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Zinc, Copper, and Selenium Tissue Levels and Their Relation to Subcutaneous Abscess, Minor Surgery, and Wound Healing in Humans

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Abstract

Trace element involvement in wounds left to heal by secondary intention needs clarification. We have previously reported faster healing of wounds following acute surgery compared with elective excision of pilonidal sinus disease. The effect of topical zinc on the closure of the excisional wounds was mediocre compared with placebo. In contrast, parenteral zinc, copper, and selenium combined appear effective for wound healing in humans. We have investigated zinc, copper, and selenium with respect to (a) impact of acute versus chronic pilonidal sinus and (b) regional concentrations within granulating wounds treated topically with placebo or zinc in 42 (33 males) pilonidal disease patients. Baseline serum and skin concentrations of copper correlated (r S = 0.351, p = 0.033, n = 37), but not of zinc or selenium. Patients with abscesses had elevated serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and copper levels (+29 %; p < 0.001) compared with the elective patients consistent with the strong correlation between serum copper and CRP (r S = 0.715, p < 0.0005, n = 41). Seven days after elective surgery, serum CRP and copper levels were elevated (p = 0.010) versus preoperative values. The copper concentration in wound edges was higher than in periwound skin (p < 0.0005) and wound base (p = 0.010). Selenium levels were increased in wound edge compared to wound base (p = 0.003). Topical zinc oxide treatment doubled (p < 0.050) zinc concentrations in the three tissue localizations without concomitant significant changes of copper or selenium levels. In conclusion, copper and selenium are mobilized to injured sites possibly to enhance host defense and early wound healing mechanisms that are complementary to the necessity of zinc for matrix metalloproteinase activity.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by The Pharmacy Foundation of 1991, Denmark and The Bispebjerg Hospital Foundation for Young Researchers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery K, Bispebjerg Hospital, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Ursula Mirastschijski, Alicia Martin, Lars N. Jorgensen & Magnus S. Ågren

  2. Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Klinikum Bremen-Mitte and Cooperation Center Medicine, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany

    Ursula Mirastschijski

  3. Clinical Biochemistry, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College School of Medicine, London, UK

    Barry Sampson

  4. Copenhagen Wound Healing Center, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Magnus S. Ågren

  5. Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Magnus S. Ågren

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  1. Ursula Mirastschijski
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Correspondence to Magnus S. Ågren.

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Mirastschijski, U., Martin, A., Jorgensen, L.N. et al. Zinc, Copper, and Selenium Tissue Levels and Their Relation to Subcutaneous Abscess, Minor Surgery, and Wound Healing in Humans. Biol Trace Elem Res 153, 76–83 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-013-9658-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-013-9658-z

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