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Dustri-Verlag
Volume 23, No. 2/2006(2nd Quarter)
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Originals
The effect of daily zinc supplementation on immune system of athletes
M. Grosshauser, K. Becker, D. Riemann, J. Langner, G.I. Stangl and K. Eder
79
32$
Abstract
Adequate amounts of zinc are essential to maintain the integrity of the immune system. Zinc inadequacy is known to be more prevalent in athletic population than in healthy sedentary individuals. Thus, athletes are a possible target group that might benefit from a zinc supplementation. This study was performed to investigate circulating numbers of immunologically important cell subtypes of athletes in response to daily orally administered zinc. Therefore, 36 highly trained athletes were supplemented with 20 mg zinc daily for 6 weeks. To assess the zinc effects in relation to initial zinc status, the athletes were first classified in 3 groups based on their plasma zinc concentration: < 80 µg/dl, Group 1 (n = 9); 80 – 95 µg/dl, Group 2 (n = 13); > 95 µg/dl, Group 3 (n = 14). The zinc binding capacity of plasma was measured to obtain additional information about zinc status. Serum concentrations of immunoglobulins, leukocyte subpopulations and T cell amounts in response to ex-vivo stimulation were measured in each group before and after zinc supplementation. Zinc supplementation improved the plasma zinc status of athletes from Group 1. That was obvious by an increase of the concentration of plasma zinc and a decrease of the zinc binding capacity. In Groups 2 and 3 zinc status was not altered by a supplementation of zinc. Concentrations of immunoglobulins were not altered by zinc supplementation. Irrespective of the initial plasma zinc concentration, the numbers of lymphocyte subpopulations (HLA-DR+ T cells, CD16+ T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, CD4+ T helper cells, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells) were moderately decreased in response to zinc supplementation. Additionally, irrespective of the zinc status at the beginning of the study, supplemental zinc diminished the number of INF-g and IL-2 producing T cells in response to an ex-vivo activation. Health conditions or physical performance were not altered after 6 weeks of zinc supplementation. In conclusion, oral administration of zinc improved zinc status of athletes with plasma zinc concentrations less than 80 µg/dl, but the immune functions and health conditions of highly trained athletes did not benefit from an intervention with zinc.Correspondence to:
Prof. Dr. K. Eder
Institute of Nutritional Sciences
Martin-Luther University
06108 Halle, Germany
Email: Klaus.Eder@landw.uni-halle.de
M. Grosshauser1, K. Becker1, D. Riemann2, J. Langner2, G.I. Stangl1 and K. Eder1
1Institute of Nutritional Sciences and 2Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg,Halle/Saale, Germany Adequate amounts of zinc are essential to maintain the integrity of the immune system. Zinc inadequacy is known to be more prevalent in athletic population than in healthy sedentary individuals. Thus, athletes are a possible target group that might benefit from a zinc supplementation. This study was performed to investigate circulating numbers of immunologically important cell subtypes of athletes in response to daily orally administered zinc. Therefore, 36 highly trained athletes were supplemented with 20 mg zinc daily for 6 weeks. To assess the zinc effects in relation to initial zinc status, the athletes were first classified in 3 groups based on their plasma zinc concentration: < 80 µg/dl, Group 1 (n = 9); 80 – 95 µg/dl, Group 2 (n = 13); > 95 µg/dl, Group 3 (n = 14). The zinc binding capacity of plasma was measured to obtain additional information about zinc status. Serum concentrations of immunoglobulins, leukocyte subpopulations and T cell amounts in response to ex-vivo stimulation were measured in each group before and after zinc supplementation. Zinc supplementation improved the plasma zinc status of athletes from Group 1. That was obvious by an increase of the concentration of plasma zinc and a decrease of the zinc binding capacity. In Groups 2 and 3 zinc status was not altered by a supplementation of zinc. Concentrations of immunoglobulins were not altered by zinc supplementation. Irrespective of the initial plasma zinc concentration, the numbers of lymphocyte subpopulations (HLA-DR+ T cells, CD16+ T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, CD4+ T helper cells, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells) were moderately decreased in response to zinc supplementation. Additionally, irrespective of the zinc status at the beginning of the study, supplemental zinc diminished the number of INF-g and IL-2 producing T cells in response to an ex-vivo activation. Health conditions or physical performance were not altered after 6 weeks of zinc supplementation. In conclusion, oral administration of zinc improved zinc status of athletes with plasma zinc concentrations less than 80 µg/dl, but the immune functions and health conditions of highly trained athletes did not benefit from an intervention with zinc.Correspondence to:
Prof. Dr. K. Eder
Institute of Nutritional Sciences
Martin-Luther University
06108 Halle, Germany
Email: Klaus.Eder@landw.uni-halle.de
Originals
Bone histomorphometric values in healthy subjects during hypokinesia with and without fluid and salt supplementation
Y.G. Zorbas, K.K. Kakuris, N.H. Neofitov and V.B. Afoninos
86
32$
Abstract
The aim of this study was to show that bone mineralization in healthy subjects could be improved markedly more with than without fluid and salt supplementation (FSS) during hypokinesia (HK). Therefore, measurements were performed of iliac crest cancellous bone volume, trabecular bone volume and cortical thickness in healthy subjects with and without FSS consumption during HK. Studies were conducted during a pre-HK period and a HK period. 30 healthy male volunteers, 24.4 ± 7.7 years of age, were chosen as subjects. They were equally divided into 3 groups: unsupplemented active control subjects (UACS), unsupplemented hypokinetic subjects (UHKS) and supplemented hypokinetic subjects (SHKS). All SHKS and UHKS were walking average distances of 0.7 ± 0.1 km ´ day–1, while UACS were running average distances of 5.5 ± 1.2 km ´ day–1. An additional amount of 0.1 g of sodium chloride (NaCl) and 30 ml of fluid per kg body weight was administered daily in SHKS. Iliac crest cancellous bone volume, trabecular bone volume and cortical thickness values did not change in UACS compared with their pre-HK levels. Iliac crest cancellous bone volume, cortical thickness and trabecular bone volume were decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in UHKS compared with SHKS and their pre-HK values and the levels in active control (UACS). Iliac crest cancellous bone volume,trabecular bone volume and cortical thickness were increased significantly (p < 0.05) in SHKS compared with UHKS; these values remained unchanged compared with their pre-HK values and values in UACS. Bone formation, as measured by tetracycline, decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in UHKS compared with SHKS and UACS, while bone formation increased markedly (p < 0.05) in SHKS compared with UHKS and it remained unchanged compared with UACS. The lower bone formation with higher bone resorption had led to the lower bone mineral density in UHKS. Dissociation between the bone formation and bone resorption indicates decreased bone remodeling as the principal mechanism of bone demineralization.The higher bone formation with lower bone resorption had led to the higher bone mineral density in SHKS. Higher bone formation and lower bone resorption in SHKS than in UHKS shows that bone mineralization increases more with FSS than without. Because SHKS had shown a higher bone formation and lower bone resorption than UHKS it was assumed that bone mineral density is inversely related to FSS, i.e., the more fluid and salt is deposited the greater bone mineralization. It was concluded that FSS may be used to maintain and/or increase bone mineral density in healthy subjects during prolonged HK.Correspondence to:
K.K. Kakuris
European Foundation of Environmental Sciences
Odos Kerasundos 2
162 32 Athens, Greece
Email: kkakuris@in.gr
Y.G. Zorbas1, K.K. Kakuris2, N.H. Neofitov1 and V.B. Afoninos2
1Higher Institute of Biochemistry, Gomel, Belarus, and 2European Foundation of Environmental Sciences, Athens, Greece The aim of this study was to show that bone mineralization in healthy subjects could be improved markedly more with than without fluid and salt supplementation (FSS) during hypokinesia (HK). Therefore, measurements were performed of iliac crest cancellous bone volume, trabecular bone volume and cortical thickness in healthy subjects with and without FSS consumption during HK. Studies were conducted during a pre-HK period and a HK period. 30 healthy male volunteers, 24.4 ± 7.7 years of age, were chosen as subjects. They were equally divided into 3 groups: unsupplemented active control subjects (UACS), unsupplemented hypokinetic subjects (UHKS) and supplemented hypokinetic subjects (SHKS). All SHKS and UHKS were walking average distances of 0.7 ± 0.1 km ´ day–1, while UACS were running average distances of 5.5 ± 1.2 km ´ day–1. An additional amount of 0.1 g of sodium chloride (NaCl) and 30 ml of fluid per kg body weight was administered daily in SHKS. Iliac crest cancellous bone volume, trabecular bone volume and cortical thickness values did not change in UACS compared with their pre-HK levels. Iliac crest cancellous bone volume, cortical thickness and trabecular bone volume were decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in UHKS compared with SHKS and their pre-HK values and the levels in active control (UACS). Iliac crest cancellous bone volume,trabecular bone volume and cortical thickness were increased significantly (p < 0.05) in SHKS compared with UHKS; these values remained unchanged compared with their pre-HK values and values in UACS. Bone formation, as measured by tetracycline, decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in UHKS compared with SHKS and UACS, while bone formation increased markedly (p < 0.05) in SHKS compared with UHKS and it remained unchanged compared with UACS. The lower bone formation with higher bone resorption had led to the lower bone mineral density in UHKS. Dissociation between the bone formation and bone resorption indicates decreased bone remodeling as the principal mechanism of bone demineralization.The higher bone formation with lower bone resorption had led to the higher bone mineral density in SHKS. Higher bone formation and lower bone resorption in SHKS than in UHKS shows that bone mineralization increases more with FSS than without. Because SHKS had shown a higher bone formation and lower bone resorption than UHKS it was assumed that bone mineral density is inversely related to FSS, i.e., the more fluid and salt is deposited the greater bone mineralization. It was concluded that FSS may be used to maintain and/or increase bone mineral density in healthy subjects during prolonged HK.Correspondence to:
K.K. Kakuris
European Foundation of Environmental Sciences
Odos Kerasundos 2
162 32 Athens, Greece
Email: kkakuris@in.gr
Originals
Effects of sodium selenite against adriamycin- induced embryotoxicity and genotoxicity in rats
G. Slapsyte, J. Didziapetriene, G. Grazeliene, V. Morkunas and V. Zalgeviciene
93
28$
Abstract
Objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the possible protective effects of sodium selenite against adriamycin-induced embryotoxicity and genotoxicity in rats. Materials and methods: Pregnant rats were treated with sodium selenite and/or adriamycin during the critical stages of embryogenesis (6 – 13 days of gestation). Sodium selenite was administered by gavage five times at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg/day. Adriamycin was administered by a single intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 5 mg/kg. The animals were euthanized on the 21st day of gestation. The number and site of implantations, resorptions and dead or alive fetuses were recorded for the determination of the post-implantation mortality indices. The bone marrow micronucleus assay was used in genotoxicity study. The micronucleus frequency was expressed as percent of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs). Results: The slight though generally not significant protective effect of sodium selenite against adriamycin-induced embryotoxicity was determined: sodium selenite was found to decrease the number of adriamycin-induced resorptions and to increase fetal body weights. Pretreatment of rats with sodium selenite did not reduce the number of adriamycin-induced micronuclei when compared to the respective groups of animals treated with adriamycin alone. Conclusion: The results presented here suggest that sodium selenite had no significant protective effect against adriamycin-induced embryotoxicity and genotoxicity at least under conditions of the current study. Further studies are needed to better understand the protective effects of sodium selenite against adriamycin toxicity.Correspondence to:
Dr. G. Slapsyte
Vilnius University
Ciurlionio 21/27
03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
Email: grazina.slapsyte@gf.vu.lt
G. Slapsyte1,2, J. Didziapetriene2, G. Grazeliene2, V. Morkunas1 and V. Zalgeviciene1
1Department of Botany and Genetics and 2Institute of Oncology, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania Objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the possible protective effects of sodium selenite against adriamycin-induced embryotoxicity and genotoxicity in rats. Materials and methods: Pregnant rats were treated with sodium selenite and/or adriamycin during the critical stages of embryogenesis (6 – 13 days of gestation). Sodium selenite was administered by gavage five times at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg/day. Adriamycin was administered by a single intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 5 mg/kg. The animals were euthanized on the 21st day of gestation. The number and site of implantations, resorptions and dead or alive fetuses were recorded for the determination of the post-implantation mortality indices. The bone marrow micronucleus assay was used in genotoxicity study. The micronucleus frequency was expressed as percent of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs). Results: The slight though generally not significant protective effect of sodium selenite against adriamycin-induced embryotoxicity was determined: sodium selenite was found to decrease the number of adriamycin-induced resorptions and to increase fetal body weights. Pretreatment of rats with sodium selenite did not reduce the number of adriamycin-induced micronuclei when compared to the respective groups of animals treated with adriamycin alone. Conclusion: The results presented here suggest that sodium selenite had no significant protective effect against adriamycin-induced embryotoxicity and genotoxicity at least under conditions of the current study. Further studies are needed to better understand the protective effects of sodium selenite against adriamycin toxicity.Correspondence to:
Dr. G. Slapsyte
Vilnius University
Ciurlionio 21/27
03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
Email: grazina.slapsyte@gf.vu.lt
Originals
Comparative study of trace elements of human milk in preterm and term mothers
A.P.S. Narang, H.S. Bains, S. Kansal and D. Singh
99
20$
Abstract
Objective: Human milk is regarded as the best and complete nourishment for a neonate. It is not a uniform body fluid but a secretion of the mammary gland of changing composition. The present study was aimed to find alterations in serum trace element levels in preterm and term milk. Material and methods: There were 100 mothers enrolled for the study and were divided into 3 groups on the basis of gestation, viz., Group I (37 – 41 weeks), Group II (33 – 36 weeks) and Group III (< 33 weeks). Fourteen cases had to be excluded from the study for various reasons, 86 mothers who started their breast feeds or expressed breast feeds formed the study group; 5 ml of breast milk was collected on Days 3, 7, 14 and 28 by manual expression. The trace elements and mineral (zinc, copper, lead, magnesium) were estimated using argon plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Results and conclusions: Zinc showed an increasing trend with post-natal age in Group I. The difference in the preterm and term group was found to be significant. Copper was also found to be increased with increasing postnatal age Group I. Traces of lead were found to be present in 40% of breast milk samples. Magnesium content did not show a increasing or decreasing trend in post natal preterm or in term milk.Correspondence to:
Dr. A.P.S. Narang
Professor and Head of Biochemistry
Dayanand Medical College and Hospital
Ludhiana-141001, Punjab, India
A.P.S. Narang1, H.S. Bains2, S. Kansal2 and D. Singh2
Departments of 1Biochemistry and 2Pediatrics, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana, India Objective: Human milk is regarded as the best and complete nourishment for a neonate. It is not a uniform body fluid but a secretion of the mammary gland of changing composition. The present study was aimed to find alterations in serum trace element levels in preterm and term milk. Material and methods: There were 100 mothers enrolled for the study and were divided into 3 groups on the basis of gestation, viz., Group I (37 – 41 weeks), Group II (33 – 36 weeks) and Group III (< 33 weeks). Fourteen cases had to be excluded from the study for various reasons, 86 mothers who started their breast feeds or expressed breast feeds formed the study group; 5 ml of breast milk was collected on Days 3, 7, 14 and 28 by manual expression. The trace elements and mineral (zinc, copper, lead, magnesium) were estimated using argon plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Results and conclusions: Zinc showed an increasing trend with post-natal age in Group I. The difference in the preterm and term group was found to be significant. Copper was also found to be increased with increasing postnatal age Group I. Traces of lead were found to be present in 40% of breast milk samples. Magnesium content did not show a increasing or decreasing trend in post natal preterm or in term milk.Correspondence to:
Dr. A.P.S. Narang
Professor and Head of Biochemistry
Dayanand Medical College and Hospital
Ludhiana-141001, Punjab, India
Originals
Serum zinc and copper level in age-related macular degeneration
T. Cumurcu, D. Mendil and I. Etikan
103
24$
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the association between serum zinc and copper level in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The purpose of this study was to measure zinc and copper levels in the serum with AMD and similar age control group. Material and methods: There were 30 late-form AMD patients and 30 normal subjects studied, who were similar for age and gender. Serum zinc and copper were analyzed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry after microwave digestion. Results: The zinc and copper concentration in samples with AMD group were found to be 12.95 ± 2.55 mmol/l and 12.25 ± 4.93 mmol/l, respectively, and 14.66 ± 4.11 mmol/l and 13.94 ± 4.10 mmol/l, respectively, with control group. The result demonstrated that the concentration of Zn in the serum of control group was found to be significantly higher than AMD group (p < 0.001), however, the concentration of Cu in serum of control group and AMD group were not detected to be of statistically significant difference (p = 0.155). In addition to copper/zinc ratios were no statistically significant differences between control and AMD group (p = 0.54). Conclusion: A deficit of zinc serum level seems to be associated with AMD, particularly in advanced form. It is also suggested that in AMD patients macular susceptibility to oxidative damage is related with age.Correspondence to:
Dr. T. Cumurcu
Department of Ophthalmology
Gaziosmanpasa University School of Medicine
Tokat, Turkey
Email: tcumurcu@gop.edu.tr
tongabay@superonline.com
T. Cumurcu1, D. Mendil2 and I. Etikan3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Gaziosmanpasa University School of Medicine, 2Department of Chemistry, Gaziosmanpasa University Faculty of Science and Arts, and 3Department of Bioistatistic, Gaziosmanpasa University School of Medicine, Tokat, Turkey Objective: To evaluate the association between serum zinc and copper level in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The purpose of this study was to measure zinc and copper levels in the serum with AMD and similar age control group. Material and methods: There were 30 late-form AMD patients and 30 normal subjects studied, who were similar for age and gender. Serum zinc and copper were analyzed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry after microwave digestion. Results: The zinc and copper concentration in samples with AMD group were found to be 12.95 ± 2.55 mmol/l and 12.25 ± 4.93 mmol/l, respectively, and 14.66 ± 4.11 mmol/l and 13.94 ± 4.10 mmol/l, respectively, with control group. The result demonstrated that the concentration of Zn in the serum of control group was found to be significantly higher than AMD group (p < 0.001), however, the concentration of Cu in serum of control group and AMD group were not detected to be of statistically significant difference (p = 0.155). In addition to copper/zinc ratios were no statistically significant differences between control and AMD group (p = 0.54). Conclusion: A deficit of zinc serum level seems to be associated with AMD, particularly in advanced form. It is also suggested that in AMD patients macular susceptibility to oxidative damage is related with age.Correspondence to:
Dr. T. Cumurcu
Department of Ophthalmology
Gaziosmanpasa University School of Medicine
Tokat, Turkey
Email: tcumurcu@gop.edu.tr
tongabay@superonline.com
Originals
Study on the distribution of trace elements and trace element-containing proteins in the lung of the rat
K. Bukalis, A. Kyriakopoulos, D. Alber, A.N. Richarz and D. Behne
108
24$
Abstract
The concentrations of arsenic, chromium, cobalt, iron, manganese, rubidium, selenium and zinc were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) in the homogenate and the subcellular fractions of lungs from rats fed either a selenium-adequate or a selenium-deficient diet. Feeding of the selenium-deficient diet led to a considerable decrease in the selenium levels in all samples investigated but had no significant effect on the concentrations of the other elements. All elements were distributed inhomogeneously among the subcellular fractions. Selenium, iron and zinc had their highest concentrations in the microsomal fraction, chromium and cobalt in the nuclear fraction and arsenic and rubidium in the cytosol. Information about the trace element-containing proteins in the lung cytosol was obtained by size exclusion chromatography and online multi-element analysis of the separated protein fractions by mass spectrometry in conjunction with an inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS). The results suggested that arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, selenium and zinc are present in the rat lung cytosol in several protein-bound forms.Correspondence to:
Dr. K. Bukalis
Department of Molecular Trace Element Research in the Life Sciences
Hahn-Meitner-Institut
Glienicker Straße 100
14109 Berlin, Germany
Email: k.bukalis@hmi.de
K. Bukalis, A. Kyriakopoulos, D. Alber, A.N. Richarz and D. Behne
Department of Molecular Trace Element Research in the Life Sciences, Hahn-Meitner-Institut, Berlin, Germany The concentrations of arsenic, chromium, cobalt, iron, manganese, rubidium, selenium and zinc were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) in the homogenate and the subcellular fractions of lungs from rats fed either a selenium-adequate or a selenium-deficient diet. Feeding of the selenium-deficient diet led to a considerable decrease in the selenium levels in all samples investigated but had no significant effect on the concentrations of the other elements. All elements were distributed inhomogeneously among the subcellular fractions. Selenium, iron and zinc had their highest concentrations in the microsomal fraction, chromium and cobalt in the nuclear fraction and arsenic and rubidium in the cytosol. Information about the trace element-containing proteins in the lung cytosol was obtained by size exclusion chromatography and online multi-element analysis of the separated protein fractions by mass spectrometry in conjunction with an inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS). The results suggested that arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, selenium and zinc are present in the rat lung cytosol in several protein-bound forms.Correspondence to:
Dr. K. Bukalis
Department of Molecular Trace Element Research in the Life Sciences
Hahn-Meitner-Institut
Glienicker Straße 100
14109 Berlin, Germany
Email: k.bukalis@hmi.de
Originals
The effect of green tea in normalization of liver function test in experimental liver injury
A.A. Dashti, F.H. Saleh, M.M. Jadaon, S.K. Asfar, A.M. Abdulsamad, N.S. Al-Zaid and H.M. Dashti
113
28$
Abstract
Liver injury was induced by subcutaneous administration of thioacetamide (200 mg/kg/wt) and the plasma level of Zn and Cu along with alanine aminotransferase (Alt) and asparate aminotransferase (Ast) studied. Administration of green tea improved the plasma level of Zn, Cu and Cu/Zn ratio. Thioacetamide induced elevation of Ast in experimental animals, however, green tea administration improved both Ast level and Ast/Alt ratio significantly. Histopathological studies have shown that green tea administration showed improvement in hepatic architecture at the initial stages of the study. The present study shows that one dose of thioacetamide administration resulted in performed liver injury, and supplementation of green tea has improved plasma level of Zn and Cu as well as Ast, Alt and Ast/Alt ratio.Correspondence to:
Dr. A.A. Dashti
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences
Faculty of Allied Health Sciences
Health Science Center
Kuwait University
P.O. Box 31470
Sulabikhat 90805, Kuwait
Email: aad@hsc.edu.kw
A.A. Dashti1, F.H. Saleh2, M.M. Jadaon1, S.K. Asfar3, A.M. Abdulsamad4, N.S. Al-Zaid5 and H.M. Dashti3
1Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Health Science Center, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kuwait University, 2Department of Surgery, Health Science Center, Faculty of Medicine, 3Department of Anatomy, 4Department of Surgery, Amiri Hospital, a Liver injury was induced by subcutaneous administration of thioacetamide (200 mg/kg/wt) and the plasma level of Zn and Cu along with alanine aminotransferase (Alt) and asparate aminotransferase (Ast) studied. Administration of green tea improved the plasma level of Zn, Cu and Cu/Zn ratio. Thioacetamide induced elevation of Ast in experimental animals, however, green tea administration improved both Ast level and Ast/Alt ratio significantly. Histopathological studies have shown that green tea administration showed improvement in hepatic architecture at the initial stages of the study. The present study shows that one dose of thioacetamide administration resulted in performed liver injury, and supplementation of green tea has improved plasma level of Zn and Cu as well as Ast, Alt and Ast/Alt ratio.Correspondence to:
Dr. A.A. Dashti
Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences
Faculty of Allied Health Sciences
Health Science Center
Kuwait University
P.O. Box 31470
Sulabikhat 90805, Kuwait
Email: aad@hsc.edu.kw
Originals
Alterations in the level of trace elements in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia
F. Abul, T.C. Mathew, N. Arun, H. Abul and H.M. Dashti
119
24$
Abstract
The etiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia is not well understood. As changes in the level of trace elements are shown to be associated with the functioning of different organs, the current study is aimed at understanding the correlation of the severity of symptoms and prostate volume in benign prostatic hyperplasia with the level of prostatic Cu, Zn, Se and Mn. Studies using atomic absorption spectrophotometry have shown that there was a significant decrease in the level of Zn (p = 0.0037) and Se (p = 0.0115) in patients with acute retention as compared to patients with outflow obstructive (OFO) symptoms. Furthermore, based on the volume of the prostate, there was a significant decrease in the level of Zn (p = 0.0105) and Mn (p = 0.0105) from mild to severe enlargement. These studies clearly indicate the possible prognostic, diagnostic and therapeutic roles of trace elements in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia.Correspondence to:
F. Abul, MD
Department of Surgery
Faculty of Medicine
Kuwait University
P.O. Box 24923
13110 Safat, Kuwait
Email: fawziabul@hotmail.com
F. Abul1, T.C. Mathew2, N. Arun3, H. Abul4 and H.M. Dashti1
Departments of 1Surgery, and 4Pharmacology, 2Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kuwait University, 3Department of Surgery, Urology Unit, Al-Amiri Hospital, Kuwait The etiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia is not well understood. As changes in the level of trace elements are shown to be associated with the functioning of different organs, the current study is aimed at understanding the correlation of the severity of symptoms and prostate volume in benign prostatic hyperplasia with the level of prostatic Cu, Zn, Se and Mn. Studies using atomic absorption spectrophotometry have shown that there was a significant decrease in the level of Zn (p = 0.0037) and Se (p = 0.0115) in patients with acute retention as compared to patients with outflow obstructive (OFO) symptoms. Furthermore, based on the volume of the prostate, there was a significant decrease in the level of Zn (p = 0.0105) and Mn (p = 0.0105) from mild to severe enlargement. These studies clearly indicate the possible prognostic, diagnostic and therapeutic roles of trace elements in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia.Correspondence to:
F. Abul, MD
Department of Surgery
Faculty of Medicine
Kuwait University
P.O. Box 24923
13110 Safat, Kuwait
Email: fawziabul@hotmail.com
Originals
Candesartan combined with ACE inhibitors: the course of potassium and creatinine in patients with severe heart failure or hypertension
B. Gremmler and K. Kisters
124
20$
Abstract
Background: The efficacy of ACE inhibitor therapy is well-documented in the treatment of chronic heart failure and hypertension. As pharmacological mechanisms of ACE inhibition and angiotensin II AT1 receptor antagonists differ, an additional positive effect concerning left ventricular function and hypertension can be expected in combining ACE inhibitors with the AT1 receptor antagonist candesartan. Due to the fact that both drugs influence the RAA system, a change concerning the level of potassium and creatinine could be possible by using the combined therapy with candesartan and ACE inhibitors. Methods: 20 patients (69.8 ± 9.9 years) with advanced chronic heart failure (NYHA class III) or severe hypertension receiving long-term medication with diuretics and ACE inhibitors were additionally treated after clinical recompensation with candesartan (11.0 ± 3.9 mg/d). In a prospective study, we observed the course of potassium and creatinine, which were determined at baseline and after 45.5 ± 65.5 days of study medication treatment. Results: A slight but not significant increase of potassium level was observed under the additional candesartan treatment (initially mean 4.51 ± 0.45 mval/l versus under the study 4.71 ± 0.60 mval/l). The analysis of serum creatinine revealed no significant change during the observation period. Under the additional treatment with candesartan, a clinical improvement was reported. Conclusions: The additional treatment with the AT1 receptor antagonist candesartan, given to severe heart failure or hypertension patients who received diuretics, ACE inhibitors and mostly b-blockers, resulted in a beneficial effect by increasing cardiac performance or normalizing the blood pressure values. Under the combined therapy, a slight but not significant increase of serum potassium level was observed. Furthermore, no relevant change of serum creatinine was seen.Correspondence to:
Dr. B. Gremmler
Marienhospital
Josef-Albers-Straße 70
46236 Bottrop, Germany
Email: dr.bernhard.gremmler@t-online.de
B. Gremmler1 and K. Kisters2
1Department of Cardiology, Marienhospital Bottrop, and 2Department of Internal Medicine I, St. Anna-Hospital, Herne, Germany Background: The efficacy of ACE inhibitor therapy is well-documented in the treatment of chronic heart failure and hypertension. As pharmacological mechanisms of ACE inhibition and angiotensin II AT1 receptor antagonists differ, an additional positive effect concerning left ventricular function and hypertension can be expected in combining ACE inhibitors with the AT1 receptor antagonist candesartan. Due to the fact that both drugs influence the RAA system, a change concerning the level of potassium and creatinine could be possible by using the combined therapy with candesartan and ACE inhibitors. Methods: 20 patients (69.8 ± 9.9 years) with advanced chronic heart failure (NYHA class III) or severe hypertension receiving long-term medication with diuretics and ACE inhibitors were additionally treated after clinical recompensation with candesartan (11.0 ± 3.9 mg/d). In a prospective study, we observed the course of potassium and creatinine, which were determined at baseline and after 45.5 ± 65.5 days of study medication treatment. Results: A slight but not significant increase of potassium level was observed under the additional candesartan treatment (initially mean 4.51 ± 0.45 mval/l versus under the study 4.71 ± 0.60 mval/l). The analysis of serum creatinine revealed no significant change during the observation period. Under the additional treatment with candesartan, a clinical improvement was reported. Conclusions: The additional treatment with the AT1 receptor antagonist candesartan, given to severe heart failure or hypertension patients who received diuretics, ACE inhibitors and mostly b-blockers, resulted in a beneficial effect by increasing cardiac performance or normalizing the blood pressure values. Under the combined therapy, a slight but not significant increase of serum potassium level was observed. Furthermore, no relevant change of serum creatinine was seen.Correspondence to:
Dr. B. Gremmler
Marienhospital
