Whole Blood Mn Research Articles

Frequencies of chromosomal aberrations and related biochemical parameters in welders

Stainless steel welders are exposed to heavy filler metals. We evaluated the concentration of these metals in whole blood and urine, and the relevant biochemical parameters in relation to the total chromosomal aberrations (CAs), chromatid-type (CTA-type, CTAs) and chromosome-type (CSA-type, CSAs), in 117 welders and control individuals. Statistically higher concentrations of the total Cr, Ni and Mn were observed in whole blood and urine of welders, and the concentrations were higher in welders who smoked. On the contrary, concentrations of urinary heavy metals Cr and Mn adjusted for creatinine were significantly higher in the control groups. A statistically higher frequency of total CAs was observed in the whole group of welders, and also in the non-smoking welders, as compared to controls. The frequency of total CAs significantly correlated with the concentration of Cr, Ni and Mn in whole blood (R=0.61, P˂0.0001, R=0.33, P˂0.0001 and R=0.66, P˂0.0001, respectively), with urinary concentrations of Ni and Mn (R=0.27, P=0.003 and R=0.28, P=0.003, respectively) and with urinary concentrations of Cr, Ni and Mn adjusted for creatinine (R=0.22, P=0.029, R=0.26, P=0.005 and R=0.20, P=0.030, respectively). Likewise, the frequency of CTA-types significantly correlated with the concentration of Cr and Mn in whole blood (R=0.31, P=0.0007 and R=0.34, P=0.0002). The frequency of CSA-types significantly correlated with concentrations of Cr, Ni and Mn in whole blood (R=0.43, P˂0.0001, R=0.38, P˂0.0001 and R=0.46, P˂0.0001, respectively). The statistically higher values of serum creatinine and total bilirubin were detected in all welders, as well as in smokers when compared to the corresponding controls. The exposure to heavy metals in welders increased the frequencies of CAs and altered the balance between urinary excretion of heavy metals and their possible accumulation.

Toxic Metal and Essential Element Concentrations in the Blood and Tissues of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Patients.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive lethal neoplasm, and it has an average 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. Although the factors that influence PDAC development remain unclear, exposure to toxic metals or the imbalance in essential elements may have a role in PDAC-associated metabolic pathways. This study determined the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn in whole blood, cancer and non-cancer tissues of patients affected by PDAC, and compared them with levels in healthy controls using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results of the whole blood showed significantly higher levels of Cr, Cu and Cu/Zn ratio in PDAC patients compared to the controls. In addition, the concentrations of Cu, Se, Fe and Zn significantly increased in cancer tissue compared to the healthy counterparts. This study revealed evidence of altered metal levels in the blood and pancreatic tissues of PDAC patients with respect to healthy controls. These changes may contribute to multiple mechanisms involved in metal-induced carcinogenesis, including oxidative stress, DNA damage, genetic alteration, decreased antioxidant barriers and inflammatory responses. Thus, the analysis of metals can be used in the diagnosis and monitoring of PDAC neoplasms.

Influence of Haemolysis on the Mineral Profile of Cattle Serum.

Simple SummaryThe results of blood tests routinely used in clinical chemistry can be altered by haemolysis, the disruption of red blood cells. Haemolysis of serum samples is recognized to be the leading cause of preanalytical errors in clinical laboratories. The influence of haemolysis must be specifically studied for each analyte and species of clinical interest, as it is often not known how serum samples are affected. Little is known about the potential alterations in the concentrations of mineral elements in haemolyzed serum in general and the phenomenon has not been specifically studied in bovine serum samples. We investigate how haemolysis affects the mineral content of bovine samples.Haemolysis of serum samples is the leading cause of preanalytical errors in clinical laboratories. Little is known about the potential alterations in the concentrations of mineral elements in haemolyzed serum and the phenomenon has not been specifically studied in bovine serum samples. We investigate how haemolysis affects the mineral content of bovine samples. We used ICP-MS to measure the concentrations of 12 mineral elements (Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, P, Se and Zn) in bovine whole blood, serum and gradually haemolyzed samples and observed significant differences between the different types of samples, particularly in the Fe and Zn concentrations. However, in practice, the high interindividual variability makes it difficult to establish whether a given value corresponds to normal or haemolyzed samples. In response to this problem, we propose to consider that a result is significantly biased when the haemolysis threshold (the degree of haemolysis above which the concentration of an element in serum is significantly altered) of a given element is surpassed. The haemolysis threshold values for the different elements considered were found as follows: 0.015 g Hb L−1 for Fe, 2 g for Zn, 4 g for Cr and 8 g for Ca, Se and Mo.

