Serum Copper Levels In Patients Research Articles

Serum iron, zinc and copper among Indian patients with leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma.

The serum levels of iron, zinc and copper in patients with leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and compare them with normal subjects is of interest to dentists. The effort was to determine a parameter that will aid the initial diagnosis, a more efficient therapy plan, and ultimately a better prognosis. Participants in the study comprised 40 healthy normal volunteers, 60 patients diagnosed with leukoplakia, 60 patients diagnosed with OSCC, and 60 patients diagnosed with OSMF. After fasting for the whole night, blood samples were taken from each participant. There was analysis by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) for the determination of trace elements; iron, copper, and zinc. The serum levels of iron and zinc in normal subjects was greater as compared to patients with leukoplakia, OSMF and OSCC. There was increase in serum copper levels in patients with oral leukoplakia, OSMF and OSCC as compared with normal subjects.

Comparative Sero-Analysis between Copper Levels and the Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction in District Nowshera

There is an increasing evidence pointing to a possible correlation between AMI and copper levels. Serum copper levels serve as a valuable biomarker for assessing the body's copper status. Objective: To find the changes in serum copper level in patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI). Methods: This observational study was conducted in District Headquarter Hospital, Nowshera in duration of two years. A total of 240 patients were recruited in this study. Upon admission, demographic information, medical history, and clinical characteristics were collected. Blood samples were obtained for measurement of serum copper levels using established laboratory methods. All data were analyzed through SPSS version 29.0. Results: Among total, 65% males and 35% females and the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was notable, with 70% of patients having hypertension, 40% with diabetes mellitus, 60% with dyslipidemia, and 45% identified as smokers. Baseline serum copper levels averaged 110 ± 5.2 µg/dL, within 24 hours of admission, the peak serum copper level significantly increased to 125 ± 18.6 µg/dL. Subsequently, levels decreased gradually over the following days, with mean values of 120 ± 17.1 µg/dL on Day 2, 115 ± 16.4 µg/dL on Day 3, 112 ± 15.9 µg/dL on Day 4, and returning to baseline levels by Day 5, 110 ± 15.2 µg/dL. Conclusions: Serum copper levels exhibit significant changes during the acute phase of AMI, with a peak observed within 24 hours of admission. While patients with anterior infractions showed higher peak copper levels, no significant associations were found between copper levels and traditional cardiovascular risk factors or inflammatory markers

Association between biomarkers of zinc and copper status and heart failure: a meta-analysis.

Previous studies have investigated the relationship between heart failure (HF) and levels of zinc and copper, but conflicting results have been reported. This meta-analysis aims to clarify the role of zinc and copper in HF progression by examining the associations between HF and concentrations of these minerals. We utilized STATA 12.0 software to calculate the standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for serum zinc and copper levels in patients with HF compared with healthy controls (HCs). The meta-analysis indicated a lower serum zinc level in patients with HF compared with HCs, using a random effects model (SMD=-0.77; 95% CI: -1.01, -0.54; I2=61.9%, the P-value for Q test=0.002). Additionally, the meta-analysis showed an increased serum copper level in patients with HF compared with HCs, using a random effects model (SMD=0.66; 95% CI: 0.09, 1.23; I2=93.8%, the P-value for Q test<0.001). Meta-regression analysis indicated that publication year, age, and gender were not responsible for heterogeneity across studies. This meta-analysis demonstrates that patients with HF have lower serum zinc and higher copper concentrations compared with healthy subjects. However, the potential of zinc supplementation as a therapy for HF should be approached with caution. The heterogeneity among the included studies was found to be high. It is recommended that further well-designed large sample studies be conducted to validate these findings.

A Comparison of Serum Copper Levels in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma, Nodular Goiter, and Healthy Volunteers

