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Background and Purpose: Due to an increase in cases of irrational drug prescription and it's health and economic consequences, evaluation of the rational use of drugs seemed necessary. Among drug groups antibiotics are greatly significant.
Materials and Methods: Utilization pattern of antibiotics in different wards of Sari Imam Khomeini teaching hospital in the first half of 2000 and 2005 were reviewed. ATC/DDD (Anatomic, Therapeutic, Chemical/ Defined Daily Dose) methodology was used.
 Results: Data showed, use of antibiotics jumped from 95.4 DBDs (DDD per patient’s bed-days) to 124 DBDs. Distribution of different class of anti-microbial, showed the highest increase in use of vancomycin and clindamycin. Use of cotrimoxazole and aminoglycosides remained fairly unchanged, howerrs consumption of Penicillin G dropped. In year 2005, ICU ward followed by gynecology, were among the University Hospital departments with the highest consumption of antibiotics. Cefazolin was the most prescribed antibiotics during this study.
Conclusion: It appers that there is a need for more national drug policities and drug education program for health care professionals. Evaluation of drug distribution in hospitals seems to be necessary.

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Background and Purpose: The role of trace elements (Cu, Zn) in chronic inflammatory states has provided interest, as many of them are co-factors in metabolic processes, involving arthricular tissues and immune system function. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate zinc and copper plasma concentration in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, who were referred to the Sari Outpatient Clinics and were compared with control group.
Materials and Methods: We studied plasma concentrations of Zn and Cu in 40 patients with RA and compared them with sex and age matched of healthy subjects (N=40). Plasma Cu and Zn concentrations were determined by an analysis of 100 Perkin Elmer model flame atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS)
Results: The plasma Zn concentration in the patient group was statistically lower than control group. The plasma copper was not statistically different in comparison with control group. There was no correlation between Cu and Zn concentration in patient group. In contrast to Cu, there was a significantly positive correlation between Zn and Zn/Cu ratio. However, the decrease of Zn/Cu is more influenced by decreasing the Zn concentration.
Conclusion: It appears the decrease of Zn plasma concentration in patients (comparison with control group) is more important than the differences in plasma Cu concentration, but the use of Zn supplement for RA patients needs more investigation.

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Background and purpose: Diazinon is an oregano-phosphate insecticide used for pest control in the agricultural fields and gardens. It is easily absorbed through intestine, respiratory system and skin and is metabolized in the liver to diazoxon which is more toxic. This study aimed at examining the effect of diazinon on superoxide dismutase enzyme activity in rat erythrocyte and investigating the effect of antioxidant vitamins. Materials and methods: In this study, Wistar rats were divided into 9 groups. The groups were administered normal saline, soybean oil, diazinon (30 mg/kg), vitamins E, C, A (100 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, 400 IU/kg, respectively) and combination of diazinon with the mentioned doses of each vitamin intraperitoneally (IP) for 14 days. Seven days after the last injection, the rats were anesthetized and one ml of blood was taken from their heart erythrocytes were aspirated and lysed. Hemolysis was used to measure superoxide dismutase enzyme activity. Data analysis was run using SPSS and the differences between the groups were analyzed applying Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney tests at the significance level of 0.05 Results: The activity of superoxide dismutase enzymes was significantly higher in the diazinon-exposed group in comparison to the control group (P= 0.008). Diazinon/vitamin groups displayed a significantly increased level of enzyme activity compared to the control group (P= 0.005), as well. Conclusion: Diazinon increases the production of superoxide free radicals which in turn leads to oxidative stress. Vitamins, as non-enzymatic antioxidants, are probably effective in reducing the levels of free radicals and restoring antioxidants enzymes.

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Background and purpose: Âccumulation of toxic agents in food, water, soil and air is an important concern of human health and environmental safety. Ïn this study, residual content of Diazinon at different days after spraying pesticide was measured and reducing factors were analyzed.
Materials and methods: Ïn this study cultivated cucumbers were exposed to specific concentrations of Diazinon. The cucumbers were harvested and the concentrations of Diazinon residues were quantitatively analyzed for a period of 10 days. Âlso, some effective factors including water- and detergent-rinsing, peeling and refrigeration at 4°Ç, on Diazinon content in the cucumbers were studied. Following primary preparation, the concentrations of Diazinon were determined using Gas Çhromatography (GÇ)-ËÇD.
Results: The results showed that residual concentrations of Diazinon in the samples decreased during the experimental period, based on half life and cleavage of pesticides in biological environment. Rinsing by drinking water, water and detergent, and peeling resulted in 19%, 35% and 46% decrease in Diazinon concentration, respectively. Âccording to the results, 2 and 10 days refrigeration caused a 6% and 69% reduction in Diazinon concentration.
Çonclusion: The residual content of pesticides in vegetables and fruits can be reduced, by rinsing, refrigerating and peeling procedures.

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Background and purpose: Organophosphorous insecticides are chemical substances that are widely used globally against plant pests and diseases, led to an increase in farm productivity. On the other hand, their excessive use/misuse especially in the developing countries, their volatility, long-distance transports eventually results in widespread environmental contamination that creating serious acute health problem. On behalf of the large volume of consumption of rice in mazandaran province which is the pole of rice agriculture in Iran, we tried to measure the Organophosphorus Insecticide Residue levels in Tarom and Khazar rice collected from Amol city. Materials and methods: Determination of organophosphore insecticide (Diazinon, Durasban, Malation) residues in the rice samples were performed by means of Gas chromatography (GC-MS) method. The extraction process was done using n-hexane. In this study, the pesticide residue levels were determined as ppb. All results were statistically analyzed by one way-ANOVA and student t-test, and then by Tukey-post test to compare the pesticides residue levels founded in the rice samples (P < 0.05). Results: The results indicated that all rice samples consisted of Diazinon and Durasban pesticides. Despite the all samples, the rice collected from western region of Amol city showed the pesticide residues higher than the standard levels. Conclusion: The results showed that Diazinon and Durasban pesticides are found in all samples. According to the WHO recommended limits, the investigation showed elevating levels of the pesticides in rice. Thus, a serious notification to the pollution, which can lead to ecosystem and food chain contamination, is necessary.

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Introduction: Since, rice is the main source of food for the majority of people in the world, including Iran, determine of concentration and distribution of heavy metals in rice plants is important. The aim of this study was to determine cadmium, chromium and zinc concentrations in rice produced of the Mobarakeh County. Material and Method: Sampling was conducted based on stratified random method from 10 cities and villages. Three samples were taken from any place and then mixed together. The samples were prepared based on ASTM (2000) method and the concentrations of cadmium, lead and chromium were determined. In order to perform calculations, describe and analyze of the data, Excel and SPSS 15 software’s and T-Test statistical test was used. Results: The mean concentration of cadmium in samples was 0.178 ± 0.048 mg / kg. Cadmium concentration in the 40 percent of combined samples was equal to or greater than the standard rate. Average concentrations of lead and chromium in the samples were 0.176 ± 0.056 and 0.148 ± 0.055 mg/kg dry weight respectively. Lead and chromium concentrations were less than the FAO/WHO standards in all samples and this difference was statistically significant (P <0.001). Discussion and Conclusion: Only in few cases, the concentration of cadmium was upper than standard rate but lead and chromium concentration in all samples were below standards. Weekly intake of cadmium, chromium and lead were below the acceptable or tolerable levels recommended by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. So, the serious risk does not threat the public health.

