Trace Elements in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: Zinc Status and Immunologic Functions

Abstract

In this study we have assessed zinc status and zinc-dependent cell-mediated immune functions (interleukin-2 production by mononuclear cells, natural killer cell lytic activity, and interleukin-1 beta production by mononuclear cells) in adult patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract at diagnosis and before any therapy was instituted. Inasmuch as significant interactions between zinc, copper, and iron exist, we also assayed the plasma copper level, serum iron level, and total iron-binding capacity in our patients. We recruited 30 cancer subjects and 21 control subjects. On the basis of cellular zinc criteria, we diagnosed a mild deficiency of zinc in 53% of cancer subjects. The plasma zinc level was not decreased in our subjects. A univariate analysis was applied by use of one-way analysis of variance comparing study variables among the three study groups (controls and zinc-deficient and zinc-sufficient cancer patients) and Tukey's multiple comparison test, and we showed that interleukin-2 production and natural killer lytic activity were decreased in zinc-deficient cancer patients. Interleukin-1 beta production (ELISA assay) was increased in both zinc-deficient and zinc-sufficient groups. Plasma copper level was not different, but the iron utilization was decreased in both groups of cancer subjects. We conclude that zinc deficiency and zinc-dependent immunologic dysfunctions are present in more than half of the patients with head and neck cancer in the Detroit area.

Correlation of Trace Elemental Profiles in Blood Samples of Indian Patients with Leukoplakia and Oral Submucous Fibrosis

“…Significant depletion in Zn concentration in both the two groups of patients suffering from oral premalignant disorders might be considered as a vicious cycle, where decrease in Zn concentration as a consequence of the disorders could be a risk factor to predispose the individuals to further progression of the disease towards cancer [19,20]. Other researchers also reported that zinc deficiency and zinc-dependent immunologic dysfunctions are present in more than half of the patients with head and neck cancer [21]. As both OSF and leukoplakia involve inflammatory processes, it may be inferred that prolonged inflammation due to such lesions induces oxidative stress.…”

Effects of Zinc Sulfate Supplementation on Cell-Mediated Immune Response in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Treated with Radiation Therapy

“…We were unable to determine exactly whether our patients had mild zinc deficiency or not. Furthermore, the studies of Prasad (43,44) confirmed that the measurement of zinc levels in lymphocytes and granulocytes is a more sensitive indicator of mild zinc deficiency in humans. The criteria they established for diagnosing mild zinc deficiency were lymphocyte zinc level 50/mg/10 10 cells and granulocyte zinc level 42/mg/10 10 cells.…”

Ex vivo interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor-α responsiveness with monocytes from patients with head and neck carcinoma

“…Each person has a serum that contains a unique concentration of different substances: e.g., hormones [19], trace elements [24], immune complexes [32], colonystimulating factors [34], interleukins [4]. Since the responsiveness of monocytes is dependent on the concentration of these substances, it is of interest to study monocyte function as close to the in vivo condition as possible.…”