THIRD INTERNATIONAL FESTEM SYMPOSIUM
Updating of normal levels of copper, zinc and selenium in serum of pregnant women

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Abstract

Selenium, copper and zinc status is important in pregnant women. The aim of this study was to establish updated normal ranges for these elements in serum of pregnant women from the Spanish region of Aragon, and to study variation in levels with respect to gestational period and maternal age. The study group consisted of 159 pregnant women who did not suffer from serious pathologies. These samples were classified into four gestational-period groups. Zn and Cu determinations were obtained by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy in a Perkin-Elmer 1100B apparatus, and Se was determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman correction, in a Perkin-Elmer 4110 ZL apparatus. The concentrations of Cu, Zn and Se averaged 73.61±43.67 μg/dL, 65.37±12.87 μg/dL and 99.59±21.74 μg/L, respectively. The Cu/Zn ratio increased from first trimester to the third trimester (2.07–3.49). There was no significant correlation between Zn and Se levels, but a significant correlation was found between Cu and Se levels (p<0.05) and between Cu and Zn levels (p<0.001). Serum Zn and Se levels decreased over gestation, while serum Cu concentrations increased; in all cases the variation occurred mostly in the first 3 or 4 months, with mean levels then remaining fairly stable until the end of pregnancy. Maternal age did not influence levels of any of the three metals.

Introduction

Trace elements are well known to play an important role in the maintenance of health.

Alterations in maternal–fetal disposition of some essential trace elements could be a potential health risk for the mother as well as the fetus.

Copper is an essential trace element for enzyme systems, such as the catalase, superoxide dismutase and cytochrome oxidase systems, and its deficiency can lead to a variety of nutritional and vascular disorders.

Zinc is an essential micronutrient that participates in carbohydrate and protein metabolism, nucleic acid synthesis and other vital functions. Zinc is required for cellular division and differentiation, and is an essential nutrient for normal embryogenesis. Micronutrient deficiency is a serious problem in many countries, so continuing study of zinc levels is required. Zinc is a trace element with a great importance for intrauterine growth and it is used during pregnancy in order to improve fetal growth.

Selenium has attracted particular attention in recent years. Its biochemistry, toxicology and nutritional importance have been reviewed regularly and thoroughly over the last decade. Selenium and its determination in biological materials may be clinically relevant in situations of excessive or insufficient intake. Selenium status is particularly important in neonates and infants, and therefore in pregnant women.

It is well known that serum concentrations of certain essential trace elements such as Zn and Cu are altered during pregnancy [1].

The aim of this study was to evaluate serum Cu, Zn and Se concentrations in pregnant women from the Spanish region of Aragon, taking into account gestational period (GP, weeks) and maternal age (MA, years), as a basis for establishment of normal ranges for serum levels of these metals in pregnant women.

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Material and methods

The initial study group consisted of 166 pregnant women who did not suffer from significant pathologies. Blood samples were collected from 159 pregnant women. These were classified into four groups of 73, 30, 18 and 38 subjects with gestational periods of 5–15, 15–25, 25–35 or 35–40 weeks, respectively.

Serum Zn and Cu levels were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) in a Perkin-Elmer 1100B apparatus (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer). Analytical and instrumental

Results

Mean serum Cu, Zn and Se levels in the 159 pregnant women were 73.61±43.67 μg/dL, 65.37±12.87 μg/dL and 99.59±21.74 μg/L, respectively. There was no significant correlation between Zn and Se levels [2]; however, a significant correlation was found between Cu and Se levels (p<0.05) and between Cu and Zn levels (p<0.001).

Cu, Zn and Se levels all varied significantly with gestational period (Table 1); all three metals showed a tendency to vary during early gestation, then to level off at term of

Discussion and conclusion

Serum Cu, Zn and Se levels in pregnant women varied markedly with gestational period. Previous studies have likewise detected a significant relationship between gestational period and serum levels of Cu and Zn [3], [4]. Our results show that Zn and Se levels decreased with increasing gestational period, while Cu levels increased. High levels of copper in maternal serum could be dangerous for the fetus and could cause cerebral disorder and could induce abortion in the mother. In all cases, and

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