Low copper levels in the blood. Copper metabolism disorder

Copper enters the human body mainly through food. Large amounts of it are found in legumes, seafood, cabbage, nettles, potatoes, corn, spinach, carrots, apples, and cocoa beans.

About 95% of copper entering the body is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. In the blood, it binds to amino acids, serum albumin, transport protein transcuprin and ceruloplasmin.

The optimal rate of copper intake into the body is 2-3 mg per day. With a significant intake of copper into the body, excess copper develops. Moreover, the threshold of its toxicity for humans is 200 mg per day.

Excess copper in the body is manifested by abdominal pain, kidney and liver failure, nausea, vomiting, and neurological disorders. To treat excess copper in the body, enterosorbents are used.

Causes of excess copper in the body

Excess copper in the body cannot be caused by consuming even large amounts of food with a high content of this microelement, since copper is present in food in microscopic doses.

The following reasons can lead to the development of excess copper:

Poisoning by compounds and vapors of copper and copper dust. Excess copper, which is caused by a person inhaling copper fumes, is called foundry fever; An overdose of copper is usually caused by inorganic copper, which enters the body with water (drinking water that has stagnated in water pipes). Excess copper can develop through contact with copper utensils, due to its presence in various prostheses, when swimming in pools where the water is treated with copper sulfate;
Disruption of copper metabolism in the body. This disease is called Wilson-Konovalov disease and is hereditary;
Repeated hemodialysis sessions;
Use of hormonal contraceptives by women;
Overdose of copper-containing drugs

In some cases, an overdose of copper can develop in professional athletes and people in creative professions.

Excess copper can be observed in the blood with the following diseases and conditions:

liver and kidney diseases;
pregnancy and stress;
alcoholism;
bronchial asthma;
rheumatism;
leukemia;
lymphogranulomatosis;
anemia;
rheumatism;
conditions after extensive surgical interventions;
lymphoma;
preeclampsia;
premenstrual syndrome;
mammary cancer;
severe forms of cerebral palsy

Excess copper in hair is observed when:

thyrotoxicosis;
inflammatory diseases of the joints;
systemic connective tissue diseases;
eczema;
epilepsy;
progressive aging;
severe forms of cerebral palsy.

Symptoms of excess copper

If an excess of copper develops due to the ingestion of a large amount of this element into the body, then the person begins to feel sick, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and a metallic taste in the mouth occur. During the examination, the patient is found to have: renal and liver failure, various types of neurological disorders (speech, increased salivation, sometimes epileptic seizures).

If an excess of copper in the body is caused by acute poisoning with copper compounds and vapors, then in addition to the general symptoms of poisoning (weakness, headache, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, decreased performance), a person experiences a dry cough and thirst. The patient complains of tightness and pain in the chest, and feels chills. During his hospitalization, the following symptoms were observed: abdominal pain, increased temperature, increased reflex activity of the brain, dilated pupils, and other neurological disorders.

Other characteristic signs of excess copper are: muscle pain, increased irritability, and depression. With an excess of copper, hemolysis of the blood can occur, which is manifested by jaundice and blood in the urine. With an excess of copper, the manifestation of allergic dermatoses is also possible, and the risk of developing atherosclerosis increases.

With Wilson-Konovalov disease, a violation of copper metabolism occurs, manifested by severe diseases of the internal organs and the central nervous system. With this disease, the accumulation of copper in the body occurs mainly in the liver and causes its inflammation, fibrosis and cirrhosis. Free copper, entering the bloodstream, also settles in the kidney tissue, nervous tissue, and cornea. The clinical picture of this disease resembles cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, but is also accompanied by damage to the nervous system. If the disease is not treated, the patient dies between the ages of 5 and 14 years from neurological disorders.

Consequences of excess copper

Excess copper in the body can lead to the development of certain diseases, for example, diabetes, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders.

With a slight excess of copper, the risk of developing liver damage, anxiety-depressive syndromes, and coronary artery disease increases.

