Volume 21, No. 2/2004(2nd Quarter)
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 Trace Elements and Electrolytes
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Originals
Synthetic dopamine melanins, a model for neuromelanin, show superoxide dismutase-like activity
S. Kimura, M. Kurasaki, T. Saito, K. Ito, T. Hosokawa, M. Okabe, K. Shiraishi and T. Niioka
Abstract
S. Kimura1,5, M. Kurasaki1, T. Saito2, K. Ito3, T. Hosokawa4, M. Okabe1, K. Shiraishi5 and T. Niioka1
1Department of Environmental Medicine and Informatics, Graduate School of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University 2Laboratory of Environmental Biology, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan, 3Institute of Biotechnology, Frontier
Objectives: In the present study, it was examined whether the metal-binding dopamine melanins and the metal-free dopamine melanin showed SOD-like activities, although eumelanin and pheomelanin protect against oxygen toxicity caused by their superoxide dismutase activity, physiological roles of neuromelanin, dopamine melanin, have not been elucidated. Materials and methods: Dopamine melanin was prepared by the method of oxidative polymerization. Results: Both Cu- or Fe-binding dopamine melanin was proved higher SOD-like activity as compared to Zn-binding and metal-free dopamine melanins. This activity of Cu- or Fe-binding dopamine melanin was increased depending on these metal contents. In contrast, the SOD-like activity of Zn-binding dopamine melanin did not depend on Zn contents. Conclusions: It is to be expected that neuromelanin protects against oxidative stress by both O2– scavenging and transition metal-binding abilities in the brain.
Originals
Determination of cadmium and vanadium in tea varieties and their infusions in comparison with 2 infusion processes
M.S. Dundar and H.B. Saglam
Abstract
M.S. Dundar1 and H.B. Saglam2
1Sakarya University, Fen Edeb. Fakültesi, Kimya Bölümü, and 2Sakarya University, Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü, Adapazari, Turkey
The mineral contents of the 5 most consumed kinds of tea samples, Black tea, Earl grey tea, Rosehip fruit tea, Sage herbal tea, and Linden herbal tea, were studied for cadmium and vanadium contents in comparison with infusion processes and analyzed by using electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometric method. Cadmium and vanadium levels were determined by using boiled and cold water infusion processes. The mean levels in Black tea, Earl grey tea, Rosehip fruit tea, Sage herbal tea, and Linden herbal tea leaves are 2.79 ± 0.4, 4.39 ± 0.6, 8.76 ± 0.7, 2.62 ± 0.5, 7.15 ± 0.8 mg g–1 for cadmium, and 0.65 ± 0.1, 2.30 ± 0.3, 2.91 ± 0.5, 2.59 ± 0.5, 2.18 ± 0.3 mg g–1 for vanadium, respectively. Metal compositions in infusions of tea samples showed significant differences from each other by means of fruit and leaf based teas and infusion processes applied.
Originals
Experimental studies of combined action type of cadmium and pyrene
D. Zabulyte, A. Paltanaviciene, V. Drebickas and S. Uleckiene
Abstract
D. Zabulyte1, A. Paltanaviciene1, V. Drebickas2 and S. Uleckiene3
1Institute of Hygiene, 2Vilnius Pedagogical University, and 3Oncology Institute of Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
Cadmium, a heavy metal, and pyrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, are found in air, water, soil and food. These environmental pollutants are also common constituents of tobacco smoke. Aim of study: To investigate the combined effect of cadmium and pyrene on the organism of Wistar rats at the oral route of administration. Tests on general toxicity were conducted on the basis of methodical recommendations 407 and 408 of the OECD Guidelines for Testing of Chemicals. The complex of substances studied induced changes in biochemical and urinalysis parameters. Results: According to the parameters of blood biochemistry and urinalysis, the following combined action of substances was determined: antagonistic 70.8%, additive 16.7%, unclear origin type 12.5%. Evaluating the complex of substances by hematological parameters, it was noted that the combined action of substances had 2 types: antagonistic (50%) and additive (50%). Analysis of the complex of substances under study by parameters of orientation reactions showed that combined action of substances had 4 types: antagonistic (25%), additive (12.5%), synergistic (25%) and a type of unclear origin (37.5%).
Originals
Influences on the manganese intake, excretion and balance of adults, and on the manganese concentration of the consumed food determined by means of the duplicate portion technique
U. Schäfer, M. Anke, M. Seifert and A.B. Fischer
Abstract
U. Schäfer1, M. Anke1, M. Seifert2 and A.B. Fischer3
1Institute of Nutrition, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena,2BG Institute Occupational Health and Safety (BGAG), Dresden, and 3Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Gießen, Germany
Manganese intake, excretion and balance were investigated in German adults with mixed and vegetarian diets as well as in breast-feeding and not breast-feeding women. The daily manganese consumption and excretion were related to time, location, gender and a manganese supplementation. In addition, in 1996, the manganese intake of the persons consuming a mixed diet in Germany (2.4 mg/day for women and 2.7 mg/day for men) was compared with that in Mexico (2.0 and 2.1 mg/day, respectively). Breast-feeding women ingested 2.3 mg Mn/day. The supplementation with 300 mg Mn/day increased the manganese intake by 10% in young non-nursing and by 15% in breast-feeding women. These values analyzed by means of the duplicate portion technique were well within the assessment of the German Society of Nutrition (DGE) and the estimated safe and adequate daily dietary intake (ESADDI) of the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council (NRC) of the USA, both of which provisionally recommend 2 – 5 mg Mn/day for adults. However, in our studies, German vegetarians consumed with 5.5 mg Mn/day (women) and 5.9 mg Mn/day (men) more than twice as much as individuals with a mixed diet. The manganese balances were found to be mostly negative. From the results of our intake, balance and placebocontrolled, double-blind studies, we assessed the normative requirement for manganese at 15 mg/kg body weight/day or 1 mg/day, as weekly average. Therefore, we recommend a mean intake of 30 mg Mn/kg body weight/day or 2 mg Mn/day, which we consider to be sufficient intake values for adult humans. The type of diet, year, gender, country, location and partly the Mn supplementation were found to have a statistically significant influence on daily manganese intake, whereas, interestingly, the concentration of consumed food was not influenced by gender. Though manganese is an essential trace element, manganese deficiency symptoms were not recognized in humans under healthy conditions and balanced nutrition.
Originals
Sodium selenite in gynecologic radiation oncology – first results of a phase III study
R. Mücke, M. Glatzel, D. Riesenbeck, R. Bernd-Skorka, G. Seifert, J. Büntzel, K.G. Schönekaes, F. Bruns, K. Kisters, and O. Micke
Abstract
R. Mücke1,9, M. Glatzel2,9, D. Riesenbeck3, R. Bernd-Skorka4, G. Seifert5, J. Büntzel6,9, K.G. Schönekaes9, F. Bruns7,9, K. Kisters8,9 and O. Micke3,9
1Strahlentherapie, Wiesbaden, 2Klinik für Strahlentherapie, Zentralklinikum Suhl, 3Klinik und Poliklinik für Strahlentherapie, Radioonkologie, Universitätsklinikum Münster, 4Klinik für Strahlentherapie, Klinikum Neubrandenburg, 5Klinik für Radioonko
Background: The aim of this prospective phase III study was to evaluate whether sodium selenite is able to compensate a preexisting selenium deficiency in adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) for pelvic gynecologic malignancies. Further, we proved the use of sodium selenite in prevention of radiation-induced diarrhea. Material and methods: Whole blood selenium levels were measured in patients undergoing adjuvant RT after curative surgical resection of a pelvic gynecologic tumor before RT, after completing 50% of RT, at the end of RT and 6 weeks after RT depending on supplementation of sodium selenite in the verum group till the end of RT. Data were calculated for the patients that completed study protocol. Results: From December 2000 to November 2002, 41 patients (median age: 64.5 years) completed the protocol. All patients with histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix or corpus had decreased whole blood selenium levels. There is a significant increase of the mean level of whole blood selenium in supplementation group reaching the lower border of normal range and a decrease after cessation of selenium intake. In control group we could not see any change of investigated mean selenium levels. Concerning diarrhea, there is a non-significant trend towards a lower incidence of diarrhea CTC 2 with selenium supplementation at present. Conclusion: Our first data may serve as evidence for a successful supplementation of selenium during radiotherapy of patients with gynecological tumors. No selenium-related side effects were observed.
Originals
Borax and boric acid provide different degrees of protection in liver necrosis
S. Pawa and S. Ali
Abstract
S. Pawa and S. Ali
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi, India
Objective: The aim of this work was to study the effect of different boron compounds, boric acid and borax on thioacetamide-induced liver necrosis in Wistar strain of rats. Material: Boron compounds were given for 3 consecutive days before single intraperitoneal injection of thioacetamide (TAA, 400 mg/kg b.w.). Serum markers and oxidative stress parameters were studied in control and experimental groups of rats. Activities of peroxide-metabolizing enzymes and prooxidant-generating enzyme were also determined. Method: Specific activities of all the enzymes measured in this study were determined by monitoring changes in absorbance at their respective wavelength using a Perkin Elmer lambda-20 spectrophotometer. Results: Pretreatment with borax and boric acid for 3 days before administration of thioacetamide normalized levels of serum marker enzymes, which were otherwise significantly increased in TAA only treated group. Lipid peroxidation, an index of oxidative stress, was also observed to be decreased in boron-pretreated groups. Both the boron compounds significantly ameliorated liver injury induced by TAA as evident by attenuation of the biochemical parameters associating necrosis. However, it was found that borax caused a greater decrease in liver injury as compared to boric acid. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that both borax and boric acid can protect the tissue injury. Borax, however, is more effective than boric acid in preventing TAA-induced necrosis. Possible mechanisms of actions of the 2 compounds are discussed.
Originals
Effect of restricted feed intake and addition of the vitamins B2, B6 and folic acid on the liver concentration of calcium and magnesium in rats
M.A. Gralak, J. Bertrandt, A. Klos, A.B. Stryczek, A.W. Piastowska, A. Morka and B. Debski
Abstract
M.A. Gralak1, J. Bertrandt2, A. Klos2, A.B. Stryczek1, A.W. Piastowska1, A. Morka1 and B. Debski1
1Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and 2Military Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Warsaw, Poland
The aim of present study was to investigate an influence of nutritional deficiency and dietary addition of vitamins (B2, B6 and folic acid) on the liver concentration of calcium and magnesium in rats. The experiment was performed on 260 growing male Wistar rats, mean weight 150 g divided into 13 groups. During 90 days rats were fed isocaloric diets containing 14.7 MJ/kg (3,500 kcal/kg). Animals of 11 groups were fed diets containing 20% of energy, derived from protein, egg powder and casein. Another 2 groups of rats were offered diets with only 9% or 4.5% of energy from protein. Animals of both groups as well as of control group (20% of energy from protein) were offered diets ad libitum. In groups G50 and G30 rats were offered 50% and 30% of the amount consumed in control group. Eight of dietary-restricted groups were differentiated by dietary addition of vitamins: B2, B6, folic acid (300% addition). Rats were kept in individual plastic cages in a conditioned room at 24 °C and 12-hour light/dark cycle. Restricted feed intake caused accumulation of calcium in liver to a greater extent than limitation of dietary protein. In the groups fed diets with addition of vitamins, values of liver Ca concentration were close to results estimated in control rats. However, liver Ca concentration in rats offered addition of vitamin B2 was higher than in other animals offered diets with addition of vitamins. The liver Mg concentration did not differ among rats fed diets without vitamins' addition. The difference among animals appeared after dietary addition of vitamin B2. The liver Mg concentrations in rats offered 30% of the feed intake in control group and fortified with vitamin B2 or with all tested vitamins were higher than in the other groups. This indicates that vitamin B2 had the strongest impact on liver magnesium concentration in rats fed restricted diets.
