Journal of trace elements and electrolytes in health and disease最新文献

The ability of oral doses of copper oxide powder to raise liver and blood copper concentration was examined in penned sheep given a pelleted diet containing 4 mg of copper per kg dry matter. Merino sheep of similar live weight and liver copper concentration were allocated at random to one of six treatment groups of four sheep each. Treatment groups received nil, 2.5 g, 5 g, 10 g, 20 g and 40 g of cupric oxide powder. The cupric oxide powder of sieve size 250-350 microns was effective in raising the liver copper concentration for at least 12 weeks. The large particles of oxide powder were retained in the gut for at least 13 days after dosing. Sheep given 10-40 g doses of cupric oxide powder were at risk of copper toxicity, as indicated by elevated plasma enzyme activities, liver copper concentrations and reduced liveweight gains. It was concluded that a 2.5 g dose of cupric oxide powder could be used to prevent short periods of copper deficiency in sheep at pasture without risk of copper toxicity.

Selenium levels in venous and capillary whole blood of children were assessed by direct graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Selenium data obtained for both blood samples did not differ statistically (p > 0.05). Capillary blood may therefore be used as an alternative to venous blood, which is more difficult to obtain from children. Whole-blood selenium data for children in the Antwerp region (Belgium) were compared with literature data for children from other countries.

The Br/Rb ratio in kidneys of normal and tumor-bearing mice was studied and a significant difference was found between the two groups. The mice were treated with cis-DDP with and without selenite, with selenite alone, and compared with controls. The animals were sacrificed 7d, 14d, and 21-28d after treatment. The kidneys were removed and subjected to Br and Rb determination by a novel X-ray fluorescence (XRF) method. The results are presented in terms of estimated net count rates under the BrK alpha and RbK alpha peaks. No significant differences were found in Br and Rb levels or in the Br/Rb ratio in kidneys of treated and untreated mice belonging to the same group-normals or lung carcinoma inoculated. However, there was a significant difference in the Br/Rb ratio between the two tested groups (normals and inoculated). Preliminary results on the Br/Rb ratio obtained from normal and malignant tissues of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and from mice inoculated with melanoma, show the same trend as those from the group of mice with lung carcinoma. In all three groups tested the Br/Rb ratio was 2-4 times higher in normal than in malignant tissue.

Random samples of urine from control subjects, and subjects treated with methadone (an agonist of morphine) for drug addiction, were analyzed for calcium and trace elements zinc and copper. The following differences (based on creatinine) were observed between the two groups: Calcium excretion did not show any significant differences between the two groups (146 mmg/g creatinine vs. 135 mg/g creatinine vs. 33 +/- 3 micrograms/g creatinine in controls). However, the excretion of copper in drug addicts diminished (23 +/- 3 micrograms/g creatinine in controls; p < 0.05), while that of zinc was excessive (600 +/- 50 micrograms/g creatinine vs. 300 +/- 30 micrograms/g creatinine in controls; p < 0.001). The ever increasing link between zinc and immunity and the fact that drug addicts are susceptible to various infections such as hepatitis and acquired immuno deficiency syndrome raises concern about the excessive urinary loss of zinc in this group and calls for further investigations such as balance studies and intervention if necessary.

Various factors, that probably influence the blood selenium concentration level of people residing in a given geographical area are discussed. The literature is screened for the effects of age, gender, smoking and drinking habits, race, state of lactation, environmental exposure and medical treatment. The differences are mostly found to be small on the absolute scale, with only nutrition seeming to be a major factor.

The phagocytosis of blood polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) was measured by cytofluorometry in 22 patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases before and after a 60-day treatment with 45 mg zinc daily or a placebo, and the values were compared with those obtained in a group of healthy subjects. Plasma zinc was lower than controls before supplementation and phagocytosis assessed by the percentage of PMNs exhibiting phagocytic activity was significantly impaired. Zinc supplementation increased the percentage of phagocytic PMNs and the mean phagocytic activity, particularly in subjects with initial low phagocytosis. The impairment of PMN phagocytosis could therefore be corrected by zinc supplementation, but the clinical consequence of this stimulant effect remains unknown.

A table was made of the composition of mineral and trace elements in different classes of French food items. The P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, I and Se contents of the main categories of food are presented. The mineral and trace element intakes of the average French consumer were calculated from national survey data concerning all food items purchased by households. The intakes and the sources of the different elements are given related to the energy. These results were calculated for male and female adults receiving 2700 kcal and 2000 kcal, respectively, and compared with the recommended dietary allowances (RDA). Phosphorus and calcium intakes were adequate, as was iron for men. The intakes of Mg, Cu, Mn were between 80 and 100% of the RDA. For Zn, I, Se the intakes were lower (50-80% of the RDA). The iron deficiency observed in women is serious, and the selenium deficit in men may induce real biochemical subdeficiencies with clinical consequences.

In a total number of 275 dogs of various ages, sex and breed, blood lead concentrations (BLC) and erythrocyte ALAD activity were measured. Sixty-six of the dogs were living in lead mining areas (Group A), 157 in urban areas (Group B) and 52 in rural areas (Group C) of Greece. Mean BLC differed significantly (P < 0.05) between locations and were 326,97 and 68 micrograms/L, respectively. Mean ALAD activity was significantly different (P < 0.05) only between Groups A and B as between groups A and C. A significant (P < 0.05) negative correlation existed between BLC and ALAD activity. A normal range of erythrocyte ALAD activity of 807-992 mumol/PBG/LRBC/h was established for dogs. None of the 33 Group A dogs and 2 of the Group B dogs that had a BLC of 350 micrograms/L presented clinical signs indicating acute or chronic lead intoxication. No erythrocyte basophilic stippling or large number of nucleated red blood cells were seen in the 30 dogs of Group A with BLC > 350 micrograms/L.