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Published on: November 30, 2016
Trace element concentration in metastatic liver disease: a systematic review
1Department of HPB and Liver Transplant Surgery, University Department of Surgery, Royal Free and University College School of Medicine, UCL and Royal Free Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK. kurinchi2k@hotmail.com
Summary
Trace element levels, including copper and zinc, are lower in secondary liver cancer compared to healthy liver tissue. Further research is needed to understand these alterations in liver secondaries.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Trace Element Research
- Hepatology
Background:
- Conflicting reports exist regarding trace element levels in secondary liver cancers.
- This review synthesizes current evidence on the association between trace elements and secondary liver tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize the evidence linking trace elements to secondary liver tumors.
- To investigate alterations in trace element concentrations in secondary liver cancer.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases up to January 2006.
- Application of specific inclusion and exclusion criteria for article selection.
- Quantitative data extraction and meta-analysis using a random effects model.
Main Results:
- Five studies involving 239 patients met the inclusion criteria, analyzing iron, copper, and zinc.
- Quantitative methods were used to determine mineral content in the selected studies.
- Meta-analysis revealed lower copper and zinc levels in secondary liver cancer versus healthy livers.
Conclusions:
- Secondary liver cancers exhibit reduced copper and zinc content compared to healthy liver tissue.
- Iron, copper, and zinc levels are diminished in liver secondaries relative to adjacent normal tissues.
- The underlying reasons and clinical implications of these trace element alterations warrant further investigation.