Objective: Serum copper (Cu) is an essential trace element that plays a key role in thyroid hormone production. An inappropriate level of serum Cu might be related to development of both benign and malignant thyroid neoplasm. Nodular goiter and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) are common benign and malignant tumors of the thyroid, respectively. This study aims to compare the serum Cu levels of healthy women with women with PTC or nodular goiter.Materials and Methods: A total of 205 Thai women were recruited for this cross-sectional study. The reference group was comprised of 100 healthy volunteers. There were 61 nodular goiter and 41 PTC patients that had been treated with surgery. Serum Cu was measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer and the three groups were compared.Results: The serum Cu levels of the PTC, nodular goiter and the reference group were 0.93 (0.85, 1.11) μg/ml, 1.03 (0.90, 1.14) μg/ml and 0.97 (0.80, 1.11) μg/ml, respectively. The results were not statistically different (P = 0.10). A post hoc subgroup analysis in the PTC group showed only serum Cu levels were significantly higher in the blood vessel invasion group (P = 0.02).Conclusion: The serum Cu levels of patients with PTC and nodular goiter were not different and did not differ significantly from the reference group. Despite related to with only one pattern of histopathologically aggressive PTCBlood vessel invasion, serum Cu levels cannot be used as an assistive tool for diagnosis and the prognosis of PTC.

Serum Copper and Zinc Levels in Primary Immune Thrombocytopenia.

Although the pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopenia is not fully known, oxidative stress is one of the etiological causes. Copper and zinc are elements in the antioxidant system, and their deficiency causes oxidative stress. We aimed to determine the serum copper and zinc levels and their effects on the response to treatment in patients with immune thrombocytopenia. We analyzed 51 patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia and 33 control cases. Age, gender, and platelet values at the time of diagnosis, drugs used for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia, remission status, and serum copper and zinc levels were recorded. The primary immune thrombocytopenia and control groups were compared in terms of serum copper and zinc levels. In addition, the relationship between the response status to the treatment of patients with immune thrombocytopenia and serum copper and zinc levels was investigated. The serum zinc level in the immune thrombocytopenia group and control group was 10.35 ± 3.28µmol/L and 12.82 ± 2.41µmol/L, respectively (p = 0.01). The serum copper level in patients with immune thrombocytopenia (77.3 ± 22.23µg/dL) was significantly lower than the control group (99.4 ± 20.82µg/dL) (p = 0.01). A significant correlation was found between the response to first-line treatment of primary immune thrombocytopenia and serum copper level (p = 0.005). The serum copper level was significantly lower in relapsed cases (p = 0.001). In conclusion, serum copper and zinc levels are lower in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia than in healthy cases. Patients with relapsed or unresponsive to immune thrombocytopenia treatment have lower serum copper levels than other patients.

Investigation of the Relationship Between MTHFR C677T Gene Variation and Serum Copper Levels in Patients Diagnosed with Parkinson's

Investigation of the Relationship Between MTHFR C677T Gene Variation and Serum Copper Levels in Patients Diagnosed with Parkinson's

Serum Copper Level in Patients with Heart Failure and Its Related Factors

Background: Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a debilitating disorder that affects 1-2% of the general population. Despite recent advances in the management of heart failure, symptomatic heart failure still has a poor prognosis, so the importance of evaluating these patients is emphasized. The micronutrients are not produced in the body, but they should be taken in the required amount of diet, and their required amount is generally less than 100 mg per day. Copper deficiency leads to hypertrophic cardiomyopathies in several experimental models, which ultimately leads to systolic and diastolic cardiac function impairment. Copper deficiency is the only nutritional factor that increases cholesterol, blood pressure, homocysteine, and uric acid, leads to glucose intolerance, and increases thrombotic and oxidative damage. Objectives: The aim of this assessment is to examine the serum copper level in patients with Heart failure hospitalized in Rajaie Cardiovascular, Medical and Research Center and its related factors in the period of 2017-18. Methods: This as a prospective descriptive study conducted on patients with heart failure hospitalized in Rajaee Cardiovascular, Medical and Research Center. Research variables included serum copper level, Pro-BNP serum level, heart failure etiology, Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM), age, gender, BMI, history of diabetes, history of airway disease, duration of heart failure diagnosis, smoking, presence of shortness of breath, the amount of ejection fraction (EF), initial blood pressure, serum hemoglobin levels, white blood cell count, creatinine, cholesterol, sodium and uric acid. Accordingly, 80 patients with heart failure have been evaluated and the results of the evaluation of patients have been put together based on the aims of the study. Results: Of the evaluated cases, there were 52 (65%) male and 35 (28%) female. The mean and standard deviation of the patients' age was 49.9 ± 16.2 years, also the mean and standard deviation of serum copper was 189.28 ± 58.3 (range:80-150). The evaluated indices in this study included severe NYHA (P = 0.90), ejection fraction (EF) in echocardiography (P = 0.40), serum Pro BNP (P = 0.45) and prognosis of disease according to Seattle Heart Failure Model (P = 0.63), because non of the patients copper serum level were under the baseline we could not found statistically significant relationship between serum copper level and EF, pro BNP, NYHA function class and prognosis of the disease according to Seattle Heart failure model, while there was a significant statistical relationship between serum copper levels and etiology of heart failure (P = 0.02). Conclusions: Copper does not have a significant effect on the status of patients with heart failure, and only some differences were observed in the etiology of heart failure.

Association between copper levels and heart failure: a meta-analysis

Background and Objectives: Copper dyshomeostasis can lead to many diseases, including cardiovascular disease. However, there are conflicting reports on the relationship between serum copper levels and heart failure (HF). To explore the relationship between serum copper levels and HF by performing a meta-analysis. Methods and Study Design: The PubMed and ScienceDirect databases until June 2019 were searched for reports on the association between serum copper levels and HF. Results: A total of thirteen studies including 1504 subjects were chosen for the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis indicated that patients with HF had higher copper levels than the control subjects [standardized mean difference (SMD), 0.982; 95% confidence interval (CI), (0.679, 1.285)]. Subgroup analysis stratified by different geographic locations found that HF patients had higher copper levels than the control subjects in Asia and Europe [Asia: SMD, 0.948 and 95% CI, (0.569, 1.327); Europe: SMD, 1.275 and 95% CI, (0.633, 1.917)], but not in America [America: SMD, 0.637 and 95% CI, (-0.109, 1.383)]. Additionally, subgroup analysis revealed that patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) [SMD, 1.171; 95% CI, (0.717, 1.624)], idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) [SMD, 0.569; 95% CI, (0.097, 1.042)] and other types of HF [SMD, 1.152; 95% CI, (0.594, 1.710)] all had higher copper levels than controls. Further subgroup analysis stratified by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) scores also found higher serum copper levels in patients with HF than controls within each subgroup. Conclusions: Our meta-analysis identified a significant association between high copper levels and HF.

Prognostic Significance of Serum Copper in Patients With Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma

BackgroundSerum copper has been reported to be increased in various cancers, including lymphoma. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the clinical and prognostic importance of serum copper levels in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Patients and MethodsSerum copper was measured in 60 men and 38 women with mycosis fungoides (MF) and 14 men and 3 women with erythrodermic CTCL (6 with Sézary syndrome) consecutively evaluated from July 1980 to June 1985. ResultsA greater than normal copper level was present in nearly 20% of patients and was associated with an increased risk of disease progression and shortened disease-specific survival for patients with patch or plaque phase MF, but not for those with tumor phase MF or erythrodermic CTCL. In contrast, the serum lactate dehydrogenase level and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio were not significantly associated with prognosis in our patient cohort. ConclusionThe reason for the association between the high serum copper levels and adverse prognosis is unknown. We hypothesized that interleukin-6 is secreted primarily by non-neoplastic cells at MF skin sites, leading to release of copper by the liver. Local production of interleukin-6 at the lesion sites might conceivably also promote neoplastic cell progression by stimulation of the STAT3 pathway. Further studies on the relationship between activated tumor-associated macrophages, serum copper levels, interleukin-6, or C-reactive protein and prognosis might be informative.

Association between serum copper levels and cervical cancer risk: a meta-analysis.

Whether serum copper levels were higher in patients with cervical cancer than that in controls was controversial. Hence, we conducted the present study to explore the relationship between serum copper levels and cervical cancer. We searched PubMed, WanFang, and China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) for relevant studies before November 30, 2017. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to combine results across studies using the random-effect model. A total of 14 publications involving 747 patients with cervical cancer and 1014 controls were eligible through inclusion criteria. In comparison with controls, serum copper levels were significantly higher in patients with cervical cancer [summary SMD = 1.35; 95%CI: 0.10–2.59], with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 98.8%; P<0.001) was found. Significant association was also found among Asian populations [summary SMD = 1.39; 95%CI: 0.06–2.71]. The association was positive in subgroup analysis of population-based case–control studies (PBCC) [summary SMD = 1.64; 95%CI: 0.02–3.34], but not in hospital-based case–control studies (HBCC). Through a sensitivity analysis, we did not identify any single study to strongly influence the results of our serum copper levels and cervical cancer risk. No publication bias was found in our analysis. In conclusion, our study provided significant evidence of higher serum copper levels in patients with cervical cancer than in controls, suggesting that serum copper exposure was a risk factor on cervical cancer.