Originals
The effect of magnesium supplementation on exercise-induced plasma magnesium shifts and lactic acid accumulation in female youths
D. Westmoreland, S. Porta, H. Bacher, M. Knapp, K. Spencer, J. Merback and T. Leitner
Abstract
D. Westmoreland1, S. Porta2,3, H. Bacher2, M. Knapp1, K. Spencer1, J. Merback1 and T. Leitner3
1Department of Biology, US Air Force Academy, Colorado, USA,2Institute of Applied Stress Research, Bad Radkersburg, and 3Institute of Pathophysiology, Karl Franzens University, Graz, Austria
Ten female subjects of a boarding school in Austria were given meals with a high Mg2+ and Ca2+ content for a 10-day period. Before and after the diet change, subjects completed a standardized, 9-minute cycle ergometry program that consisted of 3 × 3-minute intervals with power outputs of 50, 100, and 150 watts. Blood samples were taken before and after ergometry. Mg2+ consumption was calculated at only 257 mg/day, nevertheless, it resulted in a 9.3% increase in plasma Mg2+ (p < 0.01). Before the diet change, subjects experienced small increases or decreases in plasma Mg2+ in response to exercise, their increase in lactate was strongly correlated with the Mg2+ shift (p < 0.01). Their basal Mg2+ levels were not correlated with the Mg2+ shift. After the diet change, plasma Mg2+ change (D value) after exercise was 13 times greater, the correlation between the Mg2+ shift and lactate was not significant any more (p > 0.1), and basal Mg2+ levels were strongly correlated with the Mg2+ shift (p < 0.01). These results indicate that the aerobic benefits of Mg2+ supplementation may be limited to hypomagnesic individuals, in addition, they may explain why studies have reported differences in the direction and magnitude of the Mg2+ shift induced by exercise.
Originals
Magnesium and the membrane mechanisms
R. Hunger
Abstract
R. Hunger
Chur, Switzerland
One of the greatest problems for every muscle and nerve cell is the elimination of calcium which enters during the action potential. With the 3 proteins in the cell membrane Ca ATPase, Na/Ca exchange and Na/K ATPase, the cell is regulating the ion concentration. The aim of this study was to show the influence of the ions Ca, K, Na and H on the effect of Mg on membrane mechanisms, exploiting the method of retraction length measurement. The length of the fibrin clot after the period of retraction is dependent on ATP production of the platelets. With Mg in the samples, the influence of Mg on the retraction can be studied. With Mg, the relation of pump to exchange mechanism shifts toward exchange. The cell needs less ATP for the elimination of Ca. The main effects of Mg on the 3 molecules Ca ATPase, Na/Ca exchange and Na/K ATPase in the plasmalemmel membrane of platelets are discussed. It could be demonstrated that the concentration of the ions Ca, K, Na and H influences the effect of Mg in a specific manner and the specific effects of Mg in platelets, muscle cells and spermatozoa are described.
Originals
Total and ionic magnesium levels in blunt trauma abdomen
A.P.S. Narang, S.C. Goyal, S. Kaur and G.D. Singh
Abstract
A.P.S. Narang1, S.C. Goyal2, S. Kaur1 and G.D. Singh2
Departments of 1Biochemistry and 2Surgery, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, India
Total magnesium (T-Mg) and ionized magnesium (iMg) were studied in 100 cases of blunt trauma abdomen and in 50 normal healthy subjects. Both T-Mg and iMg levels were estimated at 3 occasions viz, at the time of admission, after 1 and 7 days of surgery and once in control group. Total magnesium was low in 53% of patients and iMg was decreased in 73% at the time of admission. The post-operative estimation of T-Mg levels in blunt trauma patients showed 52% incidence of hypomagnesemia on first day and 31% on 7th day. iMg levels were low in 67% of the patients on 1st day and 42% on 7th day. Complications occurred in 40% of patients. The study showed that the occurrence of complications was much more in hypomagnesemic patients as compared to the normomagnesemic group. There is high incidence of hypomagnesemia in blunt trauma abdomen patients as compared to normal healthy individuals.
Originals
Carcinogenic effects of oral ATP and its iron complex
L.J. Anghileri, E. Mayayo and P. Thouvenot
Abstract
L.J. Anghileri1, E. Mayayo2 and P. Thouvenot3
1Biophysics Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Nancy, 2Pathologic Anatomy Unit, Medicine Faculty, University Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain, and 3Nuclear Medicine Department, University of Nancy Medical Center, Nancy, France
Oral administration of NaATP and FeATP induce lymphomas in mice. The FeATP complex-induced ones are cytologically more aggressive and of the lymphoblastic-type, whereas those of NaATP are less aggressive and of the lymphoplasmocytoide lymphoma of B-type lymphocytes. The possible interaction ATP-ionic iron at the stomach’s pH is discussed.
