Association between serum zinc and copper levels and antioxidant defense in subjects infected with human T-lymphotropic virus type 1

Abstract

IntroductionCopper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are important trace elements that are also structural ions of superoxide dismutase (SOD), which reduce oxidative stress. Zinc deficiency and excess copper have been reported to be associated with inflammation. The human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a retrovirus, which is believed to cause systemic inflammation. The aim of this study is to measure levels of Zn, Cu, SOD, and prooxidant–antioxidant balance (PAB) in HTLV-1-positive patients and investigate the association between serum Zn and Cu concentrations and levels of oxidative stress in them.MethodsThe serum samples of 1,116 subjects who had participated in the “Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorder” study, including 279 HTLV-1-positive and 837 HTLV-1-negative patients, were used. Levels of Zn, Cu, SOD, and PAB were measured.ResultsZinc and SOD levels were lower in the HTLV-1-positive group; however, the difference was statistically significant only for the level of SOD (P=0.003). On the other hand, levels of copper and PAB were significantly higher in HTLV-1 positive subjects; P=0.004 and P=0.002, respectively.ConclusionIn HTLV-infected patients, serum Zn concentration is lower and Cu concentration is higher than healthy controls. This altered situation might be either primary or secondary to HTLV-1 infection, which should be investigated in larger studies. We showed that SOD is significantly lower in HTLV-1-infected subjects. As in some other viruses that evolve different mechanisms to potentiate virus replication by changing the physiologic condition of host cells, HTLV-1 too probably decreases the activity of copper–zinc SOD1 by suppressing its gene.

Zinc and Copper Ions Differentially Regulate Prion-Like Phase Separation Dynamics of Pan-Virus Nucleocapsid Biomolecular Condensates

“…Significantly raised serum Cu/Zn ratio is proportional to infection in HIV-1-infected patients relative to healthy subjects [ 300 , 301 ] and is a useful predictor of disease progression and mortality in HIV-1-infected patients [ 159 ]. Increased serum Cu/Zn ratios, in combination with diminished SOD-1 levels, are biomarkers that stratify progressing HTLV-1-infected patients [ 302 ].…”

Rutin ameliorates copper sulfate‐induced brain damage via antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory activities in rats

“…Copper (Cu) is a vital element in mammalian nutrition, where trace amount is necessary for cellular function and survival. [ 1 ] Cu is an essential component of Cu‐metalloproteins‐ceruloplasmin (ferroxidase), cytochrome c (for biological energy metabolism), superoxide dismutase (antioxidative enzyme), [ 2‐5 ] dopamine β hydroxylase (for the biosynthesis of neurotransmitter) [ 6,7 ] where it acts as an electron donor or acceptor. Cu is also essential for proper infant growth, brain development, and body immunity.…”

Serum Selenium, Iron, Zinc, and Copper Concentrations in Renal Transplant Recipients Treated with Mycophenolate Mofetil

“…Of note, the difference in Cu levels was statistically significant (p = 0.03). Copper is an important trace element that serves as a structural ion in superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant enzyme that reduces oxidative stress [1]. Our results suggest that MMF evidently increased the level of Cu in blood, which may be associated with the fact that MMF inhibits ROS production by increasing the activity of Cu/Zn SOD [11].…”

“…Together with copper (Cu), it participates in antioxidative stress mechanisms [ 9 ]. Zinc protects cells, tissues, and organs (including the kidneys) against free radicals by activating Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase and reducing the production of reactive oxygen species [ 1 , 9 , 24 ]. Another bioelement, selenium (Se), also affects redox status on account of its antioxidative properties [ 8 , 23 ].…”