BMI and levels of zinc, copper in hair, serum and urine of Turkish male patients with androgenetic alopecia

Relationships Between Hair Chemical Elements and Nutritional Status in Oldest-Old and Centenarian Populations

Background

Hair chemical elements reflect physical condition over time. Collection, transporting, and storing hair is more convenient than handling blood. Hair elements show higher levels for a long time, which allows for more accurate and sensitive results than using blood. Studies explored the relationships between elements and age, without full consideration of nutritional status, in older people. This study explored the relationships between hair chemical elements and Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) in oldest-old and centenarian populations to provide an updated reference for nutritional evaluation of older people.

Methods

A total of 152 participants over 80 years old underwent home interviews and physical examinations. An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer was used to detect hair chemical elements.

Results

Women accounted for 77.0% of participants. Women had lower levels of zinc, and higher levels of selenium, manganese, lead, iron, and copper than men (P<0.05 for all). Ninety-two participants formed the 80-99 year group, and 60 participants formed the 100+ year group. Centenarians had lower levels of selenium, lead, iron, and copper than those aged 80-99 years (P<0.05 for all). Hair selenium levels were positively associated with GNRI (odds ratio: 11.55, 95% confidence interval: 3.42-19.68, P < 0.05) based on a multivariate linear regression analysis. Other chemical elements had no significant associations with GNRI based on a multivariate linear regression analysis.

Conclusion

Chemical elements and nutrient status were altered based on age and gender, and an association existed between hair selenium and nutritional status in older people. Chemical elements may influence and indicate nutritional status in older people.

The Synthesis of 2,2-BIS(1-INDOL-3-YL)Acenaphthylene-1(2)-Ones Using Nanocatalysis: Fluorescent Sensing for Cu2+ Ions

2,2-bis(1H-indol-3-yl)acenaphthylene-1(2H)-ones were synthesised by the reaction of acenaphthenequinone and 2 equivalents of indole using Fe3O4@SiO2@Si-Pr-NH-CH2CH2NH2 as the basic magnetic nanocatalyst, assembled under greener and sustainable conditions in high purity and yields. Furthermore, the photoluminescence properties of 2,2-bis(2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)acenaphthylene-1(2H)-one were exploited for the sensing of copper ions in the mixed solvent systems comprising H2O and CH3CN in excitation wavelength at 410 nm with a detection limit of 9.5 ∙ 10–6 M.

Association of Zn and Cu Levels in Cord Blood and Maternal Milk with Pregnancy Outcomes among the Slovenian Population

Trace elements, including zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu), are known to play important roles in human health. The present study aimed to assess the levels of Zn and Cu in cord blood and maternal milk and to analyze their association with maternal and infant characteristics and pregnancy outcomes in a Slovenian study population of mothers and their neonates recruited within the PHIME prospective cohort study. The study included 324 mothers, but the data on Zn and Cu levels in both cord blood and maternal milk was available for 243 mothers. Questionnaires were used to assess the socio-demographic and health status of the mothers, their lifestyle habits (including detailed nutritional habits), and their residential and occupational histories. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to measure Zn and Cu levels in cord blood and maternal milk. Low Zn levels in cord blood were associated with lower gestational age and birth weight and were correlated with an increased probability of the birth of small for gestational age (SGA) infants. Maternal smoking influenced the Cu levels in both cord blood and maternal milk. Cord blood Cu levels were higher and Cu levels in maternal milk were lower in smoking compared to non-smoking mothers. Most importantly, a decreased Zn/Cu ratio in cord blood was associated with lower gestational age and lower birth weight. This indicates the overall positive effects of Zn and negative effects of Cu on pregnancy outcomes.

Epidemiology and disease burden of androgenetic alopecia in college freshmen in China: A population-based study

Objective

To evaluate the epidemiology and disease burden of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in college freshmen in China.

Methods

This population-based cross-sectional survey was carried out among 9227 freshmen of two comprehensive universities in two cities of China (Changsha and Xiamen) from September 2018 to October 2018. Questionnaires covering basic issues, surrounding demographic information, history of diseases, living habits, comorbidities, etc. were completed online in a self-reported manner Dermatological examination was performed by certified dermatologists. The disease burden of AGA, which includes health-related quality of life, symptoms of anxiety, symptoms of depression and quality of sleep, was measured by EQ-5D-3L, PHQ-2, GAD-2 and PSQI, respectively.

Results

The prevalence of AGA in college freshmen in China was 5.3/1000. Male was significantly associated with higher prevalence of AGA (7.9/1000, P<0.01) while female with lower risk of AGA (OR = 0.29, P = 0.002). There was no significant association between BMI and AGA, nor predilection of AGA in the Han nationality or the other ethnic minorities. Annual household income or parental highest educational level exerted no significant influence on the prevalence of AGA. Rosacea (OR = 3.22, P = 0.019) was significantly associated with higher prevalence of AGA while acne seemed not to be related to AGA. The scores of EQ-5D, GAD-2, PHQ-2 and PSQI were not significantly different between students with and without AGA.

Conclusion

The onset of AGA in Chinese college freshmen differ between genders and was significantly associated with rosacea.

Ficus benghalensis as Potential Inhibitor of 5α-Reductase for Hair Growth Promotion: In Vitro, In Silico, and In Vivo Evaluation

The screening of hair follicles, dermal papilla cells, and keratinocytes through in vitro, in vivo, and histology has previously been reported to combat alopecia. Ficus benghalensis has been used conventionally to cure skin and hair disorders, although its effect on 5α-reductase II is still unknown. Currently, we aim to analyze the phytotherapeutic impact of F. benghalensis leaf extracts (FBLEs) for promoting hair growth in rabbits along with in vitro inhibition of the steroid isozyme 5α-reductase II. The inhibition of 5α-reductase II by FBLEs was assessed by RP-HPLC, using the NADPH cofactor as the reaction initiator and Minoxin (5%) as a positive control. In silico studies were performed using AutoDock Vina to visualize the interaction between 5α-reductase II and the reported phytoconstituents present in FBLEs. Hair growth in female albino rabbits was investigated by applying an oral dose of the FBLE formulation and control drug to the skin once a day. The skin tissues were examined by histology to see hair follicles. Further, FAAS, FTIR, and antioxidants were performed to check the trace elements and secondary metabolites in the FBLEs. The results of RP-HPLC and the binding energies showed that FBLEs reduced the catalytic activity of 5α-reductase II and improved cell proliferation in rabbits. The statistical analysis (p < 0.05 or 0.01) and percentage inhibition (>70%) suggested that hydroalcoholic FBLE has more potential in increasing hair growth by elongating hair follicle's anagen phase. FAAS, FTIR, and antioxidant experiments revealed sufficient concentrations of Zn, Cu, K, and Fe, together with the presence of polyphenols and scavenging activity in FBLE. Overall, we found that FBLEs are potent in stimulating hair follicle maturation by reducing the 5α-reductase II action, so they may serve as a principal choice in de novo drug designing to treat hair loss.

Plasma Zinc Levels in Males with Androgenetic Alopecia as Possible Predictors of the Subsequent Conservative Therapy's Effectiveness

Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of progressive hair loss in man. The search for reliable predictors of the conservative treatment’s effectiveness is an urgent problem today. Forty-eight patients with AGA, stages I–IV by the Norwood–Hamilton scale, were treated for 4 months with 5% topical minoxidil joints with corrections for trace element and vitamin imbalances. In most cases, the positive therapy’s effect was shown in the parietal but not in the occipital area, whereas that effect was observed in others. The attempts to associate the therapy’s effectiveness with initially defined genetic, hormonal, and metabolic parameters showed the absence of differences between groups with positive and negative outcomes. Among the studied nutrient parameters (Zn, Cu, Mg, Ca, Fe, and Se, as well as vitamins B12, E, D, and folic acid), differences between these groups was shown in zinc content only. The starting point from a zinc plasma level above 10 µmol/L likely provides the success of the subsequent conservative therapy and correlates with an increase in the hair density and diameter in the parietal area. The integral predictive value of the Zn plasma level was assessed as 72.3% (positive predictive value: −88%; and negative predictive value: −55%).

Association between trace elements in serum from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia patients considering treatment effects

BACKGROUND

Imbalances in metal concentrations have been suggested to contribute to the pathophysiology of different brain disorders, such as bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SCZ).

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this exploratory study is to evaluate the association between the concentrations of macro/trace elements in serum from BD and SCZ patients considering the effects from different treatments.

METHODS

Eleven subjects with SCZ, seven with BD treated with lithium (BDL) and eight subjects with BD treated with other medications except lithium (BDN) were recruited for the study, as well as eleven healthy controls (HC). Serum concentrations of eleven macro/trace elements (Se, Zn, Fe, K, Ca, Mg, P, Al, Cu, Mn, and Ni) were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

RESULTS

Se and Zn concentrations were significantly lower for patients with SCZ and BD in comparison to HC by one-way ANOVA test. Moreover, serum concentrations for Fe were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in BDN (548 ± 92 μg L^-1) and SCZ (632 ± 279 μg L^-1) in comparison to HC (421 ± 121 μg L^-1). A significant negative correlation was reported between Se and Fe in BDL group (r = -0.935, p < 0.05). In addition, a significantly higher Cu/Zn ratio was determined in SCZ group against HC (ratio = 2.4, p = 0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

The obtained results suggest that the imbalance in Fe concentrations is an effect of BD treatment. Lithium is supposed to have an antagonist effect for Se in BDL patients. A negative correlation reported between Fe and BMI in SCZ group could be related to antipsychotic treatment and the Cu/Zn ratio reported could be considered as a suggesting parameter to relate oxidative stress to SCZ. Future studies including larger number of patients with SCZ and BD before and after treatment are necessary to confirm the investigative results presented herein.

Hyperuricemia is associated with androgenetic alopecia in men: A cross-sectional case-control study

BACKGROUND

Early androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is patterned hair loss occurring before 30 years. Early AGA is frequently reported in men and carries the risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. Hyperuricemia used to be a minor component of metabolic syndrome. Recently, increasing number of studies has proved that hyperuricemia is an independent risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases and psoriasis. However, none of these studies have examined the relationship between hyperuricemia and AGA.

AIMS

To determine the association between hyperuricemia and AGA in men.

METHODS

A cross-sectional case-control study was conducted. The medical charts and photographs of men with a clinical diagnosis of AGA were reviewed. The clinical and laboratory data of AGA and control groups were compared.

RESULTS

Men with AGA (n = 1312) had higher mean uric acid level (6.25 mg/dL vs 5.97 mg/dL; P < .001) and higher prevalence of hyperuricemia (25.0% vs 15.6%; P < .001) than those without AGA (n = 2624). There was no statistically significant association between AGA severity and hyperuricemia (P = .295).

CONCLUSIONS

Men with early AGA have a higher prevalence of hyperuricemia.

Androgenetic Alopecia: Relationship to Anthropometric Indices, Blood Pressure and Life-Style Habits

Purpose

The association of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) with cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, smoking and high body mass index (BMI) has been investigated in several studies. However, the results are discrepant. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of AGA with anthropometrics, blood pressure and lifestyle habits.

Patients and Methods

In this case-control study, 256 men with AGA and 256 age-matched healthy controls were evaluated. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures, as well as anthropometric indices were measured. Data on lifestyle habits including smoking, hookah use and alcohol consumption were also collected.

Results

Patients with AGA had significantly lower BMI and lower waist to hip ratio as compared to controls (p = 0.012 and p = 0.002, respectively). Other anthropometrics as well as mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were not significantly different between the two groups. There was no significant difference between patients and controls in terms of lifestyle habits. Patients with severe AGA (Norwood-Hamilton classification type IV-VII) had significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures as compared to those with mild to moderate AGA (Norwood-Hamilton classification type II, III), but the mean age of the former group was also significantly higher (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In contrast to some previous studies, our findings did not show a significant association between certain cardiovascular risk factors (such as hypertension and smoking) and AGA. Although lower BMI and lower waist to hip ratio were observed in the patient group, these values were within normal limits and therefore not biologically significant.

Relationship Between Modified Body Adiposity Index and A Body Shape Index with Biochemical Parameters in Bariatric Surgery Candidates

BACKGROUND

Body mass index, an estimate of body fat percentage, has been previously shown to be associated with metabolic disorders. However, there is little data on the associations between a body shape index (ABSI) or modified body adiposity index (MBAI), which provide valuable definitions of body fat, with serum biochemical parameter levels. Therefore, this study was conducted to find either ABSI or MBAI associations with serum biochemical parameter levels in bariatric surgery candidates.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 776 bariatric surgery candidates (age range 18-69 years) between November 2010 and September 2017. Demographic data, anthropometric indices, biochemical parameters, and body composition analysis data were drawn from the National Obesity Surgery Database, Iran. ABSI and MBAI were calculated using related equations. A stepwise multivariate linear regression was used to evaluate whether ABSI or MBAI was associated with each serum biochemical parameter.

