Search Results (45)

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for antioxidant defense. Selenoproteins are involved in metabolic and signaling pathways of autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are integral components of key enzymes and regulatory proteins. Trace element (TE) dysregulations have potential relevance as disease biomarkers. In this study, we compare TE status and TE profiles between patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and relate the results to markers of inflammation, remission, and healthy controls. Serum TE was measured using total reflection X-ray fluorescence. The Se transporter SELENOP and extracellular glutathione peroxidase (GPx3) were determined by ELISA and enzymatic assay, respectively. Both groups of patients (axSpA; n = 84, and PsA; n = 76) displayed TE deficiency compared to healthy European adults. Serum Cu, Se, Zn, SELENOP, and GPx3 levels were not different between the groups. The serum Cu and Cu-Zn ratio correlated positively with C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). An inverse correlation of serum Se, Zn, and SELENOP with CRP was observed in axSpA, but not in PsA. On average, all TE, including the inflammation-responsive Cu levels, were below reference ranges, indicating a TE deficiency in both groups. Increasing CRP was associated with low SELENOP levels, suggesting personalized Se substitution as indicated to maintain systemic Se supply and protect from ferroptotic cell loss under inflammatory conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are essential trace elements, and an imbalance in their levels may influence the progression of cancer. The role of Cu and Zn levels in blood and serum, as well as 10-year survival rates in kidney cancer patients, remains unclear. Our objective was to determine the association between these micronutrients and mortality of kidney cancer patients. In this prospective study, we examined 284 consecutive, unselected kidney cancer patients and assessed their 10-year survival in relation to Cu and Zn levels. Methods: Micronutrient levels were measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Each patient was categorized into one of four groups based on the distribution of Cu and Zn levels, ranked in increasing order. The multivariable models included factors such as age at diagnosis, gender, smoking history, type of surgery, and histopathological results. Results: We observed a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality in patients with the highest blood or serum copper levels compared to those with the lower levels (blood: HR = 4.89; p < 0.001; serum: HR = 3.75; p < 0.001). With regard to zinc, we found a trend where lower blood or serum zinc levels (I quartile) were associated with higher mortality. Additionally, we identified a significant correlation between the Zn/Cu ratio and mortality. Conclusions: Patients in the lowest Zn/Cu ratio quartile had elevated hazard ratios compared to those in the higher quartile with HRs of 3.05 (p < 0.002) in blood and 5.72 (p < 0.001) in serum. To our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the relationship between blood and serum levels of copper and zinc and kidney cancer survival. Full article

There is a lack of information on mineral interactions that take place during a heifer’s pregnancy when nutrient demand is high. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the interactions between the macro minerals calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sulphur (S), sodium (Na) and potassium (K) and the trace elements copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn) and cobalt (Co) in pregnant heifers. Twenty-four pregnant heifers (age 18.2 ± 0.14 months; 87.5 ± 4.74 days in gestation; 497 ± 8.5 kg of body weight) were used in a 7 d digestibility trial (indirect method using lignin as a marker) during which they were fed a diet that provided minerals in accordance with NASEM requirements for gestating beef cattle. At the end of the digestibility trial, blood (jugular venipuncture) and liver (biopsy) samples were collected from each heifer. Multiple linear regression models were developed based on the main correlations and by considering collinearity effects between variables. Iron intake positively affected Mo concentration in serum, which was >10 µg/dL for most of the animals. Apparent absorption of Fe was negatively affected by Mo intake and Ca to P ratio in feed, whereas Se absorption was negatively affected by Fe intake and positively by Mo intake. The absorption coefficients of Mo and Fe were inversely related, emphasizing the interactions between these elements. Serum Fe and Cu in the liver were positively correlated, while liver Fe was inversely related to liver Mn. Fewer interactions were observed between the macro minerals. In conclusion, within the interactions observed, those between Fe and Mo deserve special attention, as high dietary Fe is commonly found in typical ruminant diets, and high serum Mo may indicate molybdenosis. Furthermore, high Fe intake appears to impact Se and Mn utilization. Full article

