Elements In Hair Research Articles

Effect of toxic trace element detoxification, body fat reduction following four-week intake of the Wellnessup diet: a three-arm, randomized clinical trial

BackgroundDetox diet are known as a popular dieting strategies that helps toxins elimination and weight manage but there is very little clinical evidence. The Wellnessup diet (WD) used in the present study designed as a healthy meals based on organic plant based diets including various vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts and phytonutrients.MethodsTo evaluate the effects of 4 week intake of the WD on toxic trace element detoxification, body fat reduction, and safety parameters. Forty-five women with body mass index (BMI) of 23.5–30 kg/m2 were recruited. Thirty of them were assigned 1:1 to the test group (WD, 15 subjects) and control group 1 (calorie-restricted diet, CRD, 15 subjects) in a single blind and randomized, and the remaining 15 subjects were assigned to control group 2 (maintaining regular diet, MRD). The primary outcome were toxic trace element levels in hair (29 types of heavy metals), and the secondary outcomes were changes in anthropometric and urinary organic acids.ResultsThe levels of four toxic trace elements in hair decreased in the WD group after the diet compared to before the diet. Ni, Rh, Sn, and Ga were significantly lower in the WD group than in the CRD or MRD group (p < 0.05). At the end of the trial, both WD and CRD groups had lower BMI, Waist Circumference(WC), Hip Circumference(HC) and WHR compared to the baseline values (p < 0.05). Compared to the WD group, the CRD group had a greater mean change (p < 0.05) from the baseline for weight loss (− 3.22 ± 0.48 kg vs − 1.88 ± 0.95 kg vs) and fat free mass (− 2.08 kg vs − 1.09 kg). The weight, BMI, body fat mass, fat free mass, WC, and HC of the CRD group were significantly decreased compared to the MRD (p < 0.05). No significant changes in any safety parameter were observed.ConclusionsUse of WD might have several beneficial effects and safety such as body fat reduction and improving some the element detoxification through caloric restriction but did not reducing body fat mass more than calorie-restricted diet.Trial registrationThis study was registered at Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) of Republic of Korea (KCT0003002).

Fast exchange of strontium between hair and ambient water: Implication for isotopic analysis in provenance and forensic studies.

Trace elements in hair originate from intake (e.g., diet, inhalation, skin absorption), are transported in the bloodstream, and then incorporated during hair formation. However, the trace element abundance and isotopic compositions may be altered by post-eruption environmental processes. Such alterations must be addressed to obtain a meaningful interpretation of hair analysis for biomonitoring. In this study, we used strontium (Sr) isotopic analysis together with sorption kinetics of ionic Sr to quantify the rate and extent of replacement of endogenous Sr in hair by exogenous Sr from ambient water. We found that with only 10 minutes of exposure at room temperature (22°C), more than 30% of original endogenous Sr in hair was replaced with exogenous Sr from the solution. After 16 days of exposure to the solution, more than 90% of endogenous Sr was replaced, with a warmer temperature (60°C) accelerating the exchange substantially. We also found that acid leaching of exposed hair did not remove or isolate the exogenous Sr; therefore, neither the original endogenous nor the exogenous 87Sr/86Sr signal could be separated. Nonetheless, these findings illustrated that the quantitative correlation between the fraction of exogenous Sr and the soaking time, if established, could be used to estimate the length of water contact time for hair in forensic studies. Even if such time since initial contact cannot be established, the combination of acid leaching and 87Sr/86Sr analysis of hair samples may still be valuable in provenance studies to identify recent changes in the exogenous Sr pool, including movements or changes in water source.

Highly accurate determination of Zn and Cu in human hair by ultrasound-assisted alkali dissolution combined with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Hair is an ideal biomarker for monitoring human health and environmental risks through the determination of trace elements in the hair. However, accurately quantifying trace elements in hair using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a big challenge. A simple and low-cost method, ultrasound-assisted alkali dissolution (UAAD), was proposed for quantifying trace elements in human hair. In this work, three different solvents (deionized water, nitric acid mixture, and sodium hydroxide) were used to dissolve the hair assisted by ultrasound; and then the hair solution was dripped onto filter paper. The effect of alkali dissolution on enhancing the spectral intensity of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) was then analyzed. Using ultrasound-assisted alkali dissolution combined with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (UAAD-LIBS), the limits of detection (LoDs) for determining Zn and Cu elements can reach to 0.3517 μg/g and 0.0146 μg/g, respectively. Based on this simple method with low LoDs, the quantitative analysis results of LIBS for three actual samples were compared with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The relative errors of Zn and Cu between UAAD-LIBS and ICP-OES were less than 7.6% and 4.9%. These results show that using UAAD as a sample pretreatment process is an effective method of LIBS analysis.

