TITLE:
The Role of Serum Trace Elements and Oxidative Stress in Egyptian Breast Cancer Patients
AUTHORS:
Mona Mohamed K. El-Deeb, Heba G. El-Sheredy, Ayman Farouk Mohammed
KEYWORDS:
Trace Elements, Oxidative Capacity, Breast Cancer, Antioxidants
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Breast Cancer Research,
Vol.5 No.1,
January
28,
2016
ABSTRACT: Background: Oxidative stress is considered to be involved in the
pathophysiology of all cancers. Studies indicated that the levels of oxidative
stress markers increased in breast cancer. Trace metals are essential to normal
human homeostasis. When present in an abnormal expression, they contribute in
many pathological processes. Some trace metals are claimed to be carcinogenic
and capable of inducing a toxic effect through the formation of free radicles
and acting as cofactors in the oxidative damage of biological macromolecules
and DNA. Objective: Our aim was to investigate the serum levels of some trace
elements (Copper, Zinc and Cadmium), the total oxidative and anti-oxidative capacity (TOC and TAC) in patients with
breast cancer in comparison to patients with benign breast tumours. Patients
and Methods: The present study included 65 females. The participates were
divided into 2 main groups: control group which consisted of 20
apparently healthy female; the patient groups which divided into 3 groups:
group B included 15 patients with benign breast tumours, group N consisted of
15 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and group M included 15 patients with
metastatic breast cancer. Results: The mean serum levels of Copper, Zinc, and
Cadmium were significantly higher in the three patients groups (B, N and M)
than the control group. Similarly, serum uric acid (UA) and (TAC) levels showed
significant higher level in both breast cancer groups as compared to the benign
group. However TOC levels showed only significantly higher level in metastatic
group. Conclusions: The present study suggested elevated TAC, UA and TOC in
breast cancer patients. The increased levels of trace elements could lead to
formation of free radicals or other reactive oxygen species. The serum profile
of these trace metals may be helpful in predicting prognosis of breast cancer.