Trace Element Contents in Adenocarcinoma of the Human Prostate Gland Investigated by Neutron Activation Analysis

The Ag, Co, Cr, Fe, Hg, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, and Zn contents in normal tissue (n=37) and adenocarcinoma (n=37) of the human prostate gland were investigated using non-destructive instrumental neutron activation analysis with high resolution spectrometry of long-lived radionuclides. Mean values (M  SΕΜ) for content (mg/kg, dry mass basis) of trace elements in adenocarcinoma were: Ag – 0.2420.039, Co – 0.03170.0032, Cr – 2.310.43, Fe – 17221, Hg – 0.0910.012 Rb – 9.310.88, Sb – 0.4450.057, Sc – 0.01260.0019, Se – 0.6290.092, and Zn – 12712. It was observed that in cancerous tissues contents of Co, Rb, Sc, and Zn were significantly lower and those of Ag, Cr, Fe, Hg, and Sb were significantly higher than in normal tissues. The abnormal decrease in levels of Co, Rb, Sc, and Zn in cancerous tissue could be a consequence of malignant transformation. It was supposed that elevated levels of Ag, Cr, Fe, Hg, and Sb as well as an inadequate level of Se are involved in an initiation and a promotion of prostatic adenocarcinoma.