Trace elements and the inflammatory process development: predictive possibilities

Abstract

Introduction. Late diagnosis of inflammatory pathologies leads to increased risks of chronicization of the process, generalization, development of complications, and reduced effectiveness of therapy. Routine methods of clinical laboratory diagnostics often have diagnostic value at the stage of already developed disease with pronounced clinical manifestations. Determination of blood serum trace elements may have prognostic value in the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases. The trace elements most extensively studied in the context of inflammation and immune defense are copper and zinc. The aim of the study. The aim of the study was to investigate the prognostic significance of determining copper and zinc concentrations in serum in the diagnosis of inflammation. Material and methods. Concentrations of CRP, ferritin, ceruloplasmin, leukocytes, neutrophils, fibrinogen, copper, and zinc were determined in 1153 examined people aged 18 to 86 years. Serum trace elements were determined by ICP-MS method, the rest of the parameters were measured by standard methods. ROC analysis was used to evaluate the prognostic significance of serum copper and zinc measurements. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value were also calculated for the laboratory tests. Results. It was shown that serum copper concentration in both men and women can be used as a predictor of abnormalities of CRP, ceruloplasmin, and fibrinogen. By abnormalities in serum copper concentration, it is possible to predict increased leukocytes in men and women; decreased leukocytes in men; and increased neutrophil levels in men and women. The prognostic significance of the laboratory test for serum zinc was found in relation to the detection of ferritin deficiency in women and ceruloplasmin deficiency in men and women. Conclusion. The results obtained in the study suggest the possible use of serum copper and zinc laboratory tests for prognostic purposes.