Alterations of serum antioxidant trace elements (Se, Zn and Cu) status in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis

ObjectiveTo assess the serum antioxidant trace elements selenium (Se), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in cutaneous leishmaniasis patients.MethodsIn this study, serum Se, Zn and Cu was determined by using atomic absorption spectrometry in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (n=95). The values were statistically compared between patients and control group (n=100) using One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsOur results showed that there was a significant difference in the values of Se and Zn between two groups (P<0.000 1 and P<0.01, respectively). Meanwhile, no significant difference in level of Cu was observed between patients and healthy subjects (P>0.05). Se and Zn levels were found to be (4.33±1.06) and (70.23±19.12) μg/dL in cutaneous leishmaniasis cases, and these values were found statistically lower compared to the controls (11.10±2.37) and (119.61±26.18) μg/dL, respectively.ConclusionsThe observations that host products are released from stimulated leukocytes and could induce metabolic changes similar to an acute-phase response revealed an endocrine role for the immune system. Characteristic changes in trace-mineral metabolism are an integral part of the acute-phase response. The changes are usually reflected in decreased serum Se and Zn concentrations.