Blood Copper Concentrations Research Articles

Higher Plasma Copper Exposure was Adversely Associated with Skeletal Muscle Indicators in Chinese Children Aged 6-9 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study.

It is unclear whether blood concentrations of copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca) influence skeletal muscle mass and strength in children. We aimed to explore the associations between plasma Cu, Mg, and Ca and skeletal muscle indicators in Chinese children. A total of 452 children aged 6 to 9 years old were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Whole body lean soft tissue mass (WLSTM), trunk lean soft tissue mass (TLSTM), and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASMM) were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Parameters of these indicators divided by Height2 (Ht2) and Weight (Wt) at the corresponding sites were calculated. Handgrip strength was also measured. Parameters of skeletal muscle indicators and handgrip strength that were below the sex-specific 20th percentile were considered low levels. Plasma concentrations of Cu, Mg, and Ca were measured using ICP-MS. After adjusting for several potential covariates, among the total subjects, for every one standard deviation increase in Cu concentrations, there was a 0.939% decrease in WLSTM/Wt, a 0.415% decrease in TLSTM/Wt, and a 0.47% decrease in ASMM/Wt. For every one standard deviation increase in Cu concentrations, there was a higher odd (OR: 1.36, 95%CI 1.06, 1.75) of low WLSTM/Wt, TLSTM/Wt (OR: 1.33, 95%CI 1.03, 1.71), ASMM/Ht2 (OR: 1.32, 95%CI 1.02, 1.69), as well as ASMM/Wt (OR: 1.56, 95%CI 1.23, 1.99). No significant associations were found between Mg, Ca, and most skeletal muscle indicators. Higher plasma Cu concentrations were adversely associated with skeletal muscle indicators at multiple sites in Chinese children.

Summer scour syndrome in weaned dairy calves: case series

BackgroundSummer scour syndrome (SSS) is a recently identified pathological condition affecting weaned dairy and dairy-beef calves during their first grazing season in Ireland. The syndrome is characterised by diarrhoea, weight loss, weakness, and can ultimately lead to death in some calves. Oral and oesophageal ulcerations are present in some cases. This study aimed to characterise a series of SSS cases in weaned dairy-bred calves on Irish commercial farms.ResultsFive farms with calves having unexplained diarrhoea at grass were referred by private veterinary practitioners (PVP) following preliminary testing to exclude coccidiosis and parasitic gastroenteritis. Farms were visited within 2 to 5 days following PVP’s referrals, or 2 days to 3 weeks relative to the onset of clinical signs. Farm management data, grass and concentrate samples, and biological samples from 46 calves (8 to 10 calves/farm) displaying clinical signs were collected. Two farms were subsequently found positive for coccidiosis and/or had chronic pneumonia problems after a thorough herd investigation and were designated as non-case farms (NCF). The remaining three farms were deemed typical SSS outbreaks (case farms; CF). Mean rumen fluid pH per farm ranged from 6.67 to 7.09 on CF, and 6.43–6.88 on NCF. Mean rumen fluid ammonia concentrations ranged from 17.6 to 29.6 mg/L and 17.2–45.0 mg/L on CF and NCF, respectively. Corresponding blood ammonia concentrations ranged from 129 to 223 µmol/L and 22–25 µmol/L. Mean blood copper and molybdenum concentrations were within normal range on all farms. Grass crude protein concentrations on the paddocks where the calves had grazed, and were currently grazing on the day of visit ranged from 137 to 148 g/kg DM and 106–177 g/kg DM, respectively on CF, and 160–200 g/kg DM and 151–186 g/kg DM, respectively on NCF. On CF, inorganic nitrogen fertiliser was applied 1 to 3 weeks pre-grazing, whereas on the two NCF, inorganic nitrogen fertiliser was applied 2 to 3 weeks pre-grazing on one farm and no fertiliser was applied on the other.ConclusionThese findings suggest that copper or molybdenum toxicity, and ruminal acidosis are not the primary causes of SSS. High blood ammonia concentrations and the timing and level of inorganic nitrogen fertiliser application to paddocks pre-grazing, warrant further investigation.

Copper Poisoning with Emphasis on Its Clinical Manifestations and Treatment of Intoxication

Background. Copper is an essential trace element found in the human body in an oxidized (Cu II) and reduced (Cu I) form. It plays a crucial role in the integrity and function of proteins and enzymes. Short-term and long-term exposure to copper can result in harmful effects and lead to clinical manifestations in multiple bodily systems, including the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, eyes, respiratory, cardiovascular, central nervous, endocrine, and hematopoietic systems. Objective. The purpose of this study is the importance of early recognition and diagnosis of copper poisoning immediate and necessary measures and the use of chelators. Materials and Methods. In this review article, authors from Pub Med, Scopus, and a toxicologic emergencies reference book from 1996 to 2024 are used. Result. An excessive increase in copper level produces reactive oxygen species that can cause lipid peroxidation in cell membranes, direct oxidation of proteins, and the breakdown of DNA and RNA molecules. All of these can generally be reasons for cell death. Conclusion. Assessing levels of copper in whole blood, free serum copper, 24-hr urine copper, liver biopsy for copper concentration, and ceruloplasmin play a crucial role in the diagnosis. The blood copper concentration is directly related to the severity of poisoning. Treatment for copper poisoning typically involves removing the source of exposure and administering medications to help remove the excess copper from the body. Supportive care for copper intoxication usually includes managing vomiting, correcting fluids and electrolytes, and stabilizing vital signs. Chelators like D-penicillamine, succimer, trientine, tetrathiomolybdate, and PBT-2 have been utilized in treatment.

Effects of copper nanoparticles on performance, muscle and bone characteristics and serum metabolites in broilers.

Three hundred and twenty day old Hubbard broilers were randomly allocated to four treatments (8 replicates, 10 birds/pen) and were raised under standard management conditions. Birds in the first group served as control and were fed a corn based diet, while birds in the remaining three groups i.e.; A, B and C were fed with a basal diet supplemented with copper nanoparticles (CuNP) at 5, 10 and 15 mg /kg of diet respectively for 35 days. Supplementation of CuNP linearly increased (P≤0.05) body weight (BW), average daily weight gain (ADWG) and feed intake (FI) in broilers. Uric acid, glucose levels in blood and feed conversion ratio (FCR) reduced linearly (P≤0.05) with CuNP supplementation in diet. Supplementation of CuNP in the diet also linearly increased (P≤0.05) tibia weight, length, diameter, weight/length index (W/L) and Tibiotarsal index (TT index). Inclusion of CuNP in broilers diet linearly increased the measured parameters of muscle i.e.; pH, fiber diameter, fiber cross-sectional area, fascicle diameter, fascicle cross-sectional area (P≤0.05). Concentration of copper, iron, calcium and phosphorous in blood also increased line-arly (P ≤ 0.05) with CuNP supplementation. Overall, CuNP positively affected the growth performance, histological characteristics of muscles, bone strength and serum metabolites in broilers.

Copper – a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023

Copper functions as a structural component in many proteins involved in energy and iron metabolism, production of neurotransmitters, formation of connective tissue and endogenous antioxidant defence. Several biochemical indices have been suggested and used to assess copper status, but none of these has been found suitable for the detection of marginal copper deficiency or marginal copper toxicity. Copper imbalances have been linked to the pathogenesis of several chronic inflammatory diseases. During the last decade, a number of meta-analyses and systematic reviews have been published shedding light on the association between copper imbalances and some of these pathologies. Most of these meta-analyses are based on case–control studies. All show that blood copper concentrations are higher in cases than in controls, but there is inconclusive evidence to change the recommendations.

Comparing the association between heavy metals and cognitive status and depression in miners and non-miners: A study from southeast of Iran

Heavy metal toxicity is a major public health crisis worldwide, especially in mining environments. The association between chronic heavy metals exposure and cognitive impairment has not been studied broadly in adults and mining fields. This study aimed to compare the association between arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and copper (Cu) concentration in blood and cognitive status and depression in copper miners and non-miners. Participants were selected from the Rafsanjan cohort study (RCS) as non-miners and miners from Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex. For evaluation of cognitive performance and creativity, comprehensive neurological tests were performed as follows: Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT), creativity tests including remote association task (RAT) and alternative uses task (AUT). Beck Depression Inventory-II was used to evaluate depression. Standard laboratory tests were also performed. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to estimate the blood's concentration of As, Pb and Cu. We observed a significant difference between arsenic, lead, copper, and depression scores (all P < 0.001) in the two groups (miners and non-miners). Miners had a better performance in cognitive fields except in MMSE and PVT tests. Linear regression analyses showed that the lead had a negative association with the PVT test and depression score. The results suggest that the development of depression, cognitive impairments, and other health problems is possible in chronic heavy metal exposure, especially lead (Pb). Confirmation of our claim requires further study in the coming years.

California condor poisoned by lead, not copper, when both are ingested: A case study

AbstractLead poisoning from feeding on carcasses shot with lead‐based ammunition is a well‐known threat to wildlife. Thus, nonlead (e.g., copper‐based) ammunition is promoted as a safe alternative. We present a unique situation of a male California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) discovered with both a lead fragment and a copper bullet in his digestive tract simultaneously. We show that ingestion of a copper bullet did not result in elevated blood copper concentrations, while ingestion of a lead fragment contributed to lead toxicity. Our findings can inform nonlead ammunition outreach efforts by demonstrating that ingestion of a copper‐based bullet did not result in the poisoning of a California condor.

The relationship between dietary patterns and blood mineral concentration among children in Hunan Province of China

BackgroundMinerals have crucial biological functions in metabolism and are primarily obtained through diet. As a result, various dietary patterns can impact blood mineral levels. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between dietary patterns and the concentration of calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper in the bloodstream.MethodsThree hundred eighty healthy children (53.7% male) were recruited in a region of Hunan Province in September 2019. We gathered basic information and measured physical proportions, along with completing a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Using principal component analysis (PCA), we determined dietary patterns. To analyze mineral levels in the blood, we used flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). We utilized linear regression models to investigate if certain dietary patterns are related to mineral concentration.ResultsThree dietary patterns were identified: ‘Vegetables/Nuts,’ ‘Snacks/Beverages,’ and ‘Cereal/Beans.’ Children from high-income families (annual average income > 50,000 yuan) prefer the ‘Vegetables/Nuts’ dietary pattern (P = 0.004). In comparison, those from low-income families (annual average income < 20,000 yuan) prefer the ‘Snacks/Beverages’ dietary pattern (P = 0.03). Following adjustment for age, gender, guardian’s identity, education level, and annual household income. We found that an increase in the ‘Vegetables/Nuts’ pattern score (β = 0.153, CI: 0.053 ~ 0.253; P = 0.003) and ‘Snacks/Beverages’ pattern score (β = 0.103, CI: 0.002 ~ 0.204; P = 0.033) were significantly associated blood copper concentration.ConclusionsHousehold income was found to be associated with dietary behavior. Furthermore, higher blood copper concentration was significantly correlated with the ‘Vegetables/Nuts’ dietary pattern and ‘Snacks/Beverages’ dietary pattern, but the correlation is extremely low.

Investigation of the link between the type and concentrations of heavy metals and other elements in blood and urinary stones and their association to the environmental factors and dietary pattern

BackgroundKidney and urinary tract stones are among the most common and important health problems, the prevalence of which is increasing nowadays due to a sedentary lifestyle, improper nutrition, destructive habits in fluid consumption, and improper use of medications. One of the causing factors in the formation of urinary stones is heavy metals. These metals present in tiny amounts in the environment and enter the nature and food cycle due to industrial activities and practices that are not compliant with environmental laws. MethodsIn this context, the present case-control study was conducted to determine the concentrations of heavy metals and other urinary stone-forming elements in both blood and urinary stones and investigate their relationship with environmental factors and dietary patterns in people with urinary stones in Ardabil city in 2022. The sampling of blood and urinary stones was done randomly from patients with urinary stones who were admitted to the Urology Clinic of Imam Reza Hospital, Ardabil. ICP-MS was used to measure the concentrations of heavy metals in the samples. The obtained data were analysed by chi-square test, ANOVA test, t-test, and Tukey test. ResultsThe body mass index (BMI) was 27.39 ± 3.72 in the case group and 26.37 ± 2.95 in the control group. The copper and selenium concentrations in blood and urinary stones were higher than in other metals. There was a significant relationship between the history of kidney stones and the probability of developing kidney stones. Moreover, a meaningful relationship was found between the concentration of lead element and the formation of kidney stones. The results showed a significant difference in the concentration of nickel and copper in people who consumed vegetables on a daily basis with those with different types of kidney stones. ConclusionThe comparison amongst the concentration of heavy metals in various kinds of urinary stones showed that the amount of lead metal was higher in calcium phosphate stones than in calcium oxalate stones.

Antioxidant 1 copper chaperone gene expression and copper levels in dog osteosarcoma patients.

Twenty-four dogs with OS underwent limb amputation. Serum, OS tumour, and normal bone were harvested at time of surgery. RNA was extracted and gene expression was performed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Tissue and blood copper concentrations were also determined with spectrophotometry. Compared to bone, tumour samples had significantly higher expressions of antioxidant 1 copper chaperone (ATOX1, p = .0003). OS tumour copper levels were significantly higher than that of serum (p < .010) and bone (p = .038). Similar to our previous observations in mouse and human OS, dog OS demonstrates overexpression of genes that regulate copper metabolism (ATOX1), and subsequent copper levels. Dogs with OS may provide a robust comparative oncology platform for the further study of these factors, as well as potential pharmacologic interventions.

Effects of genetically determined mineral status on life expectancy: a Mendelian randomization study.

Effects of genetically determined mineral status on life expectancy: a Mendelian randomization study.

A nested case-control study on the association of neonatal cord blood selenium, iron and copper with congenital heart disease

Objective: To investigate the relationship between the levels of selenium, iron and copper in cord blood of neonates and the risk of congenital heart disease (CHD), and analyze their interaction effects. Methods: The subjects were obtained from the birth cohort in Lanzhou area established from 2010 to 2012. A baseline survey was conducted in the first trimester, and the follow-up was conducted in the second trimester, third trimester and 42 days after delivery. The umbilical vein blood was collected from newborns at delivery, and information on their birth outcomes was extracted from medical records. A nested case-control study was used to select 97 neonates with CHD newly diagnosed by echocardiography as the case group, and 194 neonates were selected as the control group by 1∶2 matching according to their mother's age, block and CHD onset time. Inductively coupled ion mass spectrometry was used to detect the concentrations of selenium, iron and copper in neonatal cord blood. The element exposure was categorized into three groups, the low, medium and high concentrations, according to the quartiles Q1 and Q3 of selenium, iron and copper concentrations in the control group. The association between cord blood selenium, iron and copper concentrations and CHD was analyzed by conditional logistic regression model using medium concentration as the reference standard. The association of their interactions with CHD was analyzed by a phase multiplication model. Results: The M (Q1, Q3) concentration of neonatal cord blood copper was 746.12 (467.48, 759.74) μg/L in the case group and 535.69 (425.21, 587.79) μg/L in the control group, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). After adjustment for confounders, logistic regression models showed that the risk of CHD development was increased in neonates with either high copper in cord blood (OR=4.062, 95%CI: 2.013-8.199) or high copper combined with high iron (OR=3.226, 95%CI: 1.343-7.750). No correlation was observed between selenium and iron concentrations and the development of CHD in neonates. There was a multiplicative interaction between copper and iron in cord blood on the risk of developing CHD (OR=1.303, 95%CI: 1.056-1.608). Conclusion: There is a multiplicative interaction between iron and copper elements. The high copper and the high copper combined with high iron in umbilical cord blood are risk factors for neonatal CHD.

Whole blood trace element and toxic metal concentration in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy and healthy dogs: A case-control study.

