Trace element and magnesium levels and superoxide dismutase activity in rheumatoid arthritis

It has been suggested that reactive oxygen metabolites and trace elements p lay some role in the etiology and pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) . Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is believed to exert an important protective r ole against oxygen toxicity. The aim of the study was to investigate the pr obable changes in the levels of trace elements and SOD activity in RA. Plas ma and erythrocyte copper, zinc, and mag nesium levels and erythrocyte SOD activity were measured in groups of controls and RA cases. Significantly in creased erythrocyte SOD activity was found in RA patients in comparison wit h controls (p < 0.0001). A rise in erythrocyte Zn level (p < 0.0001) and pl asma Cu level (p < 0.0001) and a decrease in erythrocyte Cu level (p < 0.05 ) and plasma Zn level (p < 0.05) were obtained in RA patients when compared to controls. Plasma and erythrocyte Mg levels of the RA patients showed sl ight and statistically insignificant reductions when compared to controls ( p > 0.05). In RA patients, there were positive correlations between erythro cyte SOD activity and Mg level (r = 0.4345, p < 0.01) and between erythrocy te Zn level and plasma Cu level (r = 0.4132, p < 0.01). There were negative correlations between erythrocyte SOD activity and plasma Zn level (r = -0. 3605, p < 0.05) and between plasma Zn level and erythrocyte Cu level (r = - 0.4578, p < 0.01) in RA patients.