The Association between Zinc and Copper Circulating Levels and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adults: A Study of Qatar Biobank Data Original paper
Researched by:
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Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
Karen Pendergrass is a microbiome researcher specializing in microbiome-targeted interventions (MBTIs). She systematically analyzes scientific literature to identify microbial patterns, develop hypotheses, and validate interventions. As the founder of the Microbiome Signatures Database, she bridges microbiome research with clinical practice. In 2012, based on her own investigative research, she became the first documented case of FMT for Celiac Disease—four years before the first published case study.
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Cardiovascular Health
Cardiovascular Health
Recent research has revealed that specific gut microbiota-derived metabolites are strongly linked to cardiovascular disease risk—potentially influencing atherosclerosis development more than traditional risk factors like cholesterol levels. This highlights the gut microbiome as a novel therapeutic target for cardiovascular interventions.
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Metals
Metals
OverviewHeavy metals play a significant and multifaceted role in the pathogenicity of microbial species. Their involvement can be viewed from two primary perspectives: the toxicity of heavy metals to microbes and the exploitation of heavy metals by microbial pathogens to establish infections and evade the host immune response. Understanding these aspects is critical for both […]
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Karen Pendergrass
Researched by:
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Karen Pendergrass
ID
Karen Pendergrass
Microbiome Signatures identifies and validates condition-specific microbiome shifts and interventions to accelerate clinical translation. Our multidisciplinary team supports clinicians, researchers, and innovators in turning microbiome science into actionable medicine.
Karen Pendergrass
What was studied?
This study analyzed the relationship between zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and the zinc-to-copper (Zn/Cu) ratio with cardiometabolic risk (CMR) factors and metabolic syndrome (MetS) using data from the Qatar Biobank. It sought to determine whether circulating levels of these trace minerals and their ratios were associated with various markers of cardiometabolic health, including lipid profiles, blood pressure, glucose levels, and body composition.
Who was studied?
The study included 437 Qatari adults aged 18 and older, representing both sexes. Participants had detailed cardiometabolic and mineral status profiles measured. Individuals with non-communicable diseases, those taking mineral supplements, and pregnant or lactating women were excluded to ensure a clear analysis of trace mineral associations with CMR factors.
Key Findings
This study revealed several associations between trace mineral levels and cardiometabolic markers. High Cu levels were associated with a reduced risk of MetS, lower diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and decreased prevalence of low HDL cholesterol, suggesting a protective role of copper in cardiometabolic health. Conversely, a higher Zn/Cu ratio was linked to an increased risk of MetS and low HDL, indicating that imbalances in these trace elements could worsen metabolic health.
While Zn alone was not strongly correlated with MetS or most CMR factors, it showed weak positive correlations with waist circumference (WC) and triglycerides (TG), which are notable for metabolic processes. Cu, on the other hand, positively correlated with HDL and total cholesterol (TC) while negatively correlating with DBP. These findings emphasize the differential and sometimes opposing roles of these minerals in cardiometabolic regulation.
In terms of microbiome relevance, trace elements like Zn and Cu influence microbial composition and metabolic functions. For example, Zn deficiency can affect glucose metabolism and inflammation, while Cu is a cofactor for antioxidative enzymes like superoxide dismutase, influencing oxidative stress pathways. Dysregulation of these pathways is often linked to microbial dysbiosis, potentially contributing to MetS and other cardiometabolic conditions.
Greatest Implications
The results underscore the need to consider trace element levels, particularly Cu and the Zn/Cu ratio, in cardiometabolic health assessments. The findings suggest that higher Cu levels confer protective effects against MetS and DBP, whereas an elevated Zn/Cu ratio increases the risk of adverse outcomes, including low HDL and MetS. These insights could inform clinical interventions, such as dietary adjustments or supplementation, to balance trace mineral levels and support cardiometabolic health. Additionally, these results highlight the potential role of trace mineral modulation as part of microbiome-targeted therapies, given their influence on systemic inflammation and metabolism.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential trace element vital for cellular functions and microbiome health. It influences immune regulation, pathogen virulence, and disease progression in conditions like IBS and breast cancer. Pathogens exploit zinc for survival, while therapeutic zinc chelation can suppress virulence, rebalance the microbiome, and offer potential treatments for inflammatory and degenerative diseases.