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BACKGROUND: Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) is epilepsy that is failed to achieve free of seizure after adequate trials of two tolerated and appropriately chosen antiepileptic drugs. Zinc deficiency could trigger the onset of various neurological disorders, including seizures in epilepsy. AIM: The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between hair zinc levels and DRE in children at Sanglah Hospital, Denpasar. METHODS: This is an analytic observational study using a cross-sectional design, involving 74 subjects. The inclusion criteria were children aged 1 month–18 years who had been diagnosed with epilepsy. Chi-square test and multivariate analysis with logistic regression were used to assess the relation between hair zinc levels and DRE in children. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis found a relationship between low hair zinc level and DRE in children (PR 8.0; 95% CI 2.0–32.2; p = 0.003). The duration of therapy (PR 16.0; 95% CI 3.9–65.4; p = 0.000) and structural abnormalities (PR 4.1; 95% CI 1.1–14.9; p = 0.028) also increased the risk of DRE in this study. CONCLUSION: Low hair zinc level is associated with DRE in children.

Background. Searching for the fundamental pathogenic mechanisms of atopic dermatitis (AD) and improvement of options for prevention and treatment, increasing attention is paid to the state of trace elements supply of the child’s body. Particular role is given to zinc, which is one of the most versatile trace elements. The purpose was to study the features of atopic dermatitis in children depending on the serum content of zinc. Materials and me­thods. The paper presents the materials of clinical observation, clinical laboratory and instrumental examination of 168 children aged 7 to 18 years with AD. The control group consisted of 60 healthy children. The serum zinc content was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy on a C-115-M1 spectrophotometer according to the instructions that are attached to the device. Results. More than half of children (55.6 %) had very low levels of zinc (0.35 ± 0.11 mg/l), while another 22.2 % had extremely low levels (0.12 ± 0.02 mg/l). Several features of AD clinical course were noted: more frequent episodes of acute respiratory infection, predominance of mode­rate and severe course with periorbital, perioral, perianal dermatitis, dystrophic changes and hyperkeratosis of the nails, increased hair brittleness, expressed skin dryness (2.31 ± 0.73 vs. 1.92 ± 0.69 points, p, Актуальность. В поисках основных патогенетических механизмов атопического дерматита (АД) и улучшения вариантов профилактики и лечения все больше внимания уделяется обеспечению организма ребенка микроэлементами. Особая роль принадлежит цинку, который является одним из самых многофункциональных микроэлементов. Цель: изучить особенности клинического течения АД у детей в зависимости от содержания цинка в сыворотке крови. Материалы и методы. В работе представлены материалы клинического наблюдения, клинико-лабораторного и инструментального обследования 168 детей в возрасте от 7 до 18 лет с АД. Контрольную группу составили 60 практически здоровых детей. Содержание цинка в сыворотке крови определяли методом атомно-абсорбционной спектроскопии на спектрофотометре С-115-М1, согласно инструкциям, прилагаемым к прибору. Результаты. Более половины детей (55,6 %) имели очень низкий уровень цинка — 0,35 ± 0,11 мг/л, еще 22,2 % — крайне низкий (0,12 ± 0,02 мг/л). Отмечен ряд особенностей клинического течения АД: более частые эпизоды острых респираторных вирусных инфекций, преобладание среднетяжелого и тяжелого течения с периорбитальным, периоральным, перианальным дерматитом, дистрофическими изменениями и гиперкератозом ногтей, повышенной ломкостью волос, выраженной сухостью кожи (2,31 ± 0,73 балла против 1,92 ± 0,69 балла; p < 0,01). Выявлены обратные корреляционные связи между концентрацией цинка в сыворотке крови и сухостью кожных покровов (р = 0,001; r = –0,67; t = –2,99), значением индекса SСORAD (р = 0,01; r = –0,49; t = –2,34) и длительностью течения АД (р = 0,001; r = –0,46; t = –2,13). Установлены достоверно более низкие показатели роста (p, Актуальність. У пошуках основних патогенетичних механізмів атопічного дерматиту (АД) і покращення варіантів профілактики й лікування все більше уваги приділяється забезпеченню мікроелементами організму дитини. Особлива роль надається цинку, який є одним із найбільш багатофункціональних мікроелементів. Мета: вивчити особливості клінічного перебігу АД в дітей залежно від вмісту цинку в сироватці крові. Матеріали та методи. У роботі наведені матеріали клінічного спостереження, клініко-лабораторного та інструментального обстеження 168 дітей віком від 7 до 18 років із АД. Контрольну групу становили 60 практично здорових дітей. Уміст цинку в сироватці крові визначали методом атомно-абсорбційної спектроскопії на спектрофотометрі С-115-М1, згідно з інструкціями, що додаються до приладу. Результати. Більше половини дітей (55,6 %) мали дуже низький рівень цинку — 0,35 ± 0,11 мг/л, ще 22,2 % — украй низький (0,12 ± 0,02 мг/л). Відзначена низка особливостей клінічного перебігу АД: частіші епізоди гострих респіраторних вірусних інфекцій, переважання середньотяжкого та тяжкого перебігу з періорбітальним, періоральним, періанальним дерматитом, дистрофічними змінами і гіперкератозом нігтів, підвищеною ламкістю волосся, вираженою сухістю шкіри (2,31 ± 0,73 бала проти 1,92 ± 0,69 бала; p < 0,01). Виявлено зворотні кореляційні зв’язки між концентрацією цинку в сироватці крові і сухістю шкірних покривів (р = 0,001; r = –0,67; t = –2,99), значенням індексу SСORAD (р = 0,01; r = –0,49; t = –2,34) і тривалістю перебігу АД (р = 0,001; r = –0,46; t = –2,13). Встановлено вірогідно нижчі показники зросту (p < 0,05), особливо в дітей із дуже низьким вмістом цинку (0,12 ± 0,02 мг/л). Висновки. У дітей, хворих на атопічний дерматит, вміст цинку в плазмі крові вірогідно нижчий, ніж у здорових дітей. У дітей зі зниженим вмістом цинку в організмі відзначена низка особливостей клінічного перебігу атопічного дерматиту (більш тяжкий та затяжний перебіг із періорбітальною та періанальною локалізацією, часті респіраторні інфекції, виражені дистрофічні зміни придатків шкіри, затримка зросту).

