Comparative analysis of serum trace element levels in women with invasive cervical cancer in Lagos, Nigeria

Micro- and Macronutrients in Endometrial Cancer-From Metallomic Analysis to Improvements in Treatment Strategies

Endometrial cancer is reported to be one of the most prevalent cancers of the female reproductive organs worldwide, with increasing incidence and mortality rates over the past decade. Early diagnosis is critical for effective treatment. Recently, there has been a growing focus on the role of nutrition and micronutrient and macronutrient status in patients with gynecologic cancers, including endometrial cancer. In the following paper, we have conducted an in-depth narrative literature review with the aim of evaluating the results of metallomic studies specifically concerning the micro- and macronutrient status of patients with endometrial cancer. The main objective of the paper was to analyze the results regarding the nutritional status of endometrial cancer patients and describe the role of chosen elements in the onset and progression of endometrial carcinogenesis. Further, we have focused on the evaluation of the usage of the described elements in the potential treatment of the abovementioned cancer, as well as the possible prevention of cancer considering proper supplementation of chosen elements in healthy individuals. Calcium supplementation has been proposed to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer, although some studies offer conflicting evidence. Deficiencies in phosphorus, selenium, and zinc have been inversely associated with endometrial cancer risk, suggesting they may play a protective role, whereas excessive levels of iron, copper, and cadmium have been positively correlated with increased risk. However, the molecular mechanisms by which these elements affect endometrial carcinogenesis are not fully understood, and current findings are often contradictory. Further research is needed to clarify these relationships and to evaluate the potential of nutritional interventions for the prevention and treatment of endometrial cancer.

Exploring serum trace element shifts: Implications for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia

BACKGROUND

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) represents a premalignant state presumably related to perturbations in circulating levels of trace elements.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Employing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), we quantified essential and toxic trace elements in the sera of 60 women diagnosed with CIN and 60 age-matched healthy counterparts.

RESULTS

Our investigation revealed a noteworthy higher levels in serum of Mn, Zn, and Pb, as well as lower levels in Ni, Se, Rb, and Mo levels within the CIN cohort. Levels of Mn, Zn, and Pb were higher by approximately 5.5-fold, 3.0-fold, and 7.5-fold, respectively, while Mo levels exhibited an approximate 4.5-fold reduction in CIN sera compared to the control group. While the study provided valuable insights into trace element variations, it's important to note that the adult Serbian population is considered Zn-deficient, so the Zn data should be interpreted with caution. Age stratification (30-40 vs. 40-50 vs. 50-60 years), smoking status (smokers vs. nonsmokers), and CIN severity (CIN 2 vs. CIN 3) yielded no significant disparities in elemental profiles. Among the 10 proposed ratios, 5 demonstrated a significant surge in CIN sera relative to controls: Mn/Se, Mn/Mo, Zn/Se, Zn/Mo, and Se/Mo. Correlation analysis of trace element levels revealed a predominantly consistent pattern between CIN cases and healthy subjects, except for Zn and its negative correlations (antagonistic interactions) with other analyzed trace elements.

CONCLUSION

Our findings underscore differences in serum levels of specific trace elements in CIN cases versus controls, implicating their potential involvement in the underlying pathophysiological cascades culminating in cervical neoplasms.

The Role of Selenium and Manganese in the Formation, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cervical, Endometrial and Ovarian Cancer

Selenium (Se) and manganese (Mn) are essential micronutrients that are important elements of cell metabolism. They are involved in the composition of enzyme systems and regulate enzyme activity. Disturbances in the homeostasis of these micronutrients affect the development of many diseases and carcinogenesis, which can be linked to increased levels of oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant properties of many enzymes. Selenium has a very important function in maintaining immune-endocrine, metabolic and cellular homeostasis. Manganese, on the other hand, is important in development, digestion, reproduction, antioxidant defense, energy production, immune response and regulation of neuronal activity. We review the role of selenium and manganese and their effects on tumor growth, metastasis potential and remodeling of the microenvironment. We also describe their role as potential biomarkers in the diagnosis and the potential for the use of Se- and Mn-containing compounds in composition for the treatment of cancer of the reproductive organs.

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 Polyphenols and Zinc Co-Supplementation on the Development of Neoplasms in Rats with Breast Cancer

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of selected polyphenolic compounds: epicatechin, apigenin, and naringenin, administered separately or in combination with zinc (Zn), on the growth and development of the neoplastic process induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) in rats. The impact of supplementation with the above-mentioned compounds on the content of modified derivatives: 1-methyladenosine, N6-methyl-2'-deoxyadenosine, O-methylguanosine, 7-methylguanine, 3-methyladenine, 1-methylguanine, 2-amino-6,8-dihydroxypurine, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in the urine of rats with mammary cancer was also assessed. Female Sprague-Dawley rats divided into 7 groups were used in the study: animals without supplementation and animals supplemented with apigenin, epicatechin, and naringenin separately or in combination with zinc. To induce mammary cancer, rats were treated with DMBA. Modified derivatives were determined by a validated high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry method. Based on the obtained results, it can be said that supplementation of the animals with naringenin inhibits the development and progression of the neoplastic process in rats treated with 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene. Neoplastic tumors were found in only 2 of 8 rats (incidence: 25%) and were considered to be at most grade 1 malignancy. The first palpable tumors in the group of animals receiving naringenin appeared two-three weeks later when compared to other groups. The combination of zinc with flavonoids (apigenin, epicatechin, and naringenin) seems to stimulate the process of carcinogenesis. The level of N6-methyl-2'-deoxyadenosine and 3-methyladenine in the urine of rats was statistically significantly higher in the groups supplemented with apigenin, epicatechin, and naringenin administered in combination with Zn than in the groups receiving only polyphenolic compounds. In conclusion, supplementation of rats with selected flavonoids administered separately or in combination with Zn has an impact on the development of neoplasms and the level of modified nucleosides in the urine of rats with breast cancer. Our results raise the question of whether simultaneous diet supplementation with more than one anti-cancer agent may reduce/stimulate the risk of carcinogenesis.

Zinc deficiency is associated with gynecologic cancer recurrence

Zinc deficiency can cause various symptoms, including hair loss, anemia, and taste disorders. Recently, the association between cancer and zinc deficiency has received much attention with respect to its antioxidant properties. However, only a few studies have investigated the association between gynecologic cancers and zinc; to date, no studies have evaluated serum zinc status at the onset of gynecologic cancer or the relationship between zinc and cancer recurrence. The objectives of the present study were to determine whether serum zinc concentrations are associated with the development of gynecologic cancer, to clarify serum zinc dynamics between the onset and recurrence of gynecologic cancer, and to identify the associated factors. Accordingly, we retrospectively determined serum zinc concentrations before treatment in gynecologic patients with benign disease or cancer at the Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital. We investigated anemia and hypoalbuminemia-the most common causes of zinc deficiency-as indicators of hyponutrition to determine the causal relationship of this deficiency with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and recurrence, which may affect zinc concentration during cancer recurrence. The results indicated that there was no difference in zinc concentration between preoperative cancer patients and noncancer patients and that serum zinc concentrations were not associated with developing gynecologic cancers. However, patients with gynecologic cancer exhibited significantly lower serum zinc concentrations following treatment, and patients with recurrent cancer were 4.8 times more likely to develop zinc deficiency than those with nonrecurrent cancer. A serum zinc concentration of <61 μg/dL was an independent predictor of recurrence. Once zinc deficiency occurred, the recurrence rate of zinc deficiency reached as high as 69%. Overall, our study indicates that zinc deficiency is associated with recurrence in gynecological cancers and physicians should monitor zinc levels during disease management.

The role of selenoprotein P in the determining the sensitivity of cervical cancer patients to concurrent chemoradiotherapy: A metabonomics-based analysis

BACKGROUND

The effect of selenoprotein P (SELENOP) levels on the sensitivity of cervical cancer patients to concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) has not been reported. In this study, the effects of the variations in plasma SELENOP levels on the sensitivity of cervical cancer patients to CCRT were investigated using metabonomics.

METHODS

Two patient groups were evaluated, i.e., the case group: 11 patients with intermediate to advanced primary squamous cervical cancer, who developed resistance against CCRT, and the sensitivity group: 11 patients who did not develop resistance were matched in a 1:1 ratio (controls). Blood samples were collected before and after CCRT, and the plasma SELENOP levels were measured by ELISA. The different metabolites present in the plasma were analyzed by UPLC-MS-MS.

RESULTS

SELENOP levels exhibited a significant reduction in both the resistant and sensitive groups after CCRT (F = 50.705, P < 0.001), and interaction effects between sensitivity and pre-and post-treatment on SELENOP levels were observed (F = 7.414, P = 0.013). Further, a more significant reduction in the SELENOP levels was observed in the CCRT-resistant group (mean reduction, 0.028 µg/mL; P < 0.001) than in the sensitive group (mean reduction, 0.013 µg/mL; P = 0.006). Four metabolic biomarkers, i.e., C18, C19, C20 sphingomyelin, and phosphatidylcholine 20:2/22:6, were shown to be differentially expressed between the resistant and sensitive groups pre-and post-treatment. C20 sphingomyelin levels exhibited a significant correlation with SELENOP levels (r = -0.326, P = 0.031).

CONCLUSION

The levels of plasma SELENOP in the CCRT-resistant group decreased significantly, suggesting that SELENOP might affect the sensitivity by modulating lipid synthesis and metabolism.

Pattern of Gynaecological Malignancies at a University Teaching Hospital in Southwest Nigeria: A 5-Year Review

Background

The study determined the pattern and distribution of gynaecological cancer cases seen at a university teaching hospital in southwest Nigeria over a 5-year period.

Methodology

It was a 5-year retrospective review of all gynaecological cancer cases seen and managed at the hospital from 1 September 2013 to 31 August 2018.