Excess copper can cause anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.

Copper in combination with certain drugs (apressin, tubazid, diphenin, isoniazid, procainomide) and endogenous peptides can provoke the development of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Treating Excess Copper

Treatment of this condition depends on its clinical manifestations and the degree of poisoning.

In case of acute excess of copper, as a rule, patients are prescribed enterosorbents such as Carbosphere, Enterosgel, Carbolong and others to remove this microelement from the body. They are prescribed by the attending physician during inpatient treatment.

In some cases, patients with excess copper are prescribed gastric lavage, diuretics, infusion and symptomatic therapy. If excess copper is caused by inhalation of its vapors, then the patient is prescribed an antidote, expectorants and bronchodilators.

In non-acute cases of excess copper, patients are prescribed a diet that involves excluding foods containing copper from the diet, taking hepatoprotectors, boron, zinc, molybdenum, and choleretic drugs.

Thus, copper in the body should be present only in strictly defined quantities. In high concentrations it is poisonous. A normal amount of this microelement helps the body cope with free radicals, but its excess is dangerous, since in this case it itself acts as a free radical and leads to cell destruction.

Chronically elevated copper levels can lead to the development of serious illnesses. Therefore, in case of copper poisoning or suspicion of its excess content in the body, you should definitely consult a doctor for timely correction of this condition.

Copper is a vital trace element that plays a significant role in the synthesis of hemoglobin and the activation of respiratory chain enzymes. It is part of bones, cartilage, connective tissue and myelin sheaths.

Synonyms Russian

Total copper in the blood.

SynonymsEnglish

Cu, Total copper, Hepatic copper.

Research method

Colorimetric method (IFCC).

Units

μg/L (micrograms per liter).

What biomaterial can be used for research?

Venous blood.

How to properly prepare for research?

Do not eat for 2-3 hours before the test; you can drink clean still water.
Do not smoke for 30 minutes before the test.

General information about the study

Copper is an important cation found in many enzymes. They take an active part in iron metabolism, the formation of connective tissue, energy production at the cellular level, the production of melanin (the pigment responsible for skin color) and the normal functioning of the nervous system.

The main sources of copper for humans are foods such as nuts, chocolate, mushrooms, liver, cereals and dried fruits. Copper can also enter the body with water if it has come into contact with copper-containing objects (for example, copper-containing utensils). After entering the gastrointestinal tract, copper is absorbed in the small intestine and, combining with blood proteins, is transported to the liver. Most of the copper in the blood is in a state bound to cerruloplasmin (about 95%), a smaller part is bound to serum albumin or is in a free state. If there is an excess intake of copper from food, the liver secretes its excess with bile and it is removed from the body with feces and urine.

Copper deficiency, as well as its excess, are rare pathological conditions. More often there is an oversaturation of the body with copper, associated with a violation of its metabolism, or chronic poisoning. A hereditary disease leading to increased copper deposition in body tissues is called Wilson-Konovalov disease (Wilson-Konovalov disease). Its main symptoms are:

anemia
nausea
vomit
stomach ache
jaundice
increased fatigue
sudden mood changes
trembling of limbs
swallowing disorder
unsteady gait
dystonia
the appearance of a specific color of the iris of the eyes

If the kidneys are involved in the pathological process, urine formation may be impaired, leading to anuria. Some of these symptoms sometimes also appear in acute or chronic copper poisoning, which occurs due to environmental pollution, as well as due to liver diseases that interfere with the metabolism of the trace element.

Copper deficiency can occur suddenly in people suffering from diseases that cause severe malabsorption (cystic fibrosis, celiac disease). These diseases are accompanied by neutropenia, osteoporosis and microcytic anemia.

A rare genetic disorder associated with the X chromosome, Menkes disease ("curly hair disease") leads to copper deficiency in affected children. The disease, which primarily affects men, causes seizures, developmental delays, dysplasia of the arteries in the brain, and unusually brittle, curly hair.

