Antioxidants and Trace Elements in Burns

Burn injury is a medical problem as well as a social burden on the national health services in developing countries. Trace elements have important roles in wound healing and act as antioxidants. In this study we estimated iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) levels in serum and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in erythrocyte of burned patients. Study includes 43 patients with burn injuries and 25 healthy controls. These trace elements were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities using Marklund and Marklund and L. Goth respectively. Trace elements in serum significantly decreased (p<0.001) in all patients as compared to control, whereas antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase and catalase) activities were increased significantly (p<0.001) as compared to control. Based on the critical role of plasma’s Zn and Cu rate in wound healing and their relationship in decreasing the burn injury, it is important that patients having burn take Zn and Cu supplements continuously as micronutrients after burn injury. K. N. PUJARI Department of Biochemistry, Government Medical College, Miraj