Serum Copper Levels Research Articles

Copper Deficiency: An Overlooked Cause of Anemia and Leucopenia

Copper deficiency (hypocupremia) is an acknowledged but often overlooked cause of anemia and leukopenia (1-4). It is recognized as a frequent cause of hypochromic microcytic anemia, leukopenia, and neuropathy. Copper deficiency anemia has been reported after gastric resection (e.g., Roux-en-Y) (1, 5, 6), excessive zinc consumption (1, 6-9), and in patients with short bowel syndrome receiving total parenteral or enteral nutrition lacking adequate copper supplementation (1, 2). We report a case of vitamin B12, and iron refractory severe anemia and leucopenia with history of Roux-en-Y surgery. Myelodysplastic syndrome was suspected. Bone marrow biopsy was consistent with copper deficiency and serum copper levels were undetectable. The patient experienced complete hematological recovery after copper replacement therapy.

MON-595 Severe Copper Deficiency Post-Bariatric Surgery with Serious Preventable Complications

Copper is an essential cofactor in many enzymatic reactions vital to the normal function of the hematologic, vascular, skeletal, antioxidant, and neurologic systems. Parenteral nutrition and chronic tube feeding are used in various mal-absorptive syndromes, including following gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgery. Features of copper deficiency include hematologic abnormalities (anemia, neutropenia, and leukopenia) and myeloneuropathy; the latter is a rarer and often unrecognized complication of copper deficiency.We describe a 36 ‐year‐old Emirati woman who was referred to endocrinology service because of generalized body weakness and fatigue post bariatric surgery. The patient initially noted a lower extremity swelling in feet bilaterally that worsened in severity over time and progressed up to knees. Over a 3 month period, her ability to ambulate gradually deteriorated. She also noticed maculopapular skin rash over both shins. Patient had Sleeve Gastrectomy in 2011. Followed by conversion of sleeve to RYGB surgery in 2018 due weight loss failure. Patient is known to have well controlled hypothyroidism on thyroxine. She was prescribed vitamin D, neurobion, iron and multivitamins tablets post surgery but never been compliant. The patient was admitted with severe malnutrition due to poor oral intake over the last 5 months prior to admission. Her total weight loss was 34.5 kg (32% weight change, BMI 28 .52kg/m2) in less than 9 months post surgery. Initial labs revealed severe hypoalbuminemia, normochromic anemia and neutropenia. Iron, folate, thiamine, and vitamin B12 levels were normal. Vitamin B6 level was normal at 11 mcg/L (normal = 5-50 mcg/L). The serum copper level was low at 310 µg/l (normal = 794-2023µg/l). Zinc level was low at 447 µg/l (normal = 551-925µg/l). Nutritional needs were estimated using the following formulas; 22-25 kcal/kg ideal body weight (IBW)/d and 1.5-2.0 g protein/kg IBW/d, 30-35 ml IVF/kg /d. The patient’s input/output, body weight, and clinical status were monitored. Parenteral nutrition additive copper 0.3 mg/day and oral copper 8 mg daily, resulted in the rapid correction of hematologic indices over one week. Combined multivitamins supplementation and oral copper supplements alone normalized serum copper levels over 4 weeks and resulted in resolution of weakness and body edema.This report serves to alert physicians of the association between bariatric surgeries and subsequent severe copper deficiency in order to avoid diagnostic delays and to improve treatment outcomes.

A study of serum mineral, antioxidant capacity, and hematobiochemical parameters in horses with pica in China

