Effect of serum copper concentration and ceruloplasmin on lipid parameters leading to increased propensity to cardiovascular risk

Copper is one of the trace metals which has many important physiological functions, redox active element and for maintaining thyroid activity. Copper is known to effect lipid metabolism. Increase in serum copper level is associated with decrease in concentration of total cholesterol (TC), this is due to down regulation of both biosynthetic enzymes and regulatory proteins. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of various levels of serum copper on total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein cholesterol. 61 subjects were divided into three groups of 13 hypothyroid, 23 hyperthyroid and 25 euthyroid based on thyroid stimulating hormone levels. The correlation between serum copper and low density lipoprotein (p < 0.01) (r = -0.742), and that between ceruloplasmin and low density lipoprotein was significant (p < 0.05) (r = -0.429) with strong negative correlation. It can be concluded that serum copper has significant effect on lipid metabolism particularly in hypothyroidism. Dietary copper is essential for proper lipid metabolism. It is known that Copper and Ceruloplasmin lead to oxidation of lipids. This propensity to oxidation can lead to free radical damage and dyslipidemia leading to increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.