Trace element nutrition status and dietary intake of children with phenylketonuria

The trace element status (copper, iron, zinc, manganese, chromium, and selenium) of 20 dietetically treated phenylketonuric (PKU) children was assessed. Significantly higher intakes of copper (p = 0.002) and iron (p = 0.005) were noted in PKU children compared with their siblings. No significant differences were found for zinc, manganese, or chromium. Intake of selenium was significantly lower (p = 0.0001) in PKU children (8.4 +/- 3.9 micrograms/d) than in siblings (41.6 +/- 9.4 micrograms/d). Plasma and urine selenium and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity (GSHpx) were significantly lower (p = 0.001) in PKU children (0.38 +/- 0.11 mumol/L, 58.0 +/- 34.5 nmol/d, and 14.2 +/- 5.5 U/g Hb, respectively) than in siblings (0.82 +/- 0.15 mumol/L, 165.2 +/- 49.4 nmol/d, and 22.7 +/- 5.2 U/g Hb, respectively). No differences were found in plasma and urine concentrations of other elements. Intake of selenium was significantly correlated with erythrocyte GSHpx (r = 0.87, p = 0.0001) and plasma selenium (r = 0.71, p = 0.0001) for the combined groups. The need and possible procedures, including dietary manipulation, for increasing selenium intake in PKU subjects are discussed.     

Trace element status of children with PKU and normal children

The trace mineral (chromium, copper, iron, selenium, and zinc) status of 10 children (4 to 13.8 years) with phenylketonuria (PKU) and 9 normal children (6.5 to 15.9 years) was assessed. The children with PKU were treated with a phenylalanine-free L-amino acid mix that supplied the following percentages (mean +/- standard deviation) of total daily intake: energy, 45 +/- 13; protein, 75 +/- 11; copper (Cu), 62 +/- 10; iron (Fe), 82 +/- 7; selenium (Se), 40 +/- 20; and zinc (Zn) 87 +/- 8. Diet records and blood samples were collected from each subject. Children with PKU had significantly greater mean intakes of Cu, Fe, and Zn than normal children. Mean serum Cu, Fe, and Zn concentrations of the children with PKU and normal children were not different despite significantly greater intakes by the children with PKU. Normal children had a significantly greater mean serum Se concentration and a mean blood chromium concentration 1.6 times that of children with PKU. Individuals whose primary source of protein is an elemental diet are especially at risk for multiple trace mineral deficiencies. Manufacturers of chemically defined medical foods should evaluate composition, specifically molar ratios between minerals, as a basis for product formulation.     

Zinc and copper metabolism in pregnancy and lactation of adolescent women

ObjectivePregnant and lactating adolescent women are at risk of zinc and copper deficiency but their capacity for metabolic adaptation is poorly known. This study investigated the effect of pregnancy and lactation on zinc and copper metabolism in adolescent women by comparing biochemical indices between groups in different reproductive states.MethodsHabitual dietary intake and biochemical indices (zinc, copper, alkaline phosphatase, and ceruloplasmin in plasma; zinc [E-Zn], metallothionein [E-MT], and superoxide dismutase [E-SOD] in erythrocytes) and their relation were compared among non-pregnant non-lactating adolescents (NPNLs; n = 26), third-trimester pregnant adolescents (PAs; n = 26), and lactating adolescents up to 3 mo postpartum (LAs; n = 21).ResultsZinc and copper intakes were not different across groups (on average, 8.7 and 1.0 mg/d, respectively). PAs had lower plasma zinc but higher plasma copper, alkaline phosphatase, and ceruloplasmin levels than did LAs and NPNLs (P < 0.05). E-SOD and E-Zn were similar in all groups but E-MT was higher in the PA and LA groups than in the NPNL group (P < 0.05). Correlations between plasma copper and ceruloplasmin and between E-MT and E-Zn were observed in the LA and NPNL groups (r ≥ 0.64, P < 0.01) but not in the PA group. In contrast, correlations between plasma alkaline phosphatase and plasma zinc, between E-MT and plasma zinc, and between E-SOD and E-Zn were observed only in the PA group (r ≥ 0.46, P < 0.05).ConclusionZinc and copper biochemical responses to pregnancy and lactation in the adolescent women studied appeared qualitatively similar to those described in previous studies in adult women. However, the significant correlations observed between the activity of zinc-dependent enzymes and plasma (or erythrocyte) zinc suggest that a poor maternal zinc status may limit the metabolic adaptation capacity of these adolescent women especially during pregnancy.     

