The role of heavy metal salts in pathological biomineralization of breast cancer tissue

Abstract

Background. The process of pathological biomineralization plays an important part in the morphogenesis of tumors. The role of heavy metal salts in the pathological mineralization of breast cancer tissue should not be ruled out, considering their ability to enter into covalent bonds with calcium salt molecules. Objectives. The aim of the study was to investigate the microelement composition of breast cancer calcifications and the participation of heavy metals in their formation process. Material and Methods. The material for the study consisted of 20 specimens of breast cancer tissue in which calcifications had been found in histological tests (hematoxylin-eozin and alizarin red S staining). The chemical composition of the calcifications was studied using a scanning electron microscope with an energy-dispersive spectrometer. Results. Alizarin red S staining detected the presence of concrements in tumor tissue and rings of calcification around these deposits. Examining the biomineralization with energy dispersive spectrometry showed that along with calcium and phosphorus, it contained microelements such as iron, zinc, copper, chromium and nickel, which can replace calcium ions in the exterior part of hydroxyapatite molecules. This causes the hydroxyapatite molecule’s molar mass to increase and its solubility to decrease; its chances of being deposited in tumor tissue also increase. This implies that an increased intake of heavy metal salts in organisms can lead to pathological mineralization of breast cancer tissue. Conclusions. Excessive intake of heavy metal salts into the body leads to their involvement in the pathological mineralization of breast cancer tissue. This happens due to these salts bonding to hydroxyapatite molecules, direct sedimentation of proteins and increasing degenerative-necrotic changes in breast cancer tissue as the mineralization process progresses.