Volume 21, No. 3/2004(3rd Quarter)
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 Trace Elements and Electrolytes
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Abstracts
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Letter to the Editor
The role of electrolytes and NT-proBNP determination in cases of severe heart failure drug treatment
B. Gremmler, K. Kisters, C. Funke, H. Schleiting, M. Kunert and L.J. Ulbricht
Abstract
B. Gremmler, K. Kisters, C. Funke, H. Schleiting, M. Kunert and L.J. Ulbricht
Originals
Effects of lithium on copper and zinc in the serum, liver, brain and kidney of rats
D. Ozçelik, S. Toplan and M.C. Akyolcu
Abstract
D. Ozçelik, S. Toplan and M.C. Akyolcu
Department of Biophysics, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
Introduction and purpose: Lithium is the treatment of choice in maniac depression psychiatry. In this study, we investigated the possible effects of lithium on the essential trace elements of copper and zinc in brain, liver and kidney of rats. Materials and methods: The control group of rats was fed a normal diet whereas the experimental group received 3 mg Li/kg bw/d for 2 weeks, respectively. After that period, the animals were killed and blood was drawn from their heart, brain, liver and kidney. Tissue lithium, copper and zinc concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results and conclusion: Li in serum increased with the administered dose. Copper serum values were not affected with pharmacologic doses of Li. However, increased serum Li was associated with decreased serum zinc. Pharmacologic doses of Li increased Li content in the liver and Cu content of the brain, and showed no effect in liver and kidney. Pharmacologic dose of Li increased Zn content in liver and kidney but did not affect Zn in the brain. Li therapy may induce major changes in the storage of Cu in the brain and Zn in liver and kidney, respectively.Correspondence to:
Dr. D. Ozcelik
Ipek Sok. Istanbul Evleri Koza 14 D:9
34390 Bahcelievler, Istanbul, Turkey
Email: drozce@istanbul.edu.tr
Originals
Comparison of the hair bioelements in vegeterian and non-vegeterian women
R.W. Wójciak, Z. Krejpcio, M. Czlapka-Matyasik and J. Jeszka
Abstract
R.W. Wójciak, Z. Krejpcio, M. Czlapka-Matyasik and J. Jeszka
Department of Human Nutrition and Hygiene, August Cieszkowski Agricultural University of Poznan, Poland
Aim: The aim of this preliminary study was to assess whether nutritional habits influence the concentration of calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper and iron in the hair of adolescents adhering to vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets. We evaluated the differences between the contents of biometals in the hair of lacto-, ovo-, and ovolacto-vegetarian women in comparison with non-vegetarian group. Method: The hair samples were taken from several points of occipital scalp in both groups of women. The content of metals was determined by flame-atomic absorption spectrometry method. Results: The levels of calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper and iron in the hair of vegetarians and non-vegetarian subjects were as follows: 1,610, 92.3, 258.2, 14.8, 16.42 and 1,830, 96.1, 288.2, 14.9, 17.2 mg/g, respectively. Conclusions: The type of diet (conventional, vegetarian) did not influence the contents of metals in the hair of women. It may suggest that the diets provided similar amounts of minerals. The follow-up study is to be continued on strict vegetarians (vegans).Correspondence to:
Dr. R. Wójciak
Department of Human Nutrition and Hygiene
August Cieszkowski Agricultural University of Poznan
31 Wojska Polskiego St.
PL-60-624 Poznan, Poland
Email: rafwoj@owl.au.poznan.pl
Originals
Plasma selenium and urinary iodine in patients with goiter
Z. Hekimsoy, S. Biberoglu, G. Kirkali, N. Bicer and Z. Erbayraktar
Abstract
Z. Hekimsoy1, S. Biberoglu2, G. Kirkali3, N. Bicer3 and Z. Erbayraktar3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical Faculty, Celal Bayar University, Manisa, 2Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and 3Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Medical Facu
Objective: Iodine deficiency and related disorders are still major public health problems, with a high prevalence of endemic goiter in many regions of Turkey. In addition to measuring iodine excretion rates in patients with diffuse or nodular goiter, we examined plasma selenium concentrations, to see whether selenium deficiency might be related to goiterogenesis in our region. Methods: Seventy-two outpatients with goiter (67 female, 5 male; age 43.7 ± 13.0 years) presenting consecutively to our university medical center endocrinology clinic, were included in the study group. The control group consisted of 30 subjects (25 female, 5 male; age 40.6 ± 13.6 years) who were healthy and did not have any known thyroid disease. None of the subjects were using medications containing selenium or iodine. Serum thyroid hormones, plasma selenium and urinary iodine levels were measured, and an ultrasound of the thyroid was performed in both groups. Results: Serum thyroid hormone levels were in the normal range in both groups and the difference was not significant. Mean plasma selenium levels in the study and control groups were not significantly different (p = 0.30). However, urinary iodine excretion was significantly lower in the study group (17.4 ± 12.6 mg/l vs 23.2 ± 12.2 mg/l, p = 0.03). In both study and control group patients, a significant negative correlation between thyroid volume and urinary iodine levels was observed. Conclusion: Moderate to severe iodine deficiency is the primary etiologic factor for endemic goiter in our region. Plasma selenium levels were not related to the presence or absence of goiter in our population.Correspondence to:
Dr. Z. Hekimsoy
259 sok. No. 36/1, D.3, Özlü apt., Hatay
TR-35360, Izmir, Turkey
Email: zhekimsoy@hotmail.com
Originals
The disturbances of magnesemia and of zincemia in patients with thromboembolic complications after big orthopedic interventions
E. Golec, M. Schlegel-Zawadzka, R. Chrzanowski, A. Czupryna
Abstract
E. Golec1, M. Schlegel-Zawadzka2, R. Chrzanowski1, A. Czupryna3,
1Traumatic Surgery and Orthopaedic Clinic with Neurosurgery and Rehabilitation Ward, 5th Military Clinical Hospital with Policlinic, 2Department of Human Nutrition, Institute of Public Health, Medical College Jagiellonian University, 3Institute of Nursing
The analysis included 96 patients in whom the implantation of a hip joint prosthesis was carried out. In all of them, the estimation was conducted of the frequency of occurrence of post-operative thromboembolic complications. The fibrinogen marked with iodine 125J was used to diagnose the complications. At the same time, in all patients the concentration of magnesium and zinc in serum was determined with the flame atomic absorption spectrometry method. From the studies conducted it follows that in the patients subjected to endoprosthesoplasty of the hip joint a decrease occurred of the magnesium and zinc concentration in the serum in the post-operative period. It was also confirmed that particularly important plasmic deficiencies of these bioelements occurred in patients in whom postoperative thromboembolic complications developed.Correspondence to:
Dr. M. Schlegel- Zawadzka
Department of Human Nutrition, Medical College, Jagiellonian University
20 Grzegórzecka str.
PL-31-531, Kraków, Poland
Email: mfzawadz@kinga.cyf-kr.edu.pl
Originals
Zinc content in the brain of rats following intranasal administration of cerebrolysin
A.V. Kudrin, O.A. Gromova, S.I. Kataev, S.S. Mazina and A.Y. Volkov
Abstract
A.V. Kudrin1, O.A. Gromova1, S.I. Kataev2, S.S. Mazina1 and A.Y. Volkov3
1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Ivanovo Medical Academy, Ivanovo, Russian Federation, 2Department of Human Anatomy, Ivanovo Medical Academy, Ivanovo, Russian Federation, and 3Institute of Independent Expertise and Certification, Moscow, Russian Fede
Zinc content in the brain of rats following intranasal administration of cerebrolysin
A.V. Kudrin1, O.A. Gromova1, S.I. Kataev2, S.S. Mazina1 and A.Y. Volkov3
1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Ivanovo Medical Academy, Ivanovo, Russian Federation, 2Department of Human Anatomy, Ivanovo Medical Academy, Ivanovo, Russian Federation, and 3Institute of Independent Expertise and Certification, Moscow, Russian Federation
Zinc is an essential trace element with numerous neurophysiological functions. The measurement of zinc contents in the olphactory bulb, hypothalamus and frontal lobe of 60 rats treated with a concurrent course of the intranasal administration of cerebrolysin (3 ml/g) and zinc sulphate (0.12 M solution, 3 ml/g) using mass-spectrometry has shown no significant elevation of zinc. Consecutive intranasal administration of zinc (10 day course) and cerebrolysin (10 day course) has resulted in 3-fold elevation of zinc content in hypothalamus and frontal lobe and 4.5-fold increase of zinc in the olphactory bulbs. An accumulation of metal was not observed in any of these regions of a rat brain if zinc sulphate was administered alone. This method of consecutive administration of zinc and neuroprotective drugs could be applied in treatment of some metal-associated brain disorders.Correspondence to:
Dr. A.V. Kudrin
23, Fairhaven Close
Lode,Cambridge, CB5 9HH, UK
Email: koudrine@hotmail.com
Originals
Determination and evaluation of a trace element pattern in urine of clinical origin by ICP-MS
C. Bertram, R. Brandt, N. Jakubowski and M. Amend
Abstract
C. Bertram1, R. Brandt2, N. Jakubowski2 and M. Amend3
1Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Witten/Herdecke, Witten, 2Institute for Spectrochemistry and Applied Spectroscopy (ISAS) at the University of Dortmund, Dortmund, and 3Clinic Holthausen, Hattingen, Germany
A small element pattern (Cd, Cs, Cu, Mo, Sr, Rb, Zn and Pb) in urine during a therapy with homeopathic lead preparations (D6/D20, application subcutaneously or orally) was evaluated by use of low resolution ICP-MS. Particularly, there seems to be a disease specific element distribution scheme independent from lead therapy. Definitive conclusions whether element concentrations are characteristic for geographic or nutritive differences could not be drawn due to the lack of reliable reference values for countries or continents.Correspondence to:
Dr. C. Bertram
Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology
University Witten/Herdecke
Stockumer Strasse 10
D–58453 Witten, Germany
Originals
Pregnancy-associated relationships between serum content of Cu2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Se2+ and peripheral blood lymphocyte sub-populations in Kuwaiti Women
H. Abul, F. Mahmoud, D. Haines, N. Mannazhath and A. Omu
Abstract
H. Abul2, F. Mahmoud1, D. Haines4, N. Mannazhath3 and A. Omu3
1Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences and Nursing, 2Departments of Pharmacology and 3Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait, and 4Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut
We have recently demonstrated pregnancy-associated changes in subpopulations of peripheral blood lymphocytes by healthy Kuwaiti women to be consistent with elevated immune activation balanced by immunosuppressive processes. We have further shown that when compared with non-pregnant subjects, pregnant women exhibited lower serum concentrations of the divalent cations zinc and selenium, and elevated levels of copper and magnesium. In this study we assess the relationship between serum levels of divalent cations and activated lymphocyte subpopulations in a group of 32 normal healthy premigravid women during the third trimester of pregnancy (mean age 28.9 years ± SE, 0.81), and compared with a matched population of non-pregnant women (mean age 23.6 years ± SE, 1.8). Peripheral venous blood was collected, followed by Q-Prep lysis, labeling with flourescein-isothiocyanate (FITC) or phycoerythrin (RD1) conjugated monoclonal antibodies (mAb) for lymphocyte surface antigens of interest; and 2 color fluorescence analysis using an automated flow cytometer (Epics XL, Coulter) and reported as a fraction of the T cell population. The serum fraction of each sample was analyzed for content of selected metals using graphite furnace atomic absorption which was reported as mg/l of whole blood. When compared to non-pregnant subjects, pregnant women exhibited significantly elevated levels of CD3+CD16+CD56+ (p = 0.036), CD4+CD25+ (p = 0.050), CD4+CD45RA+ (p = 0.046), CD4+CD54+ (p = 0.029), CD8+CD25+ (p = 0.040), and CD8+HLADR+ (p = 0.002). Serum from pregnant subjects contained elevated copper (p = 0.00), and magnesium (p = 0.0130), but lower zinc (p = 0.005), and selenium (p = 0.017) than the non-pregnant cohort, consistent with results of our previous studies. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to study cor-relation between serum trace elements and frequency of major lymphocyte subpopulations. It was observed that within the pregnant group a direct correlation existed between serum copper and percentage of CD3+CD16+CD56+ (p = 0.013), while inverse relationships were noted between this subset and magnesium (p = 0.020), and between CD4+CD54+ and zinc (p = 0.020). Divalent cations are cofactors for enzymes such as the vasodilator prostacyclin, and the vasoconstrictor thromboxane, which act as key hemodynamic regulatory elements in pregnancy. Imbalances of trace elements affect activities of these enzymes sometimes causing pathological vasoconstriction in pregnancy. Relationships between their serum levels and lymphocyte subsets suggests a possible undescribed immunoregulatory role for these metals and the enzymes they control.Correspondence to:
Dr. F. Mahmoud
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences
Faculty of Allied Health Sciences
Kuwait University
B.O. Box 31470, Sulaibekhat, Kuwait
Email: fadia@hsc.kuniv.edu.kw
Originals
The elimination efficacy of chelating agent deferiprone on urinary copper, zinc and manganese in aluminum-loaded rabbits
P. Liu, S.D. Wu, X. Cui, Y.N. Yao, H.J. Dong, X.Y. Yuan and Y. Liang
Abstract
P. Liu1, S.D. Wu2, X. Cui1, Y.N. Yao1, H.J. Dong1, X.Y. Yuan1 and Y. Liang3
1Department of Chemistry and Microbacteria Detection, College of Public Health, Shandong University, 2Institute of Shandong Biological Medicine, and 3Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital Jinan, P.R. China
It has been proposed that aluminum is a contributing factor to several neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer disease. To protect patients from the consequences of aluminum toxicity, aluminum-chelating agents have been introduced in clinical practice. This test is to determine the effect of oral 1,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxypyrid-4-one (deferiprone) on urinary copper, zinc and manganese level while it eliminates aluminum in Al-loaded rabbits. Thirty New Zealand white rabbits weighing 2.4 – 2.7 kg were treated with 600 mmol Al/kg/day (as the sulfate) 5 times weekly for 2 weeks by subcutaneous (s.c.) injection. Rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups: control, DE1, DE2, DE3 and DE4. Two days after the last injection, the chelator test began. Three hours after the physiologic saline infusion and urine collection began, sterile water, deferiprone (500 mmol/kg), deferiprone (750 mmol/kg), deferiprone (1,000 mmol/kg), deferiprone (1,000 mmol/kg) + ascorbic acid (520 mmol/kg) were given intragastrically (i.g.), respectively, after 3 hours saline infusion. Urine was collected hourly for the next 6 h and analyzed for aluminum and essential elements copper, zinc and manganese using flame- or graphite furnace technique of atomic absorption spectrometry. Our results showed that deferiprone could highly increase aluminum output. Urinary excretion of copper, zinc and manganese was not affected by deferiprone administration. The co-administration of oral deferiprone with ascorbic acid did not cause a variety in urinary trace elements excretion.Correspondence to:
Prof. Liu Ping
Department of Chemistry and Microbacteria Detection
College of Public Health, West part of Shandong University
Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China 250012
Email: liupingp@sdu.edu.cn
Originals
Activities of tRNALeu and leucyl-tRNA synthetase and programmed cell death in the liver of mice under experimental cadmium poisoning
L. Ivanoviene, I. Staneviciene, V. Lesauskaite, I. Sadauskien
Abstract
L. Ivanoviene1, I. Staneviciene1,2, V. Lesauskaite3, I. Sadauskien
1Department of Biochemistry, 2Institute for Biomedical Research, andarch, and 3Institute of Cardiology, Kaunas University of Medicine, Kaunas,Lithuania
Objective: To evaluate effects of cadmium ions on the activity of key components of liver translation machinery – tRNA and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases – as well as on liver cell viability. Methods: Experiments were done on white laboratory mice using i.p. injections of cadmium chloride solution (1.6 mg Cd2+/kg body mass). Total tRNAs were isolated from mice liver using deproteinization of tissue extract with phenol. Activities of tRNALeu and leucyl-tRNA synthetase were measured in aminoacylation reaction using [14C]-labelled leucine. Apoptosis of liver cells was histochemically detected by the TUNEL assay using in situ cell death detection kit, AP (Roche, Mannheim, Germany). Results: Sublethal dose of cadmium (1.6 mg/kg body mass) reduced the acceptor activity of tRNALeu by 43 – 73% 2 – 24 h after the experimental intoxication. At the same time, activity of other component of translation machinery – leucyl-tRNA synthetase – was decreased about 20 – 30%. Maximum number of TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells were detected in the liver 8 h after injection of the sublethal dose of cadmium chloride. As the time of intoxication was extended up to 24 h, the number of TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells decreased and did not differ from the control. Meanwhile, necrosis of liver cells was promoted in 24-h intoxification. Conclusions: Cadmium induces inhibitions in the activities of both, tRNA and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase at the early stages of intoxication in vivo, which do not correlate with the changes of total protein synthesis in a mouse liver. Cadmium induces apoptosis in a mouse liver with maximum at 8th h after intoxication.Correspondence to:
Prof. L. Ivanoviene
Department of Biochemistry, Kaunas University of Medicine
Mickeviciaus 9
LT-3000 Kaunas, Lithuania
Email: ivanoviene@pascal.kmu.lt
Originals
The diurnal rhythm of plasma magnesium and its probable influence on the exercise-induced plasma magnesium shift
D. Westmoreland, U. Orland and S. Porta
Abstract
D. Westmoreland1, U. Orland2 and S. Porta3,4
1Department of Biology, US Air Force Academy, Colorado, USA, 2Rhein-Main Base, Germany, 3Institute of Applied Stress Research, Bad Radkersburg, and 4Institute of Pathophysiology, Karl Franzens University, Graz, Austria
Background: During exercise, Mg2+ shifts among compartments, resulting in transient increases or decreases in plasma Mg2+. Lack of predictability in the direction of this Mg2+ shift has curtailed efforts to understand the broader role of Mg2+ in exercise physiology. In a previous study, we showed that basal (pre-exercise) Mg2+ levels influence the magnitude and direction of the exercise-induced Mg2+ shift. We hypothesized that if the diurnal rhythm of plasma Mg2+ is of sufficient amplitude, it could cause inconsistent Mg2+ shifts when ergometric tests are run at different times of day. In this study, we quantified the amplitude of the diurnal rhythm. Material and methods: We sampled blood from 12 volunteers at 6-h intervals over a 72-h period. Sampling times were offset so that the compiled data would provide samples at 3-h intervals. Blood samples were analyzed for plasma concentrations of Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+. Results: Electrolyte levels were markedly homeostatic, with coefficients of variation that ranged from 0.6% – 6.81%. Plasma Mg2+ had the greatest diurnal variation. All 4 electrolytes exhibited a regular diurnal rhythm; Mg2+ and K+ had the closest fit to a sine curve, with R2 values of 0.70 and 0.53, respectively. Plasma Mg2+ concentrations peak around 3:30 a.m. and reach their lowest point around 15:30 p.m. The diurnal rhythm among all 4 electrolytes is weakly synchronous. Conclusion: Plasma Mg2+ exhibits a diurnal rhythm with an amplitude of about 12% of the daily high. This is probably sufficient to influence the exercise-induced plasma Mg2+ shift.Correspondence to:
Dr. D. Westmoreland
Department of Biology, HQ USAFA/DFB
US Air Force Academy
2355 Faculty Drive Suite 2P389, CO 80840, USA
Email: davidwestmoreland@usafa.af.mil
Originals
Reduced bone mineral density in renal transplanted women – a link to high blood pressure and possibly a disturbed calcium handling
K. Kisters, F. Tokmak, U. Hillebrandt, M.A. Kosch, K.H. Dietl and M. Hausberg
Abstract
K. Kisters1, F. Tokmak1, U. Hillebrandt2, M.A. Kosch2, K.H. Dietl3 and M. Hausberg2
1Department of Internal Medicine I, St. Anna Hospital, Herne,2Medizinische Universitäts-Poliklinik, University of Münster, and 3Department of Surgery, Raphaelsklinik, Münster, Germany
Numerous studies have reported abnormalities in calcium metabolism in human hypertension. However, bone is the largest store of calcium in the body and a loss of mineralization and calcium in connection with an increased 24-h urinary calcium excretion may occur. In this context, it can be speculated that in patients with essential hypertension and lowered bone mineral density the disturbances in calcium metabolism are more pronounced. Especially in hypertensive women with osteoporosis, these factors are of special interest. In this context, measurements of skeletal status after renal transplantation by quantitative ultrasound were performed in 30 patients (12 women) and 25 controls. Bone stiffness was calculated from speed of sound and broadband ultrasound attenuation and no correlation to age, cumulative steroid dose, plasma calcium, or time after transplantation was noted. In a group of hypertensive women (n = 8) after renal transplantation with poor blood pressure control, the age-corrected bone stiffness was measured at 65.5% ± 18.7% at the right calcaneus, and 77.7% ± 19.8% at the left calcaneus. These values were significantly reduced as compared to the entire group of transplant patients (84.8% ± 24.8% and 87.0% ± 28.1%, right and left calcaneus, respectively). In this context, it can be speculated that loss of bone mineral density and hypertension may be connected by abnormalities in calcium metabolism in women.Correspondence to:
Prof. Dr. K. Kisters
Medizinische Klinik I, St. Anna-Hospital
Hospitalstraße 19
D-44649 Herne, Germany
Email: kisters@annahospital.de
Originals
Analysis of blood copper and zinc levels in patients with impaired glucose tolerance
E. Wysocka, L. Torlinski, S. Cofta and M. Walkowiak
Abstract
E. Wysocka1, L. Torlinski1, S. Cofta2 and M. Walkowiak1
1Department of Chemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, and 2Department of Respiratory Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
The particular role of oxidative stress is proposed to join all other mechanisms involved in the pathobiochemistry of diabetes. It has been suggested that some disorders leading to the late diabetic complications develop parallel to increasing blood glucose concentration and may be initiated in the prediabetic state. Copper and zinc play an important role in developing oxidative stress. The concentration of Cu and Zn were determined in serum of 26 persons with impaired glucose tolerance and 26 age- and sex-matched controls, which were characterized by BMI, blood pressure, results of OGTT and serum lipid parameters. Statistically important higher values of BMI, SBP, DBP and serum T-CH and TAG concentrations among lipids were demonstrated in IGT group in comparison with NGT group. No significant differences were observed for the copper and zinc concentrations in serum between NGT and IGT groups. However, in persons with IGT, a significantly lower Cu/Zn ratio as compared with those with NGT was shown. Further studies are needed to investigate the association between metabolic disturbances and possibility of developing oxidative stress in prediabetic state.Correspondence to:
Dr. E. Wysocka
Department of Chemistry and Clinical Biochemistry
Poznan University of Medical Sciences in Poznan
Grunwaldzka 6 Street
PL-60-780 Poznan, Poland
Email: ewysocka@amp.edu.pl
