Search Results (336)

Background/Objectives: Trace minerals (TMs), both essential and toxic, are integral to human physiology, participating in enzymatic reactions, oxidative balance, immune function, and the modulation of chronic disease risk. Despite their importance, imbalances due to deficiencies or toxic exposures are widespread globally. While low-income countries often face overt deficiencies and environmental contamination, middle- and high-income populations increasingly deal with subclinical deficits and chronic toxic metal exposure. This review aims to explore the relevance of serum as a matrix for evaluating TM status across diverse clinical and epidemiological, geographic, and demographic settings. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted focusing on the physiological roles, health impacts, and current biomarker approaches for key essential (e.g., zinc, copper, selenium) and toxic (e.g., lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic) trace elements. Particular emphasis was placed on studies utilizing serum analysis and on recent advances in multi-element detection using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: Serum was identified as a versatile and informative matrix for TM assessment, offering advantages in terms of clinical accessibility, biomarker reliability, and capacity for the simultaneous quantification of multiple elements. For essential TMs, serum levels reflect nutritional status with reasonable accuracy. For toxic elements, detection depends on instrument sensitivity, but serum can still provide valuable exposure data. The method’s scalability supports applications ranging from public health surveillance to individualized patient care. Conclusions: Serum trace mineral analysis is a practical and scalable approach for nutritional assessment and exposure monitoring. Integrating it into clinical practice and public health strategies can improve the early detection of imbalances, guide interventions such as nutritional supplementation, dietary modifications, and exposure mitigation efforts. This approach also supports advanced personalized nutrition and preventive care. Full article

Background/Objectives: Duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection (DPPHR) preserves digestive and absorptive functions better than pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Zinc is primarily absorbed in the duodenum and proximal jejunum and plays a critical role in nutritional maintenance and pancreatic regeneration. However, no studies have compared the postoperative pancreatic volume and serum zinc levels between DPPHR and PD. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 41 patients who underwent DPPHR (n = 23) or subtotal stomach-preserving PD (n = 18) for low-grade pancreatic malignancies at our institution. The remnant pancreatic volumes on postoperative day 7 and 1 year were measured via computed tomography. Nutritional parameters, including serum albumin, prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and serum zinc levels, were compared between the groups. Serum zinc levels were evaluated in patients with DPPHR (n = 11) or PD (n = 7). Results: The DPPHR group demonstrated significantly better preservation of remnant pancreatic volume on postoperative day 7 and 1 year compared to the PD group (p = 0.045 and p = 0.041, respectively). Volume maintenance ratios were also significantly higher in the DPPHR group. Serum albumin levels at 1 year postoperatively were significantly better in the DPPHR group, although no significant difference was found in the PNI. Among patients evaluated for serum zinc, the DPPHR group showed significantly higher zinc levels compared to the PD group (80.3 vs. 65.8 μg/dL, p = 0.017). Conclusions: DPPHR preserves remnant pancreatic volume and maintains serum zinc levels better than PD, potentially contributing to improved postoperative nutritional status and quality of life. Further prospective studies with larger cohorts are warranted to validate these findings. Full article

Zinc is an essential trace element involved in diverse physiological processes in humans. Zinc deficiency is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including those undergoing hemodialysis. This narrative review synthesizes both experimental and clinical findings on zinc status in CKD patients. Literature was primarily retrieved from PubMed using the keywords “zinc” AND (“CKD” OR “hemodialysis”) AND at least one of the following: “cardiovascular disease (CVD)”, “vascular calcification”, “anemia”, “blood pressure”, OR “infection”. In vitro, studies have shown that zinc suppressed phosphate-induced vascular calcification while zinc deficiency directly promoted calcification. Clinically, serum zinc levels were positively correlated with calcification propensity in patients with CKD. In vivo zinc deficiency has been implicated in elevated blood pressure, Moreover, zinc supplementation enhanced erythropoiesis and improved responsiveness to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in both animal models and humans. We recently reported that low serum zinc levels are associated with increased mortality in hemodialysis patients with hypoalbuminemia. Previous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggest a daily dose of approximately 45 mg of zinc for 2 months mitigates inflammation, oxidative stress, and malnutrition in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Emerging evidence suggests that vascular calcification, hypertension, and renal anemia are newly recognized features of zinc deficiency and are established risk factors for CKD progression, CVD, and mortality. However, the impact of zinc supplementation on these clinical outcomes remains inconclusive. Further RCTs are required to establish zinc supplementation as an effective therapeutic strategy for improving various outcomes in patients with CKD including hemodialysis. Full article

Background: Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by recurrent sinopulmonary infections due to motile cilia defects. The disease is genetically heterogeneous, with abnormalities in structural ciliary proteins. Zinc finger MYND-type containing 10 (ZMYND10) is essential for the assembly of outer dynein arms (ODA), with chaperones like Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) facilitating protein folding. This study investigates ZMYND10 and Dynein axonemal heavy chain 5 (DNAH5) mutations in individuals with PCD. Methods: Eight individuals aged 14–22 with clinical PCD symptoms and confirmed DNAH5 mutations were included. We analyzed the correlation between DNAH5 abnormalities and preassembly/chaperone proteins using immunofluorescence labeling. Nasal swabs were double-labeled (DNAH5–β-tubulin, β-tubulin–ZMYND10, β-tubulin–GRP78) and examined via fluorescence microscopy. Serum metabolomics and proteomics were also assessed. Results: The corrected total cell fluorescence (CTCF) levels of DNAH5, ZMYND10, and GRP78 were significantly different between PCD individuals and controls. Metabolomic analysis showed reduced valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis, with increased malate and triacylglycerol biosynthesis, malate-aspartate and glycerol phosphate shuttles, and arginine/proline metabolism, suggesting mitochondrial and ER stress. Conclusions: The altered expression of DNAH5, ZMYND10, and GRP78, along with metabolic shifts, points to a complex link between ciliary dysfunction and cellular stress in PCD. Further studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms. Full article

Background/Objectives: Canine intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) is an important musculoskeletal pathology. Unlike in humans, IVDH mechanisms in dogs are underinvestigated from a system-level integrative omics point of view. The aim of this study was to identify key serum molecular players in canine IVDH. Methods: An integrative multi-omics approach combining high-resolution LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics and tandem mass tag (TMT)-based proteomics was applied. Additionally, serum zinc concentration was determined by spectrophotometry. Results: Nineteen serum metabolites were differentially abundant in IVDH dogs. Metabolite analysis highlighted dysregulation in lipoic acid and branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism, with elevated levels of valine, leucine, and isoleucine in IVDH. These findings suggest disrupted energy, nitrogen, and neurotransmitter metabolism, potentially contributing to the IVDH pathophysiology. Additionally, lower serum uridine, possibly influenced by BCAA accumulation, was observed, indicating altered neuroinflammatory responses. ELISA validation confirmed elevated serum levels of zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG), alpha-1-microglobulin/bikunin precursor (AMBP), and vitronectin (VTN) in IVDH, supporting immune modulation and neuroprotective mechanisms. Serum prekallikrein (KLKB1) and Protein C inhibitor (SERPINA5), involved in fibrin cloth formation, were found to be lowered in IVDH patients. Pathway enrichment revealed disturbances in aromatic amino acid biosynthesis, with elevated phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan influencing neurotransmission and inflammation. In addition, elevated serum Zn concentration emphasized its antioxidant importance in immune response, wound healing, and neuropathic pain signaling. Conclusions: Integration with our prior CSF multi-omics data reinforced the relevance of identified molecules in IVDH-associated neurodegeneration, inflammation, and repair processes. This study offers insight into potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for canine IVDH through serum-based molecular profiling. Full article

The production and reproduction of small ruminants, such as sheep and goats, living under extensive range-grazing conditions may be influenced by the availability of nutrients and the mineral content of forage. This study evaluated the biodistribution of calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na) and zinc (Zn) in whole blood, serum, blood clots, plasma, plasma sediments and hair in sheep and goats. Forty clinically healthy, nonpregnant female sheep and goats were enrolled in the study. Hair and blood samples were performed in duplicate to assess mineral concentration in biological substrates using a Thermo Scientific iCAP- Q ICP-MS spectrometer (Omaha, Ne, USA). Higher levels of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, and Na were observed in blood and blood clots than in serum, plasma, plasma sediments and hair in sheep and goats. A significant effect of species was observed for all the bioactive element concentrations in the investigated substrates (p < 0.05). The results revealed positive correlations between serum and plasma for all investigated elements in sheep (p < 0.0001) and for Mn and Na in goats (p < 0.001), as well as between serum and blood for Ca, Fe, Mg and Mn in sheep (p < 0.0001) and for Ca and Mn in goats (p < 0.001). Plasma and blood showed a positive correlation for Ca, Fe, and Mn (p < 0.001) in sheep, and for Fe, Mn, Na, and Zn (p < 0.0001) in goats. These findings elucidate differences in biodistribution between sheep and goats, offering valuable insights for livestock production. Full article

