Cytogenetic effects of copper-containing intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) on blood lymphocytes.

Forty women using the copper-containing intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) for various periods and 22 control women were studied. The copper and zinc levels were measured in the plasma of the IUCD users and the control group. Chromosomal analyses were performed on blood lymphocytes of the same groups. Results showed that plasma copper level was significantly higher in the IUCD users than in that of controls (1.25+/-0.14 microg/ml vs. 0.89+/-0.04 microg/ml, P<0. 05). A decline in plasma zinc level from 2.90+/-0.41 microg/ml to 1. 27+/-0.13 microg/ml, P<0.05, with a significant alteration in plasma copper/zinc ratio was also measured in the IUCD women (62% vs. 111%, P<0.05). Chromosomal aberrations (4.47+/-1.40 vs. 0.62+/-0.12/100 cell, P<0.01) and high frequencies of sister chromatid exchanges (8. 79+/-0.46 vs. 6.59+/-0.19 SCE/cell, P<0.01) were evident in the IUCD women especially in those using the IUCD for more than 24 months. The combination of high copper plasma level, chromosomal aberrations and the increased frequency of sister chromatid exchange may support the existence of a positive correlation between the long term use of the IUCDs and DNA damage in the host somatic cells. Copyright 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.