Volume 21, No. 1/2004(1st Quarter)
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 Trace Elements and Electrolytes
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Originals
Selenium concentration in first trimester abortion in Nigerian women
G.O. Ajayi
Abstract
G.O. Ajayi
Prenatal Diagnosis and Therapy Centre, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
There are many etiological factors responsible for early trimester abortion, but chromosomal abnormalities are responsible for a majority of this. Idiopathic miscarriages in mammals have been shown to be associated with selenium deficiency. In this study, serum selenium levels were measured in 3 groups of patients. In group 1, there were n = 20 patients who aborted, in group 2 were n = 20 patients of the same gestational age with normal pregnancy plus delivery, and in group 3 were n = 20 non-pregnant women who served as controls. The serum selenium concentration in normal pregnant women was significantly lower than in the non-pregnant groups (49.8 ± 11.8 ug/ml/56.2 ± 12.6 ug/ml p < 0.05). The serum selenium concentration in the aborters (40.2 ± 9.4 ug/ml) was significantly lower as compared to those with normal pregnancy (49.8 ± 11.8 ug/ml p < 0.05). Selenium supplementation may be necessary in early pregnancy. The effect of selenium deficiency may be related to biological membrane and DNA damage as a result of the loss of antioxidant qualities. Selenium supplementation may be necessary in patients with history or tendency to abort.
Originals
Monitoring copper, nickel, cobalt, lead, cadmium, manganese and chromium levels in house dust samples from Kayseri, Turkey
O. Turkoglu, S. Saracoglu, M. Soylak and L. Elci
Abstract
O. Turkoglu1, S. Saracoglu1, M. Soylak1 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
As dusts are also potentially significant sources of trace heavy metals for humans, especially for children in urban communities, the heavy metal contents of 27 house dust samples from shops and schools in Kayseri, Turkey, were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) after digestion with aqua regia. The levels of copper, nickel, cobalt, lead, cadmium, manganese and chromium in the house dust samples from doormats were in the range of 22.8 – 812.5 mg/g, 26.5 – 123.3 mg/g, 7.9 – 61.1 mg/g, 24.7 – 134.8 mg/g, 0.9 – 5.3 mg/g, 77.5 – 630.4 mg/g and 10.3 – 96.8 mg/g. The values of the investigated ions in the samples were found to be lower than worldwide values, except for cobalt, copper and nickel.
Originals
The relationship of serum and urine boron levels with bone markers in early postmenopausal women
S. Muhtaroglu
Abstract
S. Muhtaroglu
Department of Biochemistry, Martin Luther University, Halle-Wittenberg
The aim of our study is to correlate serum and urine levels with bone markers in 31 women who have been diagnosed with menopause and 25 healthy women as a control group. Boron (B), osteocalcin (OC), parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin, estrogen, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were measured in sera taken from the menopause and control group. In addition, boron, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg) and hydroxyproline (Hyp) were measured from urine samples. Boron was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry with coated graphite furnace. There was no significant difference in serum calcitonin, OC and Ca concentration between groups. In contrast, serum concentration of B, P, Mg, PTH, Cu, Zn were significantly higher and of ALP was lower in the control group (p < 0.05). Serum and urine B levels were found to be significantly lower in the menopause group. Low urine levels indicate low intake of boron by menopause women.
Originals
Pneumotoxic effects of exposure to welding fumes: cross-week evaluation of Clara cell protein and manganese in blood of shipyard workers
T. Halatek, T. Wronska-Nofer, J. Gruchala, M.Trzcinka-Ochocka, J.Stetkiewicz and K. Rydzynski
Abstract
T. Halatek1, T. Wronska-Nofer1, J. Gruchala2, M.Trzcinka-Ochocka3, J.Stetkiewicz4 and K. Rydzynski1
1Department of Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, 2Department of Occupational Diseases, 3Department of Chemical and Dust Hazards, and 4Department of Pathomorphology, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
Welders exposed to fumes containing manganese (Mn) develop inflammatory changes in the lower airways. However, the assessment of pneumotoxic effects of welding fumes is limited because of the lack of adequate biomarkers of early toxic effects. Bronchiolar epithelial Clara cell secretory protein (CC16) has a potential role in pulmonary inflammation, and the fall in CC16 serum level is a useful biomarker of the dysfunction of the respiratory system. In the present study, a feasibility of CC16 as an early biomarker of Mn-induced pneumotoxicity has been evaluated. Cross-week determination of Mn concentrations in plasma and urine as well as determination of CC16 and hyaluronic acid (HA), a marker of pulmonary inflammation, were performed in welders exposed to welding fumes and in unexposed shipyard workers. In addition, pulmonary function tests (FVC, FEV1, FEF50) were done in both groups, and airborne Mn levels in working environment were determined. The results demonstrate the increased prevalence of Mn levels in blood exceeding 8 mg/dm3 in a group exposed to welding fumes. Furthermore, increased prevalence of respiratory dysfunction in subjects with Mn levels exceeding 8 mg/dm3 was observed. On the basis of our data, the threshold limit for Mn concentration in blood is about 8 mg/dm3. Serum CC16 concentrations were markedly decreased in welders in whom significant reductions of FEF50 (less than 60% of predicted value) were observed. In addition, within the range exceeding the threshold value (> 8 mg/dm3) we found close negative correlation between Mn and CC16 concentrations. Thus, the present study demonstrates that CC16 is a good peripheral biomarker of early pneumotoxic effect produced by welding fumes. Since significant changes in CC16 levels occurred only as a result of single 8-hour work shift exposure and were not aggravated by extending the exposure period, and since CC16 levels normalized after discontinuing the exposure, we conclude that CC16 is a marker of transient and reversible changes in the respiratory system.
Originals
Alterations in trace elements and oxidative stress in lung cancer
O. Cildag, M. Altinisik, D. Kozaci, F. Karadag, G.Kiter and C. Altun
Abstract
O. Cildag1, M. Altinisik2, D. Kozaci2, F. Karadag1, G.Kiter3 and C. Altun2
1Department of Chest Diseases, 2Department of Biochemistry, Adnan Menderes University School of Medicine, Aydin, and 3Department of Chest Diseases, Pamukkale University School of Medicine, Denizli, Turkey
The objective of this study was to investigate the alterations in oxidative stress and trace elements in patients with lung cancer. Subjects included 29 patients with lung cancer diagnosed by histopathology and 20 age-matched, healthy controls. The lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum samples was calculated in terms of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances). Serum concentrations of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were determined using Varian Spectra AA220 flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Serum concentrations of iron (Fe) were measured by the Ferene assay, using commercially available kit (IL Test Iron) with ILAb 900 autoanalyzer. The mean MDA concentration in lung cancer patients was found similar to that in the control group (0.70 ± 0.15 nmol/ml vs. 0.62 ± 0.14 nmol/ml, respectively (p = 0.096). The serum concentration of Cu was significantly higher in patients with cancer compared to the control group (1.31 ± 0.29mg/ml vs. 0.93 ± 0.20 mg/ml; p = 0.05), whereas Zn concentration was significantly lower in cancer group than the controls (0.78 ± 0.18 mg/ml vs. 1.03 ± 0.25 mg/ml; p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference in concentrations of Fe between cancer patients and the control group (0.78 ± 0.55 mg/ml vs. 0.97 ± 0.45 mg/ml; p = 0.244). In the present study, alterations in concentrations of trace elements in serum of patients with lung cancer may indicate abnormal metabolism of trace elements in lung cancer.
Originals
Effects of beer as a source of dietary silicon on aluminum absorption and retention in mice
S. Granero, M. Vicente, V. Aguilar, M.C.Martinez-Para and J.L. Domingo
Abstract
S. Granero1, M. Vicente1, V. Aguilar1, M.C.Martinez-Para1 and J.L. Domingo2
1Department of Nutrition, Bromatology and Toxicology, University of Alcalá de Henares, Alcalá de Henares, and 2Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, “Rovira i Virgili” University, Reus, Spain
In recent years, a number of investigations have suggested that a high intake of silicon (Si) might limit the aluminum (Al) absorption from dietary sources. The aim of the current study was to assess if a daily moderate beer intake, as a source of dietary Si, might reduce the gastrointestinal absorption of Al and brain accumulation in mice. Animals in 3 groups received Al(NO3)3 in the drinking water (500 mg/ml) for 3 months. Mice in 1 of these groups were also administered by gavage 2.5 ml of a commercial beer (5.5% volume) per week, while mice in the second group received by gavage 2.5 ml of a solution of silicic acid per week at a concentration of 40 mg Si/l. The third group did receive neither beer nor Si (positive control group), while a group of untreated mice served as the negative control group. At the end of the period of treatment, mice were housed in individual plastic metabolic cages and urines and feces were collected (24 h) for Al and Si analyses. After this, brains were removed for Al and Si analyses. The results show that a moderate consumption of beer might have a protective role in Al absorption and retention. The Si content in beer would reduce the oral absorption of Al and would diminish its accumulation in brain, a target tissue of Al toxicity.
Originals
Alterations in zinc status and tissue structures of heparin-induced osteoporotic rabbits
B. Turan, N. Zaloglu, Y. Saran, E. Konukseven and E. Koc
Abstract
B. Turan1, N. Zaloglu2, Y. Saran3, E. Konukseven4 and E. Koc2
Departments of 1Biophysics, 2Physiology, 3Histology-Embryology,
Heparin can cause some complications in tissues when it is used for long-term therapy. Besides its beneficial effects, it may have some side effects. In this study, we investigated the possible hematological and histopathological changes in rabbit tissues under long-term (1 month) and overdoses (1,000 and 2,000 IU/kg/day) heparin applications. Group 1 was injected with serum physiologic and kept as control while Groups 2 and 3 were injected with heparin as dosages of 1,000 IU/kg/day and 2,000 IU/kg/ day, respectively. There were no significant differences between the average values of serum electrolytes and copper levels and liver enzymes ALT, AST of 2 experimental groups and the control group while their serum zinc levels (4.54 ± 0.52 mg/ml and 4.72 ± 0.65 mg/ml) were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the controls (5.75 ± 0.72 mg/ml). Hemoglobin level of Group 3 was significantly lower than of Group 2 and the control. In light microscopy, investigation of liver tissues of Groups 2 and 3, we observed mainly some disturbances in vascular outflow, disruption of normal histologic organization resulting in loss of cord architecture, intralobular inflammation with disruption of cords. Focal necrotic areas with eosinophilic amorphous materials in aortic tissue and edema, enlarged perivascular areas and interstitial tissue with scattered lymphocyte in myocardium were observed in Group 2. Degenerative regions with amorphous materials and calcification like atheroma plaque in aorta, some necrotic cells in myocardium were observed in Group 3. In lung tissues from Groups 2 and 3, interstitial imflammation, widened and densely infiltrated interalveolar septa and necrotic cells in the alveoles were seen. Alveoli were also dilated and filled with edema fluid. These findings suggest that long-term and overdose heparin application have degenerative side effects on tissues and especially on serum zinc level.
