This study aimed to assess the level of essential minerals (Cu, Zn, Fe and Se) in patients of cirrhotic liver disease. The study included 100 patients with liver cirrhotic disease of age between 20 to 60 years old and 50 healthy controls. Written informed consent by the subjects and ethical approval was appropriately sought before the study. After taking detailed history the blood samples were collected after 12 hours of fasting for the estimation of serum copper, selenium, iron and zinc levels with the help of an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results showed that the mean serum level of copper and iron were found significantly higher in patients as compared to healthy controls while the mean serum level of Zinc and selenium were significantly lower in patients than controls. The levels of these essential minerals were also correlated with the occurrence of disease, with more severe cases having lower level of Zn & Se. These findings suggest that some essential minerals may play an important role in the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis and may serve as potential biomarkers for disease severity.

Keywords: Liver Cirrhosis, Trace Minerals, Copper, Iron, Zinc and Selenium.