Serum copper, ceruloplasmin, protein thiols and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance status in liver cancer associated with elevated levels of alpha-fetoprotein.

Serum copper, ceruloplasmin, protein thiols and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TEARS) were estimated in 25 patients of liver cancer. The copper to ceruloplasmin ratio was moderately increased (P<0.05) but the copper (P<0.001) and ceruloplasmin (P<0.001) levels were significantly increased in liver cancer patients when compared to controls. Protein thiols levels were found to be highly significant (P<0.001). Where as the TEARS levels were not found to be significant. Trace elements and free radicals have been implicated in the etiology of cancer. Hence the estimation of ceruloplasmin and protein thiols along with the copper may be of high value in the early diagnosis of cancer.