Study of the concentrations of calcium,copper, iron, magnesium and zinc in the hair of breast cancer patients

摘要

An atomic absoiption spectro-photomctric method was used to determine the concentrations of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc in the hah of breast cancer patients (n = 50) in Taiwan The results demonstrate that breast cancer patients have lower mean hair concentrations of calcium, magnesium and zinc than those of the healthy controls (n = 50) These aforementioned concentrations were noted with significant difference of p < 0 05 Particularly in calcium and magnesium there appears a significant difference of p < 0 001. However, breast cancer patients have higher mean hair concentrations of copper and iron than those of the healthy controls The significant difference was obvious with p < 0 05, and p < 0 001 In addition, when further compared with the healthy controls, the breast cancer patients have higher ratios of Cu/Zn, Ca/Mg and Cu/Fe in hair. These ratios were noted with all showing a significant difference of p <0.05 Particularly, when comparing Cu/Zn and Cu/Fe ratios, a significant difference of p <. 0.001 appeared Oui results conclude that changes of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc concentrations in hair may have a certain relationship with breast cancer The ratios of Ca/Mg, Cu/Zn and Cu/Fe could be used as biochemical markers in these patients