Aim:

Currently, venous insufficiency is still a serious clinical problem. The exact cause and molecular mechanisms of the etiology are still unknown, but the presence of mechanical and intrinsic factors has been suggested. In this study, we excamined (Zn, Cu and Fe) levels of trace elements contributing to the oxidant / antioxidant balance of the organism by acting as a cofactor in the structure of antioxidant enzymes in the veins of patients with lower extremity varices. With the results we obtained, we tried to explain the changes in the level of the elements in the development and / or progress of venous insufficiency.

Materials and Methods:

Our study was carried out on 40 patients who underwent surgery for the diagnosis of primary varicose veins in the lower extremity and 40 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery and on their vena safena magna tissues. Levels of Zn, Cu and Fe were measured with atomic absorption spectrometry in vein tissue samples.

Results:

Zn levels were significantly lower in the study group whereas Fe levels were significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group. Although Cu levels were higher in the study group compared to the control group, this difference was not significant. In the study group, no correlation was observed in terms of trace element levels.

Conclusions:

Low levels of Zn in tissue samples were thought to be associated with decreased antioxidant activity. Increased Cu level may be due to increased collagen and elastin production. We assume that increased Fe accumulation in tissues in the study group was triggered oxidative stress by adsorbing on the damaged tissue.

Keywords: varicose vein, trace element, iron, copper, zinc