Hatano R, Ebara M, Fukuda H, Yoshikawa M, Sugiura N, Kondo F, Yukawa M, Saisho H. Accumulation of copper in the liver and hepatic injury in chronic hepatitis C.
J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2000;
15:786-91. [PMID:
10937686 DOI:
10.1046/j.1440-1746.2000.02199.x]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Relationships between chronic liver disease and trace metals have not been clearly understood. To examine connections between severity of hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C and copper, iron and zinc we measured the contents of these metals in liver tissue and serum in the patients.
METHODS
Forty-one patients (26-62 years), 13 with fibrosis representing grade F1, 16 with F2, seven with F3, and five with F4, entered this study. Metals were quantified in needle liver-biopsy specimens by particle-induced X-ray emission. In serum, metals were measured by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry.
RESULTS
Hepatic copper content increased with progression of hepatic fibrosis (P < 0.05). The copper content correlated positively with bilirubin (r = 0.466, P = 0.0023), and with type IV collagen (r = 0.402, P = 0.0086) and correlated negatively with albumin (r = -0.404, P = 0.080). However, hepatic iron and zinc contents did not show a significant differences between grades of fibrosis.
CONCLUSIONS
Copper accumulation in fibrotic livers caused by chronic hepatitis C may contribute to hepatic injury. The real mechanism is not known at present, but excess copper may damage the liver by oxidative stress.
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