Decreased Hepatic Copper Levels

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms and Abdominal Malignancies

“…This copper deficiency results in a deficiency of lysyl oxidase, in turn resulting in insufficient collagen and elastin cross-linking, weakening the arterial wall and causing aneurysm formation. [17][18][19] Since copper has been implicated as a cofactor for many enzyme systems responsible for tumor destruction and surveillance, including cytochrome P-450 and superoxide dismutase, (SOD), this finding suggests a possible genetic link between the two disease processes. Interestingly enough, this mutation was found to be located on the X chromosome.…”

“…'1°-&dquo;-Although the precise mechanism responsible for this phenomenon is unknown, many believe it involves an increase in elastases and collagenases, which are necessary for normal wound healing, but can lead to arterial wall weakening and aneurysm rupture in aneurysm patients. [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21]22 Several reports that focus on aneurysm rupture after laparotomy clearly show a trend toward rupture in the early postoperative period. Swanson et a1.21 described 10 patients whose aneurysms ruptured in the immediate postoperative period.…”