Serum level of iron, zinc and copper in patients with multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common neurologic disorders. It appears that in addition to the common risk factors, there may be other factors, such as serum level of trace elements, which affect the development or course of the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum levels of iron, zinc and copper in patients with MS and compare them with the control group. Materials and Methods: In this study, serum levels of iron, zinc and copper were determined in 25 patients with MS and compared with those of 25 healthy individuals matched with age and sex. Data were analyzed in SPSS, version17 using statistical descriptive methods (mean- percentage, SD) and t-test Results: In this study, there were 9 males in the case and control groups and the rest were female. The mean age of the patients was 28±3/44 years for men and 24±2.55 years for women. Mean serum iron levels were significantly elevated in MS patients (127.04±34.67) compared to these levels in the control group (103/95±33/81). Mean serum zinc levels were significantly decreased in MS patients (10.92±2.114) as compared to these levels in the control group (14.05±3.2). Also, mean serum copper levels were significantly decreased in MS patients (88.58±19.56) compared to the levels in the control group (110/37±37/1). Conclusion: The findings of this study show that serum levels of Iron, Zinc and Copper in patients with MS are different from those in normal population.