An insufficient amount of copper in the blood threatens the production of defective red blood cells with a low life expectancy, as well as a decrease in the activity of enzymes containing this microelement.

What is the research used for?

To diagnose Wilson-Konovalov disease (usually in conjunction with a ceruloplasmin test).
To assess the patient's condition in cases of suspected copper poisoning, as well as copper deficiency or disorders affecting copper metabolism (together with a ceruloplasmin test).
To monitor the effectiveness of treatment of Wilson-Konovalov disease and pathological conditions caused by excess copper or its excessive loss.

When is the study scheduled?

The analysis is prescribed in conjunction with other tests (ceruloplasmin), in the presence of symptoms of Wilson-Konovalov disease, suspicion of acute copper poisoning, and also to assess the body’s supply of this microelement.

What do the results mean?

Reference values

For men: 700 - 1400 mcg/l.

For women: 800 - 1550 mcg/l.

Reasons for increased copper levels:

intravenous administration of copper-containing solutions,
use of oral contraceptives,
primary biliary cirrhosis,
chronic inflammatory diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus),
hemochromatosis,
hyperthyroidism,
hypothyroidism,
leukemia,
lymphoma,
anemia (pernicious, iron deficiency, aplastic).

Reasons for decreased copper levels:

Menkes disease ("curly hair disease"),
Wilson–Konovalov disease (hepatolenticular degeneration),
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (sprue, celiac disease, lesions of the small intestine),
kidney and liver diseases,
long period of enteral nutrition,
kwashiorkor,
cystic fibrosis,
collagen metabolism disorders,
primary osteoporosis,
sarcoidosis

The results of the study should be assessed in conjunction with the analysis for ceruloplasmin and clinical data. An isolated increase in copper concentration in the blood does not confirm the presence of the disease, but only indicates the need for further clinical search.

Characteristic laboratory signs of Wilson-Konovalov disease are a decrease in the concentration of copper in the blood, an increase in its concentration in the urine in combination with a decreased level of ceruloplasmin.

In some pathological conditions, such as chronic liver diseases, kidney diseases, acute hepatitis, there is an increased excretion of copper in the urine and its high level in the blood, while the level of ceruloplasmin will be normal or increased.

A decrease in copper levels in the blood and urine, as well as a decrease in the concentration of ceruloplasmin, sometimes indicate copper deficiency.

An increase in copper concentration during treatment of a condition associated with its deficiency and a decrease in ceruloplasmin concentration indicates the effectiveness of the therapy.

Situations that cause a strong change in copper levels are most often associated with impaired nutrition and/or absorption of copper, as well as with any genetic disorders of its utilization and inclusion in metabolic processes.

What can influence the result?

Interpretation of the results may be complicated by the fact that ceruloplasmin is an acute phase protein of inflammation, so its level is elevated in any inflammatory or infectious disease. Both of these indicators increase during pregnancy, during the period of taking estrogens and oral contraceptives.
The drugs carbamazepine, phenobarbital, estrogens, oral contraceptives, phenytoin increase the level of copper in the blood, nifedipine reduces it.

Important Notes

Total copper levels are low in newborns, rise over the next few years, reach a peak, and then gradually decline to normal.
Screening tests for copper levels are not recommended due to the fact that in many people without disorders of copper metabolism, the test results can be influenced by pathologies of an inflammatory or infectious nature.

Zinc in blood

Who orders the study?

Therapist, rheumatologist, hematologist, pediatrician.

