Hair Mineral Research Articles

Preventive machine learning models incorporating health checkup data and hair mineral analysis for low bone mass identification

Machine learning (ML) models have been increasingly employed to predict osteoporosis. However, the incorporation of hair minerals into ML models remains unexplored. This study aimed to develop ML models for predicting low bone mass (LBM) using health checkup data and hair mineral analysis. A total of 1206 postmenopausal women and 820 men aged 50 years or older at a health promotion center were included in this study. LBM was defined as a T-score below − 1 at the lumbar, femur neck, or total hip area. The proportion of individuals with LBM was 59.4% (n = 1205). The features used in the models comprised 50 health checkup items and 22 hair minerals. The ML algorithms employed were Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), Random Forest (RF), Gradient Boosting (GB), and Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost). The subjects were divided into training and test datasets with an 80:20 ratio. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and an F1 score were evaluated to measure the performances of the models. Through 50 repetitions, the mean (standard deviation) AUROC for LBM was 0.744 (± 0.021) for XGB, the highest among the models, followed by 0.737 (± 0.023) for AdaBoost, and 0.733 (± 0.023) for GB, and 0.732 (± 0.021) for RF. The XGB model had an accuracy of 68.7%, sensitivity of 80.7%, specificity of 51.1%, PPV of 70.9%, NPV of 64.3%, and an F1 score of 0.754. However, these performance metrics did not demonstrate notable differences among the models. The XGB model identified sulfur, sodium, mercury, copper, magnesium, arsenic, and phosphate as crucial hair mineral features. The study findings emphasize the significance of employing ML algorithms for predicting LBM. Integrating health checkup data and hair mineral analysis into these models may provide valuable insights into identifying individuals at risk of LBM.

Mineral patterns in hair: A decisive factor between reproducible and repeat breeder dairy cows.

Reproduction, especially impregnation, is a critical aspect of dairy cow management that directly influences herd milk productivity. We conducted a noninvasive hair mineral assay to compare the mineral profiles of two dairy cow groups: reproducible and repeat breeder, by investigating the levels of 11 essential minerals (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Cr, Se, and P) and 6 toxic elements (Hg, Pb, Cd, Al, As, and Ni) in both groups. We also conducted principal component and correlation matrix analyses to compare hair mineral patterns between the groups. Compared to their reproducible counterparts, repeat breeder cows had lower levels of Na, K, and Se. However, Fe, Cd, Al, and As levels were higher in repeat breeders than in their reproducible counterparts. The correlation matrix showed notable correlation patterns for each group. Ca, K, and Na levels were positively correlated in reproducible cows, whereas repeat breeder cows showed positive correlations only between Ca and K levels. Se showed positive correlations with Zn only in the reproducible cow group. Negative correlations were not found in the reproducible group, whereas the repeat breeder group exhibited 7 negative correlations. Despite the limitations of hair mineral analysis, this study provided useful insights into the reproductive potential of dairy cows. These findings aid in easing the prediction of repeat breeder occurrences in herds and are expected to facilitate timely mineral supplementation and other interventions to improve overall herd reproduction in dairy farms.

Metal Body Burden as Cardiovascular Risk Factor in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome and Overweight-Obesity Analysed with an Artificial Neural Network: The Role of Hair Mineralograms.

In determining the so-called "body burden", hair has been widely accepted for assessing toxic element exposure. However, its role in assessing essential elements is controversial. This study investigates the possible relationship between hair minerals, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular (CV) risk in non-occupationally exposed subjects with overweight-obesity. Ninety-five voluntary participants (aged 51 ± 12) were recruited in Northern Italy. Hair samples were collected and analysed via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; the total toxicity index (TI) was calculated as well. To evaluate cardiovascular risk factors in the presence or absence of MetS, the following factors were considered via the innovative artificial neural network (ANN) method Auto-CM: hair mineralograms (31 elements) and 25 variables including blood pressure, anthropometric parameters, insulin resistance and biochemical serum markers assessing inflammation. The Framingham risk score, fatty liver index (FLI), visceral adiposity index and CV risk scores were also taken into consideration. As shown by the semantic map, which was subsequently confirmed by an activation and competition system (ACS), obesity parameters are strictly associated with CV risk factors, TI and inflammation; meanwhile, the single mineral elements seem to be unimportant. Data obtained via ANN demonstrate that MetS may be at least partly mediated by altered mineral levels also in the presence of obesity and that waist circumference is a crucial point to be monitored rather than BMI alone. Furthermore, the mineral body burden is one of the important factors for CV risk.

Interactive Effects of Obesity and Hypertension on Patterns of Hair Essential Trace Element and Mineral Content in Adult Women.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate potential similar patterns and interactive effects of obesity and hypertension on hair essential trace element and mineral content in adult women. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 607 adult women divided into controls (n = 101), groups with obesity without hypertension (n = 199), hypertension without obesity (n = 143), and both obesity and hypertension (n = 164) were included in the study. Assessment of hair mineral and trace element levels was performed by inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. Hair Ca, Mg, Co, and Mn levels in women with obesity, hypertension, and both diseases were significantly lower, compared to controls. Hair Mg levels in women with obesity and hypertension were significantly lower, whereas hair Na and K were found to be higher when compared to other groups. Hair Fe and V content in obese patients was lower than in other groups. Obesity was associated with lower hair Cu levels, whereas patients with hypertension had higher hair Cu content. Hypertension was also associated with higher hair Cr and Se content irrespective of body weight. Hair Zn levels in obese women with and without hypertension were significantly lower than those in healthy controls and normal-weight women with hypertension. In multiple regression models hair Mg was considered as a significant negative predictor of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure values. The observed alterations in hair trace element and mineral content provide an additional link between obesity and hypertension, although further detailed studies are required.

Associations between hair trace mineral concentrations and the occurrence of treponeme-associated hoof disease in elk (Cervus canadensis)

BackgroundTrace minerals are important for animal health. Mineral deficiency or excess can negatively affect immune function, wound healing, and hoof health in domestic livestock, but normal concentrations and health impairment associated with mineral imbalances in wild animals are poorly understood. Treponeme-associated hoof disease (TAHD) is an emerging disease of free-ranging elk (Cervus canadensis) in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Selenium and copper levels identified in a small number of elk from areas where TAHD is established (i.e., southwestern Washington) suggested a mineral deficiency may have increased susceptibility to TAHD. Our objectives were to determine trace mineral concentrations using hair from elk originating in TAHD affected areas of Washington, California, Idaho, and Oregon and assess their associations with the occurrence of the disease.ResultsWe identified limited associations between TAHD occurrence and severity with hair mineral concentrations in 72 free-ranging elk, using Firth’s logistic regression and multinomial regression models. We found consistent support for a priori hypotheses that selenium concentration, an important mineral for hoof health, is inversely associated with the occurrence of TAHD. Less consistent support was observed for effects of other minerals previously associated with hoof health (e.g., copper or zinc) or increased disease risk from potential toxicants.ConclusionTrace mineral analysis of hair is a non-invasive sampling technique that offers feasibility in storage and collection from live animals and carcasses. For some minerals, levels in hair correlate with visceral organs that are challenging to obtain. Our study using hair collected opportunistically from elk feet submitted for diagnostic investigations provides a modest reference of hair mineral levels in elk from the U.S. Pacific Northwest that may be useful in future determination of reference ranges. Although our results revealed high variability in mineral concentrations between elk, consistent relationship of possibly low selenium levels and TAHD suggest that further investigations are warranted.

Do Triathletes Periodize Their Diet and Do Their Mineral Content, Body Composition and Aerobic Capacity Change during Training and Competition Periods?

The triathlon is a demanding endurance multisport, which may strongly affect the nutritional status of athletes. The aim of this study was to find whether there are any differences in energy value and nutrient intake, body mass and body composition, aerobic performance and hair mineral status between training and competition periods and to assess whether there is a link between hair mineral content and physical capacity and nutrition. This observational study covered 20 triathletes aged 32 ± 7 years. The results of our study indicated performance improvement during the competition period (longer time to exhaustion (p = 0.025) and lower maximal oxygen uptake at the ventilatory threshold (%VO2max_VT; p = 0.047)). However, no differences were recorded in nutrition and body composition between two training vs. competition periods. There was a significant depletion in hair iron content during the competition period (p = 0.010). Furthermore, there were significant relationships between hair calcium content and absolute maximal oxygen uptake and %VO2max_VT during the training period. It is necessary to introduce nutritional education in the group of triathletes focused on exercise-oriented nutritional periodization following the requirements of the training and competition periods, thus preventing the risk of nutrient deficiencies.

