Evaluation of some trace elements in sera of asthma patients: a case control study

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by recurrent respiratory symptoms of dyspnea, wheezing, chest tightness, and cough.

This study aims to investigate the concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cr, Ni, and Al in the serum of asthmatic patients.

An atomic absorption technique was used to determine the levels of trace elements. The study included sixty asthmatic patients and ninety healthy individuals as control group their ages ranging from 20 to 45 years.

We found a significant increase of the levels of copper, iron, and aluminum by 20%, 54%, and 47% (p<0.01), respectively, in the asthmatic patients as compared with the controls. On the other hand, in comparison with the controls, the levels of zinc, magnesium, manganese, and nickel were found to be significantly decreased (p<0.01) by 24%, 16%, 53%, and 81%, respectively, in the asthmatic patient group. Moreover, chromium level showed non-significant differences (p>0.05) between patients and control group.

The increased level of Cu and Fe may reflect their potential role in the pathogenesis of asthma. Furthermore, the serum iron levels tend to be increased as a result of the inflammatory process that occurs in asthma. Low levels of Zn, Mg, and Mn may contribute to allergic diseases due to their role in the synthesis of certain antioxidants or to their effect on the immune system.