ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: It is well established that the deficiency of trace elements may lead to oxidative stress in many tissues. Several studies have shown that the deficiency of trace elements may play a role in the pathogenesis of various heart diseases, including coronary artery disease. This study was designed to determine the serum levels of trace elements, such as selenium, zinc, and copper, in patients with isolated coronary artery ectasia and to confirm previously documented changes in the trace element status in coronary artery disease. It also investigated the relationship between the level of trace elements and the extent of ectatic involvement in patients of coronary artery ectasia. METHODS AND RESULTS: The serum selenium, zinc and copper levels were measured in 37 patients of coronary artery ectasia, 56 patients of coronary artery disease and 30 controls. The trace element levels were measured by atomic absorption photometry methods. The serum selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) levels in both sets of patients were significantly lower than in the control group (Se: 127 +/- 10 microg/L and 126 +/- 9 microg/L vs. 147 +/- 12 microg/L, p < 0.001; Zn: 557 +/- 11 microg/L and 554 +/- 13 microg/L vs. 620 +/- 13 microg/L, p < 0.001). However, the serum copper (Cu) levels were similar in all patients and controls (964 +/- 12 microg/L and 973 +/- 14 microg/L vs. 956 +/- 17 microg7/L, p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that coronary artery ectasia is associated with the deficiency of the trace elements selenium and zinc. Thus, these elements may play an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery ectasia, as well as in coronary artery disease.