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The value of copper and zinc levels in hernia formation
Author(s) -
Ozdemir Suleyman,
Ozis Erpulat S.,
Gulpinar Kamil,
Aydın Sinan M.,
Eren Ayse A.,
Demirtas Selda,
Korkmaz Atila
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
european journal of clinical investigation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.164
H-Index - 107
eISSN - 1365-2362
pISSN - 0014-2972
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2010.02406.x
Subject(s) - zinc , copper , value (mathematics) , hernia , chemistry , medicine , general surgery , mathematics , statistics , organic chemistry
Eur J Clin Invest 2011; 41 (3): 285–290 Abstract Background A defect in collagen metabolism is suspected to be one of the factors responsible for hernia formation. Lysyl oxidase is a copper‐dependent enzyme in the process that provides for the structural integrity of collagen molecules, while zinc is essential for tissue maintenance. Materials and methods In a prospective fashion, copper and zinc levels were measured in plasma and tissue specimens obtained from indirect ( n = 23), direct ( n = 20) and incisional hernia patients ( n = 19) and from healthy controls (laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients, n = 15) by enzymatic colorimetric analysis. Results Groups were similar in age, comorbid diseases and body mass index. Whereas plasma levels of Cu and Zn in hernia and control patients were similar, and tissue levels were significantly lower in all hernia groups (especially the incisional hernia group) compared to controls ( P < 0·001). The incisional hernia group had significantly lower tissue copper levels than direct hernia patients and lower zinc levels than indirect hernia patients. Conclusions Patients with all types of hernia, especially those with incisional hernias, have significantly lower tissue copper and zinc levels than control patients, despite having similar plasma levels. This finding might reflect excessive consumption or dysfunction of lysyl oxidase as playing a role in the aetiology of hernias.