Background: Children and adolescents with obesity have altered serum copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) levels, which are associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and health outcomes. The inclusion of cashew nuts in an adequate diet may provide health benefits and help improve the mineral status of individuals with obesity. Objective: To evaluate the effects of cashew nut consumption on biomarkers of Cu and Zn status in adolescents with obesity. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial conducted in adolescents. The participants were divided into a control group (CON) and a cashew nut group (CASN). The CASN group received 30 g/day of roasted cashew nuts for 12 weeks, and both groups received nutritional counseling during the study. Anthropometric, dietary, and biochemical parameters (Zn, Cu, and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) were assessed at the baseline and at the end of the study. Association tests, within-group and between-group mean comparisons, and analyses of variation between study periods (Δ T12-T0) were performed. Results: The sample consisted of 81 adolescents who completed the intervention period, resulting in 54 in the CASN group and 27 in the CON group. After the intervention, the CASN group presented a decrease in plasma Cu (p = 0.004) and an increase in SOD (p = 0.030). Both groups showed an increase in plasma Zn (p < 0.050) and a decrease in the Cu/Zn ratio (p < 0.001). CASN had a negative effect on the Cu concentration, which was significantly different from that of CON (p = 0.004). Conclusions: The consumption of cashew nuts for 12 weeks reduced plasma Cu levels in adolescents with obesity. Nutritional counseling may have contributed to the increase in plasma Zn levels in all the study participants. Full article

Background: A limited number of studies have investigated the role of environmental chemicals in the etiology of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We performed a cross-sectional study of the association between exposure to selected trace elements and the biomarkers of cognitive decline. Methods: During 2019–2021, we recruited 128 newly diagnosed patients with MCI from two Neurology Clinics in Northern Italy, i.e., Modena and Reggio Emilia. At baseline, we measured serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of cadmium, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. With immuno-enzymatic assays, we estimated concentrations of β-amyloid 1-40, β-amyloid 1-42, Total Tau and phosphorylated Tau181 proteins, neurofilament light chain (NfL), and the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) to assess cognitive status. We used spline regression to explore the shape of the association between exposure and each endpoint, adjusted for age at diagnosis, educational attainment, MMSE, and sex. Results: In analyses between the serum and CSF concentrations of trace metals, we found monotonic positive correlations between copper and zinc, while an inverse association was observed for cadmium. Serum cadmium concentrations were inversely associated with amyloid ratio and positively associated with Tau proteins. Serum iron concentrations showed the opposite trend, while copper, manganese, and zinc displayed heterogeneous non-linear associations with amyloid ratio and Tau biomarkers. Regarding CSF exposure biomarkers, only cadmium consistently showed an inverse association with amyloid ratio, while iron was positively associated with Tau. Cadmium concentrations in CSF were not appreciably associated with serum NfL levels, while we observed an inverted U-shaped association with CSF NfL, similar to that observed for copper. In CSF, zinc was the only trace element positively associated with NfL at high concentrations. Conclusions: In this cross-sectional study, high serum cadmium concentrations were associated with selected biomarkers of cognitive impairment. Findings for the other trace elements were difficult to interpret, showing complex and inconsistent associations with the neurodegenerative endpoints examined. Full article

Background: Trace elements (TEs) are essential nutrients for the human body and have a significant impact on fertility and hormone levels in women of reproductive age, underscoring the importance of understanding sociodemographic variations in their concentrations within this population. Objective: To investigate the socio-demographic factors influencing blood concentrations of four essential TEs, including iron, zinc, copper, and selenium among women of reproductive age. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of women aged 20–44 years was performed using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2018. Serum iron data were analyzed for 9211 women across 10 cycles, while serum copper, zinc, and selenium data were available for 1027 women across 3 cycles. Generalized linear and logistic regressions examined the individual associations of socio-demographic factors, including age, race and ethnicity, education, and poverty index ratio, with iron, zinc, copper, and selenium concentrations treated as continuous and categorical outcomes, respectively. A qualitative heatmap explored the joint associations between the socio-demographic factors and the four essential TEs. Results: Reduced iron concentrations and increased risks of insufficiency occurred in older, Black, low-education, or low-income women. Black women were more likely to have lower zinc and selenium concentrations and an increased risk of zinc insufficiency but higher copper concentrations. The qualitative heatmap found that older, Black, low-education, and low-income women generally had lower concentrations of the four TEs, particularly iron (β = −0.10; p < 0.01). Conclusions: Socially disadvantaged women are more likely to present with lower TE concentrations, and these specific population groups should be targeted by replenishment planning by public health initiatives. Full article

The objectives of this study were to explore the role that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and/or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) plays in heart failure (HF), highlighting the potential connection to oxidative stress pathways. Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted electronic searches of the literature in MEDLINE and EMBASE focusing on serum EPA and/or DHA and EPA and/or DHA supplementation in adult patients with heart failure or who had heart failure as an outcome of this study. We screened 254 studies, encompassing RCTs, observational studies, and cohort studies that examined HF outcomes in relation to either serum concentrations or dietary supplementation of EPA and/or DHA. The exclusion criteria were pediatric patients, non-HF studies, abstracts, editorials, case reports, and reviews. Eleven studies met our criteria. In meta-analyses, high serum concentrations of DHA were associated with a lower rate of heart failure with a hazard ratio of 0.74 (CI = 0.59–0.94). High serum concentrations of EPA also were associated with an overall reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events with a hazard ratio of 0.60 (CI = 0.46–0.77). EPA and DHA, or n3-PUFA administration, were associated with an increased LVEF with a mean difference of 1.55 (CI = 0.07–3.03)%. A potential explanation for these findings is the ability of EPA and DHA to inhibit pathways by which oxidative stress damages the heart or impairs cardiac systolic or diastolic function producing heart failure. Specifically, EPA may lower oxidative stress within the heart by reducing the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within cardiac tissue by (i) upregulating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which increases the expression of antioxidant enzyme activity, including heme oxygenase-1, thioredoxin reductase 1, ferritin light chain, ferritin heavy chain, and manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD), (ii) increasing the expression of copper–zinc superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and glutathione peroxidase, (iii) targeting Free Fatty Acid Receptor 4 (Ffar4), (iv) upregulating expression of heme-oxygenase-1, (v) lowering arachidonic acid levels, and (vi) inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. DHA may lower oxidative stress within the heart by (i) reducing levels of mitochondrial-fission-related protein DRP-1(ser-63), (ii) promoting the incorporation of cardiolipin within the mitochondrial membrane, (iii) reducing myocardial fibrosis, which leads to diastolic heart failure, (iv) reducing the expression of genes such as Appa, Myh7, and Agtr1α, and (v) reducing inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α. In conclusion, EPA and/or DHA have the potential to improve heart failure, perhaps mediated by their ability to modulate oxidative stress. Full article

There is emerging interest in the relationship between several serum micronutrients and the prognosis of patients with breast cancer. The relationship between serum zinc and copper levels and breast cancer prognosis is unclear. In our study, we included 583 patients with breast cancer diagnosed between 2008 and 2015 in the region of Szczecin, Poland. In a blood sample obtained before treatment, serum zinc and copper levels were quantified by mass spectroscopy. Each patient was assigned to one of four categories (quartiles) based on the distribution of the elements in the entire cohort. Patients were followed from diagnosis to death over a mean of 10.0 years. The 10-year overall survival was 58.3% for women in the highest and 82.1% for those in the lowest quartile of serum copper/zinc ratio (p < 0.001). The multivariate hazard ratio (HR) for breast cancer death was 2.07 (95% CI 1.17–3.63; p = 0.01) for patients in the highest quartile of serum copper/zinc ratio compared to those in the lowest. There is evidence that the serum zinc level and copper/zinc ratio provide an independent predictive value for overall survival and breast cancer-specific survival after breast cancer diagnosis. Full article

This study explores age- and time-dependent variations in postprandial micronutrient absorption after a micronutrient-rich intervention meal within the Biomiel (bioavailability of micronutrients in elderly) study. Comprising 43 healthy participants, the study compares young (n = 21; mean age 26.90 years) and old (n = 22; mean age 66.77 years) men and women, analyzing baseline concentrations and six-hour postprandial dynamics of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), iodine (I), free zinc (fZn), vitamin C, retinol, lycopene, β-carotene, α-tocopherol, and γ-tocopherol, along with 25(OH) vitamin D (quantified only at baseline). Methodologically, quantifications in serum or plasma were performed at baseline and also at 90, 180, 270, and 360 min postprandially. Results reveal higher baseline serum Zn and plasma lycopene concentrations in the young group, whereas Cu, Se, Cu/Zn ratio, 25(OH) vitamin D, α-tocopherol, and γ-tocopherol were higher in old participants. Postprandial variability of Zn, vitamin C, and lycopene showed a strong time-dependency. Age-related differences in postprandial metabolism were observed for Se, Cu, and I. Nevertheless, most of the variance was explained by individuality. Despite some limitations, this study provides insights into postprandial micronutrient metabolism (in serum/plasma), emphasizing the need for further research for a comprehensive understanding of this complex field. Our discoveries offer valuable insights for designing targeted interventions to address and mitigate micronutrient deficiencies in older adults, fostering optimal health and well-being across the lifespan. Full article

