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Background: In recent years, trace elements (TEs) have gained considerable attention in the course of treatment and diagnosis of ischemic stroke. The purpose of the conducted research was to determine the trace mineral status (Se, Cu, Zn, Cu/Zn ratio, and Cu/Se ratio) in patients with acute ischemic stroke compared to the population of healthy people in the northeastern region of Poland., Materials and Methods: 141 patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and 69 healthy control subjects were examined. The serum concentrations of mineral components were assessed by the atomic absorption spectrometry method. Clinical parameters were updated based on medical records., Results: The serum Se and Zn concentrations were significantly decreased ( p < 0.0001; p < 0.0001) in patients with AIS compared with healthy control subjects. However, no significant differences were revealed in terms of the serum Cu concentration ( p = 0.283). As expected, we found that the serum Cu/Zn and Cu/Se molar ratios were significantly higher ( p = 0.001; p < 0.0001) in patients with AIS compared with healthy control subjects., Conclusions: Disturbed metal homeostasis is a significant contributor to AIS pathogenesis. Furthermore, marked disruption of the serum Cu/Zn and Cu/Se molar ratios could serve as a valuable indicator of AIS patients' nutritional status and oxidative stress levels.

The aim of this study was to assess concentration of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in serum of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and their relationships with glucose metabolism parameters. The study included 76 women with PCOS aged between 17 and 39 years old. The blood was collected according to the routine procedure during the follicular phase. Zn and Cu concentrations were performed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Glucose concentration was estimated by colorimetric methods. Insulin (INs) concentration was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. SIRT1 concentration was determined using commercial test. We found higher Cu concentration and Cu/Zn value in the serum of women with PCOS with overweight/obesity. Early stage of insulin resistance (IR) in the group of women with PCOS affected on higher Cu concentration and Cu/Zn value. However, increased value of body mass index, waist-hip ratio and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was not associated with changes in Zn and SIRT1 concentration. Further disturbances in glucose metabolic parameters in the blood of women with PCOS were intensified by overweight/obesity and IR. Overweight/obesity and IR in the women with PCOS increase disorders in Cu homeostasis and glucose metabolism parameters.

