CONCENTRATIONS OF CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM, ZINC AND COPPER IN RELATION TO FREE FATTY-ACIDS AND CHOLESTEROL IN SERUM OF ATHEROSCLEROTIC MEN

The concentrations of calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, free fatty acids and total, HDL- and LDL-cholesterol in the sera of atherosclerotic men were determined. The subjects with femoral atherosclerosis were divided into two age groups: 35-59 years (N = 8, I) and 60-75 years (N = 8, II). The LDL-cholesterol concentration was increased in the elderly atherosclerotic group. Lower concentrations of calcium and magnesium, a higher concentration of copper and decreased Ca/Cu, Mg/Zn, Mg/Cu and Zn/Cu ratios were found in atherosclerosis I as compared to controls of the same age. High and positive correlations for Cu vs. total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (r > 0.89), but low correlation for Cu vs. HDL-cholesterol (r = 0.61) were calculated in atherosclerosis I, and negative correlations for free fatty acids vs. Ca and Mg (-r > 0.77) in atherosclerosis II.