|
Lung cancer is one of the most common
leading causes of cancer mortality around the world. Many efforts
have been made recently to use element contents in human body to aid
for diagnosing various diseases including cancer. Accordingly, this
study aimed to investigate the serum contents of elements Cr, Cu, Mn,
Ni, Zn, Mg, and Fe of lung cancer patients and compared them with
those found in smokers and non-smoking controls using atomic
absorption spectrophotometry technique. The results obtained showed
that there were significantly lower levels of Zn, Fe, and Mg
(p<0.001) in patients and smokers than in non-smokers. The Zn and Mg
levels of patients were significantly lower than in smokers. The
serum levels of Cu, Mn, Ni, and Cr were significantly higher
(p<0.001) in lung cancer patients than in smokers and controls. In
addition, it was found out that the Cu/Zn ratio was significantly
higher in patients and smokers than those of controls. The results
suggest that adequate intake of Zn and Mg may have a protective role
in the occurrence of lung cancer, while the high levels of Cu, Mn,
Ni, and Cr may cause a threat of lung cancer. It is also possible to
conclude that exposure to cigarette smoke leads to impair oxidant
defense system. The data suggest that Cu/Zn ratio could be of great
value in diagnosis and evaluating the lung cancer. In addition, it
is possible to rely on trace elements to give indications to warn,
especially the smokers, of the risk of lung cancer. |
| |
|
|
Key words:Lung cancer, Trace
elements, Cu/Zn ratio, Atomic absorption spectrometry, Smoking. |
|
