Abstract

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to shed light on the level of trace elements in hypothyroidism. The content of the trace elements (Zn, Cu) in the serum of patients was determined and compared to that of normal subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum sample of fifty patients of known case of hypothyroidism and fifty normal subjects were taken. Serum Zinc and serum copper was estimated by colorimeter method in Fully automated Erba XL-640 Analyser. RESULTS: The results showed that serum zinc level of hypothyroidism patients was significantly lower as compared to the normal subjects (p value<0.05). There is no significant difference between the groups in serum copper level. CONCLUSION: Decreased thyroid hormone synthesis and low levels of circulating thyroid hormones result in biochemical and clinical hypothyroidism. Deficiency of thyroid hormones causes many metabolic processes to slow down. The results of this study indicates, the role of these trace elements in many metabolic process either as essential nutrients or as cofactors for different enzymes contributed directly or indirectly to the hypothyroidism. Consequently, the results of this study suggest that the metabolism of zinc is abnormal in hypothyroidism disease.

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