Elemental comparative analysis of 18 elements reveal distinct patterns in benign and malignant thyroid tissues

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Oncology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Trace elements play crucial roles in biological processes.
• Imbalances in elemental concentrations are associated with various diseases, including cancer.
• Understanding elemental profiles in thyroid tissue may offer insights into thyroid tumorigenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the concentrations of 18 trace elements in benign versus malignant thyroid tissues.
• To identify specific elements that differ significantly between benign and malignant thyroid tumors.
• To explore the potential role of trace elements as biomarkers for thyroid cancer.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 18 trace elements (Al, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Ti, Ba, Sn, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo, Cd, Sr, Tl) in 106 post-operative thyroid tissue samples.
• Quantification of elemental concentrations using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
• Statistical analyses including Spearman's correlation, orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and multivariate logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in concentrations of multiple trace elements were observed between benign and malignant thyroid tissues.
• Malignant tissues showed higher levels of Mg, Al, Fe, Cr, Ti, Sr, Sn, and Ba.
• Benign tissues exhibited higher levels of Na, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Mo.
• OPLS-DA identified Al, Ti, Sn as discriminators for malignant tissue and Na, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, Mo for benign tissue.
• Multivariate logistic regression associated thyroid cancer with levels of Al, Cr, Ti, Sr, Sn, Ba, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Cd.

Conclusions:

• Benign and malignant thyroid tumors display distinct trace element profiles.
• Certain elements like Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), and Zinc (Zn) may possess antitumor properties.
• Elevated levels of Barium (Ba), Chromium (Cr), and Aluminum (Al) are linked to thyroid malignancies.
• Elemental deficiencies or excesses could be a consequence of malignant transformation in thyroid tissues.