Hair Levels Research Articles

Chronic alcohol abuse may lead to high skin iron content, but not to hepatic siderosis

IntroductionIn forensic cases, ante mortem chronic alcohol abuse can be of central importance in clarifying circumstances of death. However, reliable markers of alcohol consumption, which are still available postmortem, are needed. In addition to medical history data which may not be always authentic, the determination of ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in hair as a promising parameter is of no value in cases of missing or cosmetically treated hair. On the other hand, there exist reports that iron ions accumulate in liver tissue (siderosis) during chronic, excessive alcohol consumption, which, therefore, may be useful to serve as alcohol abuse correlate. However, the influence of ethanol on iron stored in the liver has not been adequately investigated and the study situation appears to be inconsistent. AimsThe aim of the present study was to assess the suitability of assaying iron concentrations in liver and other tissues as postmortem alcoholism marker. MethodsThe iron concentration in tissue samples (liver, brain, skin, pancreas, spleen), vitreous fluid and blood taken during autopsy was analyzed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The analytical method has been validated before. Cases were divided into two groups: chronic alcohol abusers and non-chronic alcohol consumers including total abstainers using ethyl glucuronide levels in hair as well as anamnestic data as criteria. ResultsNo elevated iron concentrations in the liver of chronic alcohol abusers were detected. Surprisingly, the iron concentration in skin tissue was found to be significantly higher in cases of chronic alcohol abuse, independent on whether fatty liver or liver cirrhosis was present (as diagnosedduring autopsy).In 18.5% of the cases, chronic alcohol abuse was not confirmed by the EtG concentration in hair. Thus, anamnestic data should not be overestimated. ConclusionThe general assumption that chronic alcohol abuse induces hepatic siderosis, i.e. high iron concentrations in liver tissue, has not been supported by results of the present study. However, there seems to exist a correlation between chronic alcohol abuse and high iron concentrations in the skin.

Use of electronic nicotine delivery systems by pregnant women II: Hair biomarkers for exposures to nicotine and tobacco-specific nitrosamines.

INTRODUCTIONPublic awareness of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) has increased over time, and the perception that ENDS offer a safer alternative to cigarettes may lead some pregnant women to use them to reduce cigarette smoking during pregnancy. No previous studies have used metabolite levels in hair to measure nicotine exposure for ENDS users during pregnancy. We aimed to measure and compare levels of nicotine, cotinine, and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) in hair samples from pregnant women who were current ENDS users, current smokers, and current non-smokers. We also aimed to estimate the association between ENDS use/smoking and smallness for gestational age (SGA).METHODSWe used hair specimens from pregnant women who were dual users (ENDS and cigarettes), smokers, and non-smokers from a prospective cohort study to estimate exposure to nicotine, cotinine, and TSNAs. The exposure biomarkers and self-reports of smoking and ENDS use were used in log-binomial regression models to estimate risk ratios (RRs) for SGA among offspring.RESULTSNicotine concentrations for pregnant dual users were not significantly different from those for smokers (11.0 and 10.6 ng/mg hair, respectively; p=0.58). Similarly, levels of cotinine, and TSNAs for pregnant dual users were not lower than those for smokers. The RR for SGA was similar for dual users and smokers relative to nonsmokers, (RR=3.5, 95% CI: 0.8–14.8) and (RR=3.3, 95% CI: 0.9–11.6), respectively. Using self-reports confirmed by hair nicotine, the RR values for dual ENDS users and smokers were 8.3 (95% CI: 1.0–69.1) and 7.3 (95% CI:1.0–59.0), respectively.CONCLUSIONSWe did not observe lower levels of nicotine, cotinine, and TSNAs for current dual users compared to smokers during pregnancy. The risk of SGA for offspring of pregnant dual users was similar to that for offspring of pregnant smokers. Future studies are needed to further estimate the magnitude of the association between ENDS use and smallness for gestational age.