Biological material: Blood (serum) tube with red cap

Copper- a trace element that is part of enzymes that plays a vital role in the processes of hematopoiesis, absorption and assimilation of iron, immune reactions, osteogenesis, the formation of connective tissue, and also plays an important role in the production of myelin. Copper controls cholesterol, sugar and uric acid levels. On average, the blood contains about 100 mcg of copper, with up to 60 mcg in erythrocytes and leukocytes. In healthy people, the concentration of copper in the blood is relatively constant. Promotion copper levels in the blood are observed during pregnancy and stress, hyperthyroidism, aplastic anemia, liver cirrhosis, myocardial infarction, when using oral contraceptives, acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, bronchial asthma, lymphogranulomatosis, acute leukemia. Decline copper concentrations in the blood are a characteristic sign of Konovalov-Wilson disease - a hereditarily caused decrease in the level of ceruloplasmin (the most important copper-containing protein), as well as malabsorption syndrome, nephrosis, copper deficiency.

Copper is an element of the eleventh group in D.I. Mendeleev’s table of chemical elements, whose atomic number is 29. The main biochemical function of copper in the human body is the participation of this element in enzymatic reactions. Copper is part of 11 enzymes. It is involved in the processes of hematopoiesis, hemoglobin synthesis, cytochrome enzymes, which play an important role in the metabolism of bile acids, steroids, unsaturated fatty acids and help neutralize xenobiotics (poisons, drugs, drugs) in the body. Copper is an essential element for intrauterine growth and development of the child. A significant part of the copper in the mother’s body is captured by the fetus. Copper helps normalize the metabolism of vitamins B, A, E, C, P.

It is believed that copper competes with zinc in the processes of food absorption in the digestive tract. Thus, excess copper can provoke a lack of zinc in the human body. The World Health Organization has formulated a rule regarding copper content in the human body: the risk of copper deficiency significantly exceeds the risk of excess copper in the human body.

Excess copper provokes the development of certain diseases, including diabetes, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Copper, which is contained in water and vitamin-mineral complexes, is more toxic than copper contained in food.

Excess copper: reasons

Normally, a healthy adult body contains about 100 mg of copper, and its concentration in organ tissues varies. The highest concentration of copper is observed in the liver (up to 5 mg per 100 g of dry weight), while bone tissue contains up to 0.7 mg of copper. According to WHO recommendations, the daily requirement of copper required for the normal functioning of the body is 1.5 mg. The maximum permissible dose entering the body with food is 5 mg. Only 5-10% of the copper contained in foods is absorbed from the food consumed. The human body excretes about 2 mg per day.

The causes of excess copper in the body are:

Excessive intake of copper into the body. Excess copper is unlikely when consuming foods rich in this element. It is most likely to occur when inhaling vapors and compounds of copper and copper dust. Excess copper can also be caused by household means (use of copper utensils, poisoning with copper solutions). Excess copper in the body as a result of inhalation of vapors is called foundry fever;
Violation of the metabolism of microelements in the human body;
Multiple hemodialysis sessions.

Symptoms of excess copper

The main symptoms of excess copper resulting from eating foods with high concentrations of this element are:

Vomiting, nausea, diarrhea;
Metallic taste in the mouth;
Stomach ache;
Kidney failure;
Neurological disorders (increased salivation, behavioral and speech disturbances, epileptic seizures);
Liver failure.

Symptoms of excess copper in case of poisoning of the body with copper vapors and compounds are:

Headache, general weakness, lethargy, decreased performance;
Nausea, vomiting;
Thirst;
Dry cough, chest pain, chest tightness;
Chills and sudden rise in temperature;
Abdominal pain;
A number of neurological disorders (dilated pupils, increased reflex activity of the brain).

With an excess of copper, muscle pain, depression, and increased irritability can also be observed. Also, with an excess of copper, blood hemolysis quickly occurs, which is manifested by jaundice and the appearance of blood in the urine. However, these symptoms develop when there is an excessive concentration of copper in the body.

Excess copper in Wilson-Konovalov disease

Wilson-Konovalov disease is a genetically determined disorder of copper metabolism, which results in the formation of excess copper in the body and the development of severe hereditary diseases of the central nervous system and internal organs.

