Concentrations Of Essential Trace Elements Research Articles

Quantitative profiling and baseline intervals of trace elements in healthy lung tissues

BackgroundHuman lung tissue, as an interface with the environment, is susceptible to various environmental pollutants, including trace metals. However, quantitative data on trace metals in human lung tissues remain poorly described. MethodsThis study aimed to characterize the elemental composition of histologically healthy, unaffected parts of human lung tissues, associated with non-infective, non-infiltrative, and non-malignant diseases (n = 60) for essential (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, and Se) and toxic trace elements (Sr, Ni, As, Cd, and Pb). Additionally, we investigated the influence of personal factors (sex, age, and smoking habits) on the examined trace element profiles, as well as between the trace elements correlations in the healthy human lungs. ResultsAmong the analyzed trace elements, Fe was the most prevalent, while As was the least prevalent in healthy lung tissues. Stratifying by age revealed significantly higher Cr and Co (less Sr, Ni, and Pb) and lower Se levels in older individuals (above 65 years) compared to their younger counterparts. Sex-based differences were also notable, with Cu and Co 1.2- and 2.3-fold higher levels in females than in males. Exploring the impact of smoking habits revealed a striking 10-fold increase in Cd levels in the lung tissues of smokers compared to non-smokers. Correlation analyses showed significant positive associations between concentrations of certain toxic and essential trace elements in healthy lung tissues. ConclusionsThis study could contribute to the establishment of baseline intervals for essential and toxic trace elements, valuable for toxicological and clinical assessment, in healthy, unaffected human lungs, and indicates the influence of sex, age, and smoking. However, further larger-scale studies are needed to make more stable conclusions.

Evaluation of serum concentration of essential trace elements during therapy among tuberculosis patients in Uyo, Nigeria

Background: Nutritional status is one of the most important determinants of immune response to infection. The objective of this study was to assess the serum concentrations of selected trace elements in selected patients on anti-tuberculosis (TB) therapy in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria Methodology: This was a prospective observational study of selected TB patients attending the TB treatment centers of selected hospitals in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, for assessment of the serum concentrations of some essential trace elements during anti-TB therapy. First, participants with suspected pulmonary TB were consecutively selected and sputum samples were collected from each of them into wide mouth containers for GeneXpert TB analysis. Then, 5 millilitres of venous blood were collected from participants who tested positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) on GeneXpert test into plain specimen containers at the time of diagnosis, and at the 2 nd, 4th and 6th month of anti-TB therapy. Blood samples were also collected from randomly selected apparently healthy individuals as controls. The samples were centrifuged at 3,000 rpm for 5 minutes, and serum concentrations of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), selenium (Se) and chromium (Cr) were measured using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: A total of 155 participants with suspected TB were selected for the study, 83 (53.5%) were females while 72 (46.5%) were males. Majority of the participants were in age group 31-50 years. Thirteen (8.4%) participants were positive for MTB on GeneXpert analysis and placed on standard anti-TB therapy, while 1 participant defaulted. The mean serum concentrations of all the trace elements measured for the 12 positive participants at the different stages of anti-TB therapy was statistically significant (p<0.05). The mean serum concentrations of Zn, Fe and Se were significantly increased at the 4 th and 6th month of therapy compared to the concentration at diagnosis and at 2 nd month of treatment. However, the mean serum concentrations of Cu and Cr significantly decreased at the 6 th month of treatment compared to their concentrations at initial diagnosis. Conclusion: Assessment of the serum concentrations of Zn, Fe, Cu, Se and Cr could serve as indicator of nutritional status and oxidative stress, as well as serve as treatment indices to assess patients on anti-TB therapy. English title: Évaluation de la concentration sérique des oligo-éléments essentiels au cours du traitement chez les patients tuberculeux à Uyo, Nigeria Contexte: L'état nutritionnel est l'un des déterminants les plus importants de la réponse immunitaire à l'infection. L'objectif de cette étude était d'évaluer les concentrations sériques d'oligo-éléments sélectionnés chez des patients sélectionnés sous traitement antituberculeux (TB) à Uyo, dans l'État d'Akwa Ibom, au Nigeria. Méthodologie: Il s'agissait d'une étude observationnelle prospective de patients tuberculeux sélectionnés fréquentant les centres de traitement de la tuberculose d'hôpitaux sélectionnés à Uyo, dans l'État d'Akwa Ibom, au Nigeria, pour l'évaluation des concentrations sériques de certains oligo-éléments essentiels pendant le traitement antituberculeux. Tout d'abord, les participants suspects de tuberculose pulmonaire ont été sélectionnés consécutivement et des échantillons d'expectorations ont été prélevés sur chacun d'eux dans des récipients à large ouverture pour l'analyse GeneXpert TB. Ensuite, 5 millilitres de sang veineux ont été prélevés sur des participants testés positifs pour Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) sur le test GeneXpert dans des récipients d'échantillons simples au moment du diagnostic et aux 2e, 4e et 6e mois de traitement antituberculeux. Des échantillons de sang ont également été prélevés sur des individus apparemment en bonne santé choisis au hasard comme témoins. Les échantillons ont été centrifugés à 3 000 tr/min pendant 5 minutes et les concentrations sériques de cuivre (Cu), de zinc (Zn), de fer (Fe), de sélénium (Se) et de chrome (Cr) ont été mesurées par spectrométrie d'absorption atomique à flamme. Résultats: Un total de 155 participants suspects de tuberculose ont été sélectionnés pour l'étude, 83 (53,5%) étaient des femmes et 72 (46,5%) étaient des hommes. La majorité des participants appartenaient à la tranche d'âge des 31 à 50 ans. Treize (8,4%) participants étaient positifs pour MTB lors de l'analyse GeneXpert et placés sous traitement antituberculeux standard, tandis qu'un participant a abandonné. Les concentrations sériques moyennes de tous les oligo- éléments mesurées pour les 12 participants positifs aux différentes étapes de la thérapie antituberculeuse étaient statistiquement significatives (p<0,05). Les concentrations sériques moyennes de Zn, Fe et Se ont été significativement augmentées au 4ème et 6ème mois de traitement par rapport à la concentration au moment du diagnostic et au 2ème mois de traitement. Cependant, les concentrations sériques moyennes de Cu et Cr ont significativement diminué au 6ème mois de traitement par rapport à leurs concentrations lors du diagnostic initial. Conclusion: L'évaluation des concentrations sériques de Zn, Fe, Cu, Se et Cr pourrait servir d'indicateur de l'état nutritionnel et du stress oxydatif, ainsi que servir d'indices de traitement pour évaluer les patients sous traitement antituberculeux.

Dietary Intake and Exposure Assessment of Trace Elements in Infants' Diets: A Case Study in Kuwait.

Different types of infant foods categorized as formulas, cereals, and purees imported from seven different countries and available on the Kuwaiti retail market were collected to determine the elemental content, including essential trace elements namely chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and molybdenum (Mo); potentially toxic trace elements such as aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), tin (Sn), antimony (Sb), and uranium (U); and toxic trace elements including arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg). The samples were analyzed using ICP-MS. An extensive literature search illustrated the uniqueness of this study since seven different essential elements, five different potentially toxic elements, and four different toxic trace elements were measured in a variety of infant foods; in addition, the different trace etlemental levels measured in the investigated infant foods were compared to the ones associated with the different infant foods types reported in the literature. The essential trace element concentrations detected in this study were implemented to calculate their total daily intake, where the calculated daily intake values were compared to their recommended dietary allowance (RDA) to assess the percentage total daily intake for the essential trace elements. Further, the calculated potentially toxic and toxic trace elements daily intake values were used to assess the potential health risks to infants incurred by consuming different infant foods by calculating the hazard quotient (HQ), while the margin of exposure (MOE) was calculated for the toxic ones only. It was concluded that infant formulas and foods should be added to the infant diet in addition to breast milk to meet specific nutritional needs. This study confirms that infants are exposed to toxic trace elements via diet, warranting careful attention to diet choices both to limit this exposure and to avert potentially hazardous adverse health effects to the infants. However, based on the calculated hazard quotients (HQs) and margin of exposures (MOEs), consuming breast milk in addition to almost all different types of infant foods is considered safe and unlikely to contribute to infants' non-cancerous health hazards.

