Relationship between liver cancer and trace metals scalp hair

ABSTRACT

The aim of this investigation was to use scalp hair as a possible indicator of trace element abnormality and to ascertain whether or not differences in their levels may occur due to liver cancer and subsequent treatment. The concentration of Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, Zn, Ca, and Mg were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. This study showed higher average concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Mg in normal, as compared with diseased male subjects. Levels of Pb, however, were lower in normal male subjects as compared to the diseased male patients. Diseased female patients showed lower concentrations of Fe, Ca and Mg, as compared to normal female subjects. Levels of Ni and Zn were higher in diseased, as compared to the normal females. The correlation coefficient study did not reveal strong positive correlation between any trace elements in diseased and normal subjects. However, the regression equation showed a significant role of Ca, Fe, Mg and Zn in scalp hair. of normal and diseased subjects. T-test analysis showed distinct Fe and Mg levels for each male and female groups. Hence, Fe and Mg may perhaps play an important role in the diseased and normal subjects: