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Micronutrient levels in
the plasma of Nigerian females with breast cancer
Arinola, O. G.* and Charles-Davies, M. A.
Department
of Chemical Pathology and Immunology, College of Medicine,
University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author. E-mail:
drarinolaog64@yahoo.com,
arinolaog@doctor.com.
Accepted 16
April, 2008 |
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The levels of heavy and essential metals in the serum of
breast cancer patients were determined, in order to find out
which of them could be of importance in the treatment and
prognosis of the cancer. Serum copper, zinc, iron,
magnesium, manganese, chromium, cadmium, lead and selenium
were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer in
29 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and compared with
30 healthy control subjects. The mean serum copper level was
significantly lower in patients with breast cancer compared
with controls. The mean serum zinc and manganese levels were
insignificantly lowered in with breast cancer compared to
controls. However, the levels of magnesium, iron, chromium,
cadmium lead and selenium were not significantly raised in
breast cancer patients compared with the controls. The exact
mechanism responsible for the alterations in trace metals in
patients with breast cancer is largely unclear and requires
further evaluation. However, the serum copper level may be
of value in determining the prognosis of these patients.
Key
word:
Breast cancer, essential trace metals, prognosis. |
