Volume 22, No. 1/2005(1st Quarter)
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 Trace Elements and Electrolytes
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Originals
Copper and zinc concentrations in blood of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
S. Cofta, E. Wysocka, L. Torlinski and J. Gozdzik
Abstract
S. Cofta1, E. Wysocka2, L. Torlinski2 and J. Gozdzik1
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, University of Medical Sciences in Poznan, and 2Department of Chemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, University of Medical Science in Poznan, Poznan, Poland
An increase in the levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has already been reported. The aim of this study was to estimate copper and zinc levels in serum of OSA patients. The study population consisted of 39 OSA people. All patients underwent monitoring by somnography. The results of oxygen desaturation index (ODI) allowed to divide patients into the following groups: normal-N (ODI < 10), OSA1 (ODI 10 – 30), OSA2 (ODI 31 – 50), OSA3 (ODI ³ 51). Copper and zinc levels in serum were determined using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. An increasing trend for mean values of serum copper concentrations has been demonstrated, starting from group N to OSA2. OSA3 people presented significantly lower serum Cu levels compared to OSA2 subjects. There were no statistically significant differences in serum zinc concentrations and Cu/Zn ratio between studied groups. A positive correlation between serum Cu concentration and age of subjects has been demonstrated for both N and OSA1 people. These results might indicate some mobilization of the body copper status as represented by the increased serum Cu concentration in the first and the second phase of OSA.Correspondence to:
Dr. S. Cofta
Department of Respiratory Medicine
University of Medical Sciences in Poznan
Szamarzewskiego 84 Street
60-569 Poznan, Poland
Email: s.cofta@mediclub.pl
Originals
Trace metal levels in moss samples collected from the roadside in Tokat, Turkey
D. Mendil, M. Tuzen, H. Sari and E. Hasdemir
Abstract
D. Mendil1, M. Tuzen1, H. Sari1 and E. Hasdemir2
1Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science and Arts, Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, and 2Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science and Arts, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
Forty moss samples including four species were collected from near the Tokat-Amasya motorway in Turkey. Eight trace metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu, and Cd) were analyzed using flame and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry after microwave digestion. The metal concentrations in samples were found to be 714 – 1,206, 57 – 188, 12 – 111, 3 – 55, 10 – 30, 9 – 27, 4 – 23 and 0.3 – 1.2 mg/g for iron, manganese, zinc, lead, nickel, chromium, copper and cadmium, respectively.Correspondence to:
Dr. D. Mendil
Chemistry Department
Faculty of Science and Arts
Gaziosmanpasa University
60250 Tokat, Turkey
Email: dmendil@gop.edu.tr
dmendil@hotmail.com
Originals
Research about manganese influence on morphine-induced pharmacodependence in rat
M. Nechifor, D. Chelarescu and I. Palamaru
Abstract
M. Nechifor1, D. Chelarescu1 and I. Palamaru2
1Pharmacology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”-Iasi, and 2Public Health Institute, Iasi, România
We searched MnCl2 influence on morphine-induced pharmacodependence in rat. We tested the influence of manganese chloride (MnCl2) on pharmacodependence at morphine in rats. We worked on five groups of adult rats. The first three groups received morphine (Sicomed) in two administrations/ day; the 1st group received only morphine, 2nd group received MnCl2 0.05 mM/kg/day 1 hour before morphine, and the 3rd group received MnCl2 0.1 mM/kg/day i.p., one hour before morphine. The 4th group received only MnCl2 0.5 mEq/kg/day for 11 days. On the 11th day, two hours after the last morphine administration, all animals received naloxone (Fluka) 1 mg/kg s.c. They were immediately followed by symptoms of withdrawal syndrome. Our results show that with MnCl2 in doses of 0.05 and 0.1 mM/kg/day i.p. administrated during induction of morphine, pharmacodependence significantly decreases the most important symptoms of the withdrawal syndrome. For example, jumpings (8.7 ± 1.66 in morphine group vs. 1.3 ± 0.1 in morphine + MnCl2 0.1 mM group, p < 0.01), aggressive positions (13.23 ± 1.46 in morphine group vs. 4.81 ± 0.48 in morphine + MnCl2 0.1 mM group, p<0.01). There were not significantly decreased weight losses and diarrhea. Manganese decreased intensity of morphine-induced pharmacodependence and withdrawal syndrome; this effect is dose-dependent.Correspondence to:
M. Nechifor
Department of Pharmacology
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Gr. T. Popa”-Iasi
Str. Universitatii 16
Iasi 700115, România
Email: nechifor@umfiasi.ro
Originals
Influence of selenium supplementation to renal allograft recipients on plasma glutathione peroxidase activity
Z. Wlodarczyk, B.A. Zachara, M. Masztalerz, W. Wasowicz and J. Gromadzinska
Abstract
Z. Wlodarczyk1, B.A. Zachara2, M. Masztalerz1, W. Wasowicz2 and J. Gromadzinska2
1Department of Transplantology and Surgery, Medical University, Bydgoszcz, and 2Department of Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
Background: To investigate selenium (Se) concentrations in whole blood and plasma, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in red blood cells and plasma of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing renal transplantation, and to measure the effect of selenium (Se) supplementation on the parameters in those patients. Materials and methods: Thirty-two patients with ESRD, divided into two groups, were enrolled in the study. One group of patients was supplemented with 200 mg Se/day for three months, while the second received placebo. Blood samples were collected before surgery and after 3, 7, 14, 30 and 90 days post transplant. Se concentrations, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and concentrations of creatinine and plasma urea nitrogen were measured and the results were compared with healthy controls. Results: Se concentrations in whole blood and plasma and GSH-Px activity in plasma were significantly lower in ESRD patients as compared with healthy subjects. Se supplementation significantly increased whole blood and plasma Se levels. While red cell GSH-Px activity did not differ in ESRD patients and did not change during the entire period of the study, plasma GSH-Px increased very rapidly after surgery, and after 90 days reached the value of healthy subjects. In the Se-supplemented group, after 30 days plasma GSH-Px activity was significantly higher as compared with the placebo group. Conclusions: The findings show that after renal transplantation plasma GSH-Px activity increased very rapidly and after three months reached the value of the control group. Se supplementation to those patients induced more evident synthesis of this enzyme.Correspondence to:
Prof. B.A. Zachara
33/67 Nowodworska St.
85-120 Bydgoszcz, Poland
Email: bronzach@yahoo.com
Originals
Evaluation of selenium, zinc and copper levels related to GST genetic polymorphism in lung cancer patients
E. Reszka, W. Wasowicz, J. Gromadzinska, R. Winnicka and W. Szymczak
Abstract
E. Reszka, W. Wasowicz, J. Gromadzinska, R. Winnicka and W. Szymczak
Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
It is suggested that cancer may be a result of gene-environment interaction. The role of trace elements and glutathione S-transferase (GST) genetic polymorphism in cancer etiology was investigated. Several epidemiological studies have indicated an association between trace element levels in plasma and elevated incidences of cancer, including lung cancer. Moreover, elevated risk of lung cancer might be associated with some GST variant alleles. We analyzed plasma selenium, zinc and copper concentration, GSTM1, GSTM3, GSTP1, GSTT1 genetic polymorphism and possible association between GST genotypes and level of investigated trace elements. The study population consisted of 404 diagnosed lung cancer patients and 410 non-cancer individuals matched by age, gender and place of living (central Poland). In the lung cancer individuals, selenium and zinc concentrations were significantly lower than in the controls (49.7 mg/l vs. 54.3 mg/l, p < 0.001 and 0.86 ± 0.25 mg/l vs. 0.93 ± 0.24 mg/l, p < 0.001, respectively). On the other hand, copper level in the lung cancer patients was significantly higher when compared to the controls (1.53 ± 0.35 vs. 1.17 ± 0.26 mg/l, p < 0.001). Frequency of GSTM1, GSTP1, GSTM3 genotypes did not differ significantly between both groups. However, a significantly lower frequency of GSTT1 null individuals was detected in patients than in controls. In cases with defective GSTM1/GSTT1 and GSTM3/GSTT1 genotypes and in controls with defective GSTP1/GSTT1 genotypes, a significantly higher zinc level was found when compared to individuals with adequate protective GST genotypes. This study presents one of the approaches to lung cancer etiology involving a possible role of gene-environment relationship. However, the role of trace elements and metabolic polymorphism in lung cancer susceptibility and carcinogenesis merits further investigation.Correspondence to:
Prof. W. Wasowicz
Department of Toxicology and Carcinogenesis
Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine
8 Teresy St.
90-950 Lodz, Poland
Email: wojciech@imp.lodz.pl
Originals
Evaluation of original selenium-containing compounds for potentially chemopreventive properties in experimental lung carcinogenesis
S. Uleckiene, J. Didziapetriene, L. Griciute and D. Sukeliene
Abstract
S. Uleckiene, J. Didziapetriene, L. Griciute and D. Sukeliene
Institute of Oncology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
Epidemiological and experimental data show a protective role of selenium against the occurrence of certain types of tumors. The chemical form and dose of selenium administered are important factors in determining its biological activities. The aim of the study was to investigate a possible anticarcinogenic effect of some new synthesized selenium-containing organic compounds. Material and methods: The experiments have been carried out on 640 mice CBAxC57Bl. They were given urethane by intraperitoneal injections, single dose: 10 mg/mouse, total 50 mg/mouse. Selenium compounds were given per os chronically or injected intraperitoneally before, together with urethane or after its injection in doses of 1 – 50 mg/kg b.w. The duration of experiments was 4 months. Results: Some of the tested new organoselenium compounds expressed the anticarcinogenic effect. D-glucosamine hydroselenate inhibited the development of lung adenomas by 44 to 50%. Ammonium 3-acetoxy-4-methoxybenzolselenonate showed significant protective effect on lung carcinogenesis given before urethane injection or together with the carcinogen. Calcium 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzolselenonate inhibited the formation of adenomas at various stages of their development. Conclusions: The tested new selenium organic compounds inhibited urethane-induced lung carcinogenesis. They can be investigated further as effective anticarcinogenic compounds for cancer chemoprevention.Correspondence to:
Dr. S. Uleckiene
Institute of Oncology
Vilnius University
Polocko 2
2007 Vilnius, Lithuania
Email: domkiene@loc.lt
Originals
Comparative assessment of blood and fecal sodium, chloride, potassium and bicarbonate levels in patients with salmonellosis
M. Stoycheva
Abstract
M. Stoycheva
Department of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Medical University, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
The objective of the present study is the comparative assessment of blood and fecal sodium (Na+), chloride (Cl–), potassium (K+) and bicarbonate (HCO3–) levels in patients with salmonellosis during the acute disease stage. Materials and methods: The study comprises 78 adult inpatients with salmonellosis. The disease is mild in 24 of them, moderate in 29 and severe in 25. Fecal and blood samples are taken from all patients upon hospital admission. Specimen analysis is performed using an automated Ciba Corning 288 blood gas system. Results: Patients’ electrolyte levels are as follows: (data are presented as ± SEM in mmol/l): Na+ 135.83 ± 0.83 (blood), 81.54 ± 2.38 (fecal); Cl– 98.56 ± 0.89 (blood), 71.78 ± 2.51 (fecal); K+ 4.10 ± 0.62 (blood), 35.97 ± 97 (fecal); HCO3– 20.51 ± 0.59 (blood), 12.55 ± 1.58 (fecal). Fecal electrolyte concentrations are lower in patients with mild clinical forms and increase in patients with severe disease. The opposite tendency is observed in serum electrolyte levels: they decrease according to disease severity. Conclusions: The blood and fecal electrolyte levels correlate with the disease severity. Evaluation of the actual fecal electrolyte loss could contribute to adequate fluid and electrolyte therapy in patients with salmonella infections.Correspondence to:
Prof. Dr. M. Stoycheva
Department of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology
Medical University
15a Vassil Aprilov str.
4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Email: plenimira@yahoo.com
Originals
Some selected blood parameters in rats exposed to vanadium and chromium via drinking water
A. Scibior
Abstract
A. Scibior
Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Environmental Protection, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
Objective: To evaluate the effect of selected vanadium and chromium doses on body weight gain and certain hematological and biochemical blood parameters in rats. Materials and methods: Albino male Wistar rats were treated with sodium metavanadate and chromium chloride (SMV-CC) at concentrations of 0.100 mg V and 0.004 mg Cr/ml, respectively, which they were given in their drinking water for a period of 6 weeks. The reference groups received at this time: deionized water (control), SMV or CC solutions at the same concentrations. Results: It was shown that chronic administration of SMV, CC or SMV-CC solutions caused a statistically significant decrease in food intake. Instead, fluid intake was statistically significant only in rats exposed to SMV or SMV-CC solutions. However, no significant changes in body weight gains were observed between control and all 3 groups throughout the experimental period. Hematological examinations demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the erythrocyte count and a statistically significant decrease in the MCH in rats exposed to SMV or SMV-CC solutions. In addition, a statistically significant decrease in the MCHC in all groups was observed. Instead, in groups which were given SMV or SMV-CC solutions, a statistically significant decrease was demonstrated in the MCV compared to CC-treated rats. Leukocyte count was the lowest and statistically significant only in rats exposed to SMV-CC solution. In SMV-treated animals, there was a slight decrease in TAS demonstrated, but in rats exposed to CC or SMV-CC solutions that parameter was markedly increased. The highest increase of TAS was observed in SMV-CC-treated rats, but this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: The present study is the first attempt to measure the TAS in the rat plasma after combined exposure to vanadium and chromium in drinking water. The obtained results indicate that chromium can modify TAS in rats intoxicated with vanadium. Thus, this problem requires further studies.Correspondence to:
A. Scibior
Department of Cell Biology
Institute of Environmental Protection
Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science
Catholic University of Lublin
Krasnicka Ave 102
20-718 Lublin, Poland
Email: cellbiol@kul.lublin.pl
Originals
Does zinc deficiency have a role in breath-holding spells?
H. Ugur, S. Cin, G. Deda, B. Arac and N. Akar
Abstract
H. Ugur1, S. Cin2, G. Deda3, B. Arac4 and N. Akar5
1Pediatrics Department, 2Pediatric Haematology, 3Pediatric Neurology,4Chemistry, and 5Pediatric Molecular Genetics, Ankara, Turkey
Childhood breath-holding spells are a common phenomenon occurring in healthy population. It is known that iron-deficient anemia may be a factor contributing to breath-holding spells. Because iron and zinc commonly coexist in food, iron deficiency is usually associated with zinc deficiency. This study was undertaken to evaluate the zinc status in 50 breath-holding spell patients. Twelve (24%) of the 50 patients had both zinc and iron deficiencies. Zinc treatment was given orally with a dosage of 2 mg/kg/24 h to 12 zinc-deficient patients. At the end of the 3 months, there was a significant healing in spells in all zinc-deficient patients. Our data suggests that zinc deficiency may play a role in breath-holding spells.Correspondence to:
Dr. H. Ugur
85. sokak No: 19/4
Emek/Ankara, Turkey
Email: handanprl@hotmail.com
Originals
The influence of systemic cryotherapy on the magnesium metabolism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
E. Golec, R. Suszko, S. Nowak, M. Piatkowski, R. Chrzanowski, M. Schlegel-Zawadzka and R. Gozdzialski
Abstract
E. Golec1, R. Suszko1, S. Nowak1, M. Piatkowski1, R. Chrzanowski1, M. Schlegel-Zawadzka2 and R. Gozdzialski1
1Military Clinical Hospital, Krakow, and 2Department of Human Nutrition, Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Medical Care College of Medicine, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
The studies included 110 patients (33 men and 77 women, aged 28 – 65 years) treated because of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). All patients were treated cryogenically. The patients’ material studied was analyzed in relation to selected clinical trails: sex, age, duration and progression of the disease, considering the changes of the magnesium concentration in plasma and in erythrocytes registered before and after the end of the cryogenic treatment. The results obtained showed that the development of RA is associated with magnesium deficiency in plasma as well as in erythrocytes. The nearly formed disturbances of the magnesium metabolism depend on sex and age of the patients as well as on the disease duration and progression. Moreover, it was confirmed that in the majority of patients suffering from RA, the systemic cryotherapy only causes statistically insignificant magnesium shifts between the intracellular (erythrocyte) and extracellular (plasma) space. Among the patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, there exists, however, a group of persons particularly exposed to magnesium deficiencies in plasma and erythrocytes, which is made-up of women above 50 years of age, in whom the disease lasts over five years, entering the period of destructive changes. In these patients, the cryogenic treatment leads to a further statistically significant disease of the magnesium concentration in the intracellular (erythrocyte) as well as in the extracellular (plasma) space.Correspondence to:
Dr. E.B. Golec
37/10 Zachodnia Str.
30-350 Krakow, Poland
Email: bgolec@poczta.onet.pl
Originals
Does a correlation of NT-proBNP-values exist in comparison to pulse pressure-values?
B. Gremmler, K. Kisters, M. Kunert, H. Schleiting
Abstract
B. Gremmler1, K. Kisters2, M. Kunert1, H. Schleiting1
1Department of Cardiology, Marienhospital Bottrop, Germany,2Internal Medicine, St. Anna-Hospital, Herne, and University of Münster, Germany, and 3University of Witten/Herdecke, Germany
Background: The determination of NT-proBNP- values is increasingly used to distinguish dyspnoea induced by heart failure from pulmonary associated dyspnoea. Furthermore, the course of heart failure is studied with this parameter, especially the effectiveness of heart failure treatment. Similar observations with NT-proBNP-values were increasingly seen in heart failure due to hypertensive origin, in this context especially as a follow up of antihypertensive drug-therapy. In contrast to this biochemical determined parameter the pulse pressure-value exists as a hemodynamic control in treatment of hypertension. Therefore we performed a research on a connection between NT-proBNP-values and pulse pressure-values to prove a possible correlation. Methods: NT-proBNP-levels were analyzed before left-heart catheterization in 100 patients (unselected population; m = 73, w = 27; 61.2 ± 9.7 years). The determination of NT- proBNP in plasma was performed using the electrochemiluminescence technology in the fully automatic Elecsyc®analyser (Roche-Diagnostics) and the Elecsys®proBNP immunoassay (Roche-Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany). The pulse pressure-value was invasively measured in the aortic arch before application of contrast-medium. The NT-proBNP values were compared to the invasively measured pulse pressure-values accordingly. Results: The NT-proBNP values in correlation to the pulse pressue-values are pointed out in the scatter-diagram. There was no significant correlation between both parameters (coefficent = 0.014). Conclusion: A safe and reliable correlation between NT-proBNP-values and pulse pressue was not found. On the other hand a great variation of NT-proBNP -levels was observed concerning the corresponding pulse pressure values. An augmented NT-proBNP level without correspondance to the pulse pressure value may perhaps be a prognostic marker of an initial heart failure-syndrome induced by hypertension.Correspondence to:
Dr. B. Gremmler,
PD Dr. L. Ulbricht
Marienhospital Bottrop
Department of Cardiology
Josef-Albers-Straße 70
46236 Bottrop, Germany
Email: dr.bernhard.gremmler@t-online.de
Originals
Lack of relationship between bone iron overload and osteopenia in ethanol-fed rats
E. González-Reimers, F. Santolaria-Fernández, M.C. Durán-Castellón, A. López Lirola, R. Martín-Olivera, L. Galindo-Martín and M.J. de la Vega-Prieto
Abstract
E. González-Reimers1, F. Santolaria-Fernández1, M.C. Durán-Castellón1, A. López Lirola1, R. Martín-Olivera1, L. Galindo-Martín2 and M.J. de la Vega-Prieto3
1Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario de Canarias,2Departamento de Química Analítica, Universidad de La Laguna, and 3Servicio de Laboratorio, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife,Canary Islands, Spain
Some observations suggest that iron overload may directly affect bone metabolism, leading to osteopenia. Objective: To analyze the relationship between bone iron overload and bone metabolism, including trabecular bone mass, osteocalcin, hydroxyproline, vitamin D and parathormone in ethanol-fed rats. Material and methods: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. The control rats (group 1, 8 rats) received the Lieber-DeCarli control diet (Dyets Inc, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA), containing 18% protein and 1 kcal/ml; a second group was fed an isocaloric, 36% ethanol-containing diet (group 2, 6 rats); the third one was fed an isocaloric, 2% protein-containing diet (group 3, 8 rats); and the fourth group was fed an isocaloric diet containing 2% protein and 36% ethanol (group 4, 8 rats). After sacrifice (five weeks later), trabecular bone mass was histomorphometrically assessed, bone iron was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and serum osteocalcin, insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1), PTH and vitamin D by radioimmunoanalysis. Also, urinary hydroxyproline and creatinine excretion were measured. Results: Ethanol-fed rats showed decreased TBM and increased bone iron (especially when protein deficiency was also present), but no relation was found between bone iron and TBM. The only parameter showing a relation with TBM was serum IGF-1, whereas bone iron showed a relation with hydroxyproline excretion, but not with osteocalcin. Both protein deficiency and ethanol led to bone iron overload. Conclusion: Our results do not support the existence of a causal relationship between bone iron and osteoporosis, although both variables – increased bone iron and decreased bone mass – may share a common etiologic factor.Correspondence to:
Dr. E. Gonzales-Reimers
Servicio de Medicina Interna
Hospital Universitario de Canarias
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Email: egonrai@ull.es
