PMID: 9436529Jan 1, 1997Paper

Trace elements and protein-calorie malnutrition in the Fès area (Morocco)

Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomédecine & Pharmacothérapie
F Z Squali HoussaïniA Favier

Abstract

Copper and selenium are essential micronutrients for development and growth as well as being necessary for the immune system and as an antioxidant defense. These trace elements present a variable distribution according to geographic regions. Several studies have shown reduced serum copper and selenium levels, as well as the activity of erythrocyte copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD) and selenium-glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the erythrocyte enzymatic activity depending on copper or selenium and the levels of these elements in serum. Fifty-six Moroccan children between the age of 6 to 60 months were selected, then divided into 20 control group children and 36 patients suffering from PCM (15 mildly malnourished and 21 severely malnourished). The malnourished group showed a significant decrease of selenium and copper levels that was related to the severity of malnutrition. Serum selenium decreased more than serum copper. No differences were noted between the groups in erythrocyte GPX activity, whereas SOD activity showed more discrepancy than in the copper levels in malnutrition. Serum copper or ceruloplasmin levels could be used as indicators of the se...Continue Reading

References


❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Jun 9, 2005·The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·Susanna Cunningham-RundlesAeri Moon

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.