Calcium oxalate crystallization in synthetic urinary medium: the impact of resorcinares and calixarenes

The impact of macrocycles on calcium oxalate formation. Calcium oxalate is a major component of kidney stones, an ailment that affects many people globally.

Evaluation of biomarkers related to zinc nutritional status, antioxidant activity and oxidative stress in rheumatoid arthritis patients

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress (OS) is an important process related to the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis and can be increased by the low intake of antioxidants. Zinc (Zn) is an important antioxidant trace-element for human health and the assessment of the nutritional status of this micronutrient in these patients is of relevance.

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate Zn nutritional status in rheumatoid arthritis patients and its relation to OS.

METHODS

A case-control study was carried out with 51 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA group) recruited in Hospital São Paulo (São Paulo, Brazil) and 55 healthy women (CO group) from the campus of the University of São Paulo. Blood and 24-hour urine collection were used for biochemical parameters related to Zn status and OS. The assessment of dietary Zn was performed by three 24-hour dietary recalls.

RESULTS

The RA group presented significative low Zn intake (p < 0.001) and plasma concentration (p = 0.040) of this mineral compared to the CO group. However, both groups were Zn deficient and the disease activity (DAS28 score) for RA patients did not influence Zn biomarkers. In addition, the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) activity and the urinary 8-isoprostanes were reduced in RA patients.

CONCLUSION

The evaluation of dietary intake and biochemical biomarkers indicates that rheumatoid arthritis patients are zinc deficient and have increased OS.

Zinc Poisoning - Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

Zinc poisoning has been reported from many parts of the world. It is one of the global health problems that affect many organs, if exposed by inhalation of zinc vapors or by consumption of contaminated food and water. Long term exposure to zinc compounds from different sources such as air, water, soil, and food, lead to toxic effects on body systems, especially digestive, respiratory, and nerve systems, and also causes cancer. Zinc levels can be determined in blood, urine, hair, and nails. Patients with zinc toxicity need chelating agents, other pharmacological treatment, protective lung ventilation, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and supportive care.

Factores asociados a las concentraciones de hemoglobina en preescolares

Resumen El presente estudio buscó identificar en niños preescolares la asociación de las concentraciones de hemoglobina con características socio-ambientales, maternas, biológico-nutricionales y las condiciones de salud; así como con las concentraciones séricas de zinc y retinol. Estudio transversal con muestra de 335 individuos, representativa de los niños de jardines infantiles del municipio de Campina Grande, Paraíba. En los 294 niños estudiados, el modelo ajustado mostró menores concentraciones de hemoglobina en casos de tipo de casa diferente de ladrillo; ausencia de red de escoto; colecta no pública de la basura; no tratamiento del agua para beber; dificultades maternas para leer, escribir o hacer cuentas; edad entre 9-24 meses; peso/edad < - 2 escore Z y problemas de salud en los últimos 15 días, bien como en casos de bajas concentraciones séricas de zinc y retinol. La multicausalidad de concentraciones inferiores de hemoglobina comprendió condiciones socio-ambientales y características materno-infantiles que refuerzan la importancia de medidas que prioricen los niños de menor edad, de madres con menor nivel educacional y con prejuicios en su peso, estado de salud y condición nutricional de otros micronutrientes importantes en el crecimiento.

Association of reduced zinc status with poor glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus

This study evaluated the relationship between the zinc-related nutritional status and glycemic and insulinemic markers in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 82 individuals with T2DM aged between 29 and 59 years were evaluated. The concentration of zinc in the plasma, erythrocytes, and urine was determined by the flame atomic absorption spectrometry method. Dietary intake was assessed using a 3-day 24-h recall. In addition, concentrations of serum glucose, glycated hemoglobin percentage, total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, and serum insulin were determined. The insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and β-cell function (HOMA- β) were calculated. The markers of zinc status (plasma: 83.3±11.9μg/dL, erythrocytes: 30.1±4.6μg/g Hb, urine: 899.1±622.4μg Zn/24h, and dietary: 9.9±0.8mg/day) were classified in tertiles and compared to insulinemic and glycemic markers. The results showed that lower zinc concentrations in plasma and erythrocytes, as well as its high urinary excretion, were associated with higher percentages of glycated hemoglobin, reflecting a worse glycemic control in individuals with T2DM (p<0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant inverse correlation between plasma zinc levels and glycated hemoglobin percentage (r=-0.325, p=0.003), and a positive correlation between urinary zinc excretion and glycemia (r=0.269, p=0.016), glycated hemoglobin percentage (r=0.318, p=0.004) and HOMA-IR (r=0.289, p=0.009). According to our study results, conclude that T2DM individuals with reduced zinc status exhibited poor glycemic control.

Visualization of Zn²⁺ ions in live zebrafish using a luminescent iridium(III) chemosensor

A novel luminescent cyclometalated iridium(III) complex-based chemosensor (1) bearing a zinc-specific receptor, tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, and the 3-phenyl-1H-pyrazole ligand has been designed and synthesized. Upon the addition of Zn(2+) ions to a solution of iridium(III) complex 1, a pronounced luminescence color change from blue to green can be observed, which may be attributed to the suppression of photoinduced electron transfer upon complexation of complex 1 with Zn(2+) ions. The interaction of iridium(III) complex 1 with Zn(2+) ions was investigated by UV-vis absorption titration, emission titration, and (1)H NMR titration. Furthermore, the iridium(III) complex 1 exhibited good selectivity for Zn(2+) over 13 other common metal ions, including K(+), Ag(+), Na(+), Ni(2+), Fe(3+), Hg(2+), Cd(2+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Cu(2+), Mn(2+), Co(2+), and Pb(2+) ions. The practical application of the iridium(III) complex 1 in visualizing intracellular Zn(2+) distribution in live zebrafish was also demonstrated.

Isolated and combined prevalence of anemia, vitamin A deficiency and zinc deficiency in preschool children 12-72 months for the government of Paraíba

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the isolated and combined prevalence of anemia, vitamin A deficiency and zinc deficiency in pre-school children, as well as the distribution of isolated deficiencies according to gender, age and prior supplementation with vitamin A. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with pre-school children in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. Analysis of the average concentrations of hemoglobin, serum retinol and serum zinc, according to gender, age and previous vitamin A supplementation of children were carried out as well as the risk of simultaneous occurrence of micronutrient deficiencies in the presence of these deficiencies. RESULTS: The prevalence of anemia, vitamin A deficiency and zinc deficiency were 15.4%, 23.3% and 13.8%, respectively. The anemia was significantly associated with age (p<0.01). Children previously supplemented by vitamin A had higher serum retinol concentrations than children without supplements, an effect that was not observed for concentrations of hemoglobin or serum zinc. The prevalence of anemia associated with vitamin A deficiency was 5.8%, with the chance of vitamin A deficiency and anemia coexist 2.21 times (95%CI=1.03-4.84) higher in the case of vitamin A deficiency or anemia rather than in the absence of these conditions. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies which are important in child growth, as well as the coexistence of nutritional deficiencies, point out the need to strengthen nutrition intervention strategies that consider this issue.

Seguridad alimentaria, crecimiento y niveles de vitamina A, hemoglobina y zinc en niños preescolares del nordeste de Brasil

El presente estudio buscó analizar la asociación entre la (in)seguridad alimentaria y el estado nutricional de niños preescolares asistidos en jardines infantiles. La seguridad alimentaria fue evaluada a través de la Escala Brasileña de Inseguridad Alimentaria (EBIA). El estado nutricional se evaluó a través del peso/edad, talla/edad, hemoglobina, retinol sérico y zinc sérico. Fueron encontradas prevalencias de déficit de estatura (6,2%), déficit de peso/edad (2,1%), deficiencia de vitamina A (24,4%), anemia (15,5%) y deficiencia de zinc (15,0%). La inseguridad alimentaria familiar fue caracterizada en 64,2% de las familias predominando la forma leve (32,6%). El estudio concluye que la inseguridad alimentaria estimada por la EBIA no se asoció a los Escore-z de crecimiento ni a las concentraciones de retinol sérico, hemoglobina y zinc sérico.