Corrigendum

This Corrigendum relates to the following article:
 Mosbacher J.B., Desforges J.-P., Michelsen A., Hansson S.V., Stelvig M., Eulaers I., Sonne C., Dietz R., Jenssen B.M., Ciesielski T.M., Lierhagen S., Flaten T.P., Le Roux G., Aggerbeck M.R., & Schmidt N.M. (2022). Hair mineral levels as indicator of wildlife demographics?—a pilot study of muskoxen. Polar Research, 41.https://doi.org/10.33265/polar.v41.8543
 The article “Hair mineral levels as indicator of wildlife demographics?—a pilot study of muskoxen” (2022) has been corrected to include two additional authors (Sophia V. Hansson and Gaël Le Roux) and an expanded Acknowledgements section that now thanks Frederic Candaudap and Aurélie Marquet for assistance with the ICP-MS analyses. These revisions correct regrettable oversights on the part of the authors.

Hair mineral levels as indicator of wildlife demographics?—a pilot study of muskoxen

The tight linkage between mineral status and health and demographics in animals is well documented. Mineral deficiencies have been coupled to population declines in wildlife. Current practices typically rely on liver, kidney and/or serum samples to assess mineral levels. Such destructive sampling strategies are, however, not feasible for remote or endangered populations. Hair may constitute an alternative tissue, sampled through non-invasive means, to investigate mineral levels in wildlife. In the pilot study presented here, we examine whether mineral levels in hair samples from a well-studied muskox (Ovibos moschatus) population in High-Arctic Greenland are associated with a vital rate and may, therefore, serve as indicators of wildlife population demographics. We show that inter-annual variations in levels of three minerals—copper, selenium and molybdenum—are associated with fluctuations in annual calf recruitment, with poor recruitment in years of low mineral levels in hair. Local environmental conditions also varied with calf recruitment but appeared to be less robust predictors of calf recruitment than hair mineral levels. Our results suggest that hair mineral levels may serve as an indicator of vital demographic rates and, ultimately, of wildlife population trends.

Commercial Hair Analysis in Horses: A Tool to Assess Mineral Intake?

The use of hair samples to assess the mineral intake of horses under practical conditions has recently been attracting increased interest. The aims of this study were to compare mineral analysis results in equine mane hair between three commercial laboratories and to determine the relationship between the mineral intake and mineral content in mane hair. Four warmblood horses (14 ± 3 years) were included in the study. Horses were fed hay ad libitum and a commercial mineral supplement to meet nutrient requirements under maintenance conditions. Mane hair from the hairline was collected with a sample length of 2 to 3 cm according to the respective laboratory guidelines to monitor the feeding period of the last 1 to 2 months. Minerals in mane hair were analyzed by three commercial laboratories using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) or inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy and in feedstuffs using ICP–MS to calculate mineral intake. Hair mineral analysis showed that the results and their corresponding reference ranges widely varied among the three laboratories. The mean coefficient of variance ranged from a minimum of 10% for selenium (Se) to a maximum of 58% for iron (Fe). For example, Se supply (requirement, 1.17–1.28 mg/d; intake, 1.83 mg/d) was considered insufficient in all horses by two laboratories, whereas it was considered adequate by one laboratory. Intervariation of the same sample, as well as differences in reference ranges, was considerably high among the three laboratories. These results indicate that hair mineral analysis is not reliable for assessing mineral intake in horses.

Evaluation of hair analysis for determination of trace mineral status and exposure to toxic heavy metals in horses in the Netherlands.

Analysis of hair to gain insight into the trace mineral status and exposure to toxic heavy metals of horses is attractive because hair is an easily accessible sample material. To investigate the potential value of hair analysis in horses for determination of trace mineral and heavy metal concentrations, we analyzed mane hair and liver samples from 62 horses presented for slaughter at a facility in the Netherlands that receives horses from all regions of the country. Hair samples were cleaned in warm water. After acid digestion of hair and liver specimens, we quantified, with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, vanadium, and zinc in the digests. Based on Pearson product moment correlations, we found no statistically significant correlations between concentrations of trace minerals in liver and hair, with the exception of a slight correlation for copper that was too weak to be of clinical relevance. Our results do not support the use of hair to determine trace mineral status and exposure to toxic heavy metals in the horse under field conditions.

