Serum lipid peroxidation and trace elements levels in ovarian cancer patients before and after cisplatin and doxorubicin chemotherapy

Background: chemotherapy and radiation therapy are associated with formation of reactive oxygen species and depletion of critical serum and tissue antioxidants. Although the oxidative statues in patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment were investigated in many studies, but their results were heterogeneous. Objective: This is a preliminary study conducted to explore the effects of cisplatin and doxorubicin on serum malondialdehyde levels (MDA) (as an oxidative stress indicator) together with the changes in levels of certain trace elements: Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), and Iron (Fe) , Cu/Zn ratio, and protein concentration in ovarian cancer patients. Methodology: This is a case control study conducted in Chemistry Department/ College of Science / University of Baghdad. Six patients having histologically confirmed ovarian cancer(stage III) were participated in this study before and after chemotherapy with cisplatin and doxorubicin. Serum MDA was measured by Hirayama et.al spectrophotometry method, and the levels of certain serum trace elements: Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), and Iron (Fe) were estimated by using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry . Also serum protein concentration was measured in both mentioned groups. Three of our six patients were followed –up after the second course of the same chemotherapy where the same parameters were measured.