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of zinc sulphate by assessing yield attributes at before and after submerged condition for improving submergence tolerance in Sub-1 and non- Sub-1 rice varieties. The completely randomized block design was adopted with three treatments, three replications and five rice varieties selected on the basis of submergence tolerance and susceptiblity. Seeds were sown in pot directly with the treatments include viz. T1: 0.0 mg ZnSO4 per kg soil, T 2: 5.0 mg ZnSO4 per kg soil, T3: 10 mg ZnSO4 per kg soil. Treatments were done in submerged and non-submerged (controlled) pots both at the time of sowing. After 30 days of sowing, fifteen days of complete submergence was given. From that, it is concluded that zinc sulphate @10 mg/kg soil significantly enhanced yield of Sub-1 and non Sub-1 rice varieties even after 15 days of complete submergence.

Zinc is an essential micronutrient for the organism and is critical for the functional and structural integrity of cells. Determination of the amount of trace element concentrations in tissues such as hair samples have been used for the evaluation of the metabolic status especially in children. Unlike serum zinc, concentrations of zinc in hair are more stable and indicative of variations over time. The purpose of this study is to assess the zinc status of healthy school-age children in Kayseri (Turkey) by measuring the zinc level in hair samples and its association with BMI and the frequency of intake of zinc-rich foods. A total of 527 healthy children, including preadolescent (n = 360) aged 6-10 years and adolescent (n = 167) aged 11-15 years were included in this study. Hair samples were analyzed for zinc content by the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrophotometry. Analysis of 527 healthy children showed that the mean hair zinc level was 186 ± 77 μg/g. Mean hair zinc level was lower in preadolescent age group than adolescents. There was no significant relationship between the monthly income of the family and the zinc-rich food intake and the zinc level of the hair. Our study shows that samples for analysis of zinc can be obtained with a noninvasive method for determining cases of deficiency during periods of rapid growth. However, further studies are needed to determine the normal tissue zinc level in healthy children, especially in our country and including different geographical regions.

Introduction: Neurodegenerative disease is the most problem in elderly. Amyloid β (Aβ) accumulation is the major cause of cognitive impairment. Zinc has an important role in antioxidant and Aβ accumulation process. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between hair zinc level and cognitive function in elderly.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted involving 58 subjects of elderly in Jakarta. Subjects were recruited by consecutive sampling. Hair zinc level was measured by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer (ICPS) and cognitive function assessed by abbreviated mental test (AMT). Data analysis was done by spearman rank correlation test and p-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results: The mean of age was 65.4 ± 4.4 years old and 56.9% of subjects were female. The mean of hair zinc level was 123.23 ± 69.71 µg/gram hair and 32.8% subjects had hair zinc deficiency. There was 91.4% subjects had normal cognitive function. The study showed no correlation between hair zinc level and cognitive function in elderly (p=0.871 ; r=-0.022).Conclusions: There was no correlation between hair zinc level and cognitive function in elderly. Further research is expected to be performed with different level of cognitive function.Keywords: cognitive, elderly, hair zinc level, zinc.

Stunting is highly prevalent, including in Indonesia. Zinc intake and zinc status contribute to the etiology of stunting. However, zinc status measurement is not easy. Hair zinc level reflects long term exposure to zinc. This study aimed to analyze the difference in hair zinc level of stunted toddlers as compared to normal toddlers. This case-control study was conducted in Nganjuk with 23 stunted toddlers and 23 normal toddlers selected using simple random sampling. Hair zinc level was measured using atomic absorption spectrometry conducted at the Center of Research and Industrial Consultation Laboratory, Surabaya. The inclusion criteria for this study were children aged 24-59 mo, lived in Puskesmas Wilangan work-areas, and had uncoloured hair with minimum length of 1.5 cmthe list of respondents gathered from EPPGBM website, where it provides list of informations consist of data of malnutrition children. The study revealed that mean hair zinc level among stunted toddlers were 146.21±16.83 mg/L while the hair zinc level among the normal toddlers were 157.07±23.11 mg/L. There was significant difference in hair zinc level between stunted toddlers compared to their normal peers. Conclusions: Hair zinc level was associated with stunting and can be considered as biomarker for stunting.

