Serum Levels of Selenium, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, and Iron in Prostate Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUNDS: Variations of trace element contents may be associated with several diseases including metabolic disorders, cellular growth disturbance, mutation and tumorigenesis. Prostate cancer is the second most common male cancer worldwide and stand fifth most common male cancer in Saudi Arabia. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, Serum levels of selenium, zinc, copper, manganese, and iron were measured in patients with BPH and prostate cancer aiming to explore the association between these elements and prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 40 newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients, 22 patients with BPH and 30 healthy male subjects. All participant groups had similar socio-economic levels. Fasting blood samples were collected from all subjects and before any intervention for the patients. Serum PSA concentrations were analyzed by ELIZA and trace elements Se, Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe were measured by ICP-MS. RESULTS: Serum Se, Zn, and Mn levels of prostate cancer patients were significantly decreased compared to control groups. The levels of serum Cu and Fe were significantly higher in prostate cancer patients than in control groups. CONCLUSION: In the present study, an association was noticed between serum trace elements disturbance and prostate cancer. The decreased levels of Se, Zn, and Mn, and increased Cu and Fe levels may play significant roles in the initiation of prostate cancer. However, future prospective studies on the causes of trace elements alteration in prostate cancer patients are needed as well as to illustrate the relation between different prostate cancer stages and trace elements concentrations.