In Wilson-Konovalov disease, the function of the ATP7B protein, which binds copper in liver cells, is disrupted. Excess copper, not bound by protein, in the liver leads to inflammation and further fibrosis and cirrhosis. Copper is released from the liver into the blood and migrates throughout the body, settling in the eyes, kidneys, and brain. Excess copper in these organs leads to toxic damage.

The main symptoms of the disease are stiffness of movement, which is caused by impaired motor function of the body due to copper deposits in the brain, liver failure and cirrhosis, and the appearance of a copper-colored rim on the iris of the eyes.

The disease is treatable, the main directions of which are medications to increase the removal of copper from the body, a diet to prevent excess copper, and vitamins. Patients with this disease require lifelong treatment. It is a mistake to believe that excessive concentrations of copper in the body lead to the development of this disease. However, the symptoms of the disease are caused precisely by a violation of the binding and removal of copper from the body.

Excess copper in the body: treatment

When diagnosing excess copper in the body, the patient is prescribed treatment with drugs whose action is aimed at binding and removing copper from the body (enterosorbents). In severe forms of intoxication, gastric lavage, infusion therapy, and diuretics are prescribed to enhance copper excretion. In some cases, if there is excess copper, symptomatic treatment is used.

In case of excess copper obtained through production and in case of vapor poisoning, expectorants, bronchodilators, and an antidote are prescribed.

Video from YouTube on the topic of the article:

General information. Copper. Cu.

Copper is an element of Group I of the periodic table; at. n. – 29, at. m. – 64. The name comes from lat. Cuprum– Cyprus. Copper has been known since ancient civilizations.

Copper is a malleable and ductile metal of a reddish color, with high electrical and thermal conductivity. Copper is resistant to air and water. Natural sources of copper are the minerals bornite, chalcopyrite, malachite, and native copper is also found.

In industry, copper compounds are used to make electrical wires, coins, pipelines, heat exchangers, etc.; alloys of copper with other elements (bronze, etc.) are widely known.

In medicine, copper sulfate is used as an antimicrobial and cauterizing agent. Preparations of various copper salts are used externally for washing and douching; in the form of ointments for inflammatory processes of the mucous membranes; in physiotherapy. Copper in combination with iron is used in the treatment of children with hypochromic anemia.

Physiological role of copper

Copper enters the body mainly through food. Some vegetables and fruits contain from 30 to 230 mg% copper. A lot of copper is found in seafood, legumes, cabbage, potatoes, nettles, corn, carrots, spinach, apples, and cocoa beans.

Up to 95% of the copper entering the body is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract (with its maximum amount in the stomach), then in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Bivalent copper is best absorbed by the body. In the blood, copper binds to serum albumin (12-17%), amino acids - histidine, threonine, glutamine (10-15%), transport protein transcuprin (12-14%) and ceruloplasmin (up to 60-65%).

It is believed that the optimal rate of copper intake into the body is 2-3 mg/day. Copper deficiency in the body can develop with insufficient intake of this element (1 mg/day or less), and the toxicity threshold for humans is 200 mg/day.

Copper is able to penetrate into all cells, tissues and organs. The maximum concentration of copper is noted in the liver, kidneys, brain, and blood, but copper can also be found in other organs and tissues.

The liver plays a leading role in copper metabolism, since it synthesizes the protein ceruloplasmin, which has enzymatic activity and is involved in the regulation of copper homeostasis.

Copper is a vital element that is part of many vitamins, hormones, enzymes, respiratory pigments, participates in metabolic processes, tissue respiration, etc. Copper is of great importance for maintaining the normal structure of bones, cartilage, tendons (collagen), elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, pulmonary alveoli, skin (elastin). Copper is part of the myelin sheaths of nerves. The effect of copper on carbohydrate metabolism is manifested by accelerating the processes of glucose oxidation and inhibiting the breakdown of glycogen in the liver. Copper is part of many important enzymes, such as cytochrome oxidase, tyrosinase, ascorbinase, etc. Copper is present in the body's antioxidant defense system, being a cofactor for the enzyme superoxide dismutase, which is involved in neutralizing oxygen free radicals. This bioelement increases the body's resistance to certain infections, binds microbial toxins and enhances the effect of antibiotics. Copper has a pronounced anti-inflammatory property, softens the manifestations of autoimmune diseases (eg, rheumatoid arthritis), and promotes the absorption of iron.

