Positive Health Online

Abstract

SHUKLA and colleagues, Department of Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India, vshuklabhu@satyam.net.in, have studied micronutrients, antioxidants, and cancer of the gallbladder.

Background

Nutrient deficiencies in developing countries can be considered a significant contributor to carcinogenesis, as studies from different parts of the world have shown. In this study, the link between nutrients and carcinoma of the gallbladder was examined.

Methodology

Selenium, zinc, copper, manganese, vitamin C, and vitamin E were measured in blood serum, bile, and gallbladder tissue of 30 patients with gallbladder carcinoma, 30 patients with gallstones, and in the serum of 30 healthy volunteers.

Results

The mean serum levels of all nutrients except copper were significantly lower in patients with cancer than in either control group. The levels of zinc and selenium in both bile and gallbladder tissue were significantly lower in patients with carcinoma as compared to patients with gallstones. Copper levels and copper/zinc ratio showed a highly significant increase in cancer patients compared to controls.

Conclusion

This study supports an association between low levels of selenium, zinc, vitamin E and the risk of gallbladder carcinoma. It suggests that the copper/zinc ration could be a useful clinical parameter in evaluating the risk for gallbladder carcinoma.

References

Shukla VK, Adukia TK, Singh SP, Mishra CP, Mishra RN. Micronutrients, antioxidants, and carcinoma of the gallbladder. Journal of Surgical Oncology 84 (1): 31-35, Sep 2003.