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Accumulation of copper in the liver and hepatic injury in chronic hepatitis C
Author(s) -
Hatano Ryoji,
Ebara Masaaki,
Fukuda Hiroyuki,
Yoshikawa Masaharu,
Sugiura Nobuyuki,
Kondo Fukuo,
Yukawa Masae,
Saisho Hiromitsu
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of gastroenterology and hepatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.214
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1440-1746
pISSN - 0815-9319
DOI - 10.1046/j.1440-1746.2000.02199.x
Subject(s) - medicine , zinc , hepatic fibrosis , liver biopsy , gastroenterology , albumin , copper , fibrosis , chronic hepatitis , pathology , chronic liver disease , hepatitis , liver injury , biopsy , bilirubin , cirrhosis , chemistry , immunology , virus , organic chemistry
Background and Aims: Relationships between chronic liver disease and trace metals have not been clearly understood. To examine connections between severity of hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C and copper, iron and zinc we measured the contents of these metals in liver tissue and serum in the patients.Methods: Forty‐one patients (26–62 years), 13 with fibrosis representing grade F1, 16 with F2, seven with F3, and five with F4, entered this study. Metals were quantified in needle liver‐biopsy specimens by particle‐induced X‐ray emission. In serum, metals were measured by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry.Results: Hepatic copper content increased with progression of hepatic fibrosis ( P < 0.05). The copper content correlated positively with bilirubin ( r = 0.466, P = 0.0023), and with type IV collagen ( r = 0.402, P = 0.0086) and correlated negatively with albumin ( r = – 0.404, P = 0.080). However, hepatic iron and zinc contents did not show a significant differences between grades of fibrosis.Conclusions: Copper accumulation in fibrotic livers caused by chronic hepatitis C may contribute to hepatic injury. The real mechanism is not known at present, but excess copper may damage the liver by oxidative stress.