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Biological Trace Element Research Apr 2023Leishmaniasis is a protozoal disease declared as an endemic in areas suffering from severe malnutrition and poverty. The factors associated with poverty like low income,... (Review)
Review
Leishmaniasis is a protozoal disease declared as an endemic in areas suffering from severe malnutrition and poverty. The factors associated with poverty like low income, ecological factors, and malnutrition cause disruption in immunity and host defense increasing risk of infection. Altered resistance to infection and host susceptibility are associated with low micronutrient levels in undernourished patients. Malnutrition has been recognized as a poor predictive marker for leishmaniasis, in particular the deficiency of trace elements like zinc, iron, and vitamin A, B, C, D which has a prominent function in the regulation of innate and adaptive immunity, cell proliferation, human physiology, etc. Malnourishment can exacerbate host sensitivity and pathophysiologic intensity to infection in variety of ways, whereas infection can enhance underlying poor nutrition or enhance host vulnerability and sandfly's urge to attack specific hosts. The intensity of leishmaniasis can be influenced by body mass and micronutrient availability in the blood. Vitamin D, C, zinc, and iron are proved effective in inhibiting the growth of leishmaniasis in both amastigote or promastigote forms, either directly or by acting as precursor for a pathway which inhibits the parasite growth. This article elucidates a new perception to the crucial role of micronutrients and their probable role in the therapeutic outcomes of leishmaniasis. Since there is requirement of novel drugs to fight drug resistance and relapse of leishmaniasis, this article may pave way to understand the importance of micronutrients and their role in therapeutic outcomes of leishmaniasis.
Topics: Humans; Vitamins; Vitamin A; Minerals; Trace Elements; Micronutrients; Zinc; Vitamin K; Leishmaniasis; Iron; Malnutrition; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 35779182
DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03311-6 -
Public Health Nutrition Dec 2021To examine associations between serum micronutrients and neurobehavioural function and the mediating role of sleep quality in early adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
To examine associations between serum micronutrients and neurobehavioural function and the mediating role of sleep quality in early adolescents.
DESIGN
In this cross-sectional study, peripheral blood samples were analysed for Fe and Zn levels. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Penn Computerized Neurocognitive Battery were used to assess sleep quality and neurobehavioural function, respectively. The logistic/linear regressions and generalised structural equation modelling were performed to estimate the associations.
SETTING
Jintan, China.
PARTICIPANTS
In total, 226 adolescents (106 females) from the Jintan Child Cohort study.
RESULTS
Adolescents with low Fe (<75 μg/dl) (OR = 1·29, P = 0·04) and low Zn (<70 μg/dl) (OR = 1·58, P < 0·001) were associated with increased odds for poor sleep quality. Adolescents with low Fe and Zn were associated with fast (Fe: β = -1353·71, P = 0·002, Zn: β = -2262·01, P = 0·02) but less-accurate (Fe: β = -0·97, P = 0·04; Zn: β = -1·76, P = 0·04) performance on non-verbal reasoning task and poor sleep quality partially mediated the associations between low Fe/Zn and non-verbal reasoning (P < 0·05). Additionally, low Fe was associated with a slower reaction on spatial processing task (β = 276·94, P = 0·04), and low Zn was associated with fast (β = -1781·83, P = 0·03), but error-prone performance (β = -1·79, P = 0·04) on spatial processing ability and slower reaction speed (β = 12·82, P = 0·03) on the attention task. We observed similar trends using a cut-off point of 75 μg/dl for low serum Zn, except for the association with attention task speed (P > 0·05).
CONCLUSION
Fe and Zn deficiencies may possibly be associated with poor sleep and neurobehavioural function among early adolescents. Poor sleep may partially mediate the relationship between micronutrients and neurobehavioural function.
Topics: Adolescent; Cohort Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Micronutrients; Sleep; Sleep Quality; Trace Elements
PubMed: 34034852
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980021002329 -
PloS One 2022Processing and storing blood samples for future analysis of biomarkers can be challenging in resource limited environments. The preparation of dried blood spots (DBS)...
