Toenail trace element status and risk of Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma: results from the FINBAR study

Michael A O'Rorke; Marie M Cantwell; Christian C Abnet; John D Brockman; Liam J Murray; FINBAR Study Group

doi:10.1002/ijc.27434

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Toenail trace element status and risk of Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma: results from the FINBAR study

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Toenail trace element status and risk of Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma: results from the FINBAR study

Michael A O'Rorke, Marie M Cantwell, Christian C Abnet, John D Brockman, Liam J Murray and FINBAR Study Group

International journal of cancer, Vol.131(8), pp.1882-1891

10/15/2012

DOI: 10.1002/ijc.27434

PMCID: PMC3545279

PMID: 22262413

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Abstract

Trace elements have been cited as both inhibitory and causative agents of cancer but importantly exposure to them is potentially modifiable. Our study aimed to examine toenail trace element status and risk of Barrett's oesophagus (BO) and oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC). Toenail clippings from each hallux were obtained from 638 participants of the FINBAR (Factors Influencing the Barrett's Adenocarcinoma Relationship) study comprising 221 healthy controls, 98 reflux oesophagitis, 182 BO and 137 OAC cases. The concentrations of eight toenail trace elements were determined using instrumental neutron activation analysis. Using multivariable adjusted logistic regression analysis, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated within tertiles of trace element concentrations. A twofold increased risk of BO was observed, but not OAC, among individuals in the highest tertile of toenail zinc status OR 2.21 (95% CI, 1.11-4.40). A higher toenail selenium status was not associated with risk of OAC OR 0.94 (95% CI, 0.44-2.04) or BO OR 0.89 (95% CI, 0.37-2.12). A borderline significant increased risk of BO was detected with a higher toenail cobalt concentration, OR 1.97 (95% CI, 1.01-3.85). No association was found between toenail levels of chromium, cerium, mercury and OAC or BO risk. This is the first case-control study to investigate a variety of trace elements in relation to OAC and BO risk. Despite antioxidant and proapoptotic properties, no associations were found with selenium. Higher concentrations of toenail zinc and cobalt were associated with an increased BO risk, but not OAC. These findings need confirmation in prospective analysis.

Esophageal Neoplasms - etiology

Barrett Esophagus - metabolism

Adenocarcinoma - pathology

Prognosis

Follow-Up Studies

Adenocarcinoma - etiology

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - metabolism

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - pathology

Humans

Middle Aged

Risk Factors

Trace Elements - adverse effects

Male

Barrett Esophagus - etiology

Nails - pathology

Case-Control Studies

Esophageal Neoplasms - pathology

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - etiology

Adenocarcinoma - metabolism

Barrett Esophagus - pathology

Esophageal Neoplasms - metabolism

Female

Details

Title: Subtitle: Toenail trace element status and risk of Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma: results from the FINBAR study
Creators: Michael A O'Rorke - Cancer Epidemiology and Health Services Research Group, Centre for Public Health, Queens University Belfast, Institute of Clinical Sciences Block B, Belfast, United Kingdom. m.ororke@qub.ac.uk
Marie M Cantwell
Christian C Abnet
John D Brockman
Liam J Murray
FINBAR Study Group
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: International journal of cancer, Vol.131(8), pp.1882-1891
Publisher: United States
DOI: 10.1002/ijc.27434
PMID: 22262413
PMCID: PMC3545279
ISSN: 0020-7136
eISSN: 1097-0215
Grant note: ZIA CP000185-08 / Intramural NIH HHS
Language: English
Date published: 10/15/2012
Academic Unit: Epidemiology; Pathology
Record Identifier: 9983995004902771

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