Serum magnesium, copper and zinc concentration changes in lower limb ischemia and postoperative treatment.

A prolonged state of ischemia of the lower limbs may affect the balance of some metal ion concentrations in blood. Ischemia of a critical degree, surgery and complicated postoperative periods invoke an inflammatory response, increased production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and acute phase proteins (APhP) as a response to tissue destruction. The aim of the present study was to investigate the modification of Mg, Cu and Zn concentrations in the serum of patients with atherosclerosis obliterans (AO) before surgery and during the postoperative treatment, and the effect of chronic ischemia of the lower limbs on the relationship between the elements. The group studied consisted of 54 men with chronic ischemia of the lower limbs due to AO. The mean value of serum Mg concentration in men with AO was found to be significantly lower, and that of Cu to be higher, in comparison with the control group. In critical ischemia, the mean serum Cu concentration and the ratio Cu/Zn were found higher than in moderate ischemia. The postoperative treatment results in changes in Cu and Zn concentrations in the AO group that are inversely related to the levels before surgery.