Hair Content Research Articles

Correlation of Micro Minerals in Primary Hair-Plasma of Dogs

Hair can be easily collected, stored and have several characteristics suggesting that it may be useful biopsy materials. The mineral contents of the primary hair give an overview of the mineral levels in the body's tissues and the changes that occur over time. In the present study correlation coefficients of three micro minerals viz. (Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn)) in primary hair-plasma of Pomeranian (n=10) and Labrador (n=10) dogs were evaluated. It has been observed that correlation coefficients of Cu and Zn in primary hair-plasma of Pomeranian and Labrador dogs were significant at 5% and 1% level whereas non-significant (p<0.05) in both the breed of dogs for Fe.

Assessment of iron in uterine and testicular tissues and hair of free-ranging and household cats.

Iron (Fe) represents a highly essential element for various biological processes. In spite of this very little is known as regards its status in mammalian reproductive tissues and factors that may potentially influence it. At the same time, there is an ongoing debate as to whether analyses of the Fe content in hair can provide reliable information on its tissue burden. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the content of Fe in the testicular and uterine tissues, and hair of the domestic cat (Felis catus) and how this content relates to an animal's age, weight, physical activity, inhabited environment and diet. The median Fe content in the feline reproductive tissues amounted to 50.8 ppm and in hair to 180.2 ppm. As found, free-ranging cats were characterized by a significantly higher Fe content in reproductive tissues, particularly in the uterus. Age, weight and physical activity had no effect on determined Fe levels. The type of commercial diet (wet, dry or combined) given to household cats also had no influence upon Fe status in hair and tissue although males fed exclusively on dry food had a lower Fetestis:Fehair ratio. Hair Fe level was positively correlated with that found in the reproductive tissues (Rs=0.30). This study extends the body of information on Fe distribution in felines, demonstrates the difference between free-ranging and household cats and provides evidence that Fe hair status may, at least partially, reflect the status of this element in the feline reproductive system.

Effect of short-term zinc supplementation on zinc and selenium tissue distribution and serum antioxidant enzymes.

A significant association between Zn and Se homeostasis exists. At the same time, data on the influence of zinc supplementation on selenium distribution in organs and tissues seem to be absent. Therefore, the primary objective of the current study is to investigate the influence of zinc asparaginate supplementation on zinc and selenium distribution and serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in Wistar rats. 36 rats were used in the experiment. The duration of the experiment was 7 and 14 days in the first and second series, respectively. The rats in Group I were used as the control ones. Animals in Groups II and III daily obtained zinc asparaginate (ZnA) in the doses of 5 and 15 mg/kg weight, respectively. Zinc and selenium content in liver, kidneys, heart, muscle, serum and hair was assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Serum SOD and GPx activity was analysed spectrophotometrically using Randox kits. Intragastric administration of zinc asparaginate significantly increased liver, kidney, and serum zinc content without affecting skeletal and cardiac muscle levels. Zinc supplementation also stimulated selenium retention in the rats' organs. Moreover, a significant positive correlation between zinc and selenium content was observed. Finally, zinc asparaginate treatment has been shown to modulate serum GPx but not SOD activity. The obtained data indicate that zinc-induced increase in GPx activity may be mediated through modulation of selenium status. However, future studies are required to estimate the exact mechanisms of zinc and selenium interplay.

EFFECT OF BREED AND SAMPLING PLACE ON THE MINERAL CONTENT OF CATTLE HAIR

EFFECT OF BREED AND SAMPLING PLACE ON THE MINERAL CONTENT OF CATTLE HAIR

Age-related differences in hair trace elements: a cross-sectional study in Orenburg, Russia

Background: Age-related differences in the trace element content of hair have been reported. However, some discrepancies in the data exist.Aim: The primary objective of this study was to estimate the change in hair trace elements content in relation to age.Subjects and methods: Six hundred and eighteen women and 438 men aged from 10–59 years took part in the current cross-sectional study.Results and conclusions: Hair Cr, Mn, Ni, Si, Al, As, Be, Cd and Pb tended to decrease with age in the female sample, whereas hair Cu, Fe, I, Se, Li and Sn were characterised by an age-associated increase. Hair levels of Cr, Cu, I, Mn, Ni, Si and Al in men decreased with age, whereas hair Co, Fe, Se, Cd, Li and Pb content tended to increase. Hair mercury increased in association with age in men and in women, whereas hair vanadium was characterised by a significant decrease in both sexes. The difference in hair trace element content between men and women decreased with age. These data suggest that age-related differences in trace element status may have a direct implication in the ageing process.

