Abstract
We studied the effects of external copper exposure on plasma copper, serum lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins in workers who have excessive contact with copper. Fifty-eight healthy Turkish males who were working in the copper processing industry and 33 control subjects were examined. Copper concentration was measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry, lipid and lipoprotein levels were detected by spectrophotometry and apolipoproteins were measured with a nephelometer. There was no significant difference in plasma copper between the workers and the controls. However, in the worker group, the mean levels of TC, LDL-C, apoAI, apoB and Lp (a) were significantly higher while the mean level of HDL-C was significantly lower than that of the controls. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between plasma copper and LDL-C only in the workers group. Our findings suggest that excessive contact with copper may contribute to coronary risk factors.
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.
