Is low-level metal exposure related to testicular cancer?

Disruption of element homeostasis may contribute to increased susceptibility of men to cancer development. Whether environmental low-level metal exposure could contribute to the pathogenesis of testicular cancer is unknown. Comparison of the level of 18 elements in whole blood, serum and urine and parameters of oxidative stress/antioxidant status between men with testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) and healthy men showed significant difference between the groups in most parameters. The results of linear discriminant analysis with a discrimination rate of 96% indicated whole blood Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na and Zn, serum Ca, Cu, Na and Ni, and urine Cd, Co, Fe and Mn being the strongest predictors of illness. TGCT patients had a significant increase in serum and blood Cu and decrease in serum Fe and blood Zn with cancer progression. Significantly higher concentrations of Al, As, Pb, and Ni in whole blood/serum of men with TGCT confirm the hypothesis that low-level environmental exposure to these elements may contribute to cancer development. Relationship between elements concentrations and treatment outcomes should be carefully monitored during cancer treatment since high concentrations of commonly used platinum-based chemotherapeutics may additionally disturb the homeostasis of elements.

Automated summary

Homeostasis disruption of element levels in men may increase susceptibility to cancer development, and environmental exposure to certain elements could contribute to the pathogenesis of testicular cancer. Differences in element levels and oxidative stress parameters were observed between men with testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) and healthy men, with some elements like Ca, Cu, and Fe being strong predictors of illness. Additionally, patients with TGCT showed changes in serum and blood element levels with cancer progression, indicating a possible association between low-level environmental exposure to elements and cancer development. Monitoring elements concentrations during cancer treatment is important as platinum-based chemotherapeutics may further disrupt element homeostasis.