ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Trace elements status in children with bronchial asthma
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1
Zonguldak Karaelmas University, Department of Peadiatrics, Zonguldak, Turkey
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Zonguldak Karaelmas University, Department of Biochemistry, Zonguldak, Turkey
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Zonguldak Karaelmas University, Department of Pulmonology, Zonguldak, Turkey
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Zonguldak Karaelmas University, Department of Family Practice, Zonguldak, Turkey
Online publication date: 2004-01-15
Publication date: 2004-01-15
Corresponding author
Ferah Armutcu
Zonguldak Karaelmas University Department of
Biochemistry 67600 Zonguldak/ Turkey
Fax: +90 372 2610155 Phone: +90 372 2610169
Eur J Gen Med 2004;1(1):4-8
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
Zinc, copper and magnesium are important elements in the preservation of immune resistance.
Zinc and copper are both required for numerous biochemical functions and for optimal activity
of the immune system. They are also involved in cell and tissue growth. We aimed to define the
relation between bronchial asthma and serum levels of these three trace elements. Zinc levels
were significantly decreased in comparison to the control values (p<0.01). On the other hand,
Copper and ceruloplasmin levels were significantly higher in comparison to the control values
(p<0.01). Our study was showed relatively low blood levels of zinc in subject with asthma.
Chronic inflammation causes a characteristic decline in serum zinc levels in experimental studies.
It is well known that zinc deficiency affects the regulation of T-cell lymphocytes, which may play
some part in the development of allergies. These findings suggest a different zinc and copper
nutritional status between asthmatic and healthy subjects. Asthmatic children, in particular, seem
to be at a risk of zinc deficiency. The changes in trace element status may be the effect of chronic
disease state and do not associate with the cause of disease.