Clinical value of serum copper, zinc and copper/zinc ratio in the differentiation of sarcoidosis from pulmonary tuberculosis and pulmonary carcinoma

Serum Cu, SZn and SCu/Zn ratio were studied in 14 patients with sarcoidosis, 72 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, 15 patients with pulmonary carcinoma and 50 healthy persons as control. The results were: no significant differences were found between control group and sarcoidosis group in SCu, SZn and SCu/Zn ratio. In tuberculosis group and carcinoma group SCu increased and SZn decreased. Therefore, the SCu/Zn ratio increased significantly. The results suggested that SCu less than 1.2 ppm (means + 2 s), SZn greater than 0.8 ppm (means - 2 s) and SCu/Zn ratio less than 1.5 were helpful for the differential diagnosis of sarcoidosis from pulmonary tuberculosis and pulmonary carcinoma.     

Serum copper and zinc concentrations in patients with brucellosis

The aim of this study was to measure the alterations in serum trace element concentrations, including zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in patients with brucellosis and to compare them with the results of healthy individuals. Seventy-five subjects, 60 patients with brucellosis and 15 healthy individuals were included in this study. The serum Zn and Cu concentrations were measured by using atomic absorbtion spectrophotometer in sera of patients with brucellosis and statistically compared with those of healthy individuals. Serum Cu concentration was found to be significantly higher in patients with brucellosis than that of healthy individual (130.5+/-24.7, 96+/-8.65 microg/dl, respectively) (p < 0.01). Serum Zn concentration was lower in patients with brucellosis than those of healthy subjects (79.5 +/-13.5 and 83+/-5.59 microg/dl, respectively) (p < 0.01). Serum trace element concentrations showed significant alterations in patients with brucellosis compared with healthy subjects.     

The value of serum zinc, copper, ceruloplasmin levels in patients with gastrointestinal tract cancers.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gastrointestinal cancers are frequent diseases of particular importance for surgeons with regard to their management and follow-up. Neoplastic diseases activate antioxidant defense systems. As a result, concentrations of redoxal enzymes and their co-factor elements appear to change. The levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and ceruloplasmin have been found to be critical parameters. In addition, it seems to be important to consider the Cu/Zn ratio in such cases. In this study, changes in the levels of Cu, Zn and ceruloplasmin in patients with gastrointestinal system cancers was evaluated, and the proportion of Cu to Zn (Cu/Zn) is discussed. METHODS: In this clinical trial, levels of Cu and Zn were defined with calorimetric methods and ceruloplasmin levels were measured with immunohistochemical methods in a control group of 20 healthy individuals and in 25 patients who underwent surgery for gastrointestinal system cancer. The blood samples were taken preoperatively in gastrointestinal system cancer patients. RESULTS: This study has shown that while the decrease in Zn levels and the increase in ceruloplasmin levels in patients with gastrointestinal system cancers were found to be significant (p<0. 001, p=0. 014) when compared to the control group, the increase in the level of Cu was also found to be significant (p=0. 019). In the patient group, the correlations between serum Cu and serum ceruloplasmin proved to be significant (r=991, p<0. 001). The Cu/Zn ratio, when compared with Zn, ceruloplasmin and Cu, showed significant results (r= 0. 562, r= 0. 500, r=0. 506, p<0. 001). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that serum Cu, Zn and ceruloplasmin levels show changes in gastrointestinal system cancers, but further research is needed to demonstrate the importance and significance of these parameters and their relation with other contributing neoplastic factors.     

Effect of penicillamine therapy on the concentration of zinc, copper, iron, calcium and magnesium in the serum and their excretion in urine

The application of Penicillamine (750 mg per day) for one year resulted in the expected increase of urinary copper excretion (8-10 fold). The increase of Zinc excretion was only moderate (2 fold). The application of Penicillamine did not influence the excretion of Ca, Mg and Fe. We did not find a decrease of Zinc content in the hair of patients after one year treatment. The serum concentration of Zn, Cu, Fe, Ca and Mg was not influence by the application of Penicillamine. Thus, a treatment with Penicillamine is not a probable cause of zinc deficiency in liver disease.     

肺心病患者血清铜、铁、锌水平的变化

本文用原子吸收光谱法测定了63例正常人和61例肺心病人血液中微量元素Cu、Fe、Zn的含量及Cu/Zn比值和Fe/Cu比值。发现肺心病组血清Cu、Cu/Zn比值远较对照组高(P<0.001,P<0.01),而Fe/Cu比值较对照组低(P<0.01)。检测肺心病人的血清Cu、Cu/Zn比值、Fe/Cu比值可作为肺心病与冠心病鉴别诊断的参考。对患肺心病后的高血Cu,高Cu/Zn比值,低Fe/Cu比值与肺心病的关系作了初步探讨。     

单次尿铜比值诊断儿童肝豆状核变性意义初探

目的探讨单次尿铜比值测定代替24h尿铜定量用于诊断肝豆状核变性(WD)的可行性。方法测定正常儿童24小时内多次尿标本的铜肌酐(Cu/Cr)、铜/锌(Cu/Zn)比值,了解其稳定性;收集15例肝病患儿(其中2例WD)的晨尿和24h尿,研究单次尿Cu/Cr、Cu/Zn值与24h尿铜相关性;测定9例初发WD患儿和22例其它肝病患儿的单次尿铜比值和24h尿铜,研究其诊断儿童肝病中的WD的敏感度和特异度。结果2例正常儿童24h内尿Cu/Cr值和Cu/Zn值的变异系数分别为12.5%、9.3%。单次尿Cu/Cr值和Cu/Zn值与24h尿铜的相关系数分别0.767和0.891(P<0.001)。24h尿铜定量诊断WD的敏感度55.5%、特异度77.3%;晨尿Cu/Zn值的敏感度77.8%、特异度86.4%。结论单次尿铜比值1d内波动小,尿Cu/Zn值与24h尿铜定量相关性好,诊断WD的敏感度和特异度较高,可望代替24h尿铜定量用于WD诊断。     

Serum copper and zinc concentrations in patients with chronic hepatitis B

The aim of this study was to measure the alterations in serum trace elements, including zinc and copper in patients with chronic hepatitis and to compare with the results of healthy individuals. The serum zinc and copper concentrations were measured by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer in sera of patients with chronic hepatitis and statistically compared with those of healthy individuals. One hundred and five subjects, 71 patients with chronic hepatitis B (46 asymptomatic carriers, 25 chronic active hepatitis B) and 34 healthy individuals were included in this study. Sera of patients with chronic hepatitis and statistically compared with those of healthy individuals. Serum zinc concentrations were 104+/-24.98 microg/dl in asymptomatic carriers, 97+/-16.03 microg/dl in chronic active hepatitis and 108+/-21.07 in healthy controls, respectively. Serum copper concentrations were 88+/-17.8 microg/dl in asymptomatic carriers, 86+/-20.02 microg/dl in patients with chronic active hepatitis B and 88+/-13.59 microg/dl in healthy controls, respectively. Serum zinc and copper concentrations were not statistically different in patients with chronic hepatitis B compared with those of healthy individuals (p>0.05). Serum trace element concentrations did not show statistical alterations in patients with chronic hepatitis B compared with healthy subjects.     

Serum zinc/copper ratio in subtypes of leprosy and effect of oral zinc therapy on reactional states

Serum zinc and copper levels and zinc/copper ratios were studied in 86 healthy controls, 45 cases of borderline tuberculoid (BT), 31 cases of borderline lepromatous (BL), 117 cases of lepromatous (LL) leprosy patients, 16 cases with severe erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) reaction, and 16 cases with ENL reaction receiving oral zinc therapy. A significant reduction in serum zinc levels was noticed in all types of leprosy, the maximum decrease being seen in cases with ENL reaction. Conversely, the copper levels were significantly increased from BT to LL cases with ENL reaction in a progressive manner. A very good negative correlation (r = -0.998) was noticed between mean serum zinc and copper levels from healthy controls to active LL cases with ENL reaction. After oral zinc therapy, the serum zinc levels were significantly increased in all of the 16 LL patients with ENL reaction. In contrast, the copper levels were not decreased, indicating that oral zinc therapy can restore normal zinc levels in leprosy patients but is unable to reduce the increased copper levels.     

Serum copper and zinc concentrations in patients with chronic hepatitis C

The aim of this study was to measure the alterations in serum trace elements, including zinc and copper in patients with chronic hepatitis C and to compare them with the results of healthy individuals. Seventeen patients with chronic hepatitis C and 17 healthy individuals were included in this study. Serum zinc and cooper concentrations were measured by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer of patients with chronic hepatitis C and the results were statistically compared with those of healthy individuals. Serum zinc concentrations were 105.6+/-22.8 microg/dl in patients with chronic hepatitis C and 94.41+/-19 microg/dl in healthy controls, respectively. Serum copper concentrations were 103.17+/-20.8 microg/dl in patients with chronic hepatitis C and 90.8+/-14.3 microg/dl in healthy subjects, respectively. Serum zinc and copper concentrations were not found statistically different in patients with chronic hepatitis C compared with those of healthy individuals (p>0.05). In conclusion, serum trace element concentrations did not show statistical alterations in patients with chronic hepatitis C compared to healthy subjects.     

贵州省水城县地方性氟中毒病区骨软化畸形儿童铝氟及其他微量元素水平检测分析

目的 对贵州省水城县勺米乡与纸厂乡结合部地方性氟中毒(简称地氟病)村聚集性骨软化畸形儿童进行氟(F)、铝(Al)等多种元素测定,结合临床表现进行病因学诊断.方法 2008年11月,对水城县纸厂乡与勺米乡结合部地氟病村寨骨软化畸形少年儿童聚集病例(病例组),在严格质量控制基础上,采集14个病例和同县非地氟病区13个同龄对照(对照组)的任意1次尿和枕部贴皮头发,进行氟(F)、铝(Al)、镉(Cr)、锰(Mn)、铁(Fe)、铜(Cu)、锌(Zn)、砷(As)、硒(Se)、锶(Sr)、钡(Ba)10种元素检测,数据用PEMS 3.1医学软件统计包进行处理.结果 病例组尿中F、Al、Mn、Cu、Sr、Se水平(1.18 mg/L,112.6 μg/L,6.62、29.86 mg/L,177.5、4.23ng/L)与对照组(0.48、47.1、2.04、16.61 mg/L,55.17、15.52 ng/L)比较,差异均有统计学意义(t值分别为4.592、2.486、4.850、2.210、2.078、2.912,P均＜0.05).病例组头发中Al、Mn、As、Sr、Ba、Fe、Se水平(59.27、5.26、0.956、1.497、1.287、297.13、0.454 mg/kg)与对照组(18.69、0.72、1.094、0.621、0.675、69.022、1.323 mg/kg)比较,差异有统计学意义(t值分别为4.583、6.318、3.309、2.704、5.606、6.294,P均＜0.05).病例组尿中F与Al、Zn、As、Se的相关系数(r)均＞0.662(P均＜0.05),Al与Cu、Zn、As、Sr、Ba、Se的r均＞0.674(P均＜0.05),Se与Mn、Ba、Cu、Zn、Sr、As的r均＞0.694(P均＜0.05),Mn、Sr、As、Ba彼此之间r均＞0.550(P均＜0.05).病例组头发中Al与Mn、Cr、Fe、Cu、As、Se的r均＞0.732(P均＜0.05),Ba与Mn、Cr、Fe、Sr,Mn与Cr、Fe,Cr与As,Cu与Sr的r均＞0.686(P均＜0.05);对照组尿Cu与Zn、Se、Ba,Zn与Se、Ba,Cr与Mn、Ba的r均＞0.516(P均＜0.05);对照组头发中Al与Mn、Fe、Cu、As、Se,Se与Fe、Cu、As,Fe与Mn、Cu、As,Cu与Zn、As,Zn与As的r均＞0.739(P均＜0.05).病例组尿F与Se的r(0.762)与对照组(-0.469)比较,差异有统计学意义(u=2.079,P＜0.05).结论 水城县纸厂乡与勺米乡结合部地氟病病村寨骨软化畸形儿童的氟、铝负荷过高,尿和头发多种元素水平及其相关性分析与地方性铝氟中毒Al、F水平引起多种元素水平变化及其相关性呈网络样加强的现象一致,结合病人生活环境,有与铝氟中毒相同的骨X线表现,可诊断为地方性铝氟中毒.病人尿和头发Se水平降低及与F、Al等相关性有显著差异的生物学意义有待进一步探讨.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the levels of trace elements such as fluorine(F), and aluminium (Al)etc. of osteomalacia malformation children and to make etiological diagnosis in reference with clinical manifestations.Methods Urine and occipitalia hairs of 14 diseased children(patient group) from endemic fluorosis area and 13 healthy children(control group) from non-endemic area were included in the study on November, 2008, and contents of 10 elements of fluorine(F), aluminum(Al), chromium(Cr), manganese(Mn), ferrum(Fe), cuprum(Cu), zinc(Zn), arsenic (As), selenium(Se), strontium(Sr), and barium(Ba) were tested. The data were analyzed with medical soft package PEMS 3.1. Results Urinary contents of F, Al, Mn, Cu, Sr, and Se(1.18 mg/L, 112.6 μg/L,6.62,29.86 mg/L, 177.5,4.23 ng/L) in patient group were significantly different from those in control group (0.48,47.1,2.04,16.61 mg/L, 55.17,15.52 ng/L, t = 4.592,2.486,4.850,2.210 2.078,2.912, all P＜ 0.05); Hair contents of Al, Mn, As, Sr, Ba, Fe, and Se in patient group(59.27,5.26,0.96,1.50,1.29,297.13,0.45 mg/kg)were significantly different from those of control group( 18.69,0.72,1.09,0.62,0.68,69.02,1.323 mg/kg, t = 4.583,6.318,3.309,2.704,5.606,6.294, all P ＜ 0.05); in patient group, the correlation coefficients of urinary Fe to Al,Zn, As, and Se were all bigger tan 0.662(all P＜ 0.05), those of urinary Se to Mn, Ba, Cu, Zn, Sr, and As were all bigger than 0.694(all P＜ 0.05), those among urinary Mn, Sr, As, and Ba were bigger than 0.550(all P＜0.05), those of hair Al to Mn, Cr, Fe, and Cu were bigger than 0.732(all P＜ 0.05), those of hair Ba to Mn,Cr, Fe, and Sr, and of hair Mn to Cr and Fe, and those between Cr and As, between Cu and Sr were all bigger than 0.686 (all P ＜ 0.05). In control group, the correlation coefficients of urinary Cu to Zn, Se, and Ba, those of Zn to Se and Ba, and those of Cr to Mn and Ba were all bigger than 0.516(all P ＜ 0.05), those of hair Al to Mn,Fe, Cu, As, and Se, and those of hair Se to Fe, Cu, and As, those of hair Fe to Mn, Cu, and As, those of hair Cu to Zn and As, and that between Zn and As were bigger than 0.739(all P ＜ 0.05). The correlation coefficient of urinary F to Se in patient group(0.762) was significantly different from that in control group( - 0.469, u = 2.079,P ＜ 0.05). Conclusions The burden of F and Al of osteomalacia malformation children in endemic fluorosis area of Shuicheng county is too high. The contents of multi-elements in urine and hairs and their correlation are coincident with high levels of Al and F and they cause network increase of multi-element content changes and their correlation. According to bone X-ray features combining with the living environment, the diagnosis of endemic Al-F fluorosis can be made. The biological significance of reducing urinary and hair Se levels and the correlations of F and Al need to be further studied.     

The role of zinc, copper and iron in the pathogenesis of diabetes and diabetic complications: therapeutic effects by chelators

Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) are essential minerals that are required for a variety of biomolecules to maintain the normal structure, function, and proliferation of cells. These metals can be toxic in excessive amounts, especially in certain genetic disorders. The homeostasis of these trace elements results from a tightly coordinated regulation by different proteins involved in their uptake, excretion and intracellular storage/trafficking. Through the Fenton reaction, Cu and Fe under a non protein-binding condition, can generate various reactive oxygen species, damaging tissues or cells. Abnormal metabolism of Zn, Cu and Fe can lead to several chronic pathogenesis, such as diabetes or diabetic complications. These pathogenic conditions appear to be prevalent in Zn and Cu deficiency, as well as Cu and Fe overload. In the Fe and Cu overloading conditions, Fe and Cu chelating drugs could be used to control diabetes and diabetic complications. The essentiality, toxicity and roles of these metals in the pathogenesis of diabetes and diabetic complications are discussed.     

The zinc, copper, and selenium status of a selected sample of Canadian elderly women

The zinc, copper, and selenium status of 90 noninstitutionalized Canadian elderly women (M age = 70.3 years) in a university community and consuming self-selected diets was assessed using hair and serum trace element levels and dietary trace element intakes. Mean (+/- SD) serum zinc and copper levels (analyzed via atomic absorption spectrophotometry, AA) were 1.09 +/- 0.13 and 1.22 +/- 0.29 micrograms/ml, respectively. Mean serum selenium (+/- SD) (analyzed via instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was 0.115 +/- 0.03 micrograms/ml. Median hair trace element values, analyzed via INAA, were 156 for zinc, 12.8 for copper, and 0.63 micrograms/g for selenium. Mean (+/- SD) daily dietary intakes determined via chemical analysis of 1-day diet duplicates were 1.2 +/- .06 mg/d for copper (via AA), 7.6 +/- 3.3 mg/d and 77.6 +/- 44.5 micrograms/d for zinc and selenium (via INAA), respectively, whereas mean copper and zinc intakes (+/- SD) calculated from 3-day records were 1.6 +/- 0.7 and 10.1 +/- 3.5 mg/day, respectively. Median hair and serum trace element values were above the levels associated with deficiencies. Thus the zinc, copper and selenium status of these elderly women appeared adequate.     

