Assessment of Plasma Copper and Zinc Levels among Sudanese Breast Cancer Patients in Taiba Cancer Center

 

Alaa Abdelmoniem Ali, Rimaz A.Gurashi and AbdElkarim Abubaker Abdrabo
 

 

Full Length Research Paper I Published March, 2017

 

Journal of Medical and Biological Science Research Vol. 3 (1), pp. 1-4

 

ABSTRACT

There is an indication of the possibility of the direct or indirect influence of trace element in the development of malignant diseases. This study aimed to assess the level of plasma Copper and Zinc among breast cancer women in Taiba Cancer Center Khartoum-Sudan. This is a descriptive cross sectional study conducted in Taiba Cancer Center in Khartoum State during the period from September 2016 to December 2016. Blood samples from 60 women (55 on chemotherapy and 5 on chemotherapy and surgery) were collected from select sample of patients after fulfillment of questionnaire under septic condition. Blood sample was drawn in heparinized container then centrifuged at 3000 RPM for 3 min to obtain plasma. Hemolyzed samples were excluded from study, and then 3.0 ml plasma samples were preserved at -20ºC prior to processing. Obtained plasma was tested for copper and zinc by using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The overall mean values of plasma levels of Zinc and Copper (mg/L) were significantly (P < 0.05) different between patients on chemotherapy and others on chemotherapy and surgery. Duration of cancer significantly affect the plasma levels of Zinc but not copper. Our study showed that plasma levels of Zinc and Copper were significantly affected by chemotherapy among women with breast cancer on chemotherapy; accordingly there is a need to consider the levels of trace elements when put the cancer patients on chemotherapy.

Key words: Zinc, Copper, Breast Cancer and Chemotherapy.

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