INTRODUCTIONThere has been a resurgence of interest in studies concerning the role of elements in the development and maintenance of the skeleton. The aim of the study was to assess the plasma and red blood concentrations of some elements in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODSSeventy-seven postmenopausal women with osteoporosis aged 61 years (median interquartile range, 7.5; range, 46 to 74) and 61 age- and BMI-matched healthy postmenopausal women aged 60 years (median interquartile range, 8.0; range, 44 to 76) were included in the study. Element concentrations in plasma and red blood cells including magnesium (Mg), zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in both postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and healthy postmenopausal women.

RESULTSOnly statistically significant difference between the osteoporotic (51.51 [15.40] microg/mL) and healthy subjects (54.54 [15.42] microg/mL) was observed in red blood cell (RBC) magnesium concentration (Z=-2.07, P=0.039). However, no significant difference was found between patient and control groups, both in plasma and in red blood concentrations, for zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium.

CONCLUSIONMg levels in red blood cells are significantly lower in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. It is concluded that Mg transport mechanism(s) into the cell could be affected in patients with osteoporosis.

Aged ; Bone Density ; Case-Control Studies ; Copper ; blood ; Female ; Humans ; Magnesium ; blood ; Manganese ; blood ; Middle Aged ; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal ; blood ; physiopathology ; Risk Factors ; Selenium ; blood ; Turkey ; Zinc ; blood

OBJECTIVE: Stroke is the second most common cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability. Both stroke patients and their family can therefore experience increased traumatic stress level. METHODS: The participants are close relatives of patients (n=65) who had a first time stroke (CRPWS) hospitalized. A control group (CG) (n=61), who had no history of chronic illness in their family and had at least one traumatic life event experience. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Modified Rankin Scale, Personal Information Form, Life Events Checklist, Traumatic Stress Symptom Scale, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, were used in the study. RESULTS: We found no significant association between NIHSS and MRS of patients and traumatic stress level of the family member. The traumatic stress level was significantly higher in the CRPWS group than in the CG group. Traumatic stress level was higher in women than men and was not associated with perceived social support in the CRPWS group. CONCLUSION: The traumatic stress level of the relatives was not associated with the clinical features of the stroke patients. In the early phase, after the diagnosis of stroke, psychological support may be important to prevent CRPWS from PTSD.
Adult ; Cause of Death ; Checklist ; Chronic Disease ; Compassion Fatigue ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; National Institutes of Health (U.S.) ; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic ; Stroke*