Originals
Magnesium determination during and after hypokinesia in disclosing magnesium deposition during hypokinesea and with and without magnesium supplementation in normal subjects
Y.G. Zorbas, V.J. Kakurin, V.L. Yarullin and I.D. Andreyev
Abstract
Y.G. Zorbas, V.J. Kakurin, V.L. Yarullin and I.D. Andreyev
European Foundation of Environmental Sciences, Athens, Greece
Measuring magnesium (Mg) absorption, Mg+2 balance, serum, urinary and fecal Mg+2 levels during and after hypokinesia (HK) and Mg+2 supplementation, the aim of this study was to disclose if prolonged HK could depress Mg+2 deposition contributing to Mg+2 depletion development in normal subjects. Studies were conducted during 30-days pre-HK, 364-days HK and 30-days post-HK. 40 male normal volunteers 24.5 ± 7.0 years of age were chosen as subjects. They were equally divided in 4 groups: unsupplemented active control subjects (UACS), unsupplemented hypokinetic subjects (UHKS), supplemented active control subjects (SACS) and supplemented hypokinetic subjects (SHKS). UHKS and SHKS were walking average distances of 0.7 ± 0.2 km. day–l. UACS and SACS were running average distances of 5.7 ± 1.2 km.day–l. A supplementation of 4.0 mmol of magnesium-acetate per kg body weight was administered daily in SACS and SHKS. During HK, Mg+2 absorption decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with time and Mg+2 imbalance, serum Mg+2 level, urinary and fecal Mg+2 loss increased significantly (p < 0.05) with time in UHKS and SHKS compared with their pre-HK values and their respective active controls (SACS and UACS). During the initial 15-days of post-HK, Mg+2 absorption increased significantly (p < 0.05), and serum Mg+2 level, urinary and fecal Mg+2 loss decreased significantly (p < 0.05), and Mg+2 imbalance remained significantly (p < 0.05) higher in UHKS and SHKS compared with their respective active controls. However, Mg+2 absorption, Mg+2 imbalance, serum, urinary and fecal Mg+2 levels changed significantly (p < 0.05) more in SHKS than UHKS. Conversely, Mg+2 absorption, Mg+2 balance, serum, urinary and fecal Mg+2 levels did not change in SACS and UACS compared with their pre-HK values. Significant Mg+2 loss during HK and Mg+2 imbalance shows decreased Mg+2 absorption during HK. Significant Mg+2 loss inhibition during post-HK and Mg+2 supplementation shows Mg+2 depletion during HK. Greater Mg+2 change in SHKS than UHKS shows that Mg+2 is wasted more with than without Mg+2 supplementation. It was concluded that dissociation between Mg+2 loss and Mg+2 imbalance shows impair Mg+2 deposition as a mechanism of Mg+2 depletion during HK.
Originals
Concentrations of trace elements in larynx and skin tissues with epidermoid cancer
A. Kizilay, M.T. Kalcioglu, H. Ozyurt, H. Vural, S. Sogut, Y. Cokkeser and O. Akyol
Abstract
A. Kizilay1, M.T. Kalcioglu1, H. Ozyurt2, H. Vural3, S. Sogut2, Y. Cokkeser1 and O. Akyol2
1Department of Otolaryngology and 2Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey, and 3Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Harran University, Sanliurfa, Turkey
Background and objectives: Playing a crucial role in a number of biological processes, trace elements are an essential part of the body. Up to now, trace elements-cancer relationships have not had a definitive explanation. This study was scheduled to investigate the trace element content of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and skin. Methods: The study was designed as a prospective controlled study. Tissue concentrations of iron, selenium, copper and zinc were studied in 30 patients with squamous cell carcinoma (19 larynx and 11 skin), while 20 tissues (12 larynx and 8 neck) of non-cancerous patients served as control. All samples were taken during surgical operations. Tissue element concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer after tissues were digested in an acid mixture. Results: No meaningful differences were interpreted in copper and zinc in epidermoid cancer and non-cancerous tissues. However, iron and selenium concentrations were found to be decreased significantly in cancer tissues than in control values. Conclusion: Decreased selenium and iron concentrations in the cancerous tissue from the patients with epidermoid cancer may result in increased oxidative stress because of the requirements of these elements for activities of some antioxidant enzymes.
