Publication:

Role of serum copper and ceruloplasmin level in patients with dysfunctional uterine bleeding

Background Objective of current study was to study serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels in abnormal endometrial angiogenesis observed in dysfunctional uterine bleeding patients.

Methods Design: The present cross sectional study was undertaken in the departments of biochemistry and department of OBG, Kasturba medical college, Manipal University, Manipal, India. Population: This study was done in 40 females age between 18-45 years with history of, bleeding excessively for more than 3 months. (Cases: n=20, controls: n=20). DUB was diagnosed based on history and ultrasonography. Copper was estimated using 3,5- dibromo-2-pyridylazo-N-ethyl-N-3 sulphopropyl aniline. Ceruloplasmin was estimated using p-phenylene diamine (PPD) oxidase method. Endometrial thickness was obtained from USG. Hemoglobin was estimated using Drabkin’s method. Main outcome measures: The level of serum copper and ceruloplasmin and hemoglobin level measured and compared with endometrial thickness in dysfunctional uterine bleeding patients. Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) is defined as abnormal endometrial bleeding in the absence of pelvic pathology.

Results Mean levels of serum copper (191.99 ± 73.06) mg/dl and ceruloplasmin (60.42 ± 18.40) mg/dl were increased in DUB patients when compared to control, 70% of DUB patients and 55% of controls had copper levels higher than the biological reference range in the general population. Ceruloplasmin has negative correlation with endometrial thickness in patients with DUB. (P = 0.019 r = -0.5).

Conclusions This study has concluded that serum copper and ceruloplasmin could be a sensitive indicator of angiogenesis in endometrium leading to DUB in females.