Blood trace element levels in patients with stabilized atherosclerosis

Abstract de Comunicação em Painel (3.P02) apresentada em "VIIIth Conference of the International Society for Trace Element Research in Humans (ISTERH), IXth Conference of the Nordic Trace Element Society (NTES) and VIth Conference of the Helenic Trace Element Society (HTES)", 2007, 21-26 Out, Hersonissos (Creta), Grécia.Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality in Western populations. Dislipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and tobacco consumption are the main risk factors for atherosclerosis and its thrombotic complications. However, these factors alone cannot account for all of the deaths caused by vascular pathologies. The possible interaction of some trace element levels with atherogenic diseases is not completely clarified. On the other hand, the intra and extracellular concentrations of elements playing an important function in the electrolytic equilibrium could partially be associated with cardiovascular dysfunctions and other associated pathologies. The aim of this study was to evaluate trace elements (Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se) and electrolytic –balance associated elements (Ca and K) in plasma and blood cells of patients with stabilized atherosclerosis. Significant differences between patient and control groups were observed in blood cells for the K, Fe, and Zn concentrations, while plasma K, Ca, Fe and Zn levels exhibited significant differences between groups. Results will be discussed taking into account the main function of those elements and the etiology of atherosclerosis. The relationship of results with the studied cardiovascular risk factors will be also considered