Elemental comparative analysis of 18 elements reveal distinct patterns in benign and malignant thyroid tissues.

Abstract

This study aims to compare variations in 18 trace elements (Al, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Ti, Ba, Sn, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo, Cd, Sr, and Tl) between benign and malignant thyroid tissues. Post-operative thyroid tissue samples were collected from 106 patients (34 benign, 72 malignant), and elemental concentrations were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed positive correlations among these trace elements. Notably, the malignant group exhibited significantly higher concentrations in eight elements (Mg, Al, Fe, Cr, Ti, Sr, Sn, and Ba) compared to the benign group, while levels of six elements (Na, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Mo) were significantly lower. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis distinguished three elements (Al, Ti, Sn) for the malignant group and six elements (Na, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Mo) for the benign group. Multivariate logistic regression further revealed associations between thyroid cancer and levels of Al, Cr, Ti, Sr, Sn, Ba, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Cd. Considering with each elemental biological funcions, these findings suggest that Cu, Mn, and particularly Zn may act as essential antitumor elements with synergistic effects, whereas elevated Ba, Cr, and Al levels are closely related to thyroid malignancies. However deficiencies and excesses of elements may be the consequences of malignant tissues. In conclusion, benign and malignant thyroid tumors exhibit different trace-element profiles.