Avaliação de desempenho das concentrações capilares de zinco como método diagnóstico da deficiência de zinco: um estudo comparativo com as concentrações séricas de zinco

OBJETIVO: Examinar o poder diagnóstico de deficiência de zinco das concentrações capilares desse mineral por meio da comparação com as concentrações séricas. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal desenvolvido com 170 crianças na faixa etária dos 12 aos 72 meses. A análise da Curva Característica de Operação do Receptor foi utilizada para identificar a sensibilidade e a especificidade do melhor ponto de corte para o diagnóstico da deficiência de zinco no cabelo. Verificou-se ainda a significância estatística da área sob a curva. RESULTADOS:O ponto de corte apontado como ótimo para o zinco no cabelo foi de 292,52ppm (sensibilidade de 55,6% e especificidade de 60,8%), com uma área sob a curva de 0,549, sem significância estatística. CONCLUSÃO: O diagnóstico da deficiência de zinco pelas concentrações capilares desse elemento, em comparação às concentrações séricas de zinco, mostra baixa sensibilidade e ponto de corte ideal superior ao sugerido. Permanece, ainda, a necessidade de novos estudos que possibilitem a obtenção de indicadores bioquímicos mais sensíveis e específicos para o diagnóstico da deficiência de zinco na população, sob tudo sem importantes limitações técnicas.

Crescimento e deficiências de micronutrientes: perfil das crianças assistidas no núcleo de creches do governo da Paraíba, Brasil

O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar o perfil de crescimento das crianças assistidas no Núcleo de Creches do Governo da Paraíba e a contribuição relativa das deficiências de vitamina A, ferro e zinco. Estudo transversal em 240 crianças pré-escolares. Foram consideradas as categorias de diagnóstico nutricional: déficit ponderal, déficit de estatura e sobrepeso. As concentrações séricas de retinol, zinco e de hemoglobina foram determinadas para avaliar a deficiência de vitamina A (< 0,70 µmol/L), deficiência de zinco (< 65 Μmol/L) e anemia (< 110 g/L), respectivamente. A prevalência de déficit de estatura foi de 5,8%, a de sobrepeso de 3,8%, e a de déficit de peso de 0,4%. A média de Escore-Z para o índice P/E foi menor e estatisticamente significante quando a mãe da criança foi diagnosticada com baixa estatura ou com baixo peso e nas crianças de 12-36 meses de idade. Para o índice E/I, a média de Escore-Z foi menor e estatisticamente significante quando a criança nasceu com baixo peso e quando a mãe da criança apresentou baixa estatura. Crianças de 12-36 meses e sem o beneficio do Programa Bolsa Família tiveram média de hemoglobina menor. Verificou-se ausência de associação significante entre as deficiências de vitamina A, ferro e zinco e os índices antropométricos estudados.

Estado nutricional relativo ao zinco de crianças que frequentam creches do estado da Paraíba

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o estado nutricional relativo ao zinco de crianças assistidas em creches do Estado da Paraíba. MÉTODOS: O estado nutricional relativo ao zinco de 235 crianças pré-escolares foi avaliado através de sua concentração no soro, da ingestão dietética de zinco e da estatura para idade, como recomendado pelo International Zinc Consultative Group. As concentrações séricas de zinco foram determinadas por espectrofotometria de absorção atômica de chama, considerando deficiência de zinco valores <65µmol/L. O consumo alimentar foi registrado mediante o recordatório de 24 horas, considerando a alimentação da criança no dia anterior e o consumo de alimentos na creche, e foi analisada a inadequação dietética de zinco de acordo com as necessidades médias estimadas de zinco segundo etapa da vida e tipo de dieta estabelecido pelo International Zinc Consultative Group. Adotou-se o Padrão de Crescimento Infantil da Organização Mundial da Saúde para o índice estatura para idade, considerando-se com deficit de estatura as crianças que apresentaram esse índice dois escores-Z abaixo do valor mediano da população de referência. Empregou-se o teste t ou análise de variância na análise estatística, programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences-16.0. RESULTADOS: As prevalências de deficiência de zinco no soro, inadequação dietética de zinco e deficit de estatura foram de 16,2%, 16,6% e 7,7%, respectivamente. A média de zinco no soro foi estatisticamente menor nas crianças de mães com baixo peso em comparação com as crianças de mães com peso normal. CONCLUSÃO: As crianças estudadas apresentaram risco moderado de deficiência de zinco, pois são indicadas prevalências significativas de baixos níveis séricos de zinco, de consumo inadequado de zinco e de desnutrição crônica.

