Abstract
Abstract The study investigates the levels of serum trace elements as well as total protein and cholesterol which may be regarded as biochemical markers in the case of breast cancer. Serum samples were collected from 25 healthy females and 25 females with breast cancer, 24 hours before mastectomy surgery. Serum Cu, Zn, Pb and Fe were measured by using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Total protein, total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were analyzed enzymatically. Compared with the healthy females, the females with breast cancer exhibited a significant increase in the level of Cu (p > 0.009), Pb (p > 0.03), Cu/Zn ratio (p > 0.001), total protein (p > 0.005), total cholesterol (p > 0.001) and total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio (p > 0.05). They also exhibited a significant decrease in the level of Zn (p > 0.002), but there was no significant change in the level of Fe, Cu/Fe ratio and HDL-cholesterol. It was concluded that the type and level of the elements and the level of protein and cholesterol might have a correlation with breast cancer; a high level of Cu, Pb, Cu/Zn ratio, total protein, total cholesterol and total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio, and a low level of Zn may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
