Serum zinc and copper status in Iranian patients with pemphigus vulgaris

The role of nutritional factors including trace elements has been reported in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases.

Regarding the relatively high prevalence of pemphigus vulgaris in Iran, we investigated the serum levels of zinc and copper as two important trace elements, together with the oxidative stress status in patients with pemphigus vulgaris.

This case-control study was performed on 25 patients with newly diagnosed pemphigus vulgaris and 25 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. Serum concentrations of zinc, copper, ceruloplasmin as well as copper/zinc ratio were determined for each subject. Oxidative stress was also measured using a novel assay of peroxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB).

Mean serum concentrations of zinc and copper as well as copper/zinc ratio were significantly lower in patients (mean age: 47.2±16.2 years; male/female: 14/11) compared with the controls (mean age: 47.3±12.8 years; male/female: 14/11; P<0.001). In contrast, PAB values were significantly elevated in patients compared with controls (P<0.01). No significant difference in serum ceruloplasmin concentrations was observed between the groups (P>0.05).

Our findings indicate that low serum zinc and copper and increased oxidative stress may be associated with pemphigus vulgaris.