Serum Trace Elements and Heavy Metal Levels in Patients Diagnosed with Chronic Otitis Media and Their Association with Surgical Treatment Outcomes

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:To determine the serum iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), cobalt (Co), and lead (Pb) levels in patients with chronic otitis media (COM) and to evaluate the association of the serum levels of these elements with treatment outcomes. MATERIALS and METHODS:Thirty-one healthy volunteers and 31 patients with COM were prospectively included in this study. Serum levels of Fe, Zn, Mn, Mg, Cu, Co, and Pb were determined by an atomic absorption UNICAM-929 spectrophotometer.RESULTS: Serum Co, Pb, and Fe levels were significantly increased (p<0.001) and serum Cu, Zn, Mg, and Mn levels were significantly reduced in patients with COM compared with controls (p<0.001). Serum Co and Mn levels were significantly decreased (p<0.001 and p<0.005, respectively) and serum Cu levels were significantly increased after surgery (p<0.005). The other evaluated blood chemicals and heavy metals did not exhibit significant differences (p>0.05). CONCLUSION:Significant alterations in the serum chemical composition of patients with COM were observed. Moreover, with surgical treatment, serum levels of some of these chemicals were significantly altered. Further prospective studies are warranted to elucidate the exact association of these alterations in the etiopathogenesis of COM.

Essential trace elemental levels (zinc, iron and copper) in the biological samples of smoker referent and pulmonary tuberculosis patients

“…In the current work, Cu was observed greater in PTB relatively in the control group. Our results were supported by other scientists and noted greater Cu levels in the study subjects [52]. The Zn and Cu are the two factors of superoxide dismutase, an enzyme accountable for the synthesis containing hydrogen peroxide.…”

“…Low Zn level reported in TB patients is in concert with reports from Ethiopia, Iran, Italy, Nigeria, Turkey, Indonesia and India respectively [[51], [52], [53], [54], [55]]. The low plasma Zn in TB patients compared with control was probably due to redeployment of Zn from blood circulation to other tissues, reduction in hepatic production of a2-macroglobulin (a Zn carrier protein) or a increase in the manufacture of metallothionein, which is a protein that helps in transportation of Zn to the liver [[56], [57], [58]].…”

“…Copper is fundamental for the continued existence of Mycobacterium and is used further in response to infection [51]. It is a significant constituent of immune system in opposition to reactive oxygen species which create in response to TB infection) [52]. Copper is a vital ingredient that enhances immunity against macrophages.…”

Serum trace element and heavy metal levels in patients with sepsis

“…Contrary to previous studies, serum Fe levels were significantly higher in the sepsis group in the present study (p ¼ 0.004). Similarly, it was reported that serum Fe level was high in patients with chronic otitis media, and this was a precipitating factor for recurrent infection [24]. Heavy metals, such as Co, may accumulate in different organs of the body and inhibit vital enzymes.…”