On the Possibility of Using a Filament RF Discharge for Analyzing the Atomic Composition of Organic Compounds

A method for analyzing the atomic composition of organic compounds based on a filament RF discharge is proposed. The sample is prepared by heating it to 300°C in an argon atmosphere. The introduction of the sample into the discharge is carried out owing to the field electron emission of sample particles up to 300 µm in size. The optical emission spectra of particle atoms in the discharge are averaged. The method of internal standards for quantitative measurements is used. The sensitivity of the method for determining trace elements in human hair is at the ppm level.

External interference from ambient air pollution on using hair metal(loid)s for biomarker-based exposure assessment

Hair metal(loid)s are often measured as biomarkers to evaluate population internal exposure, however, hair samples could be easily contaminated by ambient particulate matter (PM) pollution. Here, we evaluated the potential external interference from ambient PM pollution on using hair metal(loid)s for population biomarker-based exposure assessment. The raw hair samples were strictly washed and placed under various indoor and outdoor scenarios for ~6 months at sites with high PM pollution. The contaminated hair was then washed using the same method. A total of 33 hair elements were quantified by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. The surface residual PM on hair after washing was observed by scanning electron microscopy. In addition, we chose a practical exposure scenario including 77 housewives in Shanxi Province, China for validation. The results for the hair exposure experiment revealed that external contamination of some elements that had relatively high concentrations in hair was generally mild in both indoor and outdoor exposure scenarios (i.e., Zn, Mg, Se, Fe, Sr, Ti, Mn, Sn, Ge, U, Co, Mo, and As). A relatively higher external contamination of other elements (e.g., Al, Cr, Pb, Cd, Li, and most rare earth elements (REEs)) was observed, especially for those elements with relatively low hair concentrations (e.g., Cd, and REEs) in the outdoor environment. This finding was due mainly to some small ambient PM not being fully removed by the current washing strategy when the hair sample was heavily contaminated. However, results from practical exposure scenario of the housewives showed that there were overall no significant differences of hair metal(loid)s between the housewives using coal and clean energy for cooking. We concluded that the external interference on hair internal metal(loid) analysis could be negligible when hair was efficiently washed, especially for population with relatively longer indoor activities. It is therefore promising to use hair analysis for their population exposure assessment.

Interrelationships Between Age and Trace Element Concentration in Horse Mane Hair and Whole Blood

The use of hair as a sample matrix to determine the mineral status of an animal has received a lot of interest. The objective of this study was to determine if the trace element content in horse mane hair changed with age when evaluated in a group of horses representing a large age range. As a second objective, whole blood trace element content was evaluated, and its relationship to mane hair trace element content, as well as age, were tested. Therefore, mane hair and whole blood samples were obtained from 59 horses, ranging from 2 months to 26 years in age, housed on the same farm. Mane hair samples were washed, and hair and blood digested and analyzed for 11 trace elements. Weak correlations (P < .05) between age and mane hair trace element content was detected for arsenic (r = 0.29), copper (r = −0.39) and selenium (r = −0.27). While the mane hair color did not affect trace element concentration, greater variability was detected in the black mane hair samples. This resulted in outliers that were removed from the final statistical analysis. However, data is presented to the reader both ways. Correlations were also detected (P < .05) between age and whole blood iron (r = 0.62), selenium (r = 0.76) and zinc (r = 0.47). This is similar to what has been reported in horses using serum or plasma. The trace element concentrations of mane hair and whole blood were not correlated (P > .05) in this study. However, the concentrations of trace elements in mane hair were higher than that of blood. Trace elements, specifically chromium and lead, that were below detection levels in the blood, were detectable in mane hair. This suggests that mane hair may be a potential means to investigate suspected exposure to excessive levels of trace minerals or heavy metals that are difficult to detect in blood.

