Albanian Journal of Biomedical Science

INTRODUCTION: Many trace elements play important roles in activating or inhibiting enzymatic reactions, by competing with other elements and metal proteins for binding sites, by affecting the permeability of cell membranes and by other mechanisms. They play important roles in the oxidant/antioxidant balance. As such, trace elements are thought to be involved directly or indirectly in the pathogenesis of several diseases. Free radicals have harmful effects on cells and tissues and are thought to be responsible for the pathogenesis of many diseases. Trace elements are required for the antioxidant enzymes and hence the optimal function of the immune system. Changes in the levels of these elements may lead to a reduction in antioxidant activities in various diseases. The aim of this survey is to put in evidence possible alterations of copper, zinc and selenium status in patients suffering by oxidative stress caused by cardiovascular disease (CVD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We investigated serum levels of copper, zinc, and selenium in 83 patients hospitalized by acute myocardial infarction in some hospitals in Tirana and in 70 healthy persons. Serum copper and zinc measurements were carried out using flame atomic absorption spectrometry Shimadzu 7700 (AAS) and serum selenium measurements were carried out using atomic absorption spectrometry hydride method. Statistical processing of the data was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS 20). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The results of this study have shown that levels of copper have increased in patients compared to control group, while the levels of zinc, and selenium decreased in patients compared to control group. Significantly low serum zinc (p < 0.001) and serum selenium (p < 0.001) were found in patients suffering by oxidative stress caused by CVDs compared to the group of healthy persons, whereas significant difference between the groups included in our survey was also found for serum copper (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that there are alterations in serum concentrations of trace elements in cardiovascular patients, suggesting that they may play a role in the pathophysiology of these diseases by virtue of their role in oxidative stress.