Some mineral, trace element and heavy metal concentrations in lung cancer

We aimed to determine the relationship between some mineral, trace element and heavy metal levels in the patients of lung cancer by measuring serum levels of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg).

A total of 50 lung cancer and human health (30 lung cancer and 20 healthy human) were included in the study. Venous blood samples of each lung cancer were obtained, and serum Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe, Cd, Co, Mn, Mg levels were analysed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer measurements.

Mg value measured in lung cancer group were lower than the control group and this was statistically significant (P<0.01). Serum Cu level was significantly lower with lung cancer compared to healthy human (P<0.01). Pb level was significantly higher than those of controls (P<0.01). The serum Zn level was significantly lower in serum of lung cancer group than controls (P<0.01). Serum Mn and Co levels were found increased in lung cancer group than controls (P<0.01). Cd value was higher in lung cancer but it was not statistically significant (p>0.01). The mean concentration of Fe in the serum of lung cancer patients was higher than in the controls, but the difference was not significant (p>0.01). There was a positive correlation between Cd and Pb level, and between Mn and Fe levels in lung cancer. There was a negative correlation between Co and Zn levels of healthy humans. There was a negative correlation between Co and Mg levels of lung cancer.

Serum Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe, Mg, Co, Mn and Cd might play a role in the patients with lung cancers. Zn may protective as potent lung cancer. In addition, it is suggested that low levels of zinc can facilitate the pathogenesis of lung cancer.