ROLE OF COPPER AND IRON DEFICIENCIES IN PATHOGENESIS OF RECURRENT APHTHOUS ULCER

Abstract

The aim of the study was to estimate the serum levels of copper and iron in recurrent aphthous ulcer (RAU) patients and to compare these levels with normal healthy individuals. A total of 60 patients were examined with 30 recurrent aphthous ulcer (RAU) patients and 30 healthy controls. Serum samples obtained from the patients were digested using nitric acid and subjected to atomic absorption spectrophotometer for copper estimation. Serum iron was estimated using Bathophenanthroline method. All parameters were statistically analysed using student's t-test. A highly significant decrease in serum levels of copper and iron were seen in recurrent aphthous ulcer patients than in healthy control group. Copper and iron deficiencies may play a key role in etio-pathogenesis of recurrent aphthous ulcer.