Correlation of concentrations of selected trace elements with Gleason grade of prostate tissues

A non-destructive X-ray fluorescence method of analysis of formalin fixed-paraffin embedded biopsied samples for biomarkers for breast and colon cancer

In this work we present a methodology for the non-destructive elemental determination of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) human tissue samples based on the Fundamental Parameters method for the quantification of micro Energy Dispersive X Ray Fluorescence (micro-EDXRF) area scans. This methodology intended to overcome two major constraints in the analysis of paraffin embedded tissue samples - retrieval of optimal region of analysis of the tissue within the paraffin block and the determination of the dark matrix composition of the biopsied sample. This way, an image treatment algorithm, based on R® tool to select the regions of the micro-EDXRF area scans was developed. Also, different dark matrix compositions were evaluated using varying combinations of H, C, N and O until the most accurate matrix was found: 8% H, 15% C, 1% N and 60% O for breast FFPE samples and 8% H, 23% C, 2% N and 55% O for colon. The developed methodology was applied to paired normal-tumour samples of breast and colon biopsied tissues in order to gauge potential elemental biomarkers for carcinogenesis in these tissues. The obtained results showed distinctive biomarkers for breast and for colon: there was a significant increase of P, S, K and Fe in both tissues, while a significant increase of Ca an Zn concentrations was also determined for breast tumour samples.

Human papillomavirus infection, cervical cancer and the less explored role of trace elements

Cervical cancer is an aggressive type of cancer affecting women worldwide. Many affected individuals rely on smear tests for the diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation for their treatment. However, due to a broad set of undesired results and side-effects associated with the existing protocols, the search for better diagnostic and therapeutic interventions is a never-ending pursuit. In the purview, the bio-concentration of trace elements (copper, selenium, zinc, iron, arsenic, manganese, and cadmium) is seen to fluctuate during the occurrence of cervical cancer and its progression from pre-cancerous to metastatic nature. Thus, during the occurrence of cervical cancer, the detection of trace elements and their supplementation will prove to be highly advantageous in developing diagnostic tools and therapeutics, respectively. This review provides a detailed overview of cervical cancer, its encouragement by human papillomavirus infections, the mechanism of pathology, and resistance. Majorly, the review emphasizes the less explored role of trace elements, their contribution to the growth and inhibition of cervical cancer. Numerous clinical trials have been listed, thereby providing a comprehensive reference to the exploration of trace elements in the management of cervical cancer.

Effect of Copper and Selenium Supplementation on the Level of Elements in Rats' Femurs under Neoplastic Conditions

A study was conducted to determine the effect of long-term supplementation with selenium and copper, administered at twice the level used in the standard diet of rats, on the content of selected elements in the femoral bones of healthy rats and rats with implanted LNCaP cancer cells. After an adaptation period, the animals were randomly divided into two experimental groups. The rats in the experimental group were implanted with prostate cancer cells. The rats in the control group were kept in the same conditions as those in the experimental group and fed the same diet, but without implanted cancer cells. The cancer cells (LNCaP) were intraperitoneally implanted in the amount of 1 × 106 (in PBS 0.4 mL) at the age of 90 days. The content of elements in the samples was determined by a quadrupole mass spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma ionization (ICP-MS). In the femoral bones of rats with implanted LNCaP cells, in the case of the standard diet and the copper-enriched diet, there was a marked decreasing trend in the content of the analysed elements relative to the control rats. This may indicate slow osteolysis taking place in the bone tissue. Contrasting results were obtained for the diet enriched with selenium; there was no significant reduction in the level of these elements, and there was even an increase in the concentrations of Fe and K in the bones of rats with implanted LNCaP cells. Particularly, numerous changes in the mineral composition of the bones were generated by enriching the diet with copper. The elements that most often underwent changes (losses) in the bones were cobalt, iron, manganese and molybdenum. The changes observed, most likely induced by the implantation of LNCaP cells, may indicate a disturbance of mineral homeostasis.

Laser Ablation ICP-MS Analysis of Chemically Different Regions of Rat Prostate Gland with Implanted Cancer Cells

The comparison of tissues analyzed by LA-ICP-MS is challenging in many aspects, both medical and mathematical. The concept of distinguishing regions of interest (ROIs) was proposed in the literature, allowing for data reduction and targeted comparative analysis. ROIs can be drawn before any analysis, by indicating the anatomical parts of tissue, or after the first step of analysis, by using elemental distribution maps and characteristic regions of enrichment in selected elements. A simple method for identifying different regions, without the manual extraction of image fragments, is highly needed in biological experiments, where large groups of individuals (with samples taken from each of them) is very common. In the present study, two ROIs were distinguished: (1) tissue-rich in fat (and tissue-poor in water); and (2) tissue-rich in water (and tissue-poor in fat). ROIs were extracted mathematically, using an algorithm based on the relationship between 13C and 23Na signal intensities. A cut-off point was indicated in the point of the simultaneous decrease in 13C and increase in 23Na signal intensity. Separate analyses of chemically different ROIs allow for targeted comparison, which is a great advantage of laser ablation over liquid introductions to ICP-MS. In the present experiment, tissues were provided from animals with implanted prostate cancer cells as well as supplemented with mineral compounds particularly important both for prostate gland functions (Zn and Se) and neoplastic processes (Ca, Fe, and Cu). One of the goals was to try to determine whether dietary supplementation qualitatively and quantitatively affects the mineral composition of the prostate gland.

Analysis of human tissues using Energy Dispersive X Ray Fluorescence - Dark matrix determination for the application to cancer research

BACKGROUND

X ray Fluorescence has been essayed as a suitable technique for the elemental quantification of trace element in human tissues, namely comparison of normal and cancerous tissue. However, accurate results depend on a robust quantification approach, namely correct evaluation of the samples' dark matrix.

METHODS

In order to determine the most suitable dark matrix composition for the quantification of such samples using the Fundamental Parameter approach, we have measured several Certified Reference Materials and essayed different dark matrix compositions to achieve the most accurate results. The resulting dark matrix was then applied to normal and tumor ovarian and prostate tissue samples, and the obtained results were compared with the ones obtained with a comparative method using external standard calibration curves.

RESULTS

Using a dark matrix composed of 10 % - H, 22 % - C, 3 % - N and 60 % - O yielded the best compromise in accuracy for the light and heavy elements. For the reduced sample size and conditions of this study, for both organs, the concentrations of transition metals decrease in tumor tissues, while the concentration of lighter elements, P and Cl, increases. On the other hand, there are elements that showed different behavior between the two types of tissue, namely Zn and S, that increase in prostate tumor tissue and decrease in ovarian tissue.

CONCLUSION

An increase in precision was one of the improvements found with the newly developed method, as the FP-approach contemplates matrix effects and the influence of other elements in the analytes' quantification. Additionally, the determined dark matrix can be employed in any tissue analysis application by means of EDXRF.

Title Changes in the Mineral Composition of Rat Femoral Bones Induced by Implantation of LNCaP Prostate Cancer Cells and Dietary Supplementation

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most frequent cancer in men and the fifth most common cause of death worldwide, with an estimated 378,553 deaths in 2020. Prostate cancer shows a strong tendency to form metastatic foci in the bones. A number of interactions between cancer cells attacking bones and cells of the bone matrix lead to destruction of the bone and growth of the tumour. The last few decades have seen increased interest in the precise role of minerals in human health and disease. Tumour cells accumulate various minerals that promote their intensive growth. Bone, as a storehouse of elements, can be a valuable source of them for the growing tumour. There are also reports suggesting that the presence of some tumours, e.g., of the breast, can adversely affect bone structure even in the absence of metastasis to this organ. This paper presents the effect of chronic dietary intake of calcium, iron and zinc, administered in doses corresponding maximally to twice their level in a standard diet, on homeostasis of selected elements (Ca, K, Zn, Fe, Cu, Sr, Ni, Co, Mn and Mo) in the femoral bones of healthy rats and rats with implanted cancer cells of the LNCaP line. The experiment was conducted over 90 days. After the adaptation period, the animals were randomly divided into four dietary groups: standard diet and supplementation with Zn, Fe and Ca. Every dietary group was divided into experimental group (with implanted cancer cells) and control group (without implanted cancer cells). The cancer cells (LnCaP) were implanted intraperitoneally in the amount 1 × 106 to the rats at day 90 of their lifetime. Bone tissue was dried and treated with microwave-assisted mineral digestation. Total elemental content was quantified by ICP-MS. Student's t-test and Anova or Kruskal-Wallis tests were applied in order to compare treatment and dietary groups. In the case of most of the diets, especially the standard diet, the femoral bones of rats with implanted LNCaP cells showed a clear downward trend in the content of the elements tested, which may be indicative of slow osteolysis taking place in the bone tissue. In the group of rats receiving the standard diet, there were significant reductions in the content of Mo (by 83%), Ca (25%), Co (22%), Mn (13%), K (13%) and Sr (9%) in the bone tissue of rats with implanted LNCaP cells in comparison with the control group receiving the same diet but without LNCaP implantation. Supplementation of the rat diet with calcium, zinc and iron decreased the frequency of these changes relative to the standard diet, which may indicate that the diet had an inhibitory effect on bone resorption in conditions of LNCaP implantation. The principal component analysis (PCA) score plot confirms the pronounced effect of implanted LNCaP cells and the standard diet on bone composition. At the same time, supplementation with calcium, zinc and iron seems to improve bone composition. The microelements that most often underwent quantitative changes in the experimental conditions were cobalt, manganese and molybdenum.

Inflammation factors and element supplementation in cancer

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with chosen minerals (Zn, Se, Fe) on expression of selected cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNFα) in spleen of rats and on their concentrations in rat serum under inflammatory and pathological conditions obtained by implantation of prostate cancer cells (LnCaP). Serum levels of metabolites of arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic and linoleic acids (hydroxyeicosatetraenoic, hydroxyeicosapentaenoic and hydroxyoctadecadienoic acids, respectively), as compounds involved in inflammation and cancer development, were also investigated. Male rats were randomised into dietary groups supplemented with Zn, Se or Fe. Prostate cancer cells were implanted to some rats in each group. The study demonstrated that minerals supplemented with the diet may exert various effects on an organism. Selenium, zinc and iron influence pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, what leads to stimulation of inflammation. They also affect synthesis of arachidonic and linoleic acid metabolites that exert pro-inflammatory action and enable cancer development and metastasis.

Calcium - Magnesium imbalance implicated in benign prostatic hyperplasia and restoration by a phytotherapeutic drug - Croton membranaceus Müll.Arg

Background

Calcium (Ca)- magnesium (Mg) imbalance is implicated in prostate cancer. Ca/Mg ratio increases or decreases with proliferation or apoptosis, respectively. The study examined whether this Ca/Mg imbalance exists in BPH patients and the effect of a phytotherapeutic drug on the Ca/Mg ratio.

Methods

Thirty (30) BPH patients who used the ethanolic root extract of Croton membranaceus (60 mg/day) for 3 months were examined for serum Ca, Mg, phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D, prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels and renal function tests (RFT) before (BT) and after treatment (AT) alongside thirty (30) controls. Twenty (20) trace element including Mg and Ca were determined in the drug by neutron activation analysis (NAA).

Results

RFT, PTH and vitamin D for BT, AT and controls (C) were normal. Mean PSA was 1.0 ± 0.64 (C), 27.9 ± 19.0 (BT) and 16.2 ± 11.8 ng/mL (AT) (p = 0.002). Mg, Ca/Mg ratio BT, AT and control were significantly different (p = 0.0001, respectively). After treatment, Mg and Ca/Mg ratio were not different from controls. The prevalence of Ca/Mg imbalance was 80% (BT), 13.3% (AT) and 3.3% (control group).

Conclusion

Ca/Mg ratio imbalance is associated with BPH. This has previously not been demonstrated. The imbalance was significantly corrected after treatment with the phytotherapeutic drug.

Nutritional evaluation, bioaccumulation and toxicological assessment of heavy metals in edible fruits of FicussurForssk (Moraceae)

Ficussur (Moraceae) is an indigenous medicinal plant with a wide distribution in Africa. In this study, the nutritional potential fruit of this indigenous plant to meet domestic food demands and reduce food insecurity in KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa, was investigated. The proximate composition and concentrations of metals in the edible fruits collected from eight different sites in KwaZulu-Natal were determined to assess for nutritional value and the concentrations of metals in the growth soil was determined to evaluate the impact of soil quality on elemental uptake. The fruits contained high levels of moisture (88.8%) and carbohydrates (65.6%). The concentrations of elements in the fruits were found to be in decreasing order of Ca>Mg >Fe >Zn>Cu >Mn> Se with low levels of toxic metals (As, Cd, Co and Pb). This study shows that the consumption of the fruits of F. sur can contribute positively to the nutritional needs of rural communities in South Africa for most essential nutrients without posing the risk of adverse health effects.

Turning the gun on cancer: Utilizing lysosomal P-glycoprotein as a new strategy to overcome multi-drug resistance

Oxidative stress plays a role in the development of drug resistance in cancer cells. Cancer cells must constantly and rapidly adapt to changes in the tumor microenvironment, due to alterations in the availability of nutrients, such as glucose, oxygen and key transition metals (e.g., iron and copper). This nutrient flux is typically a consequence of rapid growth, poor vascularization and necrosis. It has been demonstrated that stress factors, such as hypoxia and glucose deprivation up-regulate master transcription factors, namely hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), which transcriptionally regulate the multi-drug resistance (MDR), transmembrane drug efflux transporter, P-glycoprotein (Pgp). Interestingly, in addition to the established role of plasma membrane Pgp in MDR, a new paradigm of intracellular resistance has emerged that is premised on the ability of lysosomal Pgp to transport cytotoxic agents into this organelle. This mechanism is enabled by the topological inversion of Pgp via endocytosis resulting in the transporter actively pumping agents into the lysosome. In this way, classical Pgp substrates, such as doxorubicin (DOX), can be actively transported into this organelle. Within the lysosome, DOX becomes protonated upon acidification of the lysosomal lumen, causing its accumulation. This mechanism efficiently traps DOX, preventing its cytotoxic interaction with nuclear DNA. This review discusses these effects and highlights a novel mechanism by which redox-active and protonatable Pgp substrates can utilize lysosomal Pgp to gain access to this compartment, resulting in catastrophic lysosomal membrane permeabilization and cell death. Hence, a key MDR mechanism that utilizes Pgp (the "gun") to sequester protonatable drug substrates safely within lysosomes can be "turned on" MDR cancer cells to destroy them from within.

Synchrotron radiation X-ray micro-fluorescence: Protocol to study mesenchymal stem cells

The micro-X-ray fluorescence by synchrotron radiation (μ-XRF) is a method to determine the composition of tissues without destroying the samples. However, this technique has never been used for the analysis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). This study compared different protocols for fixing, storing, preserving, and establishing the correct numbers of dental derived MSC submitted to μ-XRF analysis. Stem cells were obtained from human dental tissue. After cell expansion, and MACS isolation, the samples were fixed and the following quantities of cells 1 × 10(4) to 1 × 10(7) were divided in two groups: G1: fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde diluted in phosphate-buffered saline solution, and G2: fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde diluted in MilliQ water. The G1 cells showed precipitation of chemical components from the solution resulting in the formation of salt crystals while G2 cells were clear and almost transparent in the sample holder. With regards to cells concentration, the best results occurred when four droplets of 1 × 10(7) cells were analyzed. This work shows that to identify and study the distribution of trace elements in MSC by μ-XRF, the best protocol is fixation in 4% paraformaldehyde diluted with MilliQ water at 4°C and a concentration of four incremental droplets of 1 × 10(7) cells.

