Membrane Potential and Calcium Ion Dynamics in Breast Cancer Patients attending Specialist Hospital Owerri

Abstract

Breast cancer is a major source of illness and death among women globally, with rising incidence in emerging nations. Recent research indicates that bioelectrical features, especially membrane potential and calcium ion (Ca²+) dynamics, are essential in cancer growth. This research examined changes in membrane potential and calcium ion dynamics in breast cancer patients at Specialist Hospital Owerri, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study design was utilised, comprising 50 confirmed breast cancer patients and 50 age-matched healthy controls. Blood samples were obtained to assess serum and intracellular calcium concentrations by conventional biochemical and spectrophotometric techniques. The Nerst equation was used to figure out the membrane potential. We used descriptive statistics and an independent sample t-test to look at the data, and we fixed the significance level at p < 0.05. The results indicated a considerable depolarisation of membrane potential in breast cancer patients relative to controls. Serum calcium and intracellular Ca²+ concentrations were markedly increased in patients relative to controls (p < 0.001). The results show that breast cancer is linked to major changes in bioelectricity, such as membrane depolarisation and calcium homeostasis that isn't working properly. These alterations may facilitate tumour growth and could function as potential biomarkers for diagnosis and therapeutic targeting.