Pb In Serum Research Articles

The Determination and evaluation of trace elements in the blood of radiography workers using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

This study aimed to evaluate the potentially toxic effects of trace elements in the blood of Iraqi medical radiography workers by analyzing them through GF-AAS. The study involved 50 male blood radiography workers from the medical imaging field at Al-Shatrah General Hospital in Thi-Qar City, Iraq. All workers were aged between 35-50 years and had worked for less than 10 years. The study compared these workers with 50 healthy men. The study found a significant increase in the levels of Cu, Pb, Cd, and Ca among radiography workers compared to the healthy control group, while Zn and Se levels decreased significantly. Moreover, Specificity and confidence interval (95%) were estimated via the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). The study provided conclusive evidence of disturbances in the levels of trace elements in the blood of radiographer workers, which makes them more susceptible to many diseases because of their radiation exposure. which portends the more preventive measures of radiation. The linear range of Cd, Cu, Zn, Se and Pb in human serum were obtained 0.2-6.0 µg dL-1, 6.0-200 µg dL-1, 8.0-200 µg dL-1, 10-250 µg dL-1, 4-120 µg dL-1 by GF-AAS after dilution samples with DW up to 20 (n=10, RSD< 5%).

Effect of ambient lead on progesterone and pregnancy-associated glycoprotein 1 and their relationship with abortion in Zaraibi goats: a field study

This study aimed to investigate the impact of ambient lead (Pb) exposure on progesterone (P4) and pregnancy-associated glycoprotein 1 (PAG1) and their relationship with abortion in Egyptian Zaraibi goats (C. hircus). To achieve this, 40 female goats (does) were mated with highly fertile male goats, resulting in a total of 28 pregnant goats. Eight of them aborted, and each of the 12 pregnant goats gave birth to one kid, whereas the remaining eight gave birth to twins. The levels of PAG1, P4, and Pb in serum were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), radioimmunoassay (RIA), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) respectively. Statistically, the repeated measure two-way ANOVA, regression analysis, correlation coefficient, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied. The current data demonstrated that the levels of blood Pb in aborted goats were significantly higher than those in non-aborted goats at the early, mid, and late gestations, and this was followed by significant decreases in serum PAG1 and P4. Furthermore, there were substantial inverse associations between blood Pb concentration and levels of PAG1 and P4, with markedly negative correlation coefficients of − 0.88 and − 0.77, respectively, in aborted goats. The threshold level of Pb required to cause abortion was ≥ 32.08 μg/dl, but for PAG1 and P4 were respectively ≤ 0.95 ng/ml and ≤ 0.48 ng/ml. Additionally, threshold levels of ≥ 12.34 ng/ml and ≥ 31.52 ng/ml for P4 and PAG1, respectively, were needed to deliver twins. In conclusion, pollution-induced increases in Pb bioavailability resulted in dramatic decreases in P4 and PAG1 levels, leading to abortions. PAG1 and P4 levels are also key factors in determining whether Zaraibi goats will give birth to twins.

Serum Metabolomics and Ionomics Analysis of Hoof-Deformed Cows Based on LC-MS/MS and ICP-OES/MS.

In order to explore the metabolic and ionic changes of hoof-deformed cows, the serum samples of 10 healthy cows (group C) and 10 hoof-deformed cows (group T) were analyzed by LC-MS/MS and ICP-OES/MS. The pathway enrichment of differential metabolites was analyzed by screening and identifying differential metabolites and ions and using a bioinformatics method. The integration of metabolomics and ionics was analyzed with ggplot2 software in R language, and verified by MRM target metabolomics. The results showed that 127 metabolites were screened by metabolomics, of which 81 were up-regulated (p < 0.05) and 46 were down-regulated (p < 0.05). The results of ICP-OES/MS showed that 13 kinds of ions such as K, Li, and Pb in serum of dairy cows were up-regulated, while 18 kinds of ions such as Al, Cu and Sb were down-regulated. The integrated analysis of metabolomics and ionics found that potassium ions were positively correlated with L-tyrosine, L-proline, thiamine and L-valine. Sodium ions were positively correlated with L-valine and negatively correlated with α-D-glucose. The results of high-throughput target metabolomics showed that the contents of L-proline, L-phenylalanine and L-tryptophan in serum of dairy cows increased significantly, which was consistent with the results of non-target metabolomics. In a word, the metabolism and ion changes in dairy cows with hoof deformation were revealed by metabolomics and ionics.

Determination of some trace elements and heavy metal levels (Cu, Mn, Mg, Fe, Zn, Co, Pb, and Cd) in blood serum of patients with lip and oral cavity cancers

Determination of some trace elements and heavy metal levels (Cu, Mn, Mg, Fe, Zn, Co, Pb, and Cd) in blood serum of patients with lip and oral cavity cancers

The Serum Levels of the Heavy Metals Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb and Progression of COPD-A Preliminary Study.

There is evidence in previous studies that high levels of heavy metals may play a key role in the development of COPD due to the induction of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. In this preliminary study, we used atomic absorption spectrophotometry to measure the levels of four heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) in blood serum of COPD patients and controls over 2 years. Clinical data on disease progression or absence were collected in patients living in the industrial region of Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. The mean values of Cu in the serum of patients with COPD and the control group were 374.29 ± 15.03 μg/L and 238.55 ± 175.31 μg/L, Zn—2010.435 ± 670.006 μg/L and 1672.78 ± 934.27 μg/L, Cd—0.334 ± 0.0216 μg/L and 0.395 ± 0.110 μg/L and Pb—0.0732 ± 0.009 μg/L and 0.075 ± 0.0153 μg/L. This is probably because these elements are biogenic and are used in the body for its anti-oxidant protection. In fact, it cannot be stated with certainty that elevated levels of Cu and Zn in the environment have a negative impact in COPD patients. There was a trend towards higher levels of the toxicants lead and cadmium in COPD patients compared to the control group of patients. There is a statistically unproven trend toward higher levels of lead and cadmium in COPD patients compared to controls, which to some extent supports our hypothesis that there is a relationship between environmental lead and cadmium levels and the COPD manifested. In COPD patients, a positive correlation was found between BMI and serum Cu levels (r = 0.413, p = 0.005). A higher concentration of serum Cu was found in men with BMI ≥ 30, compared to those with BMI < 30. There is also a positive correlation to a lesser extent between CRP and cadmium (r = 0.380; p = 0.019) and lead (r = 0.452; p = 0.004). The correlation of lead and cadmium with PSA also shows that these elements may also be associated with the presence of inflammatory processes. A significant negative correlation exists between Pb in the serum of patients with COPD and their blood hemoglobin (r = −356; p = 0.028). The results of our study suggest that higher doses of the trace elements Cu and Zn do not always have a negative effect in patients with COPD, while the toxicants Pb and Cd may be involved in COPD exacerbation and can be used as prognostic biomarkers for progression. Further studies are warranted to confirm these preliminary results.

Comparison of monoamine oxidase and selected heavy metal levels in the blood and the workplace among e-waste sorting workers in Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand.

E-waste sorting workers usually separate electronic waste. Therefore, they can be exposed to heavy metals. This study compared monoamine oxidase (MAO) levels affected by the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni) in the blood and their workplace among e-waste sorting workers (EWSW). The exposed group included 76 EWSW, and the non-exposed group included 49 village health volunteers. An interview form was used to assess the risk factors. We measured Pb, Cd, and Ni on the work surfaces and in the blood, and MAO levels as a neurological enzymes. Among the EWSW, 42 were males (55.3%), and the mean age (SD) 48.0 (12.64) years, and income were 156.37 ± 88.08 USD. In the work areas of the exposed group, the concentration of Pb, Cd, and Ni were 245.042 (± 613.910), 0.375 (± 0.662), and 46.115 (± 75.740) μg/100 cm2, respectively, while the non-exposed group, the concentration of Pb, Cd, and Ni were 0.609 (± 0.934), 0.167 (± 1.171) and 1.020 (± 0.142) μg/100 cm2. Pb and Ni concentrations in the workplace of the exposed groups were statistically different from that of the non-exposed group. Pb, Cd, and Ni concentrations in serum were 6.411 ± 1.492 μg/dL, 0.9480 ± 0.350 μg/L, 2.568 ± 0.468 μg/L, respectively, while in the non-exposed group, the heavy metal concentrations were 6.411 ± 1.620 μg/dL, 0.909 ± 0.277 μg/L, 2.527 ± 0.457 μg/L. The MAO in the exposed group was 362.060 ± 97.981 U/L, while that in the non-exposed group was 369.771 ± 86.752 U/L. Moreover, MAO concentration was significantly different from Ni concentration (p < 0.05). The electronic waste sorting workers should clean their work areas to reduce the Pb, Cd, and Ni levels on theworking surfaces, and health surveillance should be performed.

