Serum copper and zinc concentrations in patients with chronic hepatitis B

The aim of this study was to measure the alterations in serum trace elements, including zinc and copper in patients with chronic hepatitis and to compare with the results of healthy individuals. The serum zinc and copper concentrations were measured by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer in sera of patients with chronic hepatitis and statistically compared with those of healthy individuals. One hundred and five subjects, 71 patients with chronic hepatitis B (46 asymptomatic carriers, 25 chronic active hepatitis B) and 34 healthy individuals were included in this study. Sera of patients with chronic hepatitis and statistically compared with those of healthy individuals. Serum zinc concentrations were 104 +/- 24.98 mu g/dl in asymptomatic carriers, 97 +/- 16.03 mu g/dl in chronic active hepatitis and 108 +/- 21.07 in healthy controls, respectively. Serum copper concentrations were 88 +/- 17.8 mu g/dl in asymptomatic carriers, 86 +/- 20.02 mu g/dl in patients with chronic active hepatitis B and 88 +/- 13.59 mu g/dl in healthy controls, respectively. Serum zinc and copper concentrations were not statistically different in patients with chronic hepatitis B compared with those of healthy individuals (p > 0.05). Serum trace element concentrations did not show statistical alterations in patients with chronic hepatitis B compared with healthy subjects. (c) 2004 The British Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.