Concentration of copper and zinc in blood of psoriatic patients treated topically with ointment containing 2-chloroethyl-3-chloropropyl sulfide.
Copper and zinc concentration in plasma, erythrocytes and whole blood was determined in a group of psoriatic patients (n = 80 ) before and after treatment with an ointment (in accordance with recommendations of the Helsinki Declaration) in which 2-chloroethyl-3-chloropropyl sulfide (CLEPS) is an active compound and in a comparative group (n = 99) of clinically healthy volunteers. The performed examinations revealed a significantly lower (by 19.1%) plasma copper concentration in patients before treatment in comparison with the control group. After treatment (CLEPS) plasma copper concentration increased significantly (p < 0.001). In comparison with the control group, in erythrocytes of psoriatic patients copper concentration was higher both before and after treatment. Plasma zinc concentration in psoriatic patients was lower before treatment, whereas in erythrocytes, compared with the control group, it was higher both before and after treatment.