Serum Zinc And Neutrophil Function In Lower, And Upper / Upper Middle Socioeconomic Groups

Abstract

Objective: To assess the serum zinc and neutrophil function levels in different socioeconomic
groups.
Material and Methods: A total of 100 healthy subjects of 10-30 years of age, both male and
female were investigated. Out of these, 50 (25 males and 25 females) belonged to the lower
socioeconomic (LSEC) group and 50 (25 males and 25 females) belonged to the upper / upper
middle socioeconomic (USEC) group. Serum zinc was determined by colorimetric method and
neutrophil function was estimated by the Nitroblue Tetrazolium reduction test (NBT). Both the
parameters were compared in the two socioeconomic (SEC) groups.
Results: MIt was found that serum zinc was significantly lower in the LSEC group. Similarly NBT
percentage phagocytosis was also significantly lower in the LSEC group as compared to the
USEC group. NBT percentage phagocytosis did not show significant gender difference in the
LSEC group, however it was significantly higher in females than in males in the USEC group.
Generally a significant positive correlation was found between serum zinc and neutrophil
phagocytic function.
Conclusion: The LSEC class has low serum zinc levels and low NBT percentage phagocytosis
and hence is at greater risk of developing infections