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27: Copper (Chapter 24b)

Last updated

Mar 11, 2025
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- 26.8: Indices of magnesium status (23c.8)
- 27.1: Copper (24b.0)

Rosalind S. Gibson
University of Otago

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Abstract

The role of copper in human health and well-being is considered, starting with copper metabolism, from uptake across the gut, to the liver and the incorporation into cupro-enzymes. Food sources of copper are noted, and the amount required to maintain health at different stages of the life course given. The consequences of copper deficiency are described, with data largely obtained from inherited diseases of copper metabolism and from the rare cases of copper overload; the effects of high copper are also discussed. Markers of copper status are assessed. Low serum copper levels are a marker of severe copper deficiency, but do not identify marginal copper deficiency Many factors, including infection and stress, modify serum copper levels, emphasising the unreliability of the indicator. The majority of serum copper is bound to ceruloplasmin, and parameters that affect ceruloplasmin are also discussed. Other possible markers of copper status include cuproenzymes such as Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase, cytochrome oxidase, lysyl oxidase and diamine oxidase, but they are difficult to measure, and normal ranges have not been established. When inside cells, copper is bound to small proteins called chaperones. mRNA or protein levels of these chaperones have been proposed as markers of status, with varying degrees of acceptability. Other markers of copper status, such as hair or nail copper levels, are also considered, but are not ideal and can be altered by factors other than copper status.

27.1: Copper (24b.0)
This page discusses the importance of copper in the human body, highlighting its role in enzyme functions and the potential health impacts of deficiency, such as anemia and neurological issues. While deficiencies are rare, they can arise from poor diet or malabsorption. Copper is primarily absorbed in the small intestine, and dietary sources include shellfish and nuts.
27.2: Serum copper (24b.1)
This page explains the complexity of serum copper levels, highlighting that they exist in two forms and can be influenced by various factors including age, gender, and health conditions. Low serum copper indicates severe deficiency but is unreliable for marginal status. Influencing factors such as diurnal cycles, infections, and certain diseases can lead to variability in serum copper concentrations.
27.3: Serum ceruloplasmin (24b.2)
This page discusses ceruloplasmin, a vital copper-carrying protein synthesized in the liver, integral to copper and iron transport. Its levels are influenced by factors like age, gender, estrogen, and inflammation, making it unreliable as a copper status marker except in severe cases. Measurement techniques vary, and recent insights suggest that the enzymatic activity-to-protein concentration ratio might more accurately convey copper status than conventional methods.
27.4: Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (24b.3)
This page discusses the role of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (Cu,Zn-SOD) in mitigating oxidative damage and its association with copper status. It highlights that while Cu,Zn-SOD activity can indicate copper deficiency, responses to supplementation vary due to factors like duration and cell turnover. Current reference ranges for SOD activity are not standardized, though they appear stable across demographics, except for a noted decrease in younger individuals.
27.5: Cytochrome c oxidase (24b.4)
This page discusses cytochrome c oxidase's role in cellular respiration and its potential as an indicator of copper status in blood cells. Reduced enzyme activity is linked to copper deficiency and genetic disorders, suggesting health risks. Platelet levels may reflect changes in copper intake, with activity influenced by age, sex, and health conditions.
27.6: Skin lysyl oxidase (24b.5)
This page discusses lysyl oxidase, a copper-dependent enzyme essential for collagen maturation and connective tissue health. Copper deficiency impairs its activity, causing skeletal and cardiac problems. A study showed that skin lysyl oxidase activity decreased in healthy males on a low copper diet but returned to normal after copper repletion.
27.7: Diamine oxidase (24b.6)
This page discusses Diamine oxidase (DAO), a copper metalloenzyme that deaminates compounds. Research indicates reduced DAO activity in populations with copper deficiency, including certain medical conditions. A study showed that copper supplementation significantly increased DAO activity in healthy adults, indicating its potential as a copper status indicator.
27.8: Copper chaperones (24b.7)
This page explores the role of copper in cells, highlighting the binding of copper to chaperones like ATX1 and the significance of CCS as an indicator of copper status linked to dietary intake. The CCS:SOD1 ratio is noted for its sensitivity in assessing copper levels. Additionally, research suggests that CCS maintains stable levels during inflammation, contrasting with ceruloplasmin, which may establish CCS as a reliable clinical copper marker.
27.9: Other indices of copper status (24b.8)
This page discusses the correlation of hair copper concentrations with organ levels in rats, noting their unreliability as human biomarkers, especially for copper-related conditions. Gender and age affect hair copper levels significantly. Urinary copper is seldom useful for assessment, and there is limited data on copper in erythrocytes and fingernails. Serum copper is commonly used, but methods like Cu,Zn-SOD activity may offer better insights.

Abstract

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