Augmented mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase activity in children with iron deficiency: a tandem between iron and copper?

IntroductionDyshomeostasis of essential trace elements including iron and copper plays a key role in the pathogenesis of a myriad of serious conditions including iron deficiency (ID) anemia, in which impaired cellular energy metabolism is prominent. Although experimental studies documented decreased activity of cytochrome c oxidase (CytOx) in ID, there are not enough clinical data. The present study was conducted to determine serum copper levels and activity of mitochondrial CytOx in isolated lymphocytes of patients with iron deficiency.Material and methodsA total of 210 cases (2–17 years) were included in this prospective study. Serum iron and copper levels were measured. According to the serum iron levels, patients were allocated to iron deficient (ID, n = 70) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA, n = 70) groups, and iron-sufficient participants were allocated to the control group (n = 70). Activity of CytOx in the circulating lymphocytes was colorimetrically measured and compared with the controls.ResultsThe CytOx activity was significantly higher in the IDA (2.9 ±1.2 mOD/min, n = 62) group compared to the control group (2.4 ±1.3 mOD/min, n = 68, p < 0.001). Interestingly, serum copper levels were significantly higher in both the ID (106.9 ±55.5 μg/dl, n = 64, p = 0.0001) and IDA (115.1 ±50.2 μg/dl, n = 59, p = 0.0001) groups than the control group (72.1 ±46.7 μg/dl, n = 69).ConclusionsHigher serum copper levels in patients with IDA implicate co-operative interaction between these trace elements. The elevated CytOx activity in patients with IDA is probably secondary to the normal/elevated serum copper levels.

Clinical Factors Associated With Serum Copper Concentration In Patients On Hemodialysis

It is well known that renal insufficiency influences trace element metabolism. In particular, patients treated with hemodialysis (HD) are at higher risk for both deficiency and excess of trace elements. However, derangements of serum trace element levels reported by previous studies were sometimes inconsistent. In addition, harmful effects by trace element derangements seem quite unclear. In this cross-sectional study, we examined clinical factors associated with serum copper levels in patients treated with HD for more than or equal to 6 months. In 49 patients (male : female =29 : 20, age 71 ± 10 years, HD duration 84 ± 71 months), the mean value of serum copper was 93.8 ± 16.2 μg/dL. In univariate analysis, there were no significant correlation between serum copper levels and patient’s age, sex, HD duration, the presence of diabetes mellitus, serum albumin levels, and body mass index. Serum copper levels significantly correlated with serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP; r =0.474, P =0.001) and malondialdehyde-low-density lipoprotein ( r =0.371, P =0.009). It was notable that serum copper levels tended to be lower in those treated with higher dose of sevelamer hydrochloride ( r =−0.255, P =0.07). In multivariate analysis, hs-CRP remained to be an independent determinant of serum copper levels. We showed significant association of serum copper levels with inflammation and oxidative stress in HD patients. Further studies are required to investigate whether sevelamer may improve serum copper levels, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Copper Levels in Patients with Hematological Malignancies

INTRODUCTION: Copper is an essential trace element that plays an important role in human biochemistry. Its metabolic pathways involve cellular respiration, peptide biogenesis, connective tissue biosynthesis and antioxidant defense. It is known as an acute phase reactant increasing in response to infection, injure and in chronic inflammatory conditions.AIM: The aim of this study is to observe the alterations of serum copper levels in patients with various hematological malignancies and also to examine the relation of its levels with the extent of the disease and assess the role of copper determination in staging these patients.MATERIALS AND METHODS: 77 patients (32 male, 45 female) with various hematological diseases were studied. 50 normal, healthy subjects were studied along. Age ranged from 18–75 years (mean age: 63 years). There were 15 patients suffering from chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), 17 from non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), 7 from Hodgkin's disease, 13 from acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), 8 from multiple myeloma and 17 from remainder hematologic malignancies. Copper was measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (normal range 0,8–1,3 mg/l). Statistical analysis was conducted by SPSS 12.0. Student's t-test was used.RESULTS: Copper levels of the healthy control group were within normal range. When all patients were studied, 51 patients with relapsing disease had elevated copper levels (mean value 1,8 mg/l), whereas 26 patients with remission of their disease had normal copper levels (mean value 1,03 mg/l). Student's t-test (Sig. two-tailed = p value was 0,000<0,001). When separate disease groups were studied, the results were in accordance with the aforementioned assumption made on all patients: 17 NHL patients (11 relapse − mean copper value = 1,87, 6 remission − mean copper value = 1,12, p<0,001), 15 CLL patients (8 relapse − copper = 1,57, 7 remission − copper = 0,86, p<0,001), 13 AML patients (9 relapse − copper = 1,9, 4 remission − copper = 1,09, p<0,001).CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that elevated copper levels are associated with relapsing hematological malignancies, whereas normal copper levels are associated with remission of the underlying disease. Copper determination might prove to be beneficial in staging such patients, which will lead to proper therapeutic decisions.