RESULTS

ABSI, age, and multivitamin/mineral supplementation (MVMS) were independently associated with serum vitamin D (β = 24.374, SE 10.756, P value 0.026; β = 0.022, SE 0.007, P value 0.002; β = 0.639, SE 0.235, P value 0.008). However, a negative association was observed between MBAI and vitamin D (β = - 0.037, SE 0.016, P value 0.025) in a model adjusted for age and MVMS. Additionally, MBAI and age showed a significant positive association with serum HDL-c (β = 0.185, SE 0.085, P value 0.028; β = 0.171, SE 0.033, P value < 0.001), although there was a negative association between male sex and HDL-c (β = - 4.004, SE 0.891, P value < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

ABSI and MBAI may be appropriate indices in predicting serum vitamin D and HDL-c levels.

The Impact of Maternal Overweight on Hair Essential Trace Element and Mineral Content in Pregnant Women and Their Children

The aim of the present study was to investigate hair essential trace elements and mineral levels in 105 pregnant normal-weight (control) and 55 overweight and obese women in the third trimester of pregnancy, as well as in their children at the age of 9 months. The hair essential trace elements and mineral levels were assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. Overweight pregnant women had significantly reduced Cr (- 24%; p = 0.047) and Zn (- 13%; p = 0.008) content, as well as elevated hair Na and K levels as compared to the controls. Children from overweight and obese mothers had lower hair Mo (- 18%; p = 0.017), Se (- 8%; p = 0.043), and V (- 24%; p = 0.028) levels, as well as elevated Sr content (19%; p = 0.025). Correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between maternal and child hair levels of Co (r = 0.170; p = 0.038), Cu (r = 0.513; p < 0.001), Mn (r = 0.240; p = 0.003), and Na (r = 0.181; p = 0.027) in the whole sample. Pre-pregnancy maternal body mass index (BMI) positively correlated with maternal hair K (r = 0.336; p < 0.001) and Na (r = 0.212; p = 0.008) and negatively correlated with V (r = - 0.204; p = 0.011) and Zn (r = - 0.162; p = 0.045) levels. The results indicate that impaired trace element and mineral metabolism may play a role in the link between maternal obesity, complications of pregnancy and child's postnatal development. Hypothetically, dietary improvement may be used as a tool to reduce these risks. However, further experimental and clinical studies are required to investigate the relationship between obesity and trace element metabolism in pregnancy.

Serum biotin and zinc in male androgenetic alopecia

BACKGROUND

Male androgenetic alopecia (MAGA) is caused by the conversion of the terminal to vellus hair. Zinc is one of the most studied trace elements in hair disorders and biotin is one of the most prescribed supplement for its treatment.

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to evaluate serum zinc and biotin levels in MAGA patients to answer the question if there is a value to add zinc or biotin as a supplements in the MAGA treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty MAGA patients and 60 age, sex, and body mass index-matched healthy volunteers were included. We measured serum biotin and zinc in all participants.

RESULTS

Zinc (µg/dL) was lower significantly in patients compared to controls (P = 0.01), suboptimal biotin (ng/L) levels were in patients, and within normal values in controls (P = 0.01). A positive significant correlation was found between serum zinc and serum biotin (r = 0.489, P = 0.001). Serum zinc and biotin showed a nonsignificant correlation with age and disease duration. A non-significant relation was obtained between the MAGA grades, and zinc (P = 0.485) and biotin levels (P = 0.367).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum zinc showed subnormal value and adding zinc supplement in MAGA treatment is recommended. Serum biotin showed a suboptimal level in MAGA patients that is not correlated with patients' age or disease severity. Biotin supplement in MAGA treatment may add value to hair quality and texture. We recommend future biotin evaluation in serum combined with its metabolites in MAGA patients' urine.