Toward ‘element balance’ in ADHD: an exploratory case control study employing hair analysis

ABSTRACT Background: Head hair analysis has been used for decades to clarify mineral relationships to symptoms of ADHD, but there is little consensus among findings. We sought to explore 33 hair element concentrations and their 528 calculated ratios among two groups of boys, one with ADHD and one without. Method: 107 boys aged 7–12 years were recruited; 55 with ADHD and 52 non-ADHD Controls. Hair minerals were compared using Mann–Whitney U tests, p<0.01 was used for significance. Dietary data were obtained using a 138 item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Results: There were three group differences on individual elements: bismuth/Bi: 8 fold higher in ADHD, chromium/Cr: 15% lower in ADHD and germanium/Ge: 11% lower in ADHD, Cr level being the strongest predictor of ADHD symptoms. We found thirty significant group differences in element ratios, two thirds involving Bi and eight of these showing that as ADHD severity increased, the ratios with Bi as the denominator decreased (r ranging from −0.263 to −0.433, p<0.01). From the FFQ, tinned fruit was consumed more often in the ADHD group. Hair arsenic levels were somewhat elevated across both ADHD and Control groups. Discussion: While element ‘imbalance’ appears to be associated with ADHD, we did not replicate any previous study results of group differences on individual elements. We have raised the possibility that the ratios may be far more important than any one individual element in better elucidating the effects that minerals may have on the pathogenesis of ADHD. These are cautionary findings requiring replication.

Comparison of sample preparation procedures of inductively coupled plasma to measure elements in dog's hair.

The pre-treatment condition affects on the element analysis of inductively coupled plasma (ICP). In this study the pre-treatment condition of ICP has been studied to quantify elements in dog’s hair. The hair samples were collected from twelve female Beagles by clipping them into 1 or 2 cm at the back neck. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of elements in hairs were performed by using ICP. By ICP nine elements were qualitatively detected and quantitatively analyzed (Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, P, Se, Zn). The measured amounts of elements were compared between 3 step and 2 step procedures which were with and without the acetone based washing step. The quantitative analysis showed that the concentrations of K, Na, P, and Se were significantly decreased in hair samples with acetone-based washing (p < 0.005 or 0.001) unlike those without the acetone-based washing. It implied that some minerals are lost by the acetone based washing during the sample preparation step. Therefore, the acetone based washing process is not suitable for quantifying elements in dog’s hair. In addition, the results of qualitative and quantitative analysis were compared. Although there was a difference in absolute values of elemental contents in hair, the results of qualitative and quantitative analysis were significantly correlated each other. This finding suggested that the results of qualitative analysis can be used to monitor elemental contents in dog’s hair.

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

СРАВНИТЕЛЬНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ СОДЕРЖАНИЯ ЭССЕНЦИАЛЬНЫХ ХИМИЧЕСКИХ ЭЛЕМЕНТОВ У ДЕТЕЙ СО СПАСТИЧЕСКОЙ И АТАКСИЧЕСКОЙ ФОРМАМИ ДЕТСКОГО ЦЕРЕБРАЛЬНОГО ПАРАЛИЧА

The objective of the present study is investigation of hair essential element content in children with different clinical forms of cerebral palsy (CP). Assessment of hair element content in children with spastic and ataxic cerebral palsy was performed using inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. The obtained data demonstrate that hair cobalt, copper, manganese, and selenium levels were 33%, 9%, 19%, and 18% lower than those in the control group. At the same time, more profound differences were observed in patients with spastic diplegia, where the level of cobalt, copper, manganese, selenium, and vanadium was 33%, 9%, 20%, 18%, and 43% lower than in controls. A strong tendency to reduced hair iron and magnesium was also observed. Patients with ataxic cerebral palsy were characterized by 33%, 5%, and 21% lower hair cobalt, copper, and selenium content, whereas chromium levels exceeded the respective control values by 63%. In regression models only hair copper (β = -0.337; p &lt; 0.001) and chromium (β = 0.214; p &lt; 0.023) content were significantly associated with cerebral palsy in children. The observed differences may be associated with the role of metals in pathogenetic mechanisms of different forms of cerebral palsy.

