Cu/Zn ratios are associated with nutritional status, oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune abnormalities in patients on peritoneal dialysis.

Objective: We evaluated the relationship of the plasma copper/zinc (Cu/Zn) ratio with nutritional status, inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune function in peritoneal dialysis patients.

Methods: Clinical and laboratory parameters were measured in patients (n=45) and age- and sex-matched healthy individuals (n=30).

Results: There were significant negative correlations of the Cu/Zn ratio with nutrition-related parameters (body mass index [BMI], creatinine, hemoglobin, and albumin) and antioxidant (vitamin C and E) levels and positive correlations of the Cu/Zn ratio with the levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and oxidation products (malondialdehyde [MDA] and protein carbonyl). The Cu/Zn ratio was negatively correlated with the percentages of B- and T-lymphocyte subsets and the ratio of CD4/CD8 antigens.

Conclusions: In peritoneal dialysis patients, elevated Cu/Zn ratios are associated with malnutrition, increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and disrupted immune status.