Comparison of serum copper, magnesium, zinc and calcium levels between G6PD deficient and normal Chinese adults.

Abstract

Minerals are important for normal hematopoiesis and may play a role in acute hemolytic anemia induced by G6PD deficiency. To compare serum magnesium, copper, zinc and calcium levels between G6PD deficiency and normal control adults, we investigated 69 G6PD deficient (28 male, 41 female) and 61 age- matched G6PD normal adults (26 male, 35 female). Serum magnesium, copper, zinc and calcium levels were determined by atomic absorbance spectrometry. Our results revealed that male adults with G6PD deficiency had significantly higher serum copper and magnesium levels than those of the control group (P < 0.01, < 0.05, respectively). In G6PD normal adults, serum copper levels were significantly lower in males than in females (P < 0.01). In the group of G6PD deficiency adults, serum copper levels in males (103.0 +/- 10.4 ug/dL) were significantly lower than those in females (139.0 +/- 34.3 ug/dL) (P < 0.01). Serum magnesium values and zinc values in males (2.42 +/- 0.38 mEq/L and 102.2 +/- 26.5 ug/dL) were significantly higher than those in females (2.07 +/- 0.20 mEq/L and 87.0 +/- 14.9 ug/dL) (P all < 0.01). Female adults with G6PD deficiency had significantly higher serum calcium levels and lower magnesium levels than those of the control group (P all < 0.01). The significantly higher levels of serum copper and magnesium in G6PD deficient male adults may play some role concerning red blood cells in resistance to plasmodium falciparum.