A systematic review and meta-analysis of toxic elements exposure and risk of prostate cancer
Abstract Background The evidence on exposure to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and the risk of prostate cancer has been inconsistent and somewhat unclear. Therefore, in this systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated the existing literature comprehensively, to assess the relationship betwe...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
SpringerOpen
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Environmental Sciences Europe |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12302-025-01156-z |
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| Summary: | Abstract Background The evidence on exposure to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and the risk of prostate cancer has been inconsistent and somewhat unclear. Therefore, in this systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated the existing literature comprehensively, to assess the relationship between exposure to PTEs and the risk of prostate cancer. Methods The execution of this review followed the PRISMA guidelines. An extensive search was carried out in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed to locate relevant English-language articles published up until February 27, 2025. Random-effects linear mixed models (REML) meta-analysis was applied for all evaluated associations. Leave-one-out sensitivity analyses were conducted in the meta-analysis to evaluate the reliability of the findings. Publication bias was evaluated using Begg’s test, Egger’s test, funnel plots, and the trim-and-fill method. Results A total of 1118 articles were retrieved, resulting in a final set of 41 articles that were incorporated into our review. Most of the studies had a cross-sectional or case–control design and were conducted in the USA of Europe. The meta-analysis, encompassing 14 studies, revealed no significant link between PTEs exposure and prostate cancer risk. Minimal publication bias was detected, and adjustments did not impact results. Subgroup analyses based on publication year, exposure assessment method, and PTE type revealed no significant associations, except for arsenic (OR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.06) and lead (OR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.05), both of which were linked to a slight increase in prostate cancer risk. In contrast, selenium was inversely associated with prostate cancer risk (OR = 0.07, 95% CI 0.03–0.12). Study quality analysis yielded varying risk estimates, with studies classified as “excellent” providing the most consistent results. Meta-regression hinted at a slight, non-significant potential trend of higher standard incidence ratios (SIRs) in recent studies. Conclusion Overall, our study suggests that exposure to PTEs through various pathways may be associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. |
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| ISSN: | 2190-4715 |