A correlative study of copper, iron, zinc and haematological parameters in oral cancer patients

Abstract

Background: Alteration in levels of copper, iron and zinc variate the enzymatic actions in our body and thereby play a major role in etiopathogenesis of oral carcinogenesis. Aim of the study: The present study was mainly aimed to estimate, compare and correlate the serum levels of copper, iron and zinc with haematological parameters in oral cancer patients in comparison to normal controls. Methods: The collected serum of cases and controls were analyzed by using standard spectrophotometric methods in spectrophotometer analyzer and the data obtained was analysed and represented as Mean ± SD, mean difference was analyzed by Student’s T-test and Chi- square test for significance and strength of association by Karl Pearson’s correlation using SPSSv23 software. Results: Mean serum level of iron was significantly lower and the levels of zinc and copper in patients with oral cancerous lesions were significantly higher than that of healthy individuals. Pearson’s r data analysis, revealed a significant negative correlation between iron with platelets, and MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration). A significant positive correlation was seen between iron with haemoglobin and lymphocytes; between copper with leucocytes. Conclusions: The serum levels of zinc and copper in group I were significantly higher when compared to controls. There was a significant lower serum level of iron in Group-I when compared to controls. A significant correlation was seen in between serum trace elements and haematological parameters in oral cancer. This suggests the involvement of trace elements in variations of haematological parameters in the pathogenesis of oral carcinogenesis.