Prevalence of Micronutrient Deficiencies Prior to Bariatric Surgery: Tehran Obesity Treatment Study (TOTS)

BACKGROUND

Micronutrient deficiencies are major concerns after bariatric surgery, although these conditions often go undiagnosed pre-surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To assess pre-surgery micronutrient status of an Iranian population of morbidly obese candidates of bariatric surgery in a cross-sectional study.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis of 2008 candidates for bariatric surgery, aged 15-65 years, with either body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 kg/m² or 30 < BMI < 35 kg/m² with a medical comorbidity was conducted. In order to determine the micronutrient status of participants, blood samples were collected to assess serum concentrations of vitamins (B12 and D), minerals (copper, calcium, phosphate, and zinc), and iron profiles (total iron binding capacity, iron concentration, ferritin, and iron saturation), according to standard protocol.

RESULTS

The mean age and BMI of patients (79.3% female) were 37.8 years and 44.8 kg/m², respectively. Deficiencies were found for 25(OH) D (53.6%), vitamin B12 (34.4%), serum iron (10.2%), and low levels of hemoglobin (16.6%). The prevalence of other deficiencies were all below 10%. Body mass index had a negative correlation with iron, calcium, vitamin B12, and 25(OH) D and was positively correlated with copper.

CONCLUSION

Micronutrient deficiencies, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron, are commonly found among morbidly obese subjects who are potential candidates of bariatric surgery.

Hair Trace Elements in Overweight and Obese Adults in Association with Metabolic Parameters

The objective of the present study was to investigate the level of toxic and essential trace elements in hair of adult overweight and obese persons as well as its association with metabolic parameters. Hair trace element levels were assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry in 112 overweight and obese patients and 106 lean controls. Serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), glucose, uric acid (UA) levels, and cholinesterase (CE) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity were also assessed. Excessive body weight significantly affected hair trace element levels. In particular, hair Co (33%), Cu (13%), I (30%), Mg (2-fold), Mn (25%), Zn (17%), and Ni (21%) levels were lower, whereas Al (14%) and As levels were higher in comparison to those in the control group. Correlation analysis demonstrated the most significant correlations for hair Mg with body weight, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and UA, and for hair Al with body weight, BMI, TC, glucose, TG, CE, GGT, and UA. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that trace elements were not associated with TC and LDL-C levels neither in crude nor in adjusted models. In turn, crude and adjusted models accounted for 25 and 43% of serum TG variance. The most significant associations were observed for hair Al, Fe, Si, and V in adjusted model. The obtained data demonstrate that obesity-related metabolic disorders may be at least partially mediated by altered trace element and mineral levels.

Estimation of Zinc and Iron Levels in the Serum and Hair of Women with Androgenetic Alopecia: Case-control Study

Background:

Although female androgenetic alopecia (FAGA) occurs in genetically susceptible women, some trace elements may play an important role.

Aim of the Study:

This study aimed to evaluate serum and hair zinc and iron levels in patients with FAGA and to compare the findings with normal controls.

Patients and Methods:

A case–control study that was conducted at Dermatology Clinic in Basra General Hospital, Basra, Iraq. The participants were divided into two groups: The first group consisted of 27 women with FAGA and the second was age-matched 28 healthy women control group. The serum and hair zinc and iron assays were done for all participants.

Results:

Both hair and serum zinc levels in FAGA group were significantly lower than that in the control (103.4±25.5 ppm vs. 143.5±33.1 ppm for hair and 65.6±14.2 μg/dl vs. 128.4±41.4 μg/dl for serum). Hair iron level in FAGA was significantly lower than in control (17.9±3.8 ppm vs. 26.9±7.4 ppm, P>0.05). Serum iron level in FAGA group was lower than in the control, but it was not significant statistically (88.9±22.3 μg/dl vs. 100.9±18.9 μg/dl). Except for the hair iron, there was no significant correlation between zinc and iron concentrations in hair and serum with severity of alopecia.

Conclusions:

Zinc and iron levels in serum and hair were lower in FAGA compared to that of normal individuals indicating that trace elements might play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of FAGA.

Assessment of Heavy Metal and Trace Element Levels in Patients with Telogen Effluvium

BACKGROUND

Despite a multitude of studies, etiology of primary chronic telogen effluvium (TE) remains incompletely understood. Essential heavy metals are associated with beneficial effects in humans as well as in other living organisms. However, they may lead to toxic effects when the exposure exceeds the higher tolerable limits. We wanted to assess the heavy metal and trace element levels in patients with chronic TE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 40 subjects with chronic TE were included in the study, and 30 healthy women served as control. General and dermatological examinations were taken up in all individuals. Those patients with positive hair pull test were evaluated with the help of a trichogram. The presence of >20% telogen hair as documented by trichogram was a requirement for the study inclusion. UNICAM-929 spectrophotometry device was used for determining serum trace element and heavy metal concentrations.

