Biomaterial Database

Plasma zinc and copper in obesity and after intestinal bypass. 1978

R L Atkinson, and W T Dahms, and G A Bray, and R Jacob, and H H Sandstead

Plasma concentrations of zinc and copper were measured in 15 obese patients before intestinal bypass surgery, in 27 patients after intestinal bypass surgery, and in 52 lean control subjects. Preoperatively, the obese patients had zinc concentrations that were significantly lower than in the lean control subjects (76 +/- 3 versus 89 +/- 2 microgram/dl) (+/- SEM) and copper levels that were significantly higher (147 +/- 10 versus 119 +/- 3 microgram/dl). After intestinal bypass, plasma zinc and copper concentrations were significantly lower (zinc, 62 +/- 2 microgram/dl; copper, 90 +/- 5 microgram/dl; P less than 0.001) than in prebypass patients. One patient developed leukopenia associated with a plasma copper concentration of 36 microgram/dl. Leukocyte count and plasma copper level rose with oral copper sulfate replacement therapy. Intestinal bypass surgery may produce clinically significant decreases in plasma concentrations of zinc and copper. Careful observation and replacement therapy are indicated in all patients who develop deficiences after intestinal bypass surgery.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007422	Intestines	The section of the alimentary canal from the STOMACH to the ANAL CANAL. It includes the LARGE INTESTINE and SMALL INTESTINE.	Intestine
D009765	Obesity	A status with BODY WEIGHT that is grossly above the recommended standards, usually due to accumulation of excess FATS in the body. The standards may vary with age, sex, genetic or cultural background. In the BODY MASS INDEX, a BMI greater than 30.0 kg/m2 is considered obese, and a BMI greater than 40.0 kg/m2 is considered morbidly obese (MORBID OBESITY).
D003300	Copper	A heavy metal trace element with the atomic symbol Cu, atomic number 29, and atomic weight 63.55.	Copper-63,Copper 63
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D013997	Time Factors	Elements of limited time intervals, contributing to particular results or situations.	Time Series,Factor, Time,Time Factor
D015032	Zinc	A metallic element of atomic number 30 and atomic weight 65.38. It is a necessary trace element in the diet, forming an essential part of many enzymes, and playing an important role in protein synthesis and in cell division. Zinc deficiency is associated with ANEMIA, short stature, HYPOGONADISM, impaired WOUND HEALING, and geophagia. It is known by the symbol Zn.