Salt-Rich Selenium for Prevention and Control Children with Kashin-Beck Disease: a Meta-analysis of Community-Based Trial.

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) in western China is not well controlled. The objective of this study is to evaluate prevention and control children with KBD through a meta-analysis of a community-based trial. Web of knowledge, PubMed, Elsevier, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP and Wanfang data had been electronically searchedup to February 2015. Search terms included the trial terms "Salt rich selenium" and "Kashin-Beck disease." Eligible studies were prospective trials of salt-rich selenium in endemic villages. Data extraction was performed by two authors using predefined data fields that also included quality evaluation. Of 292 potentially relevant articles initially screened, reporting 11 community-based trials with a total enrollment of 2652 participants were included, from five provinces in China. The pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) of primary prevention in healthy children were 0.16 and 0.08∼0.33, respectively. The OR and 95% CI of clinical improvement in KBD children were 6.57 and 3.33∼12.93, respectively. The OR of repairing rate of metaphysis lesions was 5.53 (95% CI 2.92∼10.47) based on X-ray film, which was statistically significantly different in favor of salt-rich selenium. The combined standard mean difference (SMD) of selenium content in hair was 2.54 (95% CI 1.21∼3.87) which was significantly higher in selenium group. Current evidence showed that supplement salt-rich selenium was effective in reducing new incidence in healthy children and clinical improvement including repairing metaphysis lesions instead of repairing distal end of phalanx lesions in KBD children.

The Prevention Effect of Selenium on Prevalence of Children Kaschin-Beck Disease in Active Endemic Areas in Qinghai Plateau.

Selenium deficiency is an important environmental risk factor of Kaschin-Beck disease (KBD), and appropriate selenium supplement can reduce the prevalence of KBD. Guide and Xinghai counties, active endemic areas of KBD in Qinghai Plateau, are characteristic with low level of selenium. The aim of this article was to explore the relationship between selenium content and prevalence of children KBD in some active endemic areas from Guide and Xinghai counties. The historical data of KBD were collected, including the detectable rates of KBD and selenium contents of the hair of children, and then the relationship between the prevalence of KBD and selenium contents of hair was analyzed. In KBD endemic areas of Guide County, the detectable rates of X-ray and metaphysic lesion were declined from 25.00 and 16.96% in 2000 to 13.75 and 13.75% in 2010, respectively. Similarly, in KBD endemic areas of Xinghai County, the detectable rates of X-ray and metaphysic lesion were declined from 46.51 and 40.31% in 2000 to 10.64 and 8.51% in 2010, respectively. The selenium contents of hair in Xinghai county were increased from 130.01 ± 48.08 μg/kg in 2003 to 211.8 ± 86.64 μg/kg in 2010(t = 2.98, P < 0.05); the selenium content of hair in Guide County were increased from 142.30 ± 62.02 μg/kg in 2003 to 182.09 ± 78.46 μg/kg in 2010 (t = 3.12, P < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between the prevalence of KBD and selenium contents of hair (r = -0.785). There was a close relationship between selenium content and prevalence of KBD. Selenium could reduce the prevalence of KBD, so it is very necessary to supplement selenium appropriately for KBD prevention.

Suppression of Autophagy Dysregulates the Antioxidant Response and Causes Premature Senescence of Melanocytes

Autophagy is the central cellular mechanism for delivering organelles and cytoplasm to lysosomes for degradation and recycling of their molecular components. To determine the contribution of autophagy to melanocyte (MC) biology, we inactivated the essential autophagy gene Atg7 specifically in MCs using the Cre-loxP system. This gene deletion efficiently suppressed a key step in autophagy, lipidation of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta (LC3), in MCs and induced slight hypopigmentation of the epidermis in mice. The melanin content of hair was decreased by 10-15% in mice with autophagy-deficient MC as compared with control animals. When cultured in vitro, MCs from mutant and control mice produced equal amounts of melanin per cell. However, Atg7-deficient MCs entered into premature growth arrest and accumulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage, ubiquitinated proteins, and the multi-functional adapter protein SQSTM1/p62. Moreover, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-dependent expression of NAD(P)H dehydrogenase, quinone 1, and glutathione S-transferase Mu 1 was increased, indicating a contribution of autophagy to redox homeostasis in MCs. In summary, the results of our study suggest that Atg7-dependent autophagy is dispensable for melanogenesis but necessary for achieving the full proliferative capacity of MCs.

Visualization of Water Distribution in the Facial Epidermal Layers of Skin Using High-Sensitivity Near-Infrared (NIR) Imaging.

Skin moisturization is an important function of cosmetics in dermatology, and acquisition of two-dimensional information about the water content of facial skin is of great interest. Near-infrared (NIR) imaging using the water OH band centered near 1460 nm has been applied to the evaluation of water in skin. However, detection of small changes in the water content of skin water is difficult using this band because of the low absorption coefficient of water at that wavelength and inadequate optical units. We developed a high-sensitivity water imaging system using strong water bands centered near 1920 nm. This system can be used for the entire face. With the water imaging system, time-dependent changes in the water content of moisturizer-treated skin and hair were visualized with high sensitivity. In this study, we performed a water distribution analysis, with the aim of understanding the water distribution in facial skin under different environmental conditions. The water imaging system combines a diffuse illumination unit and an extended-range indium-gallium arsenide NIR camera with a detection range of 1100-2200 nm. The skin water distributions for multiple subjects with different facial shapes and sizes were compared using averaged NIR image data and a mesh partition analysis using a developed algorithm. Changes in the facial skin water content with season and humidity were visualized by the algorithm. The water content decreased in autumn, especially near the eyes and upper-cheek. Compared to other areas on the face, the water content around the eyes decreased more during an 85 min stay in a room at 10% relative humidity. The proposed method for water distribution analysis provides a powerful tool for facial skin hydration research in dermatological and cosmetics fields.

Correlation between minerals in hair as determined by PIXE analysis and nutrient intake conditions

This research looks at the correlation between the quantity of nutrients taken as minerals determined by PIXE analysis and mineral intake calculated in accordance with menu records collected via a total food duplicate method survey conducted on agricultural workers from four inland areas of Iwate Prefecture. Among the major nutrients and minerals taken over a 24 h period, intakes of calorie and carbohydrate of both sexes were found to be slightly high for the off-season, which indicated they had kept on a diet suited for the busy farming season. Intakes of calcium, iron and dietary fiber were also high. While 31 elements were identified from the hair samples collected from subjects, the elements found in all subjects were sulfur, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, and bromine. In many of the elements detected, a great difference between the maximum and minimum values was found. As for potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, of which excess or deficiency could affect health, we examined whether their element content in hair correlates with their amount taken in the body through meals. However, no clear correlation between the two, the elements in hair and meals, was found.

ВМІСТ ХРОМУ У ВОЛОССІ ДІТЕЙ.

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Development of a novel fluorimetric bulk optode membrane based on meso-tetrakis(2-hydroxynaphthyl) porphyrin (MTHNP) for highly sensitive and selective monitoring of trace amounts of Hg2+ ions.

The fluorescence spectra and response characteristics of two porphyrin compounds meso-tetrakis(2-hydroxynaphthyl) porphyrin and meso-tetra (2-thiophene) porphyrin (MTHNP) to Hg(2+) were investigated. MTHNP showed preferable fluorescence response to Hg(2+). Thereby, an efficient and selective fluorimetric optode membrane based on the fluorescence quenching of MTHNP for Hg(2+) ion determination at low concentration levels has been developed. The sensing membrane containing MTHNP reversibly responded to Hg(2+) with a working concentration range covering from 5.0×10(-9) to 1.25×10(-5)M with a relatively fast response time less than 3min. In addition to high stability, reversibility and reproducibility, the sensor showed extremely high selectivity toward Hg(2+) ion with respect to some alkali, alkaline earth and heavy metal ions. The limit of detection for Hg(2+) was 5.0×10(-9)M. The proposed fluorescent sensor was successfully applied to the direct determination of mercury content of biofenac eye drop, hair and different water samples.

Calcium and phosphorus contents of human body during 105-day isolation

Total and ultrafiltered calcium, total and inorganic phosphorus in blood serum, and diurnal secretion of calcium and phosphorus in urine were determined in humans before (baseline data) and on days 30, 60, and 105 of isolation. Calcium and phosphorus contents in hair were determined before isolation and on day 105 of the experiment. The measurements were performed by means of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Levels of total and ultrafiltered calcium, total and inorganic phosphorus, as well as urine calcium and phosphorus in daily urine and hair varied within admissible physiological ranges at all stages of investigation. Shifts in the serum calcium and phosphorus balance, accounted for by their physiologically active forms, is an immediate reaction to the experimental conditions. Calcium and phosphorus levels deviated from the baseline values after 30 days of isolation and then remained stable util day 105.