Processing and storing blood samples for future analysis of biomarkers can be challenging in resource limited environments. The preparation of dried blood spots (DBS) from finger-stick collection of whole blood is a widely used and established method as DBS are biosafe, and allow simpler field processing, storage, and transport protocols than serum or plasma. Therefore, DBS are commonly used in population surveys to assess infectious disease and/or micronutrient status. Recently, we reported that DBS can be used with the Q-plex™ Human Micronutrient 7-plex Array (MN 7-plex), a multiplexed immunoassay. This tool can simultaneously quantify seven protein biomarkers related to micronutrient deficiencies (iodine, iron and vitamin A), inflammation, and malarial antigenemia using plasma or serum. Serum ferritin, an iron biomarker, cannot be measured from DBS due to red blood cell (RBC) ferritin content confounding the results. In this study, we assess a simple blood fractionation tool that passively separates plasma from other blood components via diffusion through a membrane into a plasma collection disc (PCD). We evaluated the concordance of MN 7-plex analyte concentrations from matched panels of eighty-eight samples of PCD, DBS, and wet plasma prepared from anticoagulated venous whole blood. The results showed good correlations of >0.93 between the eluates from PCD and DBS for each analyte except ferritin; while correlations seen for plasma/PCD were weaker. However, the recovery rate of the analytes from the PCD were better than those from DBS. The serum ferritin measures from the PCD were highly correlated to wet plasma samples (0.85). This suggests that surveillance for iron status in low resource settings can be improved over the current methods restricted to only measuring sTfR in DBS. When used in combination with the MN 7-plex, all seven biomarkers can be simultaneously measured using eluates from the PCDs.
Topics: Humans; Micronutrients; Trace Elements; Biomarkers; Ferritins; Iron; Inflammation
PubMed: 36409692
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277835 -
Journal of the American Nutrition... 2023To evaluate variations in micronutrient biomarker concentrations and deficiencies across the menstrual cycle in a cohort of healthy women. This prospective cohort study...
To evaluate variations in micronutrient biomarker concentrations and deficiencies across the menstrual cycle in a cohort of healthy women. This prospective cohort study was conducted among healthy women of reproductive age living in the State College area, Pennsylvania, ( = 45). Data collection occurred at the early follicular phase, the late follicular phase, and the midluteal phase. Fasting blood samples were collected to measure micronutrient biomarkers. At the early follicular phase, the mean ± SD concentrations for zinc, copper, magnesium, and retinol were 81.8 ± 16.2 µg/dL, 80.1 ± 12.8 µg/dL, 17.9 ± 1.4 mg/L, and 39.4 ± 9.3 µg/dL, respectively. The geometric mean (95% CI) for manganese, iron and ferritin concentrations were 1.51 [1.21, 1.87] µg/L, 106.7 [90.8, 125.4] µg/dL, and 26.4 [20.5, 34.0] µg/L, respectively. Mean concentrations of zinc and magnesium declined by 6.6% ( = 0.009) and 4.6% ( < 0.001) from the early follicular phase to the midluteal phase, respectively. Other biomarkers remained relatively constant across the cycle. At the early follicular phase, the prevalence of low serum concentrations for zinc, copper, magnesium, manganese, iron, and ferritin was 22%, 7%, 29%, 13%, 14%, and 28%, respectively. Also, in early follicular phase, 36% had anemia, and 13% specifically had iron deficiency anemia. The prevalence of magnesium deficiency was significantly higher at the midluteal phase vs. the early follicular phase ( = 0.025). Our study suggests that while many micronutrient concentrations are relatively constant across the menstrual cycle in healthy women, zinc and magnesium decline, and the prevalence of magnesium deficiency increases. Supplemental data for this article is available online at.
Topics: Humans; Female; Micronutrients; Copper; Magnesium Deficiency; Magnesium; Prospective Studies; Manganese; Trace Elements; Iron; Menstrual Cycle; Zinc; Ferritins; Biomarkers
PubMed: 35512771
DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2022.2040399 -
Geobiology May 2023Nickel and zinc are both bio-essential micronutrients with a nutrient-like distribution in the modern ocean, but show key differences in their biological functions and...