RESULTS

In spite of an absence of significant differences in terms of average Zn concentration, weight, or height between patients and controls, significant differences were noted for Cd, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb, Co, and Cu (P <0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that heavy metals may play a causative role in the development of chronic TE. However, contrary to previous reports, zinc did not appear to play an important etiological role, while these patients had elevated serum iron levels.

Frequency, severity and related factors of androgenetic alopecia in dermatology outpatient clinic: hospital-based cross-sectional study in Turkey

BACKGROUND:

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a patterned hair loss occurring due to systemic androgen and genetic factors. It is the most common cause of hair loss in both genders. In recent years, many studies investigating the relation between systemic diseases and androgenetic alopecia presented controversial results.

OBJECTIVES:

In this study we aimed to investigate the frequency of androgenetic alopecia, the presence of accompanying systemic diseases, the relation between body mass index and androgenetic alopecia severity and the association of hyperandrogenemia signs with androgenetic alopecia in patients who referred to our outpatient clinic.

METHODS:

Patients who referred to our clinic between October 2013 and May 2014 were included in the study. Diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia was made upon clinical findings. Presence of seborrhea and acne in both genders, and hirsutism in women, were examined. Age, gender, smoking habit and alcohol consumption, age of onset of androgenetic alopecia, family history, accompanying systemic diseases and abnormalities of menstrual cycle were recorded.

RESULTS:

954 patients (535 women, 419 men) were included in the study. Androgenetic alopecia prevalence found was 67.1% in men and 23.9% in women. Androgenetic alopecia prevalence and severity were correlated with age in both genders (p=0,0001). Frequency of accompanying systemic diseases were not significantly different between patients with and without androgenetic alopecia (p=0,087), except for hypertension, which was significantly more frequent in men with androgenetic alopecia aged between 50 and 59 years. Study limitations: Despite the exclusion of other causes of alopecia, differentiation of Ludwig grade 1 AGA from telogen effluvium based on clinical features alone is difficult.

CONCLUSIONS:

In our study the rate of androgenetic alopecia was found to be higher than the other studies made in Asian and Caucasian populations.

Assessment of multiple exposure to chemical elements and health risks among residents near Huodehong lead-zinc mining area in Yunnan, Southwest China

The contents of chemical elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn) in 11 kinds of crop/vegetables and soils around the Huodehong lead-zinc mining area in Yunnan, Southwest China were determined by using inductive coupled plasma emission spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results showed that element contents in soils decreased in the order of Zn > Pb > Cr > Cu > Cd. The high geo-accumulation indexes (I_geo) showed that cultivated soils near mine were practically polluted by Cd, Pb and Zn. The contents of Cd, Cr and Pb in crop/vegetables samples were significantly higher than the maximum permissible standard set by China. The potential health risk assessments among local residents were evaluated by the hazard index (HI), the total carcinogenic risk (TCR), the target hazard quotient (THQ) and carcinogenic risk (CR), respectively. The results showed that diet was the dominant exposure pathway. The results of HI for adult and child were 6.21 and 6.08, respectively. TCR values of Cr and Cd were more than 10^-4. The THQ decreased in the following order: Cd > Pb > Cu > Zn > Cr. Among all kinds of crop/vegetables, leafy-vegetables were the major source of Cd and Pb exposure, root-vegetable were the important factors for Cu and Zn exposure, but tuber-vegetable were the factors for Cr exposure. The contents of Cd and Pb in human scalp hairs near Huodehong mine were higher than that in S_20km area. Females possessed a higher risk for Cd, Cr, Cu and Pb exposure than males in study area. Significant differences between ages were found for Cd, Cu and Pb (p < 0.01). This study provided a powerful basis for the coordination of local environmental protection and economic sustainable development and assessing chemical elements risk to human health.

Trace Element Alterations in the Hair of Diabetic and Obese Women

Alterations in the trace element content can induce metabolic disorders as these elements are involved in the regulation of metabolism. Obesity increases the likelihood of various diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, and is more prevalent in Saudi Arabia, especially in women. This study explored the potential of alterations in hair trace elements as long-term markers in diabetic and/or obese Saudi females. In total, 65 diabetic obese women, 47 non-diabetic obese women, and 70 normal-weight women were recruited. Clinical and familial history and anthropometric variables were recorded. Hair Se, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe levels were analyzed. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and lipid profile were analyzed. Our findings revealed a marked decrease of hair Zn, Mn, and Fe and elevated Se and Cu levels in obese women. In addition, Zn and Fe levels were decreased in diabetic women. Thus, the metabolic distress occurring in obesity and hyperglycemia may affect trace element status by increasing the excretion and decreasing the bioavailability of trace elements or redistributing them among various pools. Hair trace elements can serve as important long-term markers for metabolic disorders; however, larger prospective studies are warranted to validate their diagnostic and follow-up utilities.

Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Referral Center

Background:

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is a very common problem in women. The underlying pathophysiology remains unclear, and there are no universally agreed treatment guidelines.

Objective:

We explored the clinical features, relevant medical and family history, laboratory evaluation, and treatment and compliance of 210 patients with FPHL.

Methods:

Data analysis from case notes was performed on 210 patients with a diagnosis of FPHL seen from January 2011 to December 2011.

Results:

The youngest individual was 8 years old and the oldest was 86 years old. Nearly, 85% of the patients had a family history of androgenetic alopecia. Hypothyroidism and hypertension are the most common medical problems. Telogen effluvium (TE) is the most common concurrent hair loss condition. Only 38% of the patients were found to have normal Vitamin D level, 71% had ferritin level above 30 μg/L, and 85% had normal zinc level at the first consultation. Fifty-nine percent of the patients failed to attend any follow-up appointments.

Limitations:

One of the limitations of this study is its retrospective nature. Moreover, the severity of FPHL in terms of Ludwig score was not routinely documented in the medical charts.

Conclusion:

History of TE, hypothyroidism and hypertension, and low serum Vitamin D is common in our patients with FPHL.

Evaluation of local trace element status and 8-Iso-prostaglandin F2α concentrations in patients with Tinea pedis

Background

Tinea pedis (TP) is an infection of the feet caused by fungi. The infectious diseases caused by dermatophytes are mainly related to the enzymes produced by these fungi. Up to the now, the local 8-iso-prostaglandin F_2α (8-iso-PGF_2α), concentration as oxidative stress biomarker and trace elements status have not been published in patients with TP. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between oxidative stress and trace elements (Cu, Zn, Se), and to evaluate the ratios of Cu/Zn and Cu/Se in this disorder.

Methods

Forty-three consecutive patients with a diagnosis of unilateral interdigital TP were enrolled in this study. The samples were obtained by scraping the skin surface. 8-iso-PGF_2α concentrations in scraping samples were determined by ELISA. In addition, the levels of Se, Zn and Cu in scraping samples were determined on flame and furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer using Zeeman background correction.

Results

Oxidative stress was confirmed by the significant elevation in 8-iso-PGF_2α concentrations (p < 0.05). When compared to non-lesional area, Zn and Se levels were significantly lower on lesional area, whereas Cu levels was higher on the lesional area than the non-lesional area (p < 0.05). In addition, the correlation results of this study were firstly shown that there were significant and positive correlations between Cu and 8-iso-PGF_2α parameters, but negative correlations between Se-Cu; Se-8-iso-PGF_2α parameters in lesional area. Furthermore, the ratios of Cu/Zn and Cu/Se were significantly higher on the lesional area than the non-lesional area (p < 0.05). According to sex and fungal subtypes, there was no significant difference in the concentrations of 8-iso-PGF_2α and trace elements in patients with TP (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results showed that there is a possible link between oxidative stress (increased 8-iso-PGF_2α concentrations) and imbalanced of trace elements status in lesional area of TP patients. The use of antifungal agents together with both Zn and Se drugs could be helpful in the both regression of disease and in shortening the duration of disease.

A single chemosensor for bimetal Cu(ii) and Zn(ii) in aqueous medium

A new quinazoline-based bimetal chemosensor for Cu(ii) and Zn(ii) in aqueous medium was synthesized. It can act as a “turn-off” sensor for Cu(ii) with the excitation wavelength of 356 nm, and a “turn-on” sensor for Zn(ii) when excited at 416 nm.