Title:Zinc and Copper Homeostasis in Head and Neck Cancer: Review and Meta-Analysis
Volume: 23
Issue: 13
Author(s): Alzbeta Ressnerova, Martina Raudenska, Monika Holubova, Marketa Svobodova, Hana Polanska, Petr Babula, Michal Masarik and Jaromir Gumulec
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Zinc, copper, ceruloplasmin, metallothionein, cancer, head and neck tumour, metallomics, metaanalysis.
Abstract: Metals are known for playing essential roles in human physiology. Copper and
zinc are trace elements closely dependent on one another and are involved in cell proliferation,
growth, gene expression, apoptosis and other processes. Their homeostasis is crucial
and tightly controlled by a resourceful system of transporters and transport proteins which
deliver copper and zinc ions to their target sites. Abnormal zinc and copper homeostasis can be seen in a
number of malignancies and also in head and neck cancer. Imbalance in this homeostasis is observed as an
elevation or decrease of copper and zinc ions in serum or tissue levels in patients with cancer. In head and
neck cancer these altered levels stand out from those of other malignancies which makes them an object of interest
and therefore zinc and copper ions might be a good target for further research of head and neck cancer
development and progression. This review aims to summarize the physiological roles of copper and zinc, its
binding and transport mechanisms, and based on those, its role in head and neck cancer. To provide stronger
evidence, dysregulation of levels is analysed by a meta-analytical approach.