Selenium, nickel, and calcium levels in cancerous and non-cancerous prostate tissue samples and their relation with some parameters

In the present study, tissue samples of patients with cancerous and non-cancerous prostate were analyzed for their Se, Ni, and Ca contents. Possible relationship between Se, Ni, and Ca concentrations and some parameters including preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, histopathological neurovascular invasion, extra-capsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion, positive surgical margins, PSA relapse after radical prostatectomy, and total Gleason scores were obtained. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) optical emission spectrometry and ICP-mass spectrometry instruments were used for the determination of analytes interested. All the system parameters in digestion and measurement steps were optimized to obtain efficient digestion and sensitive measurements. There was no statistically meaningful difference observed in the concentration of selenium in cancerous and benign prostatic tissues (p = 0.347) while nickel levels in cancerous tissues were observed as significantly lower than benign tissues (p < 0.001). In addition, calcium concentration in cancerous tissue samples were found to be statistically lower than those in benign tissues (p < 0.001) with mean values of 657 and 1,431 mg/kg, respectively.

Status and Interrelationship of Zinc, Copper, Iron, Calcium and Selenium in Prostate Cancer

Deficiency or excess of certain trace elements has been considered as risk factor for prostate cancer. This study was aimed to detect differential changes and mutual correlations of selected trace elements in prostate cancer tissue versus benign prostatic hyperplasia tissue. Zinc, copper, iron, calcium and selenium were analysed in histologically proven 15 prostate cancer tissues and 15 benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Unpaired two tailed t test/Mann-Whitney U test and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to compare the level of trace elements, elemental ratios and their interrelations. As compared to benign prostatic tissue, malignant prostatic tissue had significantly lower selenium (p = 0.038) and zinc (p = 0.043) concentrations, a lower zinc/iron ratio (p = 0.04) and positive correlation of selenium with zinc (r = 0.71, p = 0.02) and iron (r = 0.76, p = 0.009). Considerably divergent interrelationship of elements and elemental ratios in prostate cancer versus benign prostatic hyperplasia was noted. Understanding of differential elemental changes and their interdependence may be useful in defining the complex metabolic alterations in prostate carcinogenesis with potential for development of element based newer diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic strategies. Further studies may be needed to elucidate this complex relationship between trace elements and prostate carcinogenesis.

Di-2-pyridylketone 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT) overcomes multidrug resistance by a novel mechanism involving the hijacking of lysosomal P-glycoprotein (Pgp)

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major obstacle in cancer treatment. More than half of human cancers express multidrug-resistant P-glycoprotein (Pgp), which correlates with a poor prognosis. Intriguingly, through an unknown mechanism, some drugs have greater activity in drug-resistant tumor cells than their drug-sensitive counterparts. Herein, we investigate how the novel anti-tumor agent di-2-pyridylketone 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (Dp44mT) overcomes MDR. Four different cell types were utilized to evaluate the effect of Pgp-potentiated lysosomal targeting of drugs to overcome MDR. To assess the mechanism of how Dp44mT overcomes drug resistance, cellular studies utilized Pgp inhibitors, Pgp silencing, lysosomotropic agents, proliferation assays, immunoblotting, a Pgp-ATPase activity assay, radiolabeled drug uptake/efflux, a rhodamine 123 retention assay, lysosomal membrane permeability assessment, and DCF (2',7'-dichlorofluorescin) redox studies. Anti-tumor activity and selectivity of Dp44mT in Pgp-expressing, MDR cells versus drug-sensitive cells were studied using a BALB/c nu/nu xenograft mouse model. We demonstrate that Dp44mT is transported by the lysosomal Pgp drug pump, causing lysosomal targeting of Dp44mT and resulting in enhanced cytotoxicity in MDR cells. Lysosomal Pgp and pH were shown to be crucial for increasing Dp44mT-mediated lysosomal damage and subsequent cytotoxicity in drug-resistant cells, with Dp44mT being demonstrated to be a Pgp substrate. Indeed, Pgp-dependent lysosomal damage and cytotoxicity of Dp44mT were abrogated by Pgp inhibitors, Pgp silencing, or increasing lysosomal pH using lysosomotropic bases. In vivo, Dp44mT potently targeted chemotherapy-resistant human Pgp-expressing xenografted tumors relative to non-Pgp-expressing tumors in mice. This study highlights a novel Pgp hijacking strategy of the unique dipyridylthiosemicarbazone series of thiosemicarbazones that overcome MDR via utilization of lysosomal Pgp transport activity.

