Low selenium and zinc levels increase rheumatoid arthritis

Afbeelding

Objectives:
Environmental risk factors regrading rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have not been explored extensively. Selenium (Se), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) nutrients were reported to associate with rheumatoid arthritis, but the results were inconsistent. Therefore, this review article has been conducted.

Is there a relationship between serum selenium, zinc and copper levels and rheumatoid arthritis risk?

Study design:
This review article included 41 studies.

Results and conclusions:
The investigators found meta-analysis of 16 studies involving 806 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 959 health controls showed that serum selenium levels [SMD = -1.04, 95% CI = -1.58 to -0.50] were significantly decreased in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

The investigators found meta-analysis of 23 studies involving 1,398 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 1,299 health controls showed that serum zinc levels [SMD = -1.20, 95% CI = -1.74 to -0.67] were significantly decreased in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

The investigators found meta-analysis of 26 studies involving 1,723 rheumatoid arthritis patients and 1,451 health controls showed that serum copper levels [SMD = 1.26, 95% CI = 0.63 to 1.89] were significantly increased in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

The investigators found meta-regression reported that steroid use was positively related to serum level of selenium in rheumatoid arthritis [β = 0.041, 95% CI = 0.002 to 0.079].

The investigators found differences in serum selenium, zinc and copper between rheumatoid arthritis patients and controls were all related with the geographical distribution.

The investigators concluded patients with rheumatoid arthritis have significant decreased serum selenium and zinc levels and increased serum copper levels than health controls, suggesting potential roles of selenium, zinc and copper in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Patients and rheumatologist should give enough attention to the monitor of these elements during follow up.

Original title:
Common trace metals in rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis by Ma Y, Zhang X, […], Pan F.

Link:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31442958

Additional information of El Mondo:
Find here more information/studies about selenium, zinc and copper and chronic disease.