Role of tissue trace elements in liver cancers and non-cancerous liver parenchyma.
OBJECTIVE
The role of trace elements in liver fibrosis, carcinogenesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not yet been clarified. The aim of this study is to analyze the characteristics of trace elements in liver cancers and non-cancerous liver and to discuss their role in hepatic fibrosis, hepatocarcinogenesis and progression of HCC.


METHODS
The amount of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) in 20 HCCs, 2 cholangiocellular carcinomas (CCC), 7 metastatic liver cancers (Meta) and their non-tumorous liver parenchyma were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer.


RESULTS
The amounts of Zn and Fe in non-tumorous liver parenchyma were reduced by liver fibrosis, and the amounts were lower in HCC tissue compared to non-tumorous liver parenchyma. The amounts of Zn and Cu were higher in HCC than the amounts found in CCC and Meta. The amount of Zn in HCC tissue decreased, but the amount of Fe increased in tumors more than 4cm in diameter.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the decrease in the amount of Zn and Fe found in non-tumorous liver parenchyma correlates with liver fibrosis leading to cirrhosis and hepatocarcinogenesis. Also that decreases in Zn and increases of Fe in HCC tissue correlates with HCC tumor progression.
Maeda
Takashi
T
Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan. tksmaeda@hotmail.com
Shimada
Mitsuo
M
Harimoto
Norifumi
N
Tsujita
Eiji
E
Maehara
Shin-ichiro
S
Rikimaru
Tatsuya
T
Tanaka
Shiniji
S
Shirabe
Ken
K
Maehara
Yoshihiko
Y
D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D018281:Cholangiocarcinoma / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000378:metabolism*
D014131:Trace Elements