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Plasma and serum levels of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) have been reported to be altered in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).1,2 Few studies have measured these levels in tissues, particularly peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), the site for a host of immunological aberrations.3 In a previous study we measured levels of Zn and Cu in plasma and PBMCs to see if they correlated with disease activity and reported reduced levels of Zn in the serum of patients with active RA.4
Patients attending the rheumatology clinic at our institute and satisfying the American College of Rheumatology (formerly American Rheumatism Association) criteria for the diagnosis of RA were studied.5 Patients were categorised as either active or inactive RA. All patients classified as active RA had at least three of the following: morning stiffness for more than 45 minutes, five swollen joints, five tender joints, and erythrocyte …