Method validation for (ultra)-trace element concentrations in urine for small sample volumes in large epidemiological studies: application to the population-based epidemiological multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA).

Analysis of essential and non-essential trace elements in urine has emerged as a valuable tool for assessing occupational and environmental exposures, diagnosing nutritional status and guiding public health and health care intervention. Our study focused on the analysis of trace elements in urine samples from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), a precious resource for health research with limited sample volumes. Here we provide a comprehensive and sensitive method for the analysis of 18 elements using only 100 μL of urine. Method sensitivity, accuracy, and precision were assessed. The analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) included the measurement of antimony (Sb), arsenic (As), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), cesium (Cs), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), gadolinium (Gd), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), strontium (Sr), thallium (Tl), tungsten (W), uranium (U), and zinc (Zn). Further, we reported urinary trace element concentrations by covariates including gender, ethnicity/race, smoking and location. The results showed good accuracy and sensitivity of the ICP-MS method with the limit of detections rangings between 0.001 μg L-1 for U to 6.2 μg L-1 for Zn. Intra-day precision for MESA urine analysis varied between 1.4% for Mo and 26% for Mn (average 6.4% for all elements). The average inter-day precision for most elements was <8.5% except for Gd (20%), U (16%) and Mn (19%) due to very low urinary concentrations. Urinary mean concentrations of non-essential elements followed the order of Sr > As > Cs > Ni > Ba > Pb > Cd > Gd > Tl > W > U. The order of urinary mean concentrations for essential trace elements was Zn > Se > Mo > Cu > Co > Mn. Non-adjusted mean concentration of non-essential trace elements in urine from MESA participants follow the order Sr > As > Cs > Ni > Ba > Pb > Cd > Gd > Tl > W > U. The unadjusted urinary mean concentrations of essential trace elements decrease from Zn > Se > Mo > Cu > Co > Mn.

Essential Trace and Toxic Element Content in Lacaune Sheep Milk during Lactation.

The aim of this study was to investigate the concentrations of essential trace and toxic elements in the milk of Lacaune sheep during lactation in intensive rearing systems. This research was conducted with 30 Lacaune sheep that were monitored in the early (60 days of lactation), medium (120 days of lactation), and late (180 days of lactation) stages of lactation. The sheep were fed a pelleted feed mixture (1 kg/day), a cereal mixture (600 g/day), and alfalfa hay (ad libitum). The essential (Fe, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, Mo, Se, Cr, and Ni) and toxic element (heavy metals: Cd, Pb, As, and Hg) concentrations in the feed and milk were determined using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Significant variations in the main essential trace and toxic elements, except for the Mo, Se, Ni, As, and Hg concentrations, were found in the milk of Lacaune sheep during lactation. As lactation progressed, in the late stage of lactation, significantly higher concentrations of Co, Mn, Mo, Cr, and Pb were found, while Zn and Cu in the milk of Lacaune sheep decreased significantly (4.15 and 0.21 mg/kg) compared to their concentrations in the early stage of lactation (5.66 and 0.43 mg/kg). Significantly lower concentrations of Fe and higher concentrations of Cd were found in the medium stage (0.23 mg/kg and 1.08 µg/kg) of lactation compared to both the early and late stages of lactation. An analysis of the correlation coefficients between the essential trace and toxic elements in Lacaune sheep milk during lactation determined a significantly positive correlation between Fe:Cr, Fe:Mn, Fe:Co, Fe:Se, Zn:Ni, Zn:Se, Cr:Mn, Cr:Co, Cr:Se, Cr:Mo, Mn:Co, Mn:Pb, Co:Ni, Co:Se, Ni:Se, Se:Mo, Se:Pb, and Cd:Pb. A significantly negative correlation was also found between Cu:Mn, Zn:Mo, Cg:Hg, and Hg:Pb. Based on the obtained results, it is recommended that the influence of the stage of lactation, as well as the breed of sheep, should be included when designing experiments. In general, sheep milk is rich in essential trace elements, but it also contains a very low content of toxic elements, which provides justification for increasing the breeding of Lacaune sheep and indicates the convenience of consuming their milk without risking the consumer's health.