Selenium, Iron, Copper, and Zinc Levels and Copper-to-Zinc Ratios in Serum of Patients at Different Stages of Viral Hepatic Diseases

Viral hepatic diseases, especially those induced by the hepatitis B virus, can progress into more serious pathological outcomes and eventually to hepatocellular carcinoma. A growing body of evidence indicates that many trace elements play important roles in a number of carcinogenic processes that proceed through various mechanisms. To examine the status of trace elements during the development of hepatic carcinoma, we determined the selenium, iron, copper, and zinc levels and copper-to-zinc ratios in the serum of patients at different stages of viral hepatic disease. We observed significant changes in the selenium, iron, copper, and zinc levels in the serum of patients having hepatocellular carcinoma, relative to those of healthy controls (p < 0.05). The mean serum copper level in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma was significantly higher than that of the control group. In contrast, the mean selenium, iron, and zinc levels in patients having hepatocellular carcinoma were significantly lower than those of the control group. In addition, the mean zinc level in the serum of patients with hepatic cirrhosis was significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, we found markedly elevated Cu: Zn ratios (p < 0.05) in patients having hepatic cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Our findings imply that the levels of some trace elements, such as selenium, iron, copper, and zinc, and Cu: Zn ratios, might serve as biomarkers for the increased severity of viral hepatic damage.

Copper Deficiency Anemia Is Not Uncommon in a Hematology Practice.

Copper deficiency is a rare cause of anemia. Copper deficiency anemia has been described in patients on total parenteral or forced enteral nutrition deficient in copper, post gastric resection, short bowel syndrome (from prior intestinal resections or gastric by-pass) or malabsorptive disease states such as Crohn's or celiac disease, and in patients taking excessive amounts of zinc. We have shown that in the NHANES II adult population, low copper levels are associated with increased risk of unexplained anemia (Molnar et al., abstract submitted at this meeting). We recently started to routinely check serum copper levels in patients referred to our hematology clinic for evaluation of unexplained anemia. Between December 2003 and March 2005, we found seven patients who had lower than normal copper levels and unexplained anemia. Six out of the seven patients were treated with copper supplementation and had improvement in their hematological abnormalities. Most patients had undergone an expensive, unproductive diagnostic evaluation before copper deficiency was diagnosed. In five of the seven patients, the anemia was severe. Two patients were red cell transfusion-dependent. Six out of seven patients had associated granulocytopenia. Even in the presence of severe granulocytopenia, recurrent, clinically significant infections were rare. Thrombocytopenia was present in two patients. Peripheral blood findings were non-specific. Bone marrow findings varied with two patients demonstrating normal marrow histology, two patients with hypercellular marrow, one exhibited myeloid maturation arrest, and the remaining two patients demonstrating frank dysplastic changes with ring sideroblasts. Five out of seven patients had cytogenetic examination of the bone marrow revealing a normal karyotype. The response to copper treatment was frequently rapid, and improvement in anemia and neutropenia was evident within a few weeks. The characteristics of our patient population are outlined in the table below. In conclusion, copper deficiency anemia is not uncommon in a hematology practice. Copper deficiency should be considered in patients presenting with unexplained anemia associated with neutropenia, a history of malabsorption, gastrointestinal resection or gastric bypass, nephrotic syndrome, or dysplastic bone marrow changes with a normal karyotype analysis. The details of clinical and pathological features of the patients will be presented in detail at the meeting.Copper Deficiency Anemia Patient CharacteristicsCaseAge /SexAnemiaNeutropeniaBone Marrow FindingsCo-morbid conditionsCopper Level μg/dLHematological Response to Copper Treatment171 /FemaleTransfustion dependentYesHypercellularChronic diarrhea, nephrotic syndrome, diabetes mellitus< 10Partial260 /MaleYesYesNormalChronic diarrhea, renal failure status-post renal transplant, celiac sprue41Not treated Complete333 /FemaleMildYesRinged sideroblasts, myeloid and erythroid dysplasiaNone37Complete response432 /FemaleYesYesMyeloid maturation arrestGastric bypass surgery< 10Complete response545 /FemaleTransfusion dependentYesRinged sideroblasts, DyserythropoiesisBillroth II operation< 10Complete response642 /FemaleMildYesHypercellular, myeloid maturation arrestNone< 10Complete response751 /MaleYesNoNormalAcute myeoid leukemia, short bowel syndrome45Partial