Fetal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers and the risk of hypospadias: focus on the congeners involved

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are widely used flame retardants, and their endocrine-disrupting properties have focused growing attention regarding their teratogenic potential. We have recently documented that mothers of children born with hypospadias had been exposed to statistically higher levels of PBDE during pregnancy than mothers of healthy controls. However, it is not known which congeners of PBDE are associated with this putative teratogenic effect. To identify PBDE congeners associated with increased risk for hypospadias. Hair samples from mothers were analyzed and compared between hypospadias cases and healthy controls for eight PBDE congeners using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Polybrominated diphenyl ether levels were measured in the 0- to 3-cm segment closest to the skull of maternal hair as a proxy for in utero exposure of mothers who lived in the same environment for the duration of their pregnancy. Median maternal hair levels of five PBDE congeners (28, 47, 99, 153, and 154) and of total PBDE (∑PBDE) were significantly higher among mothers of infants with hypospadias (n=152) than among controls (n=64). Apparent greater differences in the lower brominated congeners, especially in BDE-47 and BDE-99, may be due to the fact that they had been used in larger amounts, and their persistence properties confer longer exposure. The majority of the lower brominated PBDE congeners measured in maternal hair exhibited higher PBDE body burden during pregnancy in mothers of infants who were born with hypospadias.

Measuring Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy via Hair Concentrations in India.

Objective adherence measures are of increasing interest in antiretroviral treatment (ART) monitoring. Hair ART levels predict virologic suppression, and hair is easy to collect and store. No previous study has examined hair levels in an India-based cohort or laboratory. Small hair samples were collected from HIV-positive participants on either efavirenz (EFV)-based or nevirapine (NVP)-based ART in a South India-based study. Hair samples were split and analyzed for EFV or NVP in the University of California, San Francisco -based Hair Analytical Laboratory and the analytic laboratory of the Division of Nutrition at St. John's Research Institute, Bangalore, India, using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Agreement (using Bland-Altman methods) and rank correlation between the 2 laboratories' hair levels were calculated. Rank correlation between self-reported adherence (SRA) over the previous month using a visual analog scale and hair ART levels was calculated. Among 75 participants (38 on NVP; 37 on EFV), the correlation between NVP levels generated by the 2 laboratories was 0.66 (P < 0.0001) and between EFV levels was 0.87 (P < 0.0001). Measurements from St. John's Research Institute were usually within 20% of those from the University of California, San Francisco Hair Analytical Laboratory. SRA was essentially uncorrelated with hair antiretroviral levels for either drug (all correlations < 0.04). Hair levels showed variability in adherence although SRA was >85% in all participants. Hair ART levels measured by both an India-based laboratory and the standard U.S.-based laboratory showed generally high agreement and correlation, demonstrating local capacity. As in many other cohorts, hair ART levels and SRA were not well-correlated, likely indicating limitations in self-report and the need for objective adherence monitoring in resource-limited settings.

Increased Social Support Mitigates the Negative Impact of Food Insecurity on Antiretroviral Adherence Among Postpartum Women in Western Kenya (P04-126-19)

ObjectivesAntiretroviral (ARV) adherence is a strong predictor of improved health outcomes and treatment effectiveness among persons living with HIV. Food insecurity and low social support are have been demonstrated to predict reported nonadherence among pregnant women, but the relationship has not been evaluated using an objective indicator of adherence. Therefore, we explored the impacts of social support and food insecurity on ARV adherence using ARV drug concentrations in hair among postpartum Kenyan women living with HIV. MethodsHair samples were collected from 83 HIV + women, a subset from an observational pregnancy cohort study (NCT02974972), on Efavirenz (n = 58) and Nevirapine (n = 25)-based ARVs at nine months postpartum. Hair ARV concentrations were log transformed to approximate a normal distribution. Food insecurity [Individual Food Insecurity Access Scale (IFIAS, 0–27)], social support (Perceived Social Support Scale, 0–40), and quality of life (Short Form 8 Health Survey, 0–40] were recalled for the prior month. These covariables, along with sociodemographic characteristics, were included in a multivariable linear regression model (P < 0.2) and eliminated using a backward stepwise approach (P < 0.1). ResultsMean IFIAS score was 10.0 (± 5.2). Lower food insecurity and greater quality of life were significantly associated with higher hair ARV concentrations. Each point increase in IFIAS and decrease in quality of life was associated with a 13.4% decrease (95%CI: −0.23, −0.05) and 15.7% decrease (95%CI: 0.06, 0.23) in hair levels, respectively. Social support was not significantly associated with ARV adherence in bivariate analysis, but did buffer against the negative impacts of food insecurity on ARV adherence in the final multivariable model (Figure 1). ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that low food insecurity is significantly associated with higher ARV adherence among postpartum women using an objective biomarker, and that social support can buffer the negative effect of food insecurity on adherence. Interventions addressing these modifiable barriers to ARV adherence should be explored to improve adherence among HIV + postpartum women. Funding SourcesThe study was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs▪