Zinc-alpha2-glycoprotein (ZAG) is a soluble glycoprotein primarily produced in adipocytes and the liver, with key roles in lipid metabolism, including lipolysis and the browning of adipose tissue. Despite extensive studies on its role in rodents, the relationship between ZAG and insulin in humans remains unclear. Given the emerging interest in ZAG’s involvement in metabolic diseases such as metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, this study aimed to investigate the acute effects of insulin on ZAG levels both in vivo and in vitro. We recruited 24 healthy, individuals who were non-obese and assessed the impact of oral glucose overload, a standardized liquid nutritional supplement, and intravenous glucagon on circulating ZAG levels. In parallel, we explored the effects of insulin on ZAG production in cultured HepG2 cells. Our findings revealed a consistent acute reduction in serum ZAG levels following all in vivo tests, coinciding with increased insulin levels. In vitro, insulin rapidly downregulated ZAG protein and mRNA levels in HepG2 cells, with significant reductions observed within 15 min, followed by partial recovery after 2 h. These results suggest a potential acute inhibitory effect of insulin on ZAG production, supporting its role in promoting energy storage by suppressing lipolysis postprandially. This study provides new insights into the complex interplay between insulin and ZAG in regulating energy balance and highlights the potential of ZAG as a therapeutic target in metabolic diseases. Full article

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is the most prevalent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the USA. Current treatments present clinical limitations, underscoring the need for innovative therapeutics that promote an anti-inflammatory immune response. This study evaluates the anti-inflammatory potential of Fh15, a recombinant Fasciola hepatica fatty acid binding protein, in a DSS-induced UC mouse model. Our results demonstrated that Fh15 treatment significantly ameliorated the severity of colitis by reducing the disease activity index (DAI) and histopathological scores. Moreover, Fh15 also decreased the serum levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1), and the expression of S100A9, a calcium and zinc binding protein, which is an important marker for the pathogenesis of UC. Furthermore, Fh15 downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-1β in the distal colon, suggesting modulation of macrophage activity. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed significantly reduced neutrophil and macrophage infiltration in UC Fh15-treated mice. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Fh15 for UC, as it modulates inflammatory responses, reduces leukocyte infiltration, and preserves colon integrity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral candidiasis is a prevalent fungal infection in young children, often associated with underlying factors such as immunosuppression, poor oral hygiene, or nutritional deficiency. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between nutritional biochemical markers and the presence and severity of oral candidiasis in children aged 6 months to six years. Methods: A total of 60 participants were enrolled in a cross-sectional observational study, equally divided into a case group with clinically diagnosed oral candidiasis and a control group without fungal infection. Serum levels of vitamin D, iron, zinc, albumin, and vitamin A were measured in all participants. The severity of candidiasis was assessed using a standardized clinical scoring system. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that children with candidiasis exhibited significantly lower levels of all measured biochemical markers than healthy controls. However, no significant correlations were found between the severity of candidiasis and individual nutritional parameters. Conclusions: These findings suggest that even moderate deficiencies in essential nutrients may increase susceptibility to oral fungal infections, although they may not directly influence disease severity. Full article

Background: Acne vulgaris, a prevalent inflammatory skin disorder, stems from factors like Cutibacterium acnes overgrowth, inflammation dysregulation, and immune dysfunction. Clinically, acne severity inversely correlates with serum zinc (Zn) levels, and oral Zn supplementation shows efficacy. Lactic acid bacteria are capable of converting inorganic Zn into organic forms via biological transformation, potentially generating Zn-enriched bacteria as superior Zn delivery vehicles. Methods: In this study, a Zn-deficient acne mouse model was established through dietary Zn restriction combined with intradermal C. acnes injection. The therapeutic effects of orally administered Zn-containing supplements, including Zn-enriched Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum CCFM1195 (Zn-CCFM1195), were systematically evaluated through multiple parameters: histopathological evaluation of skin lesions, cutaneous inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, serum Zn concentration, and gene expression levels of pathway-associated proteins. Results: Induction of C. acnes led to decreased serum Zn levels (14.98 μmol/L in Control vs. 9.71 μmol/L in Model) and skin metallothionein content, causing Zn imbalance. Zn deficiency caused increased levels of lesion elevation (9.23 in Model vs. 10.53 in Zn-deficient Model), IL-17A, TNF-α, and MMP9 in skin, thereby exacerbating the inflammatory response in C. acnes-induced mice. Zn supplementation alleviated inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in Zn-deficient acne-like mice. Notably, inactivated Zn-CCFM1195 exhibited superior efficacy to ZnSO₄, significantly reducing lesion diameter and decreasing cutaneous levels of IL-1β, IL-17A, and MDA while enhancing GSH-Px activity. Similarly, viable Zn-CCFM1195 treatment significantly decreased IL-17A and enhanced GSH-Px activity compared with ZnSO₄ treatment. Furthermore, Zn supplementation downregulated the expression of TLR2, IκBα, and IKKβ, which may exert its anti-acne effect by regulating related pathways. Conclusions: Zn deficiency exacerbates skin inflammation, whereas Zn supplementation, particularly with Zn-CCFM1195, alleviates acne vulgaris through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Full article

