Serum zinc, copper, magnesium, proteins and superoxide dismutase in leprosy patients on multidrug therapy--a follow-up study.

Serum zinc, copper, magnesium, total proteins and albumin-globulin fractions and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were estimated in 80 untreated patients with TT/BT/BL/LL type of leprosy and in 40 controls. The investigations were repeated on day 30, 60 and 120 after starting multidrug therapy (MDT-WHO) on the patients. Serum zinc was significantly lowered in all types of leprosy on days 0 and 30. Serum copper was significantly raised in all types of leprosy. This was not significant in BT/TT cases on 60, 120 days. There was a correlation between serum zinc and copper levels and the severity and type of leprosy. The lowering of serum magnesium values were not significant. With therapy, there was a shift of all the three elements towards normal values. Serum total proteins reduction was not significant. Serum albumin was significantly lowered in all types of leprosy. Serum globulin was significantly raised in all types of leprosy. This rise in TT/BT was not significant on day 60 and 120 after starting treatment. Serum SOD was significantly reduced in all the untreated cases. It gradually increased with the clinical improvement under MDT.