Abstract
Helicobacter pylori infection can cause disease from mild to severe that may be accompanied by micronutrient deficiencies. We aimed to investigate serum zinc, copper, magnesium and selenium levels in Helicobacter pylori positive children. Thirty-four children, with chronic abdominal pain and diag-nosed to be Helicobacter pylori-positive and 20 healthy children with the same demo-graphic characteristics were included in the study. Serum zinc, copper and magnesium levels were measured in the flame unit of atomic absorption spectrophotometer, selenium levels were measured in the graphite unit of the same atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Serum zinc levels were significantly higher and serum magnesium levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) in Helicobacter pylori positive children than those of the control group. Although copper levels were lower in patient group than in control group, this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). There was no significant difference between serum selenium levels of two groups. We concluded that in Helicobacter pylori-positive children, many trace elements and mineral metabolism may change.
Highlights
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are estimated to infect at least half of world population
Copper levels were lower in patient group than in control group, this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05)
There was no significant difference between serum selenium levels of two groups
Summary
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are estimated to infect at least half of world population. H. pylori infection in gastric mucosa may be asymptomatic transporter or may be related to different situations from moderate gastritis to severe diseases such as gastric cancer [2]. Severe clinical symptoms of this infection are represented in adults, epidemiological studies show that the infection is acquired in childhood [3, 4]. Since this childhood infection has the potential of worsening the adult disease and effecting micronutrient metabolism [5], the importance of preventing, treating, and following-up the infection in childhood has arisen [3].
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