Reduction of Serum Concentrations and Synergy between Retinol, β-Carotene, and Zinc According to Cancer Staging and Different Treatment Modalities Prior to Radiation Therapy in Women with Breast Cancer

Abstract

The procedures used for breast cancer treatment are able to increase the level of oxidative stress and cause depletion of antioxidants. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between serum concentrations of retinol, β-carotene, and zinc, according to breast cancer staging, considering different treatment modalities prior to radiation therapy and the synergistic action between these micronutrients. Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study comprising a cohort of patients with breast cancer which was carried out prior to radiation therapy. Patients were divided into 3 groups: G1 comprised women who had undergone breast-conserving surgery, G2 comprised those who had undergone chemotherapy, and G3 those who had undergone breast-conserving surgery and chemotherapy. Serum concentrations of retinol, β-carotene, and zinc were quantified. Breast cancer staging was based on the TNM (Tumor, Node, Metastasis) classification of malignant tumors, a type of staging tool for different cancers. Results: A total of 230 patients were assessed. A decrease of the serum concentrations of the micronutrients assessed as the staging level of the disease increased was observed. Surgery alone had a greater negative impact on serum concentrations of retinol. Considering the treatments prior to radiotherapy, patients undergoing surgery alone and chemotherapy associated with surgery had higher percentages of deficiency of β-carotene and retinol. There was a positive correlation between the concentrations of zinc, retinol, and β-carotene, showing a synergy between these micronutrients. Conclusion: A significant reduction in the serum concentrations of the assessed micronutrients was observed, according to the increase in breast cancer staging. The synergy between the micronutrients must be considered in order to maximize the benefits and minimize the adverse effects of irradiation to normal cells.

Mediterranean Diet Affects Blood Circulating Lipid-Soluble Micronutrients and Inflammatory Biomarkers in a Cohort of Breast Cancer Survivors: Results from the SETA Study

“…However, an inverse association between plasma retinol and both carotenoids and tocopherol was found in this study. The mean concentration of β-carotene found in this study (521,8 + 450 µg/L) was higher than the plasmatic concentration previously reported in a similar study, which described a concentration ranging from 171.11 ± 180.2 to 227.1 ± 157.8 µg/L, depending on the stage of the BC [ 41 ], and the mean values of 329.3 µg/L described for the women enrolled in the Italian cohorts of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition [ 40 ]. These results were consistent with adherence to the MD, which is based on a high intake of plant foods and low consumption of animal foods.…”

Minerals and Antioxidant Micronutrients Levels and Clinical Outcome in Older Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 during the First Wave of the Pandemic

“…The low level of micronutrients such selenium or zinc, observed in COVID-19 populations compared to control populations, does not necessarily imply pre-existing deficiencies favoring the occurrence of the disease [ 48 , 49 ]. As has been shown in the treatment of certain cancers, it is also possible that COVID-19 itself leads to an alteration in micronutrient status [ 50 ]. For example, the combination of hypoxia and IL-6 suppresses selenoprotein expression (such as glutathione peroxidase), causing whole-body selenium status decline and an increased generation of reactive oxygen species [ 51 ].…”

Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Effects of Microalgal Carotenoids

“…Previous human studies have reported that reduced levels of β-carotene can be detected in patients with different cancers, including oral cancer [398], breast cancer [399], prostate cancer [400], pancreatic cancer [338], and malignant pleural mesothelioma [401]. Moreover, numerous epidemiological studies have indicated that dietary intakes of βcarotene, obtained from fruits and vegetables, may reduce cancer mortality [402] and protect against the development of some gastrointestinal cancers, such as esophageal cancer [318], gastric cancer [316], colon cancer [312], pancreatic cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma [314,324].…”