Relationship between Serum Levels of Some Trace Elements, Disease Duration and Severity in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Background: Many trace elements in the biological system, including boron, are involved in various vital processes related to health and diseases. Boron has been proved to have a role in decreasing inflammatory pain, joint stiffness and other disabling symptoms associated with osteoarthritis (OA). Aims and Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between serum concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn) and magnesium (Mg) with disease duration and severity in patients with knee OA. Methods: A total of 43 patients with knee OA were clinically evaluated and serum concentrations of Cu, Zn, Se, Mn and Mg were measured, and the results were compared with those of healthy controls. Trace elements levels were correlated with disease duration and severity. Results: Serum Cu and the value of Cu/Zn were significantly elevated in OA patients and positively correlated with disease duration and severity. Serum Zn, Se and Mn were significantly lower in patients compared with controls; Zn and Se were found to be negatively and significantly correlated with disease duration and severity. Conclusion: Patients with knee OA had higher levels of Cu and larger value of Cu/Zn and lower levels of serum Zn and Se; these changes were potentially correlated with the duration and severity of disease.