Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Trace Elements”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 451 records · Page 25Linked to original sources

A comparative study in Alzheimer's and normal brains of trace element distribution using PIXE and INA analyses and glucose metabolism by positron emission tomography.

The onset of Alzheimer's disease has been shown to affect trace element concentrations in the brain when compared to "normal" subjects in ex vivo samples. The techniques used to determine trace element concentrations were proton-induced X-ray emission and instrumental neutron activation analysis. With these methods, significant differences are seen between lobes within a hemisphere and between the same lobes of opposing hemispheres for "normal" brains. The change observed in trace element concentrations may indicate a possible alteration in the function of the blood-brain barrier, the effect of which can be investigated in vivo using the imaging technique of positron emission tomography (PET). A PET study was performed on nine female and nine male subjects to determine whether the regional metabolic rate of glucose (rCMRGlu) varied between hemispheres and sex in the Alzheimer diseased brain as was seen in the trace element study. Glucose metabolism was measured using [F-18]-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG). Hemispherical differences were observed for the frontal, occipital, parietal lobes, and the temporolateral region in both males and females for rCMRGlu. Variation was also seen between sexes, where the frontal lobe had a lower rCMRGlu in females compared to that of males.

Alzheimer Disease↗

[Presence of the trace elements from carbon dioxide absorbent containing lime using a circular apparatus during general anesthesia. ].

The aim of the study was to evaluate release of the trace elements from carbon dioxide absorbent containing soda lime during general anesthesia. We compared two suppliers Polish "Polfa" and German "Dräger". Following trace elements were evaluated: chromium, copper, zinc, cadmium, lead, nickel in soda lime. In blood of the patients we evaluated: copper, zinc, lead, cadmium, bromine, rubidium, iron, mercury. Proton Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) was used to measure concentrations of the elements. Probes of soda lime were analyzed before anesthesia (Polfa, Dräger), 6 hr after the use (Polfa only) and after 10 weeks (Dräger only). 10 patients were divided in two equal groups, one was anesthetized using soda lime from Polfa and another one from Dräger. Blood samples were taken before anesthesia, immediately after and the next day. Mean values of the concentrations of the elements in soda lime coming from Polfa ranged from 0.20 ppm (nickel) to 7.19 ppm (zinc). In Dräger the measurements were from 0.22 ppm (nickel) to 3.70 ppm (zinc). Mean concentrations of trace elements in blood samples were between 0.20 ppm (lead) and 487 ppm (iron) for the patients anesthetized with Polfa soda lime. In Dräger the measurements ranged from 0.15 ppm (lead) to 485 ppm (iron). Concentrations of cadmium and mercury were below the method's limit. Mean values were almost the same in all time points. Statistical analysis was done using paired t-tests. Values of P < 0.05 were consider significant. We concluded that there were no statistically significant differences between examined groups. Thus, we can say that trace elements were not released from soda lime and concentrations of examined elements in patients' blood were not affected by general anesthesia.

Absorption↗

Microwave digestion using dual PTFE containers for analysis of trace elements in small amounts of biological samples.

The analysis of trace elements in biological samples is essential to extend our knowledge on human health and disease. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) makes it possible to simultaneously determine these elements in trace amounts. Before analysis, however, biological samples such as organs and tissues must be liquefied and extra organic materials must be decomposed by acid digestion. We established a method of microwave digestion using dual PTFE containers to minimize the amount of samples. Samples (35-45 mg) of standard reference materials, bovine liver (1577a, NIST) and fish flesh (MA-A-2, IAEA), were weighed in PTFE-PFA vials and a small amount of nitric acid (0.5 ml) was added. The vials were sealed and two PTFE-PFA vials were placed in a PTFE-TFM vessel containing 6 ml of pure water. Then the vessels were placed in a rotor and the samples were digested for 38 min in a microwave oven according to a pre-set program. After the program was completed, the samples were analyzed by ICP-MS. The determined values of elements of the microwave-digested samples matched the certified values of the standard reference materials. Therefore, the digestion using dual containers was successfully applied to small samples.

Animals↗

White poplar (Populus alba) as a biomonitor of trace elements in contaminated riparian forests.

Trees can be used to monitor the level of pollution of trace elements in the soil and atmosphere. In this paper, we surveyed the content of eight trace elements (As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in leaves and stems of white poplar (Populus alba) trees. We selected 25 trees in the riparian forest of the Guadiamar River (S. Spain), one year after this area was contaminated by a mine spill, and 10 trees in non-affected sites. The spill-affected soils had significantly higher levels of available cadmium (mean of 1.25 mg kg(-1)), zinc (117 mg kg(-1)), lead (63.3 mg kg(-1)), copper (58.0 mg kg(-1)) and arsenic (1.70 mg kg(-1)), than non-affected sites. The concentration of trace element in poplar leaves was positively and significantly correlated with the soil availability for cadmium and zinc, and to a lesser extent for arsenic (log-log relationship). Thus, poplar leaves could be used as biomonitors for soil pollution of Cd and Zn, and moderately for As.

