Association between dietary copper and cardiovascular disease: A narrative review

Association of Metabolic Syndrome with Ischemic Changes in Electrocardiogram: Result from a Population-Based Study in the North-East of Iran

Background: Ischemic changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG), along with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components, can be utilized to predict cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, the exact association between MetS components and ECG abnormalities is not well established. This study was designed to verify this association. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on individuals aged 35-65 years as part of the population-based Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorder (MASHAD) study. Participants were allocated into two groups based on the presence of MetS. ECGs were coded using the Minnesota coding system. The association between each MetS component and every ischemic ECG presentation was analyzed separately. Results: Among the 9,035 available ECG data, the overall prevalence of ischemic ECG presentations was significantly higher in those with MetS than in those without (P < 0.05), except for minor ischemia (P = 0.787). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that MetS was independently associated with major ischemia presentation in ECG (OR = 1.254, 95% CI 1.103-1.425, P < 0.001), but no association was found with minor ischemia after adjustment for age, sex, smoking, CVD family history, and physical activity level. Among MetS components, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, waist circumference, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly associated with ischemic ECG presentations. Elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level had a negative association with ischemic ECG presentations, while it had a significant positive association only with ST-segment elevation (OR = 1.021, 95% CI 1.011-1.031, P < 0.001). Conclusions: MetS and its components showed an association with ischemic ECG presentations, but these associations varied based on each MetS component and ischemic ECG abnormality.

Exploring the interplay between valvular and serum zinc and copper levels and disease markers in aortic stenosis

Aortic stenosis (AS) is a progressive condition characterized by valve calcification and significant morbidity, often requiring invasive intervention. The AS pathophysiology is multifaceted, with evidence suggesting a role for trace elements. However, whether zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are associated with valve calcification is unclear. This exploratory study assessed the Zn and Cu levels in the serum and aortic valves of AS patients undergoing surgical valve replacement and explored the relationships between trace elements and clinical and biochemical parameters to better understand their potential roles in AS pathophysiology. An inverse relationship was observed between serum Zn levels and systolic pressure gradients across the valve (p < 0.0001). Zn accumulation was identified in calcified aortic valves, suggesting a systemic redistribution of Zn during disease progression. The valvular Cu/Zn ratio was reversed (<1) compared to that in serum. The lipoprotein(a), an inflammatory marker, was positively correlated with serum Cu levels (p = 0.0007) and the Cu/Zn ratio (p = 0.02). However, no direct association was found between valvular Cu content and the AS severity. The findings suggest that Zn depletion in serum, coupled with its accumulation in calcified valves, reflects a disease-driven redistribution mechanism that may serve a protective role against calcification progression. Additionally, the study highlights a potential interplay between Cu metabolism and inflammatory processes in AS. Further research is required to determine whether therapeutic modulation of Zn levels could offer benefits in AS management.

Pregnancy Metal Mixtures and Blood Pressure and Hypertension in Mid-Life: A Prospective U.S. Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The long-term associations between metal mixtures in pregnancy and women's mid-life blood pressure (BP) and hypertension remain unclear.

METHODS

In Project Viva (enrolled 1999-2002), we measured nonessential (arsenic, barium, cadmium, cesium, mercury, lead) and essential metals (copper, magnesium, manganese, selenium, zinc) in red blood cells, along with folate and vitamin B12 in plasma, collected during pregnancy. We measured mid-life BP from 2017 to 2021 (median age, 51.2 years). We examined associations of individual metals with BP using linear regression and with hypertension (≥130/80 mm Hg or use of antihypertensive medication) using modified Poisson regression. We used Bayesian kernel machine regression to examine the mixture effects of metals and micronutrients.

RESULTS

The median follow-up time of the 493 women was 18.1 years (interquartile range, 17.8-18.6 years). After adjustment, a doubling of copper and manganese was associated with 0.75 (95% CI, 0.57-0.99) and 0.80 (95% CI, 0.71-0.91) times the risk of hypertension, respectively. Although higher cesium and selenium levels were associated with a slightly increased risk of hypertension, the 95% CIs were wide and crossed the null. A doubling of vitamin B12 was associated with a 3.64 (95% CI, 1.23-6.04) mm Hg lower systolic BP and a 2.52 (95% CI, 0.72-4.32) mm Hg lower diastolic BP. Bayesian kernel machine regression showed linear associations with no metal-metal or metal-micronutrient interactions. The essential metal mixture was monotonically associated with lower BP, while its association with hypertension showed threshold effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimizing essential metal levels during pregnancy, particularly copper and manganese, along with vitamin B12, may protect against higher BP and hypertension in mid-life women.

Biodegradable chitosan-based films decorated with biosynthetic copper oxide nanoparticle for post-harvest tomato preservation

Postharvest fruit decay caused by pathogens is an important factor leading to product waste and economic losses, and fruit coating is considered an effective strategy to solve this problem due to its simple operation and effectiveness. In this study, nano modified chitosan film (CSC) was created by mixing chitosan (CS) and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) synthesized using abandoned Ficus carica fruit. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra indicated the formation of intermolecular interactions between CS and CuO NPs in the composite film. Compared with CS film, the water vapor permeability (WVP), oxygen permeability (OP) and carbon dioxide permeability (CDP) of CSC film were decreased by 71.78 %, 38.03 % and 43.12 %, respectively, while the opacity, tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EB) of CSC film were improved by 8.42, 3.42 and 1.89 times, respectively. The in vitro antifungal activity of CSC film against Alternaria alternata was improved by 78.27 %, compared with CS film. Furthermore, CSC coating significantly delayed the development of tomato fruit diseases during storage, reduced respiration rate, ethylene production and weight loss. After 24 d of storage, the decay index and the weight loss rates of fruits in the CS and CSC groups decreased by 25.00 % and 48.54 %, 35.72 % and 54.08 % compared to the control, respectively. CSC coating effectively maintained the contents of ascorbic acid, titratable acid, soluble sugars, total phenols and flavonoids, while increasing copper content in the peel of tomato fruits. Complete degradation of CSC film in soil was extended by 56 d compared to CS film. To sum up, CSC coating can be a potential choice for extending the shelf life of tomato fruits, improving their edible quality and commercialization, and having better environmental friendliness.

