Serum Trace Element Profiles in Women with Gynecological Disorders: An ICP-MS-Based Comparative Study

Abstract

Aim: Trace elements serve critical functions in cellular homeostasis and are rapidly becoming recognized for their role in carcinogenesis and gynecologic disorders. However, the serum trace elements profiles of individuals with endometriosis, ovarian cancer (OCA), and endometrial cancer (ECA) are not fully known. The purpose of this study is to examine the levels of trace element profiles in the blood serum of healthy people and individuals with gynecological disorders.Materials and Methods: The study group comprised of 40 women divided into four groups (n=10 each); endometriosis, endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer, and control group who were obstetrically and demographically similar. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to assess serum trace element levels of lead, beryllium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, arsenic, selenium, molybdenum, cadmium, antimony, and phosphorus.Results: Significant differences were observed in the serum levels of Be, P, V, Cr, Mn, Co, As, Se, Cd, and Sb among the groups (p0.05).Conclusion: This study shows serum trace element profiles in gynecologic malignancies and endometriosis, with a significant rise. These data reveal a possible relationship between trace element dysregulation and gynecological carcinogenesis, which merits further exploration