Copper and nanocopper toxicity using integrated biomarker response in Pangasianodon hypophthalmus.

The current study focused on assessing the toxicological effects of copper (Cu) and copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) in acute condition on Pangasianodon hypophthalmus. The median lethal concentration (LC50 ) for Cu and Cu-NPs were determined as 8.04 and 3.85 mg L-1 , respectively. For the subsequent definitive test, varying concentrations were selected: 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, and 9.0 mg L-1 for Cu, and 3.0, 3.3, 3.6, 3.9, and 4.2 mg L-1 for Cu-NPs. To encompass these concentration levels and assess their toxic effects, biomarkers associated with toxicological studies like oxidative stress, neurotransmission, and cellular metabolism were measured in the liver, kidney, and gill tissues. Notably, during the acute test, the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-s-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, and lipid peroxide in the liver, gill, and kidney tissues were significantly increased due to exposure to Cu and Cu-NPs. Similarly, acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain was notably inhibited in the presence of Cu and Cu-NPs when compared to the control group. Cellular metabolic stress was greatly influenced by the exposure to Cu and Cu-NPs, evident from the considerable elevation of cortisol, HSP 70, and blood glucose levels in the treated groups. Furthermore, integrated biomarker response, genotoxicity, DNA damage in gill tissue, karyotyping in kidney tissue, and histopathology in gill and liver were investigated, revealing tissue damage attributed to exposure to Cu and Cu-NPs. In conclusion, this study determined that elevated concentrations of essential trace elements, namely Cu and Cu-NPs, induce toxicity and disrupt cellular metabolic activities in fish.

Using cattle hair to assess exposure to essential trace elements in volcanic soils

BackgroundIn areas where cattle graze outdoors, the environmental availability of trace elements is of utmost importance for an adequate intake. Cattle hair trace elements can be used as exposure biomarkers to assess animal intake and help ensure good nutrition and animal welfare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the environmental exposure to trace elements in cattle grazing outdoors in a volcanic region (São Miguel Island, Azores) and assess the corresponding bioaccumulation factors. MethodsTwenty-nine samples of pasture topsoil were collected in two areas of São Miguel with different geological characteristics: Picos fissure system (basaltic area) and Povoação volcano (trachytic area). Hair from fifty-four animals (calves and dairy cows) was collected in two grazing sites: Ponta Delgada (Picos fissure system) and Povoação (Povoação volcano). All samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after digestion in aqua regia. ResultsBasaltic soils of the Picos fissure system had significantly higher concentrations of most trace elements, except Mo, when compared with the trachytic soils of Povoação volcano. Hair of calves from Povoação showed higher concentrations of most essential trace elements, except Mg, Cu, and Zn, than hair from calves of Ponta Delgada (considered in this study as a control group since they are raised in a barn). On the other hand, hair from dairy cows grazing in Ponta Delgada showed higher concentrations of most essential trace elements, except Mg, As, and Mo, when compared with hair of cows grazing in Povoação. ConclusionsCattle hair trace elements are suitable biomarkers for the assessment of the environmental exposure to trace elements in volcanic soils. The results from dairy cows support the uneven distribution of essential trace elements (and their bioavailability) in the different soils of São Miguel, reinforcing the need to graze animals outdoors from an early age. Such practice (grazing cattle outdoors) provides another means of accessing essential trace elements that complemented with feed can reduce the natural depletion of these essential elements in the body due to reproductive phenomena and milk production.

