Trace Elements In Urine Research Articles

Expression of lymphocyte subpopulations, cytokine serum levels, and blood and urinary trace elements in asymptomatic atopic men exposed to an urban environment.

The objective of this study was to analyze the role of some trace metals in the immune system of nonallergic or atopic men. One of these elements (Zn) is essential for immune function, whereas others, present in the urban environment, are known to be allergenic (Ni and Cr) or toxic (Pb). Serum levels of interleukin (IL) 2, 4, 5, and 13 and of interferon-y and immunoglobulins, blood lymphocyte subsets, blood concentrations of Pb and Zn, serum levels of Zn, and urinary Cr and Ni concentrations were determined in 17 nonallergic men (mean age 34 years) and 17 healthy nonsymptomatic atopic men living in urban areas. The mean blood concentration of Pb (a marker of exposure to toxic agents) was 11 microg/dl in both groups, which showed similar levels of blood Zn and of urinary Ni and Cr, whereas the serum Zn concentration was lower in the atopic group. Serum IgE levels were much higher in atopic men than in nonallergics, whereas serum IL-2, IL-5, and IL-13 concentrations were lower, possibly due to binding to tissue receptors and cells. Moreover, in atopic subjects, numbers of blood CD4+-CD45RO-"virgin" lymphocytes were significantly lower and the CD4+ -CD45RO+/CD4+ -CD45RO- ratio was more elevated, indicating an activation of the immune system. Serum IgE levels of atopic men, in contrast to those of nonallergic subjects, were correlated with CD19+ and CD5--CD19+ B lymphocytes. Blood Pb levels of both groups of men were correlated with CD4+, CD4+-CD45RO+, and HLA-DR+ [activated T-, B-, CO4+ -C. and natural killer (NK) cells] lymphocytes; in particular, blood Pb levels of the nonallergic men were also significantly correlated with CD25+ cells activated by IL-2, whereas those of the atopic men were also correlated with CD3--HLA-DR+ (B- and NK-cells) and CD5--CD19+ lymphocytes. Besides serum Zn levels, urinary Ni and Cr of nonallergic men were correlated with several immune parameters; in particular, urinary Cr was correlated with serum IL-5 and IgE and urinary Ni was correlated with CD4+ -CD45RO+ and CD3+ -CD25+ lymphocytes. This correlation of Ni and Cr, also found in previous studies in nonallergic subjects, confirms the hypothesis that these metals are involved in mechanisms of immune response regulation and that allergy to Ni or Cr represents an alteration of physiological mechanisms. Previous experimental studies have demonstrated that Pb exerts immunomodulatory effects on CD4+ and B- lymphocytes, enhancing the production of Th2-like cytokines and IgE. These experimental results confirm those of this study, showing in atopic men the correlation of B-lymphocytes with both blood Pb and serum IgE levels. This suggests that Pb may enhance the incidence of atopy in populations exposed to an urban environment.

Expression of lymphocyte subpopulations, cytokine serum levels and blood and urine trace elements in nickel sensitised women

In this study, 20 non-allergic and 20 non-atopic women sensitised only to nickel (Ni) showed similar levels of urine and serum Ni and serum chromium (Cr). On the contrary, serum copper, a marker of inflammation, was significantly higher in the Ni-sensitised group. Sensitised women also had higher values of blood B CD19+, CD5--CD19+ and B and natural killer CD3--CD25+ lymphocytes, but not alterations of some other lymphocyte subsets and serum cytokines. Urine Ni was correlated with “memory” CD4+-CD45RO+ lymphocytes in the non-allergic women and with T CD4+-CD45RO+ and CD3+-CD25+ cells in the atopic women; these subjects also showed a statistically significant correlation of serum Ni with B CD5+-CD19+ lymphocytes and serum IL-13. Moreover, serum Cr of both groups of women was positively or negatively correlated with activated HLA-DR+ cells and/or serum IL-5 and interferon γ. These results (confirming in part those of a previous study on non-allergic men) suggest that both Ni and Cr are involved in mechanisms regulating the immune response and that allergy to these metals could be considered an alteration of their physiological role.

Trace element reference values in tissues from inhabitants of the European Union. X. A study of 13 elements in blood and urine of a United Kingdom population

Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry (ETAAS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and neutron activation analysis (NAA) were used for the quantitative determination of 13 trace elements in urine and seven trace elements in whole blood of healthy unexposed British subjects living in three regions of the United Kingdom. Careful control of pre-analytical and analytical factors have enabled the results obtained from more than 200 individuals to be used in proposing reference intervals for the following elements; Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Tl in urine, and Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Pb, Se and Tl in blood.

