title: Serum copper and zinc levels in preeclamptic Nigerian women.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The exact etiology of preeclampsia remains unknown even though several studies have been done. Some studies have shown that supplementation of zinc (Zn) and copper could ameliorate the effects of preeclampsia while other studies did not establish the beneficial role of these elements in preeclampsia. The objective of this study was to compare the Zn and copper levels in the serum of Nigerian women with or without preeclampsia.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this study, serum Zn and copper levels were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry in 54 patients and 48 healthy normotensive pregnant women. The mean, standard deviation, Student's t-test, and Pearson correlation were employed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Serum Zn was significantly lower in patients than controls (8.27 ± 0.60 vs. 12.16 ± 1.83 μmol/l. P <0.001) (t-test). Serum copper was also significantly lower in patients than controls (8.14 ± 1.80 vs. 16.62 ± 3.17 μmol/l, P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There was a significant reduction in the levels of Zn and copper in patients with preeclampsia. Dietary supplementation of these trace elements may help to prevent preeclampsia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Nigeria.
authors.forename: A O
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Onyegbule
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Pathology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Nigeria.
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Onah
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Nigeria.
authors.forename: B C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Iheukwumere
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Pathology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Nigeria.
authors.forename: J N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Udo
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Pathology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Nigeria.
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Atuegbu
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Pathology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Nigeria.
authors.forename: N O
authors.initials: NO
authors.lastname: Nosakhare
keywords: Atomic absorption spectrometry; copper and zinc; preeclampsia