English

Abstract

BACKGROUND Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the principal cause of death and disability in both developed and developing countries. Factors that cause endothelial dysfunction have received increased attention as a potential contributor for atherogenesis. Micronutrients play an important role in maintaining endothelial function as it act as cofactors for number of enzymes. The purpose of this study was to determine plasma level of copper, zinc and magnesium in CAD patients and its correlation with severity of coronary artery disease. METHODS Study group consisted of angiographically positive CAD patients (n = 30) and age and sex matched controls (n = 30). Severity of the CAD was assessed based on the number, location and percentage of stenosis of coronary vessels involved and SYNTAX score was calculated. CAD patients were classified into grade I, II and III based on SYNTAX score. Level of copper, zinc and magnesium in plasma and hemolysate was analysed using atomic absorption spectrometry. Plasma nitric oxide level was also analysed. RESULTS In our study, Plasma copper level was found to be significantly high and zinc copper ratio, hemolysate Mg level were found to be significantly low in CAD patients. The latter parameters were found to have a significant negative correlation with severity of the diseases and with the level of nitric oxide. CONCLUSIONS Even though a number of confounding factors can influence the copper, zinc and magnesium levels in the body, our study shows that levels of these elements have a significant association with severity of coronary artery diseases. KEY WORDS Coronary Artery Disease, Endothelial Dysfunction, Syntax Score