Pica is defined as abnormal appetite or consumption of nonnutritive substances inappropriate for development. There is no consensus on the etiology of pica in animals. The present study investigated the status of serum minerals together with the hematological and biochemical parameters and antioxidant enzymes in horses with and without pica. Eight horses with pica and eight healthy horses were used in the study. The serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, copper, iron, the calcium/phosphorus ratio, and the copper/zinc ratio were lower in the pica group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Compared to the control group, CAT and MDA levels were significantly higher in the pica group (P < 0.05), whereas the T-SOD level was decreased (P < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between serum copper and T-SOD levels, between copper and total protein, and between iron and RBC. The serum levels of AST and ALT were higher in pica horses (P < 0.05), and the value of MCHC was lower in pica horses than that of control group (P < 0.05). Consequently, the serum imbalance of calcium and phosphorus, accompanied by iron and copper deficiency, may play a vital role in the pica horses studied. Mineral deficiency exerts its harmful effects on the organism with adverse effects on antioxidant capacity, leading to the pica. These effects should be kept in mind to use mineral supplements and antioxidants to prevent pica of horses.

Effect of High Trace Element Levels in Serum of Women Undergoing Intra-cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) on Implantation Rate

Objectives: To assess the effects of trace element concentrations in serum on implantation rate in women undergoing ICSI. Study design: Across-sectional study was conducted between March 2018 to April 2019 in Kamal ALSamarai Hospital, center of fertility and IVF. One hundred and seventeen women underwent ICSI using GnRH-antagonist protocol were recruited. Concentration E2, P4 and two trace elements (Cu, Zn, and Cu/ Zn) were measured in serum specimen. Women’s were evaluated in two groups; the study group consisted of patients with successful implantation (n = 21) and women in the second group (n=96) experienced implantation failure. Results: No significant differences were observed in age or BMI between the groups. Serum copper levels were significantly higher differences (P=0.001) in group of failure (198 ± 107?g/dL) than in group of successful implantation (133 ± 46?g/dL), zinc concentrations in group of successful and failure out of the maximum of normal range (137 ± 40?g/dL versus 135 ± 34?g/ dL respectively) but statistically significant differences were did not observed (P?0.05). When we calculated the copper/zinc ratio (Cu/Zn), it was significantly higher differences (P=0.001) in group of failure (1.59 ± 1) than in group of successful (1.03 ± 0.4). In conclusion, we observed that high serum copper concentrations and (high Cu/Zn ratio) are a risk factor for implantation failure.

Deferasirox Might Be Effective for Microcytic Anemia and Neurological Symptoms Associated with Aceruloplasminemia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

The patient was a 64-year-old man presented with difficulty in walking, articulation, and swallowing, as well as cognitive impairment. He had refractory microcytic anemia and diabetes mellitus. His serum levels of iron, copper, and ceruloplasmin were low. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested iron deposition in the basal ganglia, thalami, cerebellar dentate nuclei, and cerebral and cerebellar cortices. He was diagnosed with aceruloplasminemia after a ceruloplasmin gene analysis. Iron chelation therapy with deferasirox improved his anemia and cerebellar symptoms, which included dysarthria and limb ataxia. The present study and previous reports indicate that cerebellar symptoms with aceruloplasminemia might respond to deferasirox in less than one year.

Serum Copper Elevation Promotes Hepatic Ceruloplasmin Production and Excretion in Rat Model of Myocardial Infarction

Ceruloplasmin (Cp) is a major copper‐binding protein in blood, regulating copper homeostasis. High levels of serum copper and Cp are both risk factors for coronary artery disease, particularly in patients with acute myocardial infarction. However, the relationship between the changes in serum copper and Cp levels in response to myocardial ischemia remains unknown. It is known that myocardial ischemia causes copper efflux from the heart leading to copper elevation in the blood. The present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that the elevation of serum copper leads to an increase in hepatic Cp production and excretion. Adult male Sprague‐Dawley rats were subjected to left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation to induce myocardial infarction. Serum copper and Cp levels, as well as changes in hepatic Cp and copper‐transporting P‐type ATPase (ATP7B), were determined from blood and liver samples harvested on day 1, 4, or 7 after the operation. Serum copper concentrations were significantly increased on day 4 after LAD ligation, accompanied by an increase in serum Cp levels and activities. Concomitantly, the protein levels of Cp and copper exporter, ATP7B, were also significantly increased in the liver. Taken together, these results indicate that the elevated serum Cp levels mostly likely result from the increase in Cp production and excretion in the liver in response to the elevated serum copper levels following myocardial ischemia.Support or Funding InformationWest China Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChanges in hepatic Cp levels. At the time of 1, 4 or 7 day after LAD ligation, the liver tissues were harvested for Western blot and mRNA analysis. (A–C) Changes in hepatic Cp protein levels. (D–E) Changes in the expression of Cp, measured by RT‐PCR. Data are presented as mean ± SD, n=5–6, *P &lt; 0.05. LAD: left anterior descending; MI: myocardial infarction.Figure 1Changes in hepatic ATP7B levels. The sample preparation was as the same as presented in Figure 3. (A–C) Western blot analysis was performed to detect the protein level at different time point. (D–E) Changes in the expression of ATP7B, measured by RT‐PCR. Data are presented as mean ± SD, n=4–6, *P &lt; 0.05. MI: myocardial infarction.Figure 2

Assessment of Serum Copper Level among Sudanese Patients with vitiligo

Background: Vitiligo is a common skin disease of unknown etiology characterized clinically by depigmented patches, which can be localized or generalized; it usually runs a chronic course with an un predictable outcome and failure of complete cure in many affected individuals. Many communities consider it a contagious disease which leads to a great psychological and social stigma for patients; previous studies showed that copper might be associated with the pathogenesis of vitiligo. The aim of this study was to assess copper level in Sudanese vitiligo patients.&#x0D; Methods: This is a case-control study conducted in dermatology clinics in Khartoum state during the period from November 2018 to February 2019. Blood samples were obtained from 100 participants, 50 from vitiligo patients and 50 from non-vitiligo subjects representing a control group. Serum copper was measured by mind-ray (automation).&#x0D; Results: A highly significant increase (P-value = 0.000) in the copper level was seen in vitiligo patients compared with the control group. Of the total number of patients, 17 (34%) were females and 33 (66%) were males. According to the duration of the disease, the copper level was significantly increased in patient group with a disease duration of &gt; one year compared to the patient group six months–one year and patient group &lt; 6 months; we found no significance of the family history, 18% of the case group had a family history while 42 (82%) had no family history. Discussion: The relationship between the serum level of copper and vitiligo has been assessed by many studies. Copper is one of the trace elements that was found to be important for tyrosinase enzyme that catalyzes the first steps in melanin synthesis in the skin. Some studies showed that the disease was associated with low serum levels of copper and since vitiligo is a disease that is characterized clinically by white areas of skin with no melanin, these studies seem to be logical. However, in this study, the serum level of copper was found to be high in vitiligo patients which might be justified by the release of copper from the destroyed melanocytes. Another justification might be a defect in the carrier protein for copper.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study found that the serum copper was significantly increased in vitiligo patients compared to the control and it is recommended that serum copper level and copper profile should be assessed routinely in vitiligo patients.&#x0D; Keywords: vitiligo, depigmentation, copper, Sudanese

Impact of Early Life Giardiasis on Growth, Nutritional Status, and Serum Trace Elements in Children

Giardia lamblia is considered the most common intestinal parasite in humans worldwide.Giardiasis is a major health problem with a great morbid effect on children’s physical and cognitive development. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of giardiasis on children’s growth, assess the serum levels of zinc, copper, and iron, also to study the relation between giardia infections and breastfeeding.Methods: this was a cross-sectional study carried out on 200 children (1-3 years). They were recruited from the outpatient clinics of Al-Zahraa university hospital and National Nutrition Institute. 100 children were infected with giardiasis and 100 were healthy All the studied children were subjected to full history taking, complete clinical examination, anthropometric measures, complete blood count, stool analysis, and estimation of serum level of zinc, copper, and iron.Results: this study revealed an increase in giardiasis in patients with low socioeconomic levels. The prevalence of malnutrition among infected patients as regards Waterlaw’s classification was 55% wasted, 42% stunted, and 42% were wasted & stunted. Anemia is more frequent in patients with giardiasis. There is a significant decrease in the level of serum zinc in infected children which was associated with high rates of diarrhea. Also, there was a significant decrease in serum iron. A statistically significant relation was found between children who received breast milk and protection against giardiasis. Conclusion: Giardiasis is regarded as a serious public health problem, as it causes iron-deficiency anemia, growth retardation in children, and other physical health problems.

Serum trace element and heavy metal levels in patients with sepsis

Background and objectives: Sepsis is defined as a life-threatening organ dysfunction syndrome, which occurs when the body’s immune response to infection is impaired. The aim of the present study was to investigate serum Iron, Copper, Zinco, Cobalt, Chromium, Selenium, Vanadium, Nickel, Cadmium, and Aliminium levels in patients with sepsis.Materials and methods: This prospective and observational study was conducted at a tertiary care university hospital of Turkey from 2015 to 2016, and comprised patients with sepsis. Serum concentrations of 10 elements were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Analyses were performed at the laboratory of Düzce University Scientific and Technological Research Application and Research Center. A total of 87 participants (52 men, 35 women; average age, 74.11 ± 14.26) were enrolled.Results: When evaluated in terms of trace elements, a significant difference was noted between the sepsis and control groups in terms of the levels of the five elements. Chromium, Iron, Nickel, Copper, and Cadmium levels were significantly higher in the sepsis group.Conclusion: Our study indicated in particular, Iron, Copper, Chromium, Nickel, and Cadmium levels were elevated in patients with sepsis.

The effect of oral zinc supplementation on cervicovaginal lavage fluid zinc level

ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of oral zinc supplementation on cervicovaginal lavage fluid (CVL) zinc level in pre and postmenopausal women. Study designA prospective interventional cohort study was carried out by the enrollment of twelve premenopausal and ten postmenopausal women without significant gynecological conditions. Women received daily oral supplementation with 30 mg of zinc for two weeks. Clinical and demographic variables were stored in a dedicated database. Vaginal Health Index was calculated, and vaginal cytology was obtained. CVL and serum samples were collected in a standardized fashion before and after completion of the oral supplementation. Zinc and copper levels were measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Paired t-test was used to compare the before and after treatment results. ResultsSerum zinc levels increased significantly both in the pre and postmenopausal women (0.88 ± 0.17 vs. 1.06 ± 0.23, p < 0.01 and 0.83 ± 0.24 vs. 0.96 ± 0.33, p < 0.01) after two weeks of daily oral zinc supplementation. CVL zinc level was significantly higher in the premenopausal group compared to the postmenopausal group before and after supplementation (0.13 ± 0.05 vs. 0.06 ± 0.04, p < 0.01 and 0.10 ± 0.03 vs. 0.05 ± 0.01, p < 0.01). Zinc supplementation had no significant impact on the CVL zinc level in either group. Neither serum nor CVL copper levels were affected by the zinc supplementation. There was no significant correlation between serum and CVL zinc or copper levels. ConclusionDaily oral supplementation with 30 mg of zinc had no significant impact on CVL zinc level despite a significant rise in serum zinc level.

Serum Levels of Vitamin D, Calcium, Magnesium, and Copper, and their Relations with Mental Health and Sexual Function in Pregnant Iranian Adolescents.

Pregnant adolescents are at risk for micronutrient deficiency, psychological problems, and sexual dysfunction. We aimed to determine serum levels of vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, and copper, and also their relations with stress, anxiety, depression, and sexual function in pregnant adolescents. This cross-sectional study was conducted on two hundred 11-19-year-old healthy singleton pregnant women at gestational age of 26-32weeks, who were covered by public health centers in Tabriz, Iran. Depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), anxiety and stress using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The independent t test was employed to determine the relations. Serum levels of vitamin D were found to be deficient (< 20ng/ml) in 59% of the participants and insufficient (20-29ng/ml) in 33%. Normal serum levels of calcium were observed in 67% of the participants, those of magnesium in 89.5%, and those of copper in 86%. Moreover, moderate-to-severe anxiety was observed in 38.5%, moderate-to-severe stress in 22.5%, depression in 30%, and sexual dysfunction in 68%. Mean serum level of copper was higher in women with depression compared with those with no depression (100.6 vs 93.0, P = 0.048). No other statistically significant associations were found between serum levels of any of the micronutrients and anxiety, stress, depression, and sexual dysfunction (P > 0.05). The present study indicates high prevalence of micronutrient (especially vitamin D) deficiency, psychological problems, and sexual dysfunction among the pregnant adolescents. It also indicates an association between high serum copper level and depression.

