Brusellozlu Hastalarda Serum Bakır ve Çinko Düzeylerindeki ve Bakır/Çinko Oranlarındaki Değişiklikler

Abstract

Objective: To determine the alterations of serum copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) levels and Cu/Zn ratio in patients with brucellosis. Material and Methods: A total of 170 individuals were included in the study. Of these, 45 (26.5%) currently had acute or sub-acute brucellosis, 35 (20.6%) were previously diagnosed with acute or sub-acute brucellosis and successfully treated, and 90 (52.9%) were healthy volunteers. After fasting overnight for 10 hours, 5 ml of venous blood was taken.from all subjects. Serum Cu and Zn levels were measured using a Unicam 929 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. SPSS 16.0 was used for data analysis. Results: Mean serum Cu levels of 45 patients with acute or sub-acute brucellosis, 35 patients previously diagnosed with acute or sub-acute brucellosis and 90 healthy volunteers were 88.6±26, 58.7±13 and 56.7±16 µg/dL, respectively. Mean serum Zn levels of 45 patients with acute or sub-acute brucellosis, 35 patients previously diagnosed with and treated successfully for acute or sub-acute brucellosis and 90 healthy volunteers were 38.3±12, 58.5±14, and 55.8±13 µg/dL, respectively. Serum Cu levels (p<0.001) and Cu/Zn ratios (p<0.001) were statistically significantly higher while serum Zn levels (p<0.001) were lower in patients with acute or sub-acute brucellosis when compared to the individuals who previously diagnosed with acute or sub-acute brucellosis and the healthy volunteers. Conclusion: This study revealed significant alterations of serum Cu and Zn levels, and Cu/Zn ratios in patients with acute or sub-acute brucellosis. Serum Cu, Zn, and Cu/Zn ratios may be available biomarkers in the course of acute or sub-acute brucellosis.