Serum levels of trace elements in patients with prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Trace elements are major components of biological structures; however, excessive levels of these elements can be toxic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, serum levels of trace elements were measured in 30 patients with newly diagnosed as prostate cancer and 32 healthy volunteer by using furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

RESULTS

It was found that there was an increase in serum levels of Co, Cu, Mg and Pb (p<0.05), whereas a decrease in serum levels of Fe, Mn, and Zn levels in patients with prostate cancer (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These changes may be important in the pathogenesis of prostate cancers; however, further prospective studies are needed to identify relationships between prostate cancer and trace elements.

Elemental composition and nutritional value of the edible fruits of Harpephyllum caffrum and impact of soil quality on their chemical characteristics

Harpephyllum caffrum is a medicinal plant and common street tree distributed throughout the eastern part of South Africa. The elemental concentration in the edible fruit of H. caffrum was determined to assess for nutritional value and health impact. Concentrations of metals in the fruit and growth soil were determined from samples acquired from eight different sites in eastern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to evaluate the impact of soil parameters on elemental distribution in the fruit. Typical elemental concentrations (μg g⁻¹, dry mass) in soil (Exchangeable/Total) and fruit samples, at Umhlanga, north of Durban, were Ca (1221/696 and 3333), Co (2.5/2.1 and 0.16), Cr (35/0.8 and 5.8), Cu (14/9 and 21), Fe (9424/394 and 116), Mg (199/139 and 915), Mn (268/187 and 13), Ni (2.8/0.51 and 3.4), Pb (36/32 and 1.2), and Zn (26/21 and 15). The analytical results showed that metal interactions in soil influenced their availability, but uptake was to a greater extent controlled by the plant. The concentrations of elements in the fruits were found to be in the order of Ca > Mg > Fe > Cu > Zn > Mn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Co. The concentrations of toxic metals, arsenic and lead were low. The fruits can contribute to the health and nutritional needs of individuals for most elements. It has potential to improve the Fe status and contribute towards a balanced diet.

Comparative assessment of essential and toxic metals in the blood of rheumatoid arthritis patients and healthy subjects

The present study deals with the comparative evaluation of essential and toxic metals in rheumatoid arthritis and healthy donors. Blood samples collected from rheumatoid arthritis patients and healthy subjects were analysed for selected essential and toxic metals (Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, Cr, Cd and Pb). The samples were digested in nitric acid and perchloric acid mixture, followed by quantification of the metals using atomic absorption spectrometry. Mean levels of Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn were significantly higher in the blood of healthy donors; however, elevated levels of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu and Pb were observed in blood of the patients. The correlation coefficients among the selected metals in the blood of arthritis patients were significantly different compared with the healthy counterparts. Multivariate cluster analysis revealed mutual apportionment of the essential and toxic metals in blood of the patients, whereas, in controls, the essential and toxic metals revealed diverse apportionment. Variations in the metal levels with gender, residence and smoking habits were also evaluated in both donor groups. Relative distribution, correlation and apportionment of the essential and toxic metals in the blood of the patients were significantly different than of controls.

