Variation of urinary and serum trace elements (Ca, Zn, Cu, Se) in bladder carcinoma in China

Backgrounds: Deficiency or excess of trace elements can induce body metabolic disorders and cellulargrowth disturbance, even mutation and cancerization. Since there are few studies of the effect of trace elementsin bladder carcinoma in China, the aim of this study was thus to assess variation using a case control approach.Methods: To determine this, 81 patients with bladder carcinoma chosen as a study group and 130 healthypersons chosen as a control group were all assayed for urinary and serum trace elements (calcium Ca], zincZn], copper Cu], selenium Se]) using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and the results were analyzedby independent sample t tests. The correlative factors on questionnaires answered by all persons were analyzedby logistic regression. Results: The results showed urinary Ca, Zn and serum Cu levels of the study group tobe significantly higher (P<0.05) than those of he control group. Serum Ca and Se levels of study group weresignificantly lower (P<0.05) than those of control group. Conclusion: There were higher urinary Zn and serumCu concentrations in bladder carcinoma cases. Bladder carcinoma may be associated with Ca metabolic disorder,leading to higher urinary Ca and lower serum Ca. Low serum Se and smoking appear to be other risk factorsfor bladder carcinoma in China.