The relation between selenium, zinc and copper concentration and the trace element dependent antioxidative status

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Clinical Chemistry
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Oxidative stress, an imbalance in the body's antioxidant system, is linked to various pathological conditions.
• Understanding the trace element-dependent antioxidative status in healthy individuals is essential for evaluating pathological changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish reference values for trace elements (Selenium, Copper, Zinc) and oxidative stress markers (Malondialdehyde, Glutathione Peroxidase, Superoxide Dismutase) in a healthy population.
• To investigate correlations between these markers and their potential role in the antioxidative system.

Main Methods:

• Investigated 99 healthy volunteers (45 male, 54 female; mean age 37.4 years).
• Measured plasma concentrations of Selenium (Se), Copper (Cu), and Zinc (Zn).
• Assessed Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (non-protein-bound and protein-bound).
• Determined activities of Glutathione Peroxidase (GSH-Px) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) in plasma and erythrocytes.

Main Results:

• Established mean plasma concentrations for Se (0.84 ± 0.10 µmol/l), Cu (15.6 ± 2.78 µmol/l), and Zn (12.6 ± 1.80 µmol/l).
• Found positive correlations between plasma Se and GSH-Px activity (p < 0.002), and GSH-Px activity and non-protein-bound MDA (p = 0.004).
• Observed that higher Cu concentrations in erythrocytes correlated with increased SOD (p = 0.03) and GSH-Px (p = 0.01) activities, while increased GSH-Px activity correlated with decreased non-protein-bound MDA (r = -0.31, p = 0.002).

Conclusions:

• Erythrocyte concentrations of Selenium (Se) and Copper (Cu) can significantly improve the trace element-dependent antioxidative status.
• These findings provide a baseline for assessing oxidative stress and trace element status in clinical settings.