Toxic dose for humans: more than 250 mg.

Lethal dose for humans: no data.

Indicators of elemental status of copper

Reduced copper content in the body

Causes of copper deficiency:

insufficient intake;
long-term use of corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics;

The main manifestations of copper deficiency:

inhibition of iron absorption, impaired hemoglobin formation, inhibition of hematopoiesis, development of microcytic hypochromic anemia;
deterioration of the cardiovascular system, increased risk of coronary heart disease, formation of aneurysms in the walls of blood vessels, cardiopathy;
deterioration of bone and connective tissue, impaired bone mineralization, osteoporosis, bone fractures;
increased predisposition to bronchial asthma, allergic dermatoses;
degeneration of the myelin sheaths of nerve cells, increasing the risk of developing multiple sclerosis;
hair pigmentation disorder, vitiligo;
enlarged thyroid gland (hypothyroidism, thyroxine deficiency);
delayed sexual development in girls, menstrual dysfunction, decreased libido in women, infertility;
development of distress syndrome in newborns;
lipid metabolism disorders (atherosclerosis, obesity, diabetes);
suppression of immune system functions;
accelerating the aging of the body.

Increased copper content in the body

An increased content of copper compounds in the body is very toxic to humans.

Causes of excess copper:

excessive intake into the body (inhalation of vapors and dust of copper compounds in production conditions, household intoxication with solutions of copper compounds, use of copper utensils);
dysregulation of copper metabolism.

The main manifestations of excess copper:

functional disorders of the nervous system (memory impairment, depression, insomnia);
when inhaling vapors, “copper fever” may occur (chills, high temperature, drenching sweat, cramps in the calf muscles);
exposure to dust and copper oxide can lead to lacrimation, irritation of the conjunctiva and mucous membranes, sneezing, burning in the throat, headache, weakness, muscle pain, gastrointestinal disorders;
dysfunction of the liver and kidneys;
liver damage with the development of cirrhosis and secondary brain damage associated with a hereditary disorder of copper and protein metabolism (Wilson-Konovalov disease);
allergic dermatoses;
increased risk of developing atherosclerosis;
hemolysis of red blood cells, the appearance of hemoglobin in the urine, anemia.

Copper synergists and antagonists

Increased intake of molybdenum and zinc can lead to copper deficiency. Cadmium, manganese, iron, antacids, tannins, and ascorbic acid can reduce the absorption of copper. Zinc, iron, cobalt (in moderate physiological doses) increase the absorption of copper by the body. In turn, copper can inhibit the body’s absorption of iron, cobalt, zinc, molybdenum, and vitamin A. Oral contraceptives, hormonal agents, and cortisone preparations contribute to increased excretion of copper from the body.

Correction of copper deficiency and excess in the body

To relieve copper deficiency, you can use foods rich in copper, especially chocolate, cocoa, avocados, seafood, liver, as well as copper-containing drugs and dietary supplements (for example, “Bio-Copper” - an original drug produced by ANO TsBM).

In case of excessive accumulation of copper, both dietary therapy and hepatoprotectors, choleretic agents, dietary supplements and preparations containing zinc, boron, and molybdenum are used. In cases of severe intoxication, complexing agents (D-penicillamine, cuprenil, metalcoptase, etc.) are used.

To understand the healing effect of copper, first of all, you should reveal
physiological processes taking place in the body with its participation. Let's try this
done in the most general form.

