Volume 87, Issue 5, May (2002), pp. 393-403 © The Author 2002
doi:10.1079/BJN2002558

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Review article

The immune system as a physiological indicator of marginal copper status?

Maxine Bonham^*, Jacqueline M. O'Connor, Bernadette M. Hannigan and J. J. Strain
Northern Ireland Centre for Diet and Health (NICHE), 
University of Ulster at Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK

 (Received 7 June 2001–Revised 27 November 2001–Accepted 8 January 2002)

Cu appears to have many important functional roles in the body that apparently relate, among others, to the maintenance of immune function, bone health and haemostasis. Some have suggested a role for long-term marginal Cu deficiency in the aetiology of a number of degenerative diseases. Accurate diagnosis of marginal Cu deficiency, however, has remained elusive despite an increased understanding of the biochemistry of Cu and its physiological roles in the body. Traditional markers of Cu status, such as serum Cu and caeruloplasmin protein concentrations are insensitive to subtle changes in Cu status. Cu-containing enzymes, such as Cu–Zn-superoxide dismutase, cytochrome c oxidase and diamine oxidase, may be more reliable but evidence to date is not conclusive. Development of markers sensitive to marginal Cu status is essential before conclusions can be drawn concerning the risks of long-term intake of suboptimal dietary Cu. As Cu appears to be essential for maintenance of immune function, activities of specific immunological markers, altered in Cu deficiency, offer alternatives. This review evaluates a selection of immunological markers that could be considered potentially sensitive markers of marginal Cu status. The indices of immune function reviewed are neutrophil function, interleukin 2 production, blastogenic response to mitogens and lymphocyte subset phenotyping.

Keywords:
Copper: Copper status: Immune system