Estimation of some vital trace elements in patients with acute pancreatitis: A case-control study

Abstract

Trace elements have an important influence on the living system and play a major role in a variety of processes necessary for life. This case study was conducted as an attempt to expand our knowledge of the relationship between trace elements and their effect on acute pancreatitis. Sixty-five patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis with mean age 43.6 years, along with sixtyfive healthy volunteers with a mean age 45.7 years, were included in this study. The obtained results indicated a significant increase in the Cu, Ni and Cr levels, and a significant decrease in the Zn, Mg and Fe levels for acute pancreatitis patients compared with the control group (p <0.001). In addition, a remarkable increase in the Cu/Zn ratio was observed in patients. The current work provides important evidence of correlation between changes in copper and zinc levels and the risk of acute pancreatitis. Also, an increased Cu/Zn ratio may be a useful indication for the diagnosis and monitoring of acute pancreatitis. Moreover, the current study concluded that there is a possible relationship of Mg, Fe, Ni and Cr with acute pancreatitis. Thus, it can be suggested that these elements are reliable to provide indications for warning of the risk of acute pancreatitis.

Toxic Metal and Essential Element Concentrations in the Blood and Tissues of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Patients

“…These authors postulated that oxidative stress caused by cancer development and progression oxidizes the sulfhydryl groups in cysteine, decreasing the Zn-binding capacity with a consequent higher amount of free Zn that is rapidly eliminated through urine. Conflictingly, other authors reported decreased levels of Zn in subjects with acute pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, or in rats with induced pancreatitis [14,25,43]. In addition, it was observed that the Zn concentration in pancreatic fluid was comparable in patients with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer compared to a normal pancreas [47].…”

“…Nevertheless, Cr ions may activate Fenton-like reactions, generate hydroxy radicals that induce oxidative stress, activate transcription factors such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), activate protein-1 (AP-1), tumor protein P53 (p53) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), regulate the cell cycle and induce apoptosis [ 23 , 24 ]. In previous literature, a study reported a high level of Cr in the serum of subjects with acute pancreatitis [ 25 ]. In addition, significantly increased levels of Cr in pancreatic juice were quantified in three population groups, and the levels of Cr followed a decreasing order: pancreatic cancer > pancreatitis > controls [ 20 ].…”

“…Copper is an integral part of Cu-based metalloenzymes (as cytochrome oxidase, NADH dehydrogenase-2, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase) and has antioxidant capacity, lowering oxidative stress as well as stabilizing cellular functions. Therefore, when Cu homeostasis is not regulated, Cu accumulation may create the risk of cellular injuries [ 25 ]. Moreover, in cancer and inflammation, plasma Cu and ceruloplasmin concentrations were raised, and the rates of synthesis and secretion of ceruloplasmin by the liver were enhanced.…”

“…The disruption of the whole blood Cu/Zn ratio may be responsible for the increased oxidative stress and decreased blood antioxidant capacity in PDAC patients. This ratio was found to be increased in cases of acute pancreatitis in patients [ 25 ].…”

An approach to determine nickel in aqueous systems through complexation with a Schiff base based on high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detector

“…Ni may cause biochemical changes such as iron resorption leading to anemia. Ni also interrupts calcium usage by bone, resulting in parakeratosis damage or interfering with zinc metabolism [7]. Ni prompts embryo noxious and nephrotoxic effects, sensitized reactions, and contact dermatitis [8], while Ni deficiency particularly affects carbohydrate metabolism [9].…”