Alterations of Serum Zinc, Copper and Iron Concentrations in Patients with Acute and Chronic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

The aim of this study was to measure the alterations in serum zinc (Zn) copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) concentrations in patients with acute and chronic cutaneous leishmaniasis. Serum zinc and copper were measured by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometer and serum iron concentration was measured by the Ferrozine method with commercial kits and assay was carried out by using an automatic analyzer. A total of 54 individuals were enrolled in this study: 18 patients with acute cutaneous leishmaniasis, 18 with chronic one and 18 healthy people who were not infected by Leishmania parasites. Serum Cu concentration was found to be significantly higher in the patients with acute (p<0.05) and chronic (p<0.05) cutaneous leishmaniasis than those of control group. However, Zn and Fe levels were lower in patients with acute (p<0.001) and chronic (p<0.001) cutaneous leishmaniasis than in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in serum zinc, copper and iron levels in patients with acute and chronic cutaneous leishmaniasis. Our results showed that serum essential trace elements Zn, Cu and Fe concentrations have been changed in these patients. The changes may be a part of defense strategies of organism and are induced by the hormonelike substances.