Abstract
Background:
Aortic valve sclerosis (AVSc) is defined as the thickening and calcification
of aortic valve cusps, in the absence of obstruction of ventricular outflow.
AVSc is linked with a clear imbalance in some trace elements.
Aims:
The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between AVSc
and serum levels of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and copper (Cu).
Additionally, this research aimed to explore the clinical significance of
human serum zinc, selenium, copper, and iron concentrations as a potential
new biomarker for AVSc patients and to clarify the pathophysiological role
in individuals at risk of developing AVSc.
Patients and methods:
The study included 40 subjects with AVSc (25% male and 75% female) who were
compared with a healthy control group with the same gender ratio. AVSc was
based on comprehensive echocardiographic assessments. Blood samples were
taken and Zn and Cu concentrations were determined through the use of atomic
absorption spectroscopy. Se was measured using an inductively coupled plasma
mass spectrometry device and Fe was measured using a Beckman Coulter
instrument.
Results:
There was a significant difference in the prevalence of diabetes, blood
pressure levels, and body mass index between the patients and the healthy
subjects (p < 0.05). The differences between the serum
Fe, Se, and Cu levels of the AVSc patients and the healthy subjects
(p > 0.05) were recorded. The serum Zn of AVSc
patients when compared was significantly lower compared with that of the
control group (p < 0.01).
Conclusion:
Patients with AVSc had an imbalance in some of the trace elements in their
blood. The patient group’s valves had higher serum Cu levels and lower serum
Se, Zn, and Fe concentrations compared with the healthy group’s valves. In
the valve patients as compared, AVSc had a high prevalence of obesity,
hypertension, and diabetes.
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