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The Study of the Aorta Metallomics in the Context of Atherosclerosis

Aleksandra Kuzan1, Marta Wujczyk2, Rafal J Wiglusz2

  • 1Department of Medical Biochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland.

Biomolecules
|July 2, 2021
PubMed

Insights

This study investigated trace element levels in aorta tissue, revealing age-related changes in calcium, copper, and iron. Findings highlight correlations between elements and atherosclerosis, suggesting potential dietary supplement impacts.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Trace Element Analysis
  • Atherosclerosis Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis is a complex, multifactorial disease contributing significantly to cardiovascular mortality.
  • Understanding the role of micro- and macroelements in atherogenesis is crucial for developing preventive strategies.
  • Current prevention methods are insufficient to significantly lower cardiovascular disease mortality rates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the interdependencies of micro- and macroelements during atherogenesis.
  • To investigate the relationship between specific elements and the degree of atherosclerosis.
  • To explore potential links between metalloenzymes and elemental content in aorta tissue.

Main Methods:

  • Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used to quantify elements (Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Cr, Zn, Mn, Cd, Pb) in aorta sections.
  • Immunohistochemical methods assessed metalloenzyme content (MMP-9, NOS-3, SOD-2).
  • Analysis included correlation studies between elemental levels, age, sex, and atherosclerosis severity.

Main Results:

  • Aorta calcium content increased with age, while copper and iron levels decreased.
  • Strong correlations were observed between Mn-Ca, Fe-Cu, and Ca-Cd in women, and Mn-Zn in men.
  • Higher atherosclerosis severity correlated negatively with magnesium and cadmium levels; chromium inhibited Cu and Fe absorption.

Conclusions:

  • Elemental imbalances, particularly involving calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, and cadmium, are associated with atherosclerosis.
  • Age and sex-specific elemental patterns in aorta tissue are linked to disease progression.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate atherosclerosis mechanisms and the impact of dietary supplements on cardiovascular health.

Keywords:
atherosclerosiscadmiumcalciumchromiumcopperionomicsironleadmagnesiummanganesezinc

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