Elemental composition and fatty acid profile of the edible fruits of Amatungula (Carissa macrocarpa) and impact of soil quality on chemical characteristics

The Amatungula fruit, from Carissa macrocarpa, is commonly consumed by the local people of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. Levels of elements in the fruit were determined to assess if they conform to recommended dietary allowances (RDAs) and to assess for potential toxicities. Soils and fruit samples from nine sites in eastern KZN were investigated. Concentrations of elements in the fruit were found to be in the order of Ca>Mg>Fe>Mn≈Cu≈Pb>Se>Cr>Ni>Zn. For the elements in focus, except for Pb, all of the elements found in the fruit contribute significantly towards the RDAs. Lipid profiling was also done to determine the fruits potential as a source of essential fatty acids. The fruit was rich in monounsaturated and essential fatty acids with the linoleic acid to α-linolenic acid ratio conforming to the recommended range for cardiac health. Concentrations of elements in soil had no significant effect on plant concentrations, but competition between elements in soil influenced their availability. Total soil concentrations of most metals studied have significantly correlated Pb availability, indicating the impact of these metals on Pb availability. The Amatungula fruit showed tendency to accumulate Pb, with Pb levels in fruit at all sites being toxic to human health. Site location had a major effect on plant concentrations however uptake and distribution was primarily dependent on the plants inherent controls, as evidenced by the accumulation and exclusion of elements, to meet its physiological requirements.

Neoplastic disorders of prostate glands in the light of synchrotron radiation and multivariate statistical analysis

The prostate gland is the most common site of neoplastic disorders in men. The pathogenesis of inflammatory cells, prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) lesions, and prostate cancer is still under investigation. Inflammatory cells by producing free radicals are considered as major and universal contributors to cancerogenesis. PIN is regarded as a precursor lesion to prostate cancer or a marker signaling the vulnerability of the epithelium to neoplastic transformation [1]. Differentiation markers that are frequently changed in early invasive carcinoma are also changed in PIN lesions. In this study, prostate tissue samples obtained during surgical operation and classified as various disease states (inflammation, PIN lesions, and cancer) were examined. The samples were measured by means of microbeam synchrotron-radiation-induced X-ray emission (micro-SRIXE). Special attention was paid to examine the relationship between the earlier-mentioned disorders and changes in relative concentrations of S, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, and Zn. Applying the image-processing program ImageJ enabled us to select the areas of interest from two-dimensional maps of various prostate samples according to the histopathologist's evaluation. Detailed analysis of micro-SRIXE spectra based on multivariate methods shows significant differences between elemental concentrations in inflammatory cells, PIN lesions, and cancerous tissues, which confirms that this method can be used to distinguish various pathological states in prostate tissues. Information obtained in this way may provide better understanding of the biochemistry of unhealthy prostate tissues, thus opening the way to find new medicines/treatments to prevent or slow down some harmful intracellular processes.

Zinc is decreased in prostate cancer: an established relationship of prostate cancer!

This minireview is prompted by the recent report of Banas et al. (J Biol Inorg Chem 15:1147-1155, 2010), which purports to show and concludes that zinc levels are increased in prostate cancer. Such a conclusion conflicts with the overwhelming corroborating clinical and experimental evidence that has amassed from numerous reports over the past approximately 60 years; these consistently show that prostate zinc levels are decreased in the development and progression of prostate cancer. We submit that this is an established relationship in prostate cancer that must be considered and described in any studies that purport to identify results that are inconsistent with this established relationship. In support of this relationship, we provide a minireview of the information that has led to the establishment of this relationship. As with most established clinical relationships, exceptions and anomalies often exist. However, these must be described and explained in the context of the established relationship, and not in the context of refutation of the established relationship, at least not until sufficient corroborating evidence overwhelms the existing evidence. This provides a background to address and to critique the report of Banas et al. Of broader and more serious implications are the widespread recalcitrance and/or lack of knowledge within the clinical and biomedical research community for recognition that zinc decrease in prostate cancer is an established relationship. This leads to misinformation and misinterpretations regarding clinical, experimental, and epidemiological issues that do not serve the best interests of the scientific, medical, and public communities.