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Background and purpose: In the past century, concerns about the harmful effects of lead, cadmium and other toxic agents has been increasing emitted from automobile exhaust on human health. The present study investigated the concentrations of lead-cadmium in blood of traffic officers and taxi drivers in Arak, Iran, in experimental group compared to a control group. Materials and methods: The subjects of this study included 49 traffic officers, 47 taxi drivers (case group) and 47 teachers who were studied as the control group. Blood samples were taken from subjects and atomic absorption was used to determine the concentration. Results: In the present study, the mean blood lead level of traffic officers, taxi drivers and control group were (22.855 ± 17.854 µg.dl), (21.783 ± 17.615 µg.dl), and (18.074 ± 19.688 µg.dl), respectively and also mean blood cadmium level in traffic officers, taxi drivers and control group were (0.161 ± 0.126 µg.dl), (0.168 ± 0.117 µg.dl) (0.161 ± 0.121 µg.dl), respectively. There was not any statistically significant difference between the groups who studied with blood lead and cadmium levels. In addition, no statistical significant association was found between work experience and smoking, and blood levels of lead and cadmium. Blood lead levels were lower than occupational exposure limit (OEL) and blood levels of cadmium were also below the OEL. Conclusion: Lead concentrations in the blood groups of Arak city, according to previous studies in this field have been increased which was probably due to an increase in environmental pollution and industrial regions.

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Background and purpose: Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of death in the world. Targeted drug delivery to cells, tissues or specialized receptor cells is an advanced technology in treatment of HCC. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity properties of DTX nanoparticles. In this research nanoparticles were prepared through radical polymerization. Materials and methods: HepG2 cells were seeded in 96-well plates at a density of 10,000 viable cells per well. Then 0.01-0.50 µg/ml of the nanoparticle and the free drug was added the day after seeding. Afterwards, the number of viable cells was counted and the activity of mitochondrial dehydrogenase enzymes of the cells was detected in 24, 48 and 72 hrs using MTT assay. Results: The results of MTT assay showed strong and dose-dependent inhibition of HepG2 carcinoma cell growth of the nanoparticle compared with DTX. Inhibitory concentrations (IC50) that was obtained for nanoparticles and free drug incubation times of 24, 48 and 72 hours were 1.02 ± 0.68, 0.39 ± 0.86, 0.20 ± 0.93 and 10.39 ± 1.34, 8.87 ± 0.97, 5.99 ± 0.76 µg/ml, respectively. Conclusion: The results showed higher cytotoxity effect of nanoparticles in comparison with free drug against HepG2 cell lines in all mentioned incubation times. Hence, thiolated-chitosan nanoparticles could be a potentially useful delivery system for docetaxel as an anticancer agent in treatment of liver cancer.

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Background and purpose: Febrile seizure (FS) is the most common type of seizure in children which is triggered byvariety of causes. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the serum level of magnesium (Mg) in three groups: children with FS (A), febrile children without seizure (B) and normal children (C). Also, this study investigated the relationship between severity of fever and serum level of magnesium. Materials and methods: This case-control study included 94, 93, and 40 children in groups A, B, and C, respectively. The subjects aged between 6 months to 6 years. The serum magnesium levels were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. T-test and Pearson correlation coefficient were applied to analyze the data. Results: The mean axillary temperatures were 38.8 ± 0.4 °C in group A and 38.4± 0.44 °C in group B. The mean levels of magnesium in groups A, B, and C were 15.66 ± 2.85, 14.61 ± 1.97, and 19.44 ± 1.86 mg/L, respectively. However, these levels significantly decreased in groups A and B when compared with normal children. Moreover, we found a significant negative correlation between the serum magnesium level in children with FS and severity of fever (r = -0.312, P<0.005(. Conclusion: Magnesium plays an important role in pathogenesis of febrile seizure. In fact, the increase of fever is correlated with the reduction in serum magnesium level in febrile children.