A person is constantly exposed to pathogenic environmental factors. This -
penetrating radiation, electromagnetic fields, ultrasonic waves, harmful
chemical compounds and, of course, microorganisms. All these factors attack us during the day and
at night, trying to penetrate and penetrating through the skin, mucous membranes, and lungs. Protecting
body, these harmful agents are resisted by immune forces.

The immune system is a whole complex, figuratively speaking, an army. This army has its own
types and types of troops.

The skin and mucous epithelium provide barrier protection. Own chemicals
body compounds provide bactericidal protection. Special blood cells -
phagocytes are special forces that literally devour foreign
microbes There are warning and communication services here - the nervous and humoral systems.
Blood and lymph are supply infrastructures. They deliver everything to the “battlefield”
necessary for the army. Bone marrow and lymph nodes play the role of cadet corps and
military schools - here immunocytes are born and “trained”.

The first “line of defense” of the immune system is the skin. In addition to a purely mechanical barrier,
it acts as a “blind” for various dangerous radiations.

The skin has these qualities thanks to the pigment melanin. Melanin is formed under
exposure to the copper-containing enzyme tyrosinase. So copper is involved in
formation of anti-radiation protection of the body.

With a lack of melanin, under the influence of ionizing radiation, cancer can form
skin - melanoma. At the same time, the likelihood of developing malignant tumors increases
tumors and in other organs. In the absence of copper deficiency, melanin formation
passes completely, which enhances anti-cancer protection. One of the signs of deficiency
melanin, and therefore possible medical deficiency - gray hair; especially early
graying.

Just like the skin, the function of barrier protection is performed by the mucous membranes of the mouth.
cavities, nasal passages, eyes, etc. When microtraumas appear on the mucous epithelium,
cracks and scratches, their healing is facilitated by copper-containing proteins - albuminates.
This implies the important role of copper in providing barrier protection.

If a pathogenic microbe, such as a bacterium, has nevertheless entered the body, it is more likely
everything will get into the bloodstream and here he will have to “deal” with ceruloplasmin and
other copper-containing compounds. Copper ion split off from the metal complex
will penetrate the bacterium and join its own enzymes. The extra ion will contribute
disorder in the metabolic processes of the microorganism, which will lead to its death. In that
lies the antimicrobial value of copper.

Let's assume that the bacteria turned out to be sufficiently stable and began to multiply.
The products of its vital activity are toxins or, as biologists say, antigens,
penetrating into tissues, causing cell damage. From damaged cells into the blood and
special substances - mediators - come out of the lymph. They trigger a chain of biochemical reactions.
The humoral system is included in the process. The disease itself begins. IN
As a result, the body temperature usually rises, the pulse quickens, and headaches occur.
pain. Signals from the humoral system excite the chemoreceptors of the nervous system. Further,
from receptor to receptor, the signal is transmitted along nerve fibers. Nerve fiber -
it is a conductor for bioimpulses. And this conductor is isolated from surrounding tissues
myelin sheath. Without a shell, the signal will dissipate or a “short” will occur.
short circuit" with another fiber. The information will not reach its destination.

Also involved in the synthesis of the protein-lipid complex that makes up myelin
copper.

Part of many compounds of the humoral system, participating in the synthesis of myelin,
Copper plays an important role in information processes.

The destination of the signal sent by damaged cells may be bone
brain, lymphoid tissue, spleen and other organs where they are born and mature
immunocytes. Under the influence of a signal, they are mobilized into the bloodstream and
lymphatic system. Further, along the vessels, along with blood and lymph, immunocytes
delivered to places of damage. Having met bacteria, they begin to destroy
"enemy".

Immunocytes act in different ways. Some of them collect information about the antigen and
hand it over to “comrades in arms.” Others “swallow” bacteria. Third -
come to the aid of other immunocytes or infect microbes with their enzymes.

The entire “fight” is a complex of biochemical reactions. To maintain them it is necessary
various substances and, first of all, oxygen.

