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The Combined Effects of Urine Zinc, Cadmium, Mercury, Lead, and Copper on Endometrial Cancer Staging

Author

Listed:
  • Issah Haruna

    (Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
    Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA)

  • Russell R. Broaddus

    (Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
    Pathobiology and Translational Science Graduate Program, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA)

  • Andrew B. Gladden

    (Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
    Pathobiology and Translational Science Graduate Program, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA)

  • Kiran Subedi

    (Analytical Services Laboratory, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA)

  • Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi

    (Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
    Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA)

Abstract

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a growing public health concern. This secondary data study of a case series leveraged existing samples and data to explore the potential link between exposure to heavy metals/essential elements and stage of EC. We analyzed urine samples from women with EC, measuring levels of toxic metals (cadmium, mercury, and lead) and essential elements (zinc and copper). Our findings revealed that higher levels of mercury, cadmium, and lead are associated with more advanced EC stages. Conversely, zinc showed a protective effect, potentially mitigating EC stage progression. Copper levels did not show a clear association with EC stage. These results highlight the potential impact of environmental exposures on EC stage and the crucial need for advanced statistical methods to understand the combined effects of these pollutants on health and the need for public health interventions. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms by which these metals influence EC stage and long-term outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Issah Haruna & Russell R. Broaddus & Andrew B. Gladden & Kiran Subedi & Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi, 2025. "The Combined Effects of Urine Zinc, Cadmium, Mercury, Lead, and Copper on Endometrial Cancer Staging," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(2), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:2:p:245-:d:1587316
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