Levels of Zinc and Magnesium in Plasma of Sudanese Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg) have many important functions in human body. Among many contributing agents that have been proposed to take part in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis RA condition, trace elements, including Zn and Mg have also been investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the level of these elements and their correlations with duration and complications of RA. the plasma level of trace elements was estimated by the use of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. This cross-sectional hospital base study involved 45 rheumatoid arthritis patients compared with normal reference values of the trace elements. The analysis of the results indicated that the mean plasma levels of Zn and Mg were significantly lower when compared with their reference values, found lower levels below the lower limit of the reference value, reveals a statistical significant difference P.value (0.000, 0.000). Correlations between plasma Zn, Mg levels and complications of disease were found insignificant whereas positive correlations between the level of Zn and duration of RA disease, r=(0.4), p. value was (0.005) and between Mg level and Zn r=0.3, p. value was (0.04)patients with RA have lower levels of Zn and Mg, so the supplementation of Zn and Mg would be necessary for RA patients to correct their levels.