Copper and zinc concentrations and the activities of ceruloplasmin and superoxide dismutase in atherosclerosis obliterans

The relationships among concentrations of copper and zinc, the oxidase acti vity of ceruloplasmin (Cp) in serum, and Cu,Zn-SOD (superoxide dismutase) a ctivity in erythrocytes were, investigated in men with atherosclerosis obli terans (AO) and a control group. The oxidase activity of Cp was measured wi th o-dianisidine dihydrochloride as a substrate, and Cu,Zn-SOD activity in erythrocytes by using the RANSOD kit. The lipid profile and uric acid conce ntration were determined in AO and control groups. The results showed higher copper and zinc concentrations in serum in the AO group (20.0+/-3.5 and 18.0+/-3.2 mu mol/L, respectively) in comparison wit h the control group (15.6+/-2.3 and 14.7+/-1.9 mu mol/L). The Cp activity i n serum was higher in the AO group (174.2+/-61.8 U/L) than in the control g roup (93.7+/-33.9 U/L), and a significant difference was found in the activ ity of Cu,Zn-SOD in erythrocytes (2389+/-1396 and 1245+/-365 U/g Hb, respec tively) between both groups. The activity of Cu,Zn-SOD was positively correlated with copper in the cont rol group (r=0.73), but not in AO, and negatively with uric acid concentrat ion (r= -0.63) in the AO group. The oxidase activity of Cp was correlated w ith copper, but not zinc, in AO and control groups (r greater than or equal to 0.65). Negative correlation coefficients were calculated for uric acid and copper and zinc concentrations in the AO group (-r greater than or equa l to 0.62). Increased copper concentrations and oxidase activity of Cp in serum in AO a nd the activity of Cu,Zn-SOD in erythrocytes could result from atherosclero tic disease, accompanied by chronic ischemia of a lower limb. These results suggest also that relationship between copper concentration and Cu,Zn-SOD activity in erythrocytes found in the serum of healthy subjects may be dist urbed in pathologic conditions.