Plasma Concentrations of Some Trace Element and Heavy Metals in Patients with Metastatic Colon Cancer

Ozgur Emre, Halit Demir, Erkan Dogan, Ramazan Esen, Tugba Gur, Canan Demir, Edip Gonullu, Nedim Turan, Mehmet Fatih Özbay

Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Regional Training and Research Hospital of Van, Van, Turkey.
Department of Biostatics, Faculty of Medicine, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey.
Department of Hematology, Medical Faculty, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey.
Department of Internal Medicine, Regional Training and Research Hospital of Van, Van, Turkey.
Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
Department of Medical Oncology, Medical Faculty, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey.
Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Science Faculty, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey.
Division of Biochemistry, Health Faculty, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey.

DOI: 10.4236/jct.2013.46124                

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.

Keywords

Colon Cancer; Trace Element; Heavy Metal; Essential Element

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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