Relationship of some ultra trace elements with atherosclerosis

Abstract

Background and objective: Trace elements are now measured as possibly having an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the serum rubidium, rhenium, cesium, and boron levels in patients with atherosclerosis as compared with the control group as well as to detect the effect of age and gender and estimate the correlation among the parameters. Methods: This case-control study included 40 patients and 40 apparently healthy adults matched age and gender as a control group. Serum parameter levels were estimated using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: The data of the current study indicated that the levels of rubidium and boron were significantly reduced and there was a significant elevation in the serum level of rhenium while there was no statistical difference in the level of cesium in patients as compared with the control group. In addition, the effect of age and gender did not reveal any significant effect on the serum studied ultra-trace elements levels. There was a negative significant weak correlation between age and Rb (r = -0.38, P = 0.016). Conclusion: Boron and rubidium were significantly reduced; therefore, supplementation could be important for therapy of atherosclerosis.