Trace element status in Saudi patients with established atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND: Traditional coronary risk factors do not fully explain variations in the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Epidemiological studies have implicated perturbations in selenium, copper, and zinc metabolism in the aetiology of CVD. However, these studies have been principally undertaken in Caucasian populations, in whom trace element intake is generally sufficient. METHOD: We have measured serum and urine selenium, copper, and zinc; and superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and lipid peroxide concentrations in 130 Saudi male subjects with established CVD, and 130 age-matched controls. RESULTS: Diabetes mellitus, positive smoking habit (p<0.0001 for both), and hypertension (p<0.05) were more prevalent among CVD patients. Urinary copper (p<0.0001) and zinc (p<0.05) were higher among controls. Serum selenium concentrations were lower among CVD patients (p<0.001), and a high proportion (52%) had selenium levels below 79mug/L compared to controls (22%) (p<0.0001). Conditional logistic regression analysis, showed the characteristics differentiating CVD patients from controls were serum zinc (odds ratio (OR) 0.92, confidence interval (CI) 0.85-0.99, p<0.05), serum copper/zinc ratio (OR 0.31, CI 0.10-0.96), serum selenium (OR 0.07, CI 0.02-0.31, p<0.0001), and urine selenium (OR 3.34, CI 1.40-7.99, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Measures of trace metals status appear to be associated with the risk of atherosclerosis in a Saudi male population.     

Relationship between indices of iron status and coronary risk factors including diabetes and the metabolic syndrome in Saudi subjects without overt coronary disease

There have been inconsistent reports on the relationship between iron status and coronary artery diseases (CAD), and little data on this relationship in non-Caucasian populations.

We assessed dietary iron by questionnaire and measured serum iron and ferritin levels in 270 Saudi male subjects without established CAD, 130 of whom were angiogram negative. Serum lipid profile, glucose, high sensitivity-C reactive protein (hs-CRP), serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecules-1 (sICAM-1), and caeruloplasmin were measured in all subjects.

The angiogram negative patients, had lower serum ferritin (p<0.05) and iron (p<0.0001) levels than the 140 subjects without reported cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Serum iron correlated with serum triglycerides (p<0.0001) and total cholesterol (p<0.05) levels for this latter group and the groups combined. Serum ferritin correlated with serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol in the combined group (p<0.05), and was correlated with blood glucose and serum LDL-cholesterol (p<0.05) in the subjects without reported CVD. After adjustment for confounding variables, serum iron levels remained a significant correlate with total calorie intake and serum triglycerides. Serum ferritin also correlated significantly with cholesterol intake and fasting serum total cholesterol. Dietary iron was significantly related to dietary cholesterol and fiber, age, smoking habits, and serum total cholesterol level.

Hence, indices of iron status were related to several coronary risk factors in the Saudi population.     

The relationship between established coronary risk factors and serum copper and zinc concentrations in a large Persian Cohort

IntroductionThe relationship between demographic and biochemical characteristics, including several established coronary risk factors, and serum copper and zinc was assessed in a large Iranian population sample.Materials and methodsA group of 2233 individuals, 15–65 years of age [1106 (49.5%) males and 1127 (50.5%) females] was recruited from residents of the Greater Khorasan province in northeast of Iran. Demographic data were collected using questionnaires. Coronary risk factors were determined using standard protocols, and trace elements were measured in serum using atomic absorption spectroscopy.ResultsDegree of glucose tolerance and smoking habit were not associated with serum zinc and copper levels. Serum copper levels were significantly higher in obese and hypertensive than in normal subjects (p<0.001). In the whole group and for the female subgroup, serum zinc (p<0.01) and copper (p<0.001) were both significantly lower in individuals with normal versus high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.A strong positive correlation was found between serum copper and body mass index (BMI) (r=0.85, p<0.001). Weaker positive associations were found between serum copper and calculated 10 years’ coronary risk (r=0.11, p<0.001). Serum zinc/copper ratio was strongly inversely associated with calculated 10 years’ coronary risk (r=?0.10, p<0.001). The partial Eta squared (PES) values for factors determining serum zinc were hypertension (0.007, p=0.01) and BMI (0.004, p=0.01); and for serum copper, they were gender (0.02, p=0.001), hypertension (0.004, p=0.009), and 10 years’ coronary risk for men (0.003, p=0.03) and women (0.002, p=0.07).ConclusionSignificant associations between serum trace element concentrations and several coronary risk factors, including calculated 10 years’ coronary risk scores, were found.     

