ABSTRACT.
Prostate cancer is a public health problem among men worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise. It is triggered by genomic instability or epigenetic modifications affecting genes and proteins involved in DNA repair and tumor suppression. Trace metals have attracted attention due to their association with the development and progression of prostate cancer. The etiology of prostate cancer is complex, involving genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Trace elements have received particular attention in recent years because they are suspected of directly modulating cancer risk and progression through their impacts on the omics of prostate cancer (genomics, epigenetics, proteomics, and transcriptomics).
Harmful metals such as cadmium, lead, nickel, mercury, and arsenic are consistently linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer due to their ability to cause oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammation. Conversely, essential trace elements like zinc and selenium may offer protective effects by helping to reduce oxidative damage and support cellular health.
KEYWORDS: prostate cancer, trace elements, environment, genetics, epigenetics.
For citation: Elh Yaou Moussa Haboubacar, Bezrukov E.A. The role of trace elements in the development of prostate cancer. Trace elemets in medicine. 2026;27(3):16−30. DOI: 10.19112/2413-6174-2026-27-3-16-30
Information about the authors:
Elh Yaou Moussa Habubacar – Dr. Biochimie Biologie Moleculaire of Abomey Calavi University;
Post-graduate Student of the Center for Bioelementology and Human Ecology
of the Scientific and Technological Park of Biomedicine
E-mail: elyaumussa_k@student.sechenov.ru; https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7532-6235
Evgeny A. Bezrukov – Dr.Sc. (Med.), Vice-Principal for Innovation and Clinical Activities;
Professor at the Institute of Urology and Human Reproductive Health
SPIN: 2208-2676
Conflict of interest
The authors declare no obvious and potential conflicts of interest related to the publication of this article