In recent years, the relationship between trace elements and malignancies has received increasing attention, and there is a correlation between the occurrence and progression of liver cancer and the levels of trace elements.
The impact of trace elements on the body
Trace elements are essential elements in the body and are closely linked to growth, development, and the onset and progression of disease.
Micronutrients are in dynamic balance in the body in many forms, and the liver is a gathering place for them. The lack or excess of micronutrients can lead to changes in the normal physiological activities and biochemical processes of the body, resulting in abnormal cellular metabolism and impaired growth and reproduction, and even lead to mutations in cells.
At a certain point, cancer may occur.
Copper and zinc are strongly associated with liver cancer
Copper and zinc are two essential trace elements that are most closely associated with liver cancer:
Copper
Copper cyanogen activity is significantly elevated in patients with liver cancer. This is valuable in the diagnosis of liver cancer, for example, in some patients who are methemoglobin-negative, with the help of copper blue protein.
Zinc
Zinc levels are reduced in patients with liver cancer. When the body is deficient in zinc, tissue cells age, immunity decreases, and epithelial cells become susceptible to carcinogens, which can lead to cancer.
This shows that an elevated copper/zinc ratio is a characteristic of patients with liver cancer.
Other trace elements that may be associated with liver cancer
Iron
Serum ferritin levels are lower in patients with liver cancer than in healthy individuals. Low iron affects free radical production, damages liver cells, and also interferes with humoral and cellular immunity, contributing to tumor development.
Selenium
Selenium deficiency is also thought to be a causative factor in liver cancer. Selenium has antioxidant effects that destroy carcinogens, hinder the metabolism of carcinogens in the body, and protect normal cells involved in immune function. Selenium can selectively limit the energy metabolism of liver cancer cells and exert an inhibitory effect on liver cancer cells.
Manganese
Manganese is an essential trace element in the body, and a decrease in manganese can cause swelling and destruction of the endoplasmic reticulum in the rough surface of hepatocytes, which may promote the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Studies have found that manganese levels in patients with liver cancer are significantly lower than in the general population.
Nickel
Nickel is a heavy metal, a carcinogenic trace element, and elevated levels of nickel have been linked to liver cancer.
Summary
Trace elements copper, zinc, iron, selenium, manganese, and nickel may have some correlation with liver cancer development. Testing their levels can provide some basis for the diagnosis of liver cancer and can also be considered as an indicator of the effectiveness of liver cancer treatment.