Zinc and Copper Levels in Iranian Patients with Psoriasis: A Case Control Study

Zinc and copper are important cofactors and modulators of many critical biological functions in many dermatological diseases including psoriasis. Studies must be performed in different societies to organize a governmental health organization nutritional program. Due to the lack of information related to these trace elements in Iranian psoriasis patients, the aim of this observational case–control study was to compare the serum zinc and copper levels and the zinc/copper ratio in psoriatic patients and healthy volunteers in Northern Iran. Zinc and copper serum concentrations were assayed in 25 selected psoriasis patients and compared with sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers. The mean copper level in psoriatic patients was significantly higher than in healthy volunteers (p?=?0.003), but no significant difference was observed in the zinc concentration between the two groups (p?=?0.57). This study was the first one among Iranian society, and no information have been published in the field yet. The results bring some new information related to Iranian psoriatic patients in contrast to some other studies in different region so that preventive programs could be made in this regard particularly for Iranian population. With respect to the high copper concentration in the Iranian psoriatic population, using copper-chelating agents, such as penicillamine may be suggested for Iranian patients following further comprehensive investigations.     

Serum and hair levels of zinc, selenium, iron, and copper in children with iron-deficiency anemia

In the present study, the serum and hair levels of zinc, selenium, and copper were determined in children with iron-deficiency anemia (IDA). A total of 52 anemic children aged 1–4 yr constituted the study group. Fortysix healthy children acted as controls. The copper and zinc levels were measured with an atomic absorption spectrophometer. Serum and hair selenium was determined by a spectroflourometric method. The serum zinc and selenium concentrations in the IDA group were found to be significantly lower and serum copper significantly higher than those in the controls (p<0.05). Lower iron, zinc, and selenium concentrations (p<0.001) but not copper were found in hair (p>0.05).     

Increased oxidative stress and altered serum macro-minerals and trace elements levels are associated with coronary artery disease

BackgroundThis study was designed to evaluate the serum malondialdehyde (MDA), non-enzymatic antioxidants (vitamin A and C), macro-minerals (magnesium and calcium), and trace elements (zinc, copper, and iron) levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and to explore their role in disease progression.MethodsThis prospective case-control study was comprised of 40 CAD patients and 40 healthy volunteers as cases and control subjects, respectively. The level of lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring the serum MDA level using a UV spectrophotometer. The levels of vitamins A and C were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and UV spectrophotometric method, respectively. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was used to measure serum macro-minerals (Mg and Ca) and trace elements (Zn, Cu, and Fe) concentrations.ResultsThe mean age of CAD patients and control subjects was 53.90 ± 2.22 and 37.03 ± 1.50 years, respectively. This study revealed significantly higher concentrations of MDA (p < 0.01) and lower concentrations of vitamin A (p < 0.01), and vitamin C (p < 0.05) in the CAD patients than in control subjects. The mean values of Mg, Cu, Zn, Ca, and Fe were 11.67 ± 0.64, 1.17 ± 0.03, 0.43 ± 0.02, 107.38 ± 1.81, and 1.66 ± 0.04 μg/mL, respectively for the CAD patients and 19.38 ± 0.65, 1.07 ± 0.02, 0.87 ± 0.02, 94.29 ± 1.89, and 1.52 ± 0.05 μg/mL, respectively for the controls and the differences were significant (p < 0.05) between the patients and controls.ConclusionFrom these findings, we can suggest that there is a strong association of CAD with an elevated level of MDA, depleted levels of antioxidants, and altered macro-minerals and trace elements concentrations.     

