ZINC AND COPPER IN SYMPTOM-FREE NIGERIANS, THOSE WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE AMD OTHER PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
ZINC AND COPPER IN SYMPTOM-FREE NIGERIANS, THOSE WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE AMD OTHER PATHOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
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Date
1979-09
Authors
KAPU, MOSES MOISA
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Abstract
Zinc and copper concentrations were estimated by
atomic absorption spectrophotometry in serum, erythrocytes
and scalp hair from inhibitants of northern
Nigeria. Other measurements performed were serum
caeruloplasnIN total protein, albumin and alkaline
phosphatase, and blood haemoglobin and haematocrit.
The mean serum zinc was significantly lower in
non-elite Nigerians (Hausa rural farmers presenting as
blood donors) (105.30 + 7.30 ug/100 ml) than in elite
Nigerians (University senior staff) (128.90 + 5.80
ug/100 ml) (P<O.01). The lower serum zinc in nonelite
Nigerians was associated with lower mean albumin.
Other measurements showed no significant differences.
It is suggested that lower serum albumin in non-elite
reflected a lower protein intake and the lower serum
zinc resulted from poor absorption of the metal due to
dietary ligands.
Intake of food was shown to lower the serum zinc,
but had no consistent effect on other measurements.
Therefore, it is important that specimens for
measurements of serum zinc should be collected at a
standardized time, and with the subject fasting.
The decrease of serum zinc and increase of copper
during pregnancy are confirmed in Nigerians. It is
possible that the reduced serum zinc in pregnancy
may be a reflection of rapid protein
metabolism resulting in a shift into the intracellular
compartment, and an increased mobilization >ecause of
foetal demand. The raised serum copper in pregnancy may be
due to increased erythropoiesis.
There was no significant difference in measurements
between Nigerians with normal haemoglobin pattern (Hb. AA.)
and those individuals with sickle cell trait (Hb. AS.).
Patients with sickle cell anaemia (Hb. SS.) were observed
to have lower mean serum and hair zinc concentrations than
elite Nigerians (P<0.01). The erythrocyte zinc levels
did not differ significantly between these two groups.
There was no significant difference found in measurements
between Hb. SS and non-elite groups, but it is probably
true that patients with Hb. SS, were nearer the elite
families than non-elite families. Patients with Hb. SS. in
Nigeria probably do not have clinically significantly zinc
deficiency. An elevated serum copper in Hb. SS, is thought
to be the result of increased erythropoietic activity.
Patients with leg ulcers but not Hb. S.S., showed comparable
serum zinc levels to patients With Hb. SS.. probably
due to zinc immobiligation from chronic tissue damage.
Significantly decreased serum zinc concentrations
have been demonstrated in the following conditions: primary
liver cancer, hookworm anaemia, active pulmonary
tuberculosis and leukaemias. The serum copper was
elevated in these conditions. The pathophysiological
mechanisms underlying these changes may be increased
urinary excretion and loss of body stores of zinc.
These changes in serum zinc and copper may result in
part from a redistribution of the metals within the
body initiated by a hormone-like protein factor which
is released from phagocytic cells. This factor,
leukocytic endogenous mediator (LEM), stimulates the
liver to take up zinc and iron from serum into the
liver and to synthesize additional quantities of
caeruloplasmin.
This work has established the normal ranges of
zinc and copper concentrations in the northern
Nigerian population with relation to social class
and haemoglobin patterns, and that zinc deficiency is
not a common feature in Nigeria.
The estimation of trace element concentrations
may be a useful means of predicting the health status
of various community groups in the general population;
and the changes occuring in trace element concentrations
may be a useful tool in following the progress of patients
with malignant disease during the course of treatment.
Description
Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the
requirements for the degree of
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Ahmadu Bello University,
ZARIA
Keywords
ZINC,, COPPER,, SYMPTOM-FREE,, NIGERIANS,, H SICKLE CELL,, DISEASE,, PATHOLOGICAL,, CONDITIONS.