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Thiamin, selenium, and copper levels in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy taking diuretics
Sérgio da Cunha1, Francisco Manes Albanesi Filho, Vera Lúcia Freire da Cunha Bastos
1Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto, IBRAG, Geologia - UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. sergio@netfly.cm.br
Insights
Thiamin deficiency is more common in patients with heart disease. Selenium and copper levels did not differ between patients and controls, suggesting potential benefits of thiamin replacement for heart patients on diuretics.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) is a complex heart condition.
- Diuretic use in IDCM patients can affect nutrient levels.
- Thiamin, selenium, and copper are essential micronutrients with roles in cardiac function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum thiamin, selenium, and copper levels and cardiac function in IDCM patients using diuretics.
- To compare these nutrient levels in IDCM patients with those in healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- The study included 30 IDCM patients and 30 healthy controls.
- Thiamin status was assessed via erythrocytic transketolase activity.
- Serum selenium and copper were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
Main Results:
- Thiamin deficiency was significantly more prevalent in IDCM patients (33%) compared to controls (10%).
- No significant differences were found in mean serum selenium or copper levels between IDCM patients and controls.
- No direct association was observed between these nutrient levels and cardiac function in the studied population.
Conclusions:
- Thiamin deficiency is a notable finding in IDCM patients, particularly those on diuretics.
- Serum selenium and copper levels do not appear to differ between IDCM patients and healthy individuals.
- Thiamin supplementation may offer therapeutic benefits for IDCM patients receiving diuretic therapy.
Objective:
To analyze the association of thiamin, selenium, and copper serum levels with cardiac function in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy using diuretics, and also to compare them with levels in control patients with no evidence of disease.
Methods:
The study comprised 30 patients with heart disease and 30 healthy control individuals. Thiamin was analyzed by measuring the activity of erythrocytic transketolase and the effect of thiamin pyrophosphate. Selenium and copper serum levels were measured by hydride generation and flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry, respectively.
Results:
Thiamin deficiency was observed in 10% of the control individuals and in 33% of the patients with heart disease (p=0.02). The mean selenium and copper serum levels in control individuals and patients with heart disease were, respectively, 73.2+/-9.9 microg/L (56.5 to 94.5 microg/L) and 72.3+/-14.3 microg/L (35.5 to 94 microg/L) (p=0.77); 1.1+/-0.4 mg/L (0.6 to 1.8 mg/L) and 1.2+/- 0.4 mg/L (0.6 to 2.2 mg/L) (p=0.27). No association between the levels of these nutrients and cardiac function was observed.
Conclusion:
Thiamin deficiency was significantly more frequent in patients with heart disease. No significant difference was observed between the mean selenium and copper serum levels in control individuals and in patients with heart disease. The results suggest possible benefits with thiamin replacement in patients taking diuretics.