Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Magnesium, Manganese, Chromium, Iron, Nickel, Cobalt, Vanadium and Germanium were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) in blood serum of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, (30) patients (14male and 16female) with age range (37-60) years compared with normal tensive control. The analysis of results showed that the mean value of concentration (Magnesium, Manganese and Nickel) were significantly higher in patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared to that of healthy, while the mean levels of serum (Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Chromium, Iron, Cobalt and Germanium) were significantly lower than controls. There were no significant changes in overall mean concentration of serum Vanadium in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and control group. There were no significant variations in trace elements levels in relation to sex.Our results suggest that low level of trace elements of Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Chromium, Iron, Cobalt and Germanium , and high levels of Magnesium, Manganese and Nickel may provide good clues to the physician about the high probability of the individual for developing of rheumatoid arthritis disease unless the imbalance of these elements in blood serum to be corrected.
Key words: Trace elements, Rheumatoid arthritis,Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS).
