Copper and zinc concentrations, and superoxide dismutase activities in malignant and nonmalignant tissues of female reproductive organs.

The copper and zinc concentrations in 44 malignant and 48 nonmalignant women tissue samples of reproductive organs in women were measured. In malignant samples, the mean copper concentrations were 110%, 76%, and 38% higher for cervix, endometrium and ovary than the nonmalignant ones. The zinc concentrations in the analysed malignant tissues were lower than that in the corresponding nonmalignant tissues. The results of superoxide dismutase activities determinations demonstrate a considerable lowering of the enzymatic capacities to remove free oxygen radical in malignant tissues. A hypothesis for possible mechanism involving elevated copper concentrations, and decreased zinc concentrations, which may be responsible for malignant processes, are presented.