Estimation of trace elements (selenium, iron) and their biological effect in serum levels of breast cancer patients

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly occurring cancer that records a significant percentage of all cancers among women. The most common type of BC is ductal carcinoma. The trace elements, selenium (Se) and iron (Fe), have an important role in the metabolism of human body in which they have very vital biological effect on the enzymes involved in antioxidants and immune system. Materials and Methods: Venous blood samples were collected into plain vials from 50 patients and 50 controls, which were transported to the laboratory on ice and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 15 min, and the serum was stored at −4°C until the day of mineral estimation, using SHIMADZU Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy AA7000 using Graphite Furnace Technique. Results: There was a significant (P 0.05) in the serum of BC patients as compared with normal healthy controls. Conclusion: We found a significant association between trace elements (serum Se and Fe) with BC.

Keywords

• atomic absorption spectrophotometer
• breast cancer
• iron
• selenium