Influence of sample pre-treatment on the determination of trace elements in urine by quadrupole and magnetic sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

An investigation was carried out to explore further the analytical capabilities of quadrupole and magnetic sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in conjunction with ultrasonic nebulization (UN) for the reliable determination in human urine of nine potentially toxic and/or environmentally relevant trace elements, namely Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se and V. For the quantification of Cr, Ni and V magnetic sector field ICP-MS was used in the medium resolution mode (m/Δm=3000) to separate the signal of the analyte from severe polyatomic interferences caused by high concentrations of bulk elements (C, Ca and Cl). The detection power afforded by quadrupole ICP-MS, on the other hand, was adequate for the reliable determination of Cd, Co, Pb, Rb, Sb and Se. Three different sample pre-treatment steps, namely dilution of urine with high-purity water, UV irradiation and microwave digestion with concentrated HNO3 and H2O2, were investigated in detail to clarify two key issues, i.e., first, the performance, accuracy and reproducibility of the two ICP-MS systems under different matrix loads of the plasma and, second, the actual concentrations of trace elements in the urine sediment.

Determination of urinary trace elements (As, Hg, Zn, Pb, Se) in patients with Blackfoot disease

An endemic peripheral vascular disorder resulting in gangrene of the lower extremities, especially of the feet, is called ‘Blackfoot disease (BFD)’. Clinically, the symptoms and signs of Blackfoot disease are similar to those of Buerger's disease. In this study, the objective is to examine the amount of arsenic, mercury, zinc, lead, and selenium in urine samples from BFD patients. After pre-treatment with acids, the samples were digested by means of a microwave oven. The determination of arsenic mercury, zinc, lead and selenium were by hydride atomic absorption spectrometry (HAAS), cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS), flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), graphite furnace absorption spectrometry (GFAAS), respectively. The results indicated that urinary arsenic, mercury and lead of the BFD patients were significantly higher than those of the normal controls, while urinary zinc and selenium were significantly lower than those of the normal controls. The possibility that these elements are involved in the etiology of diseases is discussed.

Trace elements in a commercial freeze-dried human urine reference material.

A large batch of freeze-dried human urine reference material, Seronorm Trace Elements Urine, Lot 101021, was prepared commercially (Nycomed Pharma AS, Oslo, Norway) for quality control purposes in trace element analysis. Analytes are being determined by a voluntary, international co-operative effort so that the material will be available to the scientific community at modest cost. The material is in stoppered glass vials and is to be reconstituted with 5.00 ml of water prior to use. We have evaluated the trace element content for several elements, including chromium and zinc, elements for which we have two independent methods available for the determinations, namely isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). We also report on other trace elements measured by IDMS alone, such as Se, for which we have enriched stable isotopes available. Results for chromium indicate a mean +/- standard deviation (n = 10) of 1.2 +/- 0.3 (by IDMS) and 1.4 +/- 0.3 (by AAS) ng Cr per ml of reconstituted urine, indicating possible inhomogeneity and/or contamination (21-25% relative standard deviation, RSD). Approximately half of the observed chromium originates from the sample container. The values observed for zinc were 590 +/- 90 ng ml-1 (15% RSD) for freshly reconstituted material, 760 +/- 60 ng ml-1 (8% RSD) for material reconstituted 4 d earlier, and 940 +/- 60 ng ml-1 (6% RSD) 2 months after reconstitution. Selenium values by IDMS were very reproducible, with a mean concentration of 16 +/- 0.15 ng g-1 (0.9% RSD), suggesting little or no contamination and a high degree of sample homogeneity for this element. The source of potential contaminants has been evaluated by multielement determinations of leachates of the vials and stoppers. Elements noted in significant amounts include B, Ba, Sr, Mo, Cu and Zn, with most of the zinc coming from the rubber stopper.

Determination of mercury and silver at a modified carbon paste electrode containing glyoxal bis(2‐hydroxyanil)

AbstractModified carbon paste electrodes(CPEs) for the analysis of mercury and silver have been constructed by incorporating a Schiff base, glyoxal bis(2‐hydroxyanil) (GHA) into the graphite powder and mixing with Nujol oil. Simple immersing of the GHA‐modified CPE into the measuring solution led to the chemical deposition of the metal ions onto the electrode. The cyclic, differential pulse, and stripping voltammetry were used to characterize the modified electrodes, which selectively responded to the mercury(II) and silver(I) ions. The analyses of Hg and Ag were carried out separately with the CPE in the acetate buffer and neutral aqueous solution. The electrode surface was regenerated after each measurement, by cycling the potential from more positive than that for the stripping of the reduced Hg to the more negative than that for the reduction of AgI ion. After seven deposition/measurement/regeneration cycles, the peak current of the analyte decreased. The response reproduced around 5% relative standard deviation using the differential pulse stripping voltammetry. The detection limits for HgII and AgI ions were 1.0 × 10−9 M and 1.0 × 10−10 M, respectively, for 40 min of deposition. After pretreatment of silver(I) ion with KCl, we could not observe any interference by other metal ions in the determination of the HgII ion in aqueous solution. Our results obtained in the determination of mercury are verified using a certified standard urine reference material, SRM's 2670 (trace elements in urine).