Diagnostic value of the copper/zinc ratio in hepatocellular carcinoma: a case control study

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of the copper/zinc ratio in the evaluation of a group of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: A total of 105 patients were studied and separated into three groups: group I (n = 40), patients with HCC, group II (n = 25), patients with liver cirrhosis, and group III (n = 40), patients with benign digestive disease. Serum levels of copper and zinc were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results: The serum levels of copper (μg/dl) in patients with HCC (97.4 ± 27.2; P < 0.05) were significantly higher than those in patients with liver cirrhosis (73.7 ± 17.5) or benign digestive disease (77.1 ± 20.8), and the serum levels of zinc (μg/dl) were significantly lower (71.6 ± 30.5; P < 0.05) than those in patients with benign digestive disease (81.7 ± 17.7 μg/dl) and were similar to those in cirrhotic patients (68.5 ± 17.1). The Cu/Zn ratio was also significantly higher in patients with HCC (1.52 ± 0.64; P < 0.05) than in patients with liver cirrhosis (1.06 ± 0.2) or patients with benign digestive disease (0.95 ± 0.39). Considering a cutoff value of 1.15, the sensitivity of the Cu/Zn ratio was 87.5%, with a specificity of 86.1%, a positive predictive value of 79.5%, and a negative predictive value of 91.8%. Conclusions: The Cu/Zn ratio was found to be significantly higher in patients with HCC compared with that in age and sex-matched controls, with a sensitivity of 87.5%; this ratio might be useful in the evaluation of suspected hepatocellular malignancy. Received: February 15, 2002 / Accepted: June 14, 2002 Acknowledgments. This work was partially supported by grant No. D-113-903903 from the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología, Mexico City, México. Reprint requests to: J.L. Poo, Centro de Investigación Farmacológica y Biotecnológica, Hospital Médica Sur, Puente de Piedra No 150, 14050, Mexico City, Mexico Editorial on page 104     

Relationships between serum concentrations of C-reactive protein and micronutrients, in patients with tuberculosis

Studies on the serum concentrations of micronutrients in tuberculosis (TB), and their relationship to the acute-phase response (APR), are scarce. The serum concentrations of zinc, copper, selenium and vitamins A and E in 46 smear-positive cases of pulmonary TB (PTB) from Ecuador were therefore compared with those in 10 healthy Ecuadorian volunteers, and the correlations between these concentrations and the serum concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) were evaluated. Compared with the healthy volunteers, the PTB cases had significantly lower serum concentrations of zinc, retinol and selenium and significantly higher serum concentrations of copper. Both groups had moderately high concentrations of selenium in their sera. The PTB cases who had >50 mg CRP/ litre (a concentration indicative of an APR) had lower serum concentrations of retinol and zinc than the cases with lower CRP concentrations. In patients with PTB, hypozincaemia and hyporetinolaemia are strongly associated with the APR. It is therefore necessary to consider the extent of activation of the APR when interpreting serum micronutrient concentrations in patients with TB.     

Altered metabolism of copper, zinc, and magnesium is associated with increased levels of glycated hemoglobin in patients with diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with the alterations in the metabolism of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and magnesium (Mg). The aim of the present study was to investigate plasma levels of these elements in patients with DM and in healthy subjects. Association between glycated hemoglobin and levels of metals was also evaluated. We studied 36 subjects with DM (type 1, 11; type 2, 25) and 34 healthy subjects matched for age, sex, and duration of diabetes. Plasma concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Mg were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. An imbalance in the levels of studied metals was observed in both type 1 and type 2 DM. We found higher levels of Cu (P < .001) and Cu/Zn ratio (P < .0001) and decreased levels of Zn (P < .01) and Mg (P < .0001) in patients with DM when compared with controls. Negative correlation between Cu and Zn (r = −0.626, P < .0001) was found in patients with DM. Glycated hemoglobin levels were positively correlated with Cu (r = 0.709, P < .001) and Cu/Zn ratio (r = 0.777, P < .001) and inversely correlated with Zn (r = − 0.684, P < .001) and Mg (r = −0.646, P < .001). In conclusion, patients with DM had altered metabolism of Cu, Zn, and Mg; and this may be related to increased values of glycated hemoglobin. We concluded that impaired metabolism of these elements may contribute to the progression of DM and diabetic complications.     

