Comparative study of serum copper, zinc, Cu/Zn ratio in pulmonary tuberculosis patients with normal subjects Karthik G1, Kumari N. Shantha2,*, Nataraj B1 1Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Dr. B.R Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India 2Associate Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Dr. B.R Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India *Corresponding Author: Email: drshanthakumari17@gmail.com
Online published on 2 January, 2019. Abstract Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) is an important global health problem. It has more impact on developing and underdeveloped countries. The impact of tuberculosis can be seen by the fact that in 1993, the world Health Organization (WHO) declared tuberculosis a Global Emergency. WHO estimated that tuberculosis infects about one-third of world's population. Every year, 8 million people contract tuberculosis, of which 95% are in the developing world.1. Aims and Objectives To estimate and compare serum Copper, Zinc levels, and Cu/Zn ratio in newly detected pulmonary tuberculosis patients with healthy volunteers. To estimate Total Protein and Albumin levels to rule out hypoproteinemia. Materials and Methods The study included 40 newly detected sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients and 40 healthy volunteers. Serum copper and zinc was estimated by colorimetric method using RA-50 semi autoanalyser. Total protein was estimated by biuret method and Albumin, by bromocresol green method using automated analyser. Results and Conclusions There was a significant increase in serum copper levels in pulmonary tuberculosis patients when compared to control group (P<0.0001). The mean Copper levels in pulmonary tuberculosis patients was 221.93 + 64.92μg/dl and in controls, it was 137.83 + 26.71μg/dl. There was a statistically significant decrease in the mean Zinc values in tuberculosis patients when compared to the control group (P<0.0001). The mean Zinc levels in tuberculosis patients was 170.97 + 34.99 μg/dl and in the controls it was 207.71 + 38.37 μg/dl. The Cu/Zn ratio in tuberculosis patients is 1.35 + 0.46 and in the controls it was 0.69 + 0.19. There was a statistically significant (P<0.0001). From the results of present study it can be concluded that estimation of serum copper, zinc, Cu/Zn ratio can have an auxillary value in the early diagnosis and in monitoring the prognosis of subjects with pulmonary tuberculosis, but further studies with larger group of patients is necessary. Top Keywords Pulmonary Tuberculosis, Copper, Zinc, Cu/Zn Ratio, Total Protein, Albumin. Top |