Evaluation of status of zinc, copper, and iron levels in biological samples of normal and arthritis patients in age groups 46-60 and 61-75 years.

BACKGROUND: A great number of studies have investigated the possible role of trace elements in the etiology and pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
METHODS: The aim of the study was to evaluate copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) levels in three biological samples (scalp hair, blood, and urine) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in two groups, age ranges 46 - 60 and 61-75 years, of both genders compared to age-matched healthy individuals. A microwave assisted wet acid digestion procedure was developed as a sample pretreatment for the determination of Cu, Fe, and Zn in biological samples. The digests of all biological samples were analysed for Cu, Fe, and Zn by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) using an air/acetylene flame. The proposed method was validated by analyzing certified reference samples of hair, blood, and urine.
RESULTS: The results indicated significantly lower levels of Fe, Cu, and Zn in the biological samples (blood and scalp hair) of male and female rheumatoid arthritis patients as compared to control subjects of both genders (p < 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS: These data present guidance to clinicians and other professional investigating deficiency of essential trace metals in biological samples (scalp hair and blood) of RA patients.