Evaluation of the relation between copper, iron and zinc trace elements and selenium in patients with hashimoto thyroiditis

It is known that trace elements are related with thyroid functions. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in serum levels and ratios of selenium (Se) iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) trace elements in the etiopathogenesis of Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) and to evaluate the possible relationship between these parameters. The study group consisted of 35 patients who were admitted to the Internal Medicine outpatient clinic and diagnosed as Hashimoto's thyroid. In our control group, 28 healthy individuals with normal physical examination and routine examinations were included. Se, Zn, Cu and Fe levels were measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometer (ICP-OES, Thermo iCAP 6000). Levels of serum Se, Fe, Cu and Zn (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively) were significantly decreased in HT group compared to the control group. Cu/Zn and Cu/Se ratios increased in HT group. Also, there was a positive correlation between Cu/Zn ratio with Cu levels; Cu/Se ratios with Fe/Se; Fe/Se ratios with Fe/Zn; Fe levels Fe/Se and Fe/Zn ratios in HT group. Se levels were negatively correlated with Cu/Se and Fe/Se ratios and Zn levels were also negatively correlated with Cu/Zn ratio. With the help of the data obtained in this study, trace element levels and ratios were observed to play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of HT.Further studies are needed to elucidate the interaction between the underlying mechanisms of the disease and the trace elements and ratios. Keywords: Hashimoto thyroiditis, Se, Zn, Cu, Fe, Cu/Se, Cu/Zn, Fe/Se, Fe/Zn