Plasma zinc, copper, and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase in children with phenylketonuria.

Children with phenylketonuria (PKU) are treated with semisynthetic diets restricted in phenylalanine (PHE). The formulae must supply those trace elements and vitamins that are usually supplied by whole protein foods. We studied the effects of phenylalaline restricted diets in 42 children with PKU (P) and 31 normal (N) children, aged 1-12 y, divided into two groups (below and above 7 y). Plasma zinc and copper were analyzed by means of atomic spectrophotometry, and superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) activity was measured in erythrocytes, through NBT inhibition and its profile, as determined by isoelectric focalization. Plasma zinc of PKU children > or = 7 years old was significantly lower than that in the control group (17 mumol/L versus 20 mumol/L) but still within the normal range; in children < 7 years no substantial differences were found between the two groups. Plasma copper was not statistically different between PKU and normal children. Qualitative activity of CuZnSOD presented the same electrophoretic profile in both normal and PKU. Quantitative activity was not different in both P (1210 U/g Hb < 7 versus 1328 U/g hemoglobin (Hb) > or = 7) and N (1675 U/g Hb < 7 versus 1367 U/g Hb > or = 7). We concluded that children with PKU presented normal mean levels of zinc and copper, with preserved function, measured by enzyme activity.     

Body burdens of mercury, lead, selenium and copper among Baltimore newborns

Umbilical cord blood or serum concentrations of mercury, lead, selenium and copper were measured with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in a population of 300 infants born in Baltimore, Maryland. Geometric mean values were 1.37 μg/L (95% confidence interval: 1.27, 1.48) for mercury; 0.66 μg/dL (95% CI: 0.61, 0.71) for lead; and 38.62 μg/dL (95% CI: 36.73, 40.61) for copper. Mean selenium was 70.10 μg/L (95% CI: 68.69, 70.52). Mercury, selenium and copper levels were within exposure ranges reported among similar populations, whereas the distribution of lead levels was lower than prior reports; only one infant had a cord blood lead above 10 μg/dL. Levels of selenium were significantly correlated with concentrations of lead (Spearman's ρ=0.20) and copper (Spearman's ρ=0.51). Multivariable analyses identified a number of factors associated with one of more of these exposures. These included: increase in maternal age (increased lead); Asian mothers (increased mercury and lead, decreased selenium and copper); higher umbilical cord serum n−3 fatty acids (increased mercury, selenium and copper), mothers using Medicaid (increased lead); increasing gestational age (increased copper); increasing birthweight (increased selenium); older neighborhood housing stock (increased lead and selenium); and maternal smoking (increased lead). This work provides additional information about contemporary prenatal element exposures and can help identify groups at risk of atypical exposures.     

Dosing and monitoring of trace elements in long-term home parenteral nutrition patients

Background: Trace elements (TEs) dosing and monitoring in home parenteral nutrition (PN) patients vary with their underlying conditions. Methods: This retrospective observational study evaluated parenteral TE dosing, serum TE concentrations and monitoring, and dose‐concentration relationships between TE doses and serum TE concentrations in 26 adult and adolescent home PN patients. Results: There was a total of 40,493 PN days. Average parenteral zinc doses of 9.1 mg/d and 7.6 mg/d resulted in the majority of serum zinc concentrations (90%) within normal range in patients with and without short bowel syndrome (SBS), respectively. Selenium at about 70 mcg/d resulted in about 60% of serum selenium concentrations within normal range, with 38% of values below normal in patients with and without SBS alike. Copper at 1 mg/d resulted in 22.5% of serum copper concentrations above the normal range. The majority of serum manganese (94.6%) and chromium (96%) concentrations were elevated. Serum TE concentrations were infrequently monitored. Significant relationships existed between doses and serum concentrations for zinc (P < .0001), manganese (P = .012), and chromium (P < .0001) but not for selenium or copper. Conclusions: TE doses in home PN should be individualized and adjusted based on regular monitoring of TE status. In long‐term home PN patients, higher zinc and selenium doses may be necessary to maintain their normal serum concentrations. Lower copper doses and restrictions of manganese and chromium supplementation may be needed to avoid their accumulation. Relationships between TE doses and serum TE concentrations vary for each TE and underlying clinical conditions.     

Serum levels of zinc,calcium, and iron are associated with the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women

Evidence indicates that various elements, including antioxidant minerals, might play an important role in preeclampsia (PE). This study was carried out to investigate the relationship between serum mineral levelsof zinc, calcium, iron, and selenium and the risk of preeclampsia in Korean women. Twenty-nine normal controls and 30 women with preeclampsia were recruited for the study. Preeclampsia was defined as having high blood pressure (≥140/90 mm Hg after 20 weeks gestation) and proteinuria (≥300 mg/24 hours). Serum mineral content was determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Serum zinc (P < .0001) and calcium (P = .0188) levels were lower in women with preeclampsia than those of normal women, while serum iron was significantly higher in women with preeclampsia (P = .0045). The odds ratio for preeclampsia was lower in women with higher serum zinc levels than those with lower levels after adjustment for age, height, and weight before delivery (P < .0001). The adjusted odds ratio for preeclampsia also decreased across tertiles of serum calcium concentration (P = .0452). However, there was an increased adjusted odds ratio for preeclampsia across tertiles of serum iron level (P = .0104). These results suggest that levels of serum minerals such as zinc, calcium, and iron may be associated with the risk of preeclampsia in Korean pregnant women.     

Influence of early trace element and vitamin E supplements on antioxidant status after major trauma: a controlled trial

Negative selenium and zinc balances occur after major trauma, potentially compromising antioxidant defenses. The aim of this study was to determine if micronutrient supplementation could modulate the blood antioxidant status. 32 patients admitted to surgical ITU with major trauma were randomized to receive either selenium alone, selenium plus copper, zinc and tocopherol, or placebo for 5 days after injury. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 and analyzed for plasma selenium, copper, zinc, tocopherol, glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and for erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes. Plasma selenium and tocopherol concentrations were low on admission, but increased significantly (p = 0.001) with supplementation, whereas there was an early significant fall in TAC (p < 0.002) in the selenium supplemented groups. Plasma glutathione peroxidase activity increased significantly between days 2 and 5 with supplementation (p = 0.02), but erythrocyte enzyme activity was unaffected. The unexpected early fall in plasma TAC with supplementation may reflect mobilization of antioxidant defenses.     

Serum antioxidant levels and nutritional status in early and advanced stage lung cancer patients

ObjectiveMalnutrition frequently occurs in lung cancer patients. We aimed to determine nutritional status and antioxidant and mineral levels in Thai patients with lung cancer.MethodsA prospective study with matched case-control was conducted. Nutritional status was assessed by body mass index (BMI) and subjective global assessment (SGA). Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status was used to assess the performance. The serum antioxidant and mineral levels were determined.ResultsForty-nine patients with a mean age of 58.8 (range, 35-82) who were first diagnosed with lung cancer were enrolled. They were compared with 60 healthy controls, and levels of retinol, α-tocopherol, β-carotene, lycopene, β-cryptoxanthin, selenium, and zinc were lower (P < 0.05). However, peroxidase activity was higher (P = 0.002) in patients. Selenium levels were higher in early stage compared to advanced stage patients (P = 0.041). Overweight patients had higher selenium levels (0.04 mg/L) than normal BMI patients (β = 0.04, P = 0.035). Patients with SGA class C had lower selenium levels (0.03 mg/L) than those with class A (β = ?0.03, P = 0.035). The poorer ECOG performance patients had significantly lower β-carotene (β = ?0.192, P = 0.003) and selenium (β = ?0.031, P = 0.011) levels compared with those with good ECOG performance status.ConclusionsSignificantly lower levels of antioxidants and selenium were found in lung cancer patients compared to healthy controls. Levels of some antioxidants and minerals differed among categories of BMI, SGA categories, or ECOG performance status. These findings may be helpful for further studies, such as the effect of nutritional supplementation on clinical outcomes.     

妊娠糖尿病患者血清中硒、锌、铜、钙含量分析

目的:检测妊娠糖尿病(GDM)患者血清中微量元素硒、锌、铜、钙的含量,探讨其与GDM的关系。方法:采用原子分光光度计分别检测78例GDM孕妇和72例正常孕妇血清中硒、锌、铜和钙的含量。结果:GDM组孕妇血清中微量元素硒、锌及钙的含量明显低于正常对照组(P<0.000 1);而铜的含量,GDM组却显著高于正常对照组(P<0.000 1)。结论:微量元素硒、锌、铜、钙在GDM的发生和发展过程中具有重要的作用。GDM组孕妇体内存在微量元素的代谢紊乱,应加强孕妇的饮食指导,适时补充硒、锌、钙等。     

血微、常量元素水平与儿童支气管哮喘的相关性研究

【目的】 观察支气管哮喘患儿全血锌、铁、钙、镁、铜、铅、锰、硒等微、常量元素含量的变化,并探讨其在支气管哮喘发病机制中的意义。 【方法】 采用原子吸收光谱法检测1 986例支气管哮喘患儿和856例正常对照组儿童全血锌、铁、钙、镁、铜、铅、锰、硒8种元素含量,并对检测结果作比较分析。 【结果】 支气管哮喘患儿组锌、铁和钙含量较正常对照组低,血铅含量较正常对照组高,两组间差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);而铜、镁、硒、锰两组间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05)。在哮喘的急性发作期,血锌、钙含量低于缓解期(P＜0.05)。 【结论】 锌、铁、钙缺乏,铅暴露增加,是造成哮喘患儿免疫功能减低、免疫调节紊乱的重要原因,在治疗中需适当补充锌、铁、钙,减少铅暴露。     

Effect of contraceptive pill on the selenium and zinc status of healthy subjects

Background

The study was conducted to ascertain the influence of oral contraceptive pill (OCP) uptake on serum zinc and selenium in contraceptive pill users.

Study Design

The concentration of zinc and selenium was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer in 50 healthy women with normal menstrual cycles as a control group and 50 women taking low-dose OCP.

Results

The control reference values were 81.61±9.44 and 70.35±25.57 mcg/dL, which were obtained for zinc and selenium, respectively. Use of OCP resulted in a significant decrease in serum zinc levels (p≤.009, t=−3.666) and alteration of selenium levels but not significantly (p=.08, t=0.935). The duration of use beyond 3 months had no effect on the magnitude of the decrease in serum zinc levels.

Conclusions

These findings may be important because selenium is currently believed to offer protective benefits against carcinogenesis. It has been thought that the decrease in serum zinc could be reflected in a reduction of tissue zinc status due to changes in zinc absorption, excretion or tissue turnover. If these changes occur, the dietary zinc requirement would be greater in women using OCP.     

Dietary selenium intake is negatively associated with serum sialic acid and metabolic syndrome features in healthy young adults

Low-grade and chronic inflammation related to excessive body weight can increase the risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, whereas the intake of antioxidant nutrients appears to produce anti-inflammatory effects. The purpose of this observational study was to assess the potential relationships between serum SA levels, metabolic syndrome features, and dietary selenium intake to test the hypothesis that this antioxidant micronutrient may also have anti-inflammatory properties in healthy young adults. Forty-three healthy participants with a mean age of 18.0 ± 0.93 years and a mean body mass index of 22.2 ± 2.7 kg/m² were enrolled. Anthropometric, body composition, and blood pressure determinations were measured as well as serum lipid profile, glucose, insulin, and SA concentrations. Nutritional intake was estimated by a computerized, validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. The findings included a positive correlation between SA and triacylglycerol levels (r = 0.317, P = .038) and a trend to significance with the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance index (r = 0.297, P = .053). Moreover, subjects with higher dietary selenium intake showed statistically lower SA levels compared with subjects with lower dietary selenium intake (1.8 ± 0.4 vs 2.1 ± 0.4 mmol/L, P = .037), while dietary selenium negatively correlated with SA (r = −0.331, P = .030) and triacylglycerol levels (r = −0.312, P = .041). It can be concluded that a relationship of SA, an inflammatory marker, with metabolic syndrome features such as lipid profile impairment and insulin resistance has been envisaged. In addition, we report (apparently for the first time) a negative association between SA and selenium intake, a recognized antioxidant trace element, in healthy young subjects, reinforcing the view of selenium as a potential anti-inflammatory nutrient.     

心脏病患者血清铜、锌、锰、铬、硒含量测定的临床意义

作者应用原子吸收光谱法和原子荧光光谱法测定了人血清铜、锌、锰、铬、及全血硒。测定对象分正常对照(40例),冠心病(36例),风湿性心脏瓣膜病(27例),扩张型心肌病(34例)4组。结果表明,正常人平均血铜值1.227±0.213μg/ml,锌1.0±0.149μg/ml,铬8.945±5.464ng/ml,锰12.163±4.21ng/ml,硒0.0625±0.03μg/ml,与文献报道值接近。其余三组心脏病人血铜值(1.448μg/ml,1.740μg/ml、1.746μg/ml)均显著升高(P<<0.001),血锌在冠心病、风心病组降低(P<0.01),铬三组无变化,锰仅在风心病组降低(P<0.01),硒在冠心病组增高(P<0.05),在扩张型心肌病组则显著降低(P<0.0001)。急性心肌梗塞(13例),血铜升高,而锌降低;心衰时血铜显著升高。以上变化对三种心脏病及急性心肌梗塞的诊断与鉴別、判断心脏的功能可能有一定意义。特别是扩张型心肌病呈现出特异性血硒降低,可能是该病的致病因素之一。     

