Serum Zinc and Serum Magnesium in Chronic Liver Disease Patients

The progressive deterioration of liver tissue over time is a hallmark of chronic liver disorders (CLD). Liver diseases are linked to a number of risk factors, including environmental pollutants, genetics, and infectious diseases. The process of liver damage may be accelerated when multiple factors work together.

Due to their involvement in numerous metabolic pathways, trace elements are essential for preserving health. The liver plays a crucial role in controlling the metabolic pathway and transport, tissue distribution, toxicity, and trace element bioavailability. Certain metabolic illnesses are brought on by an excess or a shortage of certain trace elements, such as copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn).

Zinc is necessary for DNA synthesis, RNA transcription, cell growth, protein synthesis, and regeneration. It also serves as a center of activity or cofactor for hundreds of enzymes (5). Numerous symptoms, such as anemia, dermatitis, stomatitis, alopecia, bedsores, decreased appetite, stunted growth, gonadal dysfunction, infection susceptibility, and taste problems, are brought on by zinc deficiency. Reduced albumin synthesis, low oral intake, increased urine excretion of zinc linked to portosystemic shunt, and impaired intestinal absorption are the causes of zinc insufficiency in CLD patients.

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant cation and the most prevalent intracellular ion. It has been connected to more than 300 enzymatic processes, including the cytolysis of antibodies, the synthesis of immunoglobin, and the adherence of resistant cells. Conversely, low magnesium levels in serum and liver tissue can slow the development of these conditions by interfering with mitochondrial activity, triggering inflammatory reactions, or causing metabolic anomalies.

This study aims to measure serum levels of zinc and magnesium in patients with chronic liver disease and to evaluate their correlation with clinic-laboratory variables.

This observational cross-sectional study will be performed on 80 subjects from the outpatient clinic and inpatient of the Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases Department and Pediatric Department at Tanta University Hospitals.

Inclusion criteria

• Chronic liver disease diagnosed by physical examination, laboratory investigations, and imaging study.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with Wilson disease.
• Patients with chronic renal diseases.
• Patients with IBD or any other cause of chronic diarrhea.
• Drugs affecting levels of trace elements e.g. corticosteroids, digoxin thiazide, diuretics, and supplements 30 days before study.