Hair Zn Research Articles

FORECASTING THE MICRONUTRIENT CONTENTS IN FETUSES OF DOWN CALVERS

It is believed that the level of nutrition and maternal tissue depots determine the intrauterine supply of micronutrients necessary for the normal formation and development of fetuses in large cattle. Disturbances in micronutrient nutrition negatively affect the fetus's health and, after birth, limit its growth and predispose it to a range of somatic diseases. Therefore, forecasting and timely correction of micronutrient deficiencies in the fetuses of large cattle is important in veterinary science. In this study, the authors attempted for the first time to forecast the accumulation levels of Se, Cu, Zn, Fe, Cr, Sr, Mo, Co, Ni, As, and Mn in a fetus's body based on these micronutrient contents in the mother's hair 60 days before the expected calving. Thirty-five clinically healthy Simmental cows with singleton pregnancies were examined, and calves were obtained from them (18 males and 17 females). Hair samples obtained from the calves shortly after birth were analyzed for a retrospective assessment of the fetal micronutrient status. Micronutrients (Se, Cu, Zn, Fe, Cr, Sr, Mo, Co, Ni, As, and Mn) were quantitatively deter-mined in the hair samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (Nexion 300D, Perkin Elmer, USA). The distribution patterns of micronutrients in the "mother–fetus" system in large cattle were not related to the newborn’s gender. Dependencies be-tween the micronutrient contents in the mother's hair and in the newborn were described by first-order (for Sr), second-order (for Co and Mn), and third-order (for Se, Cu, Zn, Fe, and As) polynomials. For four micronutrients (Se, Cu, Fe, and Co), graphs and analytical expressions were prepared, allowing the prediction of their contents in the fetus's body based on maternal indicators with a level of statistical significance of P = 0.05. For the other four micronutrients (Zn, Sr, As, and Mn), this was achieved with a level of P = 0.10–0.15. No statistically significant dependencies were found between the contents in the mother's hair and the newborn for Mo, Cr, and Ni. Based on the predictions, optimal content ranges were determined for 8 of 11 investigated micronutrients (Se, Cu, Fe, Co, Zn, Sr, As, and Mn) in the cow's hair 60 days before the expected calving, ensuring an optimal level of their accumulation in the fetus's body.

Human biomonitoring of heavy metals exposure in different age- and gender-groups based on fish consumption patterns in typical coastal cities of China

The study aimed to investigate heavy metals (HMs) concentrations in human hair based on fish consumption patterns in Qingdao, Xiamen, and Zhoushan. The (HMs) concentrations were determined using acid digestion and an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS, NexION 300X, PerkinElmer). The associated health risks were investigated using risk assessment models described by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The order of fish HMs concentration in Qingdao was Cd<Pb<As>Cr<Cu<Zn, while The in Zhoushan and Xiamen the order was Cd<Pb<Cr<Cu<As<Zn. The highest concentrations of HMs in fish were found in Zhoushan and lowest in Xiamen. Zn showed the highest values in fish, while Cd and Pb were the lowest. The Cr concentration in Scomberomorus niphonius collected in Qingdao exceeded the safety standards. The HMs in both male and female hair followed a descending order of Zn>Cu>Pb>Cr>As>Cd in all three study areas. The hair Zn concentration in 28 % of the studied population exceeded the safety standards. Overall, the hair HMs concentration was found to be high in middle-aged groups (19–45 and 45–59), and the hair HMs concentrations were high, especially in the case of females. A significant correlation was noticed between hair As (0.119; p < 0.05), Cr (0.231; p < 0.05),) and Cu (0.117; p < 0.05),) and fish consumption frequency. High Odd ratios (>2) were noticed for As, Cu and Zn in high fish-eating frequency. A significant non-carcinogenic risk was noticed in human Cr exposure (1.