EVALUATION OF COPPER, ZINC AND SELENIUM IONS

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder associated with significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Increasing evidence suggests that changes in trace elements, particularly copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), may contribute to endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in preeclampsia pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Se in pregnant women with and without preeclampsia attending a tertiary health clinic in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A case –control design was employed involving 80 participants consisting of clinically diagnosed preeclamptic patients and age- and gestational –age –matched normotensive pregnant women. Venous blood samples were collected, and serum Cu, Zn and Se levels were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools such as the student t test, with significance set at p<0.05. Preliminary findings indicate that preeclamptic women exhibit significantly higher Cu levels and reduced Zn and Se concentrations compared to controls, suggesting an imbalance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant trace elements. These alterations may exacerbate oxidative stress, contributing to disease severity. The results underscore the importance of Cu, Zn, and Se as potential biochemical markers in the assessment and management of preeclampsia. Further large –scale studies are recommended to explore their predictive and therapeutic implications in pregnancy –related hypertensive disorders