Volume 20, No. 1/2003(1st Quarter)
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 Trace Elements and Electrolytes
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Review
Two faces of zinc in the brain
A.V. Kudrin and O.A. Gromova
Abstract
A.V. Kudrin1 and O.A. Gromova2
1Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK, and 2Clinical Pharmacology Department, Ivanovo Medical Academy, Ivanovo, Russian Federation
Zinc plays an essential role in the brain by participating in the bulk of enzymatic and regulatory events. However, zinc may become deleterious for brain cells in excessive amounts that may be released following stress, seizures or ischemic conditions. The mechanism of zinc-mediated neurotoxicity has appeared to be rather complex not only because of concentration effects on the level of receptors to the various neuromediators but also owing to the variety of zinc functions throughout the brain and its involvement in maintaining the cytokine network, nitric oxide production and cell signalling pathways. This review highlights a hypothetical mechanism that postulates the presence of 2 main sites of zinc turnover in the brain with slightly different functional roles.
Originals
Antioxidant status of patients with acute myocardial infarction
M.B. Mihailovic, Z. Vasiljevic, S. Sobajic,I.B. Jovanovic, O. Pesut and G. Matic
Abstract
M.B. Mihailovic1, Z. Vasiljevic2, S. Sobajic3,I.B. Jovanovic1, O. Pesut1 and G. Matic2
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, 2Medical Clinical Center, Coronary Care Unit, and 3Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Food Chemistry, Medical Clinical Centre, Belgrade, Yugoslavi
Objectives: It has been suggested that dietary selenium (Se) deficiency is implicated in the etiology of cardiovascular disease. In this study, we examined the antioxidant status of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) determining the blood and plasma Se concentrations, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and blood and plasma Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase (SeGSH-Px) activities. Patients: Venous blood samples were taken from 70 randomly selected AMI patients (50 men, 20 women) aged 36 to 86 years at the Coronary Care Unit of the Medical Clinical Center in Belgrade 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days after admission to the Unit and 20 healthy volunteers (men 12, women 8) aged 39 to 79 years. Methods: Blood and plasma Se was determined by AAS; SeGSH-Px activity spectrophotometrically at 37 °C, and MDA using colorimetric methods with thiobarbituric acid. Results: In comparison to the control group, AMI patients had significantly lower blood and plasma Se levels and SeGSH-Px activities and significantly higher plasma MDA level. AMI patients who underwent thrombolytic therapy had significantly higher levels of plasma MDA in comparison to those without the therapy. Decreased blood and plasma Se levels and SeGSH-Px activities and increased levels of plasma MDA indicate low antioxidant status of the patients and therefore, led to decreased ability of their organisms to abolish free radicals. Conclusions: These results suggest that lipid peroxides might play an important role in the genesis of ischemic heart disease. The higher level of plasma MDA in AMI patients who underwent thrombolytic therapy indicate that peroxides might be included in the occurrence of reperfusion syndrome.
Originals
Experimental study on the effect of metallic copper on fracture healing in chicken
S.F. Bao, L. Zhao, Y.J. Liu, T. Cong, Z.J. Cheng, Z. Li and H. Tian
Abstract
S.F. Bao1, L. Zhao1, Y.J. Liu2, T. Cong1, Z.J. Cheng1, Z. Li1 and H. Tian3
1Trace Element Research Laboratory, 2Department of Orthopedics, 301 Hospital, Beijing, and 3Pharmaceutical Factory, Harbin, P.R. China
Material and methods: One hundred and sixty growing chickens aged 70 days were fed in 32 cages, 5 each. The fracture with 1 – 2 mm defects at bilateral radius of wings was created by osteotomies. The chickens were then divided into 4 groups, 40 each. Every morning, the first group chickens as the control, were fed orally with 0.8% Na-CMC solution (sodium carboxymethyl cellulose), the other 3 groups with copper Na-CMC suspension (copper powder suspended in 0.8% Na-CMC) of different doses: 20, 40 and 80 mg Cu/kg body weight. All the chickens had free access to water and diet containing Cu 5.4 mg/kg diet. Ten chickens of each group were sacrificed at the 14th, 21st, 28th and 35th day postoperatively. Liver was taken for analysis of Cu and Zn content. Both radii were removed by dissection. Computed tomography scan (CT) was performed for measuring gray values of callus quantitatively. The biomechanical properties of the healing radius were analyzed by a 3-point bending test. Afterwards, the contents of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, iron and hydroxyproline in callus were determined. Results: The gray values of callus increased along with the increase of copper dose and the observing duration. At the 21st and 35th day after operation, the gray values of callus in the high-Cu group were significantly higher than that in the control, respectively (909 ± 220 vs. 597 ± 155; 973 ± 100 vs. 763 ± 179 HU p < 0.05). The calcium and magnesium in callus 35 days post operation were found to be much higher in middle and high Cu groups than that in the control, respectively (Ca: 177 ± 26.7, 176 ± 20.5 vs. 137 ± 34.7 mg/g; Mg: 2.98 ± 0.57, 3.06 ± 0.46, vs. 2.43 ± 0.53 mg/g; p < 0.05). The contents of hydroxyproline in callus 35 days post operation in high-Cu group were significantly higher than that in the control: 34.23 ± 1.96 vs. 32.17 ± 1.93 mg/g, p < 0.05. The biomechanical properties of repaired radius had the same tendency. Conclusion: Copper is helpful in fracture healing. However, the mechanism of the effect of copper on fracture healing is still to be further identified.
