Trace element and electrolyte disturbances in alcoholic liver disease - role of zinc, cadmium, copper and magnesium metabolism

Chronic alcoholism is associated with disturbances in trace element and ele ctrolyte metabolism. We have used atomic absorption spectroscopy to study z inc (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) concentrations in plasma and liver t issue, and intracellular and membrane magnesium (Mg) content, in patients w ith alcoholic liver disease. We compared 22 patients with steatosis (ST), 1 9 with cirrhosis (CT) and 14 with hepatitis due to alcoholism with data for 35 healthy controls (CON). Plasma Mg and Zn levels were significantly lowe r in Cr patients, but not in ST patients, as compared to the controls. Live r tissue Cu but not Zn was significantly higher than in controls, but no al terations in Cd metabolism were found. The intracellular Mg level was signi ficantly lower in CI patients than in the controls. Membrane Mg content was significantly lower in ST and CI patients than in the controls. We found a significantly higher liver tissue copper content in patients with alcoholi c liver cirrhosis compared to controls. Additionally, we found zinc and mag nesium deficiency in cirrhosis, but not in liver steatosis patients. We con clude that trace element alterations appear to be related to the degree of liver disease. Med Sci Res 27:739-741 (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wilkin s.