Alterations of serum selenium, zinc, copper, and iron concentrations and some related antioxidant enzyme activities in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis

The aim of this study was to measure the alterations in serum selenium (Se) , copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) concentrations and their carrier pr oteins, ceruloplasmin (Cp), transferrin (Tf) albumin, and related antioxida nt enzyme activities, erythrocyte Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD), g lutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) activities in patients w ith cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Erythrocyte Cu-Zn SOD activities, serum C u concentrations, and Cp levels were found to be significantly higher in th e patients group than those of controls. However, GSH-Px and CAT activities and Se, Zn, Fe, and Tf levels were lower in patients than in the control s ubjects. There were positive important correlation's between Cu-Zn SOD and Cp, Cu-Zn SOD and Cu, Cp and Cu, GSH-Px and Se, and Fe and CAT in the patie nts group. Our results showed that serum essential trace elements Se, Zn, C u, and Fe concentrations and their related enzymes Cu-Zn SOD, GSH-Px, and C AT activities change in CL patients. The changes may be a part of defense s trategies of organism and are induced by the hormonelike substances.