Serum trace elements and heavy metals in polycystic ovary syndrome

• Published in: Human & experimental toxicology 2012-05, Vol.31 (5), p.452-456
• Main Authors: Kurdoglu, Z, Kurdoglu, M, Demir, H, Sahin, HG
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Cadmium; Case-Control Studies; Chemical and industrial products toxicology. Toxic occupational diseases; Clinical trials; Cobalt; Copper; Female; Female genital diseases; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Heavy metals; Humans; Lead; Magnesium; Manganese; Medical sciences; Metals and various inorganic compounds; Metals, Heavy - blood; Non tumoral diseases; Polycystic ovary syndrome; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - blood; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - epidemiology; Serum levels; Spectrophotometry; Toxicity; Toxicology; Trace elements; Trace Elements - blood; Young Adult; Zinc
• ISSN: 0960-3271; 1477-0903
• DOI: 10.1177/0960327111424299

Objective: We aimed to investigate the serum levels of essential trace elements copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg) and heavy metals cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co) and lead (Pb) in the patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: A total of 65 (35 patients with PCOS and 30 healthy controls) women were included in the study. Serum Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb, Mg, Co and Cd levels were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. Results: Serum Cu and Zn levels were significantly higher, but Mn and Pb levels were lower in patients with PCOS compared with the healthy participants (p < 0.01). There was no difference between patients with PCOS and the controls with respect to the serum levels of Mg, Co and Cd. Conclusions: This is the first study investigating serum Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb, Co, Mg and Cd levels in the patients with PCOS. The serum levels of trace elements and heavy metals might change in patients with PCOS. The findings in this study should be investigated with further trials in order to obtain new insights into PCOS.