Microelements involved in the oxidative balance have a significant impact on human health, but their role in pregnancy are poorly studied. We examined the relationships between first trimester levels of selenium (Se), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), as well as maternal characteristics and pregnancy results. The data came from a Polish prospective cohort of women in a single pregnancy without chronic diseases. A group of 563 women who had a complete set of data, including serum microelements in the 10-14th week was examined, and the following were found: 47 deliveries <37th week; 48 cases of birth weight <10th and 64 newborns >90th percentile; 13 intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) cases; 105 gestational hypertension (GH) and 15 preeclampsia (PE) cases; and 110 gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) cases. The microelements were quantified using mass spectrometry. The average concentrations (and ranges) of the elements were as follows: Se: 60.75 µg/L (40.91-125.54); Zn: 618.50 µg/L (394.04-3238.90); Cu: 1735.91 µg/L (883.61-3956.76); and Fe: 1018.33 µg/L (217.55-2806.24). In the multivariate logistic regression, we found that an increase in Se of 1 µg/L reduces the risk of GH by 6% (AOR = 0.94; p = 0.004), the risk of IUGR by 11% (AOR = 0.89; p = 0.013), and the risk of birth <34th week by 7% (but close to the significance) (AOR = 0.93; p = 0.061). An increase in Fe of 100 µg/L reduces the risk of PE by 27% (AOR = 0.73; p = 0.009). In the multivariable linear regression, we found negative strong associations between prepregnancy BMI, Se (β = -0.130; p = 0.002), and Fe (β = -0.164; p < 0.0001), but positive associations with Cu (β = 0.320; p < 0.000001). The relationships between Se and maternal age (β = 0.167; p < 0.0001), Se and smoking (β = -0.106; p = 0.011) and Cu, and gestational age from the 10-14th week (β = 0.142; p < 0.001) were also found. Secondary education was associated with Zn (β = 0.132; p = 0.004) and higher education was associated with Cu (β = -0.102; p = 0.023). A higher financial status was associated with Fe (β = 0.195; p = 0.005). Other relationships were statistically insignificant. Further research is needed to clarify relationships between first trimester microelements and pregnancy complications. In addition, attention should be paid to lifestyle-related and socioeconomic factors that affect microelement levels., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Purpose: Based on the available data, alterations of the antioxidant defense as well as the vitamin status in mothers may affect the prenatal process of lung and immune system development as a pathophysiological background of increased prevalence of allergic diseases. The primary aim of the current study was to assess the associations among cord blood concentrations of zinc (Zn); copper (Cu); selenium (Se); β-carotene; and vitamin A, E, and D, and the occurrence of atopic dermatitis, food allergy, allergic rhinitis, and asthma in early school-age children. Methods: We evaluated 211 children, 7-9 years old, from the Polish Mother and Child Cohort Study. the women were interviewed during pregnancy to collect demographic and socioeconomic data, and the medical and reproductive history. At delivery, umbilical cord blood plasma was sampled. Seven to nine years after the birth, the child's exposure and health status (including skin-prick test and spirometry for allergy assessment and urine sample for cotinine level) were examined. In the analyses, a multivariable model was applied. Results: Statistically significant relationships were found among Zn; Cu; Se; and vitamin A, E, and D concentrations in cord blood; and the prevalence of food allergy, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and asthma in children ages 7-9 years after adjustment for several confounders. Conclusion: We showed an imbalance in the antioxidant defense system in cord blood, which may lead to the occurrence of allergic diseases later in life. The maternal diet may have substantial potential to modify immune tolerance and, consequently, the development of allergic disease in the offspring.Clinical trial NCT01861548, www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Introduction: Wilson disease (WD) may present from early childhood up to the eighth decade, presenting with variable hepatic and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Establishing the diagnosis is straightforward if the major clinical and laboratory features are present. However, clinical phenotypes are highly varied and early, proper diagnosis can be challenging., Aim: The aim of our study was to analyze clinical presentations and diagnostic tests of Polish pediatric patients with WD., Methods: We retrospectively analyzed medical history of 156 patients with confirmed diagnosis of WD treated at our Institute from 1996 till March 2016., Results: The mean age at onset of symptoms was 10.15±4.23 years of age. Hepatic presentation was the most common one (94.23%) with either liver failure (16.03%) or more frequently increased transaminases (78.2%). In 90.26% cases ceruloplasmin serum concentration was ≤0,2 g/l, in 51.93% patients basal urinary copper excretion was >100 μg/24 h. Mutation analysis was performed in 155 (99.36%) cases. The most common mutation was p.H1069Q., Conclusions: Wilson disease can present with only significantly increased transaminases activity and hepatomegaly or liver failure, but neurological symptoms are very rare in children. Diagnostic approach is challenging due to wide spectrum of clinical presentations in a high variable degree of severity. Genetic screening is supportive, ceruloplasmin and urinary copper excretion are valuable tests in the majority of patients but do not allow to exclude WD.

It has been hypothesized that the increase in allergic disorders may, in part, be a consequence of changing diet. The primary aim of this study was to assess the associations between occurrence of atopic dermatitis; food allergy; the incidence of wheeze inhaled glucocorticosteroid use in children during the 1st year of life; and cord blood concentrations of copper, zinc, vitamins (A and E), and glutathione peroxidase activity. We evaluated 240 1-year-old children from the Polish Mother and Child Cohort Study. Women were interviewed during pregnancy to collect demographic and socioeconomic data and medical and reproductive history. Exposure to tobacco constituents was assessed based on questionnaire data. At delivery, umbilical cord blood plasma was sampled. One year after the birth, the child's exposure and health status were examined. In the analyses a multivariable model was used. Higher zinc and copper concentrations in cord blood were associated with increased likelihood of wheezing in 1-year-old children. This effect was seen only among children exposed to tobacco smoke at home. We also showed significantly lower activity of glutathione peroxidase enzyme 3 in umbilical cord blood plasma of children with atopic dermatitis during the 1st year of life. There were no significant associations between vitamin A and E concentrations in plasma and children's health. We showed imbalance in the antioxidant defense system in cord blood, which may lead to development of atopic dermatitis or wheezing in infancy. The association between maternal nutrient status during pregnancy and child's health is complex and interacts with other environmental factors such as tobacco exposure. This study was a part of the clinical trial NCT01861548 registered at ClinicalTrials.gov.

