Chronic liver diseases and microelements

The levels of zinc, copper and iron in serum and in liver tissue were determined in 141 cases of chronic liver diseases including 104 post hepatic cirrhosis; 7 schistosomiasis and 30 chronic active hepatitis. The serum ceruloplasmin and urinary zinc excretion in cirrhosis group were also measured. The results showed that in study group the serum zinc was significantly lower than that of the control group, the cirrhosis group had lower value than that of the chronic active hepatitis. Serum copper and ceruloplasmin of study group were significantly higher than that of control group. Compared with the control group, the liver tissue zinc in cirrhotic group was significantly lower, whereas the copper higher, which indicated the excess storage of copper in the body. Serum iron was lower in study group, the lowest value was also in cirrhosis group. Our study indicated that the analysis of microele ments metabolism may be beneficial for the diagnosis and treatment of the chronic liver diseases.