Stunting is a condition of chronic malnutrition in children that causes the posture is not optimal and triggers other disorders such as deacreasing of immunity and intelligence. The level of adequacy of zinc is one of the factors that influence the incidence of stunting. Zinc is needed to activate and begin the synthesis of Growth Hormone (GH) so that children with zinc deficiency cause GH receptors to be disrupted and GH production to be resistant. This study aims to examine the decrease in zinc levels by looking at the difference in mean zinc levels in stunting and non-stunting toddlers. The research method was carried out observational analytic with a cross sectional approach used in this study. The study sample was 40 toddlers aged 24-60 months with 18 stunting toddlers and 22 non-stunting toddlers in Gunung Sugih District, Central Lampung Regency. The results of univariate analysis revealed that the average zinc level of toddlers serum was 52.60 ug / dl with the largest value of 76 ug / dl and the lowest value was 24 ug / dl. The results of bivariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in the mean zinc levels of stunting and non-stunting children (p = 0.01). The mean zinc content of stunting infants was 45.06 ± 12.21 lower than the mean zinc level of non-stunting infants 58.77 ± 12.98. There is a decrease in serum zinc levels in stunting toddlers compared to non stunting toddlers. Keywords: Chronic Malnutrition; Stabilizing Cell Membranes; Toddlers

A total of 125 crossbred pigs with an initial body weight (BW) of 7.66 ± 1.30 kg were randomly distributed into one of five dietary treatments. Each treatment had five replicate pens with five pigs per pen. Treatments were as followed: (1) CON, control diet; (2) zinc oxide (ZO), CON + 0.3% ZO; (3) ZOM, CON + 0.3% ZO + 0.1% microencapsulated organic acids and pure botanicals (MOP); (4) microencapsulated zinc oxide (MZO), CON + 0.03% MZO; and (5) MZOM, CON + 0.03% MZO + 0.1% MOP. The MZO group had higher (P = 0.03) final BW than ZO group and also had higher (P = 0.04, 0.01) average daily gain and gain/feed ratio compared with ZO group during days 15–34 and throughout the experimental period. The MZO and MZOM had higher (P

Aim The controlling nutrition status (CONUT) score assesses the nutritional status of subjects by considering the serum albumin level, total lymphocyte count, and total cholesterol level. We estimated the efficacy of total parenteral nutrition for improving the nutritional status and zinc deficiency. Methods In total, 493 elderly inpatients who were admitted to the internal medicine department of an emergency hospital over 7 years were divided into 2 groups: patients who were discharged (320 patients) and those who died in the hospital (173 patients). The discharged patients were further divided to four groups according time of discharge from the hospital; oral nutrition, enteral nutrition, peripheral parenteral nutrition, and total parenteral nutrition. Using analysis of variance (ANOVA), we compared the albumin and zinc levels and the CONUT score within 10 days post-admission and before discharge from the hospital. Results Japanese society is rapidly aging. In patients who were leaving the hospital, the CONUT score improved with oral and enteral nutrition. The zinc level improved with oral, enteral, peripheral parenteral, and total parenteral nutrition. While the nutritional status of patients at the time of discharge improved with oral and enteral nutrition, total parenteral nutrition without oral or enteral nutrition did not improve the status. Conclusion To discharge patients alive, efforts must be made to continue oral and enteral nutrition for as long as possible.

Clostridium difficile infection is a common nosocomial infection in US hospitals, accounting for approximately 12 800 deaths annually in the United States. These infections are often associated with the use of antibiotics, which can alter the gut microbiome and thus render patients susceptible to C difficile infection. C difficile is often spread via fecal oral transmission. Multiple medications have been developed, but recurrence rates reach 60% after treatment. Recent data have shown that zinc supplementation decreases the recurrence of C difficile infection. In this article, we present a case of recurrent C difficile infection with zinc deficiency in which zinc supplementation improved the symptoms and reduced the incidence of recurrence.

Zinc is required for activation of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs). Circulating zinc levels are decreased in diabetes1 and decreased activity of some MMPs is associated with the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The association between MMP activity and zinc in the development of DN has not been investigated and was examined in a preclinical model in this study. In this study, diabetic (DM: STZ: 3x 65mg/kg) male BALB/c mice were euthanized after 5, 10 and 30wks of diabetes. Age-matched mice acted as controls. At termination, kidneys, plasma and urine were collected for histopathology, measurement of biochemical parameters, total MMP activity using a broad spectrum MMP fluorogenic substrate and zinc level by ICPMS. In DM mice, blood glucose levels were increased at 5, 10 and 30wks (P Disclosure A. Tao: None. R. McQuilty: None. S.S. Sutanto: None. L.A. Ban: None. S.M. Twigg: Advisory Panel; Self; Abbott, AstraZeneca, Sanofi. Speaker’s Bureau; Self; Abbott, AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk Inc., Roche Diabetes Care, Sanofi. S. McLennan: None.

