| dc.description.abstract | Zinc, Copper and Selenium are important trace elements in human health and
disease. They play a vital role as cofactors of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and
glutathione peroxide. These act as first line antioxidants enzymes in red blood cells and in plasma.
In sickle-cell anaemia patients, the antioxidant activities of such enzymes is markedly reduced.
Despite improvement in sickle-cell anaemia management, morbidity and mortality still remains
significant hence the need to assess their levels. The baseline data obtained can be used for further
research on the possible supplementation and nutritional options which can improve the patient’s
antioxidant status and disease management. The study was aimed at determining the serum levels
of Zinc, Copper and Selenium in asymptomatic sickle-cell anaemia patients at the University
Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia.
The study was a Case Control study. Asymptomatic participants were enrolled from the
specialized Haematology and Oncology Clinic 4 at the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka,
Zambia. 4 mls of whole blood was collected from 46 sickle-cell anaemia patients and 46 Controls
who did not have any major medical condition from Out-Patient Department after consent. Using
Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, (ContraAA700® ANELYTIK JENA, Germany) serum levels
of Zinc, Copper and Selenium were assayed and determined. STATA version 11.0 was used for
data analysis.
The median serum levels of Zinc in patients were lower [85.64±20.46mg/L vs
104.39±43.23mg/L; p<0.028] compared to controls. Copper levels were [150.26±54.82mg/L vs
129.49±54.16mg/L; p<0.191] in patients compared to the controls. Selenium levels were
[0.082±0.041mg/L vs 0.083±0.032mg/L; p<0.380] in patients compared to the controls. There was
no association between the frequency crises per last one year to the serum levels of Zinc, Copper
and Selenium.
Findings show that Zinc, is markedly reduced in sickle-cell anaemia patients
compared to apparently health normal individuals. There was no direct association between the
sickling crises frequency and levels of Zinc, Copper and Selenium. | en |