Serum Levels of Selenium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, and Iron in Prostate Cancer Patients

Backgrounds: Variations of trace element contents may be associated with several diseases including metabolic disorders, cellular growth disturbance, mutation and tumorigenesis. Prostate cancer is the second most common male cancer worldwide and stand fifth most common male cancer in Saudi Arabia. Objective: In the present study, Serum levels of selenium, zinc, copper, manganese, and iron were measured in patients with BPH and prostate cancer aiming to explore the association between these elements and prostate cancer. Patients and Methods: The study included 40 newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients, 22 patients with BPH and 30 healthy male subjects. All participant groups had similar socio-economic levels. Fasting blood samples were collected from all subjects and before any intervention for the patients. Serum PSA concentrations were analyzed by ELIZA and trace elements Se, Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe were measured by ICP-MS. Results: Serum Se, Zn, and Mn levels of prostate cancer patients were significantly decreased compared to control groups. The levels of serum Cu and Fe were significantly higher in prostate cancer patients than in control groups. Conclusion: In the present study, an association was noticed between serum trace elements disturbance and prostate cancer. The decreased levels of Se, Zn, and Mn, and increased Cu and Fe levels may play significant roles in the initiation of prostate cancer. However, future prospective studies on the causes of trace elements alteration in prostate cancer patients are needed as well as to illustrate the relation between different prostate cancer stages and trace elements concentrations.

Trace elements in type 2 diabetes mellitus and their association with glycemic control.

Alterations in serum levels of trace elements reported in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have been linked with induction of T2DM and associated complications. To assess serum levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) in T2DM patients with adequate and poor glycemic control. This study was performed at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh. A total of 100 consenting T2DM patients comprising of 50 patients with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) less than 6.5% and 50 patients with HbA1c more than 6.5% along with a group of 50 normal healthy individuals were included in the study. Serum levels of Cu, Zn and Se were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) instrument. Among T2DM patients with HbA1c <6.5%, mean serum Cu levels (13.4+4.3µmol/L) were not different from the controls (14.5+1.92µmol/L) whereas Zn (9.9+2.7µmol/Lvs15+3.2µmol/L;p<0.0001) and Se levels (1+0.2µmol/Lvs1.62+0.2µmol/L; p<0.0004) were lower than the controls. Among T2DM patients with HbA1c >6.5% mean serum Cu (18.1+4.1µmol/Lvs14.5+1.9µmol/L; p<0.0001), Zn (15+3.2µmol/Lvs13.5+1.9µmol/L; p<0.009) and Se (1.62+0.2µmol/Lvs1.17+0.16µmol/L;p<0.0001) were significantly higher than the controls. HbA1c% negatively correlated with HbA1c >6.5% (r = -0.302; p<0.03). Cu, Zn and Se homeostasis was altered in T2DM patients and varied with glycemic control.

Zinc Burden Evokes Copper Deficiency in the Hypoalbuminemic Hemodialysis Patients.

