ZINC AND COPPER STATUS AND BLOOD-PRESSURE

In order to elucidate the relationships between Zn and Cu and blood pr essure, the present case-control study was carried out. Zn and Cu stat us was evaluated in 60 subjects, pharmacologically untreated, affected by mild stable hypertension and in 60 normotensives matched for sex, age and smoking habits. Different markers of Zn and Cu status, includi ng serum, erythrocyte and urine levels of the two trace elements and a ctivities of some Zn- or Cu-dependent enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, l actic dehydrogenase, superoxide dismutase and lysyl oxidase) were eval uated. No significant difference between hypertensives and normotensiv es was observed in the mean levels of Zn and Cu as well as in Zn- or C u-dependent enzymes, though higher levels of serum copper were associa ted with increased risk of hypertension. Interesting relationships bet ween the biological parameters investigated were observed in the hyper tensive subjects. Inverse correlations between blood pressures and ser um Zn were observed. Furthermore, blood pressure was inversely related to lysyl oxidase activity. These findings give further support to the hypothesis that an imbalance of Zn and Cu bioavailability may be asso ciated to hypertensive condition.