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Background and purpose: Widespread use of pesticides in public health and agriculture has caused environmental pollution and increased risk of acute human poisonings. Diazinon is one of the most prevalent organophosphate pesticide (OPCs) in the world. Several studies suggest that organophosphate compounds cause oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Materials and methods: This study was performed on male Wistar rats weighing 200-250gr. The animals were randomly divided into 15 groups. Then, IP injection of diazinon, L-carnitine, and selenium was done for four weeks. Twenty four hours after last injection, the animals received ketamine anesthesia and liver tissue was removed and glutathione (GSH) levels were determined using Elman method. Results: The findings showed that diazinon decreased glutathione level, while L-carnitine in a dose-dependent manner increased GSH levels. Selenium at a dose of 0.5 mg /kg resulted in a significant increase in GSH level compared with diazinon alone (P> 0.05). Conclusion: Selenium and L-carnitine improve the body's antioxidant status against OPCs such as diazinon. Moreover, through increasing GSH levels they could have a role in detoxification of free radicals caused by diazinon.

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Background and purpose: Penicilliums have high diversity among fungi species and some of them are found to be very useful. Some studies have evaluated their antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects. Penicillium citrinum is a genus of the penicilliums that produces mycotoxin citrinin. Therefore, it is worthy to assess its cytotoxic effect. Materials and methods: The DNA of the fungus obtained from the soil samples from the campus of Mazandaran University of Medical sciences was extracted. Then DNA sequencing was done and the ethanolic extract including metabolites was taken out. The effect of different concentrations of test solution were evaluated on cancer cell lines of human liver (HepG2), lung (A549), ovary (SKOV3), and breast (MCF7) and also on kidney (LLCPK1) and ovary of Hamster (CHO) normal cell lines using MTT method. Cisplatin was considered as positive control. The data was analyzed using Prism Ver.3, ANOVA and t-test. Results: The findings revealed significant differences between the levels of IC50 of fungus metabolites and cisplatin in all cell lines (P< 0.005). Also, the level of IC50 of fungus metabolites on normal cell lines was significantly different from that of the cancer cell lines (P< 0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that ethanolic extract of P. citrinum metabolites did not have a considerable toxicity effect on cancer and normal cell lines. However, it increaesd the inhibitory effect of cancer cell proliferation.

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Background and purpose: Diazinon is an organophosphate insecticide used mainly in agriculture, horticulture, and animal husbandry. Exposure to diazinon affects the redox process, the activity of antioxidant enzymes and could increase the lipid peroxidation in many organs. This study aimed at examining the chronic effect of diazinone on cell membrane lipid peroxidation and the protective effect of l-carnitin on this process. Materials and methods: In this study, male Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups. The groups were administrated normal saline (control group), diazinon (20 mg/kg), l-carnitine (50,100,150 mg/kg), and a combination of diazinon with the mentioned doses of l-carnitine, intraperitonealy (IP) for 4 weeks. The rats were anesthetized with ketamine 24 hours after the last injection and 2 ml blood was taken from their heart. Then, Lappena method was used to measure the serum concentrations of malodialdehiyde (MDA). The data was analyzed using SPSS and the differences between the groups were analyzed applying cruskal-wallis and Mann-Whitney test at the significance level of 0.05. Results: The serum concentration of MDA was significantly higher in rats exposed to diazinon compared with the control group (P= 0.009). A significant decrease was seen in the serum concentration of MDA in the groups exposed to diazinone/l-carnitine (P= 0.014). Conclusion: Diazinon induce the production of free radicals and oxidative stress. Probably, l-carnitine can reduce diazinon-induced lipid peroxidation in cell membrane by scavenging free radicals.

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Background and purpose: In most cases, drugs used for chemotherapy are ineffective and have unpleasant side-effects. This has made scientists to find more effective drugs with less toxicity. Lagenaria siceraria is an important medicinal plant in the world and anti-tumoral activity of Lagenaria species has been reported in some studies. This study was designed to evaluate the anti-tumoral effect of methanolic extract isolated from Lagenaria siceraria on lung cancer cell line. Materials and methods: Hydroalcoholic extract of Lagenaria siceraria was prepared by percolation method. Cultivated cancer cell line of lung (A549) was incubated with different concentrations (0.1, 1, 10, 100, 250, 1000, 500, and 5000 µg/ml) of the extract for 72 hours and cell growth inhibition was determined using MTT assay. Cisplatin was considered as positive control. The resulting data was analyzed using ANOVA and t-test. Results: Results of MTT assay showed strong and dose-dependent inhibition of cancer cell growth by the extract of Lagenaria siceraria. This extract caused a significant decrease in proliferation of lung cancer cell line (IC50 = 93.094 ± 6.5 μg/ml). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest anti-tumoral activity of Lagenaria siceraria, however, isolation of efficient compounds of this extract and evaluation of their effects on tumor-bearing animal models are suggested.

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Background and purpose: Water and soil pollution with heavy metals are among serious ever-growing environmental problems. Human activity accounts for much of the poisonous metals and results in increases soil pollution. There are many factors related to soil and plants properties and environmental issues. Release of heavy metal into food chain in critical densities has harmful metabolic and physiologic effects on living creatures. Materials and methods: Three regions including Movaram Kola, Seyyed Mahalleh, Jouybar Mahalleh Kola located in Sari, Jouybar and Qaemshahr (central regions of Mazandaran province) were investigated to determine the concentrations of heavy metals in paddy fields irrigation and Tarom rice within 2010-2011 agricultural year. Sampling included samples of irrigation with water and rice, and field study for qualitative and quantitative properties of rice. Sampling and test method of heavy metals was in accordance with suggestive method of standard book of method. Finally density of heavy metals of samples was measured using atomic absorption machine. For statistical calculation and quantitative study of data Prism, Stata 11 and t-test were applied. Results: In the studied water samples, level of cadmium in Seyyed Mahalleh was higher than standard level which is worrying due to accumulative effect of cadmium. In addition, level of cadmium in rice samples of Jouybar (Mahalleh Kola) and Seyyed Mahalleh was higher than standard level. Levels of chrome in all studied areas were lower than standard levels. Conclusion: Accumulative effects of heavy metals and their harmful effects on human societies could endanger food safety, therefore, more precautions are needed to reduce such effects.

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Background and purpose: Gastric cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers with a low-five year survival rate. Some factors such as molecular pathway are associated with the development of disease and metastasis is the most important factor for death. Caspase 9 is initiator CASP of internal apoptosis pathway and have important role in cancer development. Polymorphism of CASP 9 gene promoter could influence the gene activity and cause sensitivity to cancer. Materials and methods: In this case-control study, 100 patients with gastric cancer and 100 normal subjects were considered for caspase 9 promoter gene polymorphism. DNA extraction was performed from white blood cells according to manufacturer protocol. PCR-RFLP was carried out to detect -712 C>T gene polymorphism. Data was analyzed using SPSS V.18 and P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: In the present study 200 subjects including 143 men and 57 women were studied. All subject were well matched for geographic area and race. The results showed a relationship between increase in allele T and gastric cancer (P= 0.095 r=0.0224). Conclusion: Screening of -712C>T caspase 9 polymorphism could be a marker in personal sensitivity to gastric cancer and useful in cancer treatment and prevention process.

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Background and purpose: Proteinurea is the commonest symptom of chronic kidney disease. The most risk factors for proteinurea are diabetes and hypertension. Other researchers showed that serum level of some metals might change in proteinurea. In this study we checked the changes of zinc and copper serum concentration in non-diabetic proteinuric patients. Materials and methods: This case-control study was performed during 2010-2011 to compare the zinc, copper, iron and selenium serum level in two groups, including 46 cases of healthy control group and 46 cases of non-diabetic patients with proteinurea which were matched for age and sex. The levels of metals (Zn-Cu) were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The data was analyzed with SPSS software using independent-sample t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The number of female cases was 26 and male cases were 20 in each group. The mean serum level of Cu in healthy women was 1.167±0.46 and in patient women was 1.232±0.58. These mean numbers were 1.142±0.43 and 0.962±0.46 for healthy and patient men, respectively. The mean serum levels of Zn in healthy and patient women were 1.201±0.38 and 0.918±0.43, respectively. These mean numbers were 1.163±0.35 for healthy men and 0.828±0.503 for patient men. Significant decrease was observed in serum Zn and Cu level in patient group compared with healthy group (p˂0.05). Conclusion: This study revealed that the cause of reduction in zinc and copper plasma concentration in proteinurea could be the excretion of protein and albumin from urine. Therefore, edema, disturbance in oxidative process, and renal disorders might occur.