Arsenic↗

A trace element preparation containing zinc increases the production of interleukin-6 in human monocytes and glial cells.

The in vitro effects of a trace element preparation (béres Drops Plus, BDP) on the biosynthesis of inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL-6, IL-1, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were studied in human peripheral monocytes. The production of IL-6 was studied in a glioblastoma cell line, SKMG-4, as well. The trace element preparation BDP significantly stimulated both the constitutive and the endotoxin or IL-1 induced IL-6 production in monocytes or in glial cells, respectively, but revealed no or only modest effect on IL-1 and TNF-alpha production of monocytes. Moreover, BDP was able to reduce the inhibitory effect of a synthetic corticosteroid, dexamethasone on the biosynthesis of IL-6. The positive effect of the trace element preparation on the IL-6 production of monocytes from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients is comparable, to that of on the monocytes from healthy individuals, and similarly to healthy individuals was negligible on the IL-1 and TNF-alpha production. The detailed analysis of the composition of the preparation suggested, that the major active component in the stimulation of IL-6 production is Zn, but for the complete effect other trace elements are also required.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Effects of disulfiram on mixed function oxidase system and trace element concentration in the liver of rats.

Disulfiram (DSF), an inhibitor of chemically induced carcinogenesis, and its metabolite diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) have been investigated for their influence on trace element distribution and on certain enzymes of the drug metabolizing system in the livers of phenobarbital (PB) treated rats. Both substances diminished the PB induced enzyme response in liver microsomes, DDTC being more effective (-85%) than DSF (-60%). The copper, cobalt and zinc content of the livers of DSF treated animals were increased by factors of 6, 3 and 1.5 respectively as compared to controls, while DDTC treatment had no influence on liver trace element content. A correlation between enzyme inhibition and enhanced trace element uptake of the liver after DSF administration could not be observed. The change of trace element transport into the liver during DSF treatment is discussed.

Animals↗

Urinary excretion and blood concentrations of trace elements and electrolytes during total parenteral nutrition in Crohn's disease.

Urinary excretion of trace elements (Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, Zn, Sb, Cs, Rb), electrolytes (Na, K, Ca, Mg, phosphate), and nitrogen were determined during days 1-5 and 54-79 of total parenteral nutrition (TPN, nil per os) given to six patients with Crohn's disease. Whole-blood concentrations of Cr, Fe, Zn, Cs, and Rb and serum concentrations of electrolytes were determined before the TPN and on days 54-79 of TPN. The 24-hr urinary excretion of zinc was lower on days 54-79 than on days 1-5, but the rates of excretion of the other essential trace elements during TPN displayed no significant change. The urinary excretion of Cu, Fe, and Mn was numerically lower than the intravenous administration of these elements during days 1-5 and 54-79 of TPN, whereas the urinary excretion of zinc was lower than the supply only during days 54-79. The whole-blood concentration of zinc was low but constant during TPN, whereas the initially low levels of Cr and Fe were normalized on days 54-79. The results suggest that the supply of the essential trace elements Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn was largely adequate during two to three months of TPN and that the human body may adapt to a somewhat low supply of zinc, 20-30 mumol/24 hr.

Adolescent↗

Vitamins, trace elements, and antioxidant status in dementia disorders.

Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, have been proposed for the treatment of dementia disorders. Although other vitamins and trace elements may also have antioxidant-enhancing activities, it is not known whether the overall antioxidant status in dementia patients is associated with the intake level of these vitamins and trace elements. In this study, we assessed the levels of vitamins and trace elements in the diet of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and a group of carers, along with blood levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Results show that the dietary intake was decreased for most measured vitamins and trace elements in severe AD, but not in other dementia groups. In addition, we found no significant difference in the levels of TAC between any of the dementia groups. There was, however, a significant correlationbetween intake of vitamin B1, vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium and blood levels of TAC in the VaD group, but not in the AD and DLB groups. Furthermore, no association was observed in any of the dementia groups between zinc and copper intake and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase activity, or between dietary selenium intake and glutathione peroxidase activity. The activities of these two endogenous antioxidant enzymes do not seem to be influenced by intake levels of relevant substances. The data indicate that the influence of dietary vitamins and metal ions on the overall antioxidant status is limited to VaD patients only. Clinical trials are needed to ascertain the value of antioxidant supplementation in VaD patients.

Aged↗

[The study on superoxide dismutase and trace element in patients with senile cataract].

