Plasma selenium levels were determined by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HITACHI brand, model Z-5000) coupled to a quartz cell (HGQTAAS).14 (link) Values were considered low or high when they were below the 2.5 percentile or above the 9.7 percentile, respectively, for age and gender.15 (link) Serum copper measurement were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (PERKIN ELMER brand, model 5.100).16 (link) The reference values used were 70–140 μg/dL for males and 80–155 μg/dL for females.17 Serum and erythrocyte zinc concentrations were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (PERKIN ELMER brand, model 5.100).16 (link) The reference values are 40–44 μg Zn/g Hb for erythrocyte zinc,18 65–120 μg/dL for serum zinc in males, and 60–120 μg/dL for serum zinc in females.17 SOD activity in erythrocytes was measured by spectrophotometry and adequate values range from 4.7 to 5.7 U/mg of hemoglobin (Hb).19 (link)
The Advia Chemistry System 1650 (Bayer®) analyzer and a turbidimetric assay were used to evaluate the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the subjects.