We aimed to investigate the effects of two different chronic immobilization stress protocols on depression-related behaviors and brain mineral levels. Adult female Wistar albino rats were divided into 3 groups as follows (n = 10/group): control, immobilization stress-1 (45 min daily for 7 days), and immobilization stress-2 (45 min twice a day for 7 day). Stress-related behavior was evaluated by means of the forced swimming test (FST) and open field test (OFT). Minerals were analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. In the FST, swimming and immobility were significantly lower in the immobilization stress-1 and immobilization stress-2 groups. The climbing duration of the immobilization stress-2 group was higher than the control group. In the OFT, percentage of time spent in the central area was significantly lower in the immobilization stress-1 and immobilization stress-2 groups. Values of latency to center area, rearing, and grooming did not significantly differ between groups. In the immobilization stress-1 group, zinc was lower, and iron, copper, and manganese were higher than the control group. In the immobilization stress-2 group, copper and manganese were higher, and phosphate was lower than the control group. Our results showed that depression-related behaviors were more dominant in the immobilization stress-1 group. A decrease in the brain zinc level was valid only for the immobilization stress-1 group. These results point to the role of low brain zinc levels in the pathophysiology of depression. WOS:000528515500002 2-s2.0-85084118747 PubMed: 32328969

The results of studies on the optimal level of zinc, which are additionally introduced into feed for rabbits grown for meat, are presented. Experimental researches were conducted in the conditions of the problematic research laboratory of feed additives of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine. A scientific and economic experiment was carried out on young rabbits of HYLA hybrids of the French company EUROLAP. The study was conducted by group method. In the 42-day age, 60 rabbits were selected, out of which, according to the analogues principle, three groups were formed – one control and two experimental, with 20 rabbits (10 females and 10 males) in each. The research lasted for 42 days. It was used full-grain granulated feed for feeding the experimental young rabbits, which according to the chemical composition differed in content of zinc in them. Rabbits of the control group received feed containing zinc 50 mg/kg, the second – 100 mg/kg, the third – 150 mg/kg. It was established that feeding of rabbits in the 43–84-day-old age with feed containing zinc 100 mg/kg contributes to an increase in body weight by 2.9%, and an increase in average daily growth during the growing season, respectively, by 4.7%. Feed costs per 1 kg growth in young rabbits consuming feed containing Zinc were 1.0% lower than the control group's young. Rabbits which were fed with feed containing zinc 150 mg/kg were inferior to body weight and average daily increments, respectively, by 1.4% and 2.7% of animals fed with a feed with a zinc level of 50 mg/kg.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of diet with organic copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) which supplemented at the amount of 50% of recommendation levels for these minerals instead of its inorganic forms on live weight gain, accumulation levels of minerals in serum and hair and elimination levels of these minerals in faeces of goat kids. Kids were allocated equally two groups offered rations supplemented with organic (treatment, n=12) and inorganic (control, n=12) copper and zinc. It was offered 3.5 mg/kg DM copper chelate (2-hydroxy–4-methylthiobutyrate) and 10 mg/kg DM zinc chelate (2-hydroxy–4-methylthiobutyrate) to organic group. Seven mg/kg DM copper sulphate and 20 mg/kg DM zinc sulphate were supplemented to the ration of inorganic group kids. At the end of the experiment, average values of serum copper and zinc and hair copper and zinc were found higher than that of the beginning of the experiment in both groups. The differences between groups with regard to the mean values of live body weight, serum copper and zinc, hair copper and zinc were not statistically significant. The averages values of serum copper and zinc and hair copper in the organic group and the average value of the hair zinc level in the inorganic group were found to be numerically higher than that of another group. The averages copper and zinc levels in the faeces of the organic group were lower than that of the inorganic group. As a conclusion, although the supplementation of organic copper and zinc to the kid rations at level of 50% less than recommended levels it was determined that organic group had have similar growth performances, serum and hair values to that of the inorganic group. These values showed that organic minerals were better absorbed than inorganic ones. Furthermore, lower levels of faecal copper and faecal zinc values in the organic mineral group suggested that wastes of these minerals were scattered to the environment in lesser amounts and thus lead to lesser pollution.

Zinc status is an important modifiable factor in Attention Deficit and Hyperactive Disorders (ADHD) and Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD), the two most common neurodevelopmental disorders. Many studies reported low serum or plasma zinc level in children with these conditions. While hair zinc level can be obtained non-invasively in young children, the reports of the hair zinc levels in ASD and ADHD children were varied. ASD children were reported to have lower than or indifferent level of hair zinc from that of healthy children. In ADHD children, hair zinc levels were reported as either lower or higher than their healthy control groups. Many factors interplayed and affected measurement of hair zinc level. Until more standardized method has been established, currently the zinc level in hair samples may be used as screening or supporting evidence. Other functional zinc markers such as serum zinc concentrations, dietary zinc intakes, and percentage of stunting rate, are still needed to assess the zinc status in susceptible children.

The aim of this work is a multi-component analysis of the element composition of the enamel and carious parts of teeth and the quantification of enamel demineralization using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). For each tooth the P/Ca ratios of the emission line intensities in the enamel part and those in the carious regions were compared. Since zinc is a trace element, the same procedure was performed for Zn/Ca ratios in the enamel and carious parts. These comparisons showed that the mineral loss from carious lesions occurs at different rates for the studied elements. Calcium has the highest casualty rate. On the other hand, the zinc level diminishes also in the carious region but at a lower rate. The lines were obtained from plume plasma emission generated on the enamel and carious regions.

The experiment was conducted to determine the effect of reduced supplemental zinc levels on broiler growth and carcass yield. A total of 160 male broiler chicks (Ross 308) divided into four groups were allotted to 16 cages with 10 birds per cage in each of group and kept in a temperature-controlled room. During the trial, chicks were ad libitum access to feed and water. The experiment started at 11 days of broiler age and chicks were fattened up to 35 days of age. It consisted of 4 dietary treatments with 4 replications per treatment. A corn-wheat-soybean meal basal diet containing 25.84 mg Zn.kg-1 was formulated and zinc levels of 120, 40 or 20 mg.kg-1 was supplied as zinc oxide to give four dietary treatments. At the end of the feeding trial, 24 birds from each group were randomly selected, slaughtered and carcass evaluation was performed. Theresults show that different levels of zinc had no significant effect on body weight of broilers or feed consumption ratio. These parameters increased by decreasing zinc levels from 120 to 20 mg Zn.kg-1 similarly as the carcass yield, percentages of breast meat and leg meat, but differences between these groups were not significant. In case of relative liver weight and zinc concentration in liver there were significant difference (p -1 and group without zinc supplementation and 120 mg.kg-1 and 40 mg.kg-1, respectively. No signs of disorders such as loss of appetite, growth depression or abnormalities of the skin was appeared in chicks. It seems that reduced supplemented zinc levels from 120 to 20 mg.kg-1 (total Zn 153.13 mg.kg-1 to 45.28 mg.kg-1 respectively) not influenced growth performance parameters of broilers fed corn-wheat-soybean meal diet.

The concentrations of Pb, Cd and Zn were investigated in the blood of pigeons (Columba livia) in order to assess the degree of pollution by heavy metal. For this, wild city pigeons were caught at four different locations in Mohammedia classified according to their industrial activity and road traffic density. Significant difference in heavy metal concentrations were observed between sites studied, the highest lead and cadmium levels were found in industrial area and center town, while the highest zinc level was found in the less contaminated area. These results indicate that the industrial activities and the road traffic are the most important source of pollution.

Background: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is an inherited hemoglobin (Hb) disorder with susceptibility for oxidative damage due to chronic redox imbalance in red blood cells (RBCs) which often results in hemolysis, endothelial injury, recurrent vaso-occlusive episodes, and derangement in hematological parameters. Zinc is an antioxidant which helps to reduce oxidative damage. This study aimed to assess the serum level of zinc and its relationship with some hematological parameters in patients with SCA (HbSS). Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional comparative study which involved HbSS patients in steady state with sex‐ and age‐matched HbAA control. Assay of Hb phenotype, serum zinc level, and some haematological parameters were done. Ethical approval was gotten from the institutional review board, and each participant gave informed written consent before recruitment into the study. Analysis of all data obtained was done using SPSS software, version 20. Results: Thirty adult patients with SCA and thirty sex- and age-matched controls with a mean age of 26.7 ± 7.6 years and 27.7± 5.3, respectively, were studied. There was a significant decrease in serum zinc level among patients with HbSS compared to those with HbAA (P = 0.038). Similarly, patients with HbSS had significantly lower Hb level, packed cell volume, and RBC count compared to HbAA control (P < 0.05). On the contrary, patients with HbSS had significantly higher white cell count and platelet count compared to HbAA individuals (P < 0.05). Correlation between serum zinc level and blood counts showed weak positive relationship between zinc level and Hb level (r = 0.04, P = 0.8) and weak negative relationship between serum zinc level and platelet count (r = −0.3, P = 0.1), as well as zinc and white blood cell (WBC) count (r = −0.2, P = 0.4). Conclusion: There was a significantly low level of zinc among patients with HbSS compared with HbAA controls. Patients with HbSS had zinc levels that weakly correlated with Hb level positively but weakly negatively correlated with platelet and WBC counts. Further studies are required on a wider scale to assess whether zinc supplementation may improve blood counts in patients with SCA.

Objective: Zinc is a vital trace element and its deficiency in cirrhosis might potentiate the development of hepatic encephalopathy. The objective of this study was to assess the zinc levels in serum of patients having viral cirrhosis and compare it with normal healthy controls. Methods: This study was conducted in Department of Gastroenterology, Liaquat National hospital and medical college, Karachi, Pakistan; from January 2014 to December 2014. Total of 45 patients with the mean age of 52.44±8.7 years were included. The three groups of patients were made including Child Pugh Class Score B (Group-1), Child Pugh Class C (Group-2) and healthy controls (Group-3) having 15 patients in each group. Zinc levels in serum were evaluated by the help of atomic absorption spectrometry (Normal range50-150 µg/dl). Results: Total of 45 subjects was enrolled in this study. Overall prevalence of zinc deficiency was noted in 13(28.9%) patients. Mean value of zinc levels in group 1,2 and 3 were 68.09±20.85, 50.69±15.86 and 92.91±17.18µg/dL respectively. Highly statistical difference was observed in the mean zinc level between three groups p=0.0001. An inverse correlation was observed between Child Pugh Score and the zinc level in serum r=-0.498. Conclusion: Patients suffering from advanced cirrhosis appeared to have lower serum zinc levels. In patients suffering from viral cirrhosis having hepatic encephalopathy, zinc supplementation might improve clinical outcome.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of HD on zinc and copper level among CKD patients. A cross-sectional study included 40 subjects 15 female and 25 male from academic hospital aged (22-80 years old) were included, timed pre and post-hemodialysis samples were collected. Serum zinc, copper, urea and creatinine were measured by using atomic absorption spectroscopy 210-VGP® and Mindray Bs-200 respectively, and BMI was estimated. Paired t-test analyses showed significant decrease in mean copper, urea and creatinine with p-value (0.025, 0.000 and 0.000) respectively, while significant increase was observed in zinc level p-value 0.035. Person's correlation showed positive correlation between change in zinc level and reduction in urea, and no correlation noted between change in serum copper level and reduction in urea and creatinine. In conclusion HD decrease copper and increase zinc as both are antagonists, might play a vital role in pathogenesis of related disorders in CKD Patients.