Endogenous steroid profiling in hair and nails with a newly developed LC-MS/MS method

Steroid hormones are key regulators in many physiological processes such as physical or mental stress and fatigue. The analysis of endogenous steroid hormones in hair is used for the long-term assessment of those biomarkers. If hair is not available, nails can be used as an alternative matrix for the retrospective evaluation of substances. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a sensitive LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of steroid hormones in human hair and nails. An LC-MS/MS method was developed for the simultaneous identification and quantification of 12 steroid hormones (aldosterone, cortisone, cortisol, corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, androstenedione, 11-deoxycorticosterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, dihydrotestosterone, progesterone) in hair and nails. Analysis was conducted on a QTRAP ® 6500+ mass spectrometer (Sciex, Darmstadt, Germany) in electrospray ionization positive mode, after LC separation (Phenomenex ® Kinetex ® XB-C 18 ) using a Prominence UFLC system (Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan). The method was validated using 13 C 3 -steroid analytes as surrogate analytes. Thirty-nine authentic hair and nail samples were analyzed to investigate a possible correlation between steroid levels in hair and nails. Furthermore, nail samples from 31 right and left hands from mothers ( n = 12) (before and after birth) and 8 samples from their newborn infants were analyzed. Finally, hair samples ( n = 18) were measured to see if there is an influence of pigmentation on the steroid level. Paired samples were compared using Wilcoxon signed rank test and correlation coefficients were calculated using Spearman correlation. Methods for both matrices were successfully validated. The mean concentrations determined in the hair samples ( n = 39) were 19.8 pg/mg for cortisone, 4.4 pg/mg for cortisol, 2.7 pg/mg for androstenedione, 0.7 pg/mg for testosterone and 3.0 pg/mg for progesterone. In nails, the mean values were 3.7 pg/mg for cortisone, 1.7 pg/mg for cortisol, 2.6 pg/mg for androstenedione, 1.1 pg/mg for testosterone and 6.2 pg/mg for progesterone. Testosterone and progesterone levels were significantly and positively correlated between hair and nails ( r = 0.49 and r = 0.38, respectively), whereas cortisol ( r = −0.03), cortisone ( r = −0.07) and androstenedione ( r = −0.05) showed no significant correlation. Higher concentrations of cortisol and cortisone in hair were found compared to nails ( P -value < 0.05). Investigations in nails of mothers and their newborn infants showed no significant difference in left and right hand concentrations of cortisol, cortisone, androstenedione, testosterone and progesterone ( P -value > 0.05). Regarding the hair pigmentation, there were no significant differences in pigmented and non-pigmented hair for cortisol, cortisone, androstenedione, testosterone and progesterone ( P -value > 0.05). The results showed that steroid profiling in hair and nails is a promising tool for various research and clinical applications. Higher steroid concentrations in hair might be attributed to affinity of cortisol and cortisone to bind to melanin. However, there were no significant differences in pigmented and non-pigmented hair, suggesting that the binding to melanin is not very strong and weaker interactions can play a role in the incorporation of steroid hormones into the hair matrix. Right and left hand values showed no significant differences, which indicated that the sample collection can be done on either hand on the same fingernail. We developed a highly sensitive and selective LC-MS/MS method for steroid profiling in hair and nails. With help of surrogate analytes, low endogenous amounts of steroid hormones were quantified. Nails and hair are both suitable matrices for steroid profiling with different baseline values.