Trace element status (Se, Zn, Cu) in heart failure.

OBJECTIVE: It has been speculated that trace elements may play a role in the pathogenesis of heart failure. In the present study, we aimed to assess serum concentrations of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in patients with heart failure (HF) and to compare idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) and ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) patients with healthy controls. METHODS: This study population included 54 HF patients (26 IDCM patients and 28 ICM patients) and 30 healthy subjects. Serum levels of selenium, zinc, and copper were assessed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry method. RESULTS: Serum concentrations of Se and Zn in HF patients were significantly lower than in healthy controls (p=0.000 and p<0.01, respectively). However, serum Cu concentrations in these patients were significantly higher than in controls (p=0.000). There were no significant difference in the trace elements status between IDCM and ICM patients (p>0.05 for all parameters). Relationships of the serum trace element concentrations studied with echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that heart failure is associated with lower Se and Zn concentrations, and higher Cu concentration, and serum Se, Zn and Cu element profiles were similar in IDCM and ICM.     

The effect of treatment on zinc,copper and calcium status in children with phenylketonuria

The trace element status of 25 children receiving a low phenylalanine diet for a treatment of phenylketonuria was studied using hair and serum samples. Hair trace element and calcium concentrations were assayed using X-ray microanalysis and compared with samples from sibling controls. Plasma, zinc and copper levels were compared with unselected hospital attenders. PKU patients were found to have significantly lower hair zinc (P<0.001) and calcium (P<0.01) concentrations and significantly higher hair copper (P<0.001) concentrations compared with controls. Plasma zinc levels were below the lower limit of normal (9.6µmol l^–1) in 8 of 19 patients (42%) in whom it was measured. The relative zinc deficiency in PKU patients may result from a competitive inhibition of absorption by copper or other metals supplemented in the diet.     

The levels of copper, zinc and magnesium in type II diabetic patients complicated with foot infections

Changes in levels of trace elements and magnesium (Mg) may contribute to progression of diabetes mellitus (DM) and development of the complications. The aim of this study was to measure the levels of Copper (Cu), Zinc ( Zn), Mg and Cu/Zn ratios in diabetic foot infected patients (DFI) compared to controlled diabetic patients and healthy controls. 50 patients complicated with DFI, 50 controlled diabetic patients without any complications and 100 age and sex matched healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, Cu, Zn and Mg were measured. One-Way ANOVA test was used to compare three different groups. Correlations between different variables were analysed using Pearson’s correlation coefficients(r). The mean values of Cu and Zn were higher in patients with DFI and DM compared to controls (P?<?0.001). Cu/Zn ratios were higher in DM compared to DFI and control groups (P?<?0.001). Serum Mg levels were lower in all diabetic patients. Elevation of Cu in DFI and DM groups was positively correlated with Cu/Zn ratios and elevation of Zn is negatively correlated. Our findings indicate an association between increased Zn concentrations and DFI.     

Metallothionein expression and concentrations of copper and zinc are associated with tumor differentiation in hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract: Metallothionein is the carrier protein of heavy metal ions, such as copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). In this study, the relationships among immunohistochemical expression of metallothionein, concentrations of Cu and Zn, histological differentiation and proliferative activity of hepatocellular carcinoma were investigated in 51 cases. The concentrations of Cu and Zn in both tumor and non-tumor tissues were determined using electron probe microanalysis. Immunohistochemical expression of metallothionein in tumor tissues decreased with the degree of differentiation, whereas the number of hepatocytes positive for Ki-67 increased. Furthermore, the concentrations of Cu and Zn in tumor tissues decreased with the degree of histological differentiation in human hepatocellular carcinoma.     

Hair zinc and copper concentration in survivors of myocardial infarction

Increased Zn/Cu ratio in the diet, and consequently in the body, was suggested to be of importance in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Head hair of 29 male survivors of myocardial infarction and of 23 control males was studied for the concentration of Zn and Cu. The Zn hair concentration and Zn/Cu ratio in survivors of myocardial infarction was significantly higher in comparison with controls. The inclusion of the Zn/Cu ratio into the discriminant analysis using total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol considerably improved the coefficient R2 and decreased the number of cases not properly classified.