[Analysis of the alterations of trace elements in plasma and tissue, in lung cancer]

In our research, we aimed to analyse the relationship between the lung cancer and the zinc (Zn) and the copper (Cu) which are important trace elements for the organisms in cases containing lung cancer. The research included 20 patients who have been operated as a result of primary lung cancer. In the research, the Zn and Cu and Cu/Zn levels in the patient's cancerous and normal lung tissues and serum (pre-operative, post-operative day first and day fifth) were measured (pre-operative, post-operative day first and post-operative day fifth serum albumin levels were also measured). It was found out that the Cu level in the tissue with tumour has been significantly higher than that of the normal tissue (p< 0.01); that the Zn level in the normal tissue has been significantly higher than the tissue with tumour (p< 0.001) and that the Cu/Zn rate in the tissue with tumour has been significantly higher than the normal tissue (p< 0.001). Regarding the serum values, in the post-operative day first, a significant decrease has been viewed in the levels of Cu, Zn and albumin compared to the pre-operative period (p< 0.001); in the post-operative day first serum Cu/Zn rate has significantly increased compared to the pre-operative period (p< 0.001); in the post-operative day fifth serum albumin levels have significantly decreased compared to the pre-operative period (p< 0.001); in the post-operative day fifth, serum Cu/Zn rate has significantly decreased compared to the post-operative day first (p< 0.01). As a result of the research we performed, we believe that the Cu/Zn level is a more significant data regarding the research of the cancer than the levels of Zn and Cu. We also believe that the Cu/Zn level in the patients with lung cancer should not be used as a diagnostic test, but rather as an indicator of the weakening of the antioxidant defence in patients.