Background and purpose: Ulcerative colitis (UC), a subtype of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), is an immune-mediated chronic intestinal condition. Changes in the copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) concentrations have been reported previously in IBD. Due to controversial results, the aim of this study was to evaluate and compare serum and urine levels of Zn and Cu in patients with UC and control group. Materials and methods: This case-control study was conducted on 50 patients with UC and 49 healthy volunteers. Urine and venous blood samples were collected from patients and healthy volunteers and separated serum and urine samples were kept at -20oC. Levels of Zn and Cu were measured in blood serum and urine using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed then. Results: Mean serum levels of Zn and Cu in patients with UC were 72.6 ± 15.2 and 138.3 ± 42.6 μg/dl, respectively the values in normal individuals were 104.0 ± 37.9 and 110.0 ± 38.5 μg/dl, respectively. Mean urine levels of Zn and Cu in UC patients were 128.7 ± 37.5 and 8.7 ± 2.3 μg/dl, respectively in normal individuals, the values were 109.0 ± 34.0 and 4.1 ± 1.5 μg/dl, respectively. The differences between the two groups were significant (P < 0.01). In patients, the overall mean Zn concentration in serum was lower and in urine was greater than the controls. The serum and urine Cu concentrations were higher in those with UC. Conclusion: According to the results, trace element levels such as Zn and Cu in patients with UC are subjects to change. As UC is an inflammatory disease and Cu levels are increased during inflammation, serum and urinary Cu levels were higher. The decrease in serum and increase urinary Zn in patients with UC is debatable. So, for future studies, Zn supplementation and examining mucosal healing process is suggested.

Keywords: Copper, zinc, ulcerative colitis (UC)

Full-Text [PDF 229 kb]   (2491 Downloads)