Results

A total of 6247 gynaecological admissions and 902 gynaecological cancers were seen in the hospital during the study period accounting for a proportion of 14.4%. Of these 902 cases, 835 (92.6%) women had their detailed records available for data extraction and analyses. Cervical cancer was the most commonly seen malignancy (61.7%). The mean age of the patients was 52.5 ± 12.4 years with the largest proportion of the women being in the age group of 50-59 years (26.9%). A large proportion (35.6%) of the patients had a parity of 5 or more with an overall median parity of 4 (IQR, 1-5) while the largest proportion (59.1%) were postmenopausal women. The highest mean age was seen in women with vulvar cancer (67.2 ± 0.6 years) while the lowest was in those with sarcoma botryoides (12.3±1.01 years).

Conclusion

There was a steady annual increase in the number of gynaecological cancer cases at the hospital during the period under review. The most common cancers seen in this study are associated with advanced age, increased parity and postmenopausal status. There is a need for improved public enlightenment on the importance of routine screening and for consistent government policy on the institution of an effective organised screening programme for cervical cancer.

Evaluation of oxidative markers in women with invasive cervical cancer in Lagos, Nigeria

Epidemiological studies have showed that low levels of antioxidants induce the generation of free radicals leading to DNA damage and further mutations seen in cancer. This study evaluated the effects of oxidative markers on the occurrence and severity of cervical cancer at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. This was an analytical cross-sectional study carried out among women with histological diagnosis of invasive cervical cancer and their healthy cancer-free comparison group. Venous blood samples were collected from each participant for measurements of antioxidants (erythrocyte glutathione and vitamin C) and malondialdehyde (a marker of lipid peroxidation). Descriptive statistics were carried out for relevant demographic and clinical data. Associations between continuous variables were tested using the independent sample t-test or the analysis of variance for normally distributed data or the Mann–Whitney U test for skewed data, whereas categorical variables were compared using the χ² test. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was statistically higher in women with cervical cancer than in their cancer-free counterparts (p = 0.032). However, the mean glutathione (32.6 ± 6.2 versus 14.2 ± 6.1 mg/dL; p = 0.019) and vitamin C (12.4 ± 2.3 versus 14.6 ± 2.4 µmol/L; p = 0.001) levels were significantly lower in the case group compared to the cancer-free group. There are statistically increasing mean levels of MDA (p = 0.017) and decreasing mean levels of vitamin C (p = 0.004) with increasing stages of the disease. This study showed that women with cervical cancer have low levels of antioxidants and an increased level of the oxidative marker. The levels of these markers become more pronounced as the disease progresses. This will, therefore, form the basis for the conduct of future randomised controlled trials of antioxidant supplementations among cervical cancer patients in sub-Saharan Africa.

Effects of Quercetin on Acrylamide-Induced Variation of Serum Elements in Rats

Acrylamide (AA) is an organic chemical widely existing in the public diet, especially in foods with high-temperature fried and baked starchy and may have various adverse health effects on organisms. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether quercetin plays a protective role in AA-induced element variation in rats. Rats were randomly divided into the control group, AA-treated group [5 mg/kg body weight (bw)], two dosages of quercetin-treated groups (10 and 50 mg/kg·bw, respectively), and two dosages of quercetin plus AA-treated groups. After a 16-week treatment, the serum samples of rats were collected. Serum elements were analyzed by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) combined with multivariate statistical analysis, and antioxidant indices, lipid peroxidation indicator, as well as inflammatory biomarkers, were also detected. The accuracy and precision of the method were verified, and all the validated data are within the satisfactory range. The results showed that the levels of vanadium (V), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), cobalt (Co), and magnesium (Mg) in serum were significantly lower (p < 0.01), while serum calcium (Ca) level was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in AA-treated group compared with the control group. When high-dose quercetin was administered to rats combined with AA, a significant recovered effect for the above elements levels was observed compared with the AA-treated group. This study suggests that quercetin (50 mg/kg·bw) exerts a regulatory and protective role in AA-induced variation of serum elements via reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting inflammation.

Therapeutic Potential of Selenium and Selenium Compounds in Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a common female cancer. It is strongly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, HPV infection alone is not sufficient to induce cervical cancer because its development is dependent on the coexistence of several factors that enable the virus to overcome the host immune system. These include individual genetic background, environmental factors, or diet, including dietary selenium intake. Selenium is an essential trace element with antiviral properties and has been shown to exert antitumor effects. Surprisingly, the role of selenium in cervical cancer has not been studied as intensively as in other cancers. Here, we have summarized the existing experimental data on selenium and cervical cancer. It may be helpful in evaluating the role of this nutrient in treatment of the mentioned malignancy as well as in planning further studies in this area.

Role of Zinc in Immune System and Anti-Cancer Defense Mechanisms

The human body cannot store zinc reserves, so a deficiency can arise relatively quickly, e.g., through an improper diet. Severe zinc deficiency is rare, but mild deficiencies are common around the world. Many epidemiological studies have shown a relationship between the zinc content in the diet and the risk of cancer. The anti-cancer effect of zinc is most often associated with its antioxidant properties. However, this is just one of many possibilities, including the influence of zinc on the immune system, transcription factors, cell differentiation and proliferation, DNA and RNA synthesis and repair, enzyme activation or inhibition, the regulation of cellular signaling, and the stabilization of the cell structure and membranes. This study presents selected issues regarding the current knowledge of anti-cancer mechanisms involving this element.