SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN SERUM COPPER AND ZINC LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Abstract

objective of this study was to measure the alterations in two of important serum trace elements, including zinc (Zn++) and copper (Cu++), in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in AL-Hakeem hospital in Najaf city. In the study, serum trace elements were determined by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer in sera of patients with RA (n=22), and statistically compared with healthy individuals (n=12). Serum Cu++ concentration was found significantly higher in patients group than those of healthy individuals (29.06±3.78 and 20.74 ±4.30 µmol/L, respectively) (p<0. 01). In contrary, Zn++ levels were lower in patients (7.78±4.41 µmol/L and 13.55±6.00 µmol/L, respectively) according to the healthy subjects (p<0.05). The present study indicate no significant changes between active RA group and non-active group patients copper when evaluated copper metal. But there was significant difference between two groups (p<0.0 5) for zinc metal. Additionally positive correlation between serum cu levels and disease duration, while the correlation between serum Zn levels and disease duration was negative. Our results showed a considerable amount of evidence indicating that cu++ and zn++ may contribute in etiopathogeesis of RA disease and that serum (Zn++,Cu++)concentrations are altered in RA patients ,we suggest that potential role for Cu and Zn may cooperate in the development of the disease .