Josef-Albers-Straße 70
46236 Bottrop, Germany
Email: dr.bernhard.gremmler@t-online.de
Originals
Effects of chromium supplementation on body composition, leptin, ghrelin levels and selected biochemical parameters in obese women
N. Inanç, F. Uyanik, H. Sahin, H. Yaman and O. Erdem
128
28$
Abstract
Objective: This study was performed to investigate the effects of chromium picolinate (CrPic) supplementation on body composition, and blood chemistry related to carbohydrate, lipid, protein and mineral metabolisms in obese women. Materials and methods: Observed were 12 women, between 17 – 50 years of age, with body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) over 25 received 200 mg/day of chromium as CrPic for 8 weeks. Basal metabolic rate (BMR), anthropometric and selected biochemical parameters as well as serum insulin, leptin and ghrelin were measured at baseline and 8 weeks. Results: Chromium picolinate reduced waist and hip circumferences (p < 0.01) but had no effect on the other anthropometric measurements and BMR. A slight but not significant decrease was found in fasting blood glucose. Plasma leptin (p < 0.001) levels of the subjects decreased. No statistically significant differences were determined in insulin, ghrelin and in the other biochemical parameters. Conclusion: The results of this study have shown that 200 mg/day of chromium as CrPic for 8 weeks reduced leptin levels and waist and hip circumferences and, thus, abdominal obesity.Correspondence to:
Prof. Dr. N. Inanç
Erciyes Universitesi
Atatürk Saglik Yüksek Okulu
Beslenme ve Diyetetik Bölümü
38039 Kayseri, Türkiye
Email: inanc@erciyes.edu.tr
N. Inanç1, F. Uyanik2, H. Sahin1, H. Yaman3 and O. Erdem4
1Department of Nutrition and Dietetic, Atatürk Health Vocational College, 2Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Erciyes, Kayseri, 3Department of Biochemistry, 4Department of Pharmacology, Gülhane Military Medical Aca Objective: This study was performed to investigate the effects of chromium picolinate (CrPic) supplementation on body composition, and blood chemistry related to carbohydrate, lipid, protein and mineral metabolisms in obese women. Materials and methods: Observed were 12 women, between 17 – 50 years of age, with body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) over 25 received 200 mg/day of chromium as CrPic for 8 weeks. Basal metabolic rate (BMR), anthropometric and selected biochemical parameters as well as serum insulin, leptin and ghrelin were measured at baseline and 8 weeks. Results: Chromium picolinate reduced waist and hip circumferences (p < 0.01) but had no effect on the other anthropometric measurements and BMR. A slight but not significant decrease was found in fasting blood glucose. Plasma leptin (p < 0.001) levels of the subjects decreased. No statistically significant differences were determined in insulin, ghrelin and in the other biochemical parameters. Conclusion: The results of this study have shown that 200 mg/day of chromium as CrPic for 8 weeks reduced leptin levels and waist and hip circumferences and, thus, abdominal obesity.Correspondence to:
Prof. Dr. N. Inanç
Erciyes Universitesi
Atatürk Saglik Yüksek Okulu
Beslenme ve Diyetetik Bölümü
38039 Kayseri, Türkiye
Email: inanc@erciyes.edu.tr
Originals
General toxicity studies of the cadmium and benzo(a)pyrene complex
A. Paltanaviciene, D. Zabulyte, J. Kalibatas, V. Drebickas, A. Juozulynas and A. Jurgelenas
134
28$
Abstract
Cadmium, a heavy metal, and benzo(a)pyrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, are found in air, water, soil and food. These environmental pollutants are also common constituents of tobacco smoke. The objective of the study was to investigate the combined effect of cadmium and benzo(a)pyrene on general toxicity on the organism of Wistar rats at the oral route of administration. Materials and methods: Tests on general toxicity were conducted on the basis of the methodical recommendations 407 and 408 of the OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals: “Repeated Dose Oral Toxicity Rodent: 28-day or 14-day study”, “Subchronic Oral Toxicity Rodent: 90-day study”. In the experiment, about 200 male Wistar-line rats were employed. The complex of substances studied induced changes in the biochemical, urinalysis, hematological and orientation reactions parameters. Used were 4 different dose levels (0.1, 0.5, 1.92, 4.0 mg/kg for Cd and 0.00015, 0.0015, 33.3, 10.0 mg/kg for B(a)P and their combinations). The effects of complex were characterized by 4 types of combined action of substances: antagonistic, additive, synergic and unknown nature. Results: According to the parameters of blood biochemistry and urinalysis, the following combined action of substances was determined: antagonistic 63.9%, additive 19.4%, synergic 5.6% and unknown nature 11.1%. Evaluating the complex of substances by hematological parameters, it was noted that the combined action of substances had 3 types: antagonistic (41.2%), additive (47.0%) and synergic (11.8%). Analysis of the complex of substances under study by the parameters of orientation reactions showed that the combined action of substances had 2 types: antagonistic (37.5%) and additive (62.5%).Correspondence to:
Dr. A. Paltanaviciene
Institute of Hygiene
22 Didzioji Street
01128 Vilnius, Lithuania
Email: audra.paltana@hi.lt
A. Paltanaviciene1, D. Zabulyte1, J. Kalibatas1, V. Drebickas2, A. Juozulynas3 and A. Jurgelenas3
