Profiling of Circulatory Elements Reveals Alteration of Essential and Toxic Trace Metals in Crohn’s Disease

Abstract

The status of essential and toxic trace metals in the blood of Crohn's disease (CD) patients is unexplained. This study aimed to provide the first elemental profiling of the most recognized essential elements (Mn, Cu, Zn, Se) and selected toxic trace elements (As, Cd, Pb, and U) in sera and cell lysate (CL) samples of CD patients (n = 84). The results were compared with sex- and age-matched samples from the control group (CG). CD sera contained significantly higher levels of Mn, As, Cd, Pb, and U than did CG sera. An identical pattern, with the added inclusion of Cu (also higher in CD patients than in the CG), was obtained for CL samples. However, the most important finding was hypermanganesemia, which indicates that Mn could act as a toxic trace metal in CD. As, Cd, and U were the most significant toxic elements that showed antagonistic effects on the extrusion of essential Mn and Cu. Circulatory system screening markers for CD are hereby proposed (Mn/Cu, Mn/As, and Mn/Pb ratios). These three metal ratios were strongly and significantly correlated with F-Calprotectin levels, and deserve consideration as new markers of CD. The target metals and metal ratios should be taken into consideration as novel initiating and/or modifying factors for CD.