Possible correlation between the zinc and copper concentrations involved in the pathogenesis of various forms of anemia.

Abstract

The concentrations of three trace elements (iron, copper and zinc) involved in hematopoiesis were studied in 200 patients with iron-deficit anemia, hemolytic anemia and Biermer's anemia, in comparison with a group of normal subjects. The method used was atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results obtained showed that in iron-deficit anemia resistant to iron therapy the copper and ceruloplasmin serum concentrations are at the lowest limit of normal. This copper deficit has a negative effect on the disease by preventing hemoglobin synthesis. In iron-deficit anemias responding to iron therapy the relatively low (about 90 gamma %) zinc values have a negative effect by blocking the iron in the iron reserve. In hemolytic anemia the very high zinc serum concentrations (over 200 gamma %) may lead to a shortening of the erythrocytes life span due to its "entatic state". In Biermer's anemia zinc by its high concentration has a positive role owing to carbonic anhydrase which eliminates more rapidly carbon dioxide from the organism.