Investigation of Serum Pro-Inflammatory Markers and Trace Elements Among Short Stature in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar Populations

Abhay Kumar Yadav,1 Nitish Kumar Singh,1 Ankur Singh,2 Ashish Ashish,3 Suchitra Singh,1 Sachchida Nand Rai,4 Santosh Kumar Singh,4 Royana Singh1 1Department of Anatomy, Institute of Medical Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, 221005, India; 2Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Medical Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, 221005, India; 3Multidisciplinary Research Unit, Institute of Medical Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, 221005, India; 4Centre of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Medical Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, 221005, IndiaCorrespondence: Royana Singh, Department of Anatomy, Institute of Medical Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, 221005, India, Email [email protected]: Short stature is prevalent among children worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Various trace elements, including zinc, magnesium, iron, copper, chromium and selenium, are crucial for proper body development. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between trace elements and TNF-α and IL-6 to elicit and possible pathway responsible for short stature.Methods: Two hundred and twenty samples were recruited for this study, 100 short statures and 120 controls were randomly selected. Six trace elements were measured using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α in serum were assessed utilizing the Enzyme-Linked-Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Superoxide dismutase was also analysed to determine the oxidative stress response.Results: The study revealed notable distinctions in serum trace element levels of short stature. They exhibited significant lower levels of zinc and magnesium, alongside higher levels of copper. The altered Cu/Zn ratio seemed to have a positive correlation with short stature. Conversely, no significant disparities were observed in iron, chromium, and selenium levels. Furthermore, a significant rise was noted in proinflammatory marker TNF-α and cytokine IL-6. Additionally, superoxide dismutase was low in the short statures In silico study shows a high affinity of Zinc with TNF alpha. It may be suggested that inflammation at any time during childhood, with the rise in TNF alpha tightly binds with zinc and may have led to a decrease in zinc serum levels, altered redox homeostasis and resulted in short stature.Conclusion: The altered Cu/Zn ratio along with high TNF alpha and IL6 may be used as a marker for short stature in the initial years of growth in children before they reach maturity at the age of 18. Thereafter, introducing zinc supplementation could potentially enhance stature by mitigating TNF-alpha level. Further experimental studies will help to establish the exact role of zinc with TNF alpha in short stature.Keywords: short stature, zinc, trace element, superoxide dismutase and inflammation