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Abstract

B.J. Wang¹, N. Liu², W. Hu², J. Fu², D.M. Guo², S.E. Wang² and X. Cui²

¹Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Qilu Hospital, and ²Institute of Chemistry and Bacteria Detection, College of Public Health, West Campus of Shandong University, Jinan, China
The effects of ZnCl2 and Zn-EDTA on the development of psoriasis were studied in the model of vaginal epithelium and tail epidermis of mouse. The mitoses of vaginal epithelial cell in female mice of their estrogenic stage and the formation of granular cell layers in mice tail scale were observed. Methods: Mice were randomly divided into eight groups and treated with normal saline, methotrexate (MTX), ZnCl₂ and Zn-EDTA, respectively, for 10 days. To explore the influence of ZnCl₂ and Zn-EDTA on the excretion of Cu, Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, Mn and Se, the concentration of those elements were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: The different doses of ZnCl₂ or Zn-EDTA could obviously inhibit the mitoses of vaginal epithelial cell (p < 0.05) and promote the formation of granular cell layers in mice tail scale (p < 0.05). No statistically significant results were found between the groups of ZnCl₂ and Zn-EDTA, and the group of methotrexate acted as the positive control. Conclusions: ZnCl₂ and Zn-EDTA are as effective as methotrexate on inhibiting hyperplasia of epidermal cells and increasing the formation of granular cell layers, possibly retarding the development of psoriasis.Correspondence to:
Prof. X. Cui
Institute of Chemistry and Bacteria Detection, College of Public Health, West Campus of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, PR China
Email: cuixi@sdu.edu.cn

Abstract

Y.G. Zorbas¹, K.K. Kakuris², I.A. Neofitov² and N.I. Afoninos²

¹Higher Institute of Biochemistry, Gomel, Belarus, ²European Foundation of Environmental Sciences, Athens, Greece
The aim of this study was to show that during hypokinesia (diminished movement) the whole body zinc (Zn²⁺) depletion intensifies Zn²⁺ losses more with than without Zn²⁺ supplementation. To this end, analyses were made of Zn²⁺absorption, serum Zn²⁺ concentrations and urine and fecal Zn²⁺ losses in supplemented and unsupplemented subjects during and after prolonged hypokinesia (HK). Studies were conducted during a 30-day pre-HK, a 364-day HK and a 30-day post-HK period. 40 male healthy volunteers 24.4 ± 6.6 years of age were chosen as subjects. They were equally divided into four groups, i.e. unsupplemented active control subjects (UACS), unsupplemented hypokinetic subjects (UHKS), supplemented active control subjects (SACS) and supplemented hypokinetic subjects (SHKS). Hypokinetic subjects were walking average distances of 0.7 ± 0.2 km.day^–1 for 364 days. Active control subjects were running average distances of 7.4 ± 1.2 km.day^–1 for 364 days. All SHKS and SACS consumed 288 mmol of zinc citrate daily. Absorption of Zn²⁺, serum Zn²⁺ concentration, urine and fecal Zn²⁺ excretion did not change in SACS and UACS compared with their pre-HK values. During HK, Zn²⁺ absorption decreased significantly (p < 0.05), and Zn²⁺ levels in serum, feces and urine increased significantly (p < 0.05) in SHKS and UHKS compared with their pre-HK levels and the values in their respective active controls (SACS and UACS). At the initial 20 days of post-HK period, Zn²⁺ absorption increased significantly (p < 0.05), and serum Zn²⁺ concentration, urine and fecal Zn²⁺ excretion decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in hypokinetic subjects compared with their pre-HK and their respective active control values. By the 30th day of the post-HK period, these values in SHKS and UHKS approached the control values. During HK and post-HK, Zn²⁺ absorption, and serum Zn²⁺ levels, urine and fecal Zn²⁺ levels were changed significantly (p < 0.05) more in SHKS than in UHKS. The higher Zn²⁺ loss in SHKS than in UHKS shows that Zn²⁺ loss increases more with than without Zn²⁺ supplementation. With whole body Zn²⁺ depletion, the higher Zn²⁺ loss in SHKS than in UHKS indicates that the risk for higher Zn²⁺ loss is inversely related to whole body Zn²⁺ depletion and Zn²⁺ consumption, i.e., the greater whole body Zn²⁺ depletion and the higher Zn²⁺ consumption, the greater the risk for higher Zn²⁺ loss with greater whole body depletion and higher Zn²⁺ consumption in SHKS than in UHKS. Dissociation between whole body Zn²⁺ depletion and Zn²⁺ loss shows decreased Zn²⁺ utilization as the principal mechanism of Zn²⁺ losses with whole body Zn²⁺ depletion. It was concluded that whole body Zn²⁺ depletion intensifies Zn²⁺ losses, that Zn²⁺ losses increase more with higher than lower whole body Zn²⁺ depletion, and that whole body Zn²⁺ depletion increases more with than without Zn²⁺ supplementation.Correspondence to:
K.K. Kakuris, MD
European Foundation of Environmental Sciences, Odos Kerasundos 2-4, 162 32 Athens, Greece
Email: kkakuris@yahoo.com

Abstract

K. Szentmihályi¹, A. Kovács², E. Rapavi³, L. Váli³, J. Molnár³ and A. Blázovics³

¹Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Chemical Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, ²Department of Gastroenterology, Péterfy Hospital, ³²nd Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
Objective: Ulcerative colitis (UC) may be characterized by metal ion and antioxidant deficiencies. Raphacol bile granule (containing vitamin A, E, C, polyphenols and isothiocyanates) supplementary treatment was applied in moderately active UC patients to estimate its effect on the element status. Materials and methods: Element content (Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, P, S and Zn) in erythrocyte of 15 Caucasian volunteers, 25 moderately UC patients with therapy recommended by WHO and 25 patients treated with Raphacol bile granule (0.2 g/d for 6 months) were studied with ICP-AES. Results and conclusions: Significantly decreased Ca, Fe and Zn concentrations were found in erythrocyte of UC patients (24.38 ± 11.00, 415.0 ± 87.6, 10.86 ± 4.37 mmol/l, respectively) compared to controls (69.25 ± 21.00, 535.5 ± 69.1, 16.67 ± 3.34 mmol/l, respectively). After 6-month isothiocyanate treatment, the Cu (0.551 ± 0.380 mmol/l), Fe (534.6 ± 23.1 mmol/l), Mg (63.41 ± 11.19 mmol/l) and P (1,089.0 ± 104.2 mmol/l) content in erythrocyte increased significantly. Summarizing the small amount of Raphacol treatment for 6 months alters the element status in moderately active UC. The favorable effect may be connected to the local antioxidant effect of the bioactive agents which may contribute to the increased element absorption.Correspondence to:
K. Szentmihályi
Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Chemical Research Center of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 1525 Budapest, PO Box 17, Hungary
Email: szklari@chemres.hu

Abstract

Z. Ülger¹, S. Ariogul¹, B. Orhan², G.Ö. Kavas³, P. Aribal³ and Ö. Akyol²

¹Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Geriatrics, ²Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, ³Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the copper and zinc concentrations in healthy adults, geriatric healthy individuals and two geriatric patient groups with cardiovascular disease and dementia. Material: Control groups were constituted of 15 healthy adults with an average age of 37 years and with geriatric healthy individuals with an average age of 75 years. Geriatric patients with with an average age of 76 years were selected for this comparative study. Method: Red cell copper and zinc concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: In our study, red cell zinc concentrations of the patient group with cardiovascular disease were found to be increased slightly. On the other hand, zinc concentration in patients with dementia was found to be lower compared to other elderly individuals. Red cell copper concentration didn’t show a significant change statistically. Conclusion: The results of these four groups were compared and discussed according to their mean age and health status. The relations between copper and zinc concentrations with cardiovascular disease and dementia were evaluated.Correspondence to:
P. Aribal, MD, PhD
Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Sihhiye 06100, Ankara, Turkey
Email: kocaturk@medicine.ankara.edu.tr

Abstract

R. Agarwal¹, J.R. Behari¹ and R. Prakash²

¹Toxicokinetics Section, Industrial Toxicology Research Centre M.G. Marg, ²School of Material Science and Technology, Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, U.P., India
A field deployable electrochemical technique based on anodic stripping differential pulse voltammetry (ASDPV) with a novel side disk gold rotating electrode has been used for the quantification of mercury in natural water, industrial wastewater, thermal power plant lakes and urine samples. A simple, user-friendly and cost-effective technique has been developed for the estimation of mercury directly in the field and affected areas as following the World Health Organization (WHO) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommendation regarding the allowed limits of mercury. Estimation is carried out using a unique side disk gold electrode in mild acidic condition (2 – 3% HCl) of various samples without any pretreatment or digestion of the samples. Mercury was estimated without any interference in various samples over a broad range from 1 to 100 mg/l. Mercury is also estimated in human urine, as a possible marker for mercury toxicity in the human.Correspondence to:
Dr. R. Prakash, Reader
School of Materiale Science and Technology,
Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221005,
Uttar Pradesh, India
Email: rajivprakash12@yahoo.com

