The value of serum zinc, copper, ceruloplasmin levels in patients with gastrointestinal tract cancers.

Essential elements copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) have a role in many biochemical reactions as a micro-source (1). Zn stimulates gene transcriptions and cell multiplication. Increased Zn concentration levels might help multiplication of tumor cells (2). While Cu and Zn are necessary for activation of RNA and DNA polymerase enzymes, they also have a role as co-factors of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, Zn is necessary for the optimum performance of the immune system (3, 4). While Cu seTurk J Gastroenterol 2005; 16 (2): 81-84