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Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

DOI

10.3906/sag-0903-27

Abstract

Gastrointestinal system (GIS) cancers account for a significant percentage of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Free radicals may play a role in the development of GIS cancers at various stages. The goal of this study was to analyze the relationship between gastroesophageal cancer and plasma levels of vitamin A and vitamin E, a significant part of antioxidant defense. Materials and methods: Twenty-six patients with gastroesophageal cancer diagnosed by endoscopy and histopathologic examination and 26 healthy volunteer subjects were included in this study. Plasma vitamin A and vitamin E levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography using a commercially available kit. Results: Plasma vitamin A and vitamin E levels were significantly lower in the gastroesophageal cancer group (1.39 ± 0.137 µmol/L and 13.5 ± 1.29 µmol/L, respectively) than in the control group (2.79 ± 0.163 µmol/L and 21.29 ± 2.58 µmol/L, respectively). The difference was significant at P < 0.001 for vitamin A, and P < 0.05 for vitamin E values. However, we could not detect any significant difference in plasma vitamin A and vitamin E levels when the stage of the disease was taken into consideration (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Decreased plasma vitamin A and vitamin E levels, as important antioxidant components, may be contributory in the development of gastroesophageal cancer. Diets rich in antioxidant vitamins may be protective against the development of upper gastrointestinal tract disease.

First Page

115

Last Page

119

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