High copper and low blood zinc are biochemical trait markers of depression

ABSTRACT

Study was designed to evaluate the serum status of trace elements in depressive patients, which will be handy for diagnosis and prompt treatment of depression. Study was conducted at the Biochemistry Department of B.M.S.I, J.M.P.C, Karachi since July 2004 to Feb. 2005. Diagnosed depressive cases were taken with the collaboration of Psychiatric department J.P.M.C Karachi, Pakistan. Total of 30 depressive patients among them 18 were males and twelve were females with mean age of 37.9 years along with 20 controls participated in the study. Copper and zinc in the blood sample of the depressive patients and normal controls were measured. Significant elevated blood levels [p<0.05] of copper and significantly decreased levels of Zinc [p<0.05] in the depressive patient as compared to control were found. Excess copper and low blood zinc levels are biochemical trait markers for early diagnosis of depression