Manganese concentrations in whole blood, plasma and serum of adult warmblood horses from 3 locations in Germany

This study aimed to establish reference intervals for Mn in whole blood, plasma and serum of healthy, adult warmblood horses with known dietary Mn intake and to compare 2 methods of analysis. Between May 2018 and November 2019 a single blood sample was taken from a total of 270 clinically healthy horses (age: 3-25 years) in 3 stud farms. In lithium-heparin (LH) whole blood, LH plasma and serum Mn concentrations were analyzed by means of atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The reference intervals were calculated according to the recommendations of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) and the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) comprising the range between 2.5 and 97.5 percentile of the analyzed Mn concentrations. Concurrent to blood sampling feed samples were taken and analyzed in order to determine the Mn content of the corresponding feeding ration. The horses' whole-blood Mn levels were significantly (p < 0.0001) higher with a median Mn concentration of 12.4 μg/l (reference interval: 4.99-25.1 μg/l [AAS]; 5.99-25.3 μg/l [ICP-MS]) than in the corresponding serum (median: 1.65 μg/l, reference interval: 0.60-3.50 μg/l [AAS]; 1.11-2.96 μg/l [ICP-MS]) or LH plasma (median: 1.35 μg/l, reference interval: 0.22-2.68 μg/l [AAS]; 0.59-2.45 μg/l [ICP-MS]). In the comparison of methods, there were statistically significant differences in the Mn determinations for LH plasma and serum between AAS and ICP-MS, whereas they yielded comparable results for whole blood. Whole blood shows an average of 10-fold higher Mn concentrations than serum or LH plasma. When evaluating blood Mn concentrations, consideration must be granted to the sample material under analysis as well as to which method is employed since relevant differences were found between AAS and ICP-MS in serum and LH plasma.

Assessing the stability of Cd, Mn, Pb, Se, and total Hg in whole human blood by ICP-DRC-MS as a function of temperature and time

BackgroundComprehensive information on the effect of time and temperature storage on the measurement of elements in human, whole blood (WB) by inductively coupled plasma-dynamic reaction cell-mass spectrometry (ICP-DRC-MS) is lacking, particularly for Mn and Se. MethodsHuman WB was spiked at 3 concentration levels, dispensed, and then stored at 5 different temperatures: -70 °C, −20 °C, 4 °C, 23 °C, and 37 °C. At 3 and 5 weeks, and at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 36 months, samples were analyzed for Pb, Cd, Mn, Se and total Hg, using ICP-DRC-MS. We used a multiple linear regression model including time and temperature as covariates to fit the data with the measurement value as the outcome. We used an equivalence test using ratios to determine if results from the test storage conditions, warmer temperature and longer time, were comparable to the reference storage condition of 3 weeks storage time at −70 °C. ResultsModel estimates for all elements in human WB samples stored in polypropylene cryovials at −70 °C were equivalent to estimates from samples stored at 37 °C for up to 2 months, 23 °C up to 10 months, and −20 °C and 4 °C for up to 36 months. Model estimates for samples stored for 3 weeks at −70 °C were equivalent to estimates from samples stored for 2 months at −20 °C, 4 °C, 23 °C and 37 °C; 10 months at −20 °C, 4 °C, and 23 °C; and 36 months at −20 °C and 4 °C. This equivalence was true for all elements and pools except for the low concentration blood pool for Cd. ConclusionsStorage temperatures of −20 °C and 4 °C are equivalent to −70 °C for stability of Cd, Mn, Pb, Se, and Hg in human whole blood for at least 36 months when blood is stored in sealed polypropylene vials. Increasing the sample storage temperature from −70 °C to −20 °C or 4 °C can lead to large energy savings. The best analytical results are obtained when storage time at higher temperature conditions (e.g. 23 °C and 37 °C) is minimized because recovery of Se and Hg is reduced. Blood samples stored in polypropylene cryovials also lose volume over time and develop clots at higher temperature conditions (e.g., 23 °C and 37 °C), making them unacceptable for elemental testing after 10 months and 2 months, respectively.

