Serum zinc and copper levels: a marker of disease activity in senile cataract patients

Authors

  • Pooja S. K. Rai Department of Biochemistry, LTMMC and LTMGH, Sion, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Smita A. Deokar Department of Biochemistry, HBT Medical College and Dr. R N Cooper Municipal General Hospital Juhu, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  • Ravi R. Yadav Department of Biochemistry, Sukhsagar Medical College and Hospital, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
  • Sudarshan Shelke Department of Biochemistry, Krishna Institute of medical Sciences, Karad, Maharashtra, India
  • Shimi Sundharan Department of Biochemistry, LTMMC and LTMGH, Sion, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20173588

Keywords:

Copper, Senile cataract, Zinc

Abstract

Background: The present study was aimed to study alterations in levels of zinc and copper in senile cataract patients.

Methods: 25 senile cataract patients in age group of 50 to 80 years and 25 control group were included in the study. Serum zinc and copper levels were determined by colorimetric method.

Results: Significantly increased levels of serum zinc in cataract patients (199.8±24.32 µg/dl) were found as compared to controls (85.80±3.6 µg/dl) (p<0.0001). Serum copper concentration in cataract patients (249.5±34.59 µg/dl) were significantly (<0.0001) increased when compared to controls (125.7±4.66 µg/dl).

Conclusions: Copper and zinc are involved in the pathogenesis of cataracts by different mechanisms such as damaging lipid membranes and lens capsule, crosslinking and in solubilization of lens proteins, leakage of beta and gamma crystalline into the aqueous humour through the production of hydroxyl radicals and peroxyl radicals. So, abnormal elevation of serum copper and zinc can be used as a marker in the opacification of the lens cortex in age-related human cataract.

Author Biography

Pooja S. K. Rai, Department of Biochemistry, LTMMC and LTMGH, Sion, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

biochemistry dept.

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Published

2017-07-26

How to Cite

Rai, P. S. K., Deokar, S. A., Yadav, R. R., Shelke, S., & Sundharan, S. (2017). Serum zinc and copper levels: a marker of disease activity in senile cataract patients. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 5(8), 3697–3700. https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20173588

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Original Research Articles