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Abstract

H. Sari¹, M. Tuzen¹, D. Mendil¹ 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
Trace metal contents of hair samples of smoking and non-smoking people in industrial and residential areas were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry after microwave digestion. The results were compared to data reported in the literature. The metal concentrations obtained for Cu, Fe, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cd, Mn and Zn were found to be 5.79 – 16.8, 9.91 – 160.8, 1.24 – 5.53, 0.11 – 3.31, 1.58 – 5.24, 0.11 – 0.35, 1.36 – 36.3 and 117.0 – 167.4 mg g–1, respectively.Correspondence to:
Dr. H. Sari
Chemistry Department
Faculty of Science and Arts
Gaziosmanpasa University
Tokat, Turkey
Email: hsari@gop.edu.tr

Abstract

M. Torra¹,², C. Barrot², M. Ortega², C. Sanchez³,A. Xifró², J. Corbella¹,² and M. Gené²,⁴

¹Servei de Toxicologia, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, ²Escola Professional de Medicina del Treball de la Universitat de Barcelona, ³Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, and ⁴Unitat BBsica de Prevenció, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, Spai
The second enzyme of the heme-biosynthetic pathway, d-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), is a cytosolic enzyme that catalyzes the condensation of two molecules of 5-aminolevulinate (ALA) to form porphobilinogen. The gene that encodes this enzyme exists in two polymorphic forms that may modify lead toxicokinetics, bioaccumulation, and ultimately influences individual susceptibility to lead poisoning. To evaluate the relationships between d-aminolevunic acid dehydratase genotype and the blood lead level in a general environmentally exposed population, a cross-sectional study was performed. Peripheral venous blood samples were obtained from 223 adult healthy subjects of Northeast Spain. Blood lead concentration was determined by means of a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique was used to determine the genotype of the ALAD gene. The mean whole blood lead concentration obtained in the total population was 8.2 ± 4.4 mg/dl (9.5 ± 5 mg/dl in men and 6.6 ± 2 mg/dl in women, p < 0.05). The gene distribution of ALAD isoenzyme in this environmentally exposed subjects was ALAD1-1 (85.7%), ALAD1-2 (13%) and ALAD2-2 (1.5%). No association was found between ALAD genotype and blood lead level in this environmentally exposed population (8.3 vs 7.4 mg/dl, p > 0.05). The results obtained indicate that, in adult subjects, the presence of the ALAD2 allele only contributes to modify the toxicokinetics of lead at high exposure levels.Correspondence to:
Dr. M. Torra
Toxicology Unit
Hospital Clinic de Barcelona
Faculty of Medicine
University of Barcelona
C/Villarroel 170
08036 Barcelona, Spain
Email: mtorra@clinic.ub.es

Abstract

M. Kunert¹, B. Gremmler¹, H. Schleiting¹, R. Susilo², U.P. Strauss² and L.J. Ulbricht¹,³

¹Marienhospital Bottrop, Department of Cardiology, Bottrop, ²Trommsdorff Arzneimittel GmbH, Research & Development, Alsdorf, and ³University of Witten/Herdecke, Germany
Reperfusion arrhythmias represent a risk factor for death of post infarct patients receiving revascularization therapy, such as percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTCA). A relative deficiency of potassium (K+) and magnesium ions (Mg2+) has been shown to represent risk factors for certain types of arrhythmia. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of a combined treatment with both cations in acutely infarcted patients receiving PTCA, regarding the occurrence of heart rhythm disorders and left ventricular function. Potassium/magnesium-therapy was initiated before (early-onset), and maintained during and up to 12 weeks after performance of PTCA. The study was designed as monocentric, prospective, placebo-controlled and double-blind. A total of 262 patients were enrolled in the study. An interim analysis revealed no differences between both study groups of treatment regarding primary outcome parameters: 1) Incidence of accelerated ventricular rhythm, 2) Incidence of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, and 3) Ejection fraction. Therefore, according to the protocol, the study was interrupted. However, a retrospective subanalysis of ECG-recordings revealed a significant reduction of ventricular extrasystoles and couplets in the K+/Mg2+-group. Both study groups were equal regarding quality and quantity of adverse events.Correspondence to:
Dr. M. Kunert
Department of Cardiology
Marienhospital Bottrop
Josef-Albers-Straße 70
46236 Bottrop, Germany
Email: Matthias.kunert@mhb-bottrop.de