Soils and Human Health: Connections Between Geo-Environmental, Socio-Demographic, and Lifestyle factors and Nutrition of Tribal Women of Jharkhand, India

A holistic view on possible determinants of human health within a poor subsistence farming community is important to addressing pressing issues surrounding hidden hunger. This survey study assesses the mineral nutrition of women in rural tribal communities of Jharkhand, India, and its possible connection with the mineral status of the soils and the staple crop rice. Associations were explored with inherent and dynamic life features namely geography; socio-demographics; and agronomic, processing and cooking practices. A total of 43 soil and rice and 35 human hair samples were collected from 43 rice fields and their associated households. All samples were analyzed for micronutrients and toxic elements, which included As, B, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, V and Zn. Soil samples were additionally analyzed for biological and physical indicators. Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA tests and regularized regressions methods (ridge and lasso) were performed on qualitative parameters with respect to the soil, rice and hair mineral content. For soil data, associations existed between (i) livestock management and Mo and Cd levels in the soil, and (ii) most soil micronutrients and toxic elements with districts and soil textural groups. For rice, Fe concentrations differed among variety types (traditional> hybrid> improved), Cu between landscape positions (midland > lowland), Mn, Ba and Pb among soil textural classes, and Cr, Ba and Pb among districts. In hair, Cd significantly differed between cooking water sources (well water > other), Mn between rice cooking methods (absorption > boil and drain), and Fe, Cr and Ba between the hair-dyed groups. Linear regressions with quantitative variables such as age, household size, number of years farming, fertilization duration (as proxy for land size ownership) and hair sampling length (cm) showed that only hair Ni and Cr were significantly affected by land size ownership, and that the latter mineral is also affected by hair sampling length. The regularized regressions revealed many interlinkages between soil and humans through the rice crop intermediate, as well as between socio-demographics and human health, albeit complex and indirect. To this end, associations were in many cases uninterpretable, yet, they present insight into the confounding factors and possible challenges in the assessment of soil-to-human mineral interlinkages. Future studies are advised to account for these to pinpoint direct and causational relationships in the soil-to-human pathway.

Associations between Hair Mineral Concentrations and Skeletal Muscle Mass in Korean Adults.

Muscle health plays an important role in maintaining function and independence in the elderly, and some nutrients provide protection against the age-related decline of muscle strength and function. Minerals are important nutrients that may contribute to the prevention and treatment of sarcopenia, but they have not been well-studied. This study investigated whether hair mineral concentrations differ between subjects with low muscle mass (LMM) and subjects with normal muscle mass. Cross-sectional study. A total of 232 adults ≥ 20 years of age who visited the Health Promotion Center of the University Hospital in Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea. The data from 232 subjects were analyzed and divided into LMM and normal groups based on the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) (LMM was defined as ASMI < 7.0 kg/m2 in men and < 5.7 kg/m2 in women). Skeletal muscle mass was estimated using a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) device with a body composition analyzer. Overall mean age of participants was 50.4±11.6 years (29.7% women). Subjects with LMM showed significantly lower triglyceride levels, greater high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and lower body mass index (BMI), compared with subjects who had normal muscle mass. No significant differences in hair mineral concentrations were observed between subjects with LMM and subjects with normal muscle mass, with the exception of copper. Hair copper concentrations were significantly greater in subjects with LMM than in subjects with normal muscle mass after adjustment for covariates and factors (65.7±14.2 vs 33.1±4.3 μg/g, P = 0.035). These results suggest that hair mineral status may play a role in the development of LMM. Therefore, further studies with larger numbers of subjects are required to identify the effects of mineral imbalances, their relationships with sarcopenia, and the differences between subjects with LMM and subjects with normal muscle mass.

