Trace Elements in Ovaries: Measurement and Physiology1

Abstract

Traditionally, research in the field of trace element biology and human and animal health has largely depended on epidemiological methods to demonstrate involvement in biological processes. These studies were typically followed by trace element supplementation trials or attempts at identification of the biochemical pathways involved. With the discovery of biological molecules that contain the trace elements, such as matrix metalloproteinases containing zinc (Zn), cytochrome P450 enzymes containing iron (Fe), and selenoproteins containing selenium (Se), much of the current research focuses on these molecules, and, hence, only indirectly on trace elements themselves. This review focuses largely on two synchrotron-based x-ray techniques: X-ray absorption spectroscopy and x-ray fluorescence imaging that can be used to identify the in situ speciation and distribution of trace elements in tissues, using our recent studies of bovine ovaries, where the distribution of Fe, Se, Zn, and bromine were determined. It also discusses the value of other techniques, such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, used to garner information about the concentrations and elemental state of the trace elements. These applications to measure trace elemental distributions in bovine ovaries at high resolutions provide new insights into possible roles for trace elements in the ovary.

Alterations in Levels of Oxidative Stress Biomarkers, Some Serum Interleukins and Hormones in Infertile Women

“…The significant decreased magnesium concentration in the current study may participate in infertility because magnesium deficiency associates with variable complications of female reproductive system. Our results revealed that serum zinc concentration was significantly reduced in infertile group in comparison with the fertile group, this showed that zinc deficiency can play a negative significant role in female infertility and this was related to other previous studies demonstrated the same like the founding of Ceko et al (2016), Zinc deficiency causes impaired synthesis and secretion of LH and FSH which leads to disruption of the pituitary-ovarian axis function and estrous cycle (Bedwal and Bahuguna, 1994).the data showed a significant elevation in the level of serum IL-1β between infertile and fertile groups. This result was not corresponded with the study of Kalu et al (2007) on infertile women, who were found that serum level of IL-1β was not significantly different in the patients and controls.…”

Maternal Selenium, Copper and Zinc Concentrations in Early Pregnancy, and the Association with Fertility

“…The most commonly used measures of selenium status are plasma and serum selenium concentrations, which reflect recent dietary selenium intake [30]. Functional measures of selenium status include the glutathione peroxidases and selenoprotein P which play important roles in antioxidant defence, formation of thyroid hormones, and DNA synthesis, all of which impact fertility and reproduction [8,10]. While there have been studies demonstrating that low selenium status during pregnancy is associated with pregnancy complications [31], roles of selenium in periconceptual events such as oocyte development, fertilisation, and implantation, have not been addressed to a large extent.…”

“…While there have been studies demonstrating that low selenium status during pregnancy is associated with pregnancy complications [31], roles of selenium in periconceptual events such as oocyte development, fertilisation, and implantation, have not been addressed to a large extent. However, there are reports of its potential importance in follicle growth and maturation [10]. The importance of selenium in male fertility has been extensively studied in humans and animals, particularly in regard to the biosynthesis of testosterone but also potentially in sperm motility [10].…”

“…There is considerable evidence in pregnancy highlighting their effects on oxidant/antioxidant balance, but also their other roles such as cell proliferation (zinc), protein synthesis (selenium, zinc), and haematopoiesis (copper) [9]. There are established roles for selenium, zinc, and copper in relation to male fertility [10,11], but there is far less known about trace element concentrations and female conception. In a sample of 80 pregnancy planners, no association was found between plasma zinc and the likelihood for a positive pregnancy test [12].…”

A Review of the Potential Interaction of Selenium and Iodine on Placental and Child Health

“…Selenium is necessary for human reproduction [100]. We have recently shown that in 1060 Australian pregnant women, those who had lower selenium concentrations (<0.95 micromol per litre) took a longer time to conceive (1.19 (1.01-1.40)), an equivalent of around 0.6 months, and they were at greater risk of infertility (1.46 (1.06-2.03)) [101].…”