Interest of serum copper/zinc ratio in oxidative stress assessment on a population of senegalese sickle cell children

Abstract

Introduction: Sickle cell disease is a genetic disease characterized by lipidoperoxidation. This lipidoperoxidation is evaluated by the Cu/Zn ratio, a parameter positively correlated to several pro-oxidant markers (Cuivre,...). This work aims to test the value of the Cu/Zn ratio as a marker of oxidative stress and inflammation. Materials and methods: This was a prospective case-control study conducted in 64 homozygotic sickle cell patients (31 in stationary phase; 33 in crisis) and 37 controls, aged 1 to 16 years. Total antioxidant status (TAS),cupremia, zincemia, CRP and Cu/Zn ratio were determined. The statistical analysis was carried out with the R version 3.4 software. Results: TAS and zinc averages were similar patients and controls groups. Cupremia and Cu/Zn ratio were significantly increased in sickle cell patients compared to controls [(1,85±0,53 mg/l vs 1,42±0,48 mg/l; p=8.10-5) ; (3,22±1,92±2,25 ; 2,23±0,91 ; p=6.10-4)], but also in homozygous in crisis compared to controls [(2,01±0,56 mg/l vs 1,42±0,48 mg/l ; p=7,55.10-6) ; (3,9±2,25 ; 2,23±0,91 ; p=4,71.10-5)].This ratio was not correlated with TAS (r = -0,03 ; p > 0,05), but, negatively correlated with zinc (r -0.73; p -0.05), itself positively correlated to TAS (r - 0.5; p -0.05) The Cu/Zn ratio was positively correlated with copper (r = 0,59; p˂ 0,05) and CRP (r = 0,31; p˂ 0,05). Conclusion: The Cu / Zn ratio is not only a pro-oxidant marker, but also a witness of antioxidant control and inflammatory response.