Trace elements in patients with aortic valve sclerosis

Abstract

Background: Aortic valve sclerosis (AVSc) is defined as the thickening and calcification of aortic valve cusps, in the absence of obstruction of ventricular outflow. AVSc is linked with a clear imbalance in some trace elements. Aims: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between AVSc and serum levels of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and copper (Cu). Additionally, this research aimed to explore the clinical significance of human serum zinc, selenium, copper, and iron concentrations as a potential new biomarker for AVSc patients and to clarify the pathophysiological role in individuals at risk of developing AVSc. Patients and methods: The study included 40 subjects with AVSc (25% male and 75% female) who were compared with a healthy control group with the same gender ratio. AVSc was based on comprehensive echocardiographic assessments. Blood samples were taken and Zn and Cu concentrations were determined through the use of atomic absorption spectroscopy. Se was measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry device and Fe was measured using a Beckman Coulter instrument. Results: There was a significant difference in the prevalence of diabetes, blood pressure levels, and body mass index between the patients and the healthy subjects ( p < 0.05). The differences between the serum Fe, Se, and Cu levels of the AVSc patients and the healthy subjects ( p > 0.05) were recorded. The serum Zn of AVSc patients when compared was significantly lower compared with that of the control group ( p < 0.01). Conclusion: Patients with AVSc had an imbalance in some of the trace elements in their blood. The patient group’s valves had higher serum Cu levels and lower serum Se, Zn, and Fe concentrations compared with the healthy group’s valves. In the valve patients as compared, AVSc had a high prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.

The Role of Selenium in Pathologies: An Updated Review

“…Similarly, a very recent study investigated the relationship between trace elements, including selenium, and aortic valve sclerosis (AVSc), the thickening and calcification of the aortic valve described as the late outcome of a long-lasting inflammatory process. The patients group showed lower serum selenium concentrations compared with a healthy control group [ 155 ]. This appears to be consistent with the protection against ROS and RNS that some trace elements, including selenium, normally provide.…”

Relationship of omentin-1 with oxidative stress in Iraqi patients with myocardial infraction

“…MI is associated with an intelligible imbalance in zinc, and copper trace elements, which are significant for immune and cardiovascular function [36]. These trace elements have an important role in regulatory, catalytic, and structural ions for enzymes, transcription factors, and proteins [37]. These trace elements are linked with a reduced antioxidants potential in organisms and also related to protection against ROS and nitrogen RNS, which are believed to possibly underlie the onset of cancer, AMI, atherosclerosis, accelerated aging, developmental retardation in children, and immunological abnormalities [38], [39].…”

The Role of Trace Elements in Cardiovascular Diseases

“…A recent study investigated the relationship between the development of AVS and the levels of selected trace elements like Fe, Zn, Se, and Cu. The authors were able to demonstrate a significant difference in the prevalence of diabetes and blood pressure levels as well as the body mass index between patients and healthy controls [ 132 ]. In this study, it was also shown that serum Zn concentrations in AVS patients are significantly reduced compared to those in the healthy control group, a finding in line with other studies that demonstrated lower Zn concentrations in patients with coronary artery disease, sclerotic heart valves, rheumatic heart disease, and heart failure [ 133 , 134 , 135 ].…”