Association between oxidative stress and changes of trace elements in patients with breast cancer

Objectives: To investigate the association between oxidative stress and certain trace elements in the blood of breast cancer patients. Design and methods: Malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured in serum of patients with breast cancer ( n = 35) and controls ( n = 35) by high performance liquid chromatography. Trace elements were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results: In the present study, significantly increased lipid peroxidation, measured as MDA, was demonstrated in the serum of breast cancer patients ( p < 0.01). The concentrations of zinc and iron remained unaltered. However, the mean serum copper level in patients with breast cancer was significantly higher than the control group ( p < 0.01). In addition, the mean serum selenium level in patients with stage III was significantly lower than the control group ( p < 0.05). Moreover, a positive correlation was also observed between copper and MDA levels in the patient group but not in the control group. Conclusion: In the present study, the presence of an association between oxidative stress and trace elements was observed in patients with breast cancer. We suggest that increased oxidative stress in patients with breast cancer may result from changes in the levels of certain trace elements.

Changes in serum copper levels in patients with malignant diseases undergoing radiotherapy

Present study repots changes in serum copper levels (SCL) in various neoplastic diseases undergoing radiotherapy. We estimated SCLs in 140 individuals comprising of 90 previously untreated patients with various malignancies and 50 healthy controls. Patients received radiation in doses of 40-70 Gy in 4-7 weeks. SCLs were again estimated in patients following irradiation. The mean SCL was significantly higher (P<0.001) in cancer patients as compared to healthy controls. It declined significantly (P<0.001) following irradiation. However, it remained significantly higher as compared to healthy controls (P<0.01). Highest fall in SCL was seen in complete clinical responders and least in non-responders to radiation treatment. Serial estimation of SCLs may be useful in the treatment monitoring of the neoplasms undergoing radiation treatment.

Copper metabolism in retinitis pigmentosa patients.

Serum copper, ceruloplasmin, and urinary copper were estimated in 13 normal subjects and 24 patients with primary retinitis pigmentosa. The serum copper levels in patients appeared to be higher and ceruloplasmin levels lower than in the normal subjects. The patients seem to fall into 2 categories with regard to urinary copper. About a third of them excreted 2-4 times more copper in the urine, while in the others the excretion is comparable to normal subjects. It appears possible that there exists in India a genetic isolate of retinitis pigmentosa with altered copper metabolism. The distribution of these patients may be different between the northern and southern parts of the country.

Serum Copper Levels in Patients with Lung Cancer

An increased mean serum copper level was found in 149 patients with lung cancer when compared with 19 healthy people and 23 patients with non-malignant lung diseases. The level seemed to reflect the stage of disease, with asymptomatic patients showing the lowest values, and patients with metastatic symptoms the highest. In spite of significant differences between the groups of subjects the scatter in the values was large. Hence serum copper determinations can be of only limited importance for differential diagnosis or in assessing the clinical stage of cancer. No differences in copper levels were found between the groups of patients with different histological types of lung cancer.

Serum copper levels in patients with solid tumors.

The serum copper levels were investigated in 125 patients with solid tumors: 34 patients with bronchial cancer, 35 with gastric cancer, 31 with breast cancer and 25 with melanoma. Analysis showed that serum copper was extremely high in 82% of the patients with bronchial carcinoma, while in the other examined groups no significant changes were observed. According to these results, serum copper could be a diagnostic factor in patients with bronchial carcinoma.