Abstract

Á. Puskás and Z. Lakner

Department of Food Economy, Faculty of Food Sciences, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary
In our study we have investigated the effects of iodine overdosing in goats. In this feeding experiment, it was studied to which extent iodine concentration in milk can be increased by supplementing the goat’s feed with natural mineral water, containing extremely high iodine levels. Iodine, which is an important microelement, has lots of physiological effects on the basic metabolism, among others, milk production, milk composition and general vitality of these domestics [Elnour et al. 1997, Meschy 2000]. It has been a well-known fact that Hungary is suffering from iodine deficiency; 80% of the drinking water of the total Hungarian territories contain less than 25 mg iodine/l but WHO dosage recommendations declare daily allowances of 100 – 200 mg iodine/day [Farkas et al. 2001]. The basic concept of our experiment was to increase the iodine content of goat’s milk and to generate the possibility of a new food industrial product of high iodine content (milk) which can demonstrate a possible new strategy to improve iodine supply both in Hungary and allover the world. In our feeding experiment, we wanted to find out whether iodine originated from natural mineral water containing 100 mg iodine/ml can be enriched in the experimental goats.Correspondence to:
Dr. Á. Puskás
Szent István University
Faculty of Food Sciences
Department of Food Economy
Villányi út 29-43
1118 Budapest, Hungary

Abstract

Y.G. Zorbas¹, K.K. Kakuris², N.H. Neofitov¹ and K.P. Charapakis²

¹Higher Institute of Biochemistry, Gomel, Belarus, and ²European Foundation of Environmental Sciences, Athens, Greece
The aim of this study was to show that copper (Cu2+) supplements cannot be used to normalize Cu2+ depletion during hypokinesia (diminished motor activity) unless factors which decreases Cu2+ deposition are restored. To this end, analyses were made of Cu2+ absorption, Cu2+ balance, plasma Cu2+ levels, and Cu2+ excretion in urine and feces of rats during hypokinesia (HK). Studies were conducted on 13-week-old male rats weighing 370 – 390 g during a pre-HK period and HK period. Rats were equally divided into four groups: unsupplemented vivarium control rats (UVCR), unsupplemented hypokinetic rats (UHKR), supplemented vivarium control rats (SVCR) and supplemented hypokinetic rats (SHKR). All SHKR and UHKR were kept in small individual cages which were restricted their movements in all directions without hindering food and water intakes. SVCR and UVCR were housed in individual cages under ordinary vivarium conditions. SVCR and SHKR were supplemented with 3.39 µmol copper sulfate (CuSO4). Copper absorption, Cu2+ balance, plasma Cu2+ levels and urine and fecal Cu2+ excretion did not change in UVCR and SVCR compared with their pre-HK values. Cu2+ imbalance, fecal and urinary loss and plasma Cu2+level increased significantly (p < 0.05), while Cu2+ absorption decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with time in SHKR and UHKR compared with their pre-HK values and their respective vivarium controls (SVCR and UVCR). Cu2+ imbalance, plasma Cu2+ levels, urine and fecal Cu2+ losses increased significantly (p < 0.05) more with time and Cu2+ absorption decreased significantly (p < 0.05) more with time in SHKR than in UHKR. The increased Cu2+ loss with Cu2+imbalance shows decreased Cu2+ deposition. The higher Cu2+ loss with greater Cu2+ imbalance in SHKR than in UHKR shows that Cu2+ deposition decreases more with Cu2+ supplements than without. The dissociation between increased Cu2+ losses and Cu2+ imbalance indicates decreased Cu2+ deposition as the main mechanism of Cu2+ imbalance. Because SHKR have shown a significantly greater Cu2+ imbalance and a significantly higher loss Cu2+amounts than UHKR, it was assumed that the risk of decreased Cu2+deposition and increased Cu2+ imbalance is inversely related to Cu2+ intake, i.e., the higher Cu2+ intake, the greater the risk for lower Cu2+ deposition, and the higher Cu2+ losses and the greater the risk for Cu2+imbalance. It was concluded that Cu2+ imbalance cannot be normalized during prolonged HK unless factors contributing to the decreased Cu2+deposition are restored as was shown in this investigation.Correspondence to:
K.K. Kakuris
European Foundation of Environmental Sciences
Odos Kerasundos 2 – 4
162 32 Athens, Greece
Email: kkakuris@in.gr

Abstract

S.A.A. Latheef¹, G. Subramanyam¹ and K.N. Reddy²

¹Department of Cardiology, Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences, and ²School of Biological and Earth Sciences, S.V. University, Tirupati, India
The present study was carried out to find out the prevalence of coronary artery disease and coronary risk factors in a rural, aged population of Southern Andhra Pradesh; 240 subjects (male = 100 and female = 140) aged > 60 years were drawn from nine rural villages of Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. Data on age, sex, anthropometry, blood pressure, serum lipid profile and trace elements were collected. Coronary artery disease was diagnosed using physical examination, clinical history and Minnesota codes. Lower levels of serum copper were found in CAD subjects when compared to normal subjects (p < 0.05). Higher prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia, mean serum triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol were observed in copper-deficient subjects than subjects having normal copper levels (p < 0.05). Serum copper was significantly associated with CAD (p < 0.05, OR 1.01, 95 CI% 1.0 – 1.02). The results of the present study have shown that serum copper is an independent risk factor for CAD in elderly population.Correspondence to:
Dr. G. Subramanyam
Professor and Head
Department of Cardiology
Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences
Tirupati 517507, India
Email: svimshosp@yahoo.com

Abstract

L. Ivanov¹, R. Gaileviciute¹, I. Sadauskiene¹ and L. Ivanoviene²

¹Institute for Biomedical Research, ²Department of Biochemistry, Kaunas University of Medicine, Kaunas, Lithuania
Objective: The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate effects of cadmium and zinc ions on the total protein synthesis in mouse liver as well as on the activity of key components of liver translation machinery – tRNA and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. Methods: Experiments were done on outbred mice using intraperitoneal injections of CdCl2 solution (1.6 mg Cd2+ per 1 kg of body mass) and/or ZnSO4 (3.1 mg Zn2+ per 1 kg of body mass). Protein synthesis was evaluated by incorporation of [14C]-labelled leucine into newly synthesized peptides and proteins. Total tRNAs were isolated from the mice liver using deproteinization of the tissue extract with phenol. Activities of tRNALeu and leucyl-tRNA synthetase were measured by an aminoacylation reaction using [14C]-labelled leucine. Results: Examination of kinetics of protein synthesis intensity in the mice liver within 24-hour-period after CdCl2 injection revealed its diminishing at the 2nd hour by 38% followed by the increase of 51% at the 8th hour and then by the decrease of 32% at the 24th hour. In the mice liver, zinc ions increased protein synthesis by 67% at the 8th hour after ZnSO4 injection. Examination of the common effect of cadmium and zinc ions in vivo showed that zinc ions favored towards resistance of protein synthesizing system against cadmium ions only at the 2nd hour of cadmium intoxication. Cadmium ions reduced both the acceptor activity of mouse liver tRNALeu by 44 – 74% and the activity of leucyl-tRNA synthetase by 20 – 30% within 24 hours of the liver exposure to Cd2+. In comparison with the control, the liver exposure to zinc ions caused activation of this enzyme by 27 and 41% after 8 and 24 hours, respectively, as well as inhibition of acceptor activity of tRNALeu by 31 – 58% within 24 hours. Pre-treatment with zinc ions mitigated cadmium-induced inhibition of tRNALeu after 8 hours and leucyl-tRNA synthetase after 2 – 24 hours. In vitro, zinc ions had almost no effect on cadmium-induced inhibition of both tRNALeu and leucyl-tRNA synthetase. Conclusions: In vivo, zinc ions can counteract the inhibition of liver translation machinery induced by cadmium.Correspondence to:
Dr. Leonid Ivanov
Laboratory of Pathochemistry
Institute for Biomedical Research
Kaunas University of Medicine
Eiveniu 4
50009, Kaunas, Lithuania
Email: ivanov@med.kmu.lt

Abstract

E. Székely¹, K. Szentmihályi², G. Tasnádi¹, T. Kurucz³, Z. Pallai³, A. Somogyi³ and A. Blázovics⁴

¹Hungarian Porphyria Center, Central Hospital of the Hungarian State Railways, Budapest, ²Research Center, Institute of Material and Environmental Chemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, ³Diachem Kft Budapest, and ⁴²nd Department of Medicine, Semmelweis
Sporadic porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is a disorder of heme biosynthesis due to reduced activity of the uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase enzyme. Cytochrome P450 induction, uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase depression, porphyrin accumulation resulted in cirrhosis. The total blood of 33 male patients (7 patients with PCT, 10 PCT patients with alcohol consumption, 6 PCT patients with alcohol consumption and type 2 diabetes mellitus and 10 male volunteers of Caucasian origin) were analyzed. Routine laboratory serum parameters and urine UP, H-donating ability, reducing power, plasma-free SH group concentration, stimulated chemiluminescent intensity of plasma and erythrocyte chemiluminescent intensity superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (SGH-Px) activities were determined. K concentration in PCT patients, S concentration in alcohol consumer PCT patients and Mg and Zn concentration in alcohol consumer PCT patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus decreased significantly (p £ 0.05) compared to the controls. The concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mn and P did not differ significantly in phlebotomized patient groups compared to the control, although Cu concentration was elevated and the other elements were lower in PCT groups. Metabolic alterations and alterations in the free radical antioxidant balance were found to be in close correlation with the severity of the illness. Phlebotomy generally contributes to normalizing element concentration in the blood of PCT patients, although some alterations could still be detected. The decreased concentrations of Mg, Zn, K, S, P and Mn in the total blood and low H-donating ability, SOD and GSH-Px, as well as total scavenger capacity of the plasma may contribute to cutaneous reaction, skin fragility, blisters in areas exposed to the sun and to cirrhotic processes in the liver, especially in diabetic PCT patients.Correspondence to:
Dr. E. Székely
Central Hospital of the Hungarian State Railways
Hungarian Porphyria Center
Podmaniczky St. 111
1062 Budapest, Hungary
Email: szekedit@freemail.hu

Abstract

A.V.B. Castro¹, B.B. Mendonça², W. Bloise², A. da Cunha Medeiros³ and J. Brandão-Neto⁴

¹Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, UNESP, Botucatu, ²Division of Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, USP, São Paulo, ³Department of Surgery, Health Sciences Centre, UFRN and ⁴Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Health S
Zinc (Zn++) has been shown as an important physiological inhibitor of pituitary PRL release, and Zn++ and PRL could be involved in a negative feedback regulatory loop. However, this inhibitory effect has not been detected in humans with regard to thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH), dopamine (DA) and histamine (HA) neurotransmitters. In order to investigate this topic, Zn++ was acutely and chronically administered to five healthy men to observe the probable inhibitory effect on PRL release during insulin-induced hypoglycemia. The positive PRL response to hypoglycemia has generally been considered to be mediated via the hypothalamus by adrenergic, serotoninergic, histaminergic, opioid-peptidergic and TRH neurotransmitters. The results showed that Zn++ was not able to inhibit the PRL release during insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Under these conditions, Zn++ does not block hypothalamic neurotransmitters stimulated by hypoglycemia, thus excluding its clinical application in human beings. On the other hand, the effect of acute stress, such as hypoglycemia, on the serum Zn++ profile was not observed.Correspondence to:
J. Brandão-Neto, MD, PhD
Unidade de Endocrinologia e Metabologia
Centro de Ciências da Saúde
UFRN, Natal, RN, CEP: 59 010-180, Brazil
Email: jbn@ppgcsa.com.br