Significance of serum trace element status in patients with rheumatic heart disease

It is known that certain trace elements can affect various heart diseases. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the changes in concentrations of certain serum trace elements in patients with chronic rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Serum analysis of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) trace elements was assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. RHD patients had significantly lower serum concentrations of Se and Zn than control subjects (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively). However, the serum Cu concentration was significantly higher in RHD patients than in controls (1.93±0.59 μg/L vs 1.06±0.29 μg/L; p<0.001). Similarly, the Cu/Zn ratio in RHD patients was higher than in control subjects (4.70±0.92 vs 1.68±0.45; p<0.001). Additionally, no significant correlation was found among these trace element concentrations and the functional capacity classes (p>0.05). RHD patients had decreased serum Se and Zn element concentrations and increased serum Cu element concentration. We suggest that Se and Zn deficiency might be contributory factors in the development of rheumatic heart disease, and a high Cu concentration and a high Cu/Zn ratio might reflect an ongoing inflammatory process in this disease.     

Leucocyte copper, a marker of copper body status is low in coronary artery disease

To elucidate the relationship between leucocyte copper as a reliable, sensitive index of copper body status and extent of atherosclerosis in patients with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) the present case-control study was carried out. 80 subjects were studied (23 females and 57 males), aged between 30-70, due to have a angiography. Individual angiograms were scored by combining the individual scores in all the major coronary arteries into one score of a scale 1.00 for patency to 0.00 for severe CAD. Serum and leucocyte copper and zinc were determined by GFAAS. No significant difference between patients with advanced CAD and relatively normal arteries were observed in the lipid profile and levels of plasma copper. Leucocyte copper had a significant link with the severity of atherosclerosis which was independent of sex. There was a linear relationship between the degree of decreasing leucocyte copper concentration and angiogram score. These findings give support to the hypothesis that marginal copper status, assessed by decreased leucocyte copper level, is associated with developing CAD.     

Levels of selenium, zinc, copper, and antioxidant enzyme activity in patients with leukemia

Essential elements, mainly selenium and zinc, were involved in protection against oxidative stress in cells. Oxidation could lead to the formation of free radicals that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including leukemia. Leukemia is a neoplastic disease that is susceptible to antioxidant enzyme and essential elements alterations. This study was undertaken to examine the levels of essential elements, antioxidant enzymes activities, and their relationships with different types of leukemia. Serum selenium, zinc, and copper concentrations, red blood cell glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, plasma Cu−Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu−Zn SOD) activities and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were determined in 49 patients with different types of leukemia before initial treatment. Serum selenium and zinc concentrations were lower in leukemia patients than those of controls (p<0.01). Serum copper concentration was higher in leukemia patients than that of controls (p<0.01). The activities GPx and Cu−Zn SOD were significantly increased in leukemia patients, especially with acute leukemia (AL), acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL), and acute nonlymphoid leukemia (ANLL) (p<0.05), whereas no difference was found between those of chronic myelogeneous leukemia and the controls. The levels of LPO were normal as controls. Serum selenium concentration was not correlated with GPx, and serum levels of zinc and copper were not related to Cu−Zn SOD. Serum zinc levels had a negative correlation with the absolute peripheral blast cells, whereas serum copper had a positive correlation with the absolute peripheral blast cells. Increased GPx and Cu−Zn SOD activities and normal levels of LPO, which were a protective responses, were an indicator of mild oxidative stress; it mights indicate that the essentials elements alterations in leukemia patients were mostly dependent on tumor activity. Changes of their levels demonstrated that there are low selenium, zinc, and high copper status in leukemia patients. The decrease of plasma zinc and increase of the Cu/Zn ratio could be the index that showed an unfavorable prognosis of acute leukemia.     

Reference Values for Serum Zinc Concentration and Prevalence of Zinc Deficiency in Adult Iranian Subjects

