Selenium contentrations in human renal cortex, liver, and hair in Northern Poland

The aim of this study was to (1) determine the selenium concentration in the renal cortex, liver, and hair in 64 residents from northern Poland (Gdańsk region) aged 17–81 yr, who died suddenly, and (2) assess whether a correlation between the selenium concentration in hair and in the renal cortex and liver occurs. Selenium was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry using the hydride generation method. The mean selenium concentration in the renal cortex, liver, and hair in the investigated persons was 0.791±0.191 μg/g (wet weight), 0.289±0.084 μg/g (wet weight), and 0.443±0.128 μg/g, respectively. No age-dependent differences in selenium level in the investigated tissues was found. Also, no correlation between the selenium concentrations in hair and in renal cortex and liver was assessed.     

Serum and hair levels of zinc, selenium, iron, and copper in children with iron-deficiency anemia

In the present study, the serum and hair levels of zinc, selenium, and copper were determined in children with iron-deficiency anemia (IDA). A total of 52 anemic children aged 1–4 yr constituted the study group. Fortysix healthy children acted as controls. The copper and zinc levels were measured with an atomic absorption spectrophometer. Serum and hair selenium was determined by a spectroflourometric method. The serum zinc and selenium concentrations in the IDA group were found to be significantly lower and serum copper significantly higher than those in the controls (p<0.05). Lower iron, zinc, and selenium concentrations (p<0.001) but not copper were found in hair (p>0.05).     

The influence of color,age, and sex on the content of zinc,copper, nickel,manganese, and lead in human hair

The hair of 132 healthy subjects between 6 and 40 yr old living in the Veneto region in Italy was analyzed by means of HPLC method in order to determine the presence of zinc, copper, nickel, manganese, and lead. The collected samples were subdivided on the basis of age (6–11 and 19–40 yr), and sex and color (black, red, brown, and blond). From the data some evident differences were emphasized. In female hair the content of metals was higher than in male hair independently of color. Blond hair gave the lowest concentration values of the elements studied independently of sex. The maximum amount of the metals was found generally in black hair, followed by red and brown hair. Age seems to have a different influence, with the copper element decreasing appreciably in brown and blond female hair as the age of the subjects increased.     

Lead, copper, zinc, and magnesium content in hair of children and young people with some neurological diseases

The lead, copper, zinc, and magnesium levels of scalp hair taken from 153 children aged 1–15 yr and young people (16–18 yr) with selected neurological disorders (hyperexcibility, loss of consciousness, and epileptiform convulsions of an unknown origin, etc.), were measured using the atomic absorption spectrometry method and then compared with a control group of healthy children (n=108). The research indicated significantly reduced mean levels of magnesium in the hair of children suffering from selected neurological diseases (in children aged 11–15 yr of age, above 30%; up to 5 yr of age, nearly 30%; the differences were statistically significant at p<0.05) and slightly decreased mean levels of copper (differences statistically significant at p<0.05, particularly in the 11 to 15-yr category). Differences in zinc levels in hair were inconsiderable (not statistically significant in any age groups). The lead level in the hair of the above-mentioned group of children was exceeded in relation to the control group (a statistically significant difference at p<0.05 for the total group). A more than twofold decrease in the mean value of the Mg/Pb ratio (and a nearly 30% decrease in the value of the Mg/Zn ratio) in the hair of children suffering from neurological diseases suggests that the high toxicity of lead accompanying, among other things, magnesium deficiencies might be a cause of the observed disorders in children.     

Age- and sex-related differences in zinc and lead levels in human hair

The hair of 1518 healthy subjects between newborn and 70 yr old living in Linfen city and the surrounding rural area in Shanxi province, North China, was analyzed by means of a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer method in order to determine the concentrations of zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb). The collected samples were subdivided on the basis of age, sex, and place of residence (urban and rural). In female hair, the contents of Zn were higher than in male, but the hair Pb concentrations of males were slightly higher than those of females. Age seems to have a different influence on the two elements. The maximum amount of hair Zn was found generally in newborns. From the baby group (<1 yr) to the puberty group (15–19 yr), Zn levels in hair increased with age, and then Zn levels decreased with age from the puberty group to elderly group (61–70 yr). The hair Pb levels were the lowest in newborns, increased with age from newborn to infant (1–2 yr), and then decreased with age from infant to the elderly. It was shown that the hair Pb and Zn levels were inversely related in various age groups, suggesting that there is possibly antagonism between Pb and Zn in the human body. The results also showed the hair Pb levels of subjects living in the urban area, except for newborns, were higher than those of subjects residing in the rural area. However, no difference between the hair Zn contents of the populations residing in urban and rural areas.     

Lead,copper, zinc,and magnesium levels in hair of children and young people with some disorders of the osteomuscular articular system

The lead, copper, zinc, and magnesium contents of scalp hair taken from 173 children aged 1–15 yr and young people (16–18 yr) with certain disorders of the osteomuscular articular system (osteomuscular pains of unknown origin, once described as “growing pains”) were measured, using the flame atomic absorption spectrometry method, and then compared with those of 108 normal, healthy children. The research showed increased average levels of lead (a statistically significant p<0.05 in both the overall group of children, and in those over 11 yr old), and zinc (increased in the total group, in a statistically significant way at p<0.10 only in adolescents over 15 yr old) and decreased levels of copper (although not significantly) in the hair of children suffering from “rheumatic” diseases, as compared with controls. The magnesium levels for the total group of ill children were admittedly enhanced, but in the youngest children, the levels were reduced. The values of the Mg/Pb and Mg/Zn ratios were lower (in the youngest children, 70% decrease of the Mg/Pb ratio) and Zn/Cu were higher in the group of children suffering from rheumatic diseases than in the healthy children. The difference of Mg/Pb ratio between the total controls and rheumatic subjects was statistically significant at p<0.05 and the Zn/Cu at p<0.10. The Mg/Zn ratio was not statistically significant.     

Measurement of zinc, copper, manganese, and iron concentrations in hair of pituitary dwarfism patients using flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry

Pituitary dwarfism (hGHD) is known to be associated with trace element deficiency, which causes improper functioning of the involved endocrine system. Previously, we reported on the head hair concentrations of zinc, copper, manganese, and iron from a total of 418 normal subjects (154 male and 264 female). In this report, we analyzed the head hair concentrations of the same four trace metals of 103 hGHD children (60 male and 43 female) under treatment with human growth hormone (hGH). These subjects ranged in age from 5 to 18 yr. The results were compared with 338 agematched normal subjects (120 male and 218 female). Both male and female hGHD showed approx 1.7 times higher zinc concentrations than normal subjects. Cheruvanky et al. reported a similar trend but with a slightly lower difference between hGHD and normal subjects. The average copper content in the hair of both male and female subjects also showed higher values for the hGHD than for the normal subjects, a trend similar to the values reported by Teraoka et al. In the case of manganese, the concentrations in hair of the hGHD were approx 50% of the values in the normal subjects. Head hair concentrations of iron in the hGHD were commensurate with the normal subjects. Because the content of trace elements in hair varies with the age of subjects, as a control, we investigated the head hair concentration of zinc from 20 healthy girls ranging in age from 10 to 18 yr. The average zinc concentration decreased from 10 to 12 yr, but no clear relation to age was observed from 13 yr and older. These trends were similar to our previous report. The zinc concentration in hair and body weight gain over a year was negatively correlated. The age variation in the content of zinc, copper, manganese, and iron in hair was measured comparing hGHD with the normal subjects in various ages. Concerning the zinc-level variation of hGHD and normal subjects, there were conspicuous differences between hGHD and normal subjects. For copper, the variations in concentration with age were similar to zinc. Regarding the age variations for manganese, hGHD had lower concentrations in hair compared to the normal subjects throughout adolescence (11–18 yr). We have studied the effects between the hair and these trace element concentrations in hGHD before and after hGH administration. These results suggest that hGH affects the metabolism of these trace elements.     

Zinc and copper intake and sources in healthy adults living in Bangkok and surrounding districts

The levels of intake and food sources of zinc and copper in 231 20–80 yr old healthy adults living in Bangkok and surrounding districts were determined. Dietary data from 3-d food records collected and validated at Research Center, Ramathibodi Hospital were analyzed. Levels of zinc and copper intake were compared between sexes and age groups (20–39, 40–59, and 60–80 yr). Mean daily zinc and copper intakes (±SEM) in men were 6.3 ±0.2 and 1.9 ±0.1 mg, respectively. Mean daily zinc and copper intakes (±SEM) estimated in women (5.5 ±0.2 and 1.6 +-0.1 mg) were significantly lower. Higher zinc and copper intakes were found in the younger (20-39 yr) age group of both sexes. This could be explained by higher density and percentage from animal source of both nutrients. Consumption of various types of meat, fish, egg, and milk accounted for 42 and 22%, and rice, the staple food of Thai people for 9 and 23% of total dietary zinc and copper, respectively.     

Essential trace and toxic element distribution in the scalp hair of Pakistani myocardial infarction patients and controls

The pathogenesis of heart disease has been associated with changes in the balance of certain trace elements. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Zn, Fe, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Cd contents in scalp hair samples of myocardial infarction (MCI) patients hospitalized in the cardiac ward of National Hospital in Hyderabad city (Pakistan). Scalp hair samples were collected from 193 patients (104 male, 89 female) of 3 age groups (46–60, 61–75, and 76–90 yr), for a comparative study, 200 normal, healthy subjects (103 male, 97 female) of the same age groups residing in the same city were selected. All metals in scalp hair samples were assessed by a flame/graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer, prior to microwave-assisted and conventional wet acid digestion methods. Results were calculated in micrograms per gram. The mean values of Fe and Zn of scalp hair samples of MCI patients were significantly reduced compared to the control subjects of both genders. The mean Fe concentrations in male patients were 19.42, 12.36, and 6.98 vs 30.69, 24.42, and 16.75 for the control patients in the three age groups (46–60, 61–75, and 76–90 yrs, respectively). The mean Zn concentration in male patients were 169.2, 149.4, and 107.7 μg/g vs 206.1, 188.0, and 154.4 μg/g for the control group (p<0.002, 0.004, and 0.001) in all three age groups, respectively. These differences were also observed in the female study groups. The mean values of Pb, Cd, and Ni were significantly high in patients compared to healthy subjects (mean Pb in male patients: 11.85, 12.89, and 14.52 those of female patients were 11.88, 12.73, and 14.21 vs the male controls patients (6.08, 7.56, and 8.56) and female controls (5.99, 7.41, and 8.25) for all three age groups, respectively. The concentration of Ni and Cd in the scalp hair samples of the heart patients of both sexes were significantly higher compared to the control; in the case of Ni the range of significant difference for males was found to be p<0.001–0.009 and for females to be p<0.0.002–0.007 and significantly high concentration of Cd were observed in hair samples of patients than in controls in the range for males (p<0.001–0.009) and in females (p<0.001–0.011). The Zn/Cu and Zn/Cd ratios in the scalp hair (p<0.01) of the diseased groups were significantly lower than that of the healthy groups. Deficiency of essential trace metals and high level of toxic metals might play a role in the development of heart disease in the subjects of this study. Toxic metals might also cause diminished absorption of essential elements.     

Hair and serum calcium, iron, copper, and zinc levels during normal pregnancy at three trimesters

The hair and serum levels of calcium, iron, copper, and zinc levels were measured in a group of 70 healthy pregnant women and in 66 age-matched healthy controls living in the Tianjin city of the People’s Republic of China. The study subjects were classified into three subgroups according to gestational age. The hair concentrations were measured by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, whereas those in sera were established by atomic absorption spectrometry. The hair concentrations of Ca, Fe, Cu, and Zn in the three groups of gravida were lower or significantly lower than those in controls. In sera, the differences did not show statistical significance in most cases. A deficiency of calcium was observed in subjects in the last trimester of gestation. This reinforces the importance of supplementation with calcium during pregnancy.     

Serum copper concentration in adults with acute, uncomplicated Falciparum malaria infection

Serum copper concentration was measured in 80 adult patients (40 males and females each; age range: 18–40 yr) presenting with acute, uncomplicated falciparum malaria infection and a control group of 20 age-matched, healthy individuals. The mean serum copper concentration was 109.0±40.0 μg/dL in healthy individuals. Both male and female patients were found to have a significantly decreased serum copper concentration (p<0.05). In the male patients, the mean serum copper concentration decreased by 33.95%, whereas it dropped by 38.53% in their female counteraparts. A compromised enzymatic antioxidant defense capability, particularly superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, has been reported in patients with falciparum malaria infection. Because SOD activity is dependent on copper, the ineffective SOD activity can be related to the decrease in the concentration of copper during the infection. Low serum copper can also contribute to the ineffective immune response of the host to the antigenic challenge of the falciparum parasite because copper is also important for normal immune function.     

