Serum Trace Elements and Immunoglobulin Profile in Lung Cancer Patients

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the study was to compare serum concentrations of trace elements (zinc [Zn], copper [Cu], and manganese [Mn]) and immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and IgM) of lung cancer patients with those of healthy subjects and to determine the relationships between trace elements and immunoglobulin levels with their nutritional status and socioeconomic factors. Methods: The study was conducted in 45 lung cancer patients and 50 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers. Flame atomic absorption spectroscopy method was employed to analyze serum trace element concentrations, and turbidimetry method using immunoglobulin kit was used for the estimation of serum immunoglobulin levels. Independent sample t-test, Pearson's correlation analysis, regression analysis, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed to analyze the data. Results: Compared to the control subjects, lung cancer patients had significantly (P < 0.05) lowered body mass index (BMI). Independent sample t-test depicted that serum concentrations of Zn and Mn were decreased while serum concentration of Cu increased significantly in the lung cancer patient group. In the case of immunoglobulins, only IgG were found to be decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in the lung cancer patients compared to the control subjects. The concentrations of Zn, Cu, and Mn were 0.028 ± 0.007 mg/L, 1.91 ± 1.1 mg/L, and 0.011 ± 0.15 mg/L, respectively, in lung cancer patients, and 1.14 ± 0.27 mg/L, 1.15 ± 1.09 mg/L, and 0.44 ± 0.59 mg/L, respectively, in the healthy controls. Immunoglobulin G concentration was found to be 14.96 ± 3.92 g/L in lung cancer patients and 20.56 ± 8.02 g/L in healthy volunteers. The concentrations of serum IgA and IgM were found to be unchanged. Correlation analysis did not indicate any significant relationship among the parameters but multiple regression analysis showed a significant relationship between BMI and serum IgG level of lung cancer patients that was further justified by a one-way ANOVA test. Conclusion: Serum concentrations of Zn and Mn were decreased, but serum concentration of Cu increased significantly in the lung cancer patient groups. In the case of immunoglobulins, only IgG were found to be decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in lung cancer patients compared to the control subjects.