engleski

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in serum in relation to blood lead concentration and alcohol consumption in men.

Introduction: Prostate cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in men worldwide. Malignant transformation of prostate and progression of carcinoma appear to be the consequence of a complex series of initiation and promotional events under genetic and environmental influences. The most important risk factors are age, family history of disease, race and country of residence. The possible role of environmental and lifestyle factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, and metal exposure has been suggested. Methods: The combined influence of age, smoking, alcohol, blood lead and cadmium concentrations, and serum copper, zinc, and selenium concentrations on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in serum was investigated in a group of 57 men 21-40 years of age. The subjects had no occupational exposure to metals and no other known reasons suspected of influencing prostate function or metal metabolism. Results: No significant correlation was found between PSA and any of the explanatory variables considered. Nevertheless, when taking into account all of the above-mentioned potentially explanatory variables, the results of stepwise multiple regression showed a significant increase in PSA with respect to an increase in blood lead, and a significant decrease in PSA with respect to an increase in intensity of alcohol consumption (number of units of alcohol per week). The median and range values of blood lead concentration in the group of men were 26.0 (10.1-108.0) microg/L. Discussion: The results indicate that even a low-level environmental lead exposure, common for general populations worldwide, may contribute to the risk of prostate cancer in men. The influence of lead as well as cadmium, zinc, and selenium on prostate damage and PSA should be further investigated in relatively young men for the purpose of disease prevention.

human environmental lead exposure; prostate damage; toxic and essential metals interaction

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