Comparative in vitro uptake of zinc by erythrocytes of normal vs Type 2 diabetic individuals and the associated factors

Diabetes is an oxidative stress-related disorder in which erythrocyte zinc uptake may vary as compared to healthy individuals. Since zinc is one of the important antioxidant trace metals, some functional indices of erythrocyte zinc status, ie in vitro zinc uptake, osmotic fragility and glucose uptake, were compared in Type 2 diabetic subjects (n=43) and healthy controls (n=22). The associations of these indices with plasma levels of antioxidants and micronutrients were examined. The trace metals were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Vitamins were estimated using spectrophotometric and spectroflourometric methods. In vitro zinc uptakes of healthy subjects were 17 to 52% higher (p<0.01) than those for diabetic subjects. The osmotic fragility for diabetic cells was 2.2 to 1.5 times higher than the healthy cells in 0.85-0.5% NaCl solutions (p<0.05). Percent hemolysis at 0.75, 0.65 and 0.55% NaCl had significant negative correlations (p<0.05) with in vitro zinc uptakes and that at 0.50% NaCl had a positive correlation with HbA1c levels (p<0.05). The in vitro zinc uptakes of erythrocytes in healthy subjects showed a strong negative correlation (p<0.01) with percent hemolysis at 0.75, 0.65 and 0.55% NaCl, a positive correlation with plasma zinc (r=0.33, p<0.05) and a strong negative correlation with plasma selenium and iron, hemoglobin and serum ceruloplasmin indicating antagonistic behavior of copper, iron and selenium with zinc uptake (p<0.01). Furthermore, erythrocyte super oxide dismutase (SOD), plasma ascorbic acid and status of riboflavin and thiamine were negatively correlated with in vitro zinc uptakes of erythrocytes in healthy subjects (p<0.01). These associations in the diabetic subjects were weaker than normal. Erythrocyte zinc uptake and osmotic fragility could be biomarkers of long-term zinc status and decrease of zinc uptake may be one of the features of diabetic patients.     

Alterations in serum levels of trace elements in tuberculosis and HIV infections

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate serum concentrations of trace elements in tuberculosis (TB) patients with or with out human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection before and after anti-TB chemotherapy. SUBJECTS: A total of 155 TB patients, 74 of which were coinfected with HIV, and 31 healthy controls from Gondar, Ethiopia. METHODS: Serum levels of copper, zinc, selenium and iron were determined using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer from all subjects at baseline and from 44 TB patients (22 with HIV coinfection) at the end of an intensive phase of anti-TB chemotherapy. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the concentrations of iron, zinc and selenium were significantly lower (P<0.05) while that of copper and copper/zinc ratio was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the serum of TB patients. TB patients with HIV coinfection had significantly lower serum zinc and selenium concentrations and significantly higher copper/zinc ratio compared to that in TB patients without HIV coinfection (P<0.05). The serum concentration of zinc had significantly increased at the end of intensive phase of anti-TB chemotherapy in patients without HIV coinfection (P<0.05). An increase in serum selenium level was observed in TB patients with or without HIV coinfection after therapy. On the contrary, serum copper concentration and copper/zinc ratio declined significantly after anti-TB chemotherapy irrespective of HIV serostatus (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that TB patients have altered profile of trace elements in their sera. This warrants the need for further investigations so that strategies for trace elements supplementation can be planned in addition to their potential as diagnostic parameters in monitoring responses to anti-TB chemotherapy.     

SLC30A3 and SEP15 gene polymorphisms influence the serum concentrations of zinc and selenium in mature adults

