Ceruloplasmin, copper and zinc in pulmonary emphysemia

Abstract

We analyzed the blood samples from 20 patients with global respiratory failure (10 males, mean age 56±7 yrs. and 10 females, mean age 60±5 yrs.). All patients were heavy cigarette smokers, in average 33±8 pack-years. Spirometrics examinations suggested severe, irreversible pressure dependent airflow limitations; body plethysmo­graphic measurements revealed overinflalion in increased total lung capacities, and transfer factors were greatly reduced. The control group consisted of 20 healthy smokers. Slightly elevated alfa 1-PI in our patients, 3.55±0.76 g/L, indicated an acute phase reaction. As compared to the control group, we found significantly decreased concentration of zinc (74±24 : 105±34 pg/100 niL, p<0.001). The mean values of ceruloplasmin were similar in the two groups (0.45±0.01 ; 0.37±0.05 g/L). Scrum copper levels were also similar in both groups (126±46 : 134±14pg/100mL). The other authors have stated that in inflam­mation the copper concentration was increased. However our findings could not prove it. Decreased concentration of zinc pointed to the destabilization of lysosomal mem­ branes and increased macrophage activity that liberates proteases.