Reduced copper enzyme activities in blood cells of children with cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis patients are at risk for nutrient deficiencies from malabsorption related to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This research examined the copper homeostasis of children with cystic fibrosis. Our objective was to measure cytochrome oxidase and copper-zinc superoxide dismutase activities in mononuclear cells, neutrophils, and erythrocytes of adolescents with cystic fibrosis, as well as plasma copper and ceruloplasmin. Thirteen adolescents with pancreatic insufficiency caused by cystic fibrosis were compared with 10 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Serum copper concentrations and ceruloplasmin measurements were not significantly different between the two groups. Cytochrome oxidase activity was significantly lower in the mononuclear cells and copper-zinc superoxide dismutase activity was significantly lower in the neutrophils and erythrocytes of the cystic fibrosis group. Other measures of trace element status such as hemoglobin concentration, serum ferritin, serum zinc, glutathione peroxidase activity, and manganese superoxide dismutase activity were not different between the two groups. Reductions in the activity of two copper-dependent enzymes suggest abnormal copper homeostasis in this population.