Biomonitoring of toxic and essential trace elements in different tissues of fish species in Türkiye

ABSTRACT Concentrations of toxic and essential trace elements (Hg, Ni, Cu, Pb, Cr, Cd, Mn, As and Se) were determined in different tissues (muscle, skin and liver) of three commercial fish species (Diplodus sargus, Zeus faber, Pomatomus saltatrix). The concentration of the elements was measured by ICP-MS. Arsenic was the most accumulated element in fish tissues. As concentrations in tissues of all fish species, except muscle and skin of John Dory fish, were higher than the maximum limits (MLs). The highest Se concentrations in all fish tissues were in found in the liver. Mn levels were higher than the maximum limits in all tissues of Sargoz fish, skin of John Dory fish, livers of Bluefish and Big Bluefish. In addition, Cr concentrations in tissues of all fish species were found to be higher than the maximum limits of FEPA and WHO.

Factors Affecting Toxic and Essential Trace Element Concentrations in Cow's Milk Produced in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to provide information on the levels of toxic (Cd and Pb) and essential (Cu, Fe, and Zn) elements in cow's milk produced in the State of Pernambuco (Brazil). A total of 142 samples of raw milk were collected, and the concentrations of essential and toxic elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. In almost 30% of the samples analyzed, the Pb content exceeded the maximum level established in the Brazilian legislation (0.05 mg/L). By contrast, in all the samples, the Cd content was below the maximum allowable level (0.02 mg/L). The essential trace elements Cu, Fe, and Zn were generally present at lower concentrations than reported in other studies and can be considered within the deficient range for cow's milk. Statistical and chemometric procedures were used to evaluate the main factors influencing the metal concentrations (proximity to major roads, presence of effluents, and milking method). The study findings demonstrate that the proximity of the farms to major roads influences the concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Cu and that this is the main factor explaining the Pb content of milk. In addition, the presence of effluents influenced the concentrations of Cu, while no relationship between the metal content and the milking method was observed. Thus, in accordance with the study findings, the consumption of cow's milk produced in the region can be considered a risk to public health due to the high concentrations of Pb and the low concentrations of other essential minerals such as Cu, Zn, and Fe in some of the milk samples.

Effect of feed trace elements on eggs of five strains of laying hens and their health risk assessment.

Trace elements are essential for human nutrition, and their deficiencies or excesses are strongly associated with several diseases, such as cardiovascular ones. The current cross-sectional study investigated the concentration of essential trace elements (copper, non-metal selenium, iron, zinc, cobalt and manganese) in eggs and diets of five strains of laying hens. The yolk and albumen were analysed separately, and wet preparation was carried out following inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry detection. The target hazard quotients (THQs) for the non-carcinogenic disease were calculated by the United States environmental protection agency (USEPA) method. The highest concentrations of selenium, zinc and manganese were found in egg yolks of native hens (0.76, 44.22 and 6.52mg/kg, respectively). The highest amounts of copper and cobalt were recorded in the egg yolk of Lohman (2.07 and 0.023mg/kg, respectively). On the other hand, the egg yolk of Bovans contained the highest amount of iron (57.46mg/kg). Overall, the potential health risks were minimal, and the consumption of eggs was generally safe.

Concentrations of potentially toxic and essential trace elements in marketed rice of Bangladesh: Exposure and health risks