Abstract

E. Akçil¹, B. Seçkin², A. Ergün³ and R. Hatungil⁴

¹Department of Pathophysiology, ²Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, ³Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, and ⁴Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
Recently, trace element levels such as serum zinc and copper in rheumatoid arthritis patients have gained importance. In some studies, synovial fluid zinc levels in rheumatoid arthritis patients were found to be increased. In this study, the effect of ultrasound on synovial fluid zinc level and synovial fluid leukocyte count was investigated in classical and/or definite rheumatoid arthritis patients, with the application of a dose of 2 Watt/cm2 for 5 minutes on the knee joints of 20 patients. Synovial fluid zinc levels were estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Synovial fluid zinc levels immediately after application of ultrasound were significantly decreased when compared with those before ultrasound application (p < 0.05). When the synovial fluid zinc level immediately after ultrasound application was compared with that 24 hours after ultrasound application, the difference was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Synovial fluid leukocyte count immediately after ultrasound application was statistically significantly increased when compared with synovial fluid leukocyte count before ultrasound application (p < 0.05). The synovial fluid zinc level and synovial fluid leukocyte count were found to be high in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The decrease of synovial fluid, zinc level and increase of synovial fluid leukocyte count immediately after ultrasound application seems to be related to the increase of inflammatory activity due to the ultrasound application in rheumatoid arthritis patients.Correspondence to:
Prof. Dr. E. Akçil
Department of Pathophysiology
Faculty of Medicine
Ankara University
Sihhiye, 06100 Ankara, Turkeye
Email: akcil@medicine.ankara.edu.tr

Abstract

I. Erzen¹ and L. Zlatel Kragelj²

¹Institute of Public Health, Celje, and ²Department of Public Health, Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Objective: The aim of the study was to determine cadmium concentrations in blood (Cd-B) in young Slovenian males occupationally unexposed to cadmium, as well as to study the relation between cadmium in blood and smoking habits. Methods and subjects: Included in the study were 708 young healthy males, aged 18 – 27 years. The random sample was drawn from the population of Slovene recruits prior to military service. Blood samples of 2 ml maximum were taken from the cubital vein and analyzed for cadmium levels by means of electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy. Each subject filled in a questionnaire related to their workplace, leisure activities, food/alcohol consumption and smoking habits. Results: The median Cd-B was: in 384 non-smokers 0.50 mg/l (range: 0.15 – 24.00 mg/l), in 217 light to moderate smokers (maximum 20 cigarettes/day) 1.00 mg/l (range: 0.15 – 8.50 mg/l), and in 107 heavy smokers (more than 21 cigarettes/day) 1.50 mg/l (range: 0.15 – 14.00 mg/l). The differences were statistically highly significant (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The study confirms the significant contribution of cigarette smoking to non-dietary cadmium intake. It can be clearly observed that, besides the dietary intake, cigarette smoking is the most important source of cadmium in unpolluted environment. The contribution of smoking to total cadmium intake seems to be even greater than that of dietary intake. The information obtained provides a foundation for assessing the importance of smoking habits as a source of exposure to this nephrotoxic element.Correspondence to:
Dr. I. Erzen
Ipavceva 18
SI-3000 Celje, Slovenia
Email: ivan@zzv-ce.si

Abstract

V. Juturu¹, A. Ruelle², M.S. Hudson¹ and J.R. Komorowski¹

¹Nutrition ²¹, Inc., Purchase, NY, and ²Advanced Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI, USA
Background: Glucose control remains the cornerstone of therapeutic strategies in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Clinical trial data suggest that chromium picolinate (CrPic) improves insulin sensitivity, glycemic control, and improved symptomatology in diabetes while biotin favorably affects abnormalities in glucose regulation. Methods: A 12-week, open-labeled, nutrition and education program was conducted to determine the effects of a CrPic and biotin combination on glycemic control. Subjects (n = 30) with type 2 DM who had a baseline HbA1c ³ 7% and were receiving oral antidiabetic medications for at least 6 months prior to the study were eligible for enrollment. The program included supplementation with (CrPic, 300 µg of Cr, and biotin 150 µg) twice daily, promotion of blood glucose monitor use, and provision of educational information on diabetes management. Pre- and post study levels of HbA1c were measured for each subject. Results: After 12 weeks, a significant drop was noted in subjects with baseline HbA1c from 8.5% to 7.4% with a mean change of 1.1% (p < 0.01). No adverse events were reported. The subjects with medications responded significantly to the combination of CrPic and biotin. Conclusions: When used in conjunction with an educational feedback program and antidiabetic medications, the combination of CrPic and biotin (Diachrome®) is safe and effective in diabetes.Correspondence to:
Nutrition 21, Inc.
4 Manhattanville Road
Purchase, NY 10577, USA
Email: vjuturu@nutrition21.com

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Volume 23, No. 1/2006(1st Quarter)