Evaluation of Trace Elements in Thyroid Adenomas Using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescent Analysis

Thyroid adenomas (TA) are benign tumors, but there is a 20% possibility of malignant transformation. The distinguishing between the TA and thyroid cancer (TC) is tricky, therefore new TA biomarkers are needed. Furthermore, the role of trace elements (TE) in etiology and pathogenesis of TA is unclear. The aim of this exploratory study was to examine the content of bromine (Br), cooper (Cu), iron (Fe), rubidium (Rb), strontium (Sr), and zinc (Zn) in the normal and in adenomatous thyroid. Thyroid tissue levels of six TE were prospectively evaluated in 19 patients with TA and 105 healthy inhabitants. Measurements were performed using 109Cd radionuclide-induced energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescent analysis Tissue samples were divided into two portions. One was used for morphological study while the other was intended for TE analysis. It was found that contents of Br and Cu were significantly higher (25.8 and 4.16 times, respectively) and content of Sr were significantly lower (39%) in adenomatous thyroid in comparison with normal level. There are considerable changes in TE contents in the adenomatous thyroid.