Rice is a major dietary source of essential trace elements required for the human body but also can be an exposure pathway to different potentially toxic trace elements. This study determined various essential and toxic trace elements in rice from Bangladeshi markets and their possible health risks. Concentrations of essential and toxic trace elements in rice varied significantly from location to location. Mean concentrations (mg kg−1 as dry weight) of essential trace elements were found in the following order - Zn>Mn>Cu>Fe>Mo>Se>Co - and were within their maximum allowable limits. The average concentrations (mg kg−1) of toxic trace elements were as follows: As: 0.17, Cr: 0.18, Ni: 0.55 and Pb: 0.18, while 7% and 40% of the rice samples surpassed, respectively, the EU recommended limits of As and Pb. This study revealed that rice could be a primary exposure pathway of toxic elements, leading to either noncarcinogenic or carcinogenic health problems for daily rice consumers. The non-carcinogenic health risk was mainly associated with As which contributed 77% to the hazard index. The carcinogenic risk measured as incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) was high (>10−4) with As, Cr and Ni, while Pb showed a moderate (<10−4) carcinogenic risk to adults. Rice can substantially be contaminated by trace elements other than As with potential human health risks. Consequently, regular monitoring of the marketed rice grain is demanded, backed up by viable mitigation strategies for reducing toxic elements uptake by rice grains.

The association between essential trace element (copper, zinc, selenium, and cobalt) status and the risk of early embryonic arrest among women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques.

Early embryonic arrest (EEA) leads to repeated cessation of fresh cycles among infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Whether the levels of some essential trace elements [copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and cobalt (Co)] in the bodies of women are related to the risk of EEA warrants study. Our study aimed to investigate the associations of peripheral blood levels of Cu, Zn, Se, and Co and their mixtures with the risk of EEA. A total of 74 EEA cases (123 IVF cycles) and 157 controls (180 IVF cycles) from the reproductive center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University in Hefei, China, between June 2017 and March 2020 were included in our study. Demographic and clinical data were collected from electronic medical records. Cu, Zn, Se, and Co levels were measured in blood samples collected on the day of oocyte retrieval when infertile women entered clinical treatment for the first time using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to evaluate the associations of four essential trace element concentrations individually with the risk of EEA, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was used to explore the associations between four essential trace element mixtures and the risk of EEA. Se concentrations of infertile women were significantly lower in the case group compared with the control group. Co levels were significantly higher in the case group compared with the control group. The differences in Cu and Zn concentrations between the two groups were not significant. Based on single-metal models, Co was positively associated with the risk of EEA before and after adjustment for all confounders (odd ratio (OR) = 1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18-2.52; OR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.37-3.77, respectively), and Se was negatively associated with the risk of EEA before adjustment for all confounders (OR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.07-0.51). BKMR analyses showed that Se was significantly and negatively associated with the risk of EEA when all the other three metals (Cu, Zn, and Co) were fixed at the 25th, 50th, or 75th percentiles, whereas Zn displayed a significant and positive association with the risk of EEA when all the other three metals (Cu, Se and Co) were fixed at the 25th, 50th, or 75th percentiles. Co did not show any effect on the risk of EEA when all the other metals (Cu, Zn, and Se) were fixed at the 25th, 50th, or 75th percentiles. In addition, an increasing trend of the joint effect of four essential trace elements on the risk of EEA was found, although it was not statistically significant. The levels of essential trace elements (Cu, Zn, Se, and Co) might correlate with the risk of EEA to some extent. The present study might provide a real-world perspective on the relationship between essential trace elements and the risk of EEA when considering them as a single element or as mixtures.

Heavy metal concentrations in the Pacific sharpnose shark Rhizoprionodon longurio from the Santa Rosalia mining zone, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Rhizoprionodon longurio is an important commercial species captured in an area with heavy metal presence due to the mining waste from Santa Rosalia, Gulf of California, and levels of heavy metals in its muscle remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether contamination levels are below the limits allowed for human consumption and to prevent health damage. Concentrations of essential (Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) and non-essential (Ag, Cd, and Pb) trace elements were determined in fifty-seven muscle samples of R. longurio. The average concentrations of Fe > Zn > Cu > Mn > Cd > Ag did not exceed the permissible limits for human consumption established by the Mexican norm, WHO, and FAO. The mineral daily ingestion was 0.10 to 0.53 % × 100 g of muscle, and the percentage of weekly consumption was 2.5 % to <12 % concerning corporal weight. The meat from this shark can be consumed due to its low toxic potential for human health.

Concentrations of Essential Trace and Toxic Elements Associated with Production and Manufacturing Processes in Galician Cheese.