Introduction: Aim of this study was the training effect evaluation on the Special Aviation Gymnastics Instruments (SAGI) on blood metallothionein (MT), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), protein, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and physical fitness in the examined cadets., Material and Methods: The study comprised 55 cadets, aged 20, divided into two groups: examined group A (N=41) and control group B (N=14). In both groups, blood material was collected twice, i.e. before (baseline) and after training (series I), during (series II), and after completion of training on the SAGI (Series III). Blood serum MT, Zn, Cu, protein, and NSE were assayed with commercially available kits). Physical fitness was assessed with commonly used fitness tests., Results: A significant decrease in serum MT was noted in both groups in all three series of assays after training, except group B in series II. NSE significantly increased in group A in series II after training. NSE activity increased significantly in group B in series I and III. In both groups, a significant decrease in blood serum Zn was noted after training in series I and II. Serum Cu significantly decreased in group A in all three series of assays. Blood serum protein significantly decreased in group A in series III. In series II, blood serum protein increased significantly in both groups. The remaining values were not changed significantly., Conclusions: Training intensity on SAGI lowered serum MT levels after training in comparison with the control group. This might be associated with Zn, Cu, and protein metabolism.

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, autoimmune-based disease of the connective tissue with still unknown etiology. Numerous studies have indicated the association between Copper (Cu) and ceruloplasmin (Cp) concentrations and pathogenesis of RA., Objective: To compare the concentrations of Cu and Cp in different biological samples and their correlation with the inflammatory process, between a group of patients with RA and a control group of healthy individuals., Materials and Methods: The study enrolled 74 Caucasian patients (20 men and 54 women), aged 29-50 (mean age 39.8±6.1 years) diagnosed with RA. The control group consisted of 30 healthy Caucasian individuals. Copper levels were assessed by atomic absorption spectroscopy., Results: Among RA patients the mean Cu level was significantly higher in serum and hair compartments and significantly lower in erythrocytes, compared with the control group (p<0.01). The Cp concentration was also higher in serum of RA patients (p<0.001). A statistically significant, positive correlation between the Cp serum concentration and the ESR values (r(s)=0.38; p<0.007) was found. No significant influence of pharmaceutical treatment (methotrexate, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, calcium, vitamin D3 and sulphasalazine) on serum Cu was found., Conclusions: It seems that the 'copper status' in patients with RA, based on the measurement of Cu and Cp levels in blood serum is correlated with presence of the inflammatory process. The hair could serve as a useful, additional diagnostic material. Some other factors, different from the applied treatment, can probably influence the Cu levels in patients with RA.

This study was designed to evaluate the degree of exposure of pet dogs from an urban area of NW Poland to selected metals, including toxic Cd and Pb. The study was conducted on a group of 48 healthy dogs. The serum concentration of the analysed elements followed the order Fe > Al > Zn > Cu > Mn > As > Sr > Pb > Cd > Cr > Ni > V. The presence of cadmium and lead was found in all the serum samples tested. The average contents of these elements were 0.309 and 0.489 μg/mL. The factors that played the greatest role in the intake of the analysed elements were diet and breed-dependent size of dogs. Small-sized dogs had higher concentrations of all elements compared with large dogs, with statistically significant differences noted for Cu, Pb, Cd and Sr. It was also found that dogs receiving commercial and mixed food had more metals in serum compared with dogs on homemade food (except strontium). The present study showed elevated concentrations of some heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Fe and Cu) in serum of pet dogs, which is probably due to the excess elemental load of this area. Given that no information is available on the concentrations of strontium, vanadium and aluminium in dogs, further research is necessary to determine certain reference values which would allow for an easier interpretation of results and evaluation of exposure to these elements.

Background: Exposure to arsenic, lead, and cadmium poses the risk of cancer. Cathepsins (CP) and their natural inhibitors (CPI) in blood serum are markers of carcinogensis. The aim of this work was to verify the existence of relationships between the exposure to the airesaid elements and the activity of CP and CPL., Materials and Methods: The levels of Pb and Cd in blood, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg, Fe, Se CP as well as free and bound CPI in serum, FEP in erythrocytes, and As in urine were measured in 186 production workers of Legnica Copper Smelter (study group) and 56 administrative employees (control group) and then analyzed., Results: CF levels were significantly elevated in both groups and CPI levels were elevated in the study group vs. the control group. There were no statistically significant relationships between CF and CPI levels and the remaining parameters in the study group. whereas they were found for CPI in the control group. The results indicate that occupational and environmental exposures to toxic metals (arsenic, lead, cadmium) may lead to the elevated levels of CF and CPI., Conclusions: The obtained results support the assumptions of the study.

