COMPARISON OF COPPER AND ZINC LEVELS IN THE SERUM OF ISCHEMIC CARDIOMYOPATHY PATIENTS WITH HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Changes in the copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) concentrations have been reported previously in ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICMP). Due to controversial results, the aim of this study was to determine the Cu and Zn concentrations of ISCMP and to evaluate the probable role of these elements in patients with ICMP.METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 30 ICMP patients and 27 healthy volunteers. ICMP was diagnosed with a history of myocardial infarction and also vascular diseases confirmed by angiography. Exclusion criteria were renal or hepatic insufficiency, alcohol usage and intake of supplements containing Cu or Zn within one week ago. 15 ml of vein blood has been taken from patients and healthy volunteers. Samples were centrifuged, and separated serums were kept at 20 oC. Cu and Zn levels were assayed with atomic absorption spectrophotometry. T-test was used to compare the levels of Cu and Zn between ICMP and normal subjects. FINDINGS: The mean Cu level of ISCMP group (1.5±0.5 mg/Lit) was significantly more than Cu levels of healthy volunteers (1.3±0.2 mg/Lit) (p= 0.048). The mean Zn levels for ISCMP and healthy volunteers were 1.1±0.3 mg/Lit, and 1.1±0.4 mg/Lit, respectively, that no significant difference was seen. CONCLUSION: Considering the results of this study, Cu may have a role in the development of ICMP. Interventions such as administration of Cu chelators to relieve the symptoms or to decrease the progress of ISCMP would need to be examined in large clinical trials. This study indicated that Zn may not have any role in the development of ICMP