ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the trace elements (Se, Zn, Cu and Cd) and vitamin E status of some Nigerian prostate cancer (PCa) patients relative to their prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values. METHODS: Prostate cancer patients were assigned into groups 1, 2 and 3 with PSA of 5-10 ng/ml, 11-20 ng/ml and > 20 ng/ml, respectively. RESULTS: The results showed that the levels of whole blood superoxide dismutase (SOD) and serum Se and Zn were significantly lower (p< 0.05) in the PCa patients. Specifically, levels of SOD, Se and Zn decreased by 67%, 30% and 35%; 70%, 52% and 41%; 81%, 58% and 47%, in subjects with PSA of 5-10 ng/ml, 11-20 ng/ml and > 20 ng/ml, respectively. There were no significant differences (p> 0.05) in levels of Cu and Cd. Serum Cu/ Zn ratio were significantly higher in PCa patients. The Cu/ Zn ratios were 1: 1.2: 1.3 for subjects in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Vitamin E levels in PCa patients were significantly lower and followed the order; normal > PSA (5-10) > PSA (11-20) > PSA (> 20). CONCLUSIONS: Deficiency of vitamin E, Zn and Se may be risk factors for development of PCa.
