Article Text
Abstract
Introduction The association of CC with trace elements has been studied in different demographic groups with conflicting findings. The Copper/Zinc ratio (Cu:Zn) has been demonstrated to be a reliable predictor as well as a prognostic marker in other malignancies, but not in CC. This study aimed at investigating the relationship of serum copper, zinc, and Cu: Zn with clinical risk and disease stage among women with CC in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria.
Methods A cross-sectional analytical study of 254 consecutive eligible consenting women, were recruited: 127 healthy women and 127 women with CC, matched for age and Body Mass Index. Serum Copper, Zinc, and Copper:Zinc was assessed with Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and correlated with clinical findings. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 26 and level of significance set at <0.05.
Results The median levels of serum Copper, Zinc and Cu:Zn in this study are lower in CC compared to controls with values of 3.1µg/dl versus 4.2µg/dl, 25.3µg/dl versus 27.1µg/dl and 0.12 versus 0.15 respectively. The difference in the serum Copper levels between the two groups was statistically significant (p-<0.005). Age at coitarche had a significant negative correlation with serum Cu:Zn. The median Cu:Zn was not significantly higher in earlier stage CC. Serum Cu:Zn has high sensitivity but poor specificity in predicting CC.
Conclusion/Implications Serum Copper, Zinc, and Cu:Zn cannot be used to reliably predict CC and does not correlate with stage or risk factors in our women. Further research with larger sample size is needed.