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Observations of serum trace elements in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Author(s) -
Beguin Yves,
Brasseur Francoise,
Weber Georges,
Bury Jean,
Delbrouck JeanneMarie,
Roelandts Iwan,
Robaye Georges,
Fillet Georges
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(19871015)60:8<1842::aid-cncr2820600828>3.0.co;2-w
Subject(s) - medicine , zinc , chronic lymphocytic leukemia , gastroenterology , selenium , stage (stratigraphy) , lymphocyte , leukemia , chemistry , biology , paleontology , organic chemistry
Serum trace elements (STE) were measured in 50 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and 100 normal subjects. Copper was higher in patients than in controls (1.50 ± 0.06 versus 1.10 ± 0.02 μg/ml, P < 0.001), increased steadily from Stage 0 to Stage 4 ( P = 0.002), and correlated with the lymphocyte count and serum lactate dehydrogenase ( P < 0.01) but not with acute phase reactants. Zinc was lower in patients than in controls (0.94 ± 0.03 versus 1.10 ± 0.02 μg/ml, P < 0.001). Zinc (NS), selenium ( P = 0.039), and calcium ( P < 0.033), were decreased in Stages 3–4 as compared to Stages 0–2. The copper‐to‐zinc ratio (CZR) increased continuously from Stage 0 to Stage 4 ( P < 0.001). Discriminant analysis between two groups, Stage 0–2 and Stage 3–4, based on serum copper, zinc, calcium, and protein levels, allowed for a correct classification of 94% of the patients. Moreover, the clinical staging of the remaining 6% was modified retrospectively according to the results of discriminant analysis. It was concluded that (1) serum copper and CZR are useful indices of the extent of disease, (2) they are independent of a nonspecific acute phase reaction, (3) STE determination could be helpful in the staging of a limited number of CLL patients, and (4) zinc deficiency could contribute to immune dysfunction in CLL.