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Blood Trace Element Status in Multiple Sclerosis: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Elahe Nirooei1, Seyyed Mohammad Amin Kashani1, Soroor Owrangi1
1Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Biological Trace Element Research
|February 21, 2021
Summary
This meta-analysis found lower blood zinc and iron levels and higher manganese levels in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients compared to controls. Magnesium, selenium, and copper levels showed no significant differences between groups.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease.
- Trace element imbalances may play a role in MS pathogenesis.
- Previous studies on trace elements in MS have yielded inconsistent results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis investigating blood trace element concentrations in multiple sclerosis patients versus healthy controls.
- To assess levels of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), selenium (Se), and copper (Cu).
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science up to July 2020.
- Inclusion of 27 articles (32 studies) with 2895 participants (1567 MS patients, 1328 controls).
- Random-effects model meta-analysis to determine pooled effect sizes (WMDs) and 95% CIs for trace element levels.
Main Results:
- Significantly lower blood zinc (WMD = -7.83 mcg/dl) and iron (WMD = -13.66 mcg/dl) levels in MS patients compared to controls.
- Significantly higher blood manganese levels (WMD = 0.03 mcg/dl) in MS patients versus controls.
- No significant differences in blood magnesium, selenium, or copper levels between MS patients and controls.
Conclusions:
- Circulating zinc and iron are significantly depleted in multiple sclerosis patients.
- Elevated manganese levels are observed in the blood of individuals with MS.
- Magnesium, selenium, and copper levels do not differ significantly between MS patients and healthy controls, suggesting specific trace elements are implicated in MS.
