Serum antioxidants Vitamins C and E status in cancer patients in Zaria

Abstract

Background: There are several studies showing disturbances in antioxidant defence systems in the pathogenesis of cancer. Studies in cell  cultures show that vitamins C and E, selenium and some phytochemicals selectively induce apoptosis in cancer cells while sparing  normal cells. Numerous studies have shown a depletion of antioxidants and increased amount of ROS in patients with malignancies but  no such study have been carried out on cancer patients in Zaria.
Aim: To evaluate the status of antioxidants vitamins C and E in the serum of cancer patients and aged sex matched controls in Zaria.
Methodology: One hundred and seventeen cancer patients who were histologically or cytologically confirmed and an equal number of apparently healthy aged and sex-matched controls were recruited by simple random sampling. Blood samples were analysed for
serum antioxidant vitamins C and E using direct colorimetric methods.
Results: The average age of the participants were 57years with a male to female ratio of 1:1.1. The serum concentrations of both vitamin  C and E were significantly lower compared to the controls with no significant difference in the mean values of vitamin C and E in both males and females.
Conclusion: Cancer is commoner among the middle age group with female preponderance. The serum levels of antioxidant vitamins C  and E were lower in cancer compared to controls.