Volume 22, No. 2/2005(2nd Quarter)
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 Trace Elements and Electrolytes
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Letter to the Editor
Zinc and pyoderma gangrenosum
K. Kisters
Abstracts
NA
Originals
Electrolyte absorption in healthy subjects during acute and rigorous bed rest
Y.G. Zorbas, V.A. Deogenov, V.B. Afonin, C.B. Tsiamis
Abstract
Y.G. Zorbas1, V.A. Deogenov1, V.B. Afonin1, C.B. Tsiamis2
1European Foundation of Environmental Sciences, and 2Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
Measuring electrolyte absorption, plasma, fecal and urinary electrolyte levels during acute bed rest (ABR) and rigorous bed rest (RBR), the aim of this work was to disclose if ABR or RBR could affect significantly more and significantly faster electrolyte deposition in healthy subjects. Studies were conducted during 3-days pre-bed rest (BR) and during 7-days of ABR and RBR periods. Thirty healthy male volunteers 25.2 ± 6.4 years of age were chosen as subjects. They were equally divided into 3 groups: unrestricted active control subjects (UACS), acute bed rested subjects (ABRS) and rigorous bed-rested subjects (RBRS). ABRS were confined abruptly to RBR without having any prior knowledge of the date and time when they would be asked to confine in bed. RBRS were submitted to BR with a prior knowledge of the date and time of their confinement in bed. UACS were not submitted to any form of RBR. Electrolyte absorption, plasma, urinary and fecal potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) levels, plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma aldosterone (PA) levels and plasma intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D3) levels did not change in UACS compared with their pre-bed rest values. Plasma, urinary and fecal K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ levels and PRA and PA levelss increased significantly (p < 0.05) and mineral absorption, plasma iPTH and 1,25(OH)2D3) levels decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in ABRS and RBRS compared with their pre-bed rest values and the values in UACS. However, plasma, urinary and fecal K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ levels and PRA and PA levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) more and significantly (< 0.05) faster and electrolyte absorption and plasma 1,25(OH)2D3 and iPTH levels decreased significantly (p < 0.05) more and significantly (p < 0.05) faster in ABRS than RBRS. Electrolytes were lost significantly more in bed-rested than control subjects. The lower electrolyte absorption in ABRS than RBRS demonstrated that mineral deposition decreased more during ABR than RBR. The greater mineral losses in ABRS than RBRS showed that minerals were lost more during ABR than RBR. It was concluded that, the more abruptly normal muscular activity was restricted, the lower mineral deposition and the higher mineral exertion in healthy subjects.Correspondence to:
Dr. V.A. Deogenov
European Foundation of Environmental Sciences
Odos Kerasundos 2
162 32 Athens, Greece
Originals
Study by stable isotope on zinc fractional absorption in Chinese children of Shandong rural region
X. Cui, J. Sun, X.Y. Ling, C.F. Zhao, Z.J. Liu and G.F. Xu
Abstract
X. Cui1, J. Sun1, X.Y. Ling2, C.F. Zhao2, Z.J. Liu1 and G.F. Xu2
1Institute of Chemistry and Bacteria Detection, College of Public Health, West Campus of Shandong University, and 2Institute of Food and Nutrition, College of Public Health, West Campus of Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
The zinc fractional absorption of Chinese children in the rural region in Shandong province was studied under the routine dietary model. The volunteers, aged 4.7 ~ 6.3 years, 5 males and 5 females, were recruited from Shandong rural region. Stable 67Zn was used as tracer to label ZnCl2, and Yb was used as a marker of 67Zn recovery. 