Introduction : Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, pruritic inflammatory disease, characterized by a relapsing-remitting course. The pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis is not completely understood, although the disorder appears to result from the complex interaction between immune abnormalities, genetic and environmental factors. Trace elements are essential for normal functioning of the immune system. Aim :To determine zinc levels in serum and erythrocytes of patients with AD using an atomic absorption spectrometric technique and to investigate the relationship between those levels and disease activity. Material and methods : Sixty-seven patients and 49 controls were enrolled into the study. The disease severity of AD patients was determined according to the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index. We measured zinc levels in serum and erythrocytes by the atomic absorption spectrophotometric technique. Results : Erythrocyte zinc levels were significantly lower in AD patients than in the control group (p < 0.001), whereas serum zinc levels did not differ between the groups (p = 0.148). In the AD patient group there was a negative correlation between the SCORAD score and erythrocyte zinc levels (r = –0.791; p < 0.001). Conclusions : The negative relationship between disease severity and erythrocyte zinc levels might suggest an immunopathological link between AD progression and intracellular zinc metabolism.

Epidemiological studies evaluating the association between zinc level and the risk of preeclampsia have produced inconsistent results. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to summarize the evidence for them. Pertinent studies were identified by a search in PubMed and Web of Knowledge up to April 2015. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was performed to combine the results. Random-effect model was used. Publication bias was estimated using Egger’s regression asymmetry test. Thirteen articles (11 case–control studies and 2 cross-sectional studies) involving 445 preeclampsia cases and 568 healthy controls were included in this meta-analysis. Our pooled results suggested that preeclampsia patients had a lower zinc level as compared with healthy, pregnant controls (summary SMD = −0.61, 95 % CI = −0.74, −0.48, I 2 = 88.5 %). The association was also significant in Asia (SMD = −0.73, 95 % CI = −0.88, −0.58), but not in Europe. No publication biases were found. Our analysis indicated that zinc level in preeclampsia patients was significantly lower than that of healthy, pregnant women, especially among the Asian population.

Zinc is crucial for brain development and psychiatric regulation. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) zinc level and anxiety in a group of male Chinese subjects. Results demonstrated that zinc levels had no considerable interindividual variations, ranging from 8.37 to 16.83µm. Correlation analyses revealed that CSF Zinc levels were positively correlated with education years (r=0.225, p=0.024) and negatively correlated with SAS scores (r=-0.287, p=0.004), but not associated with age or BMI. In conclusion, this present study suggests that CSF zinc level is associated with anxiety.

IntroductionCritically ill patients develop severe stress, inflammation and a clinical state that may raise the utilization and metabolic replacement of many nutrients and especially zinc, depleting their body reserves. This study was designed to assess the zinc status in critical care patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), comparing them with a group of healthy people, and studying the association with expression of zinc transporters. Material and methodsThis investigation was a prospective, multicentre, comparative, observational and analytic study. Twelve critically ill patients from different hospitals and 12 healthy subjects from Granada, Spain, all with informed consent were recruited. Data on daily nutritional assessment, ICU severity scores, inflammation, clinical and nutritional parameters, plasma and blood cell zinc concentrations, and levels of transcripts for zinc transporters in whole blood were taken at admission and at the seventh day of the ICU stay. Results Zinc levels on critical ill patient are diminish comparing with the healthy control (HS: 0.94. ±. 0.19; CIPF: 0.67. ±. 0.16. mg/dL). The 58% of critical ill patients showed zinc plasma deficiency at beginning of study while 50.0% of critical ill after 7. days of ICU stay. ZnT7, ZIP4 and ZIP9 were the zinc transporters with highest expression in whole blood. In general, all zinc transporters were significantly down-regulated (P. Conclusion In summary, in our study an alteration of zinc status was related with the severity-of-illness scores and inflammation in critical ill patients since admission in ICU stay. SIRS caused a general shut-down of expression of zinc transporters in whole blood. That behavior was associated with severity and inflammation of patients at ICU admission regardless zinc status. We conclude that zinc transporters in blood might be useful indicators of severity of systemic inflammation and outcome for critically ill patients.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding zinc (Zn) mineral supplements from organic (ZnGly) and inorganic (ZnO) sources to growing male Ross 308 chickens on the mechanical, geometric, and histomorphometrical parameters of long bones. A corn-soybean meal basal diet was supplemented with Zn at 50 or 100 mg·kg-1 of a premix, except the control group (0 suppl). The serum concentration of insulin-like growth factor 1 was higher in the ZnGly50 group compared with the control group. Positive influence of Zn on the femur is highlighted when considering the significant increase in parameters such as mean relative wall thickness, and maximum elastic and ultimate strengths after Zn administration. Zinc supplementation did not affect tibial parameters. The histomorphometric analysis showed a positive impact of Zn supplementation (irrespective of source and level) on femoral trabecular thickness. Rapid loss in actual bone volume in tibial metaphyseal trabeculae was observed with ZnGly at 50 mg·kg-1. In conclusion, this study showed that dietary Zn supplementation positively influences bone mechanical properties, confirming its beneficial effect on the development of the skeletal system and bone tissue of broilers tested for a nutritional-osteoporotic factor. Adverse health effects in trabecular bone as a result of the use of Zn at 50 mg·kg-1 of the premix show that supplementing Zn at the recommended dose (100 mg·kg-1) is essential.

