Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
07:04
High Precision Zinc Isotopic Measurements Applied to Mouse Organs
Published on: May 22, 2015
Zinc and cadmium analysis in human prostate neoplasms
M Bryś1, A D Nawrocka, E Miekoś
1Department of Cytobiochemistry, University of Lódź, Poland.
Biological Trace Element Research
|January 1, 1997
Summary
This study investigated zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) levels in prostate tissues. Results suggest Cd may promote prostate cancer, while Zn may offer protection.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Prostate cancer is a significant health concern.
- Altered metal concentrations, specifically zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd), are suspected in prostate pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between prostate cancer and changes in Zn and Cd concentrations.
- To determine if Zn and Cd levels differ in normal prostate tissue, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostatic carcinoma (PCA).
Main Methods:
- Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to quantify Zn and Cd levels.
- Analysis included whole tissues and specific cellular fractions (nuclear, plasma membrane, cytosolic).
- Graphite furnace and flame modes were employed for Cd and Zn measurements, respectively.
Main Results:
- Zinc (Zn) levels increased in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) but decreased in prostatic carcinoma (PCA) compared to normal tissue.
- Cadmium (Cd) concentrations were elevated in both BPH and PCA tissues relative to normal tissue.
- No correlation was found between Zn and Cd levels within individual BPH specimens.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the hypothesis that Cd may act as a carcinogen in the prostate.
- Results suggest a potential protective role for Zn in prostate cancer development.
- The plasma membrane fraction is likely critical for Zn and Cd involvement in prostate neoplasms.
