Plasma copper and zinc levels in chronic viral hepatitis.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between chronic hepatitis and trace metals has not been understood clearly. Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are essential trace elements for several metabolic processes. Overload or deficiency of these elements can lead to metabolic disorders and some other diseases. In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between chronic hepatitis and plasma Cu and Zn levels. METHODS: Forty-three patients with chronic viral hepatitis (CVH) and 30 healthy controls were included in this study. The patients were consecutively admitted to the Department of Infectious Disease and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep University, Turkey, between January 2000 and November 2000. Plasma Cu and Zn levels, and hepatic function test results of the patients and controls were compared. Serologic and virologic markers, and histopathologic assessments were performed for confirmation of CVH. Plasma Cu and Zn concentrations were determined with Bathocuproin, using deproteinization method and 5-Br-PAPS methods. RESULTS: Patients plasma Cu level was 16.0 +/- 2.8 and plasma Zn level was 26.0 +/- 7.3. The corresponding values were 12.2 +/- 5.4 and 26.6 +/- 5.6 in the healthy controls. The patients with CVH had a higher plasma Cu level than the controls (p<0.05) while the Zn levels were similar in both groups (p>0.08). CONCLUSION: Although there is an increased plasma Cu level in CVH, its mechanism is unclear. However, this condition may have clinical importance as Cu is a hepatotoxic element.

Plasma copper and zinc levels in pregnant women in Gaziantep, Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: Trace elements such as copper and zinc are important factors on the health of pregnant women, fetus and embryonic development. Since these elements have important influences on health of pregnant women and the growing fetus, this study was designed to evaluate the zinc and copper status of pregnant women in Gaziantep, Turkey. METHODS: This study was designed as a prevalence study. Twenty-two health station region were chosen in 13 health centers in the province of Gaziantep city in 1999, and copper and zinc levels were examined in 415 pregnant women living in these regions. Plasma copper and zinc concentrations were determined spectrophotometrically. Analysis of variance and "t" tests were used in the statistical analysis of means. RESULTS: In the examination, plasma copper and zinc levels were found as 220.67 mg/dl and 124.91 mg/dl. While zinc concentrations were not altered significantly throughout gestation, copper levels of pregnant women increased significantly as duration of pregnancy progressed. CONCLUSION: Plasma copper was higher in all trimesters of gestation when compared to normal range of non-pregnant women. The zinc levels of pregnant women were mostly within normal range. It decreased significantly in the pregnant women >35 years of age and in those whose education was literacy and less. Therefore, zinc supplementation in pregnant women is recommended in these groups.