Chromium-mediated hyperpigmentation of skin in male tannery workers in Bangladesh

Since tannery workers in developing countries are chronically exposed to high levels of chromium (Cr), there are serious concerns about health problems. However, there has been limited study in which Cr levels were measured in tannery workers, who are chronically exposed to Cr. Our preliminary inspection showed that there was hyperpigmented skin in tannery workers. We therefore investigated the correlation between skin pigmentation levels digitally evaluated as L* values by using a reflectance spectrophotometer and Cr levels in skin appendages in 100 male tannery workers and in 49 male non-tannery workers in Bangladesh. Digitalized skin pigmentation levels of the face and feet in addition to Cr levels in hair and toenails in tannery workers were significantly higher than those in non-tannery workers in our univariate analysis. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analysis showed significant correlation between duration of tannery work (years) and Cr levels in hair (r = 0.62) and toenails (r = 0.61). Our multivariate analysis also showed that Cr levels in hair and toenails were significantly correlated with digitalized skin pigmentation levels of the face and feet in addition to duration of tannery work in all participants. Thus, our results showed the development of hyperpigmented skin in tannery workers. Our results also suggested that hyperpigmented skin could be a useful diagnostic marker for chronic exposure to Cr. Furthermore, cutaneous L* value might be a convenient marker for detection of chronic Cr poisoning, since the digitalized values enable objective evaluation of skin pigmented levels by general people as well as dermatologists.

Male workers' exposure characteristics of ΣPCDD/F from a municipal solid waste incinerator in south China through hair analysis

Human hair, flue gas and fly ash from a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) in south China were collected and analyzed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF). The ΣPCDD/F level in hair from male workers were higher than those from residents. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) suggested that ΣPCDD/F in flue gas is an external source of male workers' hair ΣPCDD/F. Results of daily intake of ΣPCDD/F by inhaling flue gas suggested that the inhalation exposure of ΣPCDD/F was at a slight health risk. For the male workers directly exposed to the MSWI power plant, ΣPCDD/F levels in their hair were significantly higher than those who were non-directly exposed. Moreover, a significantly positive relationship was obtained between ΣPCDD/F levels in male workers' hair and the working time. The result of correlation analysis suggested that 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD and OCDD could be level indicator congeners to estimate ΣPCDD/F levels. In addition, 2,3,7,8-TCDD could be applied as TEQ indicator congener to characterize the hair of MSWI male workers.

MON-446 Glucocorticoids in Hair, Fingernail, and Blood as Biomarkers of Systemic Exposure

Background: Chronic, cumulative stress has been shown to negatively impact on health and wellbeing. Indigenous Australians often experience multiple stressful events across the life course. While hair samples have been the most often used chronic stress biomarker, limitations exist based on availability, cultural acceptability and possible influence of acute stress on levels. Fingernails samples have recently been explored with promising results. This study examines the correlation between cortisol and cortisone levels in hair and fingernails and their association with blood levels in an at-risk population. Methods: Cross-sectional data (2013-2015) obtained from 459 Indigenous and 117 non-Indigenous young adults aged 21-27. Directly collected height and weight used to calculate body mass index (BMI; kg/m2). Fingernail samples were clipped directly into a plastic bag and scalp hair samples cut from the posterior vertex area. Hair and fingernail samples were fragmented and then twice extracted with 1.5ml methanol as reported by Sharpley et al 2009. Methanol was evaporated under vacuum and then the residue redissolved in 100ul of methanol and analysed by LC/MS/MS using a Shimadzu UPLC and 8050 Mass Spectrometer. Log linear relationship between (i) cortisol and cortisone; (ii) sample methods was assessed by Pearson’s correlation and multivariable regression. Results: Sample numbers varied; blood (Indigenous 410; non-Indigenous 108), hair (Indigenous 333; non-Indigenous 84), and fingernail (Indigenous 189; non-Indigenous 67). Median cortisol levels were lower than cortisone in hair (3.3 vs 5.7 pg/mg) and fingernail (4.3 vs 13.8 pg/mg), but higher in blood (71.6 vs 13.1 mmol/L). Cortisol and cortisone were correlated in all three sample methods. Examination of all available samples showed correlation between blood and hair cortisol (n=402, r=0.106, p=0.034) and between hair and fingernail cortisol (n=222, r=0.182, p=0.007) but not between fingernail and blood (n=242, r=-0.005, p=0.94). However, when limited to those who provided all three samples (n=211), only a correlation between hair and fingernail cortisol remained (r=0.184, p=0.007). The significant association between hair and fingernail was evident on adjustment for sex, Indigeneity and BMI. Similar results were seen in cortisone levels. Conclusions: Collection of fingernails provided an easily conducted, viable alternative to hair in this multicultural cohort. The correlation between cortisol and cortisone levels in hair and fingernail suggests both samples are reflective of chronic stress. Although not seen in the restricted cohort analysis, the possible weak correlation of hair with blood levels supports the need for further exploration of the mechanism of glucocorticoid incorporation in hair, as well in fingernails.

Concentration of Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Manganese, and Cu/Zn Ratio in Hair of Children and Adolescents with Myopia

The aim of this work was to determine the concentration of trace elements, zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, and Cu/Zn ratio, in scalp hair samples of children and adolescents with myopia. The study included 92 children (mean age 14.5 ± 2.5 years) with myopia and 43 healthy persons (mean age 11.8 ± 4.7 years). Each patient had a complete eye examination. Trace element concentrations in hair were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Cu/Zn ratio was also calculated. The zinc level in the hair of myopic patients was significantly higher (260 µg/g) in comparison to the control group (130 µg/g). There was a significantly lower Cu/Zn ratio in myopic patients (0.045) compared with controls (0.07). An insignificant difference was observed in the hair level of copper, selenium, and manganese between patients and controls. The results show that trace elements may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of myopia. Further studies should pay more attention to determine the effect of trace element on children myopia.

Low tenofovir level in urine by a novel immunoassay is associated with seroconversion in a preexposure prophylaxis demonstration project.

We examined the relationship between urine tenofovir (TFV) levels measured with a novel immunoassay, which permits point-of-care testing, with HIV seroconversion and objective adherence metrics in a large preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) demonstration project. Secondary analysis of stored specimens from an open-label PrEP cohort study. We examined the association between undetectable urine TFV levels and HIV seroconversion in iPrEx open-label extension using generalized estimating equations. We examined rank correlations between levels of TFV and emtricitabine in urine, dried blood spots (DBS), and hair and determined the sensitivity and specificity of undetectable urine TFV for predicting dosing cut-offs in DBS. The median urinary TFV level was 15 000 ng/ml in those who remained HIV-negative (n = 105; interquartile range: 1000-45 000); 5500 in those who eventually seroconverted (n = 11; interquartile range: 1000-12 500); and all were undetectable at seroconversion (n = 9; P < 0.001). Decreasing strata of urine TFV levels were associated with future HIV seroconversion (P = 0.03). An undetectable urine TFV was 100% sensitive and 81% specific when compared with an undetectable DBS TFV-diphosphate level and 69% sensitive, but 94% specific when compared with low adherence by DBS (<2 doses/week). Urine TFV detection by a novel antibody-based assay was associated with protection from HIV acquisition among individuals on PrEP. Urine TFV levels were correlated with hair and DBS levels and undetectable urine TFV was 100% sensitive in detecting nonadherence. By implementing the immunoassay into a point-of-care strip test, PrEP nonadherence could be detected in real-time, allowing rapid intervention.