The objective of this study was to determine the trace element composition and the toxic metal residues in Galician cow’s milk cheese produced in different systems (artisan, industrial, and organic). Fourteen elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, I, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) were determined in 58 representative samples of Galician cheeses by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The toxic elements were present at low concentrations, similar to those reported for other unpolluted geographical areas. The essential elements were also within the normal range in cheeses. There were no statistically significant differences between smoked and unsmoked cheeses for any of the elements. Chemometric analyses (principal component analysis and cluster analysis) revealed that the industrial cheeses produced in Galicia using the milk from intensive dairy farms were different, in terms of elemental content, from artisan and organic cheeses, in which the elemental contents were similar.

Toxic and essential trace element concentrations in Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) skeletal muscle varies by location and reproductive status

Toxic and essential trace element concentrations in Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) skeletal muscle varies by location and reproductive status

Essential Trace Elements in Scalp Hair of Residents across the Caspian Oil and Gas Region of Kazakhstan.

Most of the country’s oil and gas fields are situated in West Kazakhstan, mainly on the Caspian Sea coast, causing significant damage to the local environment and contributing to an imbalance in the trace element composition of the human body. The study is aimed to evaluate the relationship between the concentration of essential trace elements in scalp hair of the western Kazakhstan adult population and the remoteness of their residence from oil and gas fields. The concentration of essential trace elements (Co, Cu, Fe, I, Mn, Se, Zn) in the hair of 850 individuals aged 18–60 years was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In residents of settlements located at a distance of >110 km from oil and gas fields, the concentration of Cu and I in hair was significantly higher than in those closer to 110 km (p < 0.001). The content of Cu and I were associated with the distance to oil and gas fields (0.072 (95% CI: 0.050; 0.094)) and (0.121 (95% CI: 0.058; 0.185)), respectively. We detected a significant imbalance in the distribution of some essential trace elements in residents’ scalp hair from the Caspian region of western Kazakhstan, living near oil and gas fields. The concentrations of Cu and I were significantly interrelated with the distance to oil and gas fields. The level of copper in the hair of both inhabitants of the area most remote from oil and gas facilities and the entire population of western Kazakhstan as a whole remains significantly low. The data obtained provide evidence of the possible impact of pollutants generated by the oil and gas facilities on a shortage of essential trace elements and associated subsequent health risks.

НОВІ ПІДХОДИ ДО ГІГІЄНІЧНОГО НОРМУВАННЯ ОПТИМАЛЬНИХ КОНЦЕНТРАЦІЙ ТОКСИЧНИХ МЕТАЛІВ ТА ЕСЕНЦІЙНИХ МІКРОЕЛЕМЕНТІВ У БІОЛОГІЧНИХ СЕРЕДОВИЩАХ ЛЮДИНИ

New approaches to hygienic regulation of optimal concentrations of toxic metals and essential trace elements in human biological media: ISSN 2223-6775 Ukrainian journal of occupational health Vol.18, No 2, 2022https://doi.org/10.33573/ujoh2022.02.096 New approaches to hygienic regulation of optimal concentrations of toxic metals and essential trace elements in human biological media Ische

Detecting the Concentration of Some Trace Elements in Blood Samples of Fuel Station Workers

