Study Serum level of Zinc in benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatic cancer patients

Abstract

Background: hypothesized that zinc level may be a more specific marker due to its high concentration in the prostate peripheral zone. Thus, we have conducted this study in order to assess this hypothesis. Methods: In this analytical cross-sectional study which was conducted in 2020 in three independent health centers in Esfahan, 185 patients enrolled in the study after fulfilling inclusion criteria randomly. Participants’ undergone 12 prostatic biopsies and blood samples were taken in order to assess the serum level of zinc. Then patients have been divided into three groups of BPH, Prostatic cancer and healthy age-matched individuals as control group. One-way ANOVA method used in order to analyze data. Findings: Serum zinc level in 18 patients with prostatic cancer, 17 patients with BPH, and 150 patients in the control group was analyzed. The mean PSA level in the prostatic cancer group was 10.73 ± 6.64 ng/ml, in the BPH group 5.71 ± 8.02 ng/ml, and in the control group 2.65±.06 ng/ml. The difference in PSA levels between the three groups was statistically significant (p = 0.002), showing that patients with prostatic cancer had considerably higher PSA levels compared to the other groups. Conclusion: Results of our study have demonstrated that Serum Zn level was significantly lower in patients with prostatic cancer. The findings of this study can be used for health system professionals. © 2025, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.