Comparative Analysis of Serum Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Iron, Calcium, and Magnesium Level and Complexity of Interelement Relations in Generalized Anxiety Disorder Patients

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the concentration of serum trace and other essential elements of generalized anxiety disorder patients and to find out the relationship between element levels and nutritional status or socioeconomic factors. The study was conducted among 50 generalized anxiety disorder patients and 51 healthy volunteers. Patients were selected and recruited in the study with the help of a clinical psychologist by random sampling. The concentrations of serum trace elements (Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe) and other two essential elements (Ca and Mg) were determined by graphite furnace and flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Data were analyzed by independent t test, Pearson's correlation analysis, regression analysis, and analysis of variance. The serum concentrations of Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Ca, and Mg in generalized anxiety disorder patients were 1.069 ± 0.40, 1.738 ± 0.544, 1.374 ± 0.750, 3.203 ± 2.065, 108.65 ± 54.455, and 21 ± 4.055 mg/L, while those were 1.292 ± 0.621, 0.972 ± 0.427, 0.704 ± 0.527, 1.605 ± 1.1855, 101.849 ± 17.713, and 21.521 ± 3.659 mg/L in control subjects. Significantly decreased (p < 0.05) serum Zn concentration was found in the patient group compared to the control group while serum level of Cu, Mn, and Fe was significantly (p < 0.05) higher, but the differences of the concentration of Ca and Mg between the patient and control groups were not significant (p > 0.05). Socioeconomic data revealed that most of the patients were in the lower middle class group and middle-aged. Mean BMI of the control group (23.63 ± 3.91 kg/m(2)) and the patient group (23.62 ± 3.77 kg/m(2)) was within the normal range (18.5-25.0 kg/m(2)). The data obtained from different interelement relations in the generalized anxiety disorder patients and control group strongly suggest that there is a disturbance in the element homeostasis. So changes in the serum trace element level in generalized anxiety disorder patients occur independently and they may provide a prognostic tool for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Relationship of Zinc and Magnesium Serum Levels with Postpartum Depression in Tabriz-Iran

“…In contrast to our study, it was also shown that serum magnesium level was significantly higher in patients with mental disorders than control group (Imada et al, 2002). In addition, no statistically significant difference was observed in serum magnesium level between control and case groups in the study by Islam et al on 50 patients with general anxiety disorder and 51 healthy individuals (Islam et al, 2013).…”

“…Moreover, some studies have suggested that zinc and magnesium serum level in depressive patients, especially those with PPD, is lower than non-depressed individuals (DiGirolamo & Ramirez-Zea, 2009;Stanislawska et al, 2014;Swardfager et al, 2013). However, some other studies have not suggested any statistically significant relationship between the zinc and magnesium serum levels with depression (Crayton & Walsh, 2007;Islam et al, 2013). The anti-depression feature of zinc and magnesium has been seen in animal studies, including on mice (Kroczka et al, 2001;Mlyniec et al, 2013;Samardzic et al, 2013;Poleszak et al, 2004).…”

Loss of divalent metal transporter 1 function promotes brain copper accumulation and increases impulsivity

“…For example, Islam et al . () demonstrated that generalized anxiety disorder patients display elevated Cu, Mn, and Fe, but decreased Zn, in serum. In contrast, Yanik et al .…”

“…It has been known that abnormal levels of several trace metals are associated with psychiatric disorders. For example, Islam et al (2013) demonstrated that generalized anxiety disorder patients display elevated Cu, Mn, and Fe, but decreased Zn, in serum. In contrast, Yanik et al (2004) found higher Cu and lower Fe and Mn in serum from schizophrenic patients.…”

Effect of Serum Trace Elements, Macro-minerals and Antioxidants in Acne Vulgaris Patients: A Case-Control Study

“…20 They play a crucial role in immunity system and alteration of normal homeostasis of these elements in our body may adversely affect different biological processes leading to unwanted complications. 21 Since ancient ages, human are using macro-minerals for their therapeutic effects on skin. 13 Zn is a trace element that is considered as a vital mineral for skin health.…”