Abstract | OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the possible role of environmental exposure to lead as a risk factor for prostate pathology in patients suffering from prostate cancer (PCA) and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: Blood lead (BPb) level was determined in PCA and BPH cases using a graphite furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and compared with those in a control group living in the similar socioeconomic environment. RESULTS: BPb was significantly higher in PCA and BPH cases than in normals (P < 0.05). Blood levels of zinc and copper were significantly lower in PCA and BPH cases when compared with controls (P < 0.05). In all the three groups, a statistically significant positive correlation between lead and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances ( TBARS) measured as malondialdehyde, and negative correlation between blood lead and antioxidant GSH level, indicative of possible generation of reactive oxygen species, were also observed after adjusting for age as a possible confounders. However, positive association between blood lead and TBARS was relatively higher in PCA patients (r = 0.77, P < 0.05) than in BPH (r = 0.32, P < 0.05) and normal (r = 0.30, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results with limited power seem to suggest for the first time that environmental exposure of aging males to lead may be a risk factor for prostate cancer and/or benign prostate hyperplasia possibly through generation of reactive oxygen species and/or reducing the level of zinc which acts as a cellular growth protector.
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Authors | M K J Siddiqui, S Srivastava, P K Mehrotra |
Journal | Biomedical and environmental sciences : BES
(Biomed Environ Sci)
Vol. 15
Issue 4
Pg. 298-305
(Dec 2002)
ISSN: 0895-3988 [Print] China |
PMID | 12642986
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Environmental Pollutants
- Lead
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Topics |
- Aged
- Aging
- Environmental Exposure
- Environmental Pollutants
(adverse effects)
- Humans
- Lead
(adverse effects)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Prostatic Hyperplasia
(etiology)
- Prostatic Neoplasms
(etiology)
- Risk Factors
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