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Variations of serum copper values in pregnancy
Jelka Vukelić1, Aleksandra Kapamadzija, Djordje Petrović
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia. vukelicj@gmail.com
Srpski Arhiv Za Celokupno Lekarstvo
|April 3, 2012
Summary
Serum copper levels naturally increase during pregnancy. Significantly lower serum copper in pregnant individuals may indicate pathological conditions, suggesting its use as a diagnostic indicator.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Obstetrics
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Copper is a vital micronutrient with a significant role in human physiology.
- Serum copper levels naturally elevate during pregnancy, often doubling by full term.
- Suboptimal serum copper concentrations are associated with certain pregnancy complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify serum copper levels in non-pregnant women, healthy pregnancies, and pregnancies with pathological conditions.
- To investigate potential differences in serum copper levels between normal and complicated pregnancies.
- To assess the clinical significance of serum copper as a biomarker for pregnancy pathologies.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 2170 plasma samples from various participant groups.
- Inclusion of healthy non-pregnant women, healthy pregnant women (5th-40th week), and women with pregnancy complications (e.g., abortion, premature rupture of membranes).
- Determination of serum copper levels using the colorimetric bathocuproin method.
Main Results:
- Serum copper levels in non-pregnant women ranged from 11.6-25.8 micromol/L.
- A consistent upward trend in serum copper was observed throughout healthy pregnancies, with peaks at weeks 22, 27, and 35.
- Pathological pregnancies exhibited significantly lower serum copper values compared to healthy pregnant women.
Conclusions:
- Serum copper levels demonstrate a notable increase during normal pregnancy.
- Reduced serum copper concentrations are linked to specific pathological pregnancy states.
- Serum copper can serve as a valuable indicator for identifying certain pregnancy complications.
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