Abstract
It has long been believed that some metals possess many adverse health effects. Recently, certain elements have been identified as essential trace elements that play an important role in the genesis and progression of several diseases. Some toxic metals have also been shown to be elevated in biological samples of diabetes mellitus patients. The status of trace elements in diabetes patients is also influenced by their diet, drugs administered and, to a large extent, by environmental factors. Pollutants due to the presence of toxic metals in environment not only enter the body by breading, water, and foodstuff accumulates in hair, but they could be adsorbed directly on the hair from environment. The aim of present study was to investigate the relationship between the level of zinc, lead, cadmium, nickel and chromium in hair samples of diabetic women from Tehran (Iran). The study population consisted of 100 women between 30 to 70 years of age from Tehran. The hair samples were washed with 1% (w/v) (DDTC), 0.1M HCL and deionized water. Afterwards, the hair sample dried in oven at 70° C for 5 hours and then digested the next day. Dry ashing digestion procedure was carried out. The concentration of elements was measured by means of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The statistical analysis confirmed that mean concentrations of lead and nickel did not differ significantly from the control group. The results of this study showed that the mean values of Cr and Zn were significantly decreased in scalp hair samples of diabetic patients as compared to control subjects. Hair Cd level was significantly higher in type 2 diabetic patients. Values of Pearson correlation coefficient showed positive correlation between these elements.
Highlights
It has long been believed that heavy metals possess many adverse health effects
Several studies have indicated that the deficiency and efficiency of some essential trace metals may play a role in the islet function and development of diabetes mellitus
Some toxic metals have been shown to be elevated in biological samples of diabetes mellitus patients (3)
Summary
It has long been believed that heavy metals possess many adverse health effects. Uncontrolled industrialization has released heavy metal pollution in the world. Interest in the importance of trace elements to human health has increased considerably during last decades (1). Certain elements have been identified as essential trace elements that play an important role in the genesis and progression of several diseases. Chromium, cadmium, nickel and lead are of great importance because these elements are largely used in the metal industry including welders and alloy smelter works. There are so many factors contributing to the pathophysiology of type II diabetes, some of these factors are trace elements (2). Several studies have indicated that the deficiency and efficiency of some essential trace metals may play a role in the islet function and development of diabetes mellitus
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