Zinc is considered to be involved in maintaining healthy vascular condition. Atherosclerotic calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) occurs via the mechanism of cell death; therefore, cell viability is a critical factor for preventing VSMC calcification. In this study, we tested whether zinc affected VSMC viability under both normal physiological non-calcifying (0 mM P) and atherosclerotic calcifying conditions (3 and 5 mM P), since VSMC physiological characters change during the VSMC calcification process. The study results showed that an optimal zinc level (15 μM) restored the decreased VSMC viability which was induced under low zinc levels (0 and 1 μM) and calcifying conditions (3 and 5 mM P) at 9 and 15 days culture. This zinc-protecting effect for VSMC viability is more prominent under atherosclerotic calcifying condition (3 and 5 mM P) than normal condition (0 mM P). Also, the increased VSMC viability was consistent with the decreased Ca and P accumulation in VSMC cell layers. The results suggested that zinc could be an effective biomineral for preventing VSMC calcification under atherosclerotic calcifying conditions.

Background and Objectives : Neurodegenerative disease is the most problem in elderly. Amyloid β (Aβ) accumulation is the major cause of cognitive impairment. Zinc has an important role in antioxidant and Aβ accumulation process. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between hair zinc level and cognitive function in elderly.Methods : A cross sectional study was conducted involving 58 subjects of elderly in Jakarta. Subjects were recruited by consecutive sampling. Hair zinc level was measured by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer (ICPS) and cognitive function assessed by abbreviated mental test (AMT). Data analysis was done by spearman rank correlation test[DN1] and p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results : The mean of age was 65.4 ± 4.4 years old and 56.9% of subjects were female. The mean of hair zinc level was 123.23 ± 69.71 µg/gram hair and 32.8% subjects had hair zinc deficiency. There was 91.4% subjects had normal cognitive function. The study showed no correlation between hair zinc level and cognitive function in elderly (p=0.871 ; r=-0.022).Conclusion : There was no correlation between hair zinc level and cognitive function in elderly. Further research is expected to be performed with different level of cognitive function.

Background: Zinc (Zn) deficiency in endothelial cells potentiates the inflammatory response mediated by certain lipids and cytokines, possibly via mechanisms associated with increased cellular oxidative stress. Objectives: To assess the relation between zinc level and one year mortality among elderly patients with heart failure. Patients and Methods: Serum zinc level was measured in 100 elderly patients with heart failure diagnosed by Criteria of New York Heart Association (NYHA). Patients were followed by telephone for one year to assess relation between Zinc level and one year mortality among elderly patients with heart failure. Results: Higher mortality percentage was found among patients with high level of zinc but there was no statistical significant difference. (P-value >0.05). And non significant relation was found between mean level of zinc and mortality, between age and Zn, and between Ejection Fraction (EF) and Zn. Zn level was lower among patients with EF >45 but the difference was not significant (P-value >0.05). Conclusion: Patients who had high level of zinc had greater risk for mortality. Zn level was lower among patients with EF >45 but the difference was not significant and the least mean of zinc was among patients with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction.

Mobile phones have increased exponentially all over the world. The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of kombucha (KT) on some trace element levels of brain, spleen and intestine in male albino rats exposed to a 950 MHz electromagnetic field (EMF). Four experimental groups labelled as controls, EMF group, KT group and KT + EMF group were formed with six randomly chosen animals in each group. After EMF exposure for eight weeks and the animals were sacrificed by decapitation. Brain, spleen and intestine samples were collected for trace element analysis. The group of animals subjected to electromagnetic waves caused significant increases in iron copper levels and copper/zinc ratio accompanied with a decrease of zinc level in all studied organs. Combined treatment of kombucha with EMF resulted in a successful attenuation of these adverse effects of EMF. From present findings we can state that kombucha as a supplement has an ameliorative signs against the effects of electromagnetic radiation.

Trace elements are micronutrient present in small amount in the body they have antioxidant and immune-regulatory function and possibly have role in pathogenesis in infant wheezes. We estimated serum level of copper .zinc magnesium in 30 wheezy infants versus 10 control Both groups were age, sex and weight matched. Serum copper, magnesium was significantly higher in patient versus control (48.6±36.8 &2.57± 0.69 respectively in cases vs. 21.7±5.7 &2.18± 0.11 respectively in control ) p was 0.00 &0.006 respectively. Serum zinc was not significantly different between patients and control (83.7±12 in cases vs 85.3±36.2 in control ) ,p was 0.832 .Serum copper was significantly lower in wheezy cases with bronchopneumonia than wheezy cases without (29.5±19.5 vs 55.5±39.5) p was 0.028 ,while zinc was higher in these cases than those cases without (108.2±34.5 vs 67.9±33,8) p was 0.034 .There was no significant difference between wheezy bronchopneumonia and non-infection cases regarding magnesium (2.97±1.2 vs 2.4±0.3) p was 0.232 .Their results prove that possible environmental zinc, copper accumulation in children may play role pathogenesis in infant wheezes ,also proves ant infection role of copper

