LIPOPEROXIDATIN, TRACE-ELEMENTS AND VITAMIN-E IN PATIENTS WITH LIVER-CIRRHOSIS

Objective: To evaluate serum levels of malonaldehyde (as a marker of lipoperoxidation), copper, zinc, manganese (trace elements) and vitamin E in cirrhotic patients with respect to the severity of cirrhosis. Methods: Twenty patients with compensated cirrhosis, 22 with decompensated cirrhosis and 21 healthy subjects were studied. Malonaldehyde was measured by the thiobarbituric acid test; copper, zinc, and manganese were determined by atomic absorption, while vitamin E was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: Malonaldehyde levels were significantly higher in both groups of cirrhotic patients when compared with healthy subjects. Zinc and vitamin E levels were significantly lower in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. A significant correlation was also found between serum zinc and albumin levels in these patients. Copper and manganese levels were similar in the three groups examined. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the increased susceptibility to lipoperoxidation observed in advanced cirrhosis might be because of a decrease in zinc and vitamin E levels, which have been reported to be critical for protecting cells against free radical mediated lipoperoxidation.