Abstract
IntroductionLow serum zinc concentrations are associated with adverse outcomes. To explain this phenomenon we aimed to investigate whether low zinc levels are related to immune activation, renal function and coronary artery disease (CAD). MethodsSerum concentrations of zinc and the immune activation markers neopterin and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured in 2048 patients derived from the LUdwigshafen RIsk and Cardiovascular Health (LURIC) study, a cohort study among patients referred for coronary angiography. ResultsZinc concentrations did not differ between patients with CAD (mean±SD: 13.3±2.4μmol/L) and controls (13.3±2.2μmol/L; Welch's t test: p=n.s.) but CAD patients had higher neopterin (8.6±7.4nmol/L) and CRP (9.7±19.6mg/L) concentrations compared to controls (neopterin: 7.5±4.8nmol/L, p=0.0005; CRP: 5.5±10.0mg/L, p<0.0001). There was an inverse correlation between serum zinc concentrations and neopterin (Spearman's rank correlation: rs=−0.222) and CRP (rs=−0.166; both p<0.0001) concentrations. ConclusionsOur results indicate increased inflammatory processes in patients with low zinc levels. Further studies should clarify whether inflammation related processes such as renal wasting contribute to zinc deficiency and underlie the adverse health consequences of low serum zinc levels.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
