Investigating Catalase and Carbonic Anhydrase Enzyme Activities and Levels of Certain Trace Elements and Heavy Metals in Patients with Primary and Metastatic Hepatic Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among most common terminal cancer types in the world. Primary etiological factors include cirrhosis, hepatitis, aflatoxin and alcohol. The current study was conducted to determine cytosolic erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase and catalase enzyme activities and levels of some trace elements. For this purpose, 40 patients with primary and metastatic hepatic cancer and 29 healthy volunteers enrolled to the study. Catalase and carbonic anhydrase enzyme activities and serum trace element levels were measured in patient and control groups. In the current study, serum copper, magnesium, manganese and zinc levels were lower in the primary and metastatic hepatic cancer group in comparison with the control group (P < 0.05). In contrast, serum iron, cobalt, cadmium and lead levels were higher in the patient relative to the control group (P < 0.05). In comparison with the control group, the catalase level was lower in primary and metastatic cancer group, while the carbonic anhydrase level was higher in the cancer group (P < 0.05). Changes in levels of trace elements and anti-oxidant enzymes may be the factors which influence the development and progression of liver cancer. The carbonic anhydrase enzyme can be a useful indicator in the diagnosis of cancer. However, this issue warrants further investigation.