Idiopathic epilepsy (IE) is the most common neurological disease in dogs. Multiple genes and environmental factors interact to cause clinical signs, although the pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Extensive evidence from recent decades shows that trace elements play a role in epilepsy in humans, and recently it was shown for the first time that also dogs with IE have altered trace element status. On the other hand, toxic metals may cause seizures but research on their role in canine IE is lacking. Therefore, we aimed to investigate trace element and toxic metal concentrations in whole blood from dogs that had been diagnosed with IE and compare them to those of healthy dogs. Whole blood concentrations of trace elements (selenium, zinc, copper, manganese, iron, and chromium) and toxic metals (arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead) were analyzed from 19 dogs that had been diagnosed with IE by board-certified neurologists and 19 healthy control dogs using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The concentrations in study and control group were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Dogs diagnosed with IE had significantly higher blood copper concentration (P = 0.007), higher copper/zinc ratio (P = 0.04), and higher selenium concentration (P < 0.001), as well as lower chromium concentration (P = 0.01) when compared to healthy dogs. Treatment of IE with potassium bromide was associated with a significant elevation in blood arsenic concentration (P = 0.01). In conclusion, the present results support the role of altered trace element status in dogs diagnosed with IE and suggest that copper, selenium, and chromium may be involved in the pathogenesis of canine epilepsy or seizures. The results also suggest that potassium bromide may alter arsenic metabolism in dogs.

The Effect of N-acetylcysteine on Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Blood and Lung Tissue of Male Wistar Rats Treated with Cadmium

The Effect of N-acetylcysteine on Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Blood and Lung Tissue of Male Wistar Rats Treated with Cadmium

Causal Effect of Genetically Determined Blood Copper Concentrations on Multiple Diseases: A Mendelian Randomization and Phenome-Wide Association Study.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43657-022-00052-3.

Blood copper excess is associated with mild cognitive impairment in elderly Chinese.

Copper is associated with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, there is a lack of relevant population studies with large sample sizes. This study used baseline data from a cohort study to determine the distribution characteristics of MCI in the elderly and to estimate the association between whole blood copper concentrations and MCI. MCI status was screened by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scale and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale. The concentration of copper in whole blood was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). A total of 1057 subjects with an average age of 71.82 ± 6.45years were included in this study. There were 215 patients with MCI, and the prevalence of MCI was 20.34%. After adjusting for general demographic variables, logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of MCI in the elderly with high copper level was 1.354 times higher than that in the elderly with low copper level (OR 1.354, 95% CI 1.047-1.983, P = 0.034). In this study, it was found that the prevalence of MCI was different in gender, age, education level and other aspects, and a higher copper level in the elderly was significantly related to the occurrence of MCI. The association was stronger in older adults and men.

Selected Metal Concentration in Maternal and Cord Blood.

Essential and non-essential elements deficiencies may lead to various birth complications. The aim of this paper was to determine calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), lead (Pb), strontium (Sr), and zinc (Zn) concentrations in maternal blood and cord blood. Whole blood and cord blood samples collected from pregnant women (n = 136) were analyzed for the concentration of the elements by spectrophotometric atomic absorption in inductively coupled argon plasma (ICP-OES). The results showed that Ca, Pb, and Sr concentrations were similar in maternal and cord blood, while Fe and K levels were higher in cord blood than in maternal blood. The cord blood Cu, Na, and Zn concentrations were lower than those in maternal blood, suggesting transplacental transfer of these elements were limited. Moreover, checking the influence of studied elements on the anthropometric parameters of the newborns, we found that the highest number of associations was between Cu in cord blood. Due to the fact that the pregnant women were healthy, and the newborns were without any disorders, we suggest that the values obtained in our study are normal values of studied elements in whole blood and cord blood in patients from Poland.

The relatively higher concentrations of trace elements to arsenic may have influenced on methylation process of inorg- As in humans

The relatively higher concentrations of trace elements to arsenic may have influenced on methylation process of inorg- As in humans

Ovarian inactivity in female dromedary camels

The present study describes a clinical trial aimed at understanding the causes of ovarian inactivity among female dromedary racing camels in the United Arab Emirates. A total of 1406 female racing camels were presented to the Aljazeera Veterinary Center during a 19-month period from September 2014 to April 2016 because of repeat breeding (as identified by camel owners). Females underwent ultrasonographic examination of the reproductive tract, as well as a manual vaginal examination. Any observed reproductive tract abnormalities were record. A percentage of 23.8 of females possessed no detectable reproductive tract abnormalities (and thus were diagnosed as typical repeat breeders). Of the remaining 76.2% of females, 59% had utero-tubal abnormalities and 41% had ovarian afflictions. The incidences of ovarian and utero-tubal affections in nulliparous and parous infertile females were 66.7 % versus 33.3 % (P&lt;0.05) and 32.2% versus 67.8% (P&lt;0.05), respectively. Most of the ovarian affections were due to ovarian inactivity or ovario-hydrobursitis. The incidence of ovarian inactivity and ovarian hydro-bursitis in nulliparous and parous females were 57.6% versus 13.2% (P&lt;0.05) and 5.8% versus 18.1% (P&lt;0.05), respectively. A subset of animals lacking ovarian activity (n=81) and cyclic control females (n=24) underwent blood sample collection. Samples were analyzed for concentrations of red blood cells, hemoglobin, total protein, copper, glucose, calcium, iron, and phosphorus. Blood concentrations of glucose were higher and blood concentrations of copper were lower in females with inactive ovaries compared with cyclic females. After exclusion of animals with poor general health, the remaining females that did not have ovarian activity (n=234) were divided into one of three treatment groups: Group 1 (n=71) received a single treatment of subcutaneous copper and intramuscular multivitamins, plus daily intravenous infusion of phosphorous for 5 days and oral minerals and vitamins daily for 7 days; Group 2 (n=104) received a single intramuscular injection of 1500 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin; Group 3 (n=64) were treated identically to group 1 females with the exception of receiving a single intramuscular injection of 1500 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin at the end of the 7-day treatment period; A number of 20 females was a subset of Group 3 females who failed to respond to treatment – they were treated for 10 days with an intravaginal device containing progesterone followed by a single intramuscular injection of 1500 IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin given at intravaginal device removal. Group 3 females exhibited a higher ovarian response to treatment than either Group 2 or Group 1 females which were different from one another. Conception rate was lower in Group 2 females than in Group 1 and group 3 females which were not different. Embryonic mortality was higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 and 3 females which were not different.

Association between blood copper and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease according to sex

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disease with potential sex-based difference in the prevalence and prognosis. Copper deficiency may affect the antioxidant defense system and lead to the progression of NAFLD. This study aimed to evaluate the association between blood copper and NAFLD according to sex difference. A case-control study of 1816 cases of NAFLD and 1111 sex- and age-matched control cases was conducted in Tangshan, China, from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2017, based on the Kailuan cohort. In men and women, logistic regression analysis was separately applied to determine the risk of NAFLD, severity of NAFLD based on hepatic steatosis, the NAFLD fibrosis score, and fibrosis-4 score, for each quartile of blood copper with the lowest quartile as the reference. In addition, the effect of metabolic syndrome on the association between copper and NAFLD was assessed. In men, blood copper concentration was lower in the NAFLD group (mean±SD: 0.617±0.117μg/mL) than in the control group (mean±SD: 0.655±0.133μg/mL) (P<0.001). After adjustment for possible confounders, the odds ratio of NAFLD at the highest quartile of copper compared to the lowest quartile was 0.57 (95% CI: 0.41-0.80) and the protective effect of higher blood copper was increased with the severity of NAFLD. In the results of stratified analysis, lower copper concentration was a significant additional factor that contributed to higher risk of NAFLD in male subjects with metabolic syndrome. However, no significant association was observed between copper and NAFLD in women with different characteristics, except an NAFLD fibrosis score<-1.455 and moderate hepatic steatosis. Higher copper levels achieved significant protective effect against NAFLD in men but not in women. Sex-specific intervention is a potential tool for the prevention of development of NAFLD.