Serum Concentrations of Selenium and Copper in Patients Diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer

Abstract

PurposeUnderstanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer (PaCa) is still insufficient. This study evaluated the associations between concentrations of selenium (Se) and copper (Cu) in the serum of PaCa patients.Materials and MethodsThe study included 100 PaCa patients and 100 control subjects from the same geographical region in Poland. To determine the average concentration of Se, Cu, and ratio Cu:Se in the Polish population, assay for Se and Cu was performed in 480 healthy individuals. Serum levels of Se and Cu were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.ResultsIn the control group, the average Se level was 76 µg/L and Cu 1,098 µg/L. The average Se level among PaCa patients was 60 µg/L and the mean Cu level was 1,432 µg/L. The threshold point at which any decrease in Se concentration was associated with PaCa was 67.45 µg/L. The threshold point of Cu level above which there was an increase in the prevalence of PaCa was 1,214.58 µg/L. In addition, a positive relationship was observed between increasing survival time and Se plasma level.ConclusionThis retrospective study suggests that low levels of Se and high levels of Cu might influence development of PaCa and that higher levels of Se are associated with longer survival in patients with PaCa. The results suggest that determining the level of Se and Cu could be incorporated into a risk stratification scheme for the selection and surveillance control examination to complement existing screening and diagnostic procedures.

Concentrations of trace elements and KRAS mutations in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

“…In case–control comparisons selenium appeared as an important protective factor for PDAC regardless of KRAS mutational status. These results agree with other studies (Amaral et al ; Lener et al ). The findings are also supported by selenium's role in antagonizing the oxidative effects of arsenic, cadmium, and lead, and boosting the gatekeeping activity of p53 (Fowler et al ; Jackson and Combs ; Schnauzer et al ; Smith et al ).…”

“…The strengths of our study include the recruitment of incident PDAC cases, excellent information on potential confounders, and the biological measurement of trace element in toenails. The latter feature is particularly relevant, as most studies have determined trace elements in serum or in pancreatic juice at the time of diagnosis (Carrigan et al ; Farzin et al ; Kriegel et al ; Laohaudomchok et al 2011; Lener et al ). No such studies assessed KRAS mutations.…”

“…Several studies have identified cadmium exposure as a risk factor for PDAC (Amaral et al ; Chen et al ; Luckett et al ; Kriegel et al ). Higher selenium levels were also protective against PDAC and were associated with longer survival (Lener et al ).…”

Copper(II) ions affect the gating dynamics of the 20S proteasome: a molecular and in cell study

“…Therefore it is quite conceivable that, when added to the cell medium, copper must be present at higher concentrations than tube tests in order to exert its inhibitory effect. Furthermore, serum copper levels are increased in various types of cancers ([Cu] ~ 10–30 μM) 22 23 24 25 . Likely these levels may be even increased in the proximity of affected tissues.…”

“…In this context, copper complexes have been considered promising anticancer drugs 16 17 18 19 20 . Indeed, due to their altered metabolism, cancer cells have a different response than normal cells to copper overload 21 and high serum copper concentrations (ranging from 10 to 30 μmol/L) are associated with a variety of cancers including lymphoma, sarcoma, carcinomas, cervical, breast, stomach and lung cancers 22 23 24 25 . Many anticancer copper complexes with ionophores (e.g 8-hydroxyquinoline, 8-OHQ, clioquinol, CQ, and dithiocarbamate, DTC) show a significant proteasome inhibitory capacity 17 26 .…”