Çukurova Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi (Aug 2013)
Serum Copper, Zinc And Magnesium Levels in Children with Various Malignant Disorders
Abstract
Introduction: The minute amounts of several trace elements including copper, zinc and magnesium play some roles as essential constituents of various biological organs. The serum concentrations these elements are modified in some malignancies. The aim of this study is to investigate the copper, zinc and magnesium levels in the serum of children with various malignant disorders. Material and Methods: The serum levels of copper, zinc and magnesium were measured in 82 children with various malignant disorders and in 21 age-matched healty controls using an atomic absorbtion spectrophotometer. Results: The serum Cu, Zn and Mg concentrations were significantly higher than matched control values among patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (p<0.05, p<0.05, p<0.0001, respectively) on the other hand, the serum Mg concentrations were also significantly higher than matched control values among patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) and other solid tumors (p<0.0001, p<0.0001, respectively) whereas there were no significant differences in serum Cu and Zn concentrations between healthy controls and in patients ANLL and other solid tumors. (p<0.05, p<0.05) Additionally the copper /zinc ratio in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia was significantly higher than the control value whereas a nonsignificant difference was found between healty controls and patients with ANLL and other solid tumors. Conclusion: Trace elements particularly copper and magnesium appear to be elevated in malignant diseases. Such elevation may prove to be useful markers to screen for and perhaps monitor relapse of malignant disease. [Cukurova Med J 2013; 38(4.000): 587-591]
