Microwave-induced Acid Digestion Research Articles

Determining the level of essential elements in patients with Ewing Sarcoma: A correlation

BackgroundMetal ion aberrant metabolism is essential for health and disease, and its research has sparked a lot of interest. This study aims to compare the critical mineral resources—magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca) and potassium (K)—in biological materials (scalp hair, blood, and serum) of 87 Ewing Sarcoma (ES) hypertensive men and women, age range 31–60 years, in an urban area, with 62 nonhypertensive subjects from the same age range and living area. MethodsAn atomic-absorption spectrophotometer was used after microwave-induced acid digestion to determine elemental concentrations. The results' authenticity and precision were verified using a traditional wet acid digestion procedure and accredited reference materials. The average convalesces from all elements have been within the 99.2%–99.7% of certified values. ResultsIn the biological samples from patients with ES hypertension, the amount of Na was found to be higher than in controls. Patients with ES hypertension had lower Mg, K, and Ca levels in their biological samples (scalp hair and blood) than healthy controls of both genders. ConclusionsCa, Mg, and K deficiency can work with other ES hypertension risk factors. These findings will help physicians and other healthcare professionals determine the depletion of essential micronutrients in the biological samples (blood and scalp hair) of patients with hypertension. After microwave-induced acid digestion, the elemental concentration was determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results' authenticity and precision were confirmed using a traditional wet-acid digestion procedure and accredited oriented materials. The average recoveries from all elements have been within the 99.2%–99.7% of certified values.

An AAS Dependent Method for Quantitative Analysis of Essential Trace Elements from Blood Samples of Pakistani Female Breast Cancer Patients

Breast cancer is the second leading cancer in the world. The long-term exposure of some metallic compounds induces different forms of cancer, including breast cancer. Trace elements are essential metals for the physiological functions of the cell on a molecular level and also contribute in treatment of many diseases. The aim of study was to compare the level of essential trace elements, sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc in breast cancer patients with normal healthy adult women. Total forty-five patients (age range from 25 - 73 years) were included in this study and divided into three groups according to three different stages of breast cancer including tumor-II, tumor-III and tumor-IV. Blood was collected from all participants after taking history, clinical data and taking consent. However, about fifteen non-cancer healthy women in age range from 26 - 69 years were subjected to this study. The elemental concentrations were determined through atomic absorption spectrophotometer subsequent to microwave-induced acid digestion. The results of Na, K, Zn, Fe, Ca, were observed to decrease in blood samples of breast cancer patients as compared to non-cancer subjects. The results are reliable with other numerous literature reported studies, the efficiency, and deficiency of these trace metals may contribute an important role in the progress of breast cancer.

Distribution of Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Sodium Levels in Biological Samples of Pakistani Hypertensive Patients and Control Subjects

The abnormal metabolism of metal ions plays an important role in health and disease conditions, and studies about them have been attracting significant interest. The aim of our study was to assess the essential minerals (calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), and sodium (Na)) in biological samples (scalp hair, blood, urine) of 387 hypertensive males and females, age 30-60 years, in an urban population together with 439 non-hypertensive subjects of same age group and residential areas. The element concentrations were measured by means of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer after microwave-induced acid digestion. The validity and accuracy was checked by conventional wet acid digestion method and using certified reference materials. The overall recoveries of all elements were found in the range of 99.1-99.9% of certified values. The results indicated significantly lower levels of Ca, Mg, and K in the biological samples (blood and scalp hair) of hypertensive patients, when compared to controls of both genders. The level of Na was found to be high in biological samples of hypertensive patients as compared to controls. The deficiency of Ca, Mg, and K may be synergistic with risk factors associated with hypertension. These data present guidance to clinicians and other professionals who will be investigating the deficiency of essential micronutrients in biological samples (scalp hair and blood) of hypertensive patients.

Distribution of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and nickel levels in biological samples of Pakistani hypertensive patients and control subjects.