Zinc and atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Zinc plays a central role in skin integrity via barrier and immune mechanisms and may also be relevant in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). However, little is known about the relationship between zinc and AD. We performed a systematic review to determine (i) the association between zinc levels or zinc deficiency and AD and (ii) the efficacy of oral zinc supplementation in the treatment of AD. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and article references for observational studies on zinc levels or zinc deficiency in participants with AD vs. controls and for randomized control trials (RCTs) on zinc supplementation in AD. For observational studies, we calculated pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) or odds ratios (ORs) along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using a random effects model. We included 14 observational studies and two RCTs. The pooled SMD demonstrated significantly lower serum (SMD 0.66, 95% CI 0.21-1.10, P=0.004), hair (SMD 0.95, 95% CI 0.38-1.52, P=0.001) and erythrocyte (SMD 0.95, 95% CI 0.38-1.52, P=0.001) zinc levels in participants with AD compared to controls. Pooled unadjusted data from three studies showed a non-significant increased odds of AD in those with zinc deficiency compared with those without zinc deficiency (OR = 1.50, 95% CI 0.71-3.16, P=0.28). One RCT of oral zinc supplementation among AD patients with zinc deficiency showed improvement in extent and severity of AD, while another RCT among all AD patients showed no significant improvement. All the studies were of low or moderate quality. We conclude that low serum, hair and erythrocyte zinc levels are associated with AD. However, the poor quality of included studies makes interpretation of these results problematic. High-quality observational studies are needed to confirm the association between low zinc levels and AD, and RCTs are required to evaluate the merit of zinc supplementation for the treatment or prevention of AD.

Mercury levels in blood, urine and hair in a nation-wide sample of Spanish adults

Mercury (Hg) is among the top 10 environmental chemicals of major public health concern (WHO). The Minamata Convention on Mercury (United Nations Environment Program, 2017), commits signing countries to control anthropogenic mercury emissions and reduce human exposure. Human biomonitoring (HBM) programs, are the most straight-forward approaches to get information on the actual exposure levels in the population and assess over time. We report here the results of a HBM study in a nationwide cross-section of Spanish adults (18–65y) as baseline values obtained before the Minamata Convention entered into force. Subsequent follow-ups will show if the Convention has been successful. The study includes 1880 blood samples, 1704 urine samples and 577 hair samples from all Spanish regions collected and analysed under a strictly quality controlled and quality assured protocol. The EU-DEMOCOPHES project demonstrated that fish and seafood are the major sources of mercury exposure and that the Spanish as well as the Portuguese populations have higher levels than other European countries. The data from the present study confirms this pattern at national level and that inhabitants in coastal regions have higher values than from inland regions. The geometric mean (GM) for blood is 6.35 μg Hg/l, in urine is 1.11 μg Hg/l and for hair is 1.91 μg Hg/g. In an international comparison these values are not exceptional. Spanish concentrations fall into the group of Easter Mediterranean populations. Although information on gender, age, occupational sector, geographical area, sampling period and frequency of fish consumption is reported in the tables, the purpose of this paper has not been to analyse the determinants of exposure in detail but to provide baseline data for future assessments and for regional authorities.

Evaluation of Trace Elements in Malay Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Trace elements are essential for human health. This study determines the level of chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), ferrum (Fe) and manganese (Mn) in the hair and nails of married Malay women with type 2 diabetes mellitus from Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia. The trace elements were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after an acid digestion treatment. The levels of all trace elements measured were higher in the hair samples than in nails except for Se. Mean levels of Zn and Se were significantly higher in the hair of non-working women (84.91 ± 10.32 μg/g and 0.42 ± 0.15 μg/g, respectively) compared to working women (64.98 ± 11.10 μg/g and 0.30 ± 0.18 μg/g). Copper levels in hair were significantly higher among women with good and satisfactory diabetes control (20.41 ± 4.20 μg/g) compared to the poor diabetes control group (15.67 ± 4.31 μg/g). However, a contradictory result was obtained from the nails of women with good and satisfactory diabetes control with a Cu level of 3.35 ± 0.46 μg/g and 4.69 ± 0.33 μg/g for the poor diabetes control group. In hair samples, significant positive correlations were obtained with Cr-Cu (r = 0.55), Zn-Mn (r = 0.46) and Se-Mn (r = 0.38). In nails, significant positive correlations were also obtained between Cr-Zn (r = 0.31), Zn-Fe (r = 0.30) and Fe-Mn (r = 0.47). In conclusion, age, educational status, number of children and duration of diabetes did not influence trace elements levels.