PSXIV-16 The Influence of Lead Concentration in Blood Serum on the Antioxidant Status and the Intensity of Lipid Peroxidation in the Holstein Cows

Abstract The main purpose of this study was to evaluate different concentrations of Pb in blood serum on antioxidant status and intensity of lipid peroxidation in lactating cows. The object of the study is the Holstein cows (n=45; age-3-4 years). The period of blood serum sampling is 20-40 days after calving. The concentration of Pb in blood serum was determined by atomic emission and mass spectrometry (AES-ICP and MS-ICP). The activity of superoxide dismutase and the concentration of malondialdehyde were studied by spectrophotometric method on Stat fax 1904 Plus. Based on the data on the concentration of Pb in the blood serum, in accordance with the recommendations of Skalnaya (2003), cows were divided into three groups: I-Pb concentration up to the 25th percentile, II-within the 25th-75th percentile, III-above the 75th percentile. At the same time, the actual range of Pb concentrations in blood serum of cows of group I ranged from 0.00028-0.00049 µg/mL, II from 0.00053 to 0.00089 µg/mL, group III from 0.00094 to 0.0018 µg/mL. It was found that as the concentration of Pb in blood serum increased from the lowest (I group) to medium (II group) and high (III group), there was an increase in the concentration of malondialdehyde in blood serum from 42.5±12.9μM/L to 47.8±15.22µM/L and 57.9±11.2% (P£0.05) µM/L, respectively, the level of activity of the antioxidant defense enzyme, superoxide dismutase, decreased from 1,971±203.8% to 1,890±290.3% and 1,829±283.8 (P£0.05)%. The calculation of Spearman's rank correlation coefficients confirmed the statistically significant (P£0.05) degree of influence of Pb on the malondialdehyde (r=0.63) and superoxide dismutase activity (r=-0.57) in blood serum of cows. Thus, it can be stated that an increase in the concentration of Pb in the blood serum reduces the level of antioxidant protection and contributes to the development of oxidative stress in lactating cows.

Comparison between Macro and Trace Element Concentrations in Human Semen and Blood Serum in Highly Polluted Areas in Italy.

Macro and trace elements are important regulators of biological processes, including those ones linked to reproduction. Among them, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Se, and Zn ensure normal spermatic functions. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of 26 macro and trace elements (Al, As, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, U, V, and Zn) in blood serum and also in semen of healthy young men, homogeneous for age, anthropometric characteristics, and lifestyle, living in three highly polluted areas in Italy. Furthermore, a comparison among three geographical areas was performed to highlight any difference in the investigated parameters and, overall, to speculate any correlations between chemical elements and semen quality. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) among the three areas were found for each investigated element, in both semen and serum samples, where inter-area differences were more evident in semen than in blood serum, suggesting human semen as an early environmental marker. Considering the homogeneity of three cohorts, these differences could be due more to environmental conditions in the recruiting areas, suggesting that variations in those involved in reproductive-associated pathways can have an impact on male fertility. Nevertheless, more research is needed to evaluate threshold values for sperm dysfunction and male infertility. Actually, the role of different dietary intake and environmental exposure underlying the observed differences in the recruiting areas is under further investigation for the same cohort.

Association between Serum Level of Multiple Trace Elements and Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk: A Case-Control Study in China.

Simple SummaryChina accounts for half of the global new cases of esophageal cancer (EC). A disorder of individual trace elements was established as increasing risk for developing esophageal cancer, but the truth was that people are exposed to multiple metals simultaneously in the real world, and research on the relationship between mixtures of accumulative hazards and EC remains scarce. In our current research, we used BKMR, an approach designed to estimate the overall effect of a mixture, to explore the possible role of different trace elements combined in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) risk. In addition, some interesting results were found in our study. We hope it will provide more evidence for environment-related carcinogenesis of ESCC.We investigated the associations between multiple serum trace element levels and risk for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). A total of 185 ESCC patients and 191 healthy individuals were recruited in our study. The concentration of 13 trace elements (Al, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Cd and Pb) in serum was determined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Logistic regression and the Probit extension of Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) models was established to explore the associations and the cumulative and mixed effects of multiple trace elements on ESCC. Three elements (Zn, Se and Sr) displayed a negative trend with risk for ESCC, and a significant overall effect of the mixture of Al, V, Mn, Ni, Zn, Se and Sr on ESCC was found, with the effects of V, Ni and Sr being nonlinear. Bivariate exposure–response interactions among these trace elements indicated a synergistic effect between Zn and Se, and an impactful difference of V combined with Ni, Sr or Zn. Our results indicate that Ni, V, Al, Mn, Zn, Se and Sr are associated with ESCC risk, providing additional evidence of the complex effects of trace elements disorder during the etiology of EC development.

A Pilot Study on the Association of Lead, 8-Hydroxyguanine, and Malondialdehyde Levels in Opium Addicts' Blood Serum with Illicit Drug Use and Non-Addict Persons.

While a large body of literature has shown the health problems of illicit drug use, research is needed on how substance abuse impacts DNA damage and contaminants in blood, especially given Pb-contaminated opium. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the levels of lead (Pb), 8-hydroxy di-guanine (8-oxo-Gua), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the blood serum of opium addicts and non-addict people. The current study is a case–control study with a cross-sectional design. A sample of 50 opium-addicted and non-addict adults were chosen for this study using convenience and random sampling methods. Participants were divided into two groups: addicts and non-addicts. The atomic absorption spectroscopy method was used to measure the quantity of Pb, and the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method was used to measure the amount of 8-oxo-Gua and MDA. The data were analyzed using an independent t-test. The results show that the amount of Pb in the blood serum of addicted women and men was higher than levels in non-addict men and women, for the study participants (p-value = 0.001). Blood levels were not significantly different between addicts and non-addicts for men or women for 8-oxo-Gua (p-value = 0.647 for women and p-value = 0.785 for men) and MDA (p-value = 0.867 for women and p-value = 0.995 for men). In general, addicts’ blood Pb levels were found to be substantially higher than those of normal non-addict persons in this pilot study. As a result, testing for blood Pb levels in addicts may be informative in instances when symptoms are inconclusive.

Effects of heavy metals in acute ischemic stroke patients: A cross-sectional study.

Cerebrovascular disease is the second commonest cause of mortality globally and among the commonest causes of disability. However, research executed to probe the heavy metal exposure–stroke incidence relationship is scarce. Accordingly, we executed our study to probe the relationship of heavy metal concentrations (ie, concentrations of lead [Pb], mercury [Hg], cadmium [Cd], and arsenic) in the serum and urine of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with several patient variables.For enrollment, we chose patients who had a first AIS within 7 days after the onset of a stroke. Thus, 33 newly diagnosed patients with AIS were recruited. We determined the aforementioned metals’ concentrations by executing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We also gauged the association between such metal concentrations and patient variables by employing Spearman correlation coefficient. To examine the differences in metal concentrations between the different variables, we implemented an independent Mann–Whitney U test.In our cohort analysis, we noted serum Pb and Cd concentrations to be positively correlated with serum creatinine and hemoglobin. Serum and urine Cd concentrations had a negative correlation with impaired HbA1c in AIS patients. Urine Hg had a positive correlation with C-reactive protein in the participants. Participants who smoked or consumed alcohol had significantly higher Pb and Cd levels in serum than did those who neither smoked nor drank. Patients with AIS who smoked or consumed alcohol had high levels of serum Pb and serum Cd than did those who did not. Patients with AIS who consumed alcohol had significantly higher Pb and Hg urine concentrations than did those who did not.Our study indicated that serum Cd and Pb elevation increased the AIS risk in southern Taiwan patients.

