Elemental Composition Of Hair Research Articles

ОЦЕНКА СОДЕРЖАНИЯ ХИМИЧЕСКИХ ЭЛЕМЕНТОВ В ВОЛОСАХ У ДЕТЕЙ ОТ 1 ГОДА ДО 4 ЛЕТ МЕТОДОМ АТОМНО-ЭМИССИОННОЙ СПЕКТРОСКОПИИ

Background. Monitoring of the chemical elements sufficiency in younger preschoolers in order to optimize methods for its correction is of great scientific and practical significance. Objective. To assess the chemical elements sufficiency in children aged 1 to 4 years, permanently residing in the western regions of Belarus, Grodno. Material and methods. The questionnaire, clinical examination and elemental composition analysis of hair using atomic emission spectrometry was carried out in 60 children aged 1 to 4 who attend preschool educational institutions in Grodno. Results. Disturbances in the elemental composition of hair in 49% of examined children have been revealed. Pronounced imbalance of microelement status was revealed: deficiency of selenium, zinc, cobalt, iron, chromium and magnesium, with an excess of calcium, manganese, copper, lead, cadmium and nickel. Conclusion. The obtained data can be used for early detection of disturbances of chemical elements sufficiency in younger preschoolers and the development of preventive measures for its correction, which will contribute to reduction of overall morbidity.

Geological context and human exposures to element mixtures in mining and agricultural settings in Colombia

Anthropogenic and natural sources contribute to chemical mixtures in air, water, and soil, posing potential risks to the environment and human health. To understand the interplay between element profiles in the human body, geographical location, and associated economic activities, we carried out an observational analytic cross-sectional study. The study recruited 199 participants from three municipalities, two of which had gold-mining as their primary economic activity, while the other was dedicated to agricultural and other local activities not related to mining. The concentrations of a total of 30 elements in human hair samples and 21 elements in environmental soil samples were measured using various spectrometry techniques. Unsupervised clustering analysis using Self-Organizing Maps was applied to human hair samples to analyze element concentrations. Distinct clusters of individuals were identified based on their hair element profiles, which were mapped to geographical location and economic activities. While higher levels of heavy metals (Ag, As, Hg, and Pb) were observed in individuals engaged in mining activities in certain clusters, individuals in agricultural areas show higher concentrations of elements found in pesticides (Ba and Sr). However, the elemental composition of hair is influenced not only by the anthropogenic activities but also by the inherent geological context where people live. Our findings highlight the significance of accounting for environmental factors when evaluating human health risks, as the intricate mixture of elements can yield valuable insights for targeted health interventions.

Элементный дисбаланс у работников при производстве солнечных элементов

The solar cell production requires additional methods for workers protection, as well as certain conditions and requirements for the premises to meet them. Solar cell factories are equipped with clean rooms, which meet high environmental and worker protection requirements. Research laboratories often do not meet such protection conditions. Therefore, most often the working conditions in such laboratories are insufficient. In two research laboratories was conducted a study for the elemental composition of hair of workers engaged in the solar cell production and the production methods improvement. As a result of the study it was found an increased content of rare and rare earth metals in some workers’ body and hair. This study allows assess the level of production processes impact on the worker in the studied activity area.

Elemental composition of hair as a marker for forensic human identification

BackgroundHair is one of the most common evidence types found in criminal investigations. Analysis of human hair reveals the mineral composition accumulated within it over time spent in a specific area, thereby providing additional information for forensic identification. Materials and methodsTo identify patterns of the elemental composition of hair in territories with different natural and anthropogenic features, hair samples of 1238 residents and 217 corpses of Central Kazakhstan were studied. The determination of 14 chemical elements in hair by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry were presented. The data were analysed in terms of place of residence, gender, age and condition. ResultsThe results showed that the concentration of trace elements like Cu, Fe, Cd, and As significantly differed among all regions (p < 0.05). The composition of hair samples obtained from women significantly differed from those obtained from men for certain major and trace elements (p < 0.05). Concentrations of Ca and Mg in men were significantly lower than in women (p < 0.05) and were decreasing with age (p < 0.05). ConclusionsThe present investigation revealed a relationship between the elemental composition of hair and the place of permanent residence of a person, formed under the influence of regional industrial complexes, and determining gender and age-related differences. These findings enhance the possibilities of forensic human identification.

Diagnosis and correction of the elemental status as the basis of a personalized preventive approach to reducing the frequency of socially significant diseases of civilization in the territories

The study of the biological role of macro- and microelements over the past decades is one of the relevant and promising areas of medicine. There is now undeniable evidence that correction of chemical imbalance is one of the most important factors in improving health and preventing disease, especially in the form of personalized prevention programs. The study of the elemental “portrait” of the population in individual regions with the aim of scientific development and implementation of measures to eliminate the identified mineral deficiency as a strategic tool for the prevention of chronic non-infectious diseases is a promising area of modern medicine. The basis for assessing the elemental profiles of the population of the Central Federal District was information on the elemental composition of hair as a bio-substrate for analysis, which is most suitable for screening studies. The study revealed mass deficiency of essential chemical elements — macroelements, as well as deficiency of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, Cr, Se, I studied in this work, which is more common than excess of minerals and intoxication, and presents a wider risk for human health now.

Дисбаланс мікро- та макроелементів волосся як діаґностичний критерій алопецій:досягнення, проблеми та перспективи

Aim. To analyze modern scientific approaches to using the achievements of bioelementology in the diagnosis and treatment of various forms of alopecia. Identifying unresolved issues in this area of research. Materials and Methods. Literature search in MEDLINE, Embase, TOXNET databases, specialized journals and thesis papers depositories in Ukraine, Russia and Belarus. The references cited in the identified papers were used as well. The publications period used in the search was 2007-2020. Results and Discussion. The content analysis of scientific literature sources, which highlight the results of studies of homeostasis of trace elements and major elements in the human body, proves the validity of using the data obtained for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of alopecia. Introduction of modern analytical methods made it possible to expand both qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the content of elements in hair, and then to substantiate the use of the elemental composition of hair as a medical diagnostic criterion. In addition, the analysis of hair for the content of trace elements and major elements is considered a potentially safe, non-invasive diagnostic tool; the samples do not require special equipment for storage and have no shelf life restrictions. At the present stage, an active search for the relationship between the elemental status of hair and alopecia of various origins is being carried out. It was established that all forms of alopecia are characterized by a disturbance of the homeostasis of iron, zinc, copper, and selenium. In addition, the researchers emphasize the importance of excess hair lead and cadmium in alopecia areata, of silicon in diffuse alopecia and androgenetic alopecia, and reduced levels of manganese in all forms of alopecia. The scientific community discusses the implementation of modern analytical methods to determine the elemental composition of biological fluids. The most promising are the methods of determining elements in the organs and human biological fluids using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission and mass spectrometry. Trace elements and major elements play an important, but not entirely clear role in hair follicles normal development and immune cells function. These studies were mainly concerned with exploring of the cyclic accumulation of mast cells and macrophages in the perifollicular connective tissue. Accordingly, the dyscrasia can represent a modified risk factor, the assessment of which requires further in-depth studies. Conclusions. The content analysis of the published results of the studies of trace and major elements composition of hair showed that with alopecia areata there is a decrease in the content of S, Zn, Se, Mn, Mn, and Fe, and an excess of Pb, Cd, Ni, Cu, Al, Hg; diffuse forms of alopecia are characterized by a deficiency in the content of S, Fe, K, Ca, Zn, Cu, and Se; with androgenetic alopecia in women, there is a decrease in the content of Mn, Zn, Se, Mg, Fe, in men - a decrease in the levels of Zn, Cu, Mn, Mg, and Se; and an increase in the content of Cu and Cr. In order to correct alopecia of various origins, it is necessary to determine the quantitative ratio of trace elements and major elements in the hair and to systematize the results obtained in monitoring studies to establish their reference values in conditions of various geochemical locations. Keywords: hair, alopecia, elemental homeostasis, microelementosis

ОСОБЕННОСТИ ЭЛЕМЕНТНОГО СОСТАВА ВОЛОС СТУДЕНТОВ, ПРИБЫВШИХ НА УЧЕБУ В МОСКОВСКИЙ МЕГАПОЛИС ИЗ РАЗЛИЧНЫХ РЕГИОНОВ МИРА

The purpose of this study was to study the elemental status of first-year students of the Russian University of Friendship of Peoples who arrived to study from various climatogeographic regions of the world. Studies have shown that first-year students who came to study from different climatogeographic regions of the world are characterized by significant differences in the elemental composition of hair. Students from Latin America are characterized by a relatively high level of toxic metals Al, As, Hg, Sn, and students from Africa stand out by the highest levels of Al, B, Cd, Fe, I, Mn, Ni, Pb, Si, Sn, V. students from Iran and Azerbaijan revealed the minimum value of Co, Cu, Fe, I, Mg, Mn, Sn, V among all the studied groups. It was established that there are significant differences in the content of Ca, K, Mg, Na, P in the hair of male students from different regions of the world. Male students from Africa were characterized by the lowest Ca and P content in their hair, and the highest Mg content. The lowest content of K and Na was found in students from the countries of the Near and Middle East.

Элементный состав шерсти бычков при включении различных источников протеина в комбикорма

Элементный состав шерсти бычков при включении различных источников протеина в комбикорма

Influence of deficient nutrition on trace element status and antioxidant defense system

The aim of research was to study the effect of unbalanced nutrition on rat’s liver and hair element composition and antioxidant defense system in the experiment. The study was conducted on male Wistar rats. The experimental group was on mineral deficient diet, the control group received a standard diet. The elemental composition of the liver and hair was determined by atomic emission and mass spectrometry with inductively coupled argon plasma. Blood biochemical parameters were determined spectrometrically using a Clima MC-15 A/O Unimed analyzer. The level of malondialdehyde and the activity of glutathione peroxidase in the liver of animals were determined by standard methods using ELISA kits. Results. A decrease in the content of copper, zinc, and selenium was found in liver tissue by 1.5, 1.14, and 3.2 times, respectively. Significant increase of lead and aluminum was established. A similar changes were observed in the elemental composition of hair. GPx activity decreased in 1.4 times and MDA level increased in the liver of animals of the experimental group. An increase in ALT, AST and total protein was noted on mineral-deficient diet.

The content of toxic elements in hair of dairy cows as an indicator of productivity and elemental status of animals.

The study was conducted on a model of dairy cows of the Holstein breed. At the first stage of research, the elemental composition of cow hair was studied (n = 198). Based on this study, the percentile intervals of chemical elements concentrations in hair were established; values of 25 and 75 percentiles were determined, and they were considered as "physiological standard." At the second stage, the elemental composition of hair from the upper part of withers of highly productive Holstein cows during the period of increasing milk yield was analyzed (n = 47). The elemental composition of biological substrates was studied according to 25 indicators, using the methods of atomic emission and mass spectrometry (AES-ICP and MS-ICP). An assessment of productivity parameters of cows depending on the level of toxic elements in hair revealed a negative statistically significant relationship with the level of lead. Lead content in hair was negatively correlated with the yield of fat (r = - 0.50), protein (r = - 0.37), and dry matter (r = - 0.48) in milk. Based on these data, cows were divided into three groups: group I, with Pb concentration in hair 0.0245-0.0449mg/g, group II-between 0.0495 and 0.141mg/kg, and in group III-between 0.145 and 0.247mg/g. It was established that increasing Pb content decreases daily production of milk fat by 18.8 (P ≤ 0.05) and 25.3% (P ≤ 0.05), protein by 9.7 (P ≤ 0.05) and 10.7% (P ≤ 0.05), and dry matter by 8.0 and 13.0% (P ≤ 0.05) in cows. Average daily milk yield, adjusted for 1% of fat, decreased by 19.2 (P ≤ 0.05) and 25.3% (P ≤ 0.05), respectively. As the concentration of lead in hair increased, the content of toxic elements (Al, As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Sn, Sr) increased from 0.07 to 0.235mmol/kg in group I, in group II from 0.082 to 0.266mmol/kg, and in group III-from 0.126 to 0.337mmol/kg. It was concluded that it is necessary to further study the use of physiological standard indicators of the content of toxic chemical elements in hair of dairy cows to increase productivity and maintain animal health and to create an effective system of individual health monitoring of highly productive cattle.

The content of essential and toxic elements in the hair of the mane of the trotter horses depending on their speed.

A study on the Russian trotting breeds was conducted to assess the impact of horses' sporting results and the degree of accumulation of chemical elements in the hair. In the first phase of the research, the elemental composition of the mane hair of trotter horses (n = 215) was studied. Based on these studies, percentile intervals for the distribution of concentrations of chemical elements in the hair have been established, and the values of 25 and 75 percentile adopted as a "physiological standard" have been defined. In the second stage of the research into clinically healthy Russian trotting breeds (n= 56), it was estimated that the sporting results were dependent on the elemental status defined by the hair. The elemental composition of the hair was defined by 25 chemical elements using atomic emission and mass spectrometry. It is established that the mane hair is closely related to the sporting results of trotter horses. Thus, in animal wool with the highest sporting achievements, there were reliably less I, Cr, Co, Li, V, Al, Pb, and Cd, and reliably more Si than the low ones. Differences in individual elements exceeded 200%. As sporting performance diminished, the number of elements within the standard increased. For example, for mares with average speed, there were deviations from the physiological standard by 6 elements (P, Fe, Mn, I, Co, Si), with the low one by 13 elements (P, Fe, Cu, Mn, I, Co, Si, K, Cr, Ni, V, Al, Pb). A comparative estimate of the mineralization of the horses' mane measured by the sum of the amount of substances showed that there was a negative correlation between the accumulation of toxic elements and the speed (r= - 0.59). On the basis of the above, a conclusion is reached on the future use of the mane hair to assess the speed qualities of trotter horses.

Examination of the Elemental Composition of Hair in Cholelithiasis, Kidney Stone, Hypertension and Diabetes by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectrometry SEM/EDS

The aim of this paper was to find some connections between elemental composition of human hair and such illnesses as kidney stone, cholelithiasis, hypertension and diabetes to assess whether hair could be a reliable marker of the above mentioned health problems. The elements were identified by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectrometry SEM/EDS. Elemental profiles were determined in hair from 43 patients and 32 controls. The hair samples were at the anagen phase. Results indicated the content variation along the entire length of the hair in the bulb through the root to the hair follicle and the shaft. Measurements were made at these anatomical regions. Special attention was devoted to the bulb part for which characteristic EDS spectra were illustrated for the examined illnesses.

Characteristics of the course of atopic dermatitis in children residing under conditions ofanthropogenic pollution

Goal: to assess the impact of environmentally hazardous factors on the formation of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children. Materials and methods: 108 children aged 1-18 were engaged in the study. The AD severity was analyzed based on the SCORAD index, data from the medical history and frequency of development of complications in children depending on the place of their residence. The elemental composition of hair was analyzed to assess the impact of anthropogenic pollution on childrens organisms. The Southeastern Administrative District (SEAD), which is unfavorable in terms of ecologic environment, and Western Administrative District (WAD) in Moscow, which is free of any human-induced pollution, were chosen as comparison areas. Results: More severe forms of AD in terms of clinical manifestations prevailed in children residing in the SEAD. The number of exacerbations per year was three times as high as the same index in children from the WAD, and there was no trend towards seasonality. The course of AD in children permanently residing in the district with human-induced pollution was characterized by complications with the accumulation of toxic elements in hair against the background of deficiency of essential elements as well as increased elimination of calcium from organisms resulting in low adaptive regulatory mechanisms. Conclusion: when children suffering from AD reside in a highly polluted area on a regular basis, this results in chronic intoxication of their organisms with heavy metals, which leads to deficiency of essential elements, reduction of adaptive mechanisms and severe course of dermatitis.

The effect of age, sex, smoking habit and hair color on the composition of hair

Hair samples ( N = 83) were collected between the years 1996 and 2003 from inhabitants of Wrocław, a city located in Lower Silesia, south-western Poland (urbanized and industrialized region). The concentrations of 33 elements: Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cu, Zn, P, Fe, Mn, Cr, Se, B, Co, Mo, Si, V, Ni, Be, Hg, Cd, Al, Pb, As, Ba, Au, Pt, Ag, Sr, Sn, Ti, W, Sb and Zr in hair were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) techniques. The effect of age, sex, smoking habits and hair color on the elemental composition of hair was investigated. Also, the obtained results were compared with literature data. It was found that the composition of hair varied with age, sex, hair color and smoking habits. This concerned the majority of elements except Ti, Se, Mn, Ni, Hg, Cd, As, Co (in the case of effect of age), Al, Cd, Co (sex), Cd, K, Ag, Ca, Co, Be (smoking habit), P, Fe, Al, Mn and Cr (hair color). Therefore, reference values for the level of the remaining elements should be normalized according to age, sex, smoking habit and hair color. This would make hair analysis more reliable.

Elemental composition of hair and bone density measurements at diagnosis in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease

A dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) system has been employed to measure the bone mineral density (BMD) of children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) at diagnosis. The results of the study indicate that even at diagnosis, a significantly reduced bone mineral density measured in terms of the Z-score, was observed in the lumbar spine and whole body of the IBD subjects. This was found to be more pronounced in Crohn's disease than in the ulcerative colitis subjects. Furthermore, the study was extended to investigate the elemental composition of hair of IBD subjects and age matched controls using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The concentrations of 11 elements; Al, Br, Ca, Cl, Cu, I, K, Mg, Mn, Na and V were determined. A significantly reduced concentration of Ca, Cu, K, Mn, and V were observed in the hair of IBD subjects as compared to the control group.

Instrumental neutron activation analysis of the hair of metallurgical workers

Hair samples were collected from 20 metallurgical workers (10 males and 10 females) and from 59 control subjects (32 males and 27 females), whose jobs do not indicate a specific occupational exposure. The concentrations of ten minor and trace elements (Al, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Sb, Se, V and Zn) were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The statistical data distributions, the sex and age influences in these elemental concentrations and the average values obtained for the control group were compared with published data. The effect of occupational exposure to the metallic elements was reflected in elemental composition of hair by significant higher concentration levels of Al, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Sb, V and Zn in the hair of the exposed group, when compared with the control group.

Human hair radioactivity in the chernobyl area

Studies of recent decades have shown that the elemental composition of human hair can be considered as an indicator of both internal and external human body status. However, there are only a few studies on human hair radioactivity. The Chernobyl accident necessitated the study of the hair of various groups of inhabitants of the contaminated area. Data on hair radioactivity and elemental composition allowed us to draw the following conclusions. 1. (1) When account is taken of the simplicity of sampling and measurements of human hair activity in polluted areas can be used as a monitor for fast detection of the scale and area of pollution. 2. (2) Measurement of hair α and β activity is useful for preliminary body burden determination while the whole body counter is inapplicable. 3. (3) Study of activity along the hair strand allows dating of contamination with an accuracy of about 10 days and gives information about the removal of radioactivity from the body. 4. (4) Determination of uranium could give additional information about the distance of nuclear fuel transport from the damaged reactor. 5. (5) Elemental composition of hair and profiles along the strand reflect the influence of medical treatment and can be used to study post-accident health status.