Effect of Discontinuation of Manganese Supplementation From Home Parenteral Nutrition Solutions on Whole-Blood Levels and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Brain: A 5-Year Cohort Study.

Manganese (Mn) is included in current premixed multiple trace element (TE) additives for home parenteral nutrition (HPN). However, there is a risk of oversupplementation of Mn due to contamination from PN additives. Oversupplementation can produce Mn toxicity with neurologic symptoms and abnormalities on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In 2009, we reported that whole-blood Mn levels were above the upper limit of normal in 16 HPN patients, with 81% having MRI findings. Subsequently, we removed Mn supplementation from all our HPN patients. We present a 5-year follow-up here. This is a prospective cohort study on 11 of the surviving 16 patients on HPN. All patients had Mn removed from PN and had yearly monitoring of blood Mn levels. Eight patients had a repeat MRI to evaluate for resolution of basal ganglia deposits. Patient demography, clinical history, and bloodwork were recorded. Five of 6 patients who initially had elevated Mn levels had normal levels on follow-up. All patients who had Mn levels measured serially had a decrease in levels; the mean percent decrease of Mn was 38.1% (range, 10.1%-53.8%). Two patients had elevated Mn despite the absence of supplementation. Six of 8 patients who had repeat MRIs had complete resolution abnormalities. Removal of Mn as an additive in HPN solutions resulted in resolution of MRI abnormalities in most patients. Over 5 years, all patients except for 1 maintained normal blood Mn levels. Therefore, Mn levels should be monitored and supplementation be individualized.

Determination of Manganese in Whole Blood By Stripping Analysis with Indium Tin Oxide

Manganese (Mn) is a required trace metal in the body. In recent years however, it has garnered significant attention as a developmental neurotoxin in children with chronic exposure. It has been linked to complications such as memory loss with negatively associated IQ scores, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and in extreme cases, the development of a Parkinson’s disease analogue- manganism. For these reasons among others, the Environmental Protection Agency has set the maximum contaminant level (MCL) in drinking water at a very low concentration of 50 ppb (0.9 μM). Thus, trace detection of this neurotoxic metal in both environmental and biological samples has become very important. Cathodic stripping voltammetry has proven to be a suitable method for electroanalytical determination of Mn. We have established Mn CSV using indium tin oxide (ITO) as the working electrode for the determination of Mn in bovine whole blood after an acid digestion. Reliable, accurate, and precise results were obtained as only 9% variation in the digested blood was observed. The CSV results were compared with graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GF-AAS) and inductively coupled plasma- mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and favorable agreement across the methods was observed. We also fabricated ITO on non-optically transparent substrates where we observed improved electrochemical response compared to that of commercially available ITO. This was completed by varying pre-treatments, fabrication processes, and post-processing of the ITO electrodes. Due to ITO’s excellent positive potential window and stability under harsh environments, this method could be applied to other oxide-forming transition metals detectable by CSV. Figure 1

Association of exposure to manganese and iron with relaxation rates R1 and R2*- magnetic resonance imaging results from the WELDOX II study

ObjectiveMagnetic resonance imaging is a non-invasive method that allows the indirect quantification of manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) accumulation in the brain due to their paramagnetic features. The WELDOX II study aimed to explore the influence of airborne and systemic exposure to Mn and Fe on the brain deposition using the relaxation rates R1 and R2* as biomarkers of metal accumulation in regions of interest in 161 men, including active and former welders. Material and methodsWe obtained data on the relaxation rates R1 and R2* in regions that included structures within the globus pallidus (GP), substantia nigra (SN), and white matter of the frontal lobe (FL) of both hemispheres, as well as Mn in whole blood (MnB), and serum ferritin (SF). The study subjects, all male, included 48 active and 20 former welders, 41 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), 13 patients with hemochromatosis (HC), and 39 controls. Respirable Mn and Fe were measured during a working shift for welders. Mixed regression models were applied to estimate the effects of MnB and SF on R1 and R2*. Furthermore, we estimated the influence of airborne Mn and Fe on the relaxation rates in active welders. ResultsMnB and SF were significant predictors of R1 but not of R2* in the GP, and were marginally associated with R1 in the SN (SF) and FL (MnB). Being a welder or suffering from PD or HC elicited no additional group effect on R1 or R2* beyond the effects of MnB and SF. In active welders, shift concentrations of respirable Mn>100μg/m3 were associated with stronger R1 signals in the GP. In addition to the effects of MnB and SF, the welding technique had no further influence on R1. ConclusionsMnB and SF were significant predictors of R1 but not of R2*, indicative of metal accumulation, especially in the GP. Also, high airborne Mn concentration was associated with higher R1 signals in this brain region. The negative results obtained for being a welder or for the techniques with higher exposure to ultrafine particles when the blood-borne concentration was included into the models indicate that airborne exposure to Mn may act mainly through MnB.

