Relevance of serum copper elevation induced by oral contraceptives: a meta-analysis

Abstract Background and Study Design It is well documented that copper (Cu) blood levels are elevated in combination oral contraceptive (COC) users. The aim of this study was to establish the range of Cu increase in OC users compared to nonusers through a systematic literature overview and quantitat...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Contraception (Stoneham) 2013-06, Vol.87 (6), p.790-800
Main Authors: Babić, Željka, Tariba, Blanka, Kovačić, Jelena, Pizent, Alica, Varnai, Veda M, Macan, Jelena
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis (general aspects, experimental research)
Biological and medical sciences
Blood and lymphatic vessels
Cardiology. Vascular system
Ceruloplasmin
Contraceptives, Oral - administration & dosage
Contraceptives, Oral - adverse effects
Copper
Copper - blood
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
Estrogen
Female
Genital system. Reproduction
Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics
Hepatic damage
Humans
Medical sciences
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Oxidation-Reduction
Oxidative stress
Oxidative Stress - drug effects
Pharmacology. Drug treatments
Reproducibility of Results
Up-Regulation - drug effects
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Summary:Abstract Background and Study Design It is well documented that copper (Cu) blood levels are elevated in combination oral contraceptive (COC) users. The aim of this study was to establish the range of Cu increase in OC users compared to nonusers through a systematic literature overview and quantitative data analysis. Results Twenty-six articles were included in the meta-analysis. The increase in Cu level exponentially decreased in COC users over time, with a rapid decline through the 1960s and 1970s. After controlling for the publication year, use of COC increases the mean serum/plasma Cu level by 0.57 mg/L (95% confidence interval 0.49–0.66 mg/L). Conclusion COCs commonly raise serum Cu to levels between 1.5 and 2 mg/L, which are above reference levels. Although these levels are not considered toxic, there are suggestions that such Cu increase could be implicated in oxidative pathophysiological processes in the body. Further research on safety of COCs use, including oxidative-stress-related effects, is warranted.
ISSN:0010-7824
1879-0518
DOI:10.1016/j.contraception.2012.10.006