Evaluation of mercury levels in hair of children resident in artisanal gold mining area in the city of Chapada de Natividade - Tocantins

ABSTRACT The objective of the work is to evaluate the mercury exposure of children living in an artisanal gold mining area and in a control area, without mining. A cross-sectional study was conducted with children living in the municipalities of Chapada de Natividade and Porto Nacional, in the State of Tocantins, where hair samples were collected for laboratorial analysis of mercury concentrations, comparing between municipalities, gender, monthly fish consumption, profession of parents and the presence of amalgam in dental restorations. The hair samples were analyzed by the methods of neutron activation analysis and also by means of the DMA (Direct Mercury Analyzer) equipment, in the last case being a partnership with CETESB. There was no evidence of mercury-related diseases in the studied children. The mean concentration of mercury in children in Chapada de Natividade was significantly higher than in Porto Nacional. Children exposed to artisanal gold mining areas have higher concentrations of mercury than children living in non- artisanal gold mining areas. There was no significant relationship between mercury concentrations and gender, monthly fish consumption, parental profession and amalgam presence in dental restorations. The results suggest that the children living in an area exposed to mining experience greater environmental exposure to mercury, regardless of their eating habits.

Ethyl Glucuronide as a Long-term Alcohol Biomarker in Fingernail and Hair. Matrix Comparison and Evaluation of Gender Bias

This work aimed to assess the performance of hair and fingernail ethyl glucuronide (EtG) measurement for use as a biomarker of alcohol consumption in persons with known drinking history across a range of drinking behaviours. EtG concentrations were assessed from the hair and fingernails of 50 study participants. Alcohol consumption of the previous 90 days was assessed by participant interview using the alcohol timeline follow-back method. EtG concentration was determined using LC-MS-MS using a method which was validated and accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 standards. There was significant correlation between alcohol consumption and EtG concentrations found in hair and fingernail samples across the study group (n = 50). From participants testing positive for EtG (male n = 14, female n = 13) no significant difference was found between male and female EtG levels in either hair or fingernails. Across all participants there was no significant difference in hair or fingernail EtG concentration between male (n = 23) and females (n = 27). Our results support the use of EtG to indicate alcohol consumption over the previous 90 days, or ~3 months as is the normal practice in hair analysis. The results confirm that fingernails can be a useful alternative matrix where hair samples are not available.

Perfluoroalkyl acids in paired serum, urine, and hair samples: Correlations with demographic factors and dietary habits

We analyzed paired serum, urine, and hair samples from 94 Korean children and adults to investigate levels of 11 perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). The effects of demographic factors and dietary habits on PFAA exposure were also assessed based on the paired samples. The total PFAA concentrations were 2.4–31 ng/mL in serum, not detected–9.5 ng/mL in urine, and 0.48–15 ng/g in hair. Levels of perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), which have short carbon chains, were 1.5–5 fold higher in urine and hair than in serum. The PFAA concentrations in serum exhibited a decreasing trend with age from young childhood to adolescence, followed by an increasing trend after adolescence. For most PFAA species, concentrations in serum were higher in adult males than in adult females (p < 0.01). No sex difference was evident in the urine and hair samples. In addition, there was no age difference in the urine samples, but in the hair samples, we observed higher concentrations of PFAAs in children than in the other age groups (p < 0.01). The consumption rates of fish and water showed significant correlations with serum (positive correlation) and hair (negative) concentrations, respectively. No relationships between serum and hair/urine levels for most PFAAs were observed, except between serum and hair levels for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).

