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Sex Difference Between Trace Elements and Pulmonary Functions in Children

Zhenzhen Pan1, Xiaojuan Zhang1, Yu Hui1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Respiratory, Wuxi Children's Hospital, Wuxi, 214023, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China.

Biological Trace Element Research
|February 16, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Zinc deficiency is linked to poorer lung function and higher IgE levels in boys, suggesting trace element screening could help prevent childhood asthma. This study highlights zinc

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Environmental Health
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Trace element deficiencies are implicated in asthma development.
  • The specific roles of blood zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and magnesium (Mg) in pediatric pulmonary function require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between blood levels of zinc, selenium, and magnesium and pulmonary function in healthy children.
  • To explore the relationship between these trace elements and serum total IgE levels in relation to pulmonary function.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 202 healthy children in Wuxi, China.
  • Measurement of pulmonary function (FVC, FEV1), blood trace element levels (Zn, Se, Mg) via ICP-MS, and serum total IgE.
  • Analysis using multiple linear regression models, stratified by sex.

Main Results:

  • A positive association was observed between blood zinc levels and pulmonary function (FVC, FEV1) in boys.
  • Blood zinc levels were negatively associated with serum total IgE in boys.
  • No significant associations were found for selenium or magnesium, nor for zinc in girls.

Conclusions:

  • Zinc deficiency is significantly related to impaired pulmonary function in children, particularly boys.
  • Blood zinc levels may serve as a biomarker for respiratory health in children.
  • Screening for trace element status, specifically zinc, could be a potential strategy for reducing asthma risks in children.

Keywords:
ChildrenIgEMagnesiumPulmonary functionSeleniumZinc

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