Alteration of Trace Elements in Multinodular Goiter, Thyroid Adenoma, and Thyroid Cancer

Modest progress has been made in understanding the role of trace elements as endocrine disruptors. The aim of this study was to examine whether there is a change in the content of trace elements in thyroid disease, as well as whether the ratio of elements could be considered a blood marker for thyroid disease. In addition, this study examined the influence of biological and clinical/pathological parameters on the elemental profile. Blood samples from patients diagnosed with multinodular goiter (MNG), thyroid adenoma (TA), and thyroid cancer (TC) were examined and compared with control samples using chemometric analysis. The concentrations of essential (Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se) and toxic elements (Ni, As, Cd, Pb, U) were determined by ICP-MS. This study showed for the first time that the content of Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, and Pb in pathological blood samples was significantly lower compared to the control, while opposite results were obtained for As, Cd, and U. Based on the classification model, the most important trace metals for discrimination of MNG and TC from the control group (CG) were Co and Zn, while Co, Zn, and Mn influenced the distinction of CG from TA. Moreover, it was found that Cu/Zn and U/Se ratios had significantly increased values in pathological blood samples leading to the possibility of establishing new circulating screening markers. These findings can represent significant translational information since these diseases are widespread and the diagnostic procedure is still difficult in many cases.