Serum copper and zinc concentrations in serum from patients with cancer and cardiovascular disease

A single cross-sectional study for serum copper and zinc levels was evaluated in 20 patients with cancer (respiratory, digestive, haematological, gynaecological) and 21 patients with cardiopathy (acute myocardial infarction and ischemic cardiomyopathy). A control group of 84 healthy subjects was selected. The mean serum zinc levels in patients with gynaecological cancer and ischemic cardiomyopathy were significantly lower than the control group ( P < 0.05). However, the mean serum copper level was not statistically different among patients with cancer ( P > 0.05) and cardiomyopathy ( P > 0.05) than the control group. Male patients did not have statistically different values for serum Cu ( P > 0.05) and Zn ( P > 0.05) than those found in female patients. Patients' age did not have any statistical influence ( P > 0.05) on serum Cu and Zn levels.