Trace element status (Se, Cu, Zn) in healthy portuguese subjects of Lisbon population

Serum levels of selenium, copper, and zinc were systematically determined in healthy subjects of the Lisbon population. The sample consisted of 183 blood donors of both genders who were divided into two age groups: 20–44 and 45–70 yr of age; relationships with gender, age, the lipid profile, and tobacco consumption were investigated. In the female group, the intake of oral contraceptives and pregnancy were considered for the youngest women, and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) was taken into account for the oldest ones. Serum concentrations of these elements were in the same range as those found for populations of other European countries. Differences between genders were observed for the three elements studied, with serum selenium and zinc concentrations higher in men and copper levels higher in women. Age-dependent differences were found for selenium: The oldest subjects (regardless gender) presented the highest concentrations of selenium in serum as further demonstrated by the positive correlation with age. In both pregnant and contraceptive-using women, copper was greatly increased, confirming the influence of estrogen status and/or oral contraceptive intake on increased serum copper levels. However, in postmenopausal women, HRT did not significantly affect serum copper levels. Selenium, copper, and zinc status were not different between normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic subjects for the same gender and age range, but selenium levels tended to increase with hyperlipidemia when considering the whole group of subjects. With respect to the lifestyle, higher serum zinc levels were found in tobacco-consuming men. Albumin serum levels were similar for all considered subgroups, except for the pregnant women, for whom a decrease in this parameter was observed. The present study allowed one to obtain reference values for this healthy group of population, which will serve for a comparative study with groups having pathological conditions, such as cardiovascular disease.     

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 Essential Trace and Toxic Elements in Scalp Hair Samples of Smokers and Alcohol User Hypertensive Patients

The incidence of hypertension has been associated to cigarette smoking and consumption of alcohol. In the present study, trace and toxic elements were determined in scalp hair of patients diagnosed with hypertension who are smokers and habitual alcohol drinkers living in Dublin, Ireland. These results were compared with age- and sex-matched healthy, nonsmokers, nondrinking controls. The concentrations of trace and toxic elements were measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer after microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity and accuracy of the methodology were checked using certified reference material (NCS ZC 81002b) and by the conventional wet acid digestion method on the same certified reference material 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, copper, iron, nickel and lead were significantly higher in scalp hair samples of both smoker and nonsmoker hypertensive patients than 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 as a result of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption may be synergistic with risk factors associated with hypertension.     

Changes in trace element concentrations in hair of growing children

Head hair concentrations of zinc, copper, manganese, and iron from a total of 418 subjects (154 male and 264 female) aged between 6 mo and 20 yr were measured mainly with flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Only zinc analysis of a part of the female samples (n=140) were analyzed with inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. The two analytical methods showed close agreement. The mean concentration of copper and manganese were significantly higher in male subjects than in female subjects. The trace element concentrations in hair varied with the subject’s age. Zinc concentration in hair decreased from 6 mo to 14 yr in the male subjects and decreased from 6 mo to 12 yr in the female subjects. Then, the concentrations increased gradually to 20 yr in the both sexes. Age-dependent variations of copper and manganese concentrations in hair showed similar trends to those of zinc. The results of this study suggest that a higher concentration in the diet of these trace elements may be required for growing children, especially in the period of adolescence.     

A contribution to the world selenium map

Atomic absorption spectrophotometric method was used to determine the serum selenium levels of 86 healthy individuals. Variations in age, sex, and geographically different urban regions of Yugoslavia were investigated. A group of 63 healthy children, ages 8–15 yr, were examined. Mean±standard deviation of the serum selenium concentration was 57±9 μg/L; age and geographic area had no effect on the Se status of children, but the difference between boys and girls was significant (P<0.05). A group of 23 men from Zagreb, ages 22–37 yr, were examined. The group was divided into three age subgroups and no difference was found among these groups. The mean Se concentration was 69±18 μg/L, and a statistically significant difference was found only between the group of adults and the group of children (P<0.05).     

