Trace Elements in Scalp Hair Samples from Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Background

Epidemiological studies have suggested a possible role of trace elements (TE) in the etiology of several neurological diseases including Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Hair analysis provides an easy tool to quantify TE in human subjects, including patients with neurodegenerative diseases.

Objective

To compare TE levels in scalp hair from patients with MS and healthy controls from the same geographic area (Sicily).

Methods

ICP-MS was used to determine the concentrations of 21 elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sr, U, V and Zn) in scalp hair of 48 patients with relapsing–remitting Multiple Sclerosis compared with 51 healthy controls.

Results

MS patients showed a significantly lower hair concentration of aluminum and rubidium (median values: Al = 3.76 μg/g vs. 4.49 μg/g and Rb = 0.007 μg/g vs. 0.01 μg/g;) and higher hair concentration of U (median values U: 0.014 μg/g vs. 0.007 μg/g) compared to healthy controls. The percentages of MS patients showing hair elemental concentrations greater than the 95th percentile of controls were 20% for Ni, 19% for Ba and U, and 15% for Ag, Mo and Se. Conversely, the percentages of MS patients showing hair elemental concentrations lower than the 5th percentile of healthy controls were 27% for Al, 25% for Rb, 22% for Ag, 19% for Fe, and 16% for Pb. No significant association was found between levels of each TE and age, disease duration or Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score. After stratification by gender, healthy subjects did not show any significant difference in trace element levels, while MS patients showed significant differences (p<0.01) for the concentrations of Ag, Cr, Fe, Ni and Sr. No significant differences were also found, at p<0.01, in relation to the use of cigarettes, consume of water, vegetables and place of living.

Conclusion

The different distributions of TE in hair of MS patients compared to controls provides an additional indirect evidence of metabolic imbalance of chemical elements in the pathogenesis of this disease. The increase in U and decrease in Al and Rb levels in MS compared to controls require further assessments as well as the observed different distributions of other elements.     

Estimation of Toxic Metals in Scalp Hair Samples of Chronic Kidney Patients

The determination of toxic metals (TMs) in the biological samples of human beings is an important clinical screening procedure. The aim of this work is to determine total content of TMs, aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) in scalp hair samples of chronic kidney male patients (CKPs) on maintenance hemodialysis, during the period of 2005–2007. The study included 115 CKPs (all smokers) and 150 controls or referents [82 (nonsmokers) and 68 (smokers)]. Both controls and patients (males) were of the same age group (ranged 25–55 years), socioeconomic status, localities, and dietary habits. The scalp hair samples were analyzed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer, prior to microwave-induced acid digestion. The accuracy of the total Al, Cd, Ni, and Pb measurements was tested by simultaneously analyzing certified reference material (human hair NCS ZC81002). No significant differences were observed between the analytical results and the certified values (paired t test at p > 0.05). The levels of TMs in scalp hair samples of patients were found to be higher as compared to control nonsmoker and smokers. Moreover, the study shows that levels of Al, Cd, Ni, and Pb in scalp hair samples may be useful to evaluate the impact of cigarette smoking in kidney failure patients.     

Evaluation of Essential and Toxic Trace Elements in Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome and Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX), an age-related disorder of the eye, is associated with significant ophthalmic morbidity and can lead to pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEG). The etiology of this disorder has not been clearly understood. Trace elements have been suggested to have roles in the pathogenesis of several disorders. This study aimed to determine whether trace element levels have a role in the development of PEX and/or PEG. Levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), vanadium (V), arsenic (As), aluminum (Al), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and strontium (Sr) were determined in serum samples of 32 cases of PEX, 30 cases of PEG, and 32 control subjects using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. Mn, Mo, and Hg concentrations were found to be significantly increased in patients with PEX. Logistic regression revealed Mn and Hg as the strongest determinants of PEX and Mo as the strongest determinant of PEG in the studied Turkish subjects. Levels of Mn, Cr, Co, Mo, Al, Hg, Sr, Ni, V, and As were determined for the first time in these ophthalmological disorders. Increased levels of serum Mn, Mo, and Hg suggest a possible role of these elements in the pathobiology of PEX.     