In recent years, the swine industry has witnessed the withdrawal of antibiotics and continuous regulation of zinc and copper oxides in the early-life nutrition of piglets. Due to this development, alternative additives from plant sources have been extensively explored. Therefore, this study’s objective was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with tannins on weaned piglets’ growth performance, serum antioxidant capacity, and serum immune status using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. A total of 16 studies with parameters of interest were deemed eligible after a two-step screening process following a comprehensive literature search in the scientific databases of Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria were mainly (1) studies involving basal diet supplemented with tannins and (2) studies with the quantification of tannin doses, while the exclusion criteria were (1) studies with pre- and post-weaning pigs and (2) challenged studies. Applying the random-effects models, Hedges’ g effect size of supplementation with tannins was calculated using R software to determine the standardized mean difference (SMD) at a 95% confidence interval. Sub-group analysis and meta-regression further explored heterogeneity (P_SMD < 0.05, I² > 50%, n ≥ 10). Supplementation with tannins reduced the feed conversion ratio (p < 0.01) but increased the final body weight (p < 0.01) of weaned piglets. Chestnut and grape seed proanthocyanidin tannin sources yielded higher effects on growth performance. In addition, meta-regression models indicated that tannin dosage and supplementation duration were directly associated with tannins’ effectiveness on productive performance. In the serum, the concentration of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity were elevated (p < 0.01) in response to tannin supplementation, whereas malondialdehydes was reduced (p < 0.01). Likewise, increased immunoglobin M and G levels (p < 0.01) were detected. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with tannins, particularly with chestnut and grape seed proanthocyanidins, increases the productivity of weaned piglets. At the same time, it is a possible nutritional strategy to mitigate oxidative stress and stimulate gut health. Thus, supplementing chestnut and grape seed proanthocyanidin tannins in the early phase of swine production could be used to alleviate the incidence of diarrhea. Full article

Inconsistent findings exist regarding the relationship between heme iron intake and type 2 diabetes (T2D) among Western and Eastern populations. Easterners tend to consume a plant-based diet which is abundant in antioxidant minerals. To examine the hypothesis that antioxidant mineral may modify the relationship between iron and T2D, we performed a case–control study by measuring the serum mineral levels in 2198 Chinese subjects. A total of 2113 T2D patients and 2458 controls were invited; 502 T2D patients and 1696 controls were finally analyzed. In the total population, high serum iron showed a positive association with T2D odds (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27 [1.04, 1.55]); high magnesium (OR = 0.18 [0.14, 0.22]), copper (OR = 0.27 [0.21, 0.33]), zinc (OR = 0.37 [0.30, 0.46]), chromium (OR = 0.61 [0.50, 0.74]), or selenium concentrations (OR = 0.39 [0.31, 0.48]) were inversely associated with T2D odds. In contrast, in individuals with higher magnesium (>2673.2 µg/dL), zinc (>136.7 µg/dL), copper (>132.1 µg/dL), chromium (>14.0 µg/dL), or selenium concentrations (>16.8 µg/dL), serum iron displayed no association with T2D (p > 0.05). Serum copper and magnesium were significant modifiers of the association between iron and T2D in individuals with different physiological status (p < 0.05). Our findings support the idea that consuming a diet rich in antioxidant minerals is an effective approach for preventing T2D. Full article

High dose of zinc oxide (ZnO) could improve growth performance and alleviate disease status, whereas it caused serious environmental pollution and bacterial resistance. This study was to investigate whether low doses of sodium alginate-coated nano zinc oxide (saZnO), a new type of zinc resource, could serve as a potential alternative to pharmacological doses of traditional ZnO in weaned piglets. A total of 144 crossbred piglets were randomly allocated into three groups, including a basal diet without the addition of Zn (CON), a basal diet with 1600 mg Zn/kg from traditional ZnO (ZnO), and a basal diet with 500 mg Zn/kg from saZnO (saZnO). The experiment lasted for 28 days. The results showed that supplementing with ZnO and saZnO for 14 and 28 days significantly improved body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) (p < 0.01) and markedly reduced the feed intake-to-gain ratio (F/G) (p < 0.05) and diarrhea rate. In addition, dietary ZnO and saZnO significantly increased the activities of the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p < 0.01). Supplementing with saZnO also promoted the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), IgM and copper- and zinc-containing superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD) in serum (p < 0.05), whereas a ZnO addition decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05), indicating the beneficial effect of Zn on antioxidant and immune functions. Piglets fed the ZnO diet showed higher serum Zn accumulations than those fed the CON and saZnO diets at d 28 (p < 0.01), and supplementing with ZnO and saZnO markedly contributed to Zn excretion in feces, especially in the ZnO diet (p < 0.01). Additionally, piglets fed the saZnO diet had greater valeric acid concentrations (p < 0.05) in their feces, while other short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were not affected by different treatments (p > 0.05). Microbial alpha diversity was reduced in the saZnO group compared with the CON group (p < 0.05), while an obvious separation of microbial composition, the marker of beta diversity, was shown among the three groups (p < 0.05). At the genus level, six genera, including Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Terrisporobacter, f_Muribaculaceae, Subdoligranulum and Intestinibacter, were pronouncedly increased in the ZnO and saZnO groups (p < 0.05); another nine species were dramatically downregulated, such as f_Lachnospiraceae, f_Prevotellaceae, f_Butyricicoccaceae and f_Ruminococcaceae (p < 0.05). Finally, a functional analysis indicated that altered microbes significantly changed the “Metabolism” pathway (p < 0.05). These findings suggested that saZnO could act as a feasible substitute for ZnO to reduce Zn emission and enhance growth performance, antioxidant and immune functions, and to adjust the structure of gut microbiota in piglets. Full article

Background: Micronutrients are important components for the homeostasis of the human body. The studies available in the literature of the subject on their impact on the risk of population diseases, including malignant neoplasms, are ambiguous. In this paper, the relationship between Cu and Zn serum levels and the occurrence of endometrial cancer have been analyzed. Methods: 306 patients (153 test group and 153 control group) matched for age were analyzed for Cu and Zn levels. Microelements levels were determined for sera collected during the hospitalization of patients by means of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In addition, the Cu/Zn ratio in the population included in the study was analyzed. Univariable and multivariable analyzes were used to examine the relationship between the factors under study and the incidence of endometrial cancer. Results: Lower levels of elements were observed in the study group compared with the control group (Cu: 959.39 μg/L vs. 1176.42 μg/L, p < 0.001; Zn: 707.05 μg/L vs. 901.67 μg/L, p < 0.001). A statistically significant relationship with the occurrence of endometrial cancer was observed for Cu and Zn. The patients with the lowest Cu level had a significantly higher occurrence of endometrial cancer compared with reference tertile (OR 8.54; p < 0.001). Similarly, compared with the reference tertile, the patients with the lowest Zn levels had a significantly greater incidence of endometrial cancer (OR 15.0; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results of the study suggest an association of endometrial cancer occurrence with lower Cu and Zn serum levels. Full article

Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) have been shown to have the potential to improve glucose metabolism through interactions with cytokines and signaling events with multiple genes. miRNA-375 and the Calpin-10 gene are potential genetic biomarkers for the early prediction of diabetic nephropathy (DN). 128 healthy controls and 129 type 2 diabetic (T2DM) participants were matched for age and sex. Three subgroups were identified from the T2DM group: 39 patients had microalbuminuria, 41 had macroalbuminuria, and 49 patients had renal problems. Circulating miR-375 expression levels were measured via qPCR. Calpain-10 SNP 19 (rs3842570) genotyping was assessed with allele-specific PCR in all the included participants. Spectrophotometry was used to measure the concentrations of serum copper, zinc, and magnesium, while ELISA was used to measure the levels of TGF-β and IL-17. There was significant up-regulation in the expression of miR-375 and serum levels of TGF-β, IL-17, Cu, and the Cu/Zn ratio, whereas, in contrast to the control group, the Zn and Mg levels were lower in the T2DM group. The DN groups had significantly lower miR-375, TGF-β, IL-17, Mg, and Zn levels compared with the T2DM without nephropathy group. Furthermore, between TGF-β, IL-17, and miRNA-375, there were notable correlations. Calpain-10 SNP 19 genotype 22 and allele 2 were linked to a higher incidence of T2DM and DN. Significant TGF-β, Cu, Cu/Zn ratio, HbAc1, and creatinine levels, but insignificant miRNA-375 levels, were associated with genotype 22 of Calpain-10 SNP 19. interactions between the Calpain-10 SNP 19 genotype 22 and IL-17, TGF-β, mineral levels, and miRNA-375 might contribute to the aetiology of DN and T2DM and may have clinical implications for diagnosis and management. Full article

Our understanding of the relationship between oral Candida and systemic conditions has significantly increased recently, which this study aims to extend further by investigating the risks of oral candidiasis. A total of 314 patients were involved in this study and underwent an oral swab test at the Department of Oral Medicine, Hokkaido University Hospital, between January and December 2021. Data were collected on age, sex, white and red blood cell counts, Hb, total protein, vitamin B12, as well as serum albumin, iron, copper, and zinc levels. The clinical fungus samples were swabbed to identify those with Candida species using a MALDI Biotyper, then applied analysis of covariance and multivariant logistic regression analysis. It was possible to assess the oral swab test results without considering the difference between sex (p = 0.946). The oral swab test results were associated with aging (odds ratio: 1.03) and serum albumin levels (odds ratio: 0.32). In summary, the results of our study suggest a relationship between aging and oral candidiasis and offer in-depth insights into how to prevent or treat oral candidiasis onset. Full article