Revisited digestion methods for trace element analysis in human hair

BackgroundThe human hair is a potential material for assessing the exposure to environmental contaminants and tracing human mobility. Although various digestion methods have been proposed for determining trace elements in the human hair, there is no consensus about the best method among them yet.FindingsWe examined five different methods in order to determine the best method yielding the most accurate and precise data of trace elements in the human hair using two certified reference human hairs (IAEA085 and IAEA086) under controlled conditions (temperature, the volume of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and the number of digestion). Results showed that a high temperature of 160 °C yields better recovery rates than a low temperature of 70 °C. Furthermore, the additional input of H2O2 increases the recovery rate from 90 to 102%, and the two-time digestion also promotes the recovery rate.ConclusionsThis study suggests that although the combination of high temperature (160 °C), high volume of H2O2 (0.4 mL), and two-time digestion yields the most accurate and precise data of trace elements in the human hair, the digestion method should be carefully selected depending on the content of organometallic cation.

Age- and sex-dependence of five major elements in the development of human scalp hair

BackgroundHuman scalp hair is composed of bio-synthesized protein that stores and excretes excess elements from the body. Thus, the concentration of major and trace elements in the hair may provide insight into both the physiology and health status of humans. Monitoring of health status by hair analysis is limited by the uncertainty surrounding natural changes in composition based on age and sex parameters.MethodsA total of 322 hair samples from subjects aged 0–89 years were collected and analyzed to determine their sulfur, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and copper concentrations by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The age- and sex-dependence of the concentrations of these elements within scalp hair was evaluated. Age-dependence was analyzed by least squares fitting of the data from young people (up to 25 years old). Sex-dependence was evaluated by comparing the average element concentrations of males and females in each age groups.ResultsThe concentration of mineral elements increased with age up to 25 years old. Calcium and magnesium contents were strongly affected by age, whereas the effects were weaker for zinc and copper. In participants over 20 years old, sex and the concentrations of calcium and magnesium were significantly associated. The concentrations of these elements were higher in most of the subgroups of adult women. The concentrations of sulfur, zinc, and copper were not significantly associated with age or sex.ConclusionsThe concentrations of major inorganic elements in scalp hair showed an increasing trend up to 25 years of age, and a strong sex dependence of calcium and magnesium concentrations in the subjects older than 20 years. More research is needed to understand the physiology of calcium and magnesium excretion though scalp hair.

Metallic elements in human hair from residents in smelting districts in northeast China: Environmental factors and differences in ingestion media

The health of residents in Huludao City is affected by the emissions of heavy metals from smelting, diet and atmospheric precipitation. This study investigated the concentrations of Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn in scalp hair samples from 259 residents of different ages and genders from five districts in Huludao City and examined the main factors for heavy metal exposure. Cd and Pb concentrations in hair samples exceeded the normal concentration ranges for human hair (Cd < 0.3 mg/kg; Pb < 9.3 mg/kg), and the highest Pb concentrations were found in subjects in the age range 0–15 years. Samples from men were higher in Cd and Pb compared to those for women. Workers from the Huludao zinc plant (HZP) had higher concentrations of all metals in their hair relative to other occupations except for Cu. Geographically, the highest Cd and Pb concentrations in hair were found for residents living in Daochi district (DCD) and the Zn plant district (ZPD), respectively. In smelting regions, the effects of dust ingestion on heavy metal exposure were more important than in non-smelting regions.

Occupational Exposure Assessment of Major and Trace Elements in Human Scalp Hair Among a Group of Eritrean Workers.

The aim of the study was to evaluate occupational exposure to 40 elements among a group of Eritrean adults employed at the Medeber metal market by analysing human scalp hair samples and by investigating the role of some predictors (gender, age, and body mass index-BMI) on their levels. Scalp hair samples were collected from 60 subjects (32 subjects working at the Medeber metal market and 28 subjects not working at Medeber and not employed in other industrial or artisanal activities) and were analysed through inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to determine the contents of 40 major and trace elements. Information on participants was collected via questionnaire. Significant differences were found in the hair levels of certain elements between subjects working at the Medeber metal market and subjects not exposed. In particular, working at the Medeber metal market increased hair levels of Be, B, Cu, Zn, Mo, Cd, Sb, Tl, Pb, and Fe from 25 to 100%, while reduced Na, K, and Rb levels from 30 to 50%. With multivariate adjustment for age, gender, and BMI, the results confirm that working at Medeber significantly increased the hair levels of Cu, Zn, Sb, Pb, and Fe. This finding reveals the need for more accurate and routine biomonitoring surveys and the necessity of health promotion campaigns both for local decision-makers and workers to increase health promotion and safety in this workplace.