Two hundred and sixty four broiler breeder hens of 32 weeks of age were distributed randomly in four dietary treatments. The dietary treatments were T0: Broiler breeder ration containing 40 ppm zinc (basal 29.8 ppm + 10.2 ppm inorganic zinc), T1: T0 + organic zinc (zinc methionine) @ 20 ppm, T2: T0 + organic zinc @ 40 ppm and T3: T0 + organic zinc @ 60 ppm. The experiment was continued from 32 to 48 weeks of age. At 48 weeks, the weight of lymphoid organs, zinc levels in organs and immunity response were determined. The faecal zinc level was determined at monthly interval. The weight lymphoid organs of different treatment groups (both organic and inorganic zinc fed groups) of the broiler breeders did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). The cellular immune response of breeder birds to PHA-P was significantly (P 0.05) in all the periods of study. Zinc content in liver and tibia of broiler breeders in different dietary treatments of zinc differed significantly (P 0.05). The average zinc content in the faeces of broiler breeder during 35 to 43 week of age did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) among the treated groups. At 48 weeks of age, zinc content of the faeces of T3 was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the rest of treated groups. Similarly, during the overall experimental period analysis, it was found that zinc levels in the faeces of T2 and T3 were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than T1 and T0.

We evaluated the relationship between child (aged 6–36 months) height and blood zinc, copper, iron, calcium, and magnesium concentrations. We selected 840 children following a physical examination. Weight and supine length or standing height were measured according to the World Health Organization guidelines. Polarographic analysis was used to measure zinc, copper, iron, magnesium, and calcium levels. Differences in heights between groups with low vs. high mineral concentrations, stratified by sex and age, were compared by analysis of variance. Relationships between these five elements and heights were tested by multiple regression analysis. Zinc levels in the shorter group (height for age (HAZ) ≤ −0.3) were 135.84 ± 39.76 and 134.83 ± 37.57 μmol/L in boys and girls, respectively. Zinc concentrations in the taller group (HAZ > −0.3) were 142.50 ± 35.85 and 140.52 ± 35.80 μmol/L in boys and girls, respectively. The difference between the two height groups in boys and girls was statistically significant. Compared with those (143.06 ± 33.76 μmol/L) in the taller group, zinc concentration (131.30 ± 40.75 μmol/L) in the shorter group was significantly lower (p = 0.04) at age 6–12 months. Height was positively correlated with zinc level in children aged 6–12 months (p

Zinc level in the blood plasma and brain of rats was studied by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Maximum amount of zinc was observed in the cerebellum (15.0±5.5 μg/mg wet tissue). Single intraperitoneal administration of a zinc donor acyzol (24 mg/kg) did not change the content of this element in the tissues. Repeated injections of acyzol (7 injections over 14 days) significantly increased zinc level in rat plasma and brain. This elevation was most pronounced in the forebrain (cortex and subcortical structures). The rise in zinc concentration in blood plasma correlated with its level in the brain.

Objectives This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the zinc status of mothers and their infants attending a well-child clinic. Methods Blood and hair samples were collected from infants and their mothers at 2nd, 6th,12th month after delivery. Information on infant and their mothers’ dietary habits was gathered. Results Of all infants and their mothers, 54.6% and 12.6% had low hair zinc levels; 17% and 4.6% low serum zinc levels respectively. There was a positive relationship between mother's hair zinc level and her meat consumption at 2 and 6 months after delivery. Conclusion A significant number of infants and mothers had low hair zinc levels. Hair zinc concentrations of infants decreased significantly towards the end of first year. This may be due to low zinc intake of mothers. The main contribution of our study to the literature was the positive relationship between the red meat intake and maternal hair zinc levels.

Background: Recurrent Herpes Labialis (RHL) is one of most common infective vesiculoulcerative lesions. according to some studies administration of topical and/or systemic zinc compositions has been effective in treatment and prevention. This article aims to comparison of zinc level in healthy subjects and RHL patients in acute and convalescent phases. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective case – control study, carried on 80 individuals (40 normal and 40 RHL patients) mean age=34.5 and 34.4, respectively. Saliva samples were taken in patients in acute phase once and after healing of lesions in convalescent phase (averagely 21 days later) and in normal individuals. Salivary zinc level concentration was measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer by dry digestion method. The results were statistically analyzed with SPSS software by t-test (α=0.05). Results: Results showed that salivary zinc level in case group in acute and convalescent phases were 160.8 ngr/ml and 205.7 ngr/ml respectivly and significant differences between them were existed (P

We report two patients with myelopathy associated with copper deficiency and pancytopenia. Excessive intake of zinc can lead to a severe deficiency of copper reducing the absorption of ingested copper. The patients had in common consumption of denture adhesive paste containing zinc. In both patients, laboratory tests showed a combination of copper deficiency, hyperzincemia and increased urinary zinc level. The use of a denture cream was stopped. Copper supplementation, initially subcutaneously then oral corrected the copper deficiency and pancytopenia. Clinically, the pain faded but the gait disturbance persisted. Copper deficiency associated with the use of denture cream rich in zinc is an unrecognized cause of myelopathy associated with pancytopenia which should be diagnosed early to establish appropriate therapeutic measures to minimize neurological complications.