[Zinc in arthrosis and microcrystalline arthritis]

Plasma, urine, intra-erythrocytes and salivary zinc levels are not modified in Generalized Primary Arthrosis. In patients with microcrystalline arthritis (Gout and Joint Chondrocalcinosis), zinc levels do not vary in the absence of disease activity. In patients suffering gout with clinical activity, the lowest plasma zinc levels are observed. Zinc concentrations in patients presenting Chondrocalcinosis, since they belong to groups C and D ("pseudoarthrosis"), were not modified, similarly to the group of patients with arthrosis. The mechanisms of action of zinc in relation to the pathogenesis of the microcrystals induced inflammation are analyzed.