Trace Elements in the Hair of Hemodialysis Patients

Trace element disturbance is often observed in hemodialysis patients. While trace element concentrations have been reported in blood samples from hemodialysis patients, they have not been well investigated in scalp hair. In the present study, 22 trace elemental concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry in the scalp hair of 80 male hemodialysis patients and compared with those of 100 healthy male subjects. In hemodialysis patients, the concentrations of beryllium, arsenic, magnesium, chromium, manganese, iron, selenium, molybdenum, iodine, vanadium, and cobalt were significantly higher than those in healthy subjects, while lead, mercury, copper, germanium, and bromine were significantly lower than those in the former group. No significant differences were observed for lithium, aluminum, cadmium, zinc, boron, or nickel. There were significant positive correlations between the duration of hemodialysis and the magnesium and manganese concentrations. There was a significant negative correlation between cadmium concentration and the duration of hemodialysis. There were significant positive correlations between dialysis efficacy (Kt/V) and magnesium, manganese, zinc, and selenium concentrations. In conclusion, trace element concentrations of the scalp hair are different between hemodialysis patients and healthy subjects. Essential trace elements, such as magnesium, manganese, zinc, and selenium, may be affected by the duration of hemodialysis and Kt/V.     

Interaction Between Essential Elements Selenium and Zinc with Cadmium and Mercury in Samples from Hypertensive Patients

The abnormal metabolism of metal ions plays an important role in health and disease conditions; hence, the studies about them have received much interest. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between trace and toxic elements zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), selenium (Se), and mercury (Hg) in biological samples (scalp hair, blood, and urine) of hypertensive patients (n?=?257), residents of Hyderabad, Pakistan. For comparison purpose, the biological samples of age-matched healthy controls were selected as referents. The concentrations of trace and toxic elements were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer prior to microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity and accuracy of the methodology was checked using certified reference materials and by the conventional wet acid digestion method. The recovery of all studied elements was found in the range of 96.4–99.1 % in certified reference materials. The results of this study showed that the mean values of Cd and Hg were significantly higher in scalp hair, blood, and urine samples of hypertensive patients than in referents (P?<?0.001), whilst the concentrations of Zn and Se were lower in the scalp hair and blood, but higher in the urine samples of hypertensive patients. The deficiency of Zn and Se and the high exposure of toxic metals may be synergistic with risk factors associated with hypertension.     

Comparative Metal Distribution in Scalp Hair of Pakistani and Irish Referents and Hypertensive Patients

The abnormal metabolism of metal ions plays an important role in health and disease conditions, and studies about them have been attracting significant interest. The aim of our study was to assess the heavy metals (cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)) in scalp hair samples of 50 Irish and 78 Pakistani hypertensive patients of an urban population together with 50 Irish and 96 Pakistani non-hypertensive male subjects in the age group of 30–50 years. The concentrations of trace and toxic elements were measured by inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrophotometer and atomic absorption spectrophotometer before microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity and accuracy of the methodology were checked using certified reference materials, and by the conventional wet acid digestion method on the same certified reference materials and on real samples. The recovery of all the studied elements was found to be in the range of 97.5–99.7% in certified reference material. The results of this study showed that the mean values of cadmium, nickel, and lead were significantly higher in scalp hair samples of both Pakistani and Irish hypertensive patients than in referents (p < 0.001); whereas, the concentration of zinc was lower in the scalp hair samples of hypertensive patients of both genders. The deficiency of zinc and the high exposure of trace and toxic metals may be the risk factors associated with hypertension.     

Assessment of Trace Elements in Scalp Hair of a Young Urban Population in Brazil

The aim of this study was to establish background values for toxic and essential elements in hair, interelement correlations and the differences in levels between genders in a healthy young population from Southern Brazil. Hair samples (n = 167) were collected from healthy students aged 12–18 years. Trace element concentrations in hair were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The study provided relatively low values for toxic elements and balanced concentrations for the essential elements in the adolescents' hair with reliable reference data. Interestingly, this study also demonstrated statistical correlations considered newfound between the elements in hair. Hair mercury levels were influenced by gender; with males presenting higher values. The overall findings of the present study, with respect to the estimated chemical elements, are of prime importance in the evaluation of reference values for determining environmental effects on children living in urban areas.     

