[Role of trace elements in the dynamics of arteriosclerosis]

According to the present state of knowledge 7 quantitative elements and possibly 18 trace elements are of vital importance for the animal. Their metabolism is antagonistically or synergistically influenced by the inorganic and organic constituents of the food of different kind. More than 30 elements (Cu, Zn, Mg, Mn, Cr, V and so on) shall be connected with the process of arteriosclerosis. Cu-deficiency as well as Cu-abundance may increase the cholesterol content of the blood serum. Under conditions of Cu-deficiency the formation of the crosslinks of the elastin of the blood vessels is disturbed. Under conditions of Zn-deficiency the serum cholesterol content is as a rule, but not exceptionally decreased in the animal. Similarly unclear is the influence of high administrations of Zn on the process of arteriosclerosis. An Mg-deficit may lead to a whole chain of changes (disturbances of the cardiac rhythm, necrotic changes, atheromatous plaques, high values of total cholesterol, low values of HDL-cholesterol). Via the glucose tolerance factor a Cr-deficit possibly takes influence on the arteriosclerotic process. Hardness of the water, Mn, Pb, Ni, Mn shall also become effective. The Cu-Zn-relation as factor evoking arteriosclerosis further needs analysis. The investigations concerning arteriosclerosis in the animal experiment should in future be performed by means of semisynthetic rations, in order to render the results of the experiments comparable and to be able to control the large number of evoking factors.