The Association between Zinc and Copper Circulating Levels and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adults: A Study of Qatar Biobank Data

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 and Cu, in addition to Zn/Cu ratio. A total of 575 Qatari men and women aged 18 years and older 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 trace minerals and CMR were estimated by logistic regression. Partial correlation was performed to test the strength of the associations. 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 plasma Cu significantly decreased the risk of metabolic syndrome (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 plasma 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 having low HDL and MetS.

Automated summary

Zn is not strongly correlated with CMR factors and MetS. Cu levels correlate positively with BMI, PR, total cholesterol, and HDL; and negatively with DBP. High plasma Cu significantly decreases the risk of MetS. Furthermore, Zn/Cu ratio correlates positively with waist circumference, SBP, and DBP; and negatively with BMI, PR, and HDL. High Zn/Cu ratio increases the prevalence of low HDL and MetS.