Altered Balance of Macroelements and Trace Elements in Blood Serum, Its Ultrafiltrates, and Hairs Long after Exposure to Low Doses of Ionizing Radiation

Abstract

Using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, we examined the level of Al, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, P, Pb, S, and Zn in blood serum, its ultrafiltrates, and hairs of liquidators of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident who were working in the disaster region in 1986–1987. Studies continued over a period of time provided evidence for a distinct change in the balance of macroelements and trace elements in the studied biological substrates of irradiated individuals. An increase in the level of copper in the ultrafiltrate and a marked decrease in the content of zinc in the ultrafiltrate are viewed as key factors in the generation of a response to low doses of ionizing radiation. Concerning the content of iron in hairs, we demonstrate its accelerated removal from the body of liquidators. The altered balance of biotic macroelements, phosphorus, and sulfur remained unchanged when these characteristics were studied as a function of time. We found changes in the ratios of divalent cations, magnesium and zinc, in the ultrafiltrates. The magnesium concentration in the studied biological substrates was the most stable characteristic after irradiation. The level of toxic trace elements (lead, cadmium, and aluminum) did not exceed physiologically acceptable levels, while their content in hairs may be a biological indicator of their accumulation in the body.