No abstract

Twenty-nine amino acids were analyzed in the sera of 105 adult Senegambian goitrous patients classified as stages I, II, and III according to World Health Organization recommendations. Mean serum concentration of all essential amino acids revealed highly significant drops (p less than 0.001) as goiter stage increased, except for methionine (Met). Most nonessential amino acids (NEAA) and intermediary metabolites were similarly characterized by a general decrease to the subnormal range, although some resisted depression in stages II and III. Homocystine (Hcy) demonstrated a unique pattern in that it was the only NEAA distinguished by regularly rising serum levels. These data are consistent with the view that endemic goiter is associated with overall stepwise downregulation in protein metabolism. In addition to iodine restriction, generalized malnutrition may aggravate the goitrogenic processes. Serum levels of Met and Hcy strongly suggest that the first step of the transsulfuration pathway is impaired in protein-depleted states due to cystathionine beta-synthase (EC 4.2.1.22) deficiency.

The age-specific prevalence of antibody to rotavirus was studied in 1404 Ecuadorian children enrolled in a national nutrition and health survey. ELISA and neutralizing antibody analysis showed evidence for primary rotavirus infection in 6- to 12-month-old children, who showed also a more-than-threefold increase in significant diarrheal episodes in comparison with infants less than 6 months old. At this age, 56% of the sera with neutralizing antibody were monospecific. With increasing age a gradual decrease in prevalence of monospecific sera, to 10% in 5-year-old children, was observed. Monospecific sera were directed in decreasing frequency against serotypes 4 (56%), 3 (20%), 2 (14%), and 1 (10%). Serotype 4-specific antibody was acquired at an earlier age than were antibodies to the other serotypes, and 91% of sera with dual specificity neutralized serotype 4, whereas only 2% of sera that neutralized three serotypes failed to neutralize serotype 4.

To investigate the trace elements (TE) losses and status after trauma, 11 severely injured patients (Injury Severity Score: 29 +/- 6), admitted to the ICU were studied from the day of injury (D0) until D25. Balance studies were started within 24 hours after injury, until D7. Serum and urine samples were collected from D1 to D7, then on D10, 15, 20, and 25. Intravenous TE supplementation was initiated upon admission. SERUM: Selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) levels were decreased until D7 and were normal thereafter. LOSSES: TE urinary excretions were higher than reference ranges until D20 in all patients. Fluid losses through drains contained large amounts of TE. BALANCES: Balances were slightly positive for copper (Cu) and Zn, and negative for Se from D5 to D7 despite supplements. Cu status exhibited minor changes compared to those observed with the Zn and Se status: Serum levels were decreased and losses increased. Considering the importance of Se and Zn in free radical scavenging, anabolism, and immunity, current recommendations for TE supplements in severely traumatized patients ought to be revised.