[Study of zinc and copper serum levels in dislipemias]

The possible alterations of zinc and copper serum levels in dyslipemies were studied. The population were classified taking into account total cholesterol HDL and triglycerides levels and the serum test at 4 degrees C in 4 groups: 1) Hypercholesterolemia (type II A), 2) Endogenous hyperlipemia (types II B and IV), 3) Mixed hyperlipemia (type V), 4) Exogenous hyperlipemia (Type I), and also the presence of over weight ("15% ideal weight body, according to Bray), that occurred in the 29.5% of the sample. Zinc and copper were determined by AAS (Smith & Butrimovitz method). Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides by enzymatic methods. The main results and conclusions obtained were the following: A significative increase in zinc serum level was observed; Hyperglycemia, present in nearly half of the studied population could be the responsible for it. Obesity was associated with an increase of zinc values, and this could be related to an insulinic dysfunction. A direct correlation between glycemia and triglyceridemia, and between glycemia and zincemia was found. Cardiovascular alterations seemed to decrease zinc serum levels; on the opposite however hypertension increased them. Neither lipidic metabolism alterations, nor obesity did modify copper serum level.