The abnormal metabolism of metal ions plays an important role in health and disease conditions, and studies about them have been attracting significant interest. The aim of our study was to assess the toxic elements arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) in biological samples (scalp hair, blood, urine) of 387 hypertensive males and females, aged between 30 and 60 years, from an urban population together with 439 non-hypertensive subjects, of the same age group and residential areas. The element concentrations were measured by means of an electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometer after microwave-induced acid digestion. The validity and accuracy was checked by conventional wet acid digestion method and using certified reference materials. The overall recoveries of all elements were found in the range of 96.8 - 99.4% of certified values. The results indicated significantly higher levels of As, Cd, Ni, and Pb in the biological samples (scalp hair, blood and urine) of hypertensive patients, when related to controls of both genders. The high exposure of toxic elements may be synergistic with risk factors associated with hypertension. These data present guidance to clinicians and other professionals who will be investigating the toxicity of heavy elements in biological samples (scalp hair and blood) of hypertensive patients.

Blood Metals Concentration in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetics

Mechanisms for the onset of diabetes and the development of diabetic complications remain under extensive investigations. One of these mechanisms is abnormal homeostasis of metals, as either deficiency or excess of metals, can contribute to certain diabetic outcomes. Therefore, this paper will report the blood levels of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) in subjects with type 1 diabetes (n = 192, mean age 48.8 years, mean disease duration 20.6 years), type 2 diabetes (n = 68, mean age 68.4 years, mean disease duration 10.2 years), and in control subjects (n = 59, mean age 57.2 years), and discuss the results indicating their possible role in diabetes. The metal concentrations were measured by sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after microwave-induced acid digestion of blood samples. The accuracy was checked using a blood-based certified reference material, and recoveries of all elements were in the range of 92-101 % of certified values. Type 1 diabetes was found to be associated with Cr (p = 0.02), Mn (p < 0.001), Ni (p < 0.001), Pb (p = 0.02), and Zn (p < 0.001) deficiency, and type 2 diabetes with Cr (p = 0.014), Mn (p < 0.001), and Ni (p < 0.001) deficiency. These deficiencies were appreciated also subdividing the understudied patients for gender and age groups. Furthermore, in type 1 diabetes, there was a positive correlation between Pb and age (p < 0.001, ρ = 0.400) and Pb and BMI (p < 0.001, ρ = 0.309), while a negative correlation between Fe and age (p = 0.002, ρ = -0.218). In type 2 diabetes, there was a negative correlation between Fe and age (p = 0.017, ρ = -0.294) and Fe and BMI (p = 0.026, ρ = -0.301). Thus, these elements may play a role in both forms of diabetes and combined mineral supplementations could have beneficial effects.

Distribution of Copper, Iron, and Zinc in Biological Samples of Pakistani Hypertensive Patients and Referent Subjects of Different Age Groups

The abnormal metabolism of metal ions plays an important role in health and disease conditions, and studies about them have been attracting significant interest. The aim of our study was to assess the trace metals (copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn)) in biological samples (scalp hair, blood, urine) of 387 hypertensive males and females, age range 30 - 60 years, from an urban population and 439 non-hypertensive subjects of same age group and residential areas. The element concentrations were measured by means of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer after microwave-induced acid digestion. The validity and accuracy was checked by conventional wet acid digestion method, using certified reference materials. The overall recoveries of all elements were found in the range of 95.2 - 98.7 % of certified values. The results indicated significantly lower levels of Cu, Fe, and Zn in the biological samples (blood and scalp hair) of hypertensive patients when compared to referents of both genders while the levels of these elements was found to be high in urine samples of hypertensive patients as compared to referents. The deficiency of Cu, Fe, and Zn may be synergistic with risk factors associated with hypertension. These data present guidance to clinicians and other professionals who will be investigating the deficiency of essential micronutrients in biological samples (scalp hair, serum, and blood) of hypertensive patients.

Use of ion chromatography for the determination of selected metals in blood serum of patients with type 2 diabetes

Ion chromatography followed by microwave-induced acid digestion was used to evaluate the serum levels of Fe 3+, Cu 2+, Ni 2+, Zn 2+, and Mn 2+ in patients with diagnosed type 2 diabetes and in healthy controls. Recoveries ranged from 98.0% to 102% for Fe 3+, from 89.9% to 100% for Cu 2+, from 87.9% to 102% for Zn 2+, and from 89.6% to 102% for Mn 2+ were determined by examining samples spiked with various amounts of all the studied ions. The time of mineralization longer than 28 min did not affect the assay values. Precision was assessed at four unique concentrations in replicates of six, on four separate occasions. RSD was determined to be 1.16% for Fe 3+, 5.20% for Cu 2+, 2.8% for Zn 2+, and 3.75% for Mn 2+. The accuracy results (values of RSD) were as follows: 5.16% for Fe 3+, 6.35% for Cu 2+, 4.9% for Zn 2+, and 7.23% for Mn 2+. The statistical analysis confirmed that mean concentrations of Fe 3+ and Zn 2+ did not differ significantly from analogous values in the control group. Patients who additionally suffered from hypertension had higher copper concentrations compared with diabetic patients. For diabetics the presence of Mn 2+ was not stated (LOD values amounting to 0.006 μg/mL). Ni 2+ was not detectable for either the studied group or the control group (LOD=0.006 μg/mL).

Estimation of Toxic Metals in Scalp Hair Samples of Chronic Kidney Patients

The determination of toxic metals (TMs) in the biological samples of human beings is an important clinical screening procedure. The aim of this work is to determine total content of TMs, aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) in scalp hair samples of chronic kidney male patients (CKPs) on maintenance hemodialysis, during the period of 2005-2007. The study included 115 CKPs (all smokers) and 150 controls or referents [82 (nonsmokers) and 68 (smokers)]. Both controls and patients (males) were of the same age group (ranged 25-55 years), socioeconomic status, localities, and dietary habits. The scalp hair samples were analyzed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer, prior to microwave-induced acid digestion. The accuracy of the total Al, Cd, Ni, and Pb measurements was tested by simultaneously analyzing certified reference material (human hair NCS ZC81002). No significant differences were observed between the analytical results and the certified values (paired t test at p > 0.05). The levels of TMs in scalp hair samples of patients were found to be higher as compared to control nonsmoker and smokers. Moreover, the study shows that levels of Al, Cd, Ni, and Pb in scalp hair samples may be useful to evaluate the impact of cigarette smoking in kidney failure patients.

Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Sodium Levels in Biological Samples of Hypertensive and Nonhypertensive Diabetes Mellitus Patients

There is accumulating evidence that the metabolism of several essential elements is altered in diabetes mellitus and that these nutrients might have specific roles in the pathogenesis and progress of this disease. The aim of the present study was to compare the level of essential elements, potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sodium (Na), in biological samples (whole blood, urine, and scalp hair) of patients who have hypertensive diabetes mellitus type 2 (n = 254) and nonhypertensive diabetes mellitus type 2 (n = 228) with those of nondiabetic as control subjects (n = 182; age range of both genders 45-75). The element concentrations were measured by means of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer after microwave-induced acid digestion. The validity and accuracy was checked by conventional wet acid digestion method and using certified reference materials. The overall recoveries of all elements were found in the range of 99.1-99.9% of certified values. The results of this study showed that the mean values of K, Mg, and Ca were significantly reduced, while Na level were higher in blood and scalp hair samples of hypertensive diabetic (HD) patients and nonhypertensive diabetic (NHD) patients as compared to control subjects of both genders (p < 0.05), but level of K in the biological samples of nonhypertensive diabetic patient was found to be higher, but it was not significant (p = 0.05).The urinary levels of these elements were found to be higher in both HD and NHD patients than in the age-matched healthy controls. These results are consistent with those obtained in other studies, confirming that deficiency and efficiency of some essential trace metals may play a role in the development of diabetes mellitus.

Copper, Chromium, Manganese, Iron, Nickel, and Zinc Levels in Biological Samples of Diabetes Mellitus Patients

There is accumulating evidence that the metabolism of several trace elements is altered in diabetes mellitus and that these nutrients might have specific roles in the pathogenesis and progress of this disease. The aim of present study was to compare the level of essential trace elements, chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) in biological samples (whole blood, urine, and scalp hair) of patients who have diabetes mellitus type 2 (n = 257), with those of nondiabetic control subjects (n = 166), age ranged (45-75) of both genders. The element concentrations were measured by means of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer after microwave-induced acid digestion. The validity and accuracy was checked by conventional wet-acid-digestion method and using certified reference materials. The overall recoveries of all elements were found in the range of (97.60-99.49%) of certified values. The results of this study showed that the mean values of Zn, Mn, and Cr were significantly reduced in blood and scalp-hair samples of diabetic patients as compared to control subjects of both genders (p < 0.001). The urinary levels of these elements were found to be higher in the diabetic patients than in the age-matched healthy controls. In contrast, high mean values of Cu and Fe were detected in scalp hair and blood from patients versus the nondiabetic subjects, but the differences found in blood samples was not significant (p < 0.05). These results are consistent with those obtained in other studies, confirming that deficiency and efficiency of some essential trace metals may play a role in the development of diabetes mellitus.

Evaluation of Toxic Metals in Blood and Urine Samples of Chronic Renal Failure Patients, before and after Dialysis

The determination of toxic elements in the biological samples of human beings is an important clinical screening procedure. The aim of this work was to determine total content of toxic elements—aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb)—in whole blood and urine samples of male chronic renal failure patients (CRFPs) on maintenance hemodialysis from 2006 to 2007. The study included 100 CRFPs, plus 150 healthy volunteers in the control group. The concentration of toxic elements (TEs) were determined in blood sample before and after hemodialysis, while urine sample was determined once, before dialysis. Toxic elements were analyzed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer, prior to microwave-induced acid digestion. The accuracy of the total Al, Cd, and Pb measurements was tested by simultaneously analyzing certified reference materials. No significant differences were established between the analytical results and the certified values (paired t-test at p > 0.05). The levels of TEs in blood samples of patients before dialysis were found to be higher than blood samples after dialysis session. In the control group, the blood levels of Al, Cd, and Pb were significantly lower than the chronic renal failure patients. Moreover, the study shows that analyzing levels of Al, Cd, and Pb may be useful in hemodialysis patients in evaluating TEs status.

Usefulness of enzymatic hydrolysis procedures based on the use of pronase E as sample pre-treatment for multi-element determination in biological materials

Several minor (Cu, Fe, Mg and Zn) and trace (Ag, As, Cd and Pb) elements were extracted from biological materials, such as human hair and mussel, using an enzymatic hydrolysis procedure based on pronase E. The reaction conditions, viz., pH and temperature, were fixed at optimum values of 7.4 and 37 °C, respectively. Other variables affecting the enzymatic hydrolysis procedure, such as enzymatic hydrolysis time, enzyme concentration, volume of enzyme solution and sample mass, were studied and optimized. The pH value was adjusted with a TRIS–HCl solution as buffer system. The minor elements were measured by FAAS while trace elements were determined by ETAAS under optimum conditions. In order to determine the total element concentration in samples, a microwave-induced acid digestion procedure in laboratory-made low pressure PTFE bombs was optimized. The enzymatic hydrolysis was effective for mussel samples (recoveries of about 100% were obtained for As, Cd, Cu and Mg); however, it was poor for human hair (recoveries were lower than 70%).

Trace elements status in type 2 diabetes

Background: The metabolism of several trace elements has been reported to alter in diabetes mellitus and these elements might have specific roles in the pathogenesis and progress of this disease. Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate serum levels of copper, zinc, chromium, magnesium and manganese in type 2 diabetic patients and their possible association with age, glycemic status and duration of diabetes. Methodology: The comparative study included 116 type 2 diabetic patients and 40 non-diabetic subjects. Fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c were determined by the glucose oxidase method and affinity chromatography respectively. The element concentrations were measured by means of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer after microwave-induced acid digestion. Results: Mean (±SD) Mg and Zn levels were significantly reduced in blood samples of diabetic patients as compared to control subjects (p&lt;0.0001-&lt;0.05). The alterations observed in serum levels of copper and manganese was not significant among diabetic and normal subjects. Glycemic status, duration of diabetes and age did not effect the trace elements concentrations. Conclusion: The results confirm that deficiency and efficiency of some essential trace metals may play a role in the development of diabetes mellitus. Key words: Trace elements, glycemic status, type 2 diabetes. DOI: 10.3329/bjms.v8i3.3983 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(3) 2009 p52-56