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Plasma and erythrocyte zinc, copper and selenium in cystic fibrosis
Insights
Cystic fibrosis (CF) children show altered trace element levels, with lower plasma zinc in severe cases and increased erythrocyte zinc and copper. Selenium levels were reduced in CF patients compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Trace element metabolism is crucial for overall health and can be affected by chronic diseases like cystic fibrosis (CF).
- Understanding zinc, copper, and selenium status in children with CF is important for managing potential complications.
- Previous research suggests potential alterations in micronutrient levels in CF, but specific erythrocyte and plasma findings require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma and erythrocyte concentrations of zinc, copper, and selenium in children with cystic fibrosis.
- To correlate trace element levels with disease severity, including growth retardation and pulmonary function.
- To explore the implications of these findings for enzyme activities and potential supplementation strategies.
Main Methods:
- Measured plasma and erythrocyte zinc, copper, and selenium levels in 20 children with cystic fibrosis (ages 7-19).
- Compared trace element levels to age-matched healthy controls.
- Analyzed relationships between trace element concentrations and clinical parameters like growth status and pulmonary disease severity.
Main Results:
- Mean plasma zinc and copper were similar to controls, but low plasma zinc occurred sporadically, particularly in patients with severe growth retardation or pulmonary disease.
- Erythrocyte zinc and copper levels were significantly increased in cystic fibrosis patients compared to controls.
- Plasma and erythrocyte selenium levels were significantly lower in cystic fibrosis patients than in controls.
Conclusions:
- Cystic fibrosis is associated with distinct alterations in erythrocyte and plasma trace element profiles, notably increased erythrocyte zinc/copper and decreased selenium.
- These changes may impact the function of key antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase.
- Further research into trace element metabolism in CF is warranted before considering specific supplementation regimens.
Abstract:
Plasma and erythrocyte zinc, copper and selenium were measured in 20 cystic fibrosis children, aged 7 to 19 years. Mean plasma zinc and copper levels were not different from those in age-matched controls but very low zinc levels occurred sporadically. Plasma zinc concentrations were significantly lower in patients with moderate-to-severe growth retardation and with severe pulmonary disease as compared to patients without growth failure and with moderate pulmonary disease. Mean erythrocyte zinc (40.8 micrograms/g Hb +/- 9.2) and copper levels (3.56 micrograms/g Hb +/- 0.50) were very significantly increased (30.4 micrograms/g Hb +/- 5.2 and 2.73 micrograms/g Hb +/- 0.30 respectively, for age-matched controls). Mean plasma and erythrocyte selenium levels (63 ng/ml +/- 15 and 329 ng/g Hb +/- 86) were significantly lower than those in age-matched controls (82 ng/ml +/- 13 and 404 ng/g Hb +/- 116). The trace element concentrations in erythrocytes are discussed in relation to the activities of the copper- and zinc-containing enzyme superoxide dismutase and the seleno-enzyme glutathione peroxidase. We consider that more data on trace element metabolism in CF should be collected before specific supplementation is considered.