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Trace Element Changes in Thoracic Aortic Dissection
Marie Edvinsson1, Nils-Gunnar Ilbäck2,3, Peter Frisk4
1Department of Medical Sciences, Infectious Diseases, Uppsala University, University Hospital, S-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden. marie.edvinsson@medsci.uu.se.
Biological Trace Element Research
|July 9, 2015
Summary
This study examined trace element levels in patients with thoracic aortic dissection. Findings did not support the hypothesis that inflammation, indicated by trace element changes, contributes to the disease pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Trace Element Analysis
Background:
- Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is a critical condition with unclear origins.
- Trace elements play vital roles in bodily functions, including immune responses.
- Inflammation is a potential factor in TAD pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate trace element alterations in serum and aortic tissue of TAD patients.
- To determine if these changes correlate with inflammation, potentially linking it to TAD pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed serum and aortic tissue from 21 TAD patients, 10 autopsy controls, and 23 healthy donors.
- Measured levels of 12 trace elements (Mg, Ca, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Hg) using ICP-MS.
- Assessed the serum copper/zinc ratio as a marker for infection/inflammation.
Main Results:
- Serum calcium, vanadium, copper, and zinc decreased; iron increased in TAD patients.
- Aortic tissue showed decreased copper and zinc, with a trend of increased iron.
- The serum copper/zinc ratio, an inflammation marker, remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- Observed trace element changes in serum and tissue do not support an inflammatory role in TAD pathogenesis.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms of thoracic aortic dissection.
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