Association between Trace Element and Heavy Metal Levels in Hair and Nail with Prostate Cancer

While associations between trace elements and heavy metals with prostate cancer are still debatable, theyhave been considered as risk factors for prostate cancer. Thus, this study aimed to detect any links betweenselected minerals and heavy metals including Se, Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe with prostate cancer. A case control studywas carried out among 100 subjects (case n=50, control n=50), matched for age and ethnicity. Trace elementsand heavy metals level in hair and nail samples were determined by ICP-MS. Mean selenium levels in hair andnail of the cases were significantly lower as compared to controls. A similar trend was noted for zinc in bothhair and nail samples, whereas the mean level of copper was significantly higher in cases than controls. Similarelevation was noted for iron and manganese (p<0.05 for all parameters). Low levels of selenium and zinc andhigh levels of copper, iron and manganese appear to be associated with the risk of prostate cancer. Furtherstudies to elucidate the causal mechanisms and appropriate chemopreventive measures are needed.