PURPOSE: To investigate the relation of senile cataract with superoxide dismutase(SOD) and trace elements. METHODS: Superoxide dismutase of red blood cells and trace elements(Cu, Zn, Ca, Fe) of serum in 61 patients with senile cataract and 121 normal persons were investigated. RESULTS: The activity of superoxide dismutase in patients with senile cataract decrease dramatically in comparison with normal control, and there was no statistical difference about trace elements of Cu, Zn, Ca between senile cataract and control group. But Fe element in patients is higher than that of the normal group. CONCLUSION: The results support the hypothesis that the formation of senile cataract is capable of antioxidative scavenger system of lens decreases with age.

Aged↗

Trace elements and DNA damage.

A number of studies (mainly in vitro and in vivo animal models) have examined the interaction of trace elements with DNA. Normal dietary levels of various trace elements are required to prevent the occurrence of oxidative damage, and deficiency may increase susceptibility. Conversely, overload of some trace elements, including copper and iron, has been demonstrated to result in adverse effects. However, under normal physiological conditions, such overloads are unlikely to occur.

Antioxidants↗

Acute-phase reactants and plasma trace element concentrations in non-small cell lung cancer patients and controls.

This study examined the effect of an acute-phase response on plasma trace element concentrations of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. In normal subjects (n = 13) and NSCLC patients (n = 22), fasting concentrations of albumin, C-reactive protein, the trace elements iron, zinc, copper, and selenium, and their associated proteins transferrin, albumin, ceruloplasmin, and glutathione peroxidase were measured. The NSCLC patients were subdivided into two equal groups depending on whether they had a C-reactive protein concentration < 35 mg/l (Group 1) or > 35 mg/l (Group 2). Circulating zinc, iron, and transferrin concentrations were significantly lower in NSCLC Group 1 than in the control group (p < 0.05). Circulating concentrations of iron, zinc, and the binding proteins transferrin and albumin were significantly lower in NSCLC Group 2 than in the control group and NSCLC Group 1 (zinc not significantly different) (p < 0.01). In contrast circulating concentrations of copper and its binding protein ceruloplasmin were significantly increased in NSCLC Group 2 compared with NSCLC Group 1 and the control group (p < 0.01). Additionally, plasma selenium and glutathione peroxidase concentrations were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in NSCLC Group 2 than in NSCLC Group 1 and the control group. In the NSCLC patients there were significant negative correlations between concentrations of C-reactive protein and iron, transferrin, zinc, albumin, and selenium (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there were also significant positive correlations between C-reactive protein and copper (r = 0.788, p < 0.001) and ceruloplasmin (r = 0.831, p < 0.001) concentrations. The presence of an acute-phase response has implications for the interpretation of circulating trace element concentrations, the status of patients with NSCLC, and supplementation with trace elements in patients with NSCLC.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗

Trace element deficiencies and fertility in ruminants: a review.

Various minerals (copper, cobalt, selenium, manganese, iodine, zinc, and iron) can influence reproductive performance of ruminants. Reproductive failure may be induced by deficiencies of single or combined trace elements and by imbalances. This review is focused on maladjustments of trace elements leading to impaired breeding performance. Opinion is diverse as to the existence of various reproductive disturbances from either a severe copper depletion or a marginal dietary copper deficiency. Field experience suggests that administration of cobalt to ruminants on cobalt-deficient diets improves their impaired breeding performance. Selenium infertility in ewes is more prevalent in some areas and in some seasons, but the actual cause of this malady and the continuing role of additional factors are unknown. Manganese is necessary for normal fertility in ruminants, and feeding low-manganese rations depresses conception rates. Lack of iodine impairs thyroid activity and also ovarian function. Reproductive failure in the female and in spermatogenesis are manifestations of zinc deficiency. Despite forages rich in iron, low availability in certain instances could affect adversely ruminant reproduction. Knowledge of biochemical dysfunctions from trace element deficiencies is essential to determine the role which trace elements play in fertility of ruminant animals.

Abortion, Veterinary↗

Concentration of 17 trace elements in serum and whole blood of plains viscachas (Lagostomus maximus) by ICP-MS, their reference ranges, and their relation to cataract.

The reference ranges of the trace elements Al, As, Be, B, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Li, Rb, Se, Sr, and Zn were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in sera of a group of free-ranging plains viscachas of the pampa grasslands of Argentina. The values were compared with those of a small group of captive plains viscachas of the Zurich Zoo with diabetes and bilateral cataracts. In addition, a method for digestion of whole-blood samples is described for the trace element determination. Significant differences in the concentration of trace elements in the two groups of animals are discussed. No correlation was found between the levels of selenium and of other trace elements compared to the formation of cataracts.

Animals↗

[An analysis on the reported values of trace elements in human serum].