Unlabelled: The aim of this work was to assess the serum copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) level and ratio Cu/Zn in the acute, symptomatic period of infectious mononucleosis and during the convalescence period, when no clinical symptoms were present., Material and Methods: We examined 50 persons, including 26 patients (14 women and 12 men) in the age of 16 to 27 years, examined in the acute, symptomatic period of the disease. The diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis was based on the clinical, haematological, biochemical and serologic criteria. Cu and Zn concentration was measured 3 times: on the 1st day and the 2nd week of hospitalisation, and also after the regression of clinical symptoms. The control group consisted of 24 healthy individuals (13 men and 11 women) in the age of 17 to 26 years. Cu and Zn concentration was measured once in this group. All measurements of Cu and Zn serum concentration were done using the method of atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) with AAS-3 spectrophotometer of Carl Zeiss-Jena production, at the wavelength for Cu--324.8, Zn--213.9 nm. We observed the Cu and Zn serum concentration and ratio Cu/Zn in patients with acute, symptomatic infectious mononucleosis and also after the regression of clinical symptoms to be statistically higher that the results from the healthy individuals., Conclusion: The statistical significant elevated serum Cu and Zn concentration observed during the course of infectious mononucleosis and after clinical symptoms regression in comparison to healthy persons expressed the perturbation of trace elements homeostasis. If copper to zinc ratio reflects myeloproliferative diseases activity, the practical value for infectious mononucleosis monitoring is the same as copper and zinc serum level measurement.

We studied the effect of VIBOVITmama (Polfa Kutno S.A.) supplementation on the course of pregnancy duration, delivery and puerperium and also the status of zinc, copper and selenium in the blood of matched maternal-cord pairs. Healthy pregnant women (n=138) were divided by a double blinded trial into a test group taking vitamin and mineral supplementation containing 15 mg of zinc, 2 mg of copper and 20 microg of selenium and a control group taking placebo. Course of pregnancy, delivery and puerperium were analyzed, as well as concentration of bioelements in the blood serum of pregnant women in the I, II, and II trimester and in umbilical cord blood of their children. In the study group we noted fewer by 1.45% cases of pregnancy induced hypertension and a much higher rate of natural deliveries (75%) in comparison to the control group (53%). During pregnancy in the supplemented group a 1% increase of zinc serum concentration was found. In the control group zinc concentration decreased by 7% (p < 0.005). Insignificant differences in serum concentration of copper and selenium was observed between the study group and controls. In umbilical cord blood the differences in the concentration of the above microelements were also insignificant. The results allow for the statement that VIBOVITmama supplementation stabilizes the zinc, copper and selenium levels in blood of pregnant women without the risk of overdosing, especially with reference to selenium.

Background: Industrial development increases the threat to human health caused by chemical contamination of the environment. Occupational neoplasms induced by exposure to carcinogenic factors present in workplaces are one of its effects. Heavy metals, especially arsenic, play an important role in this process. The aim of the study was to assess potential carcinogenic effects of arsenic and other heavy metals and the relation between their concentrations in organic fluids and the level of specific neoplastic markers, which might indicate the risk of the development of occupation-related neoplastic diseases., Materials and Methods: Over two years, 224 men employed in the "Legnica" Copper Foundry, Divisions of Furnace Charge Preparing and Metallurgy, were examined. Plasma and urine concentrations of some metals and neoplastic markers were measured. We analyzed a possible correlations between metals and markers concentrations., Results and Conclusions: The study allowed to establish a strong positive correlation between urine arsenic concentration, blood cadmium concentration and some serum neoplastic markers (CEA, SCC-Ag, PSA). There was a distinct synergistic reaction between the levels of arsenic, cadmium and lead intoxication and the number of smoked cigarettes, so that smoking copper smelters exposed to these metals form a high cancer risk group. Significant positive correlation between blood lead concentration, free erythrocyte protoporphyrins and the level of arsenic in copper smelters might indicate the increased risk of late effects of intoxication in persons under combined exposure to these metals.

The aim of the study was to determine blood concentration of essential trace elements (Se, Zn, Cu) and toxic metals (Pb, Cd), markers of antioxidant (activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxidase dismutase and ceruloplasmin) and prooxidant processes (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)) in workers exposed to Pb and Cd. Forty three male workers of the lead-acid batteries department, aged 25-52 years, and twenty two workers, including 15 women, aged 36-51 years, exposed to Cd in the alkaline batteries department were examined. The reference group consisted of 52 healthy inhabitants of the same region. It was found that Se concentration and GPx activity in both erythrocytes and plasma of Cd exposed workers were significantly lower (p < 0.001) than in the reference group. We found an inverse linear correlation between blood Se and Cd concentrations in the workers exposed to Cd (r = -0.449; p < 0.01). Moreover, the activity of erythrocyte and plasma GPx was shown to be significantly lower in the study group of workers (p < 0.001). It was observed that TBARS concentration in plasma was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the lead exposed workers than in the group without contact with Pb. Our results indicate that exposure to Pb and Cd affects the antioxidant potential of blood in workers exposed to heavy metals.

