Intracellular Zinc Excess as One of the Main Factors in the Etiology of Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Numerous studies show that prevalence of prostate cancer (PCa) drastically increases with age, these malignant tumours are mainly formed in the peripheral zone of the prostate gland, and a high intake of red meat is associated with a statistically significant elevation in risk of PCa. The factors which cause all these well-specified features of the PCa are currently unclear. Here we describe one factor which can play an important role in etiology of malignant transformation of the prostate and is connected with the above-mentioned features of PCa. It is hypothesized that the prostatic intracellular Zn concentrations are probably one of the most important factors in the etiology of PCa. For an endorsement of our standpoint the estimation of changes of intracellular Zn concentrations over males’ lifespan was obtained using morphometric and Zn content data for the peripheral zone of prostate tissue, as well as Zn concentration in prostatic fluid. It was shown that the Zn concentrations in prostatic cells for men aged over 45 years are 10-fold higher than in those aged 18 to 30 years and this excessive accumulation of Zn may disturb the cells’ functions, resulting in cellular degeneration, death or malignant transformation. We hypothesize this excessive intracellular Zn concentration in cells of the prostate gland periphery has previously unrecognized and most important consequences, associated with PCa.