Naila Masood et al EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT LEVEL AND TRACE METALS IN ANEMIA Int J Cur Res Rev, Jan 2013 / Vol 05 (02) Page 135 IJCRR Vol 05 issue 02 Section: Healthcare Category: Research Received on: 18/12/12 Revised on: 03/01/13 Accepted on: 24/01/13 EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT LEVEL AND TRACE METALS IN ANEMIA Naila Masood 1 , Imran Ali Shaikh 1 , Ali Raza Memon 2 , Saira Baloch 3 1 Department of Medicine, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS) Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan 2 Department of Biochemistry, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS) Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan 3 Medical Research Centre (MRC) Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro, Pakistan E-mail of Corresponding Author: saira_dr01@yahoo.ocm ABSTRACT Background: Anemia is a disorder characterized by reduction in hemoglobin concentration of blood below the normal level. It is a global problem, mainly affecting poor people in developing countries. Methods: to determine trace metals fifty intravenous blood samples anemic patients and normal subjects were collected and immediately centrifuged to obtain the supernatant liquid, serum of both the groups for analysis. Results: The mean serum levels of magnesium, zinc, copper, and iron and antioxidant activity in anemic patients were 16.05±1.14ppm, 4.33±0.28 ppm, 2.5±0.2ppm, 1.50±0.28ppm and 1.27±0.05ppm respectively. Serum magnesium, zinc, iron and antioxidant levels were significantly lower whereas, the higher level of Copper was observed in anemic patients compared to the controls. Conclusion: Supplementation with deficient trace elements may reduce the severity of symptoms and complications associated with anemia. Key Words: Anemia, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Magnesium, Antioxidant Activity. List of abbreviations used; CRP-C-reactiveprotien, ESR-Erythrocyte sedimentation rate. INTRODUCTION Anemia is one of the world’s most prevalent health problems, especially among adult and pregnant females approximately 35% to 75% (56% on average) are anemic in developing countries (1). “The World Health Organization has identified that iron and folic acid deficiency is a severe problem in Pakistan and it has devastating impacts on health and survival. It has been estimated that iron deficiency leads to 22,000 maternal deaths for the last 10 years (2). There are various other nutritional and communicable causes of anemia, iron (Fe) deficiency is often a causative aspect in many of these cases (3). Fe deficiency anemia leads to weakness (4), poor physical growth (5), and delayed psychomotor development (6). A recent study on the prevalence and etiology of nutritional anemia in urban areas of Hyderabad, Pakistan indicated a high prevalence of anemia and Fe deficiency in 60% of adults (7). Zinc (Zn) deficiency in humans has been found in infants, schoolchildren and adults (8). Zinc deficiency associates with Fe deficiency anemia in areas where Fe deficiency is a problem (9). It was investigated that anemia is one, of the major manifestations of copper (Cu) deficiency both in animals and human beings (10). It is essential to maintain Fe homeostasis in the human body; its deficiency leads to anemia and neutropenia (11). Cuassisted enzymes are necessary for the utilization of Fe to make hemoglobin, a main component of red blood cells (11). Recent attention has been directed to the element chromium (Cr); it can improve insulin sensitivity and therefore may be involved in carbohydrate