Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Fluorescence Technique Research Articles

Elemental profiles in distant tissues during tumor progression

BackgroundEssential elements have functions in tumor progression by promoting protumoral cellular processes, such as proliferation, and migration, among others. Obtaining an understanding of how these elements relate to tumor progression processes is of great importance for research. Elemental profile studies in distant tissues, which can be modulated by tumor cells to promote metastasis, have not been sufficiently investigated. The main goal of this study is to evaluate multielemental distribution during tumor progression, focusing on tumor tissue and distant tissues that may be affected.MethodsTumor progression in vivo was simulated by inoculating C57BL/6 mice with Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) cells. Samples of the primary tumor and distant tissues were collected during 5 weeks of tumor progression for the control and experimental (tumor-bearing) groups. The biological samples were analyzed using the synchrotron radiation X-Ray fluorescence technique. Data on the concentration of P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn in the samples were obtained and statistically analyzed to evaluate the distribution of the elements during tumor progression in the primary tumor as well as distant tissues.ResultsIt was possible to observe significant changes in the concentrations’ distribution of P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, and Cu in distant tissues caused by the presence of tumor cells. It was also possible to detect a greater similarity between tumor tissue (which has the lung as tissue of origin) and a tissue of non-origin, such as the liver, which is an unprecedented result. Moreover, changes in the distributions of concentrations were detected and studied over time for the different tissues analyzed, such as primary tumor, liver and lung, in Control and Tumor groups.ConclusionsAmong other results, this paper could explore the modulation of distant tissues caused by the presence of a primary tumor. This could be achieved by the evaluation of several elements of known biological importance allowing the study of different biological processes involved in cancer. The role of essential elements as modulators of the tumor microenvironment is a relevant aspect of tumor progression and this work is a contribution to the field of tumoral metallomics.

Influence of Krypton Gas Nanobubbles on the Activity of Pepsin

The fact that biologically inert gases can significantly affect the biological function of proteins still lacks a full understanding because they are usually chemically stable and weakly absorbed by biological molecules. Recently, nanobubbles were proposed to play an important role in the activity of a protein (Scientific reports 2013, 3; Scientific reports 2017, 7, 10176). In this study, we developed a controllable method to produce high-concentration krypton (Kr) gas nanobubbles in pure water and measured the concentration influence of those Kr nanobubbles on pepsin protein activity. By combining high-sensitivity synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence techniques with a nanoparticle tracking analysis technology, we provided strong evidence that the observed "nanoparticles" were indeed Kr nanobubbles. Activity measurements showed that the activity would be inhibited by the existence of Kr nanobubbles and could be recovered by degassing. More importantly, the inhibition extent of pepsin activity was dominated by the number of nanobubbles in solution. More nanobubbles would cause more inhibition of pepsin activity. Furthermore, the structures of pepsin could be changed by nanobubbles, which might be the reason for inhabitation of activity. Our results would provide a further understanding of the mechanisms of the biological effects of inert gases.

Elemental Composition of Particulate Matter in the Southeastern Brazilian Ceramic Pole by Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Fluorescence Technique (SR-XRF)

In the present study, the elemental content of the particulate matter PM2.5 (particulate matter with diameters lower than 2.5 µm) and PM10 (particulate matter with diameters lower than 10 µm) of the Brazilian city of Rio Claro (SP) were analyzed by synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (SR-XRF) in the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS). A fractional sampling of particulate matter (PM) was carried out in two climatic periods (dry and rainy season). The elemental determination of PM2.5 and PM10 included the following elements: Si, S, Ca, K, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn. Elemental correlation studies, cluster analysis, principal component analysis and enrichment factor determination were performed in order to allow the distinction of the main sources of the emission of PM. The mean elementary contents, especially in PM10, were statistically different to each other between the sampling seasons and higher in dry than in rainy season. The cluster analysis indicated two groups as being the main constituting element groups for the composition of PM in Rio Claro. A major group originated by the resuspension of soil composed by the elements Si, Fe, Ca and K, and a second, minor group composed of S, Ti, Mn, Cu, Cr, and Zn, presumably influenced by vehicular emissions and the regions adjacent ceramic industries.

Microdistribution of lead in human teeth using microbeam synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (μ-SRXRF).