Zinc, as an essential trace element for health, plays various biological roles in human body functions. Serum zinc reference values are essential for assessing zinc-associated abnormalities and the prevalence of zinc deficiency. This study aims at determining age- and sex-specific reference values for serum zinc concentrations in adult Iranian subjects. Serum zinc concentration was measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry in 4,698 adult subjects, aged 20?C94?years, randomly selected from the population of the Tehran, Lipid, and Glucose Study. After application of exclusion criteria, reference values for serum zinc were determined in 2,632 apparently healthy subjects according to guidelines of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (nonparametric method). Dietary zinc was assessed in 2,906 individuals, of which 1,685 were healthy subjects, using a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Reference values for serum zinc concentrations ranged between 9.6 and 31.6, 8.9 and 29.9, and 9.3 and 30.8???mol/L in men, women, and the total population, respectively. Prevalence of serum zinc deficiency was 3.0 and 2.4?% in men and women, respectively (p?=?0.267); in men, but not in women, the prevalence increased significantly with age (p for trend <0.001). Of the total participants, 10.3?% (6.5 men and 3.8?% women, p?<?0.01) had lower zinc intake compared to dietary reference intakes. The zinc density of the population was 6.3?mg/1,000?kcal. In conclusion, this study presents reference values for serum zinc concentration in adult Iranian subjects for both sexes and different age groups. Prevalence of serum zinc deficiency and dietary zinc inadequacy seems to be lower in Iranians, compared to some other populations.     

Serum copper and zinc levels and copper/zinc ratio in patients with breast cancer

Serum copper, zinc levels, and the Cu/Zn ratio were evaluated in 31 patients with breast cancer and 35 healthy controls. Copper and zinc were determined by atomic absorbtion spectrophotometry. The mean serum copper level and the mean Cu/Zn ratio in patients with breast cancer were significantly higher than the control group (p<0.001 andp<0.001). In addition, the mean serum zinc level in patients with breast cancer was significantly lower than the control group (p<0.001). Neither serum copper and zinc levels nor the Cu/Zn ratio were of value in discriminating of the disease activity and severity. Interestingly, the Cu/Zn ratio in premenopausal patients was higher than postmenopausal patients (p<0.05) and this was not related to age. The further combined biological and epidemiological studies are necessary to investigate the roles of copper and zinc in breast cancer.     

Reference ranges of copper and zinc and the prevalence of their deficiencies in an Arab population aged 15-80 years

Serum concentrations of copper and zinc were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 560 Kuwaitis aged from 15 to 80 yr who were in apparent good health to establish reference ranges and determine the prevalence of the deficiency of the trace metals. Zinc/copper ratios were derived by calculation. Because the mean +/- SD (microM) for copper in females (24.9 +/- 7) was significantly higher (p<0.0001) than in males (21.0 +/- 5.8) and vice versa for zinc (17.0 +/- 3.5 [males] vs 15.5 +/- 3.4 [females]) and zinc/copper ratios (0.87 +/- 0.28 [males] vs 0.67 +/- 0.27 [females]), gender-specific reference ranges were established in addition to reference ranges for the total population. The reference range for zinc was closer to those reported for other populations than was copper. Body mass index (BMI) and copper values were lower and the zinc/copper ratio was higher in the young (15-24 yr) compared to the older subjects. Copper concentrations were positively associated with BMI values (r=0.302, p<0.0001). Smokers had significantly lower (p=0.011) BMI than nonsmokers. The prevalence of copper and zinc deficiency, 0.36% and 0.53%, respectively, was low. Generally, the values for serum copper and zinc obtained for the Kuwaiti population studied suggest adequate dietary intake of the trace metals.     

Circulating antioxidant vitamins and copper in Azorean coronary artery disease patients under preventive medication – A case study

Background and aimOxidative stress and inflammation are conditions that are deeply involved in atherosclerosis and consequent coronary artery disease (CAD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the relationship among circulating antioxidant vitamins (C, A, E), copper, and other pro- or antioxidant/inflammation markers in patients with and without CAD under preventive medication.Subjects and methods174 Azorean subjects symptomatic for CAD (age 56 ± 9y; 68 % men) submitted to coronary angiography were split into 2 groups: one formed by CAD patients (≥50 % stenosis in at least one major coronary vessel) and the other by non-CAD patients (<50 % stenosis). Both groups were age-, sex- and BMI-matched. Plasma levels of vitamins or copper were measured by HPLC and AAS, respectively.Results and conclusionsLower vitamin C levels were observed in CAD patients (mainly in women, who exhibited a high rate of diabetes mellitus) as compared to the non-CAD ones. Also, CAD patients (mainly men) exhibited significantly higher concentrations of plasma copper than their non-CAD counterparts (1.17 ± 0.3 mg/L vs. 1.09 ± 0.3 mg/L, p = 0.030). In bivariate analysis, plasma copper levels were positively associated with serum LDL-cholesterol (r=0.22; p = 0.004) and chiefly with C-reactive protein (r=0.40; p < 0.001). Furthermore, they were significantly lower in recurrent vs. non recurrent CAD patients (1.07±0.2 vs. 1.24±0.3 mg/L, p = 0.004). ROC analysis showed that plasma copper, whenever >1.06 mg/L, was an independent risk factor for CAD in primary prevention for men, which suggests that its levels can fluctuate with medical therapy (such as anti-inflammatory), thus indicating that copper is not a reliable marker for CAD. Moreover, plasma copper concentration was not associated with CAD severity. Yet, results do suggest that, even within its reference concentration range, it could be useful as an acute inflammation marker in CAD management.     

Effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) on zinc metabolism in patients with heart failure

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and furosemide on zinc metabolism by assessing serum zinc and urine levels in hospitalized subjects. We recruited 11 patients with heart failure from the Internal Medicine Department; these patients had been hospitalized less than 72 h before. Heart failure was defined using clinical and radiological signs. Serum zinc concentrations were measured using an air/acetylene flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Urine zinc levels were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).Data were obtained from the 11 patients and 24 healthy controls matched for age and sex. Results indicate higher urine zinc levels and lower concentrations of zinc in serum in heart failure patients vs matched controls (p<0.05).This study suggests that treating heart failure patients with ACE inhibitors may result in zinc deficiency.     

Longitudinal study of serum zinc and copper levels in hemodialysis patients and their relation to biochemical markers

A 6-mo longitudinal study of 48 hemodialysis patients (HPs) with chronic renal failure was performed. Three blood samplings were done. Samples of whole blood from each patient were collected during hemodialysis sessions after passing through the artificial kidney. Zinc and copper levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Additionally, 36 biochemical indexes were evaluated during the study. Fifty-two healthy matched controls were also considered. Mean serum zinc and copper concentrations in HPs were significantly decreased (Zn) and increased (Cu), when compared with healthy controls (p<0.01). Zinc concentrations found in the first and second blood samplings from patients were significantly lower than those measured for the third sampling (p<0.01). The etiology of chronic renal failure influenced the statistically serum Zn levels of patients (p<0.05). Serum copper levels of HPs were significantly diminished by the existence of secondary associated diseases (p<0.01). Uric acid and parathyroid hormone, and total-cholesterol and glutamic-pyruvic-transaminase levels were significantly (p<0.05) and linearly related with serum zinc and copper concentrations, respectively. From all of indexes, creatinine, direct bilirubin, magnesium, calcium, parathyroid hormone, transferrin, and albumin were statistically modified along the longitudinal study (p<0.05). Transferrin serum levels were significantly diminished in the third blood sampling, indicating the tendency toward anemia in the patients. This result is reinforced by low levels of biochemical and hematological indexes related with iron body staus.     

The Association Between Effective Dose of Magnesium and Mild Compulsive Exercise on Spatial Learning,Memory, and Motor Activity of Adult Male Rats

The relationship of minerals and trace elements with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is complex. Alterations in their metabolism can be induced by the diseases and their complications. To study the role of trace elements in IBD patients’ serum zinc and copper and their related enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), activity were measured in patients with IBD patients as well as in healthy subjects. In addition, the correlation between serum trace element levels, albumin, total protein, urea level, copper/zinc ratio, and disease activity (DA) was determined in these subjects. Serum samples were obtained from 35 patients (19 ulcerative colitis (UC) and 16 Crohn’s disease (CD)) in the active phase of the disease and 30 healthy control subjects. Serum levels of zinc, copper, SOD activity, albumin, total protein, and urea were measured. The results were compared between the two groups using independent Student’s t test in statistical analysis. Serum levels of zinc, SOD activity, albumin, and total protein were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in patients than controls, while serum urea level was significantly higher in patients compared to controls. Copper concentrations did not differ between patients with IBD (mean ± SD, 58.8 ± 20.7 μg/d) and controls (55.57 ± 12.6 μg/d). Decreased levels of zinc and SOD activity are associated with increased inflammatory processes indicating inappropriate antioxidant system in patients with IBD. Additionally, lower levels of albumin and total protein with higher level of urea reflect metabolic problems in liver system.     

Significance of serum trace element status in patients with rheumatic heart disease: a prospective study

It is known that certain trace elements can affect various heart diseases. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the changes in concentrations of certain serum trace elements in patients with chronic rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Serum analysis of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) trace elements was assayed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. RHD patients had significantly lower serum concentrations of Se and Zn than control subjects (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). However, the serum Cu concentration was significantly higher in RHD patients than in controls (1.93 +/- 0.59 microg/L vs 1.06 +/- 0.29 microg/L; p < 0.001). Similarly, the Cu/Zn ratio in RHD patients was higher than in control subjects (4.70 +/- 0.92 vs 1.68 +/- 0.45; p < 0.001). Additionally, no significant correlation was found among these trace element concentrations and the functional capacity classes (p > 0.05). RHD patients had decreased serum Se and Zn element concentrations and increased serum Cu element concentration. We suggest that Se and Zn deficiency might be contributory factors in the development of rheumatic heart disease, and a high Cu concentration and a high Cu/Zn ratio might reflect an ongoing inflammatory process in this disease.     

Serum copper levels and not zinc are positively associated with serum leptin concentrations in the healthy adult population

Leptin, the obesity gene protein product, is a hormone with multiple physiological functions in the human. However, there are few reports in the literature on its role in trace element metabolism in the normal population. Therefore, we investigated the association among serum leptin, zinc, copper, and zinc/copper ratio in 570 healthy men and women aged 15 yr and older. Serum leptin assay was done with a commercial enzymelinked immunosorbent assay kit; serum zinc and copper levels were measured by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Serum leptin was found to be positively associated with age (r=0.254, p<0.001), sex (r=0.406, p<0.001), body mass index (BMI) (r=0.553, p<0.001), and serum copper (r=0.419, p<0.001), but negatively associated with the zinc/copper ratio (r=−0.423, p<0.001). There was no significant association between serum leptin and zinc (r=−0.131, p>0.05). When the confounding effects of age, sex, and BMI were removed, serum leptin was still positively associated with serum copper (r=0.197, p=0.02) and the serum zinc/copper ratio (r=−0.182, p=0.03). These results suggest that copper and not zinc has an effect on serum leptin levels.     

Increased serum copper and decreased serum zinc levels in children with iron deficiency anemia

In order to evaluate serum copper and zinc status in children with iron deficiency anemia (IDA), 60 children with IDA aged 1–14 yr and 64 healthy children as controls aged 1–14 yr were included the study. Serum copper levels were higher in children with IDA (189 ± 49 (Μg/dL) than those of controls (163 ± 37 Μg/dL) (p = 0.001). Serum zinc levels were lower in the patient group (109 ± 59 Μg/dL) than those of control subjects (135 ± 56 Μg/dL) (p = 0.017). In addition, there were statistically significant negative correlations between hematological parameters and serum copper levels in the patient group, but not in controls. No correlation between hematological parameters and serum zinc levels were found in both patient and control groups, except positive correlation between mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and serum zinc level in patients. It was concluded that at the time of managing children with IDA, zinc deficiency must be borne in mind and if necessary treatment should be initiated with zinc.     

Alterations of Serum Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Iron, Calcium, and Magnesium Concentrations and the Complexity of Interelement Relations in Patients with Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the status of serum trace elements: zinc, copper, manganese, iron, calcium, and magnesium concentrations in obsessive-compulsive disorder patients. Forty-eight obsessive-compulsive disorder patients and 48 healthy volunteers were included in this study. Patients were recruited from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University by random sampling. Serum trace element concentrations were determined using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (for zinc, copper, iron, calcium, and magnesium) as well as graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (for manganese). Data were analyzed using independent t test, Pearson's correlation analysis, regression analysis, and ANOVA. Statistical analysis of these data showed a definite pattern of variation among certain elements in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder compared to controls. In patients' serum, zinc, iron, and magnesium concentrations decreased significantly (p<0.05) compared to the controls. Serum manganese and calcium concentrations were significantly higher (p<0.05) in patients compared to the controls. These data showed a definite imbalance in the interelement relations in obsessive-compulsive disorder patients compared to controls and therefore suggest a disturbance in the element homeostasis.