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

In animal production, nanoparticulate zinc oxide exhibits synergistic antibacterial efficacy coupled with growth-promoting effects, positioning itself as a novel antibiotic alternative with enhanced biosafety profiles. However, its dose-dependent toxicity poses challenges. Objective: The experimental design sought to quantify the protective effects of dietary rutin against zinc-overload-induced damage. Methods: A zinc-overload murine model was established by giving high-dose ZnO nanoparticles (HZn, 5000 mg/kg/day) for 21 days. Mice were then fed rutin at doses of 300, 600, or 1200 mg/kg. Body weight, relative organ indexes, zinc concentrations, serum enzyme activities, and tissue-level indicators of apoptosis, autophagy, mitochondrial function, and antioxidant capacity were measured. Results: The results showed that rutin could not reverse HZn-induced body weight decline but improved relative organ indexes in liver and kidney. It alleviated HZn-induced cell damage and enhanced antioxidant capacity in jejunum and serum through Nrf2 activation, without inhibiting HZn-induced zinc elevation. Conclusions: Rutin, especially at 600 mg/kg, can partially restore hepatic function and organ index and mitigate HZn-induced hepatic and jejunal injuries. Full article

Covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) can worsen the quality of life and prognosis of patients with cirrhosis. We analyzed the risk factors of CHE and identified patients at high risk for overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) who would benefit from therapeutic interventions. We included 145 patients without a history of or treatment for overt HE. Patients were divided into the CHE and no-CHE groups (n = 91 and 54, respectively). CHE had a score above the age-based cutoff value of one of the neuropsychological tests, such as the Stroop and number connection tests. CHE prevalence was 62.8% (n = 91). Compared with the no-CHE group, the CHE group had significantly lower serum zinc and albumin levels. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified serum zinc levels at a cutoff value of 74 µg/dL. Subclinical zinc deficiency showed a diagnostic performance of 55.6% sensitivity and 81.5% specificity for CHE. Blood ammonia levels and liver functional reserves were not predictive of CHE. Compared with patients with zinc levels < 74 µg/dL (n = 102), those with ≥74 µg/dL (n = 43) had significantly lower CHE prevalence and better hepatic functional reserve. Subclinical zinc deficiency was associated with CHE occurrence in patients with cirrhosis without a history of or treatment for overt HE. Measurement of zinc levels facilitates early detection of CHE by neuropsychological testing. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of global mortality. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs)—such as acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure—are critical endpoints in the clinical research. The existing research has shown metal ions are important regulators of cardiovascular functioning, and defective metal handling may be associated with an increased risk of CVD. This study examines the association of the plasma/serum levels of magnesium, copper, and zinc with MACE incidence and the prevalence of circulatory system diseases, by using electronic health records from a subset of the Scottish population. Methods: We categorised individuals by high, low, or normal plasma/serum metal levels, and calculated the percentage of those who subsequently developed a MACE, identified using related International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes from hospital admission records. Logistic regression was employed to analyse the association between pre-event metal ion levels and the development of specific circulatory system disease subgroups. Results: This study found abnormal magnesium, high copper, and low zinc were associated with a higher risk of developing MACEs. Low magnesium, high copper, or low zinc were associated with increased risks of various circulatory diseases, with specific variations, like low copper increasing venous and lymphatic disease risk. Conclusions: Our findings suggest abnormal plasma metal profiles are associated with the development of MACEs and circulatory disease events, underscoring the importance of monitoring plasma metal levels for cardiovascular risk management and prevention. Full article

Aronia is a fruit that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Numerous health-promoting effects resulting from consumption have been indicated, including the possibility of using aronia as a functional food in the prevention and support of therapy for various ailments. For the first time, we assessed the effects of the impact of a 90-day nutritional intervention on the level of selected minerals in the serum of women (n = 67) and men (n = 35). The consumption of 100 mL of juice for 60 days resulted in a significant increase in the levels of copper, manganese, and selenium. The addition of 10 g of aronia fiber resulted in a further increase in the concentration of these elements with antioxidant properties. An interesting observation is that the concentration of zinc decreased, which may indicate the operation of compensatory mechanisms. The above results indicate that regular consumption of aronia bio-products may have a beneficial effect on the concentration of microelements in the serum. Full article