The Relationship Between Serum Zinc Levels and Tumor Markers in Hemodialysis Patients

The incidence of neoplasia is increased in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Zinc (Zn) deficiency is associated with neoplasia and also commonly seen in ESRD patients. However, the data regarding the relationship between Zn levels and tumor markers is scant in this population. We aimed to investigate the relationship between Zn levels and tumor markers in hemodialysis patients. Twenty-six hemodialysis patients (11 male, 15 female, mean age 41.6 +/- 14.3 years) and 11 healthy subjects (6 male and 5 female, mean age 38.7 +/- 7.2 years) were included. Serum Alpha fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembriyonic antigen (CEA), CA 19-9, CA 15-5, CA 125, beta subunit of human corionic gonadotrophin (beta-HCG) and beta-2 microglobulin (beta 2M) and Zn levels were measured. Data were analysed by Student's t test. Serum Zinc levels were significantly lower in ESRD patients (group 1) compared to healthy subjects (group 2) (p<0.0001, for all). Serum CEA and beta 2M levels were also significantly higher in group 1 patients compared to group 2 subjects (p<0.005, p<0.0001, respectively). Serum Ca15-3 and CA-125 levels were found to be significantly lower in group 1 patients compared to group 2 subjects (p<0.005, p<0.001, respectively). There were no statistically significant difference in terms of serum CA 19-9, beta-HCG and AFP between group 1 and group 2 patients. In group 1 patients, there was a negative correlation between serum Zn levels and AFP, while a positive correlation was obsorved between serum Zn levels and CA15-3. The measurement of AFP may be beneficial in HD patients. Further studies are needed.