Unusual low plasma levels of zinc in non-pregnant Congolese women

Zn is an essential trace element required throughout the life cycle. Although suboptimal Zn status is thought to be common in many sub-Saharan countries, there is a paucity of data in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The objective of the study was to determine Zn status in non-pregnant Congolese women. We measured plasma Zn and indicators of nutritional status (albumin, prealbumin, retinol-binding protein) and inflammation (C-reactive protein (CRP), ceruloplasmin, alpha1-acid glycoprotein (AGP)) in seventy-seven lactating and thirty non-lactating women (mean age 28 and 31 years, respectively). Blood samples were collected in summer 1989 in rural Bas-Congo during a survey on Fe status. Mean lactation period was 8.3 months. Mean parity was higher in lactating (3.6) than in non-lactating (2.2) women (P < 0.05). Mean biochemical indicators of nutritional status, CRP and ceruloplasmin were within normal range and not different between groups. Mean AGP concentrations were above normal (>1.2 g/l) and higher in lactating (1.365 g/l) than in non-lactating (1.178 g/l) women (P < 0.05). Mean Zn concentration (540 microg/l) of the overall study population was below normal (700 microg/l); and the mean was lower in lactating (455 microg/l) than in non-lactating (759 microg/l) women (P < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis suggested that parity (P < 0.05), but not inflammation, was the most important factor associated with low Zn levels. Despite the lack of data on dietary intake, the results suggest that suboptimal Zn status may be common in the studied population.

Prevalence of anemia and deficiency of iron, folic acid, and zinc in children younger than 2 years of age who use the health services provided by the Mexican Social Security Institute

BACKGROUND

In Mexico, as in other developing countries, micronutrient deficiencies are common in infants between 6 and 24 months of age and are an important public health problem. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of anemia and of iron, folic acid, and zinc deficiencies in Mexican children under 2 years of age who use the health care services provided by the Mexican Institute for Social Security (IMSS).

METHODS

A nationwide survey was conducted with a representative sample of children younger than 2 years of age, beneficiaries, and users of health care services provided by IMSS through its regular regimen (located in urban populations) and its Oportunidades program (services offered in rural areas). A subsample of 4,955 clinically healthy children was studied to determine their micronutrient status. A venous blood sample was drawn to determine hemoglobin, serum ferritin, percent of transferrin saturation, zinc, and folic acid. Descriptive statistics include point estimates and 95% confidence intervals for the sample and projections for the larger population from which the sample was drawn.

RESULTS

Twenty percent of children younger than 2 years of age had anemia, and 27.8% (rural) to 32.6% (urban) had iron deficiency; more than 50% of anemia was not associated with low ferritin concentrations. Iron stores were more depleted as age increased. Low serum zinc and folic acid deficiencies were 28% and 10%, respectively, in the urban areas, and 13% and 8%, respectively, in rural areas. The prevalence of simultaneous iron and zinc deficiencies was 9.2% and 2.7% in urban and rural areas. Children with anemia have higher percentages of folic acid deficiency than children with normal iron status.

CONCLUSION

Iron and zinc deficiencies constitute the principal micronutrient deficiencies in Mexican children younger than 2 years old who use the health care services provided by IMSS. Anemia not associated with low ferritin values was more prevalent than iron-deficiency anemia. The presence of micronutrient deficiencies at this early age calls for effective preventive public nutrition programs to address them.

Vitamin A and zinc status in patients on maintenance haemodialysis

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to assess the vitamin A and zinc serum levels in patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD) in the city of Recife, in the north-eastern region of Brazil.

METHODS

The study comprised 55 patients and 28 healthy controls. The retinol and zinc serum concentrations were analysed by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and atomic absorption spectrophotometry, respectively.

RESULTS

The mean retinol serum concentration in patients (2.50 +/- 0.86 micromol/L) was significantly greater (P < 0.001) than that found in controls (1.26 +/- 0.86 micromol/L). The retinol serum levels in the patients were as follows: 47.3% of the patients had elevated levels (>/= 2.24 and < 3.50 micromol/L); 16.4% of the patients had serum levels >/= 3.50 micromol/L, which indicated hypervitaminosis; and 9.1% of the patients had serum levels below the normal range (<1.05 micromol/L), a rate that among the controls was 42.9% (P < 0.01). In regard to zinc, the serum levels found in the patients (10.59 +/- 3.12 micromol/L) were similar to those found in the controls (11.43 +/- 2.82 micromol/L) (P > 0.05). Although 49.1% of the patients and 35.7% of the controls were classified as deficient in zinc, this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

RESULTS

The results identified a high prevalence of zinc deficiency in the groups studied, and point to a trend towards more elevated retinol serum levels in patients undergoing dialysis as compared with those in healthy controls.