Because of their numerous roles in several biological processes, zinc and selenium are the most commonly studied micronutrients in the elderly. Therefore, we hypothesized that the polymorphisms in the genes that are responsible for the transport of zinc and selenium may have a genotype-dependent effect on the serum concentration of these micronutrients. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of solute carrier family 30 member 3 (SLC30A3) and 15-kd selenoprotein (SEP15) polymorphisms on zinc and selenium concentrations, respectively, in the serum. This cross-sectional study included 110 individuals who were aged 50 years or older. Serum micronutrient concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (for zinc) and by atomic absorption spectrophotometry with a graphite furnace (for selenium). The single-nucleotide polymorphisms, rs73924411 and rs11126936 of the SLC30A3 gene and rs5859, rs5854, and rs561104 of the SEP15 gene, were examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Regarding rs11126936, the serum zinc concentration was lower in CC homozygotes (0.75 ± 0.31 mg/L) than in A carriers (0.89 ± 0.28 mg/L, P = .016). Concerning rs561104, the serum selenium concentration was higher in CC homozygotes (5.65 ± 1.11 μg/dL) compared with T carriers (4.88 ± 1.25 μg/dL, P = .044). Our results demonstrate the influence of SLC30A3 and SEP15 gene polymorphisms on the serum concentrations of zinc and selenium, respectively. The effects of these associations should be further investigated to help elucidate the modes of action of trace elements and to identify biomarkers, which could ultimately define the optimal intake of these micronutrients at the molecular level. More research must be performed before the roles of these polymorphisms in the serum concentrations of zinc and selenium can be fully understood.     

Selenium deficiency is associated with insulin resistance in patients with hepatitis C virus-related chronic liver disease

The relationship between selenium (Se) deficiency and insulin resistance has not much been established in persistent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, although Se deficiency is often observed in patients with liver cirrhosis. We hypothesized that the decreased serum Se levels were associated with the severity of hepatic fibrosis or insulin resistance in patients with HCV-related chronic liver disease (CLD). To test the hypothesis, 52 patients with HCV-related CLD including chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis were enrolled in this study. The severity of hepatic fibrosis was divided into 4 categories (F₁ through F₄) according to the new Inuyama classification. Insulin resistance was defined by the homeostasis model for assessment of insulin resistance value. Serum Se levels significantly declined in proportion to the severity of hepatic fibrosis and were positively correlated with serum albumin (r = 0.372, P = .0065) and zinc (r = 0.403, P = .0081) concentrations. Serum Se levels were also linked to glutathione peroxidase activities in the sera of the enrolled patients (r = 0.374, P = .0148). By contrast, serum Se levels were inversely correlated with the homeostasis model for assessment of insulin resistance values (r = −0.304, P = .0338). However, serum Se levels were independent of HCV genotype and loads of HCV-RNA. These findings suggest that Se deficiency was associated with the severity of hepatic fibrosis in patients with HCV-related CLD and that Se deficiency was likely to be one of the factors contributing to insulin resistance in those patients.     

Association of low serum selenium with anemia among adolescent girls living in rural Vietnam

ObjectiveWe investigated the prevalence of anemia and deficiency in trace elements in adolescent girls living in rural Vietnam.MethodsTwo hundred forty-five adolescent girls 11–17 y of age from three schools in rural province of Ha Nam, Vietnam, were assessed.ResultsThe prevalence of anemia was 20.4%. The incidences of low serum selenium (Se), zinc, and copper in subjects were 15.9%, 26.5%, and 4.1%, respectively. The parameter significantly associated with anemia was the low serum levels of Se and vice versa (odds ratio [OR] 5.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.57–11.18, P < 0.0001). Other risk factors for anemia were a body mass index <17.00 kg/m² (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.37–5.37, P = 0.004) and years of age (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.14–1.59, P < 0.001). A body mass index <17.00 kg/m² (OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.25–5.61, P = 0.011) was also found to be a risk factor for low serum Se.ConclusionThe findings of the present study demonstrate that low serum Se is independently associated with anemia in adolescent girls living in rural Vietnam. Interventions are required to gain insight into the potential role of Se on prevention and control of anemia.     

乙二胺四乙酸铁钠口服液治疗小儿缺铁性贫血及对血清微量元素的影响

目的:探讨乙二胺四乙酸铁钠(NaFeEDTA)口服液治疗婴幼儿缺铁性贫血的疗效及其对血清微量元素的影响。方法:对101例缺铁性贫血(IDA)患儿给予NaFeEDTA口服液0.5mg·kg-1·d-1,连服8周,治疗前、后分别测定血常规和微量元素,并与正常儿童进行对照。结果:用药8周后93.0%的IDA患儿血红蛋白(Hb)恢复至正常水平(P<0.01);治疗前IDA患儿血清铁、锌、铜均较正常儿童低(P<0.05),治疗8周后血清铁、锌、铜均较治疗前明显升高(P<0.05),血清钙、镁变化不明显。结论:NaFeEDTA口服液治疗婴幼儿IDA临床效果好,可显著升高血清铁、锌、铜水平。