Abstract
Background and Objectives: Upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are one of the most common causes of mortality. Combinations of internal and external factors such as trace elements are involved in initial development of upper GI cancers. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare serum levels of zinc (Zn) and cupper (Cu) and Cu/Zn ratio in upper GI cancer patients and control group.
Materials and Methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional study, 35 patients diagnosed with upper GI cancer and 41 healthy individuals were selected. Blood samples were obtained and the levels of Zn and Cu were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.
Results: The mean serum level of Zn and Cu in upper GI cancer patients was 0.62±0.15 and 1.65±.0.33 ppm, respectively. The mean serum level of Zn and Cu serum in healthy individuals was 0.75±0.14 and 1.5±0.32 ppm, respectively. There was a significant difference between the patients and controls with regard to the Zn level (P<0.001). In addition, the Cu/Zn ratio in upper GI cancer patients and controls were 2.78±0.71 and 2.04±0.51, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, it is speculated that changes of the serum trace elements, particularity Zn and Cu, in upper GI cancer patients might play role in biological alterations of the cancer cells.