By investigating difference of serum trace element concentrations between obese and normal-weight subjects, to explore the relationship of trace elements and obesity.

A total of 115 obese patients and 115 normal-weight subjects were included in the present study. The general information and laboratory data of all subjects were collected. Microelement was measured by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer(ICP-MS).

Concentrations of V, Fe, Co, Se, and Sr were all lower in obese patients compared with normal-weight subjects [(7.64±13.43 vs 31.30±27.22)ng/dl, (1.35±0.50 vs 1.67±1.52)μg/ml, (14.33±12.03 vs 29.38±44.36)ng/dl, (97.69±16.16 vs 105.82±33.87)ng/ml, (39.95±8.91 vs 43.94±11.90)ng/ml, all P<0.05], while concentrations of Cr, Mn, Cu, and As were higher in obese patients[(53.07±73.31 vs 27.09±55.46)ng/dl, (3.03±1.88 vs 1.80±1.04)ng/ml, (99.31±18.03 vs 91.72±19.46)μg/dl, (91.37±109.61 vs 62.75±91.46 )ng/dl, all P<0.05]. Concentrations of V and Co were lower in obese patients compared with normal-weight subjects(both P<0.01), while concentrations of Mn and Cu were higher in obese patients(both P<0.05), both in males and females. The concentrations of V, Fe, Co, Se, and Sr were negatively correlated with body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, fat% and other metabolic parameters(fasting blood glucose, triglyceride). The concentrations of Cr, Mn, and Cu were positively correlated with these parameters(all P<0.05).

Serum trace elements are closely correlated with body metabolism, and may play an important role in the metabolic process. (Chin J Endocrinol Metab, 2016, 32: 739-742)

Obesity; Trace elements; Copper; Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry