Investigating the relationship between serum zinc levels and red blood cell indices in anemic patients referred to the laboratories in Gorgan, Iran

Background: Bivalent minerals function as crucial cofactors that participate in a multitude of metabolic pathways within the organism. Specifically, zinc (Zn) assumes catalytic, structural, and regulatory roles in numerous biological processes. A severe deficiency in Zn can lead to disruptions in nucleic acid and protein synthesis, impaired cellular proliferation, increased apoptosis, and heightened lipid peroxidation of cellular membranes, a phenomenon associated with a reduced lifespan of red blood cells (RBCs). The objective of this study was to investigate the correlations between Zn status and various erythrocyte indices in a cohort of anemic patients, in comparison to a control group. Methods: A cohort of 563 participants was enrolled in this investigation. Serum Zn concentration was quantified using a BT-3500 autoanalyzer, while hematological indices were determined via a Sysmex KX21N cell counter. Following confirmation of data normality, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was employed to analyze the relationship between serum Zn levels and RBC indices. Results: The mean serum Zn concentration was 102.8 ± 17.6 mg/dL. Serum Zn levels exhibited a weak correlation with RBC and hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations in healthy women, as well as a weak correlation with mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in anemic men (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the results indicated significantly higher serum Zn levels, RBC, Hb, hematocrite (HCT), and MCHC in men (p < 0.01), while mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was significantly higher in women (p < 0.01). Notably, in individuals with serum Zn levels < 30 mg/dL, MCHC (p < 0.01) and RBC (p < 0.05) were elevated, whereas Hb (p < 0.05), HCT, MCV, and MCH (p < 0.01) were higher than 30. Conclusion: Considering the potential impact of varying Zn concentrations on erythrocyte indices, including Hb and MCHC, in both healthy and anemic individuals, careful regulation of its dosage is warranted.