Determination of Manganese in Whole Blood by Cathodic Stripping Voltammetry with Indium Tin Oxide

AbstractManganese (Mn) is a required trace metal in the body. In recent years however, it has garnered significant attention as a developmental neurotoxin in children with chronic exposure. It has been linked to complications such as memory loss with negatively associated IQ scores, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and in extreme cases, the development of a Parkinson's disease analogue‐manganism. Cathodic stripping voltammetry (CSV) has proven to be a suitable method for electroanalytical determination of Mn. We have established Mn CSV using indium tin oxide (ITO) as the working electrode for the determination of Mn in bovine whole blood after an acid digestion. Reliable, accurate, and precise results were obtained, as only 9 % variation in the digested blood was observed. The CSV results were compared with graphite‐furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GF‐AAS) and inductively coupled plasma‐ mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) and favorable agreement across the methods was observed. Due to ITO's excellent positive potential window and stability under harsh environments, this method could be applied to other oxide‐forming transition metals detectable by CSV.

Hepatic metal ion transporter ZIP8 regulates manganese homeostasis and manganese-dependent enzyme activity.

Genetic variants at the solute carrier family 39 member 8 (SLC39A8) gene locus are associated with the regulation of whole-blood manganese (Mn) and multiple physiological traits. SLC39A8 encodes ZIP8, a divalent metal ion transporter best known for zinc transport. Here, we hypothesized that ZIP8 regulates Mn homeostasis and Mn-dependent enzymes to influence metabolism. We generated Slc39a8-inducible global-knockout (ZIP8-iKO) and liver-specific-knockout (ZIP8-LSKO) mice and observed markedly decreased Mn levels in multiple organs and whole blood of both mouse models. By contrast, liver-specific overexpression of human ZIP8 (adeno-associated virus-ZIP8 [AAV-ZIP8]) resulted in increased tissue and whole blood Mn levels. ZIP8 expression was localized to the hepatocyte canalicular membrane, and bile Mn levels were increased in ZIP8-LSKO and decreased in AAV-ZIP8 mice. ZIP8-LSKO mice also displayed decreased liver and kidney activity of the Mn-dependent enzyme arginase. Both ZIP8-iKO and ZIP8-LSKO mice had defective protein N-glycosylation, and humans homozygous for the minor allele at the lead SLC39A8 variant showed hypogalactosylation, consistent with decreased activity of another Mn-dependent enzyme, β-1,4-galactosyltransferase. In summary, hepatic ZIP8 reclaims Mn from bile and regulates whole-body Mn homeostasis, thereby modulating the activity of Mn-dependent enzymes. This work provides a mechanistic basis for the association of SLC39A8 with whole-blood Mn, potentially linking SLC39A8 variants with other physiological traits.

Trace Element Status (Zinc, Copper, Selenium, Iron, Manganese) in Patients with Long-Term Home Parenteral Nutrition

