Serum zinc level in bronchial asthma

Abstract

Background: Free radicals has a harmful effects on the cells and tissues. It is responsible for the pathogenesis of many diseases. Antioxidants decrease the harmful effects of free radicals. Trace elements like selenium, zinc and copper are crucial for the activity of these antioxidants. The aim of this study is to determine serum zinc level in asthmatic patients during acute attacks, after inhaled corticosteroid therapy and during asymptomatic periods in order to evaluate the relation of serum zinc level to different clinical phases of asthma. Methods: The study included 46 asthmatic patients (group 1 and group 2) and 30 healthy persons as a control group (group 3) and having no personal or family history of allergy. The first group included patients presenting with acute asthmatic attacks (n = 26). This group was evaluated before the treatment and after three months of inhaled steroid therapy. The second study group included asthmatic patients who were asymptomatic (n = 20). Control group (group 3, n = 30). Serum zinc level was measured in all cases. In addition, pulmonary function tests were performed and forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were determined in all patients. Results: During the acute attacks, serum zinc level was lower than after inhaled corticosteroid therapy in group 1 with a significant difference (p < 0.05). FVC and FEV1 were also statistically different in the pre and posttreatment periods (p < 0.05). Serum zinc level was significantly lower in group 1 (pretreatment) when compared with groups 2 and 3 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Measurement of zinc level could be recommended in asthmatic adults. proper supplementations of zinc can be useful in the management of asthmatic patients due to increase the effect of antioxidant defense system. However, further multi-centre studies with greater number of patients are needed to warrant the results of this study.

Keywords

• Bronchial asthma
• Serum zinc level