Biomonitoring chronic lead exposure among battery manufacturing workers in Tunisia.

The aim of the study was the biomonitoring of the chronic exposure to Pb by measuring its levels in blood, urine, and hair of battery workers. Blood lead (BPb), urinary lead (UPb), hair lead (HPb), and urinary δ-aminolevulinic acid (UALA) levels were determined for 52 workers in a battery plant and compared to those of 20 non-occupational exposed subjects (controls). BPb and UPb levels were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). HPb levels were measured by triple quadrupole ICP-MS and UALA levels were determined using cation exchanger column. The measured levels were significantly higher compared to the controls exceeding the OSHA cutoff values (p < 0.01). The GM mean levels of BPb, UPb, UALA, and HPb of workers were 715μgL-1, 331μgL-1, 16.3mgg-1, and 234μgg-1, respectively. The GM mean levels of BPb, UPb, UALA, and HPb of controls were 93.6μgL-1, 36.3μgL-1, 1.9mgg-1, and 1.8μgg-1, respectively. Significant correlations were observed between BPb and UALA (r = 0.630, p = 0.000), UPb and UALA (r = 0.566, p = 0.000), and between BPb and HPb (r = 0.466, p = 0.004). The significant correlation between BPb and HPb suggests the usefulness of hair for assessing occupational exposure particularly when the study area presents medium to high levels of Pb pollution. The association between Pb biomarkers and potential confounding factors revealed significant influence of the occupational factor over smoking and alcohol consumption. The results of this study urge for the reinforcement of the implemented engineering controls and safety measures in order to reduce exposure and to address the health issues related to Pb poisoning.

Blood pressure levels and hypertension prevalence in a high selenium environment: results from a cross-sectional study

Background and aimsRecent human and laboratory studies have suggested the possibility that selenium overexposure may increase blood pressure. We sought to ascertain whether adults living in a seleniferous area exhibit an association between selenium exposure and both blood pressure levels as well as prevalence of hypertension. Methods and resultsWe measured selenium levels in blood (serum), hair and nail samples obtained from 680 adult volunteers (267 men and 413 women), living in seven Punjabi villages in a seleniferous area and related them to health outcomes, including systolic and diastolic blood pressure and presence of hypertension. In a multivariable restricted cubic spline regression model, adjusted for age, sex and history of hypertension, we found a positive association between systolic blood pressure and both serum (P = 0.004) and hair (P = 0.058) selenium levels, but not with nail selenium content. Little association emerged between the three selenium biomarkers and diastolic blood pressure. Hypertension prevalence was positively associated with the three exposure indicators (P < 0.001). The associations we found were generally stronger in women than in men. ConclusionsOverall, these findings suggest that chronic overexposure to environmental selenium may increase blood pressure, though there were inconsistencies for this association according to the choice of exposure indicator, the study endpoint and the sex.

Victims of War: Dehydroepiandrosterone Concentrations in Hair and Their Associations with Trauma Sequelae in Palestinian Adolescents Living in the West Bank.

Due to its anti-glucocorticoid properties, the steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) might play a role for coping with traumatic stress and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The majority of studies report elevated DHEA secretion and decreased cortisol/DHEA ratio associated with traumatic stress, however, contrasting results have also been published. One reason for this heterogeneity might be that in past studies, DHEA has been measured in plasma or saliva samples reflecting acute hormone levels. In comparison, the current study assessed the hair levels of DHEA and cortisol as long-term markers along with self-reported data on psychopathology and coping in 92 female adolescents aged 11–16 from the West Bank affected by the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Results showed that trauma-exposed individuals had significantly higher DHEA levels (p = 0.013) and lower cortisol/DHEA ratios (p = 0.036) than participants from the non-trauma group. Furthermore, DHEA and cortisol/DHEA ratio emerged as associated with trauma load and timing, but not with coping. By applying the novel method of DHEA analysis from hair samples, this study adds to the growing literature on the interplay of DHEA, cortisol, traumatic stress and coping, and provides valuable starting points for further research.