Química medicinal

Alterations of Some Heavy Metals and Trace Elements Levels in Breast Cancer

Abstract

Parween Abdul Samad Ismail, Araz Muhammad Yousif and Edrees Muhammad Tahir Harki

Background: Breast cancer is the most fammiliar malignancy in females is one of the commonest causes of cancer mortality in females.

Objectives: The aim of our research is to estimate alteration of trace metals in breast cancer. The heavy and essential metals levels were determined in the serum of breast cancer patients, inorder to detect their importance in the treatment and prognosis of the cancer.

Methods: It was a prospective, case control study. A total of 80 female participants were divided into healthy controls (n = 40) and breast cancer (n = 40). The serums of As, Fe, Cd, Ni, Cr, Mg, Mn, Co and Se were analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometery.

Results: The serum means of Mg, Cd, Ni, Cr, Fe, Co and Se levels were significantly increased in breast cancer patients, when compared with the controls (p<0.001, p<0.0017, p<0.001, p<0.05, p<0.008, p< 0.05, and p<0.001, respectively). The mean serum As and Mn levels were significantly lowerd in breast cancer patients compared with the controls (P<0.001 and P<0.0019).

Conclusion: Alteration of the elemental amount in cancerous breast tissues and the disturbance of oxidant/antioxidant balance high light the part of trace metals in cancer expansion. The alterations of these biochemical metals in the serum of breast cancer patients aid in appropriate treatment as well as indicators of prognosis as the disease progress.