Low Toenail Chromium Concentration and Increased Risk of Nonfatal Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Chromium intake may increase insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, and the ratio of high density lipoprotein cholesterol to low density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, the epidemiologic evidence on the association between chromium and cardiovascular disease is very limited. To determine whether low toenail chromium concentrations were associated with risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction, the authors conducted an incident, population-based, case-control study in eight European countries and Israel in 1991-1992. Cases (n = 684) were men with a first diagnosis of myocardial infarction recruited from the coronary units of participating hospitals. Controls (n = 724) were men selected randomly from population registers (five study centers) or through other sources, such as hospitalized patients (three centers), general practitioners' practices (one center), or relatives or friends of cases (one center). Toenail chromium concentration was assessed by neutron activation analysis. Average toenail chromium concentrations were 1.10 mug/g in cases (95% confidence interval: 1.01, 1.18) and 1.30 mug/g in controls (95% CI: 1.21, 1.40). Multivariate odds ratios for quintiles 2-5 were 0.82 (95% CI: 0.52, 1.31), 0.68 (95% CI: 0.43, 1.08), 0.60 (95% CI: 0.37, 0.97), and 0.59 (95% CI: 0.37, 0.95). Toenail chromium concentration was inversely associated with the risk of a first myocardial infarction in men. These results add to an increasing body of evidence that points to the importance of chromium for cardiovascular health.

Quantitative Analysis of Trace Chromium in Blood Samples. Combination of the Advanced Oxidation Process with Catalytic Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry

“…The clear, faint yellow mixture was analytically transferred to an electrochemical cell. KNO 3 and NaOAC were added such that their concentrations were equal to the electrolyte solution. The solution volume was adjusted to 20 mL by deionized water, and the pH was then adjusted to 6.0 by concentrated acetic acid.…”

“…As shown in Figure 3, the effect of electrolytes in the CAdSV measurement of the AOP pretreated blood samples was quite clear. CAdSV was directly performed on an AOP pretreated blood sample (Sample 1) and a sample after the addition of electrolytes (KNO 3 and NaOAC to concentrations of 0.25 M and 0.1 M, respectively) and adjusting the pH to 6.0 (Sample 2). Without the electrolytes, the current peak for Sample 1 is suppressed.…”

“…1 Chromium deficiency has also been linked to increased risk of nonfatal myocardial infarction and cardiovascular disease. 3 The frequency of actual chromium deficiency in the population is unknown in part because reliable measures for assessing chromium status in humans are limited. 4 Since the levels of chromium present in biological tissues and fluids are extremely low (e.g., ca.…”

Micronutrient Vitamin Deficiencies and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Advancing Current Understanding

“…In the latter study, the exclusion criteria included very low or very high serum B-vitamin levels at baseline, and those already being treated with vitamin B 12 . In the nurse health study of 80,082 women, an inverse association between the intake of vitamin B 6 and folate and the risk of MI and cardiovascular death was reported [86]. Merchant et al [87], in their study of 46,036 individuals aged 40-75 years, reported a 21% lower rate of peripheral arterial disease for each 400 µmol/L increase in intake of B-vitamins.…”

“…Health providers and nutritionists are actively seeking complementary methods, such as the use of diet (fruits and vegetables) rich in micronutrients and antioxidants to prevent and supplement treatment for CVDs [5]. However, it remains debatable whether MVDs cause CVDs, or whether micronutrient supplementation can postpone the onset of CVDs in those at risk or can mitigate progression and associated complications in those already affected [6]. Granted, there is much research interest on the relationship between MVDs and CVDs.…”