Originals
Application of the solid-phase extraction procedure on chromatographic mini column filled with Diaion HP-20 for determination of copper, cobalt, cadmium, iron and manganese in textile products and textile wastewaters
M. Soylak, Y. Akkaya and L. Elci
Abstract
M. Soylak1, Y. Akkaya1 and L. Elci2
1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Art and Science, Erciyes University, Kayseri, and 2Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Art and Science, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
The concentration of copper (II), cobalt(II), cadmium(II), iron(III) and manganese(II) of some textile materials produced in Kayseri, Turkey, and textile wastewater samples from Kayseri were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry after solid-phase extraction of these ions on Diaion HP-20 adsorption resin which is polystyrene divinylbenzene copolymer. The influences of the matrix of components on the recoveries of analyte ions were also investigated. The levels of analyte ions in the investigated textile samples were found below the limit values given by Oeko-Tex Standard 100.
Originals
Absorption and excretion of chromium from orally administered chromium chloride, chromium acetate and chromium oxide in rats
V. Juturu, J.R. Komorowski, J.P. Devine and A. Capen
Abstract
V. Juturu1, J.R. Komorowski1, J.P. Devine2 and A. Capen2
1Research and Development, Technical Services, Nutrition 21, Inc., Purchase, NY, 2Bioanalytical Systems Evansville Inc., Mt Vernon, IN, USA
There is a growing interest in the absorption of different forms of trivalent chromium. In the current study, we evaluated the absorption and excretion of chromium after single-dose administration of 3 chromium compounds (chromium chloride hexahydrate, chromium oxide and chromium acetate hydroxide), compared to a control, in male Sprague Dawley rats. These rats were dosed at 1000 mg/kg per compound. 24-hour urine collection and tissue samples were analyzed for chromium content. Animals were observed twice daily for mortality and clinical signs of toxicity. Gross observations were recorded at necropsy. Postmortem findings were observed only in rats administered chromium chloride. These findings included stomachs distended with fluid and gas, and ulceration of the mucosal lining of the stomachs. Trace levels of chromium were detected in urine samples from rats administered chromium oxide (group mean < 0.2 mg/l) while urinary chromium levels for the rats given chromium chloride and chromium acetate were 174 mg/l and 93 mg/l, respectively. Elevated levels of chromium were observed in liver, kidney, heart and pancreas samples collected from the rats administered chromium chloride and chromium acetate, compared to chromium levels detected in the chromium oxide and control groups. Evaluation of chromium levels in urine and tissues show that chromium oxide was poorly absorbed compared to chromium chloride hexahydrate and chromium acetate hydroxide. Additionally, while chromium chloride hexahydrate was readily absorbed, toxic effects were observed.