Background: Recent research has focused on the roles of trace minerals such as zinc and copper. In 2017, oral zinc acetate was approved to treat zinc deficiency, and the next year, the Japanese Society for Clinical Nutrition developed the guidelines for diagnosis and treatment for zinc deficiency. Accordingly, hemodialysis patients began receiving zinc acetate when zinc deficiency was diagnosed. However, studies regarding the values of zinc and copper in hemodialysis patients are extremely poor, thus it remains unclear if the guidelines for healthy subjects can be applied to hemodialysis patients. Methods: We conducted a descriptive study, in which 132 patients were subjected to simply examine serum zinc concentration and its association with copper levels in hemodialysis patients (N = 65) versus healthy individuals attending a routine check-up (control group; N = 67) in our hospital. Analyses were performed with BellCurve for Excel (Social Survey Research Information Co., Ltd. Tokyo, Japan). Results: The distribution of zinc level in the hemodialysis group was distinct from that in the control group (P < 0.001). The zinc level was correlated with serum albumin concentration. Zinc concentration was also negatively correlated with serum copper level in both groups. In the hemodialysis group, the upper limit of zinc to avoid copper deficiency was 109.7 μg/dL, and the safety upper limit was 78.3 μg/dL. Conclusions: Hemodialysis patients exhibited a lower level of zinc concentration compared to normal healthy subjects. Since albumin binds to zinc as a carrier, low zinc levels could be attributed to lower level of serum albumin. Importantly, zinc and copper levels were inversely correlated, thus administration of oral zinc acetate could increase a risk for copper deficiency. It might be better to check both zinc and copper values monthly after prescribing zinc acetate.

A study of serum copper levels and its relation to dietary intake among rural pregnant women in Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu

Background: Copper plays a definitive role in normal function and development of the body. Previous studies have shown that suboptimal copper intake during fetal development contributes to occurrence of birth defects in humans. Copper deficiency is more common in pregnancy especially in developing countries like India. Prevalence studies on copper levels in pregnant women in south Indian population are scanty and needs to be evaluated.Aim: The aim of this study is to assess serum copper levels during pregnancy and its association with dietary intake, socioeconomic status, gestational age and parity. Materials and methods: This cross sectional study included a total of 54 healthy pregnant women in the rural area of chengalpettu district, Tamil Nadu. A proforma was used to collect a detailed obstetric history and their average daily dietary intake in terms of copper was assessed by using a weekly standardized food frequency questionnaire. Serum Copper level was estimated using colorimetric method. Results: Serum copper levels were deficient in 3.7% of the study population with mean serum copper levels of 193.93±79.24 µg/dl in study population. The dietary intake of copper was found to be deficient

Serum levels of zinc, copper and magnesium in polycystic ovarian syndrome: A cross Sectional study

Introduction: Polycystic ovarian syndrome is the most common endocrinopathy affecting approximately 5 to 21% of reproductive age women. Although the exact aetiology of PCOS is unknown, recent reports have indicated the association between PCOS and disturbance in trace elements (e.g. zinc, copper and magnesium) levels and oxidative stress. Aim and Objective: To compare serum levels of essential trace elements Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu) and Magnesium (Mg) among patients with PCOS and healthy controls of age group (15-35 years) from same socio economic status. Material and Methods: Present study was carried out in 240 patients (120 cases and 120 healthy controls) of age group (15-35 years) and serum levels of Zinc, Copper and magnesium were compared in PCOS women and healthy controls by using colorimetric method Results: High baseline serum concentration of zinc, copper and magnesium were found in both i.e. women with PCOS and the healthy controls and it may be attributed to the socio-cultural and environmental characteristics of this population. Serum zinc and magnesium levels were found to be significantly higher while serum copper levels were significantly lower in women with PCOS in comparison to healthy controls in present study. Conclusion: The results of the present study provide clues to explore the role of trace elements in pathogenesis of PCOS and provide an area of interest for further clinical trials in PCOS.

Comparing Copper Serum Level and Cognitive Functioning in Patients With Schizophrenia and Healthy Controls.