Effect of high fat diet on macroelement content in hair and adipose tissue of Wistar rats

Effect of high fat diet on macroelement content in hair and adipose tissue of Wistar rats

HEAVY METALS CLEARANCE WITH USE OF CALCIUM ALGINATE

Transportation and accumulation of heavy metals in bodies, even in small doses, threatens health of millions of people, especially children. The aim of our study was to determine heavy metals content in hair, urine and feces of urban preschool children and to study effectiveness of calcium alginate nutritional supplements for correction of trace-element disorders. We determined the levels of cadmium (Cd), and strontium (Sr) in hair, urine and feces of 50 children (aged 5-7 years) using the method of atomic absorption spectrometry. We have found that the medians of substance content in urine were 102.17 and 0.12 pg/l for Sr and Cd respectively. In hair, the medians were 2.30 and 0.16 pg/g for Sr and Cd respectively. Then, we have divided 42 children into two groups: the Control group, and the Alginate group. For correction of trace-element disorders, we provided the children of the Alginate group with calcium alginate nutritional supplements during four weeks (600 mg per day). The results have shown that in their hair at the end of the observation period, the medians were 1.35 and 0.07 pg/g for Sr and Cd respectively. In urine and feces, the levels of heavy metals were not significantly different in the Control group and the Alginate group. Calcium alginate can be recommended for prevention and treatment of heavy metals poisoning.

Degradation of the ethyl glucuronide content in hair by hydrogen peroxide and a non-destructive assay for oxidative hair treatment using infra-red spectroscopy

The assessment of quantification results of the alcohol abuse marker ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in hair in comparison to the cut-off values for the drinking behavior may be complicated by cosmetic hair bleaching. Thus, the impact of increasing exposure to hydrogen peroxide on the EtG content of hair was investigated. Simultaneously, the change of absorbance in the range of 1000–1100cm−1 indicative for the oxidation of cystine was investigated non-destructively by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) using pulverized portions of the respective hair samples. Hair samples treated with hydrogen peroxide consistently displayed a significantly increased absorbance at 1040cm−1 associated with the formation of cysteic acid. The EtG content decreased significantly if the hair was treated with alkaline hydrogen peroxide as during cosmetic bleaching. It could be shown that ATR-FTIR is capable of detecting an exposure to hydrogen peroxide when still no brightening was visible and already before the EtG content deteriorated significantly. Thus, hair samples suspected of having been exposed to oxidative treatment may be checked non-destructively by a readily available technique. This assay is also possible retrospectively after EtG extraction and using archived samples.

Parathyroid hormone linked to a collagen binding domain promotes hair growth in a mouse model of chemotherapy-induced alopecia in a dose-dependent manner

Chemotherapy-induced alopecia is a major source of psychological stress in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy, and it can influence treatment decisions. Although there is currently no therapy for alopecia, a fusion protein of parathyroid hormone and collagen binding domain (PTH-CBD) has shown promise in animal models. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are dose-dependent effects of PTH-CBD on chemotherapy-induced alopecia in a mouse model. C57BL/6J mice were waxed to synchronize hair follicles; treated on day 7 with vehicle or PTH-CBD (100, 320, and 1000 mcg/kg subcutaneous injection); and treated on day 9 with vehicle or cyclophosphamide (150 mg/kg intraperitoneally). Mice were photographed every 3-4 days and killed on day 63 for histological analysis. Photographs were quantified by gray scale analysis to assess hair content. Mice not receiving chemotherapy showed regrowth of hair 2 weeks after waxing and normal histology after 2 months. Mice receiving chemotherapy alone showed marked hair loss after chemotherapy, which was sustained for 10 days and was followed by rapid regrowth of a normal coat. Histological analysis revealed rapid cycling dystrophic anagen/catagen follicles. Animals receiving chemotherapy and PTH-CBD showed decreased hair loss and more rapid regrowth of hair than that seen with chemotherapy alone (increased hair growth by gray scale analysis, P<0.05), and the effects were dose dependent. Histologically, hair follicles in animals receiving the highest dose of PTH-CBD were in a quiescent phase, similar to that in mice that did not receive chemotherapy. Single-dose subcutaneous administration of PTH-CBD showed dose-dependent effects in minimizing hair loss and speeding up recovery from chemotherapy-induced alopecia.