Nickel and zinc are both bio-essential micronutrients with a nutrient-like distribution in the modern ocean, but show key differences in their biological functions and geochemical behavior. Eukaryotic phytoplankton, and especially diatoms, have high Zn quotas, whereas cyanobacteria generally require relatively more Ni. Secular changes in the relative availability of these micronutrients may, therefore, have affected the evolution and diversification of phytoplankton. In this study, we use a large compilation of Ni and Zn concentration data for Phanerozoic sediments to evaluate long-term changes in Ni and Zn availability and possible links to phytoplankton evolution. Modern data suggest that organic-rich sediments capture the dissolved deep ocean Ni/Zn ratio, regardless of local depositional conditions. We use this observation to constrain Ni/Zn ratios for past oceans, based on data from the sedimentary record. This record highlights long-term changes in the relative availability of these micronutrients that can be linked to the (bio)geochemical conditions on the Earth's surface. Early Palaeozoic oceans were likely relatively Ni rich, with sedimentary Ni/Zn ratios for this interval mostly being around ~1 or higher. A comparison with Phanerozoic strontium-, carbon-, and sulfur-isotopic records suggests that the late Palaeozoic decrease in sulfidic conditions and increase in hydrothermal inputs and organic-carbon burial rates caused a shift towards more Zn-rich conditions. Mesozoic and Cenozoic sediments show relatively Zn-rich oceans for these time intervals, with sedimentary Ni/Zn ratios mostly being around ~1 or lower. These observations imply that the diversification of the dominant groups of modern eukaryotic phytoplankton occurred in relatively Zn-rich oceans and that these organisms still carry this signature in their stoichiometries. However, the Phanerozoic transition to a more Zn-rich ocean pre-dates the origin and diversification of modern eukaryotes and, therefore, this transition was likely not the main direct cause for eukaryotic diversification in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic Eras.
Topics: Zinc; Nickel; Micronutrients; Oceans and Seas; Trace Elements; Phytoplankton; Eukaryota; Carbon
PubMed: 36536606
DOI: 10.1111/gbi.12541 -
Current Opinion in Gastroenterology Mar 2024This review addresses the newest findings on micronutrient status and protein-energy malnutrition in the increasingly aging global population; understanding the... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This review addresses the newest findings on micronutrient status and protein-energy malnutrition in the increasingly aging global population; understanding the nutritional challenges they face is vital for healthcare, well being, and public health.
RECENT FINDINGS
The review examines deficiencies in macro- and micronutrients among nonhospitalized, free-living older adults, revealing significant associated health consequences, including frailty, cognitive decline, and reduced quality of life. Deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, and E, are common in older populations, emphasizing the need for close monitoring for status of these. Furthermore, water-soluble vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamins B12 and C are also common, and pose health risks, including neurological disorders and cognitive decline. Iron and iodine deficiencies contribute to anemia, and neurocognitive disorders. Finally, protein-energy malnutrition is common in older adults living in high-resource countries and may occur concomitant with depletion of one or more micronutrients.
SUMMARY
Addressing specific nutritional deficiencies is fundamental to enhancing the wellbeing and quality of life for free-living older adults. Protein-energy malnutrition, impacting over 25% of those aged 65 and above, results in a range of health issues, including poor wound healing, susceptibility to infections, anemia, and delayed convalescence. These concerns are aggravated by inadequate energy, macronutrient, and micronutrient intake, affecting muscle strength and overall health. Future research should focus on tailored appropriate monitoring of at-risk individuals, specific nutritional interventions, and dietary strategies to mitigate these issues and improve health outcomes among older adults.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Nutritional Status; Micronutrients; Protein-Energy Malnutrition; Quality of Life; Malnutrition; Trace Elements; Vitamins; Anemia
PubMed: 38193299
DOI: 10.1097/MOG.0000000000001000 -
Comparative Biochemistry and... Oct 2022Animals with natural protections against diabetes complications may provide clues to improve human health. Birds are unique in their ability to avoid...
Animals with natural protections against diabetes complications may provide clues to improve human health. Birds are unique in their ability to avoid hyperglycemia-associated complications (e.g., glycation and oxidative stress) despite having naturally high blood glucose (BG) concentrations. This makes them useful models to elucidate strategies to prevent and/or treat diabetes-related complications in mammals. As diet plays a key role in BG concentration and diabetes risk, this systematic review aimed to summarize the effects of macro and micronutrient manipulation on avian BG. Three databases were searched (PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science) for articles that met inclusion criteria: altered at least one nutrient and measured BG in at least one avian species. The search yielded 91 articles that produced 128 datasets (i.e., one nutrient manipulation in one sample). Across all macronutrient manipulations (n = 69 datasets), 62% reported no change in BG and 23% measured an increase (p < 0.001). Within the macronutrient groups (carbohydrate, lipid, protein, and mixed) most datasets showed no change in BG (67%, 62%, 52%, and 86%, respectively). Across micronutrient manipulations (n = 59 datasets), 51% demonstrated no change and 41% decreased BG (p < 0.001). While manipulations that altered vitamin intake largely produced no change in BG (62%), 48% of datasets examining altered mineral intake found no change and 46% decreased BG. Chromium was the most studied micronutrient (n = 24 datasets), where 67% of datasets reported a decrease in BG. These results suggest birds are largely able to maintain blood glucose homeostasis in response to altered nutrient intake indicative of dietary flexibility.
Topics: Animals; Birds; Blood Glucose; Diet; Energy Intake; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Mammals; Micronutrients; Trace Elements
PubMed: 35902002
DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.111279 -
Cell Calcium Mar 2024Several trace metals, including iron, copper, manganese and zinc are essential for normal function of the nervous system. Both deficiency and excessive accumulation of... (Review)
Review
Several trace metals, including iron, copper, manganese and zinc are essential for normal function of the nervous system. Both deficiency and excessive accumulation of these metals trigger neuropathological developments. The central nervous system (CNS) is in possession of dedicated homeostatic system that removes, accumulates, stores and releases these metals to fulfil nervous tissue demand. This system is mainly associated with astrocytes that act as dynamic reservoirs for trace metals, these being a part of a global system of CNS ionostasis. Here we overview physiological and pathophysiological aspects of astrocyte-cantered trace metals regulation.
Topics: Astrocytes; Copper; Iron; Trace Elements; Zinc
PubMed: 38199057
DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2024.102843 -
Journal of Experimental Botany Mar 2022Essential trace metals function as structural components or cofactors in many proteins involved in a wide range of physiological processes in plants. Hence, trace metal... (Review)
Review
Essential trace metals function as structural components or cofactors in many proteins involved in a wide range of physiological processes in plants. Hence, trace metal deficiency can significantly hamper plant growth and development. On the other hand, excess concentrations of trace metals can also induce phytotoxicity, for example via an enhanced production of reactive oxygen species. Besides their roles in plant growth under favourable environmental conditions, trace metals also contribute to plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Heat is a stress factor that will become more prevalent due to increasing climate change and is known to negatively affect crop yield and quality, posing a severe threat to food security for future generations. Gaining insight into heat stress responses is essential to develop strategies to optimize plant growth and quality under unfavourable temperatures. In this context, trace metals deserve particular attention as they contribute to defence responses and are important determinants of plant nutritional value. Here, we provide an overview of heat-induced effects on plant trace metal homeostasis and the involvement of trace metals and trace metal-dependent enzymes in plant responses to heat stress. Furthermore, avenues for future research on the interactions between heat stress and trace metals are discussed.
Topics: Climate Change; Heat-Shock Response; Plants; Stress, Physiological; Trace Elements
PubMed: 35018415
DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab507 -
Ideggyogyaszati Szemle Nov 2019Trace elements are found in the living organism in small (trace) amounts and are mainly essential for living functions. Essential trace elements are in humans the... (Review)
Review
Trace elements are found in the living organism in small (trace) amounts and are mainly essential for living functions. Essential trace elements are in humans the chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), fluorine (F), iodine (I), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and questionably the boron (B) and vanadium (V). According to the biopsychosocial concept, mental functions have biological underpinnings, therefore the impairment of certain neurochemical processes due to shortage of trace elements may have mental consequences. Scientific investigations indicate the putative role of trace element deficiency in psychiatric disorders such in depression (Zn, Cr, Se, Fe, Co, I), premenstrual dysphoria (Cr), schizophrenia (Zn, Se), cognitive deterioration/de-mentia (B, Zn, Fe, Mn, Co, V), mental retardation (I, Mo, Cu), binge-eating (Cr), autism (Zn, Mn, Cu, Co) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (Fe). At the same time, the excess quantity (chronic exposure, genetic error) of certain trace elements (Cu, Mn, Co, Cr, Fe, V) can also lead to mental disturbances (depression, anxiety, psychosis, cognitive dysfunction, insomnia). Lithium (Li), being efficacious in the treatment of bipolar mood disorder, is not declared officially as a trace element. Due to nutrition (drinking water, food) the serum Li level is about a thousand times less than that used in therapy. However, Li level in the red cells is lower as the membrane sodium-Li countertransport results in a Li efflux. Nevertheless, the possibility that Li is a trace element has emerged as studies indicate its potential efficacy in such a low concentration, since certain geographic regions show an inverse correlation between the Li level of drinking water and the suicide rate in that area.
Topics: Cognition Disorders; Humans; Iron; Trace Elements
PubMed: 31834680
DOI: 10.18071/isz.72.0367