Trace element profile in pemphigus foliaceus and in pemphigus vulgaris patients from Southeastern Brazil

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) and pemphigus vulgaris (PV) are autoimmune bullous diseases; they are endemic in the northeastern region of the state of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil. Patients' copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) metabolic deficiencies have already been associated with PV pathogenesis in the Middle East but not in Brazil. Lead (Pb), Cu, Zn, and Se concentrations were determined in whole blood or serum samples obtained from 56 PV patients, 62 PF patients, and 135 healthy controls from the endemic region and compared. The PV patients had higher (above the reference values) Pb and lower Zn levels as compared to controls. Both the PV and the PF patients presented decreased Se levels as compared to controls. The PV, PF, and control groups did not differ in terms of Cu concentration. These results indicate that high Pb blood levels are related with environmental contamination and consequently with PV pathogenesis. Moreover, Zn and Se depletion, observed in the PV patients and in the PV and the PF patients, respectively, may result from metabolic consumption verified in chronic diseases.