Helicobacter pylori and trace elements
Jasna Dovhanj1, Ksenija Kljaic, Aleksandar Vcev
1Department of Clinical and Laboratory Diagnostic, School of Medicine, University of Osijek, Croatia. jasna.dovhanj@mefos.hr
Clinical Laboratory
|May 19, 2010
Summary
Helicobacter pylori infection is linked to higher serum zinc levels in chronic gastritis patients. However, copper levels and the copper-to-zinc ratio remained unchanged across all groups, indicating specific alterations in trace element metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Trace element metabolism
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- Trace element metabolism is often altered during infection and inflammation.
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a known cause of chronic gastritis, duodenal ulcers, and gastric cancer.
- The relationship between H. pylori infection and serum trace element levels is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between H. pylori infection and serum concentrations of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu).
- To compare serum Zn and Cu levels in patients with H. pylori positive chronic gastritis, H. pylori negative chronic gastritis, and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from three groups: H. pylori positive chronic gastritis patients, H. pylori negative chronic gastritis patients, and healthy individuals.
- Serum concentrations of zinc and copper were quantified using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
- The copper/zinc ratio was calculated for each participant.
Main Results:
- Serum zinc levels were significantly elevated in patients with H. pylori positive chronic gastritis compared to both H. pylori negative chronic gastritis patients and healthy individuals.
- Serum copper concentrations did not show significant differences among the three study groups.
- The copper/zinc ratio was not significantly different across the H. pylori positive chronic gastritis, H. pylori negative chronic gastritis, and healthy control groups.
Conclusions:
- H. pylori infection is associated with increased serum zinc concentrations in patients with chronic gastritis.
- Serum copper levels and the copper/zinc ratio are not significantly altered in patients with chronic gastritis, irrespective of H. pylori status.
- These findings suggest a specific impact of H. pylori on zinc metabolism during chronic gastritis.
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