elastin and Anemia--Hypochromic

Copper is an indispensable trace element for life. Four points are fundamental: copper is combined with essential enzymatic systems (oxidases, transaminases), copper is necessary for inclusion of iron in the molecule of hemoglobin, copper has a primordial role in the metabolism of molecule of hemoglobin, copper has a primordial role in the metabolism of collagen and elastin and some vascular diseases (aneurysms) are closely related to its lack, finally, there is an increase of plasmatic copper during cancerous diseases, which is significant even at an early time and usually proportional to the evolution.

Topics: Anemia, Hypochromic; Animals; Collagen; Copper; Elastin; Hepatolenticular Degeneration; Humans; Menkes Kinky Hair Syndrome; Mice; Neoplasms; Rabbits; Zinc

The effects of oral contraceptive steroids (OCS) and/or Fe deficiency on aortic collagen, elastin and cholesterol levels in female rats were investigated for 12 months. The Fe deficiency did not affect the aortic collagen and cholesterol levels, but it had a tendency to decrease the elastin content. The administration of OCS tended to increase the collagen content, while it did to lower the elastin levels. The combination effects of OCS treatment and the Fe deficiency on the aortic components were in general similar to those of OCS or Fe-deficient anemia alone. The data suggest that chronic treatment with OCS under the Fe deficiency may not greatly alter rat cardiovascular function by modifying the aortic collagen, elastin, and cholesterol contents.

Topics: Anemia, Hypochromic; Animals; Aorta; Cholesterol; Collagen; Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; Elastin; Female; Rats; Rats, Inbred Strains