Plasma Copper, Zinc, and Selenium Levels and Correlates with Metabolic Syndrome Components of Lebanese Adults

Abstract

Zinc, copper, and selenium statuses were reported to be linked to the development of chronic diseases, especially coronary heart disease (CHD). Metabolic syndrome, a known CHD risk factor, was found to be highly prevalent in Lebanon. Nevertheless, no data are available on the statuses of plasma zinc, copper, and selenium, especially in terms of their relation to the components of the metabolic syndrome. A sample of 398 men and women aged 18-65 years was drawn from 23 health centers across Lebanon; anthropometric measurements and biochemical analyses of fasting plasma samples were performed. Subjects were found to have normal plasma statuses of copper and selenium but were at elevated risk of zinc deficiency. Plasma selenium levels correlated positively with all the components of the metabolic syndromes, while that of copper correlated only with total, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Plasma zinc did not correlate with any of the metabolic syndrome components.

The impact of food price increases on nutrient intake in Lebanon

“…In terms of zinc intake, the average reduction in intake is substantial. Zinc intake in Lebanon is already low for all age categories (FAO 2007), be they children, adolescents (N. Hwalla, unpublished data, 2009) or adults (Obeid et al 2008). Therefore this additional reduction in zinc intake will surely contribute to zinc-deficiency related risks such as growth retardation, mental disturbances, dermatitis and higher risks of infection.…”

Evaluation of Changes in Levels of Serum Selenium in Diabetic Pateints and in Diabetic Pateints with Cardiovascular Disease

“…Positive relationships between serum selenium and total cholesterol concentrations are discussed in several studies of various serum selenium concentrations [2, 19,32,[36][37][38][39][40][41]43]. However, most participants have been young and middle-aged adults.…”

“…In the other hand, there is no significant relation between HDL cholesterol concentrations and serum selenium in group I and II (Table (2) and (3)). Five studies showed a positive association between serum selenium and LDL-C [7-9, 14, 44] but others revealed no significant relationship [11,[16][17][18]. The variable sample sizes, age groups, and lack of adjustments for possible confounders may account for the inconsistencies in those studies.…”

“…Studies in rats show a beneficial effect of selenium supplementation on lipid abnormalities in plasma, aorta, and adipose tissue [15]. Observation studies of assiation between selenium and lipids are inconsistent, finding positive association of serum selenium with total cholesterol [16,17,18], with LDL cholesterol [12,18], or with HDL cholesterol or ratio of HDL cholesterol to total cholesterol (HDL cholesterol: total cholesterol) [18][19][20]. Those studies were conducted mostly in populations with relatively low serum concentrations of selenium, and their generalizability to a selenium-replete population is uncertain [10][11][12][13][14].…”

Selenium and diabetes - evidence from animal studies

“…Although mechanisms for insulin resistance and diabetes are not fully understood, a growing body of evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays an important role in both of their onset and progress [13,14]. While there was a high hope for using antioxidants including Se to prevent and treat diabetes and its complications, a number of recent human trials have actually shown an alarming correlation between high Se intake or body Se status and diabetic risks [15][16][17][18][19][20][21]. Before this revealing, overexpression of GPx1, the "oldest" and most abundant Se-dependent protein, was shown to induce type 2 diabeteslike phenotypes in mice [22][23][24].…”