Introduction:The altered serum profiles of several trace elements have been reported in Schizophrenia (SCZ). This study was designed to elucidate whether the serum levels of Copper (Cu) and Magnesium (Mg), the two essential trace elements which contribute to neurotransmitter transmission, are altered in patients with SCZ. We also investigated whether there is an interrelation between cognitive functioning and the serum levels of Cu and Mg.Methods:Sixty patients with SCZ and 30 healthy controls participated in this study. The patient group was divided into the following: i) early patients (n=35, ≤5 years of illness initiation), and ii) chronic patients (n=25, ≥5 years of illness duration). The serum levels of Cu and Mg were measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy and ion-selective electrode potentiometry, respectively. To assess cognitive abilities, a Persian adaptation of the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) was administered.Results:The present research results revealed significantly higher Cu serum levels in both patient groups [early patients (M=94.6), chronic patients (M=97.5)], compared to the controls (M=71.0) (P<0.001); however, no significant difference was observed among the study groups for Mg [patients with the recent onset (M=2.0), chronic patients (M=2.0), and controls (M=1.9)] P=0.1. While the serum Cu profile of healthy individuals revealed a negative correlation with working memory (r=−0.42, P=0.02), and executive functioning (r=−0.40, P=0.03), no significant correlation was observed between Cu serum levels of patients and BACS cognitive domains.Conclusion:findings suggested that the high Cu serum concentration might impact the cognitive decline in healthy individuals; however, no significant correlation was observed in the Patients; i.e. most likely because cognition is severely impaired in SCZ. Additional studies examining trace elements in drug-naïve patients with SCZ are required.

Influence of zinc administration on serum copper levels in hemodialysis patients

Influence of zinc administration on serum copper levels in hemodialysis patients

Ginger (Zingiber officinale (L.) Rosc) improves oxidative stress and trace elements status in patients with alopecia areata.

Alopecia areata (AA) involves oxidative reactions in the hair follicle. Its treatment is difficult due to both the unknown etiology and the adverse drug effects. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of orally administered ginger powder on the oxidative stress markers of the plasma and blood cells in Iraqi patients with AA. Twenty patients (9 females and 11 males), with a mean age of 26.0 ± 8.0 years, with different lesions of stable alopecia areata localized on the scalp, were enrolled in this pilot study. Exclusion criteria include the use of any medication that may influence the course of the disease. All patients were treated with 500 mg of ginger powder once daily for 60zz days. Blood samples were obtained at zero time, day-30 and day-60 and utilized for the evaluation of the erythrocytes and lymphocytes contents of reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant status (TAS), in addition to the assessment of serum zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) levels. The results are compared with those of 20 healthy subjects served as a control group. Treatment of the AA patients with ginger significantly improves the antioxidant/oxidant balance of the erythrocytes and lymphocytes, which is known to be impaired in the patient group as compared with healthy subjects. The ginger powder also elevates the serum concentration of zinc up to that reported in controls and associated with normalizing serum copper levels at the end of the treatment period. Consumption of ginger as a supplement by the patients with AA could improve the oxidant/antioxidant balance of the erythrocytes and lymphocytes and restoring the normal level of serum zinc.

Correlation between maternal copper deficiency and premature rupture of membranes: A case–Control study

Background: The association between maternal serum copper levels and premature rupture of membranes (PROM) is debated. Aims: This study aims to study the relationship between maternal serum copper levels and the incidence of PROM and to determine risk factors of PROM in Aleppo University Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Settings and Design: Sixty pregnant women were subjected for this study. Materials and Methods: Pregnant women were subjected for analyzing serum copper concentrations. Maternal serum copper levels were measured by atomic absorption spectroscope. Statistical Analysis: By SPSS (version 22.0). Results: A significant correlation was found between maternal serum copper levels and the incidence of PROM. The relationship presents when copper level is considered as a categorical variable, as mothers with copper deficiency were significantly more vulnerable for PROM (Odds ratios = 0.15, confidence intervals: 0.04–0.61, P = 0.002). Furthermore, the relationship presents when copper level is considered as a numerical variable, as mothers with lower serum copper levels were at significantly higher risk to develop PROM. Difference in means between the two groups was 40.87 μg/dL with CI (14.98–66.75) μg/dL (P = 0.003). Conclusion: Within its limitations, this study suggests a significant relationship between maternal serum copper levels and PROM.