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.