Originals
The MAGPIE-Trial (The MAGPIE Trial Collaborative Group 2002) MAGnesium for PreventIon of Eclampsia
K. Wink
Abstract
K. Wink
Gengenbach, Germany
In 10,141 women with preeclampsia (RR ³ 140/90 mmHg, proteinuria), the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter and confirmatory study showed that magnesium sulfate significantly reduces the risk of eclampsia over 50% and leads not to a significantly higher mortality and morbidity of the children. MAGPIE showed partially an improvement of the maternal morbidity, and it is not excluded that maternal mortality can be reduced by magnesium sulfate.
Originals
Concentration of copper, zinc, iron, cadmium, lead and nickel in bull, ram, boar, stallion and fox semen
P. Massányi, R. Toman, J. Trandžík, P. Nad', M.Skalická and B.Koréneková
Abstract
P. Massányi1, R. Toman1, J. Trandžík2, P. Nad'3, M.Skalická3 and B.Koréneková3
1Department of Animal Morphology, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra 2State Breeding Institute, Nitra, and 3Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, Kosice, Slovak Republic
Concentrations of copper, zinc, iron, cadmium, lead and nickel in the semen of bulls (n = 200), rams (n = 100), boars (n = 20), stallions (n = 10) and foxes (n = 10) were investigated. Samples were analyzed on the atomic absorption spectrophotometer (Unicam Solar 939). The analysis of copper in semen showed that the co+ncentration is significantly higher in rams (2.49 ± 0.18 mg/kg) and foxes (2.16 ± 0.53 mg/kg) in comparison with bulls (1.64 ± 0.21 mg/kg), boars (1.64 ± 0.28 mg/kg) and stallions (0.86 mg/kg). Boar semen has significantly higher zinc concentration (171.74 ± 65.72 mg/kg) in comparison with stallion (86.20 ± 45.88 mg/kg), bull (83.15 ± 61.61 mg/kg), ram (60.46 ± 35.37 mg/kg) and fox semen (13.09 mg/kg). In iron we have found that the concentration in semen is higher in rams (40.32 ± 10.81 mg/kg), bulls (38.04 ± 22.07 mg/kg) and foxes (33.16 ± 24.36 mg/kg) and significantly lower in boar (16.14 ± 10.35 mg/kg) and stallion (12.68 mg/kg) semen. Concentration of cadmium in the semen of all studied animals is very similar (0.05 – 0.12 mg/kg). The highest lead concentration was found in ram semen (0.35 ± 0.68 mg/kg). Lower level of lead is reported in foxes (0.08 ± 0.06 mg/kg), bulls (0.06 ± 0.04 mg/kg), stallions (0.05 ± 0.05 mg/kg) and boars (0.02 ± 0.03 mg/kg). In nickel, we have found significantly higher level of this element in fox (0.35 ± 0.24 mg/kg) and ram (0.31 ± 0.19 mg/kg) semen in comparison with bulls (0.12 ± 0.07 mg/kg) and boars (0.06 ± 0.08 mg/kg). The concentration of nickel in the stallion semen is 0.20 ± 0.24 mg/kg.
Originals
Trace analysis of lead and copper in blood based on stripping voltammetry using novel side disk gold electrode
R. Prakash, and R.C. Srivastava
Abstract
R. Prakash1,2 and R.C. Srivastava2
1Institut für Physikalische Chemie, Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität, Mainz, Germany, 2Industrial Toxicology, Research Centre, Lucknow, India
A novel rotating side disk gold electrode is used for anodic stripping differential pulse voltammetry for the direct estimation of copper and lead in blood samples. Lead and copper are quantified with high reproducibility and reliability at ppb level without any interference of the common ions dissolved in the samples. The voltammetric measurements were carried out using a conventional 3-electrode cell (i.e. gold as working, platinum as auxiliary and Ag/AgCl as reference electrodes) in the acidified samples. The major problem associated with the stripping analysis due to hydrogen evolution at cathode during the deposition of target ions specially in acidified samples is overcome with the help of special design of rotating side disk gold electrode. The shape, position and rotation speed of the side disk gold electrode and the electrolyte were optimized to get the reproducibility and accuracy at low ppb level.