Impact of Breeding Region and Season on the Content of Some Trace Elements and Heavy Metals in the Hair of Cows

The aim of the research was to determine the effect of the season and the breeding region on the content of selected minerals (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Pb, Cd) in the hair of dairy cows. The research material covered 114 Holstein-Friesian breed cows from three breeding centres in Poland, hereafterreferred to as A, B and C. Breeding centre A is located in Opolskie province, breeding centre B in Podlaskie province and breeding centre C in Kujawsko-Pomorskie province. The cows were kept in freestanding cowsheds with den boxes. Animal nutrition involved the use of the TMR system, considering division into nutrition groups. Hair was sampled in summer and in the period of winter and spring from the side of the body, directly behind the coastal arch. The Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe analysis was performed with atomic absorption spectrometry. The Pb and Cd content was assayed with the use of the electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The results demonstrated the effect of season and breeding region on the level of the minerals and heavy metals assayed in the hair of cows being in the period of drying-off. The hair sampled in winter from cows from C demonstrated a higher concentration of most elements except for Fe than in material derived in summer. Hair sampled in winter from cows from the B centre showed higher Zn, Cu and Pb concentrations as compared with summer. Higher Cu, Mn, Fe and Pb concentrations were determined in hair sampled during winter from cows from A than in the material obtained in summer. The Cd content in the cow hair did not exceed the admissible norm, however, normal levels were exceeded for Pb in hair sampled in winter from cows from breeding centre C.

Micro-minerals content in feedstuff, blood and hair of camels maintained in irrigated north-western plain of arid zone of Rajasthan

Micro-mineral profiles of feed and fodder, blood serum and hair of camels in 2 villages each from 2 Tehsils of Hanumangarh and Ganganagar districts of irrigated North-Western plain of arid Rajasthan were studied. The most of dry and green roughages and tree leaves were found deficient in Zinc. Crop residues contained copper at marginal level whereas tree leaves, green fodders and protein rich concentrate guar churi were found good source of Cu. Mn level in all feed stuffs were found adequate. Crop residues generally fed to camel contained adequate amount of Mn to meet requirement of camels. The all feed ingredients contained iron concentration in excess of requirement. Serum concentration of all trace minerals were within normal range. The blood serum Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe were well above than critical levels. The mean values of Zn observed in hair were lower than the normal values indicated inadequacy of its dietary supply. Mn in all hair samples was much higher than critical level &lt;4.0 ppm. Cu level in hair was also marginal. Similar to feed and fodders and serum, iron concentration in hair was also much more than the normal minimum values. The study indicated that there is need of dietary supplementation of deficient minerals as area-specific mineral mixture for improving the productive and reproductive efficiency of camels of this region.

Detection and analysis of 12 heavy metals in blood and hair sample from a general population of Pearl River Delta area.

To detect the content of 12 heavy metals in blood and hair sample from a general population of Pearl River Delta area, and to analyze the influence of duration of residence, gender, age, smoking and drinking on the heavy metal content. Use inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to detect the content of 12 heavy metals lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), chrome (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn) and antimony (Sb) in blood and hair samples of a total of 50 subjects from a general population, collected by multistage stratified cluster random sampling method. The geometric mean of heavy metal content in blood samples of general population (μg/L): blood aluminum 214.00; blood chrome 92.82; blood manganese 21.43; blood nickel 20.59; blood copper 0.67; blood zinc 11.50; blood arsenic 0.55; blood cadmium 2.45; blood tin 0.00; blood antimony 1.92; blood lead 158.84; and blood mercury 1.19. The geometric mean of heavy metal content in hair samples of general population (μg/g): hair aluminum is 84.65; hair chrome 0.00; hair manganese 2.44; hair nickel 0.61; hair copper 28.49; hair zinc 136.65; hair arsenic 0.75; hair cadmium 0.46; hair tin 1.04; hair antimony 0.05; hair lead 8.97; and hair mercury 0.69. Some heavy metals were correlated with duration of residence, gender, age, smoking and drinking. This was the first time that simultaneously detecting heavy metal content in blood and hair was used to analyze the internal heavy metal burden in resident population of Pearl River Delta area. These data can serve as reference for further research.