Detection of preoperative serum trace elements in thyroid tumors

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Oncology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Thyroid tumors are increasing globally.
• Essential trace elements (e.g., Ca, Mg, Zn, Se) are vital for thyroid function.
• Toxic elements may contribute to thyroid diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between preoperative serum trace element levels and the occurrence of thyroid tumors.
• To determine if specific trace elements are risk factors for thyroid tumors.
• To explore the relationship between trace elements and tumor type (benign vs. papillary thyroid carcinoma).

Main Methods:

• Serum samples from 54 benign thyroid tumor patients, 76 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients, and 51 healthy controls were analyzed.
• Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) measured 15 serum trace elements.
• Clinical biochemical and thyroid function indicators were assessed and compared using SPSS 22.0.

Main Results:

• Serum levels of Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Se, and Mo were significantly higher in thyroid tumor patients (benign and PTC) compared to controls.
• No significant difference in these elements was found between benign and PTC groups.
• High serum Cu and Zn levels were identified as independent risk factors for thyroid tumors, with significant diagnostic value (AUC 0.720 for Cu, 0.781 for Zn).
• Elevated serum Cu was correlated with positive thyroglobulin antibody (TG-Ab) status.

Conclusions:

• Preoperative serum concentrations of Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Se, and Mo may correlate with thyroid tumors.
• These trace elements were not associated with the benign or malignant nature of thyroid tumors.
• Serum zinc shows potential as a diagnostic aid for thyroid tumors.
• High serum copper is linked to the presence of thyroid autoantibodies.