Study of Serum Copper and Iron in Children with Chronic Liver Diseases

Abstract

Trace elements have a major role as both oxidants and antioxidants, promoting and protecting from tissue damage respectively. As the liver has a pivotal role in trace elements metabolism and consequenyly their bioavailability, we aimed to measure serum levels of essential trace elements in children with chronic liver diseases (CLDs) regardless the etiology and to study their correlation with liver function tests. Serum zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and iron (Fe); together with other trace elements parameters; were measured in 50 children with CLDs using spectrophotometry and their levels were compared with those age and sex matched healthy children as controls. Serum Cu, Fe, ferritin and transferrin saturation (TS) were significantly higher in the CLDs group than that in the control group; while serum Zn and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were significantly lower in the CLDs than that in the control group. Serum Fe, Cu, TS and ferritin were positively correlated with biochemical parameters of liver damage; while serum Zn and TIBC were negatively correlated with biochemical parameters of liver damage. These results encourage inclusion of serum Zn, Cu and Fe as biomarkers for monitoring the severity of liver damage during routine assessment of children with CLDs. We recommended caution to avoid excess Fe and Cu intake in children with CLDs. Moreover, Zn supplementation could be encouraged in children with CLDs regardless its etiology.