[Effect of the trace element supply on element dependent enzymes in man]

Whole blood samples from 40 male and 40 female individuals were analyzed for zinc, copper, selenium and iron, and in part also for cadmium and lead. Correlations were established between the element contents and the activities of blood enzymes (carbo-anhydrase, leucine aminopeptidase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, glutathione peroxidase). The zinc-copper ratio exerted no effect on the zinc-dependent enzymes. There was a correlation between the glutathione peroxidase activity and the selenium content in whole blood (r greater than 0.73). A cluster analysis was performed. In women, the authors stated a significant effect of oral contraceptives especially on the zinc and copper balance. It was evidenced that detectable (more marked) changes in the mineral equilibrium are not produced in all cases by the contraceptives. Nevertheless, changes in the mineral equilibrium are likely to occur in 25% of all women. In the present study further changes (for example in enzymes) were observed in 50% of all women. The results obtained from the male individuals were indicative of certain relationships between the zinc-copper ratio and the content of total lipids or lipid fractions in human blood.