We studied the effects of external copper exposure on plasma copper, serum
lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins in workers who have excessive cont
act with copper. Fifty-eight healthy Turkish males who were working in the
copper processing industry and 33 control subjects were examined. Copper co
ncentration was measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry, lipid,and
lipoprotein levels were detected by spectrophotometry and apolipoproteins
were measured with a nephelometer.
There was no significant difference in plasma copper between the workers an
d the controls. However, in the worker group, the mean levels of TC, LDL-C,
apoAI, apoB and Lp (a) were significantly higher while the mean level of H
DL-C was significantly lower than that of the controls. In addition, there
was a significant positive correlation between plasma copper and LDL-C only
in the workers group.
Our findings suggest that excessive contact with copper may contribute to c
oronary risk factors.