The Serum Levels of Trace Metals in Nigerian Males with Different PSA Values

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Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: The Serum Levels of Trace Metals in Nigerian Males with Different PSA Values
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:

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Author:

Arinola Olatunbosun Ganiyu, Charles Davies Ayebatonyo Mabel


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: The Serum Levels of Trace Metals in Nigerian Males with Different PSA Values

Year: 2008

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant health concern for men over 50, with increasing incidence rates observed globally, particularly in black populations. The disparity in prostate cancer rates among different regions has been attributed to factors such as lifestyle changes, environmental exposures, and genetics. Epidemiological studies indicate that trace elements, particularly micronutrients like selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn), may play a critical role in cancer prevention and the progression of prostate cancer. The current study aimed to investigate the levels of trace metals in Nigerian males with varying serum prostate surface antigen (PSA) levels to understand their potential implications for prostate cancer.

The Role of Trace Elements in Prostate Cancer

The study provided insights into the levels of essential trace metals and their correlation with PSA values in 80 Nigerian males. Participants were grouped based on their PSA levels—those with PSA values of 5-10 ng/ml exhibited significantly elevated levels of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), and manganese (Mn), while experiencing low selenium (Se) levels compared to controls. In contrast, participants with PSA levels exceeding 10 ng/ml revealed significantly decreased levels of Mn, magnesium (Mg), and Se. The findings indicated that lower trace element levels, particularly Se, across all subjects with PSA levels exceeding 4 ng/ml, may suggest a potential risk factor for the progression of prostate cancer.

Conclusion

The study concluded that the varying levels of trace elements observed in relation to PSA values signal a possible relationship between low trace metal concentrations and the risk of developing prostate cancer. Specifically, the consistently reduced levels of essential trace metals like Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Se in subjects with higher PSA levels suggest that inadequate intake of these micronutrients could facilitate the progression of prostate cancer. As a consequence, the authors advocate for further research to explore the role of trace elements in prostate cancer etiology and progression, emphasizing the necessity of dietary interventions for potential prevention strategies.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the significance of trace elements in prostate cancer?

Trace elements such as Se, Zn, and Mg have roles in prostate health. Low levels of these essential trace elements may predispose individuals to prostate cancer progression, though research findings have been inconsistent and more studies are needed.

How were participants selected for the study on prostate cancer?

Eighty Nigerian males aged 51 to 65 were recruited. They were divided based on serum prostate surface antigen (PSA) levels, excluding those with certain health conditions like diabetes or hypertension, ensuring a more homogeneous study group.

What method was used to measure serum PSA levels in participants?

Serum PSA levels were measured using the Beckman Coulter Access Immunoassay automated machine, providing accurate quantification of PSA levels to categorize subjects into different groups for analysis.

What were the key findings regarding trace metals and PSA levels?

Subjects with PSA levels between 5–10 ng/ml showed high zinc and iron levels but low selenium levels, while those with PSA over 10 ng/ml had significantly reduced levels of manganese, magnesium, and selenium.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “The Serum Levels of Trace Metals in Nigerian Males with Different PSA Values”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Cancer:
Cancer refers to a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. In the context of this study, prostate cancer is highlighted as a significant health concern among men over 50 years, especially in Nigeria. The investigation aims to understand its progression and potential dietary interventions through the study of trace elements.

2) Study (Studying):
This study is an investigation that seeks to analyze the relationship between trace metals and prostate cancer rates among Nigerian males. It emphasizes the need for further research into how dietary supplements, particularly trace elements like selenium and zinc, may influence the risk and progression of prostate cancer.

3) Diet:
Diet plays a crucial role in modulating health and disease risk. This study examines how dietary intake of trace elements may correlate with prostate cancer incidence and progression. Understanding these relationships could lead to effective dietary interventions for men at risk of prostate cancer, highlighting the importance of nutrition.

4) Blood:
Blood is vital for diagnosing health conditions, including prostate cancer. This study emphasizes blood serum levels of trace metals and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) as indicators of prostate cancer risk. The collection and analysis of blood samples are fundamental methods for assessing biomarkers relevant to cancer diagnosis and progression.

5) Disease:
Prostate cancer is categorized as a disease affecting the prostate gland in men, particularly prevalent in older age groups. The study investigates the disease's etiology and progression, focusing on the role of trace elements in either mitigating or exacerbating the disease through dietary intake and serum levels.

6) Reason:
The variations in prostate cancer incidence across different countries illustrate the multifactorial 'reason' for its occurrence. These reasons could include lifestyle factors, environmental exposure, and diet, indicating the need to explore how dietary choices may influence the risk for a disease that affects men globally.

7) Tuberculosis:
Tuberculosis is mentioned as a excluded condition in the study participants. Patients with this disease were not included to ensure that the analysis of trace elements focused solely on prostate cancer-related variables, eliminating potential confounding factors that could skew the results regarding trace metal levels in blood.

8) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response that can complicate diagnosis and treatment of diseases like prostate cancer. It was excluded from the study criteria to refine the focus on direct correlates of prostate cancer. Understanding inflammation's role in cancer progression is essential for advancing therapeutic approaches.

9) Observation:
Observation is fundamental to scientific research and is crucial in determining correlations and patterns. In this study, observations regarding trace metals and their associations with serum PSA levels informed hypotheses about potential dietary interventions that could influence prostate cancer risk and progression.

10) Measurement:
Measurement in this study refers to the quantification of trace metals and prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in blood samples. Accurate measurement is essential for establishing reliable data to support the study's conclusions, emphasizing the importance of robust methodologies in cancer research.

11) Toxicology:
Toxicology studies the adverse effects of substances on living organisms. In the context of this research, understanding how certain trace elements (like cadmium) may be toxic or beneficial highlights the dual role that metals can play regarding cancer risk, making toxicological insights valuable for dietary recommendations.

12) Surface:
Surface in this context relates to the concept of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which is a protein produced by prostate cells and a key biomarker for prostate cancer. Understanding PSA levels provides insights into prostate health and potential malignancies, serving as a critical aspect of cancer screening.

13) Mineral:
Minerals refer to inorganic elements required for various bodily functions and may influence cancer risks. The study examines trace minerals like zinc and selenium, evaluating their implications on prostate cancer, thereby contributing to understanding how dietary mineral intake could potentially prevent or slow cancer progression.

14) Thomas:
Thomas refers to a mention in the references, possibly as an authority in the field of nutrition and cancer research. His work contributes to the understanding of the relationship between micronutrients and cancer, presenting relevant findings that may bolster the claims made in this study about diet and prostate cancer.

15) Table:
Table refers to a data presentation format used in the study to summarize findings, such as mean levels of trace metals across different PSA groups. Organizing data in tables allows for clearer comprehension of results and enhances the visual representation of statistical trends implying the significance of findings.

16) Death:
Death is the ultimate outcome of uncontrolled diseases like cancer. This study addresses how early detection and intervention, potentially through dietary means, can decrease mortality rates. Understanding trace element levels may offer preventative strategies to reduce the risk of prostate cancer-related deaths among affected populations.

17) Cina (Cīna, Cīnā, Ciṉa, Ciṉā, Cīṉā, Cinā):
China is mentioned as part of a comparative analysis showing significantly lower incidence rates of prostate cancer. This highlights geographical disparities in cancer prevalence, prompting researchers to investigate environmental and dietary differences, which could lead to insights on potential preventative measures applicable to other regions like Nigeria.

18) Male (Mālē):
Male refers to the targeted demographic for this study, focusing on men aged 51 to 65 years. Prostate cancer is a gender-specific disease predominantly affecting men, underlining the need for tailored research to develop effective screening and intervention strategies specific to male health.

19) Eral (Ēral):
Eral appears to be a typographical or reference error in the context. However, its mention signifies the importance of accurate citation in scholarly research. Checks should be made to ensure references are correct and relevant to maintain the study's credibility and provide a clear pathway for further inquiries.

20) Peng:
Peng is referenced in the context of research on trace elements and cancer. In the study, his contributions underline the relationship between trace element intake and cancer prevalence. Recognizing influential contributions helps ground the research in established scientific frameworks and encourages further exploration of diet-related health interventions.

21) Crop:
Crop refers to agricultural products that serve as dietary sources of essential trace elements. The study implies that diet, including the consumption of certain crops, may influence trace element levels in the body. Promoting specific agricultural practices could support health and reduce the risk of diseases like prostate cancer.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘The Serum Levels of Trace Metals in Nigerian Males with Different PSA Values’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Environmental exposure, Cancer prevention, Observational studies, Prostate cancer, Chronic illnesses, Trace element, Case control studies, Nutritional factor.

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