Originals
Profile analysis of magnesium and zinc concentrations in blood serum in patients with skin cancers
Z. Kopañski, A. Pelc, D. Kwiatkowska, M. Schlegel-Zawadzka
Abstract
Z. Kopañski1,2, A. Pelc3, D. Kwiatkowska1, M. Schlegel-Zawadzka4,
1Military Clinical Hospital, 2Chair of Anthropology and Anatomy, Academy of Physical Education, 3Department of Dermatology, Collegium Medicum Jagiellonian University, 4Collegium Medicum Jagiellonian University, 5Institute of Forensic Research, and 6Depart
One hundred and thirteen patients (52 men and 61 women) aged 31 – 84 years with skin cancer were analyzed. The concentrations of magnesium and zinc in blood serum using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) were determined in 3 groups of subjects: patients with skin cancer, blood donors, and patients suffering from disease other than neoplastic skin disorders. The dependencies of magnesium and zinc concentration changes were analyzed in all of these 3 groups. The existence of a positive correlation between these 2 elements had been found among patients suffering from skin cancers. Among those with diseases other than neoplastic, the positive correlation was weaker. Among blood donors, the correlation coefficient was negative. Among patients with skin cancer, one group was distinguished as being significantly at a higher risk of magnesium and zinc deficiency. This group was made up of manual laborers over 60 years.
Originals
Effect of cadmium and ionizing radiation on histones in rat brain
Abstract
Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology,
Changes in constituent part of the chromatin, histones, were studied in brain of rats 1 – 21 days after administration of cadmium (3 mg CdCl2/kg i.p.) and/or whole body irradiation (3 Gy of g-rays). In the brain hemispheres, increase in content of histones and histone/DNA ratio was found at some intervals after administration of cadmium alone or in combination with irradiation. In course of the first 2 weeks, relative proportion of individual histone fractions altered especially after combined treatment. At later intervals, in irradiated rats, relative proportion of H10 subfraction increased in H1 fraction. In the cerebellum, the changes of histones were more profound than in the brain hemispheres. Due to decrease in histone content, the histone/ DNA ratio decreased in the cerebellum of rats of all experimental groups. The most marked decrease in histone/DNA ratio occurred after combined treatment (Cd+Ir). The changes in relative proportion of individual histone fractions were detectable from the 7th day in all groups of experimental rats, most conspicuously in the group Cd+Ir. The proportion of H10 subfraction in the H1 histone fraction increased mainly on the 7th day after treatments. In general, character of histone alterations induced by administration of cadmium was similar to that induced by g-irradiation. In majority of cases, after combined treatment (cadmium administered 30 min before irradiation), the alterations of histones were more profound than after single treatment. This finding suggested that partial summation of the 2 factor effects occurred after the combined treatment.
Originals
Copper-induced transformation of hepatic stellate cells and fibrogenesis in North Ronaldsay sheep: a possible paradigm of non-Wilsonian childhood copper toxicosis
S. Haywood, T. Müller, W. Müller, P. Heinz-Erian
Abstract
S. Haywood1, T. Müller2, W. Müller3, P. Heinz-Erian2,
1Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Liverpool, 2Department of Pediatrics, University Innsbruck, 3Department of Pediatrics, Community Hospital Reutte, Austria, and 4Department of Pediatrics, University of Sheffield, UK
Non-Wilsonian hepatic copper toxicosis of infancy and childhood includes pathologically indistinguishable liver disorders in which there is increasing evidence for a genetic predisposition to a raised copper intake. North Ronaldsay sheep, a possible animal model of the human disease, likewise display a susceptibility to environmental copper with a similar pathology in respect to liver copper accumulation associated with a florid pericellular fibrosis. The aim of this retrospective study was to establish the morphological basis of copper-induced fibrogenesis in North Ronaldsay sheep in order to increase understanding of the childhood disorder. Livers from 13 mainland-bred North Ronaldsay sheep and 3 island-bred sheep were categorized for liver copper content and pathomorphology, particularly with regard to hepatic stellate cell transformation as indicated by a-smooth muscle actin (ASMA) and collagen production. It was found that all 13 mainland-bred sheep contained excess liver copper and exhibited pathological changes characterized by pericellular fibrosis. EM identified large numbers of collagen-producing hepatic stellate cells. Immunocytochemistry confirmed the prescence of ASMA in transformed hepatic stellate cells conforming to the patterns of fibrosis. Copper-induced dysregulation of hepatic stellate cells from a vitamin A storing phenotype to one of collagen synthesis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of RCT and by analogy may also operate in non-Wilsonian childhood copper toxicosis.
