title: Serum level of copper in patients with coronary artery disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Atherosclerotic disease is the most important cause of mortality in the world. Oxidation is an important pathway in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) through oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and free radical formation. Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient for enzymes that catalyse LDL oxidation reactions. Therefore, an evaluation of Cu in the atherosclerotic disease is important.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this study, 334 subjects without recent cardiac event and history of collagen vascular or infectious disease were investigated. All patients divided into four groups to evaluate severity of CAD according to Syntax scoring system. All groups were matched in cardiovascular risk factors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The serum level of Cu was significantly higher in total atherosclerotic groups than normal group (P value = 0.001) and significantly increased with severity of atherosclerosis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The finding indicated that the serum level of Cu is higher in atherosclerotic patients and it increases with severity of atherosclerosis. Therefore, it may be possible that the basic relationship exist between serum Cu level and atherosclerosis and an association between Cu level and severity of atherosclerosis.
authors: Department of Cardiology, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
authors: Babak
authors: B
authors: Bagheri
authors: Department of Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
authors: Negin
authors: N
authors: Akbari
authors: Department of Cardiac Surgery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
authors: Sasan
authors: S
authors: Tabiban
authors: Department of Cardiac Surgery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
authors: Valiallah
authors: V
authors: Habibi
authors: Department of Cardiology, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
authors: Vahid
authors: V
authors: Mokhberi
keywords: Atherosclerotic disease; copper; syntax score
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