Helicobacter pylori and trace elements.

The metabolism of the trace elements is altered in infection or inflammation. Helicobacter pylori infection is a causative in chronic gastritis, duodenal ulcer disease and gastric cancer. It is not known whether H. pylori infection is associated with the changes in the serum levels of trace elements. The aim of this study was to determine serum concentrations of zinc and copper, using atomic absorption spectrophotometer, in patients with H. pylori positive chronic gastritis, patients with H. pylori negative chronic gastritis and healthy individuals. Serum Zn was significantly higher in patients with H. pylori positive chronic gastritis compared to both patients with H. pylori negative chronic gastritis and to healthy individuals, while serum Cu and Cu/Zn ratio was not significantly different in any study group. The serum zinc and copper concentrations were not altered in patients with chronic gastritis.