Objectives: To determine the influence of the essential element status on blood concentrations of lead and other toxic metals., Design and Methods: A group of 157 children from Katowice, an industrial area in Poland, was investigated for concentrations of lead and cadmium in whole blood, and mercury, selenium, zinc, copper, and magnesium in whole blood and serum. Relations between these elements, serum ferritin, hematological parameters, as well as serum selenoprotein P and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) were examined. Conversion factors for element concentrations (mumol to microgram): lead 207.19, cadmium 112.41, mercury 200.59, selenium 78.96, magnesium 24.31, copper 63.55, and zinc 65., Results: Blood lead was negatively associated with concentrations of selenium in whole blood and serum as well as selenoprotein P and glutathione peroxidase in serum. The association was mainly apparent at low blood lead concentrations, which may indicate an influence of selenium on the kinetics of lead, rather than an effect of lead on the selenium status. Children with low serum ferritin levels had statistically higher blood cadmium levels and a tendency for higher blood lead levels, indicating increased gastrointestinal absorption of these metals at reduced iron stores. Blood lead was negatively correlated with mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, which may reflect the effect of lead on hemoglobin synthesis. There was an association between blood mercury and selenium, indicating a common source of intake through fish consumption., Conclusions: The results indicate that selenium and iron status may influence the kinetics of lead.

The blood serum of 420 children and young people between 5 and 18 years of age was examined to appoint the content of calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper in it. The examination was realized by AAS method. The calcium level was from 54.16 mg/l to 594.28 mg/l; an average was 148.66 +/- 64.61 mg/l. The magnesium level was from 7.78 mg/l to 66.26 mg/l; an average was 21.84 +/- 6.36 and was higher than data in literary output for children from other regions of Poland. The zinc level was from 0.19 mg/l to 2.94 mg/l, on an average 0.92 +/- 0.30 mg/l. The copper level was from 0.23 mg/l to 2.56 mg/l; average was 1.03 +/- 0.34 mg/l. The almost shortages in these bioelements were in children between 10 and 14, the least shortages were in children between 5 and 9. There were most of all children with high zinc level in blood serum in 10-14 years old group.

Selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) concentrations were determined in plasma of 64 mothers at delivery, 58 nonpregnant women, 64 neonates, and 12 infants, aged 2-12 mo. Se and Zn concentrations in mothers at delivery were significantly lower, and Cu higher than in nonpregnant women. Mean Se and Cu concentrations in newborns were statistically lower than those in mothers at delivery, and Zn and Cu concentrations in preterm infants (n = 13) were significantly higher than in fullterm infants (n = 51). Maternal parity had no significant influence on the distribution of plasma trace element levels. No significant differences were observed in Se and Zn levels in maternal and cord blood plasma according to birth weight, contrary to maternal Cu concentration. Significant correlations were found between maternal and cord blood Se content, and between maternal plasma Cu concentration and birth weight of neonates.

The concentration of six trace metals has been determined in the blood of 90 workers of the Bełchatów Industrial District after the electric power station start-off. The results have been compared with those related to the time before the start-off. The trace elements have been determined using the flameless atomic absorption (Cd, Pb, Mn), flame atomic absorption (Zn), or colorimetric methods (Fe, Cu). In those examined after the electric power station start-off, as compared to the group examined prior to the start-off, the following observations have been made:--similar average concentrations of toxic metals--cadmium and lead--in blood,--similar average concentrations of copper in serum,--higher average concentrations of manganese and ferrum in serum,--lower concentrations of zinc in serum. The differences might be due to changes in living conditions or increased exposure to the metals. The investigations further contribute to the prospective evaluation of the effects of the Bełchatów Industrial District upon the level of trace metals in the blood of the workers of that district.

In 95 healthy subjects of either sex the serum concentrations of Cu, Au, and Mn were determined by means of neutron activation analysis (NAA). It was found that copper concentration in the serum of healthy subjects increased with age up to 70 years of life. In subjects aged below 60 years a higher gold level was demonstrated in the serum than in the subjects aged above 60 years. Serum manganese level was higher in men than in women.