Age-Dependence of Some Trace Element Concentrations and their Ratios in Human Prostatic Fluid

Abstract

The effect of age on Br, Fe, Rb, Sr, and Zn concentrations as well as on Zn/Br, Zn/Fe, Zn/Rb, and Zn/Sr content ratios in human prostatic fluid was investigated by 109Cd radionuclide-induced energy dispersive X-ray fluorescent microanalysis. Specimens of expressed prostatic fluid were obtained from 51 men (mean age 51 years, range 18-82 years) with apparently normal prostates using standard rectal massage procedure. Mean values (M ± SΕΜ) for concentration of trace elements (mg·L-1) in human prostate fluid were: Br 3.62±0.58, Fe 9.04±1.21, Rb 1.10±0.08, Sr 1.19±0.14, and Zn 573±28. Mean values for ratios of trace elements in human prostate fluid were: Zn/Br 523±103, Zn/Fe 105±16, Zn/Rb 661±63, and Zn/Sr 719±95. An age-related increase in Zn content and decrease in Br and Fe concentration was found. Moreover, the strongly pronounced increase in Zn/Br and Zn/Fe ratios was also observed.