67ZnCl2 solution and Yb were added to a biscuit, and then administered to volunteers orally. The food and feces samples of all subjects were collected for 12 consecutive days. AAS and TIMS were used for determination of total zinc and stable zinc isotope ratio in food and feces samples, and the zinc fractional absorption was calculated. The daily intakes of iron, protein, fat, ascorbic acid, phytic acid and fibre were determined by AAS or traditional chemical analysis method and compared with RNIs. Results: The results showed that the fractional absorption of zinc is 12.94 ± 3.32%, much lower than that reported in the West. The daily intake of zinc is 11.16 mg, that is 96.67% of RNI, and the intakes of protein and ascorbic acid are only 56.73 and 19.00% of RNIs, respectively. Conclusions: Under the dietary model of Shandong rural region, although the daily intake of zinc has been close to RNI, the children have low zinc fractional absorption. The low intakes of ascorbic acid and protein may play an important role in reducing the zinc availability.Correspondence to:
Prof. X. Cui
Institute of Chemistry and Bacteria Detection
College of Public Health
West Campus of Shandong University
Jinan 250012, China
Email: cuixi@sdu.edu.cn
Originals
Problems associated with the determination of trace element status and trace element requirements – a mini-review
S. Ermidou-Pollet, M. Szilágyi and S. Pollet
Abstract
S. Ermidou-Pollet1, M. Szilágyi2 and S. Pollet1
1University of Athens, Greece, and 2Research Institute for Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Herceghalom, Hungary
Diagnosis of deficiency or overloading and the monitoring of individuals receiving treatment require the knowledge of both the trace element status of these individuals prior treatment and, in case of deficiency, the trace element requirements needed for restoring an adequate trace element status. The determination of trace element status is a very complex problem. This status depends on many factors: the intake of trace elements, their absorption and excretion, the bioavailability of the trace elements and their homeostatic control. Moreover, the low concentration in the specimen and small sample size usually available for analysis require precise, accurate and highly sensitive analytical methods. Another possibility is to find biochemical parameters which would reflect the trace element status. However, biochemical parameters are affected not only by the trace element status, but by other parameters. Although some progress has been made in the understanding of dietary interactions that determine biological availability of trace elements, a basis for quantitative treatment of these interactions is still lacking. Therefore, the translation from physiological to dietary requirements must be very general and is subject to much judgment. Trace element supplementation for meeting the requirement is also not so easy to perform. Interactions with other minerals or dietary constituents need consideration in the evaluation. There is growing concern that balance studies may be inappropriate for estimating the requirements for minerals. Problems associated with the determination of trace element status and trace element requirements are presented and discussed.Email: sermid@med.uoa.gr
Originals
The effect of selected epidemiological and clinical factors on the alterations in magnesium balance in patients with healing disorders
E. Golec, S. Nowak, J. Sosnowski, W. Wrazen, M. Godyn and M. Schlegiel-Zawadzka
Abstract
E. Golec1, S. Nowak1, J. Sosnowski1, W. Wrazen1, M. Godyn1 and M. Schlegiel-Zawadzka2
15th Military Clinical Hospital with Policlinic, Independent Public Health Care Centre, and 2Department of Human Nutrition, Institute of Public Health, Faculty of Medical Care, Collegium Medicum Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
In 41 patients (23 men and 18 women), aged 23 – 72 years with synostosis disturbances, we estimated the magnesium concentration in the serum and erythrocytes to patients’ sex and age and the type of fracture and fracture site. The element concentration has also been assessed in control group. A study of the concentration of that element was carried out using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. It was found that bone healing disorders are accompanied by a statistically significant decrease in average magnesium concentration in serum and in erythrocytes in comparison with a control group. Especially low magnesium level was present in male patients above 60 years with comminuted diaphyseal fractures.Correspondence to:
Dr. E. Golec
10/37 Zachodnia str.
