Assessment of Serum Zinc,Copper and Selenium in Non-Symptomatic Sickle-Cell Anaemia Patients at the University Teaching Hospital,lusaka,Zambia

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.