Trace Elements, Heavy Metals and Other Biochemical Parameters in Malignant Glioma Patients

Aim: We aimed to assess relevance of mineral, trace element and heavy metal levels in patients with malignantgliomas.
Methods: In this study, erythrocyte catalase (CAT), and carbonic anhydrase (CA), serum copper (Cu.),zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), and magnesium (Mg) levels weremeasured in 22 healthy humans and 22 malignant glioma patients. Metal concentrations were assessed by atomicadsorption spectrophotometry, while biochemical methods were used for CAT and CA.
Results: The Cd, Fe, Mg,Mn, Pb and Zn levels were significantly elevated in the patients as a whole compared to controls(P<0.05), whileCu was decreased and Co demonstrated no change. Although mean CAT activity were significantly lowered, CAexhibited significant increase.
Conclusions: The results of the current study indicate that antioxidant enzymesmay have a role in the genesis of considerable oxidative stress in patients with malignant glioma. CAT and CAseem to play particular roles in the pathophysiology of this disease.