Abstract

C. Hourand, H.H. Hopp, M. Bentrup and T. Noack

epartment of Physiology, University of Rostock, Germany
Hypoxia induces in most arterial and venous smooth muscle tissues a rapid vasorelaxation. One mechanism for this vasorelaxation is reported as a hyperpolarization, induced by the opening of ATP-sensitive potassium channels [Beech and Bolton 1989, Ibbotson et al. 1993, Noack et al. 1992a, b]. These channels are believed to link metabolism and cell activity like in insulin secreting cells [Noack et al. 2003]. Insulin secretagogues (sulfonylureas and glinides) increase insulin secretion by closing the ATP-sensitive K⁺ channel (K_ATP channel) in the pancreatic b-cell membrane. K_ATP channels also subserve important functions in the heart. First, K_ATP channels in coronary myocytes contribute to the control of coronary blood flow at rest and in hypoxia [Ibbotson et al. 1993]. In vascular tissues, potassium and calcium channels play an important role in nitrergic and non-nitrergic relaxation processes in smooth muscle. ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K_ATP) may play an important role in the regulation of vascular tone, especially under hypoxic conditions, and exert a protective effect when energy supply is low [Noack et al. 1992b]. The link between oxygen tension and the opening of K_ATP (which occurs as the intracellular ATP concentration, [ATP]_i, falls) is oxidative glycolysis. However, other mechanisms of hypoxia-induced vasorelaxation are also reported in the literature [Hourand et al. 2006, Noack et al. 2003, Park et al. 2007, Wardle et al. 2006, 2007]. In this study we investigated hypoxia-induced relaxation in the coronary vascular bed and portal veins from WKY rats. The amount of relaxation and excitability of coronary arteries during graded hypoxia was determined in contraction measurements. The mechanism for the increase of vasorelaxation during hypoxia was investigated using single cell voltage clamp and the Fura-2 technique in combination with contraction measurements in isolated vessels. Coronary arteries relaxed during stepwise reduction of pO₂ but showed no reaction to application of glibenclamide (10^–6 M). Portal veins were gradually relaxed by hypoxia; glibenclamide reduced the relaxation at a pO₂ below 40 mmHg. Calcium-levels in coronary arteries showed no significant change under hypoxia. It is concluded that both, opening of K_ATP channels and calcium-independent mechanisms are involved in hypoxia-induced vasorelaxation. In different vascular beds, the importance of both mechanisms is more or less expressed.Correspondence to:
Prof. Dr. T. Noack
Department of Physiology, University of Rostock Gertrudenstraße 9, 18055 Rostock, Germany
Email: thomas.noack@uni-rostock.de

Abstract

W.E. Cabrera¹, G.J. Behets², S.C. Verberckmoes², L.V. Lamberts², L. Oste², A.J. Bervoets², S. Barreto¹, A. Walder¹, F. Santa Cruz¹, M.E. De Broe² and P.C. D’Haese²

¹Departamento de Nefrología, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Paraguay and ²Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antwerp, Belgium
Objective: Strontium (Sr) is a bone-seeking element showing various physicochemical similarities with calcium. We previously showed an association between increased bone Sr levels and the presence of osteomalacia in dialysis patients. Evidence for a dose-dependent causal role of the element in the development of this bone disease was presented in chronic renal failure (CRF) rats. As end-stage CRF patients may have metabolic acidosis which may disturb the bone calcium metabolism, assessment of the influence of acidosis on the effects of Sr on bone is of particular interest. Material and methods: Chronic renal failure was installed in 32 male Wistar rats, using the 5/6 nephrectomy model. Four weeks after surgery, the rats were divided into 4 groups of 8 rats each and treated during 12 weeks. Group (Ac): acidosis (0.25 M ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) via the drinking water), Group (Sr): Sr-loaded (2 g/l Sr via the drinking water), Group (SrAc): Sr-loaded (2 g/l of Sr) with acidosis, Controls: No acidosis and not Sr-loaded. Before loading, at 6 weeks after start of loading and at sacrifice, serum and urine samples were taken for the determination of a series of relevant parameters. At 7 and 3 days before sacrifice, rats were labeled with demeclocyclin and tetracycline respectively. At sacrifice, bone samples were taken for chemical and histomorphometric analysis. Results: Rats that received NH₄Cl developed metabolic acidosis as indicated by a lower blood pH and decreased serum bicarbonate levels. Loading with Sr caused a consequent rise in the serum Sr concentration. Bone Sr/calcium ratios, did not differ between these groups. Bone histomorphometric analysis revealed a significantly increased amount of osteoid tissue and a decreased bone formation rate in the Sr group vs. all other groups. These rats thus developed osteomalacia, in contrast to rats of the SrAc group in which a decreased bone formation rate was found in association with a normal amount of osteoid and a decreased osteoblastic activity thus featuring the hallmarks of adynamic bone. Compared to the control group, the effects of acidosis alone on bone were minimal. Conclusion: These data on the one hand confirms our previous results showing that in the absence of acidosis, Sr may cause osteomalacia. The combination of acidosis and Sr however, goes along with the development of adynamic bone. The mechanism by which acidosis alters the effects of Sr on bone deserves further investigation.Correspondence to:
P.C. D’Haese, PhD
Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
Email: Patrick.Dhaese@ua.ac.be

Abstract

Y.G. Zorbas¹, V.A. Deogenov¹, C.B. Tsiamis² and A.L. Yerullis³

¹European Foundation of Environmental Sciences, and ²Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece and ³Institute of Cosmic Biology and Medicine, Sofia, Bulgaria
The objective of this study was to show if fluid and salt supplementation (FSS) could increase bone electrolyte density during prolonged hypokinesia (diminished movement). To this end, measurements were carried out of bone electrolyte density, electrolyte absorption, plasma electrolyte concentrations and electrolyte excretion in healthy subjects during prolonged hypokinesia (HK) and a daily FSS. Studies were conducted during pre-hypokinesia and hypokinesia (HK). Healthy male volunteers numbering 30, 25.3 ± 6.4 years of age, were chosen as subjects. They were equally divided into three groups: unsupplemented active control subjects (UACS), unsupplemented hypokinetic subjects (UHKS), supplemented hypokinetic subjects (SHKS). SHKS and UHKS were walking average distances of 0.7 ± 0.2 km.day^–1. UACS were running average distances of 5.8 ± 1.2 km.day^–1. SHKS consume daily 30 ml water and 0.1 g sodium chloride (NaCl) per kg body weight. Bone electrolyte density of lumbar vertebrae (L1 – L4), ulna and radius, tarsal and metatarsal, tibia and fibula, 1,25dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)₂D₃), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), mineral absorption, plasma, urinary and fecal sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), plasma protein, plasma osmolality, and whole blood hematocrit (Hct) levels did not change in UACS compared with their baseline values. Bone mineral density, plasma hormone levels, and mineral absorption increased significantly (p < 0.05), and plasma, urinary and fecal Na, Ca, P levels, plasma protein, osmolality and whole blood Hct levels decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in SHKS compared with the values in UHKS, and they remained unchanged compared with their pre-HK values and the values in UACS. Conversely, bone mineral density, plasma hormone levels, and electrolyte absorption decreased significantly (p < 0.05), and plasma, urinary and fecal Na, Ca, P levels, and plasma protein, osmolality and whole blood Hct levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) in UHKS compared with their pre-HK values and the values in UACS and SHKS. The measured variables were fluctuated throughout HK period, but at no time they were reverted back to control values. Increased mineral loss with decreased bone mineral density shows decreased mineral deposition. Higher electrolyte absorption in SHKS than in UHKS shows that electrolytes were deposited more with FSS than without. The higher bone electrolyte density in SHKS than in UHKS shows that bone electrolyte density increases significantly more with FSS than without. Because SHKS have shown a significantly higher electrolyte absorption and significantly greater bone mineral density than UHKS, it was assumed that bone electrolyte density is inversely related to the hydration, i.e. the higher the body hydration the greater the ability for increased bone electrolyte density. It was concluded that FSS may be used to increase electrolyte absorption and bone electrolyte density during HK.Correspondence to:
Dr. V.A. Deogenov
European Foundation of Environmental Sciences, Odos Kerasundos 2, 162 32 Athens, Greece
Email: vdeogenov@in.gr

Abstract

Organizer: Prof. Dr. T. Noack, Rostock
Organizing Committee: Prof. em. Dr. P. Eckermann, Rostock, Prof. Dr. K. Kisters, Herne/Münster, Prof. Dr. G. Kraatz, Greifswald, PD Dr. R. Schubert, Rostock and Prof. Dr. W. Zidek, Berlin

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Volume 25, No. 2/2008(2nd Quarter)