Effect of Feed Additive on the Mineral Composition of Quail Blood

Blood serum microelement composition of egg-laying quails raised in the urban environment is of great scientific and practical interest. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of a feed additive on the mineral composition of quail blood. To stimulate metabolism and egg productivity, quails of the experimental group were fed with a supplement containing magnesium, vitamins B, L-carnitine at the dose of 0.25 ml/liter of water for 120 days. At the age of 120 days, the blood serum micronutrient composition of experimental (10) and control (10) birds were measured by mass spectrometry followed by mathematical processing of the data obtained under laboratory conditions. Figuratively, all studied elements are divided into 4 groups i.e. macronutrients (calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and magnesium); essential elements (iron, copper, zinc, selenium, molybdenum, chromium, manganese, cobalt); roughly essential (silicon, boron, arsenic, lithium, and nickel) and roughly toxic (aluminum, titanium, lead, mercury, antimony, and cadmium). Results of the study revealed that the blood serum of a control group have a wide range of studied mineral content components while in the experimental group, egg-laying quails showed a decrease in phosphorus (18.30%), iron (12.29%), copper (6.76%), zinc (6.92%), molybdenum (18.80%), arsenic (14.00%) and cadmium (12.50%), as well as increases the concentration of magnesium (5.85%), manganese (28.31%), nickel (39.40%), lithium (8.32%), titanium (11.96%), lead (16.13%), mercury (13.34%) and antimony (14.29%) relative to the control group. The data obtained indicate that the feed additive had an ambiguous effect on the metabolism and led to changes in the concentration of certain trace elements in the blood serum, which in turn influenced the levels of other elements. The higher content of Ni, Li, Ti, Pb, Hg, and Sb in the blood serum of experimental laying quail stimulated the activity of enzymes, metabolic processes, which contributed to an earlier start of egg-laying.

Associations of maternal exposure to 41 metals/metalloids during early pregnancy with the risk of spontaneous preterm birth: Does oxidative stress or DNA methylation play a crucial role?

BackgroundFew studies have explored the effects of multiple types of metals/metalloids on spontaneous preterm birth (SPB). A nested case–control study was conducted in Shanxi Province to investigate the associations between maternal exposure to 41 metals/metalloids during early pregnancy and the risk of SPB, and to clarify the underlying mechanisms of oxidative stress and DNA methylation. MethodsA total of 74 controls with full-term delivery and 74 cases with SPB were included in the nested case–control study. The metals/metalloids in serum and the DNA adducts in peripheral blood cell DNA were determined using ICP-MS and UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS, respectively. Unconditional logistic regression models were employed to estimate the associations of the risk of SPB with the metal concentrations, as well as with the levels of oxidative stress/DNA methylation. In addition, linear regression models were used to investigate the associations between the metal/metalloid concentrations and the levels of oxidative stress/DNA methylation. ResultsAfter adjusting for potential confounders, the concentrations of Mn, Fe, Cu, Nd, Hg, and Pb in maternal serum during early pregnancy were positively associated with the risk of SPB. Compared with the lowest levels (Quartile 1) of Mn, Fe, Cu, Nd, Hg, and Pb, the odds ratios of SPB increased to 5.21 (95% CI: 1.63, 16.68), 3.47 (95% CI: 1.07, 11.21), 16.23 (95% CI: 3.86, 68.18), 10.54 (95% CI: 2.79, 39.86), 5.88 (95% CI: 1.72, 20.11), and 4.09 (95% CI: 1.31, 12.77) in the highest levels (Quartile 4), respectively. A significant increase in 8-OHdG was associated with the increased exposure to Fe, Pr, Eu, Er, and Lu. The levels of 5-MdC, 5-HmdC, and N6-MdA—the indicators of DNA methylation—were associated with exposure to multiple metals/metalloids. However, no significant associations were observed between the levels of oxidative stress or DNA methylation and the risk of SPB. ConclusionsExposure to multiple types of metals/metalloids during early pregnancy is positively associated with the risk of SPB. Oxidative stress and DNA methylation are significantly associated with exposure to multiple metals/metalloids. Systemic oxidative stress and DNA methylation have not been proven to be the mediating mechanisms of metals increasing the risk of SPB.

Highly sensitive and selective electrochemical detection of Pb(II) in serum via an α-Fe2O3/NiO heterostructure: Evidence from theoretical calculations and adsorption investigation

The construction of an effective electrochemical sensing interface to achieve highly sensitive and selective determination of heavy metal ions (HMIs) is urgently required, and elucidation of a sensitive mechanism has important guiding significance for developing novel sensing interfaces. In this study, α-Fe2O3/NiO heterostructure nanocomposites are synthesized and used to modify glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) to construct an electrochemical sensing interface to detect HMIs with high sensitivity and selectivity for Pb(II) detection. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations describe the diffusion energy barrier of Pb atoms at the interface of the α-Fe2O3/NiO heterojunction, which was relatively small compared to other HMIs. This characteristic is conducive to the diffusion of Pb(II) adsorbed on the α-Fe2O3/NiO surface to the surface of the electrode to cause redox reactions, thereby obtaining an increased stripping signal. Considering both experiments and theoretical calculations, the essential reason for the highly sensitive and selective Pb(II) electroanalysis is demonstrated. Additionally, the proposed electrochemical sensor exhibits satisfactory anti-interference performance. Efficacious detection of heavy metals in water and serum shows that this analytical method has strong potential in the analysis of environmental and biological samples.

