Serum levels of ferritin, copper, and zinc in patients with oral cancer

BACKGROUND: Apart from the crucial role of micronutrients like copper, iron, and zinc in the functions of body enzymes, it seems that changes in the serum levels of these biomarkers may play a role in the pathogenesis of oral cancer. The aim of this study was to measure the serum levels of ferritin, copper, and zinc in patients with oral malignancies. METHODS: Sixty consecutive patients with oral cancer, together with 66 age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. The serum levels of ferritin, copper, and zinc were measured in both patients and healthy individuals. Data were statistically analyzed by Student's t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: In patients with oral cancer, the serum levels of ferritin, copper, and zinc were 267.41 ± 249.45, 209.85 ± 160.28, and 113.51 ± 52.30 mg/dl, respectively. In the control group, the serum levels of ferritin, copper, and zinc were reported to be 106.13 ± 72.96, 114.20 ± 38.69, and 64.57 ± 31.54 mg/dl, respectively. The mean serum values of ferritin, copper, and zinc in cancerous patients were significantly higher than in controls (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The serum levels of ferritin, copper, and zinc in oral cancer patients were significantly higher than in control group subjects.