively. For comparison, 65 hair samples were collected from 40 normal subjects (group 2) and 25 NPC patients, who had received radiotherapy (60Co) five years before without any recrudescence (group 3). The trace element analysis of all specimens was made by PIXE. The results show that there is a significant difference between groups 1 and 2 (P less than 0.01) but no difference is found between groups 2 and 3 for Mn, Cu, Zn, As etc. content in the hairs. Cu and Zn content in the hairs of the osteoma patients is much lower than that of the normal subjects (P less than 0.01) while for K, Ti and Mn content, the former is higher than the latter. The above experimental results are discussed in detail.

Hair↗

Concentrations of seven trace elements in different hematological matrices in patients with type 2 diabetes as compared to healthy controls.

This study aimed to compare the trace element status of patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 53) with those of nondiabetic healthy controls (n = 50). The concentrations of seven trace elements were determined in the whole blood, blood plasma, erythrocytes, and lymphocytes of the study subjects. Vanadium and iron levels in lymphocytes were significantly higher in diabetic patients as compared to controls (p < 0.05 for iron and p < 0.01 for vanadium). In contrast, lower manganese (p < 0.01) and selenium (p < 0.01) concentrations were detected in lymphocytes derived from patients with type 2 diabetes versus healthy subjects. Furthermore, significantly lower chromium levels (p < 0.05) were found in the plasma of diabetic individuals as compared to controls. Trace element concentrations were not dependent on the degree of glucose control as determined by correlation analysis between HBA1c versus metal levels in the four blood fractions. In summary, this study primarily demonstrated that trace element levels in lymphocytes of patients with type 2 diabetes could deviate significantly from controls, whereas, in general, no considerable differences could be found when comparing the other fractions between both patient groups. Therefore, it seems reasonable to analyze metal levels in leukocytes to determine trace element status in patients with type 2 diabetes and perhaps in other diseases.

Aged↗

[Supplying various age groups with certain essential trace elements].

Investigations revealed a very good correspondence of the intake of trace elements, calculated from per capita food consumption, with the analytically determined values of the full daily diet. It is above all the copper intake and, to a lesser degree, the zinc and iron intake, which deviate from the generally recommended values. The results obtained for the different age groups indicate the copper intake to be sufficient only with children up to six years old. The iron supply of adolescent girls and old people should be improved. As is well known, the utilization of trace elements is influenced by many dietetic and individual factors. Therefore, further investigations must be carried out to decide whether the analytically determined intake of trace elements guarantees an adequate supply or whether disturbances often occurring with a slight under-supply must be taken into consideration.

Adult↗

The effects of platinum chemotherapy on essential trace elements.

The effects of cisplatin chemotherapy on the metabolism of essential trace elements were investigated in 12 patients before and after treatment with cisplatin. In serum, the mean post-treatment concentrations of Cu 913.91 mumol 1-1), Zn (9.57 mumol 1-1) and Mg (0.54 mumol 1-1) were significantly reduced compared with the pre-treatment levels 919.35, 11.86 and 0.67) while Se, caeruloplasmin and C-reactive protein concentrations were unaltered. Urinary excretion of Cu, Mg and Zn were enhanced. The urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase activity (a marker of proximal renal tubular dysfunction) was also increased and suggests that the mechanism for decrease of certain trace elements in serum during treatment could be increased urinary excretion caused by impaired cellular metabolism. It is not clear whether the loss of trace elements via the urine has any implication for the clinical status of cancer patients treated with cisplatin.

Adolescent↗

Trace elements in vegetables grown in an industrial area in relation to soil and air particulate matter.

The relationships between the trace element content of vegetables, agricultural soil and airborne particulate matter were investigated in the greater industrial area of Thessaloniki, northern Greece. Most elements were found at concentrations normally observed in vegetables grown in uncontaminated areas, however, elevated concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cr and Mn were found particularly in leafy vegetables. The trace element content of agricultural soil was low, despite the airborne particulate matter that was highly enriched with Zn, Cd, Pb and Mn. Multivariate statistical analysis indicated that the compositional patterns of the vegetables, the soil and the atmospheric particulates were largely different. The dominant pathway for most trace elements to vegetable roots was from the soil, while trace elements in vegetable leaves appeared to originate mostly from the atmosphere. High accumulation due to atmospheric deposition was found for Pb, Cr and Cd, especially in leafy vegetables. Root vegetables were found to accumulate soil Cd more efficiently than the other trace elements.

Journal Article↗