Zinc and selenium status in pediatric malignant lymphomas

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Nutritional Science
• Trace Element Research

Background:

• Malignant lymphoma (ML) is a significant health concern in pediatric populations.
• Nutritional status, particularly trace element levels, may play a role in disease development and progression.
• Previous research has indicated potential links between trace elements and various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) status in untreated pediatric patients with malignant lymphoma.
• To determine the association between chronic Zn and Se deficiencies and ML in Turkish children.
• To provide recommendations for nutritional support in pediatric ML management.

Main Methods:

• Study included 96 untreated patients with malignant lymphoma (ML), comprising 81 Hodgkin's disease and 15 Burkitt's lymphoma cases.
• Plasma and hair samples were analyzed for zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) levels using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
• 21 patients underwent comprehensive analysis for both Zn and Se status.

Main Results:

• Chronic deficiencies in both zinc and selenium were identified in pediatric ML patients.
• These deficiencies were characterized by low plasma and low hair Zn and Se levels.
• A strong association was observed between these deficiencies and ML in the studied Turkish children.
• Low socioeconomic status was identified as a likely contributing factor to the poor nutritional environment.

Conclusions:

• Chronic zinc and selenium deficiencies are associated with malignant lymphoma in Turkish children.
• The findings suggest a potential role for nutritional status in pediatric ML.
• Supplementation with zinc and selenium is recommended for pediatric ML patients receiving standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy.