TITLE:
Plasma Concentrations of Some Trace Element and Heavy Metals in Patients with Metastatic Colon Cancer
AUTHORS:
Ozgur Emre, Halit Demir, Erkan Dogan, Ramazan Esen, Tugba Gur, Canan Demir, Edip Gonullu, Nedim Turan, Mehmet Fatih Özbay
KEYWORDS:
Colon Cancer; Trace Element; Heavy Metal; Essential Element
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.4 No.6,
July
22,
2013
ABSTRACT: Purpose: It is well known that trace elements and heavy metals play a
significant role in human health and disease. These elements play an important role in
different metabolic pathways of cells and tissues. Trace element deficiency or
excess is implicated in the development or progression of some cancers. We
present a study which investigates serum/ plasma levels of trace-heavy elements in metastatic
colon cancer patients and healthy subjects. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 29
healthy subjects and 40 patients with metastatic colon cancer in Oncology
Department of Medical School of Yuzuncu Yil University. In both groups, the
serum levels of copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), zinc
(Zn) selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), and cadmium (Cd) were determined. Results:
Higher levels of Cu, Mg, Pb, Cr, Zn, Mn and Cd were seen in patients with
metastatic colon cancer compared to healthy subjects and these findings were
statistically significant (p 0.05).
Se levels were noted to be lower in patients with colon cancer in comparison to
healthy subjects and this finding was also statistically significant (p 0.05). Conclusions:
According to our findings there was significant diffence in trace elements and
heavy metals levels between healthy subjects and metastatic colon cancer patients.
Therefore heavy metal and trace elements may have prognostic significance in
complex disorders including colon cancer. However, further comprehensive studies
are needed in order to advance our understanding of the relationship between
heavy metal and trace elements and their role in cancers.