Simultaneous determination of lead, copper, and mercury at a modified carbon paste eletrode containing humic acid

AbstractThe modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) responding simultaneously to lead(II), copper(II), and mercury(II) ions has been constructed by incorporating humic acid (HA) into the graphite powder with Nujol oil. Simple immerging of the electrode into the measuring solution containing these metal ions led to the chemical deposition of the ions onto the electrode through the complexation of the ions with HA. Cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) characterized the modified electrode's surfaces. Several cyclings of the potential regenerated the electrode (from more positive than the stripping potential of reduced Hg to more negative than the reduction of Pb(II)ion), which was then used for another deposition. After five deposition/measurement/regeneration cycles, the peak current of voltammograns of the analyte decreased slightly. The response reproduced with a 5.1% relative standard deviation. We also applied ihe differential pulse technique to the previously mentioned system. Here, the detection limit tor Pb(II), Cu(II), and Hg(II) ions were 5.0 × 10−9 M 8.0 × 10−9 M, and 8.0 × 10−9 M, respectively, for 20 minutes of deposition time. After pretreatment of silver(I) ion with KC1, we could not observe any interference by other metal ions on the determination of the test ions in aqueous solution. Satisfactory results were acquired for the determination of the test metal ions in certified standard urine reference material SRM's 2670 (trace elements in urine).

Determination of copper(I) ion with a chemically modified carbon paste electrode based on di(2‐imino‐cyclopentylidine mercaptomethyl) disulfide

AbstractA copper‐sensitive chemically modified electrode (CME) has been constructed by incorporating di(2‐imino‐cyclopentylidine mercaptomethyl) disulfide (didd) into the carbon paste composed of graphite powder and Nujol oil. Copper(I) ion was chemically deposited on the CME by immersing it in the Cu(I) solution. The resulting surfaces were characterized by cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry. The CME's surface could be regenerated by applying more positive potential than the stripping potential of the Cu(I) ion and then used for another deposition. After seven deposition/measurement/ regeneration cycles, the peak current of voltammograms of the analyte decreases slightly. The differential pulse technique was also applied to the above system. In this case, the detection limit for Cu(I) ion was 5 × 10−11 M for 30 minutes of deposition time. After reduction of Cu(II) ion to Cu(I) in the sample solution with hydroxylamine, satisfactory results were obtained for the determination of copper in certified standard urine reference material SRM's 2670 (trace elements in urine).

Urinary Electrolytes and Trace Elements in Stroke-prone SHR

Urinary Electrolytes and Trace Elements in Stroke-prone SHR

Internal standardization in energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometric determination of trace elements in urine after preconcentration with a chelating filter.

Internal standardization in energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometric determination of trace elements in urine after preconcentration with a chelating filter.

Determination of trace elements in urine using inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy with a poly(dithiocarbamate) chelating resin

The application or a poly(dithiocarbamate) resin for the concentration and separation of Be, Zn. Mn, Hg, Cu, Co, Tl, Mo, Fe, Ti, and V in urine is developed with inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy. Except for V, the metals studied are quantitatively recovered either directly from urine or from acid-digested urine.

Urinary excretion of zinc and iron following acute injection of dead bacteria in dog.

AbstractThe major goal of this study was to determine whether injection of heat-killed bacteria alters urinary excretion of Zn and Fe. Pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs were prepared for standard renal clearance experiments; following a 1-hr control period, the animals received either heat-killed Pasteurella multocida or vehicle. Rectal temperature in bacteria-treated animals increased significantly by 2 hr following bacterial injection. Excretion rates of Zn and Fe were also significantly elevated by this time; by the end of 4 hr they had approximately doubled. The changes in Zn and Fe excretion correlated significantly with changes in rectal temperature. K excretion and urine flow over the 4 hr tended to increase, but the rises were not statistically significant. Plasma concentrations of Zn, Fe, and K did not change, nor did GFR. We conclude that, in the anesthetized dog, injection of heat-killed bacteria can acutely increase urinary trace-element excretion. However, the maximal contribution of the increa...

Neutron activation analysis for bulk and trace elements in urine

Problems in sampling urine for trace element analysis by neutron activation are systematically examined. Collection, storage, sample preparation and contamination hazards during irradiation are studied in detail. Three different sizes of urine samples are prepared for analysis, depending on the concentration and nuclear properties of the elements, and suitable multielement doped urine standards are used. As, Br, Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Hg, I, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Sc and Zn are determined. The extreme care given to sample collection, use of “ultra-clean” vials, and work in a dust-free room, allows consistent values to be obtained over long periods of time. A literature review of the amounts of forty elements present in urine per day is also given.