Zinc status in pediatric Hodgkin's disease (HD) in Turkey: Possible impact on the immune system

Abstract

Plasma erythrocyte (RBC) and hair zinc (Zn) levels were measured with atomic absorption spectrophotometers in 40 untreated children with Hodgkin's disease (HD). The great majority of the patients belonged to low and average socioeconomic status. The mean blood and hair Zn values in the patients were significantly lower than those in controls (P < 0.001 and <0.01, respectively). Some of the T‐cell functions, particularly CD4 cells, were found to be diminished. Interestingly, there were no significant difference in Zn levels of patients between the two study periods in spite of some improvement in SES conditions and health care in Turkey. The present data support our earlier hypothesis that preexisting Zn deficiency due to “nutritional environment” may prepare a milieu favoring development of malignant lymphoma by suppression of T‐cell immunity. In addition, Epstein‐Barr Virus (EBV) was found to be associated with pediatric HD at serological and molecular levels. These findings also may suggest contributory role of EBV in this lymphoma. J. Trace Elem. Exp. Med. 10:191–196, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Acrodermatitis enteropathica: Case report analyses of zinc metabolism electron microscopic examination and immune function

“…Serum electrolytes, hepatic, and renal function tests were normal. Zinc levels in different body compartments (plasma, erythrocyte, and hair) were measured with flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) as described previously [6,7].…”