Copper and zinc concentrations and the activities of ceruloplasmin and superoxide dismutase in atherosclerosis obliterans.

The relationships among concentrations of copper and zinc, the oxidase activity of ceruloplasmin (Cp) in serum, and Cu,Zn-SOD (superoxide dismutase) activity in erythrocytes were investigated in men with atherosclerosis obliterans (AO) and a control group. The oxidase activity of Cp was measured with o-dianisidine dihydrochloride as a substrate, and Cu,Zn-SOD activity in erythrocytes by using the RANSOD kit. The lipid profile and uric acid concentration were determined in AO and control groups. The results showed higher copper and zinc concentrations in serum in the AO group (20.0+/-3.5 and 18.0+/-3.2 micromol/L, respectively) in comparison with the control group (15.6+/-2.3 and 14.7+/-1.9 micromol/L). The Cp activity in serum was higher in the AO group (174.2+/-61.8 U/L) than in the control group (93.7+/-33.9 U/L), and a significant difference was found in the activity of Cu,Zn-SOD in erythrocytes (2389+/-1396 and 1245+/-365 U/g Hb, respectively) between both groups. The activity of Cu,Zn-SOD was positively correlated with copper in the control group (r=0.73), but not in AO, and negatively with uric acid concentration (r= -0.63) in the AO group. The oxidase activity of Cp was correlated with copper, but not zinc, in AO and control groups (r> or =0.65). Negative correlation coefficients were calculated for uric acid and copper and zinc concentrations in the AO group (-r > or = 0.61). Increased copper concentrations and oxidase activity of Cp in serum in AO and the activity of Cu,Zn-SOD in erythrocytes could result from atherosclerotic disease, accompanied by chronic ischemia of a lower limb. These results suggest also that relationship between copper concentration and Cu,Zn-SOD activity in erythrocytes found in the serum of healthy subjects may be disturbed in pathologic conditions.