Zinc-deficiency Induced Changes in the Distribution of Rat White Blood Cells
Someya Y, et al.
J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo); Apr 2009; 55(2):162-9.
Zinc is known to play an important role for immune-functions. However, the effects of zinc-deficiency on the immune response system from the point of view of the distribution changes of the number of total white blood cells (WBCs) are still primarily unknown. Therefore, the effects of zinc-deficiency on the number of total WBCs, neutrophil, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte and lymphocytes (T lymphocyte, B lymphocyte and NK cell) were studied in rats. The weaned male rats were randomly divided into the zinc deficient diet (ZDD: 0.7 mg zinc/kg diet) group and the control diet (CON: 34.8 mg zinc/kg diet) group, and were pair-fed for 4 wks. The number of lymphocyte subsets, visceral organ weights, serum zinc, corticosterone and IL-6 concentrations were also determined. Zinc-deficiency increased duration-dependently the number of total white blood cells, granulocytes (neutrophil, eosinophil and basophil) and monocytes in 2-4 wks without changing the number of lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes or NK cells, The relative weights of thymus and adrenals were 0.63 times (p<0.01) lower and 1.60 times (p<0.001) higher in ZDD group than in CON group, respectively. Zinc-deficiency increased serum corticosterone concentration to 1.48 times (p<0.05) without changing serum IL-6 concentration, as compared with those of CON group. From these results, zinc-deficiency increases markedly the number of granulocytes and monocytes without changing the number of lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes or NK cells. These results also suggest that zinc-deficiency induces stress responses and the responses may have in part participated in increased actions of the number of granulocytes and monocytes during zinc-deficiency, and induce thymus atrophy and adrenal hypertrophy
Minerals in the News Archives
Craig WJ.
Am J Clin Nutr; May 2009; 89(5):1627S-1633S.
Recently, vegetarian diets have experienced an increase in popularity. A vegetarian diet is associated with many health benefits because of its higher content of fiber, folic acid, vitamins C and E, potassium, magnesium, and many phytochemicals and a fat content that is more unsaturated. Compared with other vegetarian diets, vegan diets tend to contain less saturated fat and cholesterol and more dietary fiber. Vegans tend to be thinner, have lower serum cholesterol, and lower blood pressure, reducing their risk of heart disease. However, eliminating all animal products from the diet increases the risk of certain nutritional deficiencies. Micronutrients of special concern for the vegan include vitamins B-12 and D, calcium, and long-chain n-3 (omega-3) fatty acids. Unless vegans regularly consume foods that are fortified with these nutrients, appropriate supplements should be consumed. In some cases, iron and zinc status of vegans may also be of concern because of the limited bioavailability of these minerals.
Magnesium Orotate in Severe Congestive Heart Failure (MACH)
Stepura OB, et al.
Int J Cardiol; May 2009; 134(1):145-7.
Aim of this study was to evaluate adjuvant magnesium orotate on mortality and clinical symptoms in patients with severe heart failure under optimal cardiovascular medication. In a monocentric, controlled, double-blind study, 79 patients with severe congestive heart failure (NYHA IV) under optimal medical cardiovascular treatment were randomised to receive either magnesium orotate (6000 mg for 1 month, 3000 mg for about 11 months, n = 40) or placebo (n = 39). Both groups were comparable in demographic data, duration of heart failure and pre- and concomitant treatment. After mean treatment duration of 1 year (magnesium orotate: 364.1 +/- 14.7 days, placebo: 361.2 +/- 12.7 days) the survival rate was 75.7% compared to 51.6% under placebo (p < 0.05). Clinical symptoms improved in 38.5% of patients under magnesium orotate, whereas they deteriorated in 56.3% of patients under placebo (p < 0.001). Magnesium orotate may be used as adjuvant therapy in patients on optimal treatment for severe congestive heart failure, increasing survival rate and improving clinical symptoms and patient's quality of life.
Sleep Disturbances and Serum Ferritin Levels in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Cortese S, et al.
Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry; July 2009; 18(7):393-9.
A subset of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may present with impairing sleep disturbances. While preliminary evidence suggests that iron deficiency might be involved into the pathophysiology of daytime ADHD symptoms, no research has been conducted to explore the relationship between iron deficiency and sleep disturbances in patients with ADHD. The aim of this study was to assess the association between serum ferritin levels and parent reports of sleep disturbances in a sample of children with ADHD. Sixty-eight consecutively referred children (6-14 years) with ADHD diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria using the semi-structured interview KiddieSADS-PL. Measures: parents filled out the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) and the Conners Parent Rating Scale (CPRS). Serum ferritin levels were determined using the Tinaquant method. Compared to children with serum ferritin levels >or=45 microg/I, those with serum ferritin levels <45 microg/I had significantly higher scores on the SDSC subscale "Sleep wake transition disorders" (SWTD) (P = 0.042), which includes items on abnormal movements in sleep, as well as significantly higher scores on the CPRS-ADHD index (P = 0.034). The mean scores on the other SDSC subscales did not significantly differ between children with serum ferritin >or=45 and <45 microg/1. Serum ferritin levels were inversely correlated to SWTD scores (P = 0.043). Serum ferritin levels <45 microg/I might indicate a risk for sleep wake transition disorders, including abnormal sleep movements, in children with ADHD. Our results based on questionnaires set the basis for further actigraphic and polysomnographic studies on nighttime activity and iron deficiency in ADHD. Research in this field may suggest future trials of iron supplementation (possibly in association with ADHD medications) for abnormal sleep motor activity in children with ADHD.
Short-term Mg Deficiency Results in Decreased Levels of Serum Sphingomyelin, Lipid Peroxidation and Apoptosis in Cardiovascular Tissues
Altura BM, et al.
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol; May 8, 2009 [Epub ahead of print]..
The present study tested the hypothesis that short-term (S-T) dietary deficiency of magnesium (Mg) (21 days) in rats would: 1) result in decreased serum(s) levels of Mg , sphingomyelin (SM) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) , 2) promote DNA-fragmentation (fr), lipid peroxidation (LP) and activation of caspase-3 in cardiac (ventricular, atrial) and vascular(aortic) muscle; and 3) low levels of Mg2+ added to drinking water would either prevent or greatly ameliorate these manifestations. The data indicate that S-T Mg-deficiency (10 percent normal dietary intake) resulted in profound reductions in s-ionized Mg and total Mg with elevation in s-ionized calcium (Ca(2+)), significant lowering of s-SM and s-PC, with concomitant LP , DNA-fr and activation of caspase-3 in ventricular (right and left chambers), atrial (right and left chambers) and abdominal aortic smooth muscle. The greater the reduction in s-Mg, the greater the effects on DNA-fr, LP and caspase-3 activity. Intake of water-borne Mg(2+) at all levels greatly attenuated or inhibited the reductions in s-SM and s-PC , activation of LP,DNA fragmentation, and activation of caspase-3; even very low levels of Mg(2+) in drinking water ( i.e.,15 , ppm /day) were cardio and vascular protective. In addition, we demonstrate that S-T dietary deficiency of Mg probably results in a down-regulation of SM synthase and decreased synthesis of PC.
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