Status Nutrisi Mineral Rusa Totol (Axis axis) di Lingkungan Istana Kepresidenan Bogor

The study aimed to determine the effect of mineral status (Ca, P, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Pb) in soil, grass, and hair of spotted deer in the Bogor Presidential Palace. Fifteen male deer were randomly selected with an age of ± 2.5‒6 years. Soil was collected from ten points representing land, and grass samples were obtained by sampling from several points of the grazing area. Mineral content in soil, grass, and deer hair were analyzed using the atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results showed that the level of Ca (0.03%) and P (0.016%) in the soil are deficient, Mn (1960 ppm), Zn (33.89 ppm), and Cu (77.23 ppm) are considered in the normal range, and Fe and Pb elements are high. Mineral levels of Ca, P, Cu, and Zn in grasses do not meet the daily requirements, whilst high levels of Fe and Mn minerals exceed the requirements for the spotted deer. The Pb content in grass is 0.94 ppm, which is within the normal limit. The levels of Ca (0.02%), Fe (308.11 ppm). and Mn (6.18 ppm) minerals in deer hair are high, however, zinc (44.68 ppm) and Cu (3.08 ppm) levels are low. High Pb level (14.38 ppm) is due to the long-term impact of Pb accumulation.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Bogor Palace, mineral status, Axis axis

Performance scanning electron microscopic investigations and elemental analysis of hair of the different animal species for forensic identification.

Veterinary forensics have attracted less attention compared with human forensics. Animal hair morphological examination using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and hair mineral analysis using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) provide reference databases for animal hair identification used in forensic investigations. This study was performed on four different animal species: large ruminants (buffalo and cattle), small ruminants (goat and sheep), carnivores (cat and dog), and equines (donkey and horse). The hair scale pattern, scale margin type, and distance between scales were identified. The hair scale pattern was imbricate in large ruminants, goat, and horse; coronal (crown-like) in carnivores and donkey; and spinous in sheep. The morphometric measurements, including cuticle layer thickness, cuticle scale height, cortex diameter, and hair shaft width were recorded. The highest cuticle thickness was found in horse, and the highest cuticle hair scale was detected in cattle. Moreover, the largest cortex diameter was measured in buffalo, whereas the smallest one was in cat. With regard the content of hair elements, some elements were specific for the hair of certain tested animals, such as bromine in sheep and magnesium and phosphorus in buffalo. In addition, vanadium and titanium were found only in cattle and dog, and the latter element was also detected in sheep. In conclusion, this study provides two techniques for animal hair identification that can be used in forensic investigations. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Hair scale pattern was imbricate in (large ruminants, goat, and horse); coronal in (carnivores and donkey); and spinous in (sheep) with different scale margins type. Hair shaft width in all tested animal species ranged from 23.78 ± 1.24 μm to 85.51 ± 1.14 μm.

Hair EDX Analysis-A Promising Tool for Micronutrient Status Evaluation of Patients with IBD?

Micronutrient deficiencies can arise in various conditions, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and diagnosing these deficiencies can be challenging in the absence of specific clinical signs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the status of various trace elements hair concentration in IBD patients compared to a healthy control group and to identify potential correlations between the micronutrient status and relevant parameters related to disease activity. The concentrations of iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium and sulfur in the hair of 37 IBD patients with prior diagnosed IBD (12 Crohn’s disease and 25 ulcerative colitis) and 31 healthy controls were evaluated by Energy Dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDX). Significant differences in hair concentration profile of studied trace elements were identified for IBD patients compared to healthy controls. A significantly decreased hair concentration of iron, magnesium, calcium and selenium and a significantly increased sulfur hair concentration were observed in IBD patients at the time of evaluation. A decreased hair calcium concentration (r = −0.772, p = 0.003) and an increased sulfur concentration (r = 0.585, p = 0.046) were significantly correlated with disease activity. Conclusion: Hair mineral and trace elements evaluation may contribute to a proper evaluation of their status in IBD patients and improving the management of nutritional status of IBD patients.

Analysis of Trace Metals in Human Hair by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy with a Compact Microchip Laser.

A laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) system using a microchip laser for plasma generation is proposed for in-situ analysis of trace minerals in human hair. The LIBS system is more compact and less expensive than conventional LIBS systems, which use flashlamp-excited Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers. Focusing optics were optimized using a Galilean beam expander to compensate for the low emitted pulse energy of the microchip laser. Additionally, hundreds of generated LIBS spectra were accumulated to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the measurement system, and argon gas was injected at the irradiation point to enhance plasma intensity. LIBS spectra of human hair in the UV to near IR regions were investigated. Relative mass concentrations of Ca, Mg, and Zn were analyzed in hairs obtained from five subjects using the intensity of C as a reference. The results coincide well with those measured via inductively coupled argon plasma mass spectrometry. The lowest detectable concentrations of the measured LIBS spectra were 9.0 ppm for Mg, 27 ppm for Zn, and 710 ppm for Ca. From these results, we find that the proposed LIBS system based on a microchip laser is feasible for the analysis of trace minerals in human hair.