Oxygen is carried by red blood cells - erythrocytes, using
iron-containing pigment - hemoglobin. How much hemoglobin is in the blood
depends on how much oxygen red blood cells can carry. It is believed that the higher in
blood percentage of hemoglobin content, the stronger the immune response.

The formation of hemoglobin is completely impossible without copper ions. Therefore one of her
main functions - hematopoiesis.

It has been established that copper deficiency reduces the antimicrobial activity of phagocytes.
A weakened phagocyte, having “swallowed” the microbe, instead of digesting it, can itself
become a victim, serve as a source of nutrition and thereby promote reproduction
bacteria.

But, if the bacteria are destroyed, immunocytes begin cleaning the “battlefield” of toxins and
“remains” of one’s own and other people’s cells. Inflammatory processes subside,
recovery. In this case, they talk about the anti-inflammatory value of copper.

In place of dead cells, new ones are formed due to cell division. Copper
stimulates the formation of new cells. And its important biological role
is participation in the processes of cell division and growth.

Young cells are initially undifferentiated, that is, they cannot
perform specific functions of the tissue they contain. Then the cells
mature and become differentiated. But in some cases, cell maturation
does not happen and at the same time they begin to multiply quickly. This may happen
cancer tumor.

It is considered established that copper-containing enzymes promote differentiation
young cells. It has been experimentally proven that copper preparations prevent
the appearance of malignant cells, enhance the effect of anticancer protection. Against
— copper deficiency increases the likelihood of neoplasms.

During the course of pathological processes, the body accumulates information for the bank
immunological memory. As a result, specific proteins appear -
immunoglobulins, in the synthesis of which copper takes part. In case of repeated
penetration of an already known antigen into the body - accumulated experience is used
(acquired immunity). The immune reaction will be much stronger and
faster. Thus, copper has immunomodulatory properties.
Copper ions, as part of the enzyme buteryl-coenzyme-A dehydrogenase, take part in
conversion of fatty acids, promoting the resynthesis of adenosine diphosphoric acid,
which, turning into ATP, is the supplier of energy in the body. So copper
takes part in energy processes.
The adult body contains 150-200 mg of copper. When taken with food,
gastrointestinal tract, copper attaches to the transport protein -
metallothionein and then absorbed into the blood. Together with blood plasma, copper enters
liver. The synthesis of ceruloplasmin, the main copper-containing protein, occurs here.
blood. Ceruloplasmin acts as a rapid delivery of copper to all tissues and cells
body. Most of the copper is stored in reserve in special “storerooms” - depots.
Such depots are: liver, brain, bone structures, adrenal glands and
some other organs. From here, as needed, copper is again supplied to
blood. Copper-containing metal enzymes are either directly involved in
redox processes, or contribute to the synthesis of other
enzymes that catalyze biochemical metabolic reactions.98% used
copper organism, together with metabolites - end products of metabolism -
returns to the alimentary canal.

Used copper is excreted from the body along with feces and to a lesser extent
(about 2%) - with urine and sweat. Until recently, it was believed that the daily
The human requirement for copper is 3-5 mg. It is known that usually, in daily
The volume of food contains 2-5 mg of copper. This means the average daily requirement
in this microelement should be completely covered by consumed products. However,
studies conducted using the latest methods have shown that even in individuals
who consume up to 10 mg of copper per day with food, its deficiency in the body is often
is 20-30%. And in some groups of the population (children, people over 40 years old, sick
chronic diseases) medical deficiency is possible up to 50%. What is it
cause? It turned out that copper bound in food with proteins is very poorly absorbed.
Its absorption in the stomach is no more than 32%. Dairy and meat diets lead to medical deficiency.

At the Donetsk Medical Institute, it was discovered that copper passes through the skin and at the same time disinfects. Copper in the body binds toxins and glues bacteria together (aglumination of bacteria), while copper forms chelate compounds, which are very difficult to dissolve.