Evaluation of Status of Trace and Toxic Metals in Biological Samples (Scalp Hair, Blood, and Urine) of Normal and Anemic Children of Two Age Groups

Anemia affects a substantial portion of the world’s population, provoking severe health problems as well as important economic losses to the region in which this condition is found. This study was designed to compare the levels of essential trace and toxic elements in scalp hair, blood, and urine samples of anemic children (n = 132) with age range 1–5 and 6–10 years of both genders. For a comparative study, 134 non-anemic age- and sex-matched children as control subjects, residing in the same city, were selected. The metals in the biological samples were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry/electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry prior to microwave-assisted acid digestion. The proposed method was validated using certified reference samples of hair, blood, and urine. The results indicated significantly lower levels of iron, copper, and zinc in the biological samples as compared to the control children of both genders (p = 0.01–0.008). The mean values of lead and cadmium were significantly high in all three biological samples of anemic children as compared to non-anemic children of both age groups (p = 0.005–0.001). The ratios of essential metal to toxic metals in the biological samples of anemic children of both age groups were significantly lower than that of controls. Deficiency of essential trace metals and high level of toxic metals may play a role in the development of anemia in the subjects under study.     

A Discriminant Analysis of Trace Elements in Scalp Hair of Healthy Controls and Stage-IIIB Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Patients

Our work aimed at extending the search for the trace elements (TE) abnormalities in patients with lung cancer and in healthy controls who smoke, and also for evidence of a possible association between lung cancer and TE. The analysis of the hair from patients with Stage-IIIB non-small cell lung cancer (group 1) and healthy controls (group 2) were analyzed using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique in order to obtain information on the correlation between the lung cancer patients and healthy controls. Sixty-seven one-hair samples in group 1 were individually collected before chemoradiotherapy. For comparison, 74 hair samples were collected from group 2. In group 1, the trace elements present at the highest levels were measured to be Ca, Zn, Sn, Na and Mg, respectively, and they were quantified as 68.2, 53.2, 33.9, 23.3, and 28.9?μg.kg(-1), respectively. In group 2, the trace elements present at the highest levels were Zn, Mg, Ca, Fe, and Se, respectively, and they were quantified as 109.7, 31.9, 30.8, 25.0, and 20.1?μg.kg(-1). In group 1, the highest levels of Ca, Sn, and Na were 2.03, 1.06, and 1.01 times higher, respectively, compared with group 2. In group 2, Zn, Mg, Fe, and Se were 2, 1.01, 2.7, and 1.6 times higher, respectively, compared with group 1. When the levels of trace elements were compared between groups 1 and 2 using Student's t test, the levels of Ag, Au, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, Hg, K, Ni, Rb, Rh, Sb, Sc, Ti, V, and Zn were found to be statistically different (p?相似文献   

Comparison of Trace Elements in the Scalp Hair of Malignant and Benign Breast Lesions Versus Healthy Women

Trace elements including Al, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sr, and Zn were analyzed in the scalp hair samples of women with malignant breast lesions, women with benign breast lesions, and healthy donors using atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. In the scalp hair of malignant-tumor patients, the highest average concentration was shown by Ca (1,187 μg/g), followed by Na (655 μg/g), Mg (478 μg/g), Zn (391 μg/g), Sr (152 μg/g), Fe (114 μg/g), and K (89.8), while in the case of benign-tumor patients, the average estimated element levels were 1,522, 1,093, 572, 457, 217, 80.4, and 74.7 μg/g, respectively. Most of the elements exhibited non-normal distribution evidenced by large spread, standard error, and skewness values. Mean concentrations of Ca (634 μg/g), Zn (206 μg/g), Mg (162 μg/g), Fe (129 μg/g), and Na (82.1 μg/g) were noteworthy in the scalp hair of healthy women. Average levels of Na, Sr, K, Cd, Co, Pb, Mg, Ca, Zn, Ni, Sb, and Mn were revealed to be significantly higher in the hair of malignant and benign patients compared to the healthy women; however, Fe, Cu, Al, and Cr were not significantly different in the scalp hair of the three groups. The quartile distributions of Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Sr revealed maximum spread in the scalp hair of malignant and benign groups; nevertheless, Al, Cu, Fe, and Zn exhibited almost comparable quartile levels in the three groups. Strong correlation coefficients were found between Fe and Cd, Al and Na, Mn and Sr, Co and Cr, Cd and Cr, Pb and K, Pb and Mn, Cu and Na, and Al and Fe in the scalp hair of malignant-tumor patients, while Fe and K, Cd and Co, Na and Co, and Cr and Pb showed strong correlations in the scalp hair of benign-tumor patients, both of which were significantly different compared with the healthy subjects. Multivariate cluster analysis also revealed divergent clustering of the elements in the scalp hair of malignant and benign patients in comparison with the healthy women.     

Trace Elements and Heavy Metals in Hair of Stage III Breast Cancer Patients

This prospective study was designed to compare the hair levels of 36 elements in 52 patients with stage III breast cancer to those of an equal number of healthy individuals. Principal component and cluster analysis were used for source of identification and apportionment of heavy metals and trace elements in these two groups. A higher average level of iron was found in samples from patients while controls had higher levels of calcium. Both patients and controls had elevated levels of tin, magnesium, zinc, and sodium. Almost all element values in cancer patients showed higher dispersion and asymmetry than in healthy controls. Between the two groups, there were statistically significant differences in the concentrations of silver, arsenic, gold, boron, barium, beryllium, calcium, cadmium, cerium, cobalt, cesium, gadolinium, manganese, nickel, lead, antimony, scandium, selenium, and zinc (p?相似文献   

Interaction Between Zinc, Cadmium, and Lead in Scalp Hair Samples of Pakistani and Irish Smokers Rheumatoid Arthritis Subjects in Relation to Controls

The incidence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been associated with cigarette smoking. The aim of our study was to assess the trace essential and toxic metals, cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), in scalp hair samples of 32 Irish and 46 Pakistani smokers and non-smokers RA male patients with age range 42-56 years. For comparison purpose, the scalp hair samples of 27 Irish and 55 Pakistani non-RA male subjects of the same age group were collected. The concentrations of trace and toxic elements were measured by inductive coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer and atomic absorption spectrophotometer prior to microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity and accuracy of the methodology was checked using certified reference materials and using conventional wet acid digestion method on the same certified reference materials (CRMs). The recovery of all studied elements was found to be in the range of 97.5-99.7% of certified reference values of CRMs. The results of this study showed that the mean values of Cd and Pb were significantly higher in scalp hair samples of both smoker and non-smoker RA patients than in referents (P < 0.001), whereas the concentration of Zn was lower in the scalp hair samples of smokers and non-smokers rheumatoid arthritis patients. The deficiency of Zn and the high exposure of Cd and Pb as a result of cigarette smoking may be synergistic risk factors associated with rheumatoid arthritis.     

Zinc,Manganese, Calcium,Copper, and Cadmium Level in Scalp Hair Samples of Schizophrenic Patients

The purpose of the study was to determine the concentration of trace elements present in scalp hair sample of schizophrenic patients and to find out the relationship between trace elements level and nutritional status or socioeconomic factors. The study was conducted among 30 schizophrenic male patients and 30 healthy male volunteers. Patients were recruited from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University by random sampling. Hair trace element concentrations were determined by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy and analyzed by independent t test, Pearson’s correlation analysis, regression analysis, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Mn, Zn, Ca, Cu, and Cd concentrations of schizophrenic patients were 3.8 ± 2.31 μg/gm, 171.6 ± 59.04 μg/gm, 396.23 ± 157.83 μg/gm, 15.40 ± 5.68 μg/gm, and 1.14 ± 0.89 μg/gm of hair sample, while those of control subjects were 4.4 ± 2.32 μg/gm, 199.16 ± 27.85 μg/gm, 620.9 ± 181.55 μg/gm, 12.23 ± 4.56 μg/gm, and 0.47 ± 0.32 μg/gm of hair sample, respectively. The hair concentration of Zn and Ca decreased significantly (p = 0.024; p = 0.000, respectively) and the concentration of Cu and Cd increased significantly (p = 0.021; p = 0.000, respectively) in schizophrenic patients while the concentration of Mn (p = 0.321) remain unchanged. Socioeconomic data reveals that most of the patients were poor, middle-aged and divorced. Mean body mass indices (BMIs) of the control group (22.26 ± 1.91 kg/m²) and the patient group (20.42 ± 3.16 kg/m²) were within the normal range (18.5−25.0 kg/m²). Pearson’s correlation analysis suggested that only Ca concentration of patients had a significant positive correlation with the BMI (r = 0.597; p = 0.000) which was further justified from the regression analysis (R ² = 44%; t = 3.59; p = 0.002) and one-way ANOVA test (F = 3.62; p = 0.015). A significant decrease in the hair concentration of Zn and Ca as well as a significant increase in the hair concentration of Cu and Cd in schizophrenic patients than that of its control group was observed which may provide prognostic tool for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. However, further work with larger population is suggested to examine the exact correlation between trace element level and the degree of disorder.     

The Correlation Between Smoking Status of Family Members and Concentrations of Toxic Trace Elements in the Hair of Children

Hair analysis is a promising tool for routine clinical screening and diagnosis of heavy metal exposure and essential trace element status in the human body. Systemic intoxications have been identified by anomalously high values of toxins in hair samples. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the relationship between smoking habit of the family members and the levels of toxic and nontoxic trace elements in hair samples of children. The randomized cross-sectional controlled study comprised of 95 children (41 girls and 54 boys) between the ages of 1 and 6 years. After written informed consent was obtained, a face-to-face interview was conducted with the families about educational background, total income of the family, and smoking habits of family members. The mineral elements considered in this study were Zn, Se, B, V, Co, Mo, Mn, iron (Fe), Be, aluminum (Al), As, cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), Hg, chromium (Cr), Ag, Be, nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), Sn, and antimony (Sb). Hair mineral contents were measured by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The results showed that the levels of Cd, Pb, Cr, Sb, Fe, and Al in hair samples of children whose parents smoked were significantly higher than those whose parents were nonsmokers. The number of smokers and the frequency of smoking at home were positively correlated with Pb, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Sb levels found. At the same time, it was found that there was no correlation between toxic element concentrations and family income or educational background excluding the levels of Cd. A correlation was observed between the smoking status of family members and levels of toxic trace elements in hair where this correlation was more significant with the levels of Pb and Cd. High socioeconomic status and the level of education of family members did not have any effect on toxic trace levels in hair samples of children.     

Trace Elements Analysis of Urine and Hair in Tuberculous Pleurisy

In this study, copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and iron of urine and hair were measured in the patients with tuberculous (TB) pleurisy (n = 24) and in the control group (n = 20). Selenium, magnesium, and zinc of hair were found to be significantly lower in TB pleurisy cases than those in the control group (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, and p < 0.01, respectively). On the contrary, selenium and magnesium of urine were found to be significantly elevated in TB pleurisy cases than those in the control group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in the value of manganese and iron between TB pleurisy and the control group (p > 0.05). Copper level were significantly increased in hair and decreased in urine of the patients (p < 0.01). The occurrence of these abnormalities constitutes new information regarding trace elements in TB pleurisy patients. These results may provide an additional disease correlate for assessing TB pleurisy risk.     

Association of Environmental Toxic Elements in Biological Samples of Myocardial Infarction Patients at Different Stages

The exposure of toxic elements may directly or indirectly associate with different pathogenesis of heart diseases. In the present study, the association of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), and nickel (Ni) in biological samples (whole blood and urine) and mortality from myocardial infarction (MI) patients at first, second, and third heart attacks was carried out. Both biological samples of 130 MI patients (77 male and 53 female), with ages ranging from 45 to 60?years, and 61 healthy persons (33 male and 28 female) of the same age group were collected. The elements in biological samples were assessed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometer, prior to microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity of methodology was checked by the biological certified reference materials. During this study, 78% of 32 patients aged above 50?years, registered after third MI attack, died. In these subjects, the levels of As, Cd, Co, Ni, and Pb in blood samples were higher in MI patients as compared with referents (p?<?0.05), while increased by 11.7%, 12.2%, 5.55%, and 7.2%, respectively, in the blood samples of those patients who tolerated the third MI attack (p?=?0.12). The high level of understudied toxic elements may play a role in the mortality of MI patients.     

Separation/Preconcentration Methods for the Determination of Aluminum in Dialysate Solution and Scalp Hair Samples of Kidney Failure Patients

A new method is reported for the separation of aluminum ions (Al(3+)) from interfering cations in pharmaceutical and biological samples through solid-phase extraction (SPE) using 2-methyl-8-hydroxyquinoline (8-hydroxyquinaldine) on activated silica. While separated Al(3+) was preconcentrated by cloud point extraction (CPE) using 3,5,7,2'-4'-pentahydroxyflavone (morin) as complexing reagent, the resulting complex was entrapped in nonionic surfactant (Triton X-114) as prior step to its determination by spectrofluorimetry (SPF). The validity of separation/preconcentration of Al(3+) was checked by certified reference material of human hair and standard addition method. The chemical variables affecting the analytical performance of the separation/preconcentration methods were studied and optimized. The enrichment factor and detection limit of Al(3+) for the preconcentration of 10?ml of dialysate solution and acid-digested samples of scalp hair samples were found to be 25 and 0.34?μg/L, respectively. The relative standard deviation for six replicates of standard containing 20?μg/L of Al(3+) was <10%. In all DS, the concentration of Al was >10?μg/L. The level of Al in scalp hair samples of kidney failure patients was higher than healthy controls.     

Evaluation of Calcium and Magnesium in Scalp Hair Samples of Population Consuming Different Drinking Water: Risk of Kidney Stone

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) in underground water (UGW), bottled mineral water (BMW), and domestic treated water (DTW) with related to risk of kidney stones. The water samples were collected from different areas of Sindh, Pakistan. The scalp hair samples of both genders, age ranged 30–60 years, consuming different types of water, have or have not kidney disorders, were selected. The Ca and Mg concentrations were determined in scalp hair of study subjects and water by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. The Ca and Mg contents in different types of drinking water, UGW, DTW, and BMW, were found in the range of 79.1–466, 23.7–140, and 45–270 mg/L and 4.43–125, 5.23–39.6, and 7.16–51.3 mg/L, respectively. It was observed that Ca concentration in the scalp hair samples of kidney stone patients consuming different types of drinking water was found to be higher (2,895–4721 μg/g) while Mg level (84.3–101 μg/g) was lower as compare to referents subjects (2,490–2,730 μg/g for Ca, 107–128 μg/g for Mg) in both genders. The positive correlation was found between Ca and Mg levels in water with related to kidney stone formations in population, especially who consumed underground water. A relative risk and odd ratio were calculated; the relative risk had a strong positive association with incidence of kidney stone which depends on types of drinking water.     

Trace Elements in Pleural Effusion Correlates with Smokers with Lung Cancer

Smoking leads to the presence of various elements, including toxic metals and metalloids, in tissues and fluids, thus contributing to cancer risk. This study assessed the concentrations of 14 elements (Ag, Al, As, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Mn, Mo, Pb, Sn, V, and Zn) and biochemical parameters (glucose, lactate dehydrogenase, and total protein) in the pleural effusion (PE) of patients with lung cancer. The potential association of these parameters with smoking was assessed. Total of 48 patients with lung cancer (26 non-smokers and 22 smokers) received thoracocentesis for PE removal. Analysis results revealed that among the biochemical parameters, only the glucose concentration was significantly higher in current smokers than in non-smokers; the other parameters showed no significant difference. The concentration of Zn in the PE was significantly lower in all smokers (10 former and 12 current smokers) than in non-smokers, but the other elements did not differ significantly between the two groups and smoker subgroups. Simultaneously, Zn correlated negatively with glucose concentrations in all smokers, positively with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentration in current smoker, and positively with total protein (TP) concentrations in non-smokers. This is for the first time the relation between Zn and certain biochemical parameters in PE was found, the observation requiring further studies to explain the potential interactions between this element and glucose, LDH, and TP concentrations.