1Institute of Hygiene, 2Vilnius Pedagogical University,3Institute of Experimental and Clinical Medicine,Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania Cadmium, a heavy metal, and benzo(a)pyrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, are found in air, water, soil and food. These environmental pollutants are also common constituents of tobacco smoke. The objective of the study was to investigate the combined effect of cadmium and benzo(a)pyrene on general toxicity on the organism of Wistar rats at the oral route of administration. Materials and methods: Tests on general toxicity were conducted on the basis of the methodical recommendations 407 and 408 of the OECD Guidelines for the Testing of Chemicals: “Repeated Dose Oral Toxicity Rodent: 28-day or 14-day study”, “Subchronic Oral Toxicity Rodent: 90-day study”. In the experiment, about 200 male Wistar-line rats were employed. The complex of substances studied induced changes in the biochemical, urinalysis, hematological and orientation reactions parameters. Used were 4 different dose levels (0.1, 0.5, 1.92, 4.0 mg/kg for Cd and 0.00015, 0.0015, 33.3, 10.0 mg/kg for B(a)P and their combinations). The effects of complex were characterized by 4 types of combined action of substances: antagonistic, additive, synergic and unknown nature. Results: According to the parameters of blood biochemistry and urinalysis, the following combined action of substances was determined: antagonistic 63.9%, additive 19.4%, synergic 5.6% and unknown nature 11.1%. Evaluating the complex of substances by hematological parameters, it was noted that the combined action of substances had 3 types: antagonistic (41.2%), additive (47.0%) and synergic (11.8%). Analysis of the complex of substances under study by the parameters of orientation reactions showed that the combined action of substances had 2 types: antagonistic (37.5%) and additive (62.5%).Correspondence to:
Dr. A. Paltanaviciene
Institute of Hygiene
22 Didzioji Street
01128 Vilnius, Lithuania
Email: audra.paltana@hi.lt
Originals
Effect of the diurnal magnesium decline on exercise-induced magnesium shifts
D. Westmoreland, J. Hofstede and S. Porta
140
24$
Abstract
Background: During exercise, Mg2+ shifts among compartments, resulting in transient increases or decreases in plasma Mg2+. In a previous study, we showed that pre-exercise Mg2+ levels influenced the magnitude and direction of the Mg2+ shift, and we hypothesized that the diurnal rhythm of plasma Mg2+ could influence the Mg2+ shift when ergometric tests are run at different times of day. In this study, we tested this hypothesis by having subjects complete identical exercise routines during the daylight phase of Mg2+ decline. Material and methods: We sampled blood from 25 male volunteers immediately before and after cycle ergometry at 06:00 – 07:00, 11:00 – 12:00, and 15:00 – 16:00. Each subject completed all 3 trials on the same day. Blood samples were analyzed for plasma concentrations of Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+. Results: As expected on the basis of the diurnal rhythm, pre-exercise Mg2+ concentrations declined over course of the day. Exercise caused a drop in plasma Mg2+, and the magnitude of the decline was strongly correlated with pre-exercise Mg2+ levels. Time of day explained 4% of the variation in the Mg2+ shift, while pre-exercise Mg2+ levels explained 25% of the variance. In a comparison of 9 published studies in which pre-exercise plasma Mg2+ levels were reported along with the direction of the Mg2+ shift, a drop in plasma Mg2+ occurred when subjects had high initial Mg2+ levels, and a rise occurred when subjects had low pre-exercise Mg2+. Conclusion: Pre-exercise plasma Mg2+ concentrations influence both the magnitude and direction of the Mg2+ shift. Since Mg2+ concentrations decline during daylight hours, researchers could benefit by controlling the time of day that exercise tests are conducted.Correspondence to:
Prof. Dr. D. Westmoreland
Department of Biology, HQ USAFA/DFB
2355 Faculty Drive Suite 2P389
U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 80840, USA
Email: David.Westmoreland@usafa.af.mil
D. Westmoreland1, J. Hofstede2 and S. Porta3,4
1Department of Biology, U.S. Air Force Academy, CO, 2Grand Forks Air Force Base, ND, USA, 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+. In a previous study, we showed that pre-exercise Mg2+ levels influenced the magnitude and direction of the Mg2+ shift, and we hypothesized that the diurnal rhythm of plasma Mg2+ could influence the Mg2+ shift when ergometric tests are run at different times of day. In this study, we tested this hypothesis by having subjects complete identical exercise routines during the daylight phase of Mg2+ decline. Material and methods: We sampled blood from 25 male volunteers immediately before and after cycle ergometry at 06:00 – 07:00, 11:00 – 12:00, and 15:00 – 16:00. Each subject completed all 3 trials on the same day. Blood samples were analyzed for plasma concentrations of Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+. Results: As expected on the basis of the diurnal rhythm, pre-exercise Mg2+ concentrations declined over course of the day. Exercise caused a drop in plasma Mg2+, and the magnitude of the decline was strongly correlated with pre-exercise Mg2+ levels. Time of day explained 4% of the variation in the Mg2+ shift, while pre-exercise Mg2+ levels explained 25% of the variance. In a comparison of 9 published studies in which pre-exercise plasma Mg2+ levels were reported along with the direction of the Mg2+ shift, a drop in plasma Mg2+ occurred when subjects had high initial Mg2+ levels, and a rise occurred when subjects had low pre-exercise Mg2+. Conclusion: Pre-exercise plasma Mg2+ concentrations influence both the magnitude and direction of the Mg2+ shift. Since Mg2+ concentrations decline during daylight hours, researchers could benefit by controlling the time of day that exercise tests are conducted.Correspondence to:
Prof. Dr. D. Westmoreland
Department of Biology, HQ USAFA/DFB
2355 Faculty Drive Suite 2P389
U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 80840, USA
Email: David.Westmoreland@usafa.af.mil