30-350 Kraków, Poland
Email: bgolec@poczta.onet.pl
Originals
Trace element analysis of the hair of Duke Mirko Petrovic-Njegos – a possible means of clarification of his death
J. Štupar, F. Dolinšek, J. Simicic, M. Bizjak and B. Budic
Abstract
J. Štupar1, F. Dolinšek1, J. Simicic1, M. Bizjak2 and B. Budic2
1Jozef Stefan Institute, and 2National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Hair of Duke Mirko Petrovic (1820 – 1867), a member of the famous Njegos Dynasty of Montenegro, was analyzed for the trace elements Ca, Mg, Fe, Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, As, Se and Hg in order to elucidate the cause of his death. The levels of the majority of these elements in the hair varied considerably from the reference ranges established by various authors. Elevated Fe and Cu hair levels were explained by post-mortem incorporation of these elements from particulate matter found on the hair surface. The substantially higher hair Hg value may be derived from calomel used at that time for treating cholera. The severely depressed hair Zn value in the last period of Duke Petrovic’s life can be attributed to the diseased state typical of cholera. Similarly, the increased hair Ca and hair Mg contents could be the result of rapid mobilization of these elements from bone as a consequence of the disease. Relatively high levels of Pb in hair are likely the result of contaminated food rather than environmental pollution. However, the elevated levels of toxic elements (Pb, Hg, Cd) found in his hair do not suggest systemic intoxication to be the cause of death.Correspondence to:
J. Štupar
School of Environmental Sciences
Nova Gorica Polytechnic
Vipavska 13, 5001 Nova Gorica, Slovenia
Email: janez.stupar@siol.net
Originals
Protective effect of deferiprone on damaged genetic material of mice induced by alum
P. Liu, S.D. Wu, Y.N. Yao, H.J. Dong, G.C. Feng and S.E. Wang
Abstract
P. Liu1, S.D. Wu2, Y.N. Yao1, H.J. Dong1, G.C. Feng1 and S.E. Wang1
1Department of Chemistry and Microbacteria Detection, College of Public Health, Shandong University, P.R. China, and 2Institute of Shandong Biological Medicine Jinan, P.R. China
The objective of this study is to investigate the protective role of 1,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxypyrid-4-one (deferiprone) on aluminum-induced genomic instability. The development of micronuclei (MN) in bone marrow cells and sperm abnormalities were used as mutagenic bioassay in Kunming mice. Mice were randomly divided into 5 groups and treated with saline, cyclophosphamide (CP) 40 mg/kg, alum 375 mg/kg, alum 375 mg/kg plus deferiprone 500 mmol/kg and alum 375 mg/kg plus deferiprone 750 mmol/kg respectively. And, aluminum concentration in liver, kidney and brain was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. It was shown that in the mice fed with deferiprone and alum, the occurrence of mutation was significantly lower than that treated with alum alone. The reduction of aluminum concentrations in each organ suggests that the deferiprone can be able to remove excess aluminum in the hosts. The finding suggests a protective role of deferiprone against aluminum-induced genomic instability.Correspondence to:
Prof. Liu Ping
Department of Chemistry and Microbacteria Detection
College of Public Health
West part of Shandong University
Jinan, Shandong, P.R. 250012, China
Email: liupingp@sdu.edu.cn
Originals
Lack of inhibitory effect of zinc on prolactin secretion induced by cimetidine
A.V.B. Castro, B.B. Mendonça, W. Bloise, T. Shuhama and J. Brandão-Neto
Abstract
A.V.B. Castro1, B.B. Mendonça2, W. Bloise2, T. Shuhama3 and J. Brandão-Neto4
1Unidade de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Faculdade de Medicina, UNESP, Botucatu – São Paulo, Brazil, 2Unidade de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicina, USP, São Paulo – SP, Brazil, 3Laboratório de Química Analítica, Faculdade de Ciências Farmac
The dopaminergic, serotoninergic and GABA-ergic systems are closely involved in PRL secretion, as well as thyrotropin-releasing hormone. There is some evidence that zinc interacts with some of these neuroamines and neuropeptides. The histamine H2-receptor cimetidine stimulates PRL secretion rapidly following an intravenous injection in man. In this sense, we investigated probable inhibitory effect of zinc on prolactin secretion following cimetidine injection (300 mg). Therefore, we studied five healthy adult men, before and after oral zinc administration (25 mg elemental zinc) during three consecutive months. The results did not demonstrate any inhibitory effect of zinc on prolactin secretion. So, we originally concluded that zinc did not interact with dopamine, serotonine, gamma-aminobutyric acid and the thyrotropin-releasing hormone in humans. In addition, the intravenous administration of cimetidine did not change the serum zinc profile.Correspondence to:
J. Brandão-Neto, M.D., Ph.D.
Unidade de Endocrinologia e Metabologia
Centro de Ciências da Saúde, UFRN
Natal – RN, CEP: 59 010-180, Brazil
Email: jbn@ppgcsa.com.br
Originals
Serum ionized versus total magnesium in progressive renal failure – a cross-sectional study
K. Dewitte, A. Dhondt, D. Stöckl, N. Lameire and L.M Thienpont
Abstract
K. Dewitte1, A. Dhondt2, D. Stöckl1, N. Lameire2 and L.M Thienpont1
1Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, and 2Renal Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate serum ionized magnesium (i-Mg) levels in patients with various stages of renal failure and to compare them with serum total magnesium (t-Mg). Materials and methods: We studied 69 nondiabetic ambulatory patients not receiving diuretics, polystyrene sulfonate or NaHCO3. Serum i-Mg was measured with an ion-selective electrode and serum t-Mg by ion chromatography. Renal function was determined by the creatinine clearance (CCr), applying the normalized Cockcroft-Gault formula. Results: Overall, i-Mg, as well as t-Mg, showed a statistically significant negative logarithmic correlation with CCr (i-Mg: r = –0.75; t-Mg: r = –0.73) and i-Mg highly correlated with t-Mg (r = 0.94). Surprisingly, in mild renal failure (CCr > 80 ml/min/1.73 m2), i-Mg and t-Mg were in the low-normal to hypomagnesemic range (i-Mg £ 0.56 mmol/l, t-Mg £ 0.85 mmol/l). In moderate renal failure (CCr ³ 30 and £ 80 ml/min/ 1.73 m2), i-Mg and t-Mg were usually in the reference interval (i-Mg: 0.49 – 0.63 mmol/l, t-Mg: 0.75 – 0.95 mmol/l). In severe renal failure (CCr < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2), i-Mg and t-Mg were in the high-normal to hypermagnesemic range (i-Mg ³ 0.56 mmol/l, t-Mg ³ 0.85 mmol/l). Conclusions: The measurement of i-Mg offered no advantage over the measurement of t-Mg. The observation of low Mg values in mild renal failure may have implications for the common treatment of chronic renal failure (CRF) patients with drugs that have a Mg-lowering side effect (diuretics, potassium-lowering agents).Correspondence to:
Prof. Dr. L.M. Thienpont
Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry
Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Ghent University
Harelbekestraat 72
9000 Ghent, Belgium
Email: Linda.Thienpont@UGent.be
Originals
Iron and iron-related parameters in oncology
S. Könemann, T. Bölling, F. Matzkies, N. Willich, K. Kisters and O. Micke
Abstract
S. Könemann1, T. Bölling1, F. Matzkies2, N. Willich1, K. Kisters3 and O. Micke1
1Department of Radiotherapy, Münster University Hospital,2Nephrologic Praxis Clinic in the MedicalCenter, Münster, and 3Department of Internal Medicine, St. Anna Hospital, Herne, Germany
Iron is a central element in the metabolism of normal and malignant cells. Besides the oxygen binding, iron plays an important role in many systems like oxygen metabolism, electron transfer via cytochromes and as metal cofactor for enzymes. The iron resorption, the cellular transport, the markers of iron metabolism and storage and their clinical relevance is reviewed. The metabolism of iron is influenced by cellular mechanisms mediated by different cell types like T lymphocytes as well as macrophages and different cytokines like interferon (IFN) g, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) a and interleukin-1 (IL-1) 1. Pathophysiology of iron in chronic infections and tumors, anemia of chronic diseases (ACD) and substitution therapy as well as the impact on the use of erythropoietin are discussed.Correspondence to:
Dr. S. Könemann
Münster University Hospital
Department of Radiotherapy
Albert-Schweitzer-Straße 33
48129 Münster, Germany
Email: stkoene@uni-muenster.de
