AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightThe monitoring of trace element levels in SCA appears to be vital for decreasing morbidity associated with the disorder.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
Background/aim: Oxidative stress contributes to pathophysiological dysfunction in sickle cell anemia (SCA). Copper (Cu) is aprooxidant, whereas zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) are antioxidant trace elements. This study investigates the serum levels of Cu, Zn, andSe among children with SCA.Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was performed at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh. Thirty-three childrenwith SCA in steady state and 33 age- and sex-matched normal healthy children were included in the study. Cu, Zn, and Se levels weremeasured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) instrument.Results: The median serum Cu levels among SCA patients (1.3 μg/mL) were higher than those of the controls (0.88 μg/mL; P < 0.0001).Zn (0.61 μg/mL) and Se (74 ng/mL) levels among SCA patients, however, were significantly lower than those of the controls (0.94 μg/mL; P < 0.0001) and (91.2 ng/mL; P < 0.0001), respectively. The Cu/Zn ratio among SCA patients (1.92) was higher than that of thecontrols (0.98).Conclusion: Decreased blood levels of antioxidant trace elements may contribute to the pathophysiology in SCA by promoting oxidativestress. The monitoring of trace element levels in SCA appears to be vital for decreasing morbidity associated with the disorder.