Background: The objective of the present study was to determine concentrations of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), selenium (Se) in blood plasma and manganese (Mn) in the whole blood in patients with long-term home parenteral nutrition (HPN) in comparison to the control group. Patients and Methods: We examined 68 patients (16 men and 52 women) aged from 28 to 68 years on a long-term HPN lasting from 4 to 96 months. The short bowel syndrome was an indication for HPN. The daily doses of Zn, Cu, Fe, Se and Mn in the last 3 months were determined. Results: No significant differences in blood plasma were found for Zn, Cu and Fe in patients with HPN and in the control group (p > 0.05). The concentration of Mn in whole blood was significantly increased in HPN patients (p < 0.0001), while Se concentration in these patients was significantly decreased (p < 0.005). The concentration of Mn in the whole blood of 16 patients with cholestasis was significantly increased compared to the patients without cholestasis (p < 0.001). The Cu concentration was increased with no statistical significance. Conclusion: In long-term HPN, the status of trace elements in the patients has to be continually monitored and the daily substitution doses of these elements have to be flexibly adjusted. Dosing schedule needs to be adjusted especially in cases of cholestatic hepatopathy. A discussion about the optimal daily dose of Mn in patients on HPN is appropriate. For clinical practice, the availability of a substitution mixture of trace elements lacking Mn would be advantageous.

Alkali dilution of blood samples for high throughput ICP-MS analysis—comparison with acid digestion

ObjectivesThe direct dilution of blood with alkali has been introduced as an alternative to acid digestion for improvement of the analytical productivity when measuring trace elements using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). This study compared these two sample preparation methods for the ICP-MS determination of multiple elements in human blood and serum. MethodsAliquots (0.2 or 0.5mL) of human whole blood and serum samples, including reference samples (whole blood and serum), were subjected to alkali dilution (ammonia solution) or acid digestion (nitric acid). The samples were then analysed for their concentrations of Li, B, Mg, P, S, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cd, Sb, Cs, Ba, Pb and U with a quadrupole ICP-MS instrument equipped with a collision/reaction cell. ResultsAnalysis of the reference materials showed that the alkali dilution and acid digestion methods provided equally good agreement with the reference values for Mg, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Mo, Cd, Sb and Pb. The alkali dilution method generally gave better agreement with the reference values for Li, B, P, S, K, Cr and U, whereas acid digestion gave better agreement for Ca, Fe, Sr and Cs. Strong associations (R2>0.90) between the two methods were obtained for the concentrations of Li, B, Mn, Co, Cu, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cd, Cs and Pb in the collected human whole blood and for Li, B, Mg, P, S, K, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Sb and Cs in the collected serum. ConclusionsThe results suggest that the alkali dilution method is suitable for the determination of Li, B, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb and Sr in whole blood and serum; Mo, Cd and Pb in whole blood; and Sb in serum by ICP-MS. Acid digestion is preferred for Fe and for low concentrations of Cs.

Simplified sample preparation in the simultaneous measurement of whole blood antimony, bismuth, manganese, and zinc by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

ObjectivesWe developed and validated a simplified sample preparation for the analysis of antimony (Sb), bismuth (Bi), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) in whole blood. This simplification included a reduction in sample volume, removal of a lengthy acidic digestion, and optimization of the internal standard. Design and methodsMeasurement of Sb, Bi, Mn and Zn in whole blood was conducted using inductively coupled-plasma mass spectrometry. Method performance characteristics, including intra- and inter-assay imprecision, accuracy, linearity, AMR, sensitivity, carryover, sample stability and assay stability were determined in accordance with clinical laboratory standards. In addition, analytical and clinical recoveries were assessed to investigate comparability between goat blood matrix and pooled patient blood. ResultsEstablished assay performance characteristics included inter- and intra-assay imprecision <4.5% and carryover of <0.04% for all four elements, analytical measurement range of 1 to 25μg/L (Sb and Bi), 1 to 80μg/L (Mn), and 50 to 1500μg/dL (Zn), limit of quantification of 1μg/L (Sb, Bi, Mn) and 50μg/dL (Zn) (coefficient of variation <14%), proportional bias of 0.96 and constant bias of −0.28 (Sb), 0.94 and −0.45 (Bi), 1.07 and −0.37 (Mn) and 0.96 and +18.05 (Zn) based upon repeat patient samples, proficiency testing samples, and comparison to an outside reference laboratory. ConclusionThis method overcomes the laborious acidic heat digestion previously used and replaces it with a simplified sample preparation involving an alkaline dilution. The method requires minimal sample preparation with the dilution of alkaline diluent and is validated to quantify Sb and Bi from 1 to 25μg/L, Mn from 1 to 80μg/L, and Zn from 50 to 1500μg/dL in whole blood.

High manganese, a risk for Alzheimer's disease: high manganese induces amyloid-β related cognitive impairment.