Appraisal of Trace Elements and Heavy Metals Levels in Breast Cancer Patients of Basrah Province

We know that metals are linked to a number of health problems such as constipation, abdominal pain, according to previous reports and lack of appetite, sickness, wakefulness, annoyance, irascibility, giddiness and encephalopathy. However, recent studies have found correlation between cancer and some toxic metals concentration in patients body. Most carcinogegenic metals are Cd, Pb and Hg. Objective: Current study was aimed to determine the concentrations of some metals(Cd, Pb, Hg, Cr, Cu and Zn) in whole blood, serum and hair of breast cancer patients in Basrah city, South of Iraq. Methods: Sample of whole blood, serum and hair were obtained from 60 breast cancer patients, the same samples were collected from 25 people without cancer as control group. Concentrations of heavy metals were carried out using ICP MS (an inductively coupled plasma atomic absorption spectrophotometer). Results: Concentrations of toxic metal such as Cd and Hg occurred at low level in three tissues while Zn occurred at higher concentrations. Pb concentration in the whole blood sample was 22.36 ug/l, Cr: 6.63, cu: 42.35.ug/g, serum of patients accumulating higher concentrations of Hg, Cr, Cu and Cd than in the whole blood sample. Even as Pb and Zn concentrations were high in whole blood. Conversely, hair sample of breast cancer patient accumulated significantly higher concentrations of Hg. Cr, Cu, Cd, Pb and Zn compared to other tissues. Positive correlations were recorded between Cd and Pb (r = 0.46), Zn with Cr, Cu and Hg (r = 0.78, 0.56, 0.88) respectively. Conclusion: High concentrations of Hg, Cr, Cu, Cd and Pb were detected in whole blood, serum and hair of breast cancer patients relative with other control group. Hair samples accumulated the high levels of Cd, Cu, Cr, Hg, Pb and Zn in comparison with whole blood and serum of breast cancer patients.

Study of Heavy Metals and Persistant Pollutants Concentrations in serum of Breast Cancer Patients

Cancer is a lethal disorder originates from the uncontrolled cell division in human body. Breast cancer is most dreadful especially in women but also reported in male. Human is facing a lot of issues caused by rapid industrialization also causing the life-threatening hazards. Objective: It is designed to estimate the level of heavy metals (HMs) Ni, Cd and Pb in serum samples of breast cancer patients in Faisalabad district. Method: All serum samples were examined by Spectrophotometer for Atomic Absorption (AAS). Heavy metal concentrations were found in the results such as Ni, Cd and Pb in serum of breast cancer pateints higher than control. Results:The levels of heavy metals concentration in breast cancer patients serum were trends in Pb&gt;Ni&gt;Cd compared with control group. Heavy metal toxicity has proven associated with several health risks. Conclusion: Our results evaluated statistically significantly high concentration of Pb, Ni and Cd heavy metals.

The content of heavy metals in cows of different breeds

Nowadays, one of the environmental problems is the pollution of the environment with heavy metals, the release of which leads to accumulation in the body of animals. The aim of the research was to study the content of heavy metals in the body of cows of different breeds in a separated agricultural enterprise. Researches were held in LLC "EIF Solyanskoe" of Krasnoyarsk region. The objects of research were the blood, urine and milk of cows Red-Motley breed and Black-Motley breed at the age of the second lactation. The result of research determined that concentration of Cu, Zn and Pb in milk and blood serum of Red-Motley cows was more than in Black-Motley cows; on the contrary, in urine the concentration of the studied metals was higher in Black-Motley cows. In general, the content of heavy metals in milk, blood serum and urine of cows of both breeds did not exceed the maximum permissible concentrations, with the exception of Pb in milk, the existence of which was slightly higher than the hygienic norm by 0.02–0.03 mg/kg.

Ordered mesoporous silicon doped with HPMo‐SiO 2 solid phase extraction of trace Pb prior to flame atomic absorption spectrometry determination

A new selective and sensitivity method for lead (Pb) determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry has been established using an ordered mesoporous silicon doped with phosphomolybdic acid (HPMo-SiO2) material as an adsorbent. The possible adsorptive mechanism was speculated, and factors affecting its adsorptive behaviours of Pb were investigated in detail. At potassium hydrogen phthalate media, Pb can be quantitatively adsorbed at pH 3.0–6.0, and HPMo-SiO2 exhibited good selectivity toward it. With an enrichment factor of 50, the detection limit and relative standard deviation of Pb are 0.78 ng ml−1 and 0.76 % (n = 9 and C = 2.0 ng ml−1), respectively. The proposed method has been applied to the determination of Pb in human serum, waste water, pond water, soil and whitening cosmetics with recoveries of 93.9–108.5%. To validate the accuracy verification, a GSB-07-1183-2000 certified reference was analysed, and the result is in good agreement with the certified value.

Genomic instability in adult men involved in processing electronic waste in Northern China

BackgroundManaging and recycling electronic waste (e-waste), while useful and necessary, has resulted in significant contamination of several environments in China. The area around Tianjin, China has become one of the world's largest e-waste disposal centers, where electronics are processed by manually disassembly or burning, which can result in serious exposure of workers to a multitude of toxicants. ObjectiveThe present study assessed potential genomic damage in workers involved in recycling e-waste. MethodsTo detect cytogenetic and DNA damage, chromosomal aberrations (CA), cytokinesis blocking micronucleus (CBMN) and the comet assay were performed. Concentrations of some trace elements, markers of oxidative stress and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in whole blood or serum were measured, and relationships among the markers described above, age, and duration of exposure were analyzed. The profiles of expression of genes in lymphocytes in peripheral blood were assessed to determine the status of the regulation of genes involved in genome stability. ResultsConcentrations of 28 PCB congeners in the whole blood of the exposed group were significantly (P<0.001) greater than those in the control individuals. Frequency of CA (8.01%) and CBMN (26.3‰) in lymphocytes and the level of DNA damage in the lymphocytes and spermatozoa of the exposed men were also significantly (P<0.0001) greater than those of the controls. There were significant relationships between CA, CBMN, DNA damage and duration of exposure. Concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and lead (Pb) in the blood serum were significantly greater, but activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and concentrations of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were lower in the serum of the exposed men. MDA, Pb, Ca and Mg were associated with the duration of exposure to handling e-waste. In males involved in handling of e-waste, there were 13 genes — ATM, ATR, ABL1, CHEK1, CHEK2, GADD45A, CDK7, GTSE1, OGG1, DDB1, PRKDC, XRCC1 and CCNH — for which expression of mRNA was up-regulated and 7 genes — BRCA1, GTF2H1, SEMA4A, MRE11A, MUTYH, PNKP and RAD50 — for which the expression of mRNA was down-regulated. ConclusionsA strong correlation between indicators of damage of DNA, which could result in instability of the genome, and duration of processing e-waste was observed. If proper procedures are not followed, there are significant risks to the health of the individuals involved in such activities.

Calibration for the determination of 19 trace elements in serum and urine

A fast, high-throughput and accurate method was developed for determination of Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, U, Zn, Sb, Sn, I and Hg in urine and serum by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The samples were directly analyzed after 1/20 (v/v) dilution in 0.4% (v/v) HNO3 and 0.005% Triton X-100. Three calibration modes were tested: aqueous and matrix matching with urine and serum. The accuracy was tested using reference materials of serum, urine and spiking. Results showed that the use of matrix matching calibration reduced the interferences and improved the recoveries for Al, Co, Pb and I in urine. The matrix matching did not affect the results considerably for serum. When serum was spiked with As, Co, Cs, Pb, U, Hg, I, Ba, Al, Cr and Ni, only matrix matching presented good recoveries. Helium was used as a collision cell gas reducing effectively polyatomic interferences for Al, Mn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Zn, As and Fe. Selection of the best internal standard was carried out for each element. The use of diluted HNO3 improved the limit of detection. Finally, the method was applied successfully in samples of urine from workers occupationally exposed.