Augusta Nsonwu-Anyanwu - Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
Bassey Icha - Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Magnus Nsonwu - Department of Optometry, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria
Mbetobong William - Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
Krukru Emughupogh - Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria
Chinyere Usoro - Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria

Background: Heavy metal (HM) toxicity has been described as a risk factor for the development of prostate disease in men and its assessment could predict susceptibility to prostate cancer (PCa). The current study aimed to assess the levels of HM (selenium [Se], copper [Cu], chromium [Cr] and lead [Pb], iron [Fe], zinc [Zn], magnesium [Mg], and cobalt [Co]) in men with PCa.Method: ۹۰ men aged ۴۰ to ۷۵ years, including ۳۰ men with PCa, ۳۰ with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and ۳۰ controls, were recruited in this case-control study. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) was estimated via enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and heavy metals with atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Body mass index (BMI) was also determined.Results: The men with PCa had significantly higher BMI, PSA, Fe, and Pb and lower Mg, Zn, Cu, and Se compared with the controls. They also had higher PSA, Fe, and Co compared with the BPH (P < ۰.۰۵). Those with BPH had higher BMI, PSA, and Fe and lower Mg, Zn, Cu, Se, and Co compared with the controls (P < ۰.۰۵). Zn was positively correlated with Mg (r = ۰.۹۳۷, P < ۰.۰۰۱, Cu (r = ۰.۵۴۸, P = ۰.۰۰۲), Se (r = ۰.۷۳۱, P < ۰.۰۰۱), and Co (r=۰.۷۳۳, P < ۰.۰۰۱) only in the men with PCa. Levels of Cu, Mg, and Se were associated with the risk of BPH and PCa.Conclusion: The men with prostate disease were found to have higher levels of lead and iron and lower magnesium, copper, selenium, and zinc, which necessitate assessment of these elements for early detection of prostate cancer and monitoring the progression of the disease.

Metals, Heavy, Prostate, Neoplasms