The Association between Zinc and Copper and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adults

Abstract

Cardiometabolic risk (CMR) factors increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In Qatar, 24% of the total deaths are attributed to CVDs. Several nutritional disturbances have been linked to high risk of CVD. Many studies have discussed the effects of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) on CMR factors; however, evidence has been controversial. This investigated the association between CMR factors and the status of Zn, Cu, and Zn/Cu ratio. A total of 575 Qatari adults (≥18 years) were obtained from Qatar Biobank. Plasma levels of Zn and Cu were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Anthropometric data and CMR factors were determined using standard methods. Adjusted associations between minerals and CMR were estimated by logistic regression. The associations’ strength was tested using partial correlation. Zn was not strongly correlated (p-value˃0.01) or significantly associated with CMR factors and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Cu levels correlated positively with body mass index (BMI) (0.23; p˂0.001), pulse rate (PR) (0.18; p˂0.001), total cholesterol (0.13; p=0.01), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) (0.27; p˂0.001); and negatively with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (−0.13; p=0.01). High Cu significantly decreased the risk of MetS (0.121; p˂0.001). Furthermore, Zn/Cu ratio positively correlated with waist circumference (0.13; p=0.01), systolic blood pressure (0.13; p˂0.01), and DBP (0.14; p˂0.01); and negatively with BMI (−0.19; p˂0.001), PR (−0.17; p˂0.001), and HDL (−0.27; p˂0.001). High Zn/Cu ratio increased the prevalence of low HDL (4.508; p˂0.001) and MetS (5.570; p˂0.01). These findings suggest that high Cu levels are associated with a protective effect on DBP, HDL, and MetS and that high plasma Zn/Cu ratio is associated with the risk of low HDL and MetS. We recommend future studies to focus on minerals status among abdominally obese and prediabetic subjects because of the probable link between low serum Zn and Cu and insulin resistance and CVD.