Lead (Pb) exposure is known to be associated with adverse effects on human health, especially during the prenatal period and early childhood. The Pb content in teeth has been suggested as a useful biomarker for the evaluation of cumulative Pb exposure. This study was designed to employ the microbeam synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence technique to determine the microdistribution of Pb within the tooth to evaluate the reliability of the technique and the effectiveness of tooth Pb as a biomarker of Pb exposure. The results showed that in the incisor sample, Pb primarily deposited in secondary dentine region close to the pulp and secondarily at enamel exterior. In addition, Pb colocalised with Zn, indicating a positive correlation between Pb and Zn. By contrast,in the two molar samples, Pb accumulated principally in the pulp, and secondarily in the enamel. At the same time, Pb in these two molar samples colocalised with Ca instead of Zn as was observed in the incisor sample. Several batches of line scans further confirmed the conclusions. The feasibility of using microbeam synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence to determine the microdistribution of Pb in teeth and of using the tooth Pb, especially in dentine, as a biomarker was discussed.

Content of bioelements in the lungs and liver in rats with alimentary obesity

The synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence technique (SRXRF) was applied to the determination of K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Br, Rb, and Sr concentrations in the liver and lungs in Wistar rats. The animals in the experiment included (1) healthy rats, (2) rats with alimentary obesity (AO), and (3) rats with alimentary obesity that were being given zinc sulphate with water for a long time (АО+Zn). Each group was divided into two subgroups. The experiment with the first subgroup was terminated with the animals in the state of physiological hunger and subsequent retrieval of liver and lung tissue, while the animals of the second subgroup were sacrificed two hours after ingestion of lard. The rats in physiological hunger manifested intergroup differences in the content of the bioelements (BEs) neither in the liver nor in the lungs. The rats with AO, as compared with the healthy animals, demonstrated in physiological hunger redistribution of inter-element correlations (IECs), which is an indirect reflection of sustained metabolic disorder. Additional zinc in the rats’ ration did not affect their body weight and the concentration of the BEs (including zinc) in the liver and the lungs. However, the IECs in the tissues of these animals in physiological hunger also changed. This redistribution differed from that in the rats with AO. The IECs soon after ingestion of lard also changed, which also reflects sustained changes in the metabolism in the animals.

Preliminary investigation of trace element in Pterygium using Synchrotron radiation micro-beam X-ray fluorescence analysis (-XRF)

We have assessed the relative content and distribution of Iron and Zinc elements using microbeam synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence technique. One such technique is X-ray fluorescence (XRF), which has been used previously to map trace elements distribution in Physical samples. In this article a compromise is suggested in issue Pterygium samples. In this study, a prospective randomized clinical trial was conducted. Serial frozen sections of pterygium tissues and conjunctival tissues of 40 μm thickness were collected from 8 patients £¨10 eyes£©undergoing pterygium excision combine with limbal stem cell transplantation. A synchrotron-based XRF microprobe was used to map the distribution of Fe and Zn in whole frozen pterygium sections. The frozen sections were tested by synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence technique. These experiments were performed at BL15U in Shanghai, China. Then, the results have palyed that Iron and Zinc were present in both pterygium tissues and normal conjunctiva tissues (relevance ratio 100%). The contents of Iron and Zinc in normal conjunctiva tissues were significantly lower than in pterygium tissues (P < 0.05). The microelements were mostly clusteredin the pterygium tissues, while sparsely distributed in the normal conjunctiva tissue. Finally, we found that XRF imaging will be useful for mapping elemental distribution in Pterygium tissues. 40 μm frozen section on 6 μm mylar film is good for the test on BL15U. The contents of Iron and Zinc in pterygium tissue were significantly higher than in the control tissues. The results seem to be valuable in that Iron and Zinc may play a role in the development process of Pterygium.

Analysis of metal concentration levels in water, sediment and fish tissues from Toledo municipal lake by applying SR-TXRF technique

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the metal content in water and sediment from the Toledo municipal lake, as well as the concentration levels of heavy metals in muscle and liver of four fish species. A digestion procedure was performed in all fish samples. Metal analysis was performed by using the Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Fluorescence technique. The accuracy and validity of the measurements were determined by analysis of certified reference materials. The highest Cr, Cu and Se concentration levels above the maximum tolerance limit according to the Brazilian norms in fish tissue could be associated with the metal uptake and accumulation due to the direct contact with contaminated water and sediment.

Study of moss as air pollution monitor by SRXRF technique

In order to explore the mechanism of moss as air pollution biomonitor, the moss samples were exposed in a pollution site of Shanghai Institute of Steel Research (SISR) and a control site of Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics (SIAP) simultaneously for one month. The concentrations of trace elements in the micro areas of leaf and stem, as well as in the whole moss tissue, were determined using synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (SRXRF) method. The distributions of some metal elements such as Pb, Cu, Fe, Ni, Mn, Zn, Ca and K in the leaf surface and the stem slice were obtained. The results showed that the metallic ions were not evenly distributed after adsorption. In particular, some elements of K, Ni, Fe, Pb, etc., were concentrated in the leaf apex and the intermediate rib. Under pollution condition, the excessive Pb was adsorbed and deposited in the leaf. It caused serious damage to plant growth and ultrastructure, also suppressed moss’ normal absorption to the nutritive elements of K, Ca, etc.