Thermal-humidity exposure and water deprivation alter the immune response, and hair but not plasma mineral profiles, in Holstein dairy cows

ABSTRACT In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of thermal-humidity exposure (THE) and water deprivation on the immune response, and hair and plasma mineral profiles of lactating Holstein cows. Thirty multiparous lactating Holstein cows were divided into two groups of 15 cows each: a treatment (T) group subjected to THE and water deprivation for 2 h following feeding, and a control (C) group subjected to THE but with free access to water. Higher levels of sodium (Na), potassium (K), and copper (Cu) in hair were observed in the C group, whereas higher levels of magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) in hair were observed in the PC group compared to the other groups. In plasma, mineral contents did not differ between the C and T groups. Additionally, water deprivation during THE decreased hair Mg content. Neutrophil levels and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios were higher in the T group than in the C group at day 50, but did not differ between the two groups at day 60. Overall, the combination of THE with water deprivation for 2 h altered the hair mineral content, and decreased the immune response, in high-yielding lactating cows.

Hair mineral analysis in the population of students living in the Lower Silesia region (Poland) in 2019: Comparison with biomonitoring study in 2009 and literature data

The paper presents a comparative analysis of biomonitoring research results using hair mineral analysis today and 10 years ago. The aim of the present work was to examine the impact of individual factors, on the content of elements in human hair. The mineral analysis of 115 hair samples was carried out using ICP-OES and AAS technique. It was shown that calcium, barium, copper, mercury, magnesium, manganese and selenium content depend on gender and is higher for women. Statistically significant synergistic correlations were identified between the following pairs of elements: (Ca–Mg), (P–S), (Mo–Sb) and (Ba–Pb). The results of the present work were compared with the previous assessment in 2009 on students of the same age. The content of most of the heavy metals in hair was reduced significantly, which is a sign of the improving state of the local environment. The greatest decrease was recorded for silver (96.6%), arsenic (93.4%), mercury (45.1%), lead (67.7%), antimony (55.2%), thallium (10 times) and cobalt (93.7%). The level of the following elements increased: Ba: 27.3%, Cu: 28.5%, Ni: 22.4%, Ti: 191%, Zn: 11.0%. Changes in the content of most heavy metals in hair have been noted, as well as changes of reference ranges, which may indicate an improvement in the state of the environment in Wrocław, Lower Silesia (Poland) over the last 10 years. These results were confirmed by biomonitoring studies carried out with human hair, which was shown to be a reliable biomarker of human exposure to toxic elements.

Association between Copper-Zinc Ratio in Hair and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio within the Context of a Normal White Blood Cell Count among Overweight or Obese Korean Individuals: A Pilot Study.

BackgroundObesity is considered a state of enhanced oxidative stress as well as chronic and low-grade inflammation. The copper–zinc ratio in obese individuals has been reported to reflect systemic oxidative stress and inflammatory status. We investigated whether the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio is related to the copper–zinc ratio in hair, within the context of a normal white blood cell count among overweight or obese Korean individuals.MethodsWe included 56 participants aged older than 20 years who voluntarily sought weight reduction treatment and met the inclusion criterion of body mass index of 23 kg/m2 or greater. Intra-abdominal visceral adipose tissue was measured by computed tomography imaging, while the copper and zinc levels were measured by hair mineral analysis. Using multiple linear regression analysis, we examined the associations between the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio and the copper–zinc ratio.ResultsThe mean age, body mass index, and visceral adipose tissue were 46.0±10.5 years, 29.0±4.1 kg/cm2, and 142.9±68.8 cm2, respectively. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed the association of the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio with copper level (r=0.475, P<0.001) and copper–zinc ratio (r=0.494, P<0.001). After adjusting for confounding variables, we found the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio was significantly associated with the level of copper and the copper–zinc ratio in hair (regression coefficient: 0.055±0.015; P<0.001 and regression coefficient: 0.761±0.185; P<0.001, respectively).ConclusionA higher copper–zinc ratio in hair is positively and independently associated with the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio. Thus, a high hair copper–zinc ratio could be a useful parameter for oxidative burden of individuals predisposed to obesity-related comorbidity.

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.