Originals
Effect of a dietary oxidized fat on the selenium status of rats
P. Skufca, K. Schäfer, C. Brandsch, O. Simon and K. Eder
Abstract
P. Skufca1, K. Schäfer2, C. Brandsch1, O. Simon2 and K. Eder1
1Institut für Ernährungswissenschaften, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale, and 2Institut für Tierernährung, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
The present study was undertaken to investigate whether the selenium status of rats is affected by a dietary thermally oxidized fat. An experiment was carried out which included 4 groups of rats fed diets with fresh fat or oxidized fat, heated at a temperature of 55°C, containing either 70 or 570 mg selenium per kg, over a period of 56 days. Selenium concentrations in liver and plasma and the activity of glutathione peroxidase in plasma (pGPx) were measured to assess the selenium status of the rats. Rats fed the diets containing 570 mg selenium per kg, had significantly higher selenium concentrations in liver and plasma and a higher activity of pGPx than rats fed the diet containing 70 mg selenium per kg. In the rats fed the diet containing 70 mg selenium per kg, feeding the oxidized fat significantly reduced the concentrations of selenium in liver and plasma and the activity of pGPx compared with feeding the fresh fat. In the rats fed the diets containing 570 mg selenium per kg, feeding the oxidized fat, reduced the selenium concentration and the activity of pGPx, whereas the concentration of selenium in the liver remained unchanged compared with fresh fat. The study, in conclusion, shows that feeding an oxidized fat reduces the selenium status in rats, particularly at low selenium supply.
Originals
Changes of sex steroids during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy alter the intracellular free magnesium level
M. Masuda, M. Yamasaki, H. Morikawa, S. Tohno and Y. Tohno
Abstract
M. Masuda1, M. Yamasaki1, H. Morikawa1, S. Tohno2 and Y. Tohno2
Department of 1Obstetrics, Gynecology and 2Laboratory of Cell Biology,
To elucidate the effects of sex steroids on the intracellular magnesium (Mg) ion level in platelets (p-[Mg2+]i), we investigated p-[Mg2+]i levels in non-pregnant and pregnant women. The subjects were non-pregnant women with a normal menstrual cycle (19 in the follicular phase and 11 in the luteal phase) and normal pregnant women (10 in the 1st trimester, 10 in the 2nd trimester and 11 in the 3rd trimester). The p-[Mg2+]i level was measured according to the method of Raju et al. [1989] using mag-fura-2. In non-pregnant women, the p-[Mg2+]i level was significantly higher during the luteal phase than during the follicular phase. In normal pregnant women, the p-[Mg2+]i level was about 1.5-fold higher in the 1st trimester in comparison with the luteal phase, and decreased thereafter. With regard to the relationship between p-[Mg2+]i and sex steroids (progesterone and estradiol) in non-pregnant women, there was a significant direct correlation between the p-[Mg2+]i and progesterone levels, whereas there was no significant correlation between p-[Mg2+]i and estradiol. In the pregnant women, a significant inverse correlation was found between the levels of p-[Mg2+]i and progesterone and also between those of p-[Mg2+]i and estradiol. In addition, the effects of progesterone and estradiol on p-[Mg2+]i were examined using platelets from men, and it was found that progesterone increased p-[Mg2+]i, whereas estradiol decreased it.
Originals
Potassium channel alteration during hypoxia, metabolic stress and antihypertensive treatment in rat vascular tissue
T. Noack, G. Edwards, P. Noack and A.H. Weston
Abstract
T. Noack1, G. Edwards2, P. Noack1 and A.H. Weston2
1Department of Physiology, University of Rostock, Germany, and
The excitability of rat portal vein during hypoxia, metabolic stress and under exposure of the anti-hypertensive drug levcromakalim (BRL 38227) was studied using the single-cell voltage clamp technique. In single rat portal vein cells metabolic stress (no intracellular citric cycle intermediates in the pipette) and mild hypoxia (pO2 = 80 mmHg) caused the slow development of an outward, glibenclamide-sensitive K current (IKATP). Exposure to levcromakalim further increased the magnitude of (IKATP), and in 40% of cells, this current showed only slight or no modification during the next 15 min. However, in the other 60% of cells, slow current oscillations of approximately 6-min cycle duration could be observed at the holding potential. These fluctuations were characterized by a high K+ selectivity at their outward peaks and by an increase of the total input conductance and a reversal potential close to 0 mV in the troughs. Similarly, the reversal potential of the noise associated with current flow shifted from –80 mV at the peaks to 0 mV in the troughs. All levcromakalim-induced current changes, the subsequent oscillations and associated increased input conductance, were inhibited by the sulfonurea receptor agonist glibenclamide. This altered selectivity of the potassium channel (KATP) changes the excitation pattern of the vascular tissue and prevents tissue protection.
