Assessment of copper and zinc levels and their correlation with age in women suffering from RA in Kirkuk
Department of Chemistry, College of Education for pure Sciences, University of Kirkuk, Kirkuk, Iraq.
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Chemistry and Pharmacy, 2026, 08(02), 041-047.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjcp.2026.8.2.0010
Publication history:
Received on 05 March 2026; revised on 05 April 2026; accepted on 08 April 2026
Abstract:
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune chronic disease characterized by systemic inflammation, which may disrupt the regulation of trace elements.
Objective: To estimate the serum copper and zinc levels in female patients of rheumatoid arthritis (n=25) in Kirkuk, and to find out their relationship among them compared with the control, and to determine their effects, if any, on different ages.
Methods: Serum levels of copper and zinc were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) in RA patients and age-matched controls from various age groups. Differences and age-related patterns were examined.
Results: RA patients had higher serum copper but lower zinc levels than controls. Copper levels were highest in the youngest and decreased with age, concurrent with an inflammatory response and ceruloplasmin generation. Zinc deficiency was present in all age groups and appeared to be associated with chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, metabolic derangements, inadequate dietary intake, and the use of antirheumatic drugs.
Conclusion: A copper and zinc imbalance is present in RA, which appears to be influenced by age and the presence of inflammation. Tracking these factors may help explain disease activity and enhance patient care.
Keywords:
Rheumatoid arthritis; Copper; Zinc; Trace elements; Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
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