Serum Copper and Serum Zinc in Preeclampsia: Cause or Effect?

Background: Preeclampsia is multisystem disorder. Despite its prevalence and severity, the pathophysiology of this multisystem disorder is poorly understood. In concern regarding the increasing number of preeclamptic cases and lack of data about the levels of trace elements in preeclampsia, a case-control study was conducted with aim to determine the trace elements like serum total copper and serum total zinc in preeclampsia.

Aims: To estimate alterations in serum copper and serum zinc in preeclampsia and to compare them with normal pregnant women.

Study Design: This is a case control study, carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, MIMER Medical College, Talegaon Dabhade, Pune.

Methods: The present study consisted of 120 study participants. These were divided into two groups. Group I - normal pregnant women as control (n=60) and Group II - preeclamptic group (n=60). The serum levels of copper and zinc were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP- AES) technique at IIT Mumbai.

Results: Analysis revealed that mean values of total serum copper and total serum zinc were 196.20 ± 25.9 and 77.15 ± 14.5 (µg/dl) respectively in control group. In preeclamptic group, the mean values of copper and zinc were 213.13± 38.6 and 76.23 ± 13.13 (µg/dl) respectively. Copper was significantly increased in preeclamptic group, while non-significant reduction in levels of zinc levels was observed when compared to control group.

Conclusion: In the present study, significantly high serum copper was observed in preeclamptic patients. Presence of high copper levels may be related factor in the etiopathogenesis of preeclampsia. Estimation of trace elements like copper and zinc may help clinicians in early diagnosis and minimizing or delaying complications of preeclampsia, hence preventing harm to both mother & fetus.