Biological trace element research
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Biol Trace Elem Res · Sep 2011
Randomized Controlled TrialEffects of different medical treatments on serum copper, selenium and zinc levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
The aim of the present study was to measure the changes in serum selenium, zinc, and copper in patients being treated for rheumatoid arthritis. Thirty-two patients and 52 healthy controls were included in the study. ⋯ Treatments with salazopyrin, corticosteroids, chloroquine, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs did not change the levels of any of the elements studied. The decrease in zinc and selenium levels and elevation in copper levels observed in the patients probably resulted from the defense response of organism and are mediated by inflammatory-like substances.