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Leucocyte copper, a marker of copper body status is low in coronary artery disease

G Mielcarz1, A N Howard, B Mielcarz

  • 1Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Department of General Chemistry, Poznan, Poland.

Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology : Organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements (GMS)
|October 18, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Leukocyte copper levels are linked to coronary artery disease severity. Lower copper status, indicated by reduced leukocyte copper, may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis in patients with coronary artery disease.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
  • Copper is an essential trace element involved in various physiological processes.
  • The role of copper status in the development of atherosclerosis remains under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between leukocyte copper levels and the extent of atherosclerosis in patients with CAD.
  • To determine if leukocyte copper can serve as a sensitive indicator of copper body status in CAD patients.
  • To explore the association between copper and zinc levels and coronary artery atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 80 subjects (23 females, 57 males) aged 30-70 undergoing angiography.
  • Quantitative assessment of coronary artery atherosclerosis using an angiogram scoring system (1.00 for patency to 0.00 for severe CAD).
  • Determination of serum and leukocyte copper and zinc levels using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GFAAS).

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in lipid profiles or plasma copper levels were found between patients with advanced CAD and those with normal arteries.
  • Leukocyte copper concentration showed a significant inverse linear relationship with the angiogram score, indicating higher atherosclerosis severity.
  • This association between leukocyte copper and atherosclerosis severity was independent of sex.

Conclusions:

  • Decreased leukocyte copper levels, suggesting marginal copper status, are associated with the development and severity of coronary artery disease.
  • Leukocyte copper may serve as a sensitive biomarker for assessing copper body status and its link to atherosclerosis.
  • Further research is warranted to explore copper's role in CAD pathogenesis and potential therapeutic interventions.

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