Trace Elements as a Specific Marker for Ovarian Cancer Biomineralization

This paper investigates differences in the microelement composition between ovarian cancer samples with (Group 1) and without calcification (Group 2). We observed a substantial reduction of zinc (Zn) by 41.83% in the first group compared to the second. Additionally, magnesium (Mg) levels were reduced by 52.17% in the first group. Conversely, iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) levels were significantly higher in the first group, with increases of 91.77% and 7.8%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) revealed that calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) were the primary elements in both groups, exhibiting a composition ratio consistent with hydroxyapatite (Ca
10
(PO
4
)6(OH)
2
). Immunohistochemical analysis detected the accumulation of osteopontin (OPN) at mineral edges and between lamellae. Notably, OPN expression differed significantly between ovarian cancer samples with calcification (73.34 ± 4.25 cells/mm2) and those without calcification (26.93 ± 1.88 cells/mm2, p<0.001), underscoring its involvement in biomineralization processes. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that OPN-accumulating cells were positive for CD68, suggesting their direct role in biomineralization. In conclusion, the unique structural features of each calcification, as indicated by their elemental composition, offer potential diagnostic and therapeutic insights for ovarian cancer. Our study highlights the active participation of macrophages in biomineral formation through OPN synthesis. Investigating the interplay between microelement and protein compositions in biomineral deposits holds promise for practical medical applications.