The role of zinc, copper, plasma glutathione peroxidase enzyme, and vitamins in the development of allergic diseases in early childhood: The Polish mother and child cohort study

Abstract

It has been hypothesized that the increase in allergic disorders may, in part, be a consequence of changing diet. The primary aim of this study was to assess the associations between occurrence of atopic dermatitis; food allergy; the incidence of wheeze inhaled glucocorticosteroid use in children during the 1st year of life; and cord blood concentrations of copper, zinc, vitamins (A and E), and glutathione peroxidase activity. We evaluated 240 1-year-old children from the Polish Mother and Child Cohort Study. Women were interviewed during pregnancy to collect demographic and socioeconomic data and medical and reproductive history. Exposure to tobacco constituents was assessed based on questionnaire data. At delivery, umbilical cord blood plasma was sampled. One year after the birth, the child's exposure and health status were examined. In the analyses a multivariable model was used. Higher zinc and copper concentrations in cord blood were associated with increased likelihood of wheezing in 1-year-old children. This effect was seen only among children exposed to tobacco smoke at home. We also showed significantly lower activity of glutathione peroxidase enzyme 3 in umbilical cord blood plasma of children with atopic dermatitis during the 1st year of life. There were no significant associations between vitamin A and E concentrations in plasma and children's health. We showed imbalance in the antioxidant defense system in cord blood, which may lead to development of atopic dermatitis or wheezing in infancy. The association between maternal nutrient status during pregnancy and child's health is complex and interacts with other environmental factors such as tobacco exposure. This study was a part of the clinical trial NCT01861548 registered at ClinicalTrials.gov.

Polish Mother and Child Cohort Study (REPRO_PL) – Methodology of the follow-up of the children at the age of 7

“…The recommended level of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) during pregnancy had a positive impact on child development [15]. The results of REPRO _ PL have also indicated that higher zinc and copper concentrations in cord blood were associated with the increased likelihood of wheezing in 1-yearold children [16,17]. This effect was seen only among the children exposed to tobacco smoke at home.…”

“…This effect was seen only among the children exposed to tobacco smoke at home. In addition, a significantly lower activity of glutathione peroxidase enzyme in cord blood plasma of the children with atopic dermatitis during the first year of life was observed [16,17].…”

Rational choice of therapy of atopic dermatitis in children depending on inflammation severity

“…Анионы сво-бодных жирных кислот своими липофильными концами присоединяются к липидам кожи, что спо-собствует их удалению с кожи и истончению липид-ной мантии кожи. Пассивное курение является пред-располагающим фактором к развитию АтД [11]. Ку-рение матерей во время беременности, кормления грудью и в присутствии грудных младенцев повы-шает риск развития АтД у детей.…”

Evaluation of the levels of trace elements in the blood and hair of patients with seborrheic dermatitis

“…The disease, seen at all ages, affects ~ 1 -3% of adults [1]. Although the pathogenesis of the disease is not completely known, it has been suggested that structure and amount of lipids in skin, various types of Malassezia found in normal skin flora, lipase activity, specific immune reactions against Malassezia, genetics, environmental factors, and stress will trigger the disease [2]. Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) are important trace elements for human health.…”