Evaluation of Serum Level of Zinc, Copper and Magnesium in Asthmatic Children and Their Correlation to Disease Severity.

Background: Trace elements are essential micronutrients found in the body in extremely small amounts. The generation of free radicals may be linked to trace element deficiencies and is known to cause damage to cells and tissues. They are assumed to have a role in the etiology of numerous diseases, including bronchial asthma. Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and magnesium (Mg) are necessary for antioxidant enzymes and therefore for the optimal functioning of the immune system. Changes in trace elements level decrease the efficacy of these antioxidant enzymes and lead to hyperactivity and inflammation of the respiratory tract. Aim: To find the relationship between serum level of zinc, copper and magnesium and severity of bronchial asthma in children (who are subdivided into intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent and severe persistent). Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 124 children at the Pediatric Pulmonology Outpatient Clinic of the Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University. The children were divided into two groups. Group A comprised 62 children diagnosed with bronchial asthma. We subsequently subdivided this group into four subgroups according to asthma severity: intermittent, mild persistent, moderate persistent and severe persistent. Group B comprised 62 clinically healthy controls. The serum levels of Zn, Cu, and Mg were measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and pulmonary function tests were done to studied groups. Results: Compared to the control group, the asthmatic group had significantly lower serum levels of Zn and Mg and higher levels of Cu. There was significant relation between asthma severity and serum level of Zn and Mg. The severe persistent subgroup had significantly lower levels of Zn and Mg than the intermittent and mild persistent subgroups. Serum copper showed no significant correlation with asthma severity. Conclusion: Children with bronchial asthma have lower serum levels of zinc and magnesium and higher levels of copper compared to healthy children. A disruption of these trace elements serum levels could be a factor in the development of bronchial asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]