SERUM ZINC, COPPER AND MAGNESIUM IN PATIENTS WITH BRAIN TUMOR

Abstract

Background: Trace elements such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and magnesium (Mg) have an important chemical and biological roles. Recently different modes of changes in their concentrations have been shown to be correlated with the prognosis in selected human malignancies including brain tumor.

Materials and Methods: Ninety three individuals were included in the present study, 28 with benign brain tumor, 31 with malignant brain tumors, and 34 normal healthy controls. Serum Cu, Zn, and Mg were determined before surgical removal of the tumor and one week after the operation using the atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Results: Results of this study revealed that serum copper was markedly elevated (p<0.05) in malignant brain tumor patients followed by benign tumor patients. There is a significant difference in serum zinc in malignant brain tumor cases as compared with healthy controls. Serum magnesium in benign brain tumor patients was significantly different as compared with either control or malignant brain tumor. The surgical removal of the tumors lead to decrease serum copper and increase serum zinc as compared with their base level before surgery and they were directed to be within the normal ranges of the healthy control.

Conclusion: There is a different change in the level of trace elements in serum of brain tumor patients as compared with control and also before and after surgery. Further investigation needed to estimate the accurate causes of these changes.

Keywords: Zinc, Copper, Magnesium, Brain tumor, Cancer, Trace elements

Iraqi J Med Sci, 2004; Vol. 3(1):14-17