Excess manganese (Mn) in brain can be neurotoxic, implicated in several neurodegenerative disorders such as sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, little is known about the altered metal environment including elevated Mn in the progressive cognitive impairment of AD. Indeed, whether high Mn is associated with AD risk remains elusive. In the study, we recruited 40 Chinese elders with different cognitive statuses and investigated concentrations of Mn in whole blood and plasma amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides. Surprisingly, there were significant correlations of Mn with Mini-Mental State Examination score and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale score. In addition, plasma Aβ peptides increased with elevated Mn. Further studies both in vitro and in vivo demonstrated dose-related neurotoxicity and increase of Aβ by Mn treatment, which was probably caused by disrupted Aβ degradation. These data suggested that high Mn may be involved in the progress of AD as an essential pathogenic factor.

0187 Alcohol consumption as a confounder in neurobehavioral studies of neurotoxicants

ObjectivesTo study the effects of manganese (Mn) exposure and alcohol consumption on tremor.MethodTremor was measured in 137 shipyard welders (age 39.9) and 137 referents (turner/fitters) (age 40.1) with the Catsys...

Evaluation of chromium and manganese in biological samples (scalp hair, blood and urine) of tuberculosis and diarrhea male human immunodeficiency virus patients.

The consequence of trace elements deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) disease progression and mortality. This study examined the association between high concentrations of chromium (Cr) and manganese (Mn) in scalp hair, blood, and urine and opportunistic infections in hospitalized patients with the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The study was performed on 62 male HIV+ patients (HIV-1) from different cities of Pakistan. The patients were divided in two groups according to secondary infections (tuberculosis, diarrhea, or high fever). The biological samples (scalp hair, blood and urine) were collected from AIDS patients, and for comparative study 120 healthy subjects (males) of same age group (31 - 45 years), socio-economic status, localities, and dietary habits were also included. The elements in the biological samples were analyzed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry after microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity and accuracy of the methodology was checked by using certified reference materials (CRMs) and with the values obtained by conventional wet acid digestion method on the same CRMs. The results indicated significantly lower concentrations of Cr and Mn in the biological samples (scalp hair, blood, and urine) of male HIV-1 patients, compared with control subjects. It was observed that the lower levels of these trace elements may be predictors for secondary infections in HIV-1 patients. There was a significant decrease in mean values of Cr and Mn in whole blood and scalp hair, whilst higher concentrations were observed in urine samples of the three groups of AIDS patients as compared to a controlled healthy male group (p < 0.001). Low Cr and Mn levels may be due to increased Cr and Mn losses. These data present guidance to clinicians and other professional investigating deficiencies of Cr and Mn in biological samples of AIDS patients.

Determination of Al, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se and Tl in whole blood by atomic absorption spectrometry without preliminary sample digestion

Methods of whole blood trace element determination by Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (in the variant of Zeeman's modulation polarization spectrometry) have been proposed. They do not require preliminary sample digestion. Furnace programs, modifiers and blood dilution factors were optimized. Seronorm™ human whole blood reference materials were used for validation. Dynamic ranges (for undiluted blood samples) were: Al 8 ¸ 210 мg/L; Be 0.3 ¸ 50 мg/L; Cd 0.2 ¸ 75 мg/L; Сo 5 ¸ 350 мg/L; Cr 10 ¸ 100 мg/L; Mn 6 ¸ 250 мg/L; Ni 10 ¸ 350 мg/L; Pb 3 ¸ 240 мg/L; Se 10 ¸ 500 мg/L; Tl 2 ¸ 600 мg/L. Precision (RSD) for the middle of dynamic range ranged from 5% for Mn to 11 for Se.

