ARPN Journal of Science and Technology::Evaluation of Serum Copper and Zinc in Hypothyroidism Patients

Decreased thyroid hormone synthesis and low levels of circulating thyroid hormones result in biochemical and clinical hypothyroidism. Deficiency of thyroid hormones causes many metabolic processes to slow down. The maintenance of optimal health requires an adequate supply of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, and macronutrients, micronutrients, and trace elements. In this work, the serum content of the trace elements; Zn and Cu in hypothyroidism patients was determined and compared to that of normal subjects. Fifty hypothyroid patients and fifty normal healthy control persons participated in this study. Serum zinc and copper was determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that serum zinc level of hypothyroidism patients was significantly lower as compared to the normal subjects. There is no significant difference between the groups in serum copper. The results of this study indicates, the role of these trace elements in many metabolic process either as essential nutrients or as cofactors for different enzymes contributed directly or indirectly to the hypothyroidism. Consequently, the results of this study suggest that the metabolism of zinc is abnormal in hypothyroidism disease.