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Background and purpose: Glutathione is one of the main antioxidants in animals which can protect against hazardous oxidative substances. Diospyros lotus consisted of antioxidants such as flavonoids and naphthoguinones which can influence the glutathione levels. On the other hand, Senecio vulgaris is expected to change the glutathione level, because of possessing toxic and oxidative compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloid. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Senecio vulgaris extract on the glutathione level and the protective effect of Diospyros lotus plant. Materials and methods: At the beginning, the plants Senecio vulgaris and Diospyros lotus were extracted. Then, the selected six groups of mice (n=5) were administered by the extracts and the liver glutathione levels were measured separately and coincidently through spectrophotometry method. Results: This study showed that the extract of Diospyros lotus plant significantly increased the level of glutathione (P<0.001) compared with that of the control group but senecio vulgaris decreased the amount of glutathione (P<0.001). But, Senecio vulgaris decreased the glutathione level (p<0.001). According to the increased level of glutathione (P<0.05) compared to the groups exposed to Senecio vulgaris, the plant Diospyros lotus extracts showed more protective effects. Conclusion: The results revealed the protective effect of Diospyros lotus plant extracts. It is believed that the protective mechanism against toxic compounds is contributed to the existence of antioxidative substances including flavonoids and naphthoguinones in Diospyros lotus, that protect the liver against toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid compound found in Senecio vulgaris.

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Background and purpose: Carbon monoxide (Co) is an odorless, colorless and poisonous gas that is the most abundant pollutant in the lower atmosphere. Co poisoning is one of the most common causes of death in Iran. This study investigated the prevalence of Co poisoning in Mazandaran province during 2009- 2011. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, the data was obtained from Mazandaran Department of Forensic Medicine. The information regarding autopsy reports, records of deceased persons, age, sex, occupation, and the cause of poisoning were collected. SPSS software and x ² were applied to analyze the data. Results: A total of 2,446 deaths was reported during 2009- 2011. Of these cases, 237 were poisoned of whom 27 (11.4%) died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Toxicity was more prevalent among the males (1.7 times more than female victims). The highest mortality rate was seen in those aged 21-30 years and the self-employed and housewives were the main victims. Most of the deaths happened in cold months at home and in the bathroom with inappropriate ventilation. In all cases, poisoning was accidental. Conclusion: Death due to Co poisoning (silent killer) happens gradually and it is impossible to get rid of it despite seeing the shadow of death. Hence, it is necessary to carry on more trainings and warnings through media on the dangers of CO poisoning.

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Background and purpose: Nowadays, the accumulation of toxins in food, water, land and air, is one of the most important arguments regarding human health and environment. The important feature is the chronic toxicity of pesticides they can accumulate in the body. The accumulation of toxins in the body occurs directly through exposure due to contact or indirectly through food, inhalation or absorption through the skin. The aim of this research was to evaluate the amount of residue “Diazinon” in orange products of citrus gardens in Sari. Material & methods: The extraction of this toxin was done using the organic solvent “n- hexane” from the samples of orange from the different regions in Sari. In this study, the evaluation the Diazinon amount was taken cared of by using gas chromatography which was equipped with mass spectrometry detector (MS). In this research, the sensitivity is set to ppb to determine the amount of toxin. All the results were statistically analyzed using one way-ANOVA and student t-test. Then Tukey-posttest was applied to compare the pesticides residue levels found in the samples (P< 0.05). Results: All results obtained from the different areas were in the normal range. Normal range for Diazinon residues in citrus fruits, according to the WHO is 0.7 Ppm. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, Diazinon was found in all samples. All values are normalized based on global standards.

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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.