Mechanism of HrcA function in heat shock regulation in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Molecular chaperones are a conserved family of proteins that are over-expressed in response to heat and other stresses. The regulation of expression of chaperone proteins plays a vital role in pathogenesis of various bacterial pathogens. In M. tuberculosis, HrcA and HspR negatively regulate heat shock protein operons by binding to their cognate DNA elements, CIRCE and HAIR respectively. In this study, we show that M. tuberculosis HrcA is able to bind to its cognate CIRCE DNA element present in the upstream regions of groES and groEL2 operons only with the help of other protein(s). It is also demonstrated that M. tuberculosis HrcA binds to a CIRCE like DNA element present in the upstream region of hrcA gene suggesting its auto-regulatory nature. In addition, we report the presence of a putative HAIR element in the upstream region of groES operon and demonstrate the binding of HspR to it. In vitro, HrcA inhibited the DNA binding activity of HspR in a dose-dependent manner. The current study demonstrates that M. tuberculosis HrcA requires other protein(s) to function, and the heat shock protein expression in M. tuberculosis is negatively regulated jointly by HrcA and HspR.

ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION OF HUMAN HAIR IN NORTH-WESTERN SIBERIAN CITIES WITH DIFFERENT DRINKING WATER QUALITY

The aim of the study was to assess elemental composition of hair of residents of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug (Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug) living in cities with different quality of drinking water. Methods. The elemental composition of hair was studied in 84 residents of Surgut and Khanty-Mansiysk cities with high-quality drinking water water, and in 71 residents of Nefteyugansk and Nyagan - cities with low-quality drinking water. The concentration of 25 chemical elements in the hair including iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) was assessed using atomic emission spectroscopy (AES-ICP) and mass spectrometry (MS-ICP) with inductively coupled argon plasma on Optima 2000 DV and ELAN 9000 instruments at the INPO "Center for Biotic Medicine" (Moscow). Data were analyzed using MS Excel and STATISTICA 8.0. Results. Significantly higher concentrations of Fe and Mn (p &lt; 0,001) and lower concentrations of Se (p = 0,012) were revealed in the hair of residents of cities with low-quality drinking water. The concentration indices of Ca, Mg, and Cu in all cities were similar. The prevalence of Zn and Se deficiency in cities with low-quality drinking water was 1.5 and twice as high compared to areas with high quality drinking water. Conclusions. Residents of cities with low quality drinking water have less favourable concentrations of studied elements in hair. This may be associated with lower antioxidant protection which in turn may be associated with greater prevalence of chronic diseases in these cities.

A Search for Similar Patterns in Hair Trace Element and Mineral Content in Children with Down's Syndrome, Obesity, and Growth Delay.

The objective of the present study was to perform comparative analysis of hair trace element and mineral levels in children with Down's syndrome, growth delay, and obesity in order to reveal common and specific patterns. Hair Zn (14, 7, and 15%), Ca (38%, 24%, and 47%), and Mg (33%, 31%, and 49%) levels in children with Down's syndrome, obesity, and growth delay were lower than the respective control values. At the same time, patients with Down's syndrome and growth delay were characterized by 27% and 21%, as well as 24% and 20% lower hair Co as well as Cu content than healthy examinees. Certain alterations were found to be disease-specific. Particularly, in Down's syndrome children, hair Cr, Fe, and V levels were significantly lower, whereas hair P content exceeded the control values. Obese children were characterized by significantly increased hair Cr content. At the same time, hair Mn and Si levels in children with growth delay were lower as compared with the controls. In regression models, all three studied diseases were considered as negative predictors of hair Cu content. Down's syndrome and growth delay, but not obesity, were inversely associated with hair Co content. Both Down's syndrome and obesity were inversely associated with hair Zn content. Based on the revealed similarities in altered hair element, content it is proposed that deficiency of essential elements may predispose Down's syndrome patients to certain syndrome comorbidities including growth delay and obesity, although further detailed studies are required.

ICP-MS Assessment of Hair Essential Trace Elements and Minerals in Russian Preschool and Primary School Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between hair essential trace element and mineral content and ADHD in preschool (4-6 years old) and primary school children (6-10 years old) in relation to age and gender. Hair essential trace element and mineral content in 90 Russian children with ADHD and 90 age- and gender-matched neurotypical controls were assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry after microwave digestion. The obtained data demonstrate that hair Co, Cu, Mn, Si, and Zn contents in ADHD children was significantly reduced by 18%, 10%, 27%, 16%, and 19% as compared to the control values, respectively. The most significant decrease in children with ADHD was observed for hair Mg levels, being 29% lower than those in neurotypical children. After adjustment for age and gender, the observed difference in hair element content was more characteristic for preschool children and girls, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that in a crude model (hair element levels as predictors), only hair Zn content was significantly inversely associated with ADHD (β = - 0.169; p = 0.025). Adjustment for anthropometric parameters (model 2) did not increase the predictive ability of the model, although it improved the association between hair Zn and ADHD in children (β = - 0.194; p = 0.014). Hypothetically, the observed alterations may at least partially contribute to neurobehavioral disturbances in children with ADHD. Moreover, the results of the present study raise the question about the potential benefits of Zn and Mg supplementation in children with ADHD. However, further detailed studies are required to investigate micronutrient deficiencies in ADHD.

Human Biomonitoring of Trace Elements in Scalp Hair from Healthy Population of Pakistan.

The present study deals with the assessment of essential trace and toxic elements in biological samples (scalp hair) of healthy smoker and non-smoker residents of Lahore (the second most populous city), Pakistan. Human biomonitoring of various trace elements like zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As) was evaluated in human hair samples of smokers and non-smokers (males and females) as per IFCC criteria. For the purpose of comparison, scalp hair samples of age- and sex-equivalent healthy persons were also analyzed. The results of this study show that the concentrations (P95 values) of As (0.17, 0.81, and 0.91μg/g), Cd (2.80, 3.81, and 3.16μg/g), Cr (4.1, 4.2, and 5.3μg/g), Cu (20.0, 21.0, and 21.9μg/g), Ni (3.9, 4.6, and 4.3μg/g), Pb (4.0, 4.8, and 5.0μg/g), and Fe (49.0, 49.0, and 59.3μg/g) were significantly higher in scalp hair samples of smokers than in referents, for various age groups (16-32years, 33-50years, and 51-62years), respectively. The concentrations of Zn (165, 163, and 173μg/g various age groups, respectively) in similar age group were found lower in the scalp hair samples of smokers than referents. Exposure of high toxic metal level through smoking and deficiency of Zn could be synergistic with the risk factors associated with the use of tobacco. Correlation studies for the elements in cigarette with the elements in scalp hair of male smokers show a highly positive correlation between Cr-Cd, Cr-Ni, Cu-Fe, and Ni-Zn.

Disparities in the Concentrations of Essential/Toxic Elements in the Blood and Scalp Hair of Lymphoma Patients and Healthy Subjects

Lymphoma is one of the fastest growing malignancies worldwide and imbalance in the concentrations of trace elements can play a significant role in the onset and progression of the disease. Selected essential and toxic elements (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni, Cr, Cd and Pb) were analysed in the blood & scalp hair of lymphoma patients (n = 59 & 58, respectively) and controls (n = 61 & 60, respectively) by atomic absorption spectrometry. On the average, Ni, Cr, Cu and Cd revealed significantly higher contents in the blood and scalp hair of the patients than the controls (p < 0.05). The correlation study showed significantly diverse relationships among the elements in blood & scalp hair of the two donor groups. Variations in the elemental levels with different types of lymphoma (non-Hodgkin and Hodgkin) were also evaluated. Disparities in the elemental concentrations were also investigated for various types of non-Hodgkin (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma and peripheral T-cell lymphoma) and Hodgkin lymphoma (mixed cellularity, nodular lymphocyte predominant and nodular sclerosing), as well as for different stages (I, II, III & IV) of the cancer. Multivariate statistical analysis showed considerably divergent associations of the elements in the patients and controls. The study indicated profound alteration of the elemental levels in the patients; it may be implicated in elemental-induced disorders including lymphoma.