The interaction between manganese exposure and alcohol on neurobehavioral outcomes in welders

Neurobehavioral functions were studied in 137 welders exposed to the geometric mean (GM) air concentration of 214μg/m3 (range 1–3230) of manganese (Mn) based on the individual mean from two days of air sampling. Only 22μg/m3 (GM) was soluble in the artificial lung fluid Hatch solution. The welders were compared to 137 referents (turner/fitters) recruited from the same plants. The GM concentrations of Mn in whole blood (B-Mn) and urine (U-Mn) were 12.8μg/L and 0.36μg/g creatinine versus 8.0μg/L and 0.07μg/g creatinine in the referents. Alcohol consumption was assessed by measuring carbohydrate deficient transferrin in serum (sCDT). The welders had poorer performance than the referents on the Grooved Pegboard, Finger Tapping, Simple Reaction Time (SRT) and possibly the Maximum Frequency tests. They also reported more subjective symptoms. Welders with sCDT above the upper reference limit had substantially poorer performances on the Grooved Pegboard test, Finger Tapping test and SRT than welders with sCDT below this level. No effect of high sCDT was observed in the referents, indicating an interaction between high sCDT and exposure to Mn for these tests. Self-reported alcohol consumption had no impact on these neurobehavioral test results. A statistically significant difference in the SRT and Grooved Pegboard test results remained after excluding all subjects with sCDT above the normal level, but the difference in test scores between the groups was smaller. These welders also reported more subjective symptoms than the referents. The results suggest that sCDT should be measured in neurobehavioral studies of occupationally Mn exposed populations for a more precise estimation of high alcohol consumption.

Differences in trace metal concentrations (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, And Ni) in whole blood, plasma, and urine of obese and nonobese children.

High-performance ion chromatography and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry methods have been applied to estimate the content of Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Ni in whole blood, plasma, and urine of obese and nonobese children. The study was conducted on a group of 81 Polish children of age 6–17 years (37 males, 44 females). Obese children were defined as those with body mass index (BMI) >95th percentile in each age–gender-specific group. Statistical testing was done by the use of nonparametric tests (Kruskal–Wallis's and Mann–Whitney's U) and Spearman's correlation coefficient. Significant correlations appeared for control group in plasma (Mn–Cd, Ni–Co), urine (Cu–Co), and blood (Fe–Cu), while for obese patients in plasma (Cd–Mn, Ni–Cu, Ni–Zn) and urine (Fe–Cd, Co–Mn). Sex criteria did not influence correlations between metals' content in plasma and urine of obese patients. Metals' abundance was correlated in non-corresponding combinations of body fluids. Rare significant differences between content of metals according to sex and the type of body fluids were discovered: Zn in plasma from obese patients of both sexes, and Zn, Co, and Mn in blood, Mn in plasma from healthy subjects. Negative correlations between BMI and Zn in blood, Cu in plasma, and Fe in urine were discovered for girls (control group). Positive correlation between Co content in plasma and BMI was discovered for obese boys. The changes in metals' content in body fluids may be indicators of obesity. Content of zinc, copper, and cobalt should be monitored in children with elevated BMI to avoid deficiency problems.

Biomonitoring of 20 trace elements in blood and urine of occupationally exposed workers by sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

A sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method for the determination of Ag, Al, As, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, Tl, U, V and Zn in whole blood and urine was designed. Microwave-assisted digestion with concentrated nitric acid was used for blood samples. Urine samples were analyzed after 1/50 (v/v) dilution with 5% (v/v) nitric acid. For beryllium the necessity of medium resolution mode (R=4000) was shown. Method validation was performed using blood and urine reference materials and by analyzing of spiked samples. For the designed method relative standard deviation (RSD) for the concentration range 0.01–1.0μg/L was 5–10%. RSD did not exceed 3% when trace elements concentrations were above 1.0μg/L. Method detection limits (3σ): Ag 0.7ng/L, Al 16ng/L, As 3.4ng/L, Ba 0.02ng/L, Be 1.5ng/L, Cd 7.7ng/L, Co 1.0ng/L, Cr 2.8ng/L, Cs 9.8ng/L, Cu 27ng/L, Fe 1.1ng/L, Mn 1.8ng/L, Ni 17ng/L, Pb 13ng/L, Se 0.07ng/L, Sr 5.7ng/L, Tl 0.2ng/L, U 0.1ng/L, V 0.7ng/L and Zn 1.2ng/L.A developed method was applied for trace element biomonitoring of occupationally exposed workers of a beryllium processing enterprise. For preliminary risk assessment technological surface dust had been analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Based upon results of 50 blood and 40 urine samples analyses occupational exposure evaluation was performed. Exposure risks were found not to exceed acceptable ranges. Possible health hazards were found for Be and also Al, Cr, Mn. Occupational health and safety recommendations for the biomonitored enterprise medical care unit were issued as a result of the current investigation.