Altered Trace Elements Levels in Hair of Prostate Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background: Deficiency or excess of trace elements can induce metabolic disorders and dysregulate cell growth, and even lead to mutations and tumorigenesis. Many reports have indicated a direct association between micronutrient deficiency and cancer mortality. Prostate cancer is the sixth most common cancer among men in Saudi Arabia, yet there are few studies of the association between trace element levels and prostate cancer in the country. Objective: This study aimed to explore the association between concentrations of select hair trace elements, including selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe), as long-term indicators, and tumorigenesis of prostate cancer in Saudi Arabia. 1.2 Patients and Methods: The study included 58 patients with prostate cancer, 64 with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and 52 healthy controls. Full history and clinical data were recorded for all subjects. Hair samples were collected from the nape of all subjects, and levels of Se, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe were analyzed by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: Hair Se and Zn levels of prostate cancer patients were significantly lower compared to BPH and healthy groups whereas Cu, Mn, and Fe levels were significantly high. Hair Se and Zn levels were significantly lower in metastatic prostate cancer patients than in localized cancer patients whereas mean hair levels of Cu, Mn, and Fe were not significantly different among these patients. Conclusion: Prostate cancer may be associated with trace element-mediated metabolic disorders. Low levels of Se and Zn and high levels of Cu, Mn, and Fe appear to be associated with its tumorigenesis. Additional prospective studies are warranted to confirm the inverse correlation between Se and Zn levels and prostate cancer.