Statistical analysis on the data of trace element contents in human serum, published in the past 30 years, indicated the reported values for the majority of trace elements tended to decrease, even by magnitude of two orders, with the rapid development in analytical techniques and the effective control of contamination of samples during their collection, treatment and analysis. While the reported values approached their true ones, they would change to follow a normal distribution from a log normal one, with relative standard deviation and geometric deviation diminishing and, arithmetic mean approaching geometric mean. On the basis of the above results, the author presents the normal values, the best estimated normal values and the best literature values for Cu, Zn, Se, Co, Mo, Mn, Cr, Ni, As, Rb, Br, Cs, and Al.

Copper↗

Trace element interactions affecting pulmonary macrophage cytotoxicity.

Effluents from the smokestacks of powerplants contain respirable particles that are enriched with a variety of biologically active trace elements. To determine the relative toxicity of trace elements in coal fly ash, the effects of selected compounds, alone and in combination, were evaluated in cultures of pulmonary alveolar macrophages. The inorganic compounds studied were ZnO, Na2SeO3, V2O5, NaAsO2, Mn3O4, and Ni3S2. Vanadium pentoxide was the most cytotoxic compound while selenium was the least toxic (approximately 100-fold less toxic than vanadium). After dose-response curves for each element were established, interactions between various compounds were studied by coexposure to trace elements at different concentrations. Selenium was completely antagonistic to the toxic effects of vanadium and slightly antagonistic to arsenic. In contrast to selenite, sulfite, a moiety with a similar redox potential, was not antagonistic to vanadium toxicity. Zinc was weakly antagonistic to the in vitro effects of nickel. No other chemical combinations displayed antagonistic, synergistic or additive effects on the function of the cultured macrophages.

Air Pollutants↗

Environmental exposure to trace elements and risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a population-based case-control study.

We analyzed the association between the environmental exposure to trace elements and the risk of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a population-based case-control study in the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. We evaluated exposure to selected trace elements by measuring toenail concentrations of the same by means of inductively coupled plasma optical spectrometry and instrumental neutron activation analysis. The final number enrolled in the study was 22 patients and 40 controls. Disease progression, assessed through a clinical score, was generally unassociated with toenail trace element levels, with the exception of an inverse relation with zinc and selenium content and a direct correlation with copper concentration. In logistic regression analysis, we found no evidence of an association between ALS risk and toenail content of cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, manganese, selenium, chromium, cobalt, iron, and aluminum. This investigation does not suggest a major role in sporadic ALS etiology of environmental exposure to these trace elements, though results for zinc, selenium, and copper should be evaluated with caution due to the potential limitations of toenails as biomarkers of chronic exposure in patients.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis↗

Bioaccumulation of trace elements in a wild grass three years after the Aznalcóllar mine spill (South Spain).

In this paper, we surveyed the concentration of nine trace elements (As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Tl and Zn) in bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) 3 years after the mine spill in Aznalcóllar (south Spain). The results were compared with those that had been obtained for the same species in a previous study, 18 months after the accident. Three types of soil condition were determined: i) unaffected soils (UN, control); ii) cleaned up and amended soils (A, amended); and (iii) non-amended soils, inaccessible to the clean-up and remediation operations (NA, non-amended). The trace element concentrations in the plants were lower than those reported in the first sampling for both washed (plant tissues) and unwashed plants (as consumed by herbivores). Apart from Cd, trace elements concentrations (plant tissues) were similar in the A and the UN soils. In the NA soils, the Cd, Fe, Mn, Zn and Pb levels in unwashed plants were excessive for animal consumption. This wild grass seems to be suitable as a soil stabilizer for spill affected soils and as a biomonitor for soil pollution by some trace elements (As, Cu and Zn); however, its potential for phytoextraction is negligible.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

Trace element nutrition of infants--molecular approaches.

Newborn infants are exposed to widely varying intakes of trace elements, but little is known about their ability to homeostatically adjust to these intakes. Recent discoveries of several metal ion transporters in the small intestine are likely to enhance our understanding of molecular mechanisms regulating trace element absorption. Iron absorption is regulated by divalent metal ion transporter 1 (DMT1) and ferroportin 1 (FPN1). Studies on human infants have shown that young infants cannot regulate iron absorption, whereas older infants can. Our studies on infant rat pups show that there is no regulation of DMT1 and FPN1 at young age, but that this develops at older age. These findings may explain adverse effects of iron supplementation on growth in young human infants. Zinc absorption in the small intestine is regulated by the transporters ZnT1, ZnT2, ZnT4 and Zip-4 and zinc status affects the expression of these transporters in an attempt to achieve zinc homeostasis. Copper absorption is regulated by the transporters Ctrl, Atp7A and Atp7B, and exposure to copper at early age affects the expression and cellular localization of these proteins, affecting copper uptake and transport. To date, most studies on homeostatic regulation of trace mineral absorption have been done in cell systems and animal models; further studies on human infants are needed. The consequences of trace element interactions during infancy also need to be investigated in more detail.

Animals↗