Serum Trace Elements and Immunoglobulin Profile
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the serum concentrations of trace elements (Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb) and immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA & IgM) in lung cancer patients. The study was conducted among 45 lung cancer patients and 50 age and gender-matched healthy volunteers. Flame atomic absorption spectroscopy method was employed to analyze the serum trace element concentrations, and turbidimetry method using immunoglobulin kit was used for the estimation of serum immunoglobulin levels. Results showed that the majority of the patients were literate and older married patients were smokers. Compared to the control volunteers, they had significantly (P<0.05) lower BMI. Serum concentrations of trace elements and IgG were found to be significantly (p<0.05) lower in the lung cancer patients. In the cancer patients, the concentration of zinc, copper, manganese and lead were 0.028±0.007 mg/L, 0.029±0.027 mg/L, 0.011±0.15 mg/L and 0.053±0.049 mg/L respectively, while these were 1.14±0.27 mg/L, 1.15±1.09 mg/L, 0.44±0.59 mg/L and 2.209±1.885 mg/L, respectively in the healthy controls. IgG concentration was found to be 14.96±3.92 g/L in lung cancer patients and 20.56±8.02 g/L in healthy volunteers. The concentrations of serum IgA and IgM were found to be unchanged. Correlative analysis suggested that serum lead value had a significant correlation with age in the lung cancer patient (r ═ –0.369, p ═ 0.013). The decreased concentration of trace elements and IgG may have a prognostic significance for the detection of lung cancer.