Chromium ions phytoaccumulation by three floating aquatic macrophytes from a nutrient medium

In the present work, the trivalent and hexavalent chromium phytoaccumulation by three living free floating aquatic macrophytes Salvinia auriculata, Pistia stratiotes, and Eicchornia crassipes was investigated in greenhouse. These plants were grown in hydroponic solutions supplied with non-toxic Cr3+ and Cr6+ chromium concentrations, performing six collections of nutrient media and plants in time from a batch system. The total chromium concentrations into Cr-doped hydroponic media and dry roots and aerial parts were assayed, by using the Synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence technique. The aquatic plant-based chromium removal data were described by using a nonstructural kinetic model, obtaining different bioaccumulation rate, ranging from 0.015 to 0.837 l mg−1 d−1. The Cr3+ removal efficiency was about 90%, 50%, and 90% for the E. crassipes, P. stratiotes, and S. auriculata, respectively; while it was rather different for Cr6+ one, with values about 50%, 70%, and 90% for the E. crassipes, P. stratiotes, and S. auriculata.

SRXRF study of trace elements in hippocampus of pup rats after prenatal and postnatal exposure to low-level mercury

The damage in the pup rat brain with low-level mercury exposure, and the concentration variation of trace elements in the rat hippocampus was determined by synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence technique (SRXRF). Meanwhile, the levels and activities of glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the hippocampus were also measured. The results showed that the low dose of inorganic mercury prenatal and postnatal exposure could lead to the significant increase of both copper and zinc contents and remarkable decrease of iron content in pup rat brain. Compared to the control group, the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as GSH-Px, SOD, the contents of GSH and MDA in the pup rat hippocampus of mercury-exposed group fell down obviously.

Species arboreal as a bioindicator of the environmental pollution: Analysis by SR-TXRF

This paper aims to study the environmental pollution in the tree development, in order to evaluate its use as bioindicator in urban and countrysides. The sample collection was carried out in Piracicaba city, São Paulo State, that presents high level of environmental contamination in water, soil and air, due to industrial activities, vehicle combustion, sugar-cane leaves burning in the harvesting, etc. The species Caesalpinia peltophoroides (“Sibipiruna”) was selected because it is often used in urban arborization. Synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence technique (SR-TXRF) was employed to identify and quantify the elements and metals of nutritional and toxicological importance in the wood samples. The analysis was performed in the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Source Laboratory, using a white beam for excitation and an Si(Li) detector for X-ray detection. In several samples were quantified P, K, Ca, Ti, Fe, Sr, Ba and Pb elements.

A case study of elemental and structural composition of dental calculus during several stages of maturation using SRXRF

This work presents a study of elemental composition and preponderant structure of human dental calculus, as they mature in the mouth for a period of 1 year. The synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence technique using a white beam was employed as an analytical method. The set of samples were extracted from different dental elements of the same subject, who did not require any other clinical care. By means of analyzing the Ca/P molar ratio an estimation of the main crystallographic structure was attained, by simple comparison with stoichiometric values of the several crystalline structures that compose the calculus. The results showed a slowly progressive transformation of the initial crystalline structures (brushite) into more stable structures (hydroxyapatite), passing through octacalcium phosphate and whitlockite. The concentrations of mayor components (Ca and P) as a function of time followed a sigmoid curve. The analysis of trace element concentrations versus time indicated a null or small correlation of concentration values with the kinetics of the crystallization process.

Implementation of X-ray fluorescence microscopy for investigation of elemental abnormalities in central nervous system tissue

The microbeam synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence technique (micro-SRXRF) was applied to topographic and quantitative elemental analysis of human spinal cord tissue sections. The feasibility of this technique for the determination of elemental abnormalities caused by neurodegenerative disorder, i.e. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), was verified. The applied measurement conditions allowed detecting: P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn and Br in thin tissue slices. Two-dimensional maps of the elemental distribution were recorded. Quantitative differences in elemental concentration between gray matter, nerve cells and white matter were observed for all analyzed cases. For the motor neuron bodies higher accumulation of S, Cl, K, Fe, Zn and Br was noticed. The results showed significant differences of elemental accumulation between the analyzed ALS cases. Moreover, the feasibility of using tissue sections fixed and embedded in paraffin for micro-SRXRF analysis was tested. These studies were performed on the samples of rat brain.