Characterization of selenium status of inhabitants in the region Ústi nad orlici,czech republic by inaa of blood serum and hair and fluorimetric analysis of urine

Selenium is an essential trace element and its isufficient status may cause serious health complications for both individuals and the whole populations. To investigate the selenium status of the subpop-ulation in northeastern Bohemia represented by the region ústí nad Orlicí, 253 serum, 469 urine, and 31 hair samples from 470 randomly selected volunteers between 6 and 65 yr of age have been analyzed for selenium concentration. Serum and hair Se were detected by instrumental neutron activation analysis (means: 55 ±11 Μg Se/L sera, 0.268 ±0.040 Μg Se/g hair). Urine Se was measured by fluorimetry (12 ±5 Μg Se/L urine) with coanalyses of Lyphocheck urine, SRM Urine 2670, and Seronorm urine for quality control of the method. Results proved significant age-dependent differences, but gender differences were not significant. The frequency plot of serum Se proved maximal frequencies in adults between 55 and 70 Μg Se/L and in children in the range 45–55 Μg Se/L. The same plots of urine Se for both age groups showed maximal frequency in the limits 8–15 Μg Se/L. All indices used (Se in serum, urine, and hair) confirmed mild to severe selenium deficiency in the population of the region.     

Selenium levels in blood of Upper Silesian population

The selenium status and the relationship of whole-blood selenium and plasma homocysteine are reported for healthy human subjects living in Upper Silesia. A total of 1063 individuals (627 male and 436 female) examined for whole-blood selenium were subdivided into six groups according to age; the youngest included adolescents (n=143) aged 10–15 yr, and the oldest were centenarians (n=132). The mean Se content was relatively low (62.5±18.4 μg/L), and it tended to be higher in men (65.9±17.2 μg/L) than in women (57.5±18.9 μg/L). Selenium levels appeared to be age dependent, as the highest values were observed in young and middle-age adults (21–40 yr), whereas they were significantly lower in adolescents and in the elderly. In more than 40% of apparently healthy adults (aged 21–69 yr), the Se concentration was within the range 60–80 μg/L (i.e., below the lower limit of the nutritional adequacy range [80 μg/L]). A significant inverse correlation between whole-blood selenium and plasma total homocysteine was detected in a smaller population sample of middle-aged and elderly persons (n=204).     

Selenium concentrations in human renal cortex, liver, and hair in northern Poland

The aim of this study was to (1) determine the selenium concentration in the renal cortex, liver, and hair in 64 residents from northern Poland (Gdańsk region) aged 17-81 yr, who died suddenly, and (2) assess whether a correlation between the selenium concentration in hair and in the renal cortex and liver occurs. Selenium was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry using the hydride generation method. The mean selenium concentration in the renal cortex, liver, and hair in the investigated persons was 0.791+/-0.191 microg/g (wet weight), 0.289+/-0.084 microg/g (wet weight), and 0.443+/-0.128 microg/g, respectively. No age-dependent differences in selenium level in the investigated tissues was found. Also, no correlation between the selenium concentrations in hair and in renal cortex and liver was assessed.     

Serum Iron,Zinc, and Copper Concentration in Premature Graying of Hair

Premature graying of hair with unclear etiology, which is known as premature canities, is a common cause of referrals to the dermatologists. We assessed the relationship between serum iron, copper, and zinc concentrations with premature canities. This study was conducted on patients under 20 years old suffering from premature canities, having a minimum of ten gray hair fibers, and referring to university hospitals of Isfahan (Iran). The results were compared with age–sex-matched controls. Demographic data and disease characteristics were recorded for two groups. We studied serum iron, copper, and zinc concentrations of 66 patients and 66 controls using atomic absorption and Ferrozine methods. The mean age of studied cases was 17.8 ± 2.0 years, and the mean age of the onset of canities was 15.5 ± 3.2 years with no significant difference between males and females (P > 0.05). Serum copper concentration was significantly lower in patients compared with controls (90.7 ± 37.4 vs. 105.3 ± 50.2 μg/dL, P = 0.048), but serum iron concentration was significantly lower in controls compared to patients (88.8 ± 39.5 vs. 108.3 ± 48.4 μg/dL, P = 0.008). Also, there was no significant difference between patients and controls in serum zinc concentration (114.8 ± 67.8 vs. 108.2 ± 49.9 μg/dL, P = 0.285). According to these results, among copper, zinc, and iron, a low serum copper concentration may play a role in premature graying of hairs in our society. Further studies are needed to find the underlying mechanism of this relationship.