Urinary chromium excretion and insulinogenic properties of carbohydrates

Article Abstract:

Many metals are needed in trace amounts to maintain the structure and function of proteins and other cellular compounds. Chromium is needed to maintain normal metabolism of glucose and lipids (fats), and it appears that insulin secretion and glucose tolerance may depend on adequate dietary chromium. However, the dietary intake of most people is inadequate, and various stresses, such as high sugar intake, extreme exercise, and trauma, lead to excretion of chromium in the urine. Urinary excretion of chromium is thought to reflect mobilization of chromium in response to metabolic demands. The relationship of chromium mobilization to insulin production caused by intake of specific sugars and starch was studied; insulin is normally produced in response to elevated plasma levels of glucose. Twenty healthy subjects were each given the following carbohydrate beverages to drink on separate days: glucose; cornstarch; glucose followed 20 minutes later by fructose; cornstarch followed by fructose; and water followed by fructose. Blood insulin and glucose levels were repeatedly measured in the three hours after the subjects drank the beverages. Fructose and water had minimal effects on plasma levels of glucose and insulin. As expected, glucose and starch caused high and moderate elevations, respectively, in plasma glucose levels, and high and small elevations in insulin levels. Fructose plus glucose or starch had little effect compared with the effects of the glucose or starch alone. However, fructose added to glucose or starch caused significant elevations in insulin. Urinary chromium losses corresponded to the ability of the different carbohydrate combinations to provoke insulin production. The subjects with the highest concentrations of blood insulin had reduced ability to mobilize and excrete chromium, while other subjects with more moderate insulin responses did have significantly greater mobilization of chromium. The results suggest that there is a link between insulin and chromium metabolism. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Metals (Materials), Carbohydrate metabolism, Insulin, Chromium, Chromium (Metal), Metals in the body

---

Seminal polyamines as agents of cervical carcinoma: production of aneuploidy in squamous epithelium

Article Abstract:

Cancer of the cervix (cervical squamous carcinoma) is not uncommon and it occurs when abnormal changes take place in the epithelial cells lining the cervix. Uncontrolled or abnormal growth of these cells can cause cancer. It is not known what causes these cells to change their pattern of growth and become cancerous, but several factors have been implicated. The human papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified in different types of cervical cancer, but its role is not clear. The results of epidemiological studies seem to favor a sexually transmitted agent as a cause of cervical cancer. Sperm contain substances called polyamines (spermine and spermidine) that are important for promoting growth. In animal studies using rats, these polyamines have been shown to promote the growth of embryos (the immature fetus). At the same time, a chemical that prevents the production of polyamines has been shown to inhibit cell growth in animal tumors and in malignant cells grown in culture. Therefore, a study was performed to determine if polyamines found in sperm affect the growth of human cells taken from the cervix. Samples of cervical tissue were obtained during hysterectomy (surgery to remove female reproductive organs) from women with no evidence of cervical cancer or infection with HPV. The cells were experimentally grown in culture and polyamines were then added to the cells. The polyamines did not change the rate of growth of the cells, but they did interact with and alter the amount of DNA (the genetic material) in the cells, changing the number of chromosomes. By interacting with the DNA, polyamines may cause abnormal changes in cervical cells. However, it is not clear what role these changes play in the development of cervical cancer. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Cases, Development and progression, Cervical cancer, Growth factors, Aneuploidy, Polyamines

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Urinary hydroxyproline excretion and vitamin C status in healthy young men
• Abstracts: Trends in medical visits and surgery for otitis media among children. Evaluation of an infant car seat program in a low-income community
• Abstracts: Plasma prorenin activity and complications in children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus Renin - from beginning to end
• Abstracts: Parental suspicion and identification of hearing impairment. Use of hearing aids in infancy
• Abstracts: Distal embolization as a presenting symptom of aortic aneurysms

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.