Trace elements mediate critical biological events by functioning as cofactors or catalysts for numerous enzymes and as centers for enzyme and protein structure stabilization. As a result, imbalances in trace element metabolism and homeostasis (deficiency or excess) may play a role in a number of disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the blood concentration of essential trace elements of fuel station workers blood in AL-Ramadi city compared with any people who didn’t work in fuel station (control) by measurement of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) because they have negative effects on metabolism and considered to be carcinogenic factors. Total 50 male fuel workers and 50 control from ten fuel stations at Al-Ramadi City- Iraq, were participated in the present study. The levels of Zn, Cu and Fe in serum were measured spectrophotometrically by using laboratory kits. The result clarified that there was a significant increase in zinc, copper and iron mean (p 0.05) in fuel workers group compared to control group. Age had a significant correlation with copper levels and no correlation with zinc and iron. The daily hours of exposure showed no significant correlation with zinc, copper and iron. There was a significant increase in zinc levels in smokers compared to nonsmokers; copper and iron showed no correlation with smoking. The years of work in fuel stations significantly correlated with zinc and copper levels, while it showed no correlation with iron levels. The results of this study showed that there is no significant correlation between zinc, copper and the worker’s weight, while it showed a significant weak positive correlation between iron and the worker’s weight (p 0.05). There was a significant increase in copper levels in the workers with chronic illnesses compared to healthy workers, while zinc and iron had no correlation with chronic illnesses. The conclusion of study is the role of the increase of trace elements on the health of the fuel workers group, attention to use of safety gloves and face mask is recommended for fuel workers and a long follow-up to the studied group is necessary to discover the developments. Also, it is highly recommended to reduce the working hours for fuel workers in order to decrease the accumulative effects of benzene exposure and to allow the body to detoxify the blood.

Plasma Concentration of Essential and Toxic Trace Elements After Brazil Nut Intake: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Brazil nut (BN) is a good source of essential nutrients, but little is known about the content of other components, such as toxic elements. Moreover, the high consumption of BN could probably contribute to increased levels of toxic and essential elements in the blood. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the concentration of essential and toxic trace elements in BN and their concentration in plasma of obese women after regular intake of BN. A randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out with 55 subjects that were randomly assigned to either the Brazil nut group (BN) (n = 29) or the control group (CO) (n = 26) and followed up for 2 months. The BN group consumed one unit of Brazil nut per day, and the CO group did not receive any intervention. The concentration of essential elements (zinc, copper, manganese, and cobalt) and toxic (barium, lead, and cadmium) in BN samples and plasma of obese women (before and after the intervention) were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Barium followed by copper, and manganese were the trace elements present in higher amounts in Brazil nuts. After the BN intervention period was observed an increase in plasma cadmium (p = 0.002) and a reduction of plasma manganese (p < 0.001) levels. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the regular consumption of BN from the Brazilian Amazon rainforest contributes to the intake of essential trace elements and can be considered safe regarding the content of heavy metals.

Accumulation of essential mineral and toxic trace elements in crops and soils of vegetable cropping systems in central highlands of Sri Lanka

AbstractVegetables are widely cultivated in high rainfall and mountainous regions in Sri Lanka with poor soil conservation practices. Accumulation of essential mineral and toxic trace elements in the soils and widely cultivated vegetables of this region are poorly understood. One hundred soil and vegetable (i.e. cabbage, carrot and potato) samples were collected at the time of harvest and analysed for element concentrations. Soils contained high concentrations of essential mineral (N, P, K, Cu, Zn and Mn) and toxic trace elements (As, Cd and Pb). When comparing edible parts, cabbage contained the highest concentrations of mineral and toxic trace elements, and potato contained the lowest. Irrespective of the crop, edible parts contained high concentrations of N, P, K (14–35, 2–6, 15–24 g/kg, respectively), and Cu, Zn, Mn (2.5–6.7, 11–30, 8–147 mg/kg, respectively). Vegetables also contained As, Cd and Pb (0.04–1, 0.02–0.15, 0.02–0.26 mg/kg, respectively), but did not exceed the maximum permissible limits. Irrespective of the crop, 36–64 kg N, 6–11 kg P and 35–45 kg K per ha were removed with the harvest. According to the current rate of vegetable consumption by Sri Lankans (i.e. 240 g fresh weight (FW) per day), per capita consumption of 0.05–0.2 mg Cu, 0.45–0.65 mg Zn and 0.5–2 mg Mn per day through these vegetables was observed, i.e. 5–23% Cu, 7.5–11% Zn and 22–87% Mn of the recommended daily intake. Vegetables grown in the region served as a key source of essential mineral elements. However, agronomic mitigation strategies are needed to improve soil health and sustainability of these cropping systems.