Cadmium exposure is a known risk factor for prostate cancer, and a new University of Rochester study suggests that zinc may offer protection against cadmium. Cadmium exposure occurs mostly through smoking and diet, the latter as a result of fertilizer-soaked soil used for growing crops.
Having adequate levels of zinc appears to protect men from cadmium, a toxic metal that is abundant in the environment.
Researcher Edwin van Wijngaarden, PhD, reports that PSA levels were 22% higher among American men who had lower than average zinc levels and higher than average cadmium levels. (PSA is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland. The higher a man’s PSA level, the more likely cancer is present.)
In contrast, among men with a greater than average zinc intake, little evidence of an association between cadmium and PSA was found.
The way and cadmium interact within human organs is significant and provides interesting leads for study, van Wijngaarden said. Zinc stimulates production of a protein that binds cadmium thereby taking it out of circulation and reducing its toxic effects.
The study was based on data from a sample of 1,320 men registered in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2002.
Cadmium is also a by-product of the industrial process used for making fungicides, batteries, pigments and coatings that protect metals from corrosion. Workers in those areas are at risk for much higher exposures. When ingested or inhaled, cadmium collects in the liver, kidneys and prostate.
Source: University of Rochester, Jan 30, 2008
