University Publications

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Free radicals have harmful effects on cells and tissues and are thought to be responsible for the pathogenesis of many diseases including bronchial asthma. Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are trace elements required for the antioxidant enzymes and hence the optimal functions of the immune system. This study was conducted to determine serum levels of the trace elements Cu and Zn in asthmatic patients moderate and severe in order to evaluate the associations of these nutrients with severity of asthma in adults.</p> <p><strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> In a cross sectional study the serum Cu and Zn concentration were measured in 38 moderate asthmatic adult patients and 22 severe asthmatic adult patients matched for age and sex . The patients were recruited from moderate and severe asthma casualties, referred clinics and wards of Shaab Teaching Hospital and Emergency department of Omdurman Military Hospital, Khartoum- Sudan.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> Mean copper level in adults with moderate asthma was 0.206 &plusmn; 0.057 and mean copper level in adults with severe asthma was 0.143 &plusmn; 0.040 . Mean zinc level in adults with moderate asthma was 0.142 &plusmn; 0.016 and mean zinc level in adults with severe asthma was 0.130 &plusmn; 0.089 . Mean copper level in adults with moderate asthma was significantly higher than mean copper level in adults with severe asthma (P&lt;0.000). Mean zinc level was shown insignificant difference in adults with moderate asthma and adults with severe asthma (P&gt;0.666).</p> <p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Copper level is higher in moderate asthmatic adults than in severe asthmatic ones, and the zinc level is normally low in both of them.</p>