Serum zinc and copper in hyperlipoproteinemia

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Clinical Nutrition
• Trace Element Research

Background:

• Experimental data suggested a high zinc to copper ratio causes hypercholesterolemia in rats.
• Hyperlipoproteinemia (HLP) is a condition characterized by elevated lipid levels in the blood.
• Clinical atherosclerosis is a common complication of HLP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate serum zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) levels in human subjects with various types of hyperlipoproteinemia (HLP).
• To determine the relationship between serum Zn and Cu levels, HLP, and the presence of clinical atherosclerosis.
• To evaluate the zinc to copper (Zn:Cu) ratio in relation to cardiovascular disease in HLP patients.

Main Methods:

• Serum Zn and Cu levels were quantified using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
• Measurements were taken in 65 normolipemic controls and 100 HLP patients.
• HLP patients were categorized based on clinical presentation, including the presence or absence of atherosclerosis.

Main Results:

• Serum Zn levels did not significantly differ between HLP patients and controls.
• HLP patients with clinical atherosclerosis exhibited significantly lower serum Zn concentrations compared to HLP patients without atherosclerosis.
• Serum Cu levels were increased, not decreased, in HLP patients irrespective of atherosclerosis.
• The Zn:Cu ratio was lower in HLP patients with cardiovascular disease.

Conclusions:

• Lower serum Zn concentrations in HLP patients with atherosclerosis suggest a potential link between zinc status and vascular complications.
• Increased serum Cu levels in HLP patients may indicate an inflammatory response or altered copper metabolism.
• The observed lower Zn:Cu ratio in HLP patients with cardiovascular disease might be associated with vessel injury rather than HLP itself.
• Trace element alterations in HLP patients appear more closely related to associated vascular disease than to the lipid disorder alone.