Can sulfur mustard effects on Alpha fetoprotein and β-human chorionic gonadotropin tumor markers in exposed veterans

Introduction Sulfur mustard (SM) is a blistering agent that was typically used on Iran. SM has been known as a carcinogen. Chromosomal breakage and aneuploidies have also been reported from exposure to SM, which are potential carcinogenic factors. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are tumor markers used for diagnosis and follow-up of some cancers. Given the importance of tumor markers and carcinogenicity of SM, aim of study was the comparison of serum levels of these tumor markers in SM victims and healthy subjects. Method 150 Iranian chemical victims exposed to SM, as well as 150 healthy subjects (as control group) were studied. Serum levels of AFP and β-hCG were measured by ELISA in both groups. Results The mean concentrations of AFP and β-hCG tumor markers in SM victims in compare with controls were 6.16 vs 3.89 ng/ml (P-value<0.01) and 0.452 vs 0.393 mIU/ml (P-value=0.266) respectively. There was no correlation between age-tumor marker and tumor markers in the two groups.Conclusion Increase in the main liver-related tumor marker (AFP) can be due to the role of liver as the main scavenger of oxidants, as well as the involvement of SM in the increase of oxidant in cells. Increased AFP levels in the chemical victims are indicative of the occurrence of unfavorable processes. Because of the clinical value of tumor markers, this significant increase should be taken seriously. However, the importance of increased AFP levels in exposed victims suggests the requirement of precise specific tests in future

Keywords:

AFP , β-hCG , sulfur mustard , cancer