Systemic Cu/Zn-SOD activation in patients with pancreatic cancer

Introduction: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been linked to pancreatic cancer for their potential to induce mitogenicity and to stimulate cell proliferation. Cu/Zn-SOD is emerging as an important element of the cellular antioxidant mechanisms.
Aim: The aims of this study were to assess Cu/Zn-SOD levels in plasma of patients with pancreatic cancer treated surgically and to analyze the association of Cu/Zn-SOD with total peroxide levels, along with clinical and pathological data.
Material and methods: We studied 31 patients with pancreatic cancer in comparison with 14 healthy subjects using ELISA techniques to determine Cu/Zn-SOD and total peroxides.
Results: We demonstrated a 3-fold increase in plasma levels of Cu/Zn-SOD in patients with pancreatic cancer (p < 0.001) in comparison with the control group. Also, total plasma peroxide levels were higher in the pancreatic cancer group (p < 0.001) than in the control group. As assessed at postoperative day 10, concentrations of Cu/Zn-SOD were enhanced in plasma of pancreatic cancer patients (p < 0.05) in contrast to total peroxides, which diminished postoperatively (p < 0.05). The levels of total peroxides were greater in patients with cancers of the pancreatic body when compared to those of the pancreatic head (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: We have shown for the first time that systemic Cu/Zn-SOD and total peroxides are increased in patients with pancreatic cancer. Surgical treatment resulted in greater plasma Cu/Zn-SOD and lower peroxide levels.