The present study further characterizes trace element and mineral concentrationsin abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) to better evaluate their distribution within the aorta. Specimens from the infrarenal abdominal aorta were obtained from 27 patients with AAA and from 15 with occlusive disease (OD). Aortas from 16 organ donors served as nondisease controls. After being cleaned, each specimen was divided along the same plane into plaque (intima + 1/3 media) and wall (rest of media + adventitia). In addition, trace element and mineral concentrations in serum from these patients were analyzed. Ca and Mg concentrations were markedly higher in plaque from AAA and OD patients than in corresponding wall or control aorta. Fe concentrations were similar between AAA and OD wall, whereas they were more than twofold higher in AAA than OD plaque and nearly sevenfold higher than in control tissue. Cu and Zn concentrations were significantly higher in AA and OD plaque than in controls, while only OD wall Cu was significantly higher than in control aorta.
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