Associations of Stool Metal Exposures with Childhood Gut Microbiome Multiomics Profiles in a Prospective Birth Cohort Study

Metal exposures are closely related to childhood developmental health. However, their effects on the childhood gut microbiome, which also impacts health, are largely unexplored using microbiome multiomics including the metagenome and metatranscriptome. This study examined the associations of fecal profiles of metal/element exposures with gut microbiome species and active functional pathways in 8- to 12-year-old children (N = 116) participating in the GESTation and Environment (GESTE) cohort study. We analyzed 19 stool metal and element concentrations (B, Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Cd, Ba, and Pb). Covariate-adjusted linear regression models identified several significant microbiome associations with continuous stool metal/element concentrations. For instance, Zn was positively associated with Turicibacter sanguinis (coef = 1.354, q-value = 0.039) and negatively associated with Eubacterium eligens (coef = -0.794, q-value = 0.044). Higher concentrations of Cd were associated with lower Eubacterium eligens (coef = -0.774, q-value = 0.045). Additionally, a total of 490 significant functional pathways such as biosynthesis and degradation/utilization/assimilation were identified, corresponding to different functions, including amino acid synthesis and carbohydrate degradation. Our results suggest links among metal exposures, pediatric gut microbiome multiomics, and potential health implications. Future work will further explore their relation to childhood health.

Phenothiazine appended thiophene derivative: a trilateral approach to copper ion detection in living cells and aqueous samples

This research paper unveils a fluorescent probe (PTZ-SCN) engineered for the specific detection of Cu2+, featuring a 10-ethyl-10H-phenothiazine-3-carbaldehyde and 2-(thiophen-2-yl) acetonitrile moiety. The fluorescence sensing behavior of PTZ-SCN towards various metal cations was scrutinized in CH3CN : HEPES (9 : 1) buffer aqueous solution. The UV absorbance of PTZ-SCN displayed a distinct red shift in the presence of Cu2+ cations, whereas other metal cations did not cause any interference. Similarly, the fluorescence emission of the probe was also only quenched by Cu2+ cations. The limit of detection (LOD) was calculated as 1.0461 × 10-8 M. PTZ-SCN showed the ability to identify Cu2+ using the colorimetric method, the fluorometric method and even through visual observation in a trilateral detection. We studied the recognition mechanism of PTZ-SCN for Cu2+ using 1H-NMR, HRMS analysis, and time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. Furthermore, our study encompassed the investigation of PTZ-SCN's practical applicability, bridging the gap from research to real-world implementation. This was achieved by employing test strips and water samples for the detection of Cu2+. Additionally, the PTZ-SCN probe's low cytotoxicity and effective imaging properties for Cu2+ in living cells were confirmed, indicating that PTZ-SCN shows the potential to serve as a promising probe for detecting Cu2+in vivo.

Association of T-wave electrocardiogram changes and type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional sub-analysis of the MASHAD cohort population using the Minnesota coding system

BACKGROUND

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has become a major health concern with an increasing prevalence and is now one of the leading attributable causes of death globally. T2DM and cardiovascular disease are strongly associated and T2DM is an important independent risk factor for ischemic heart disease. T-wave abnormalities (TWA) on electrocardiogram (ECG) can indicate several pathologies including ischemia. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between T2DM and T-wave changes using the Minnesota coding system.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on the MASHAD cohort study population. All participants of the cohort population were enrolled in the study. 12-lead ECG and Minnesota coding system (codes 5-1 to 5-4) were utilized for T-wave observation and interpretation. Regression models were used for the final evaluation with a level of significance being considered at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 9035 participants aged 35-65 years old were included in the study, of whom 1273 were diabetic. The prevalence of code 5-2, 5-3, major and minor TWA were significantly higher in diabetics (p < 0.05). However, following adjustment for age, gender, and hypertension, the presence of TWAs was not significantly associated with T2DM (p > 0.05). Hypertension, age, and body mass index were significantly associated with T2DM (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Although some T-wave abnormalities were more frequent in diabetics, they were not statistically associated with the presence of T2DM in our study.

The Role of Trace Elements in Cardiovascular Diseases

Essential trace elements play an important role in human physiology and are associated with various functions regulating cellular metabolism. Non-essential trace elements, on the other hand, often have well-documented toxicities that are dangerous for the initiation and development of diseases due to their widespread occurrence in the environment and their accumulation in living organisms. Non-essential trace elements are therefore regarded as serious environmental hazards that are harmful to health even in low concentrations. Many representatives of these elements are present as pollutants in our environment, and many people may be exposed to significant amounts of these substances over the course of their lives. Among the most common non-essential trace elements are heavy metals, which are also associated with acute poisoning in humans. When these elements accumulate in the body over years of chronic exposure, they often cause severe health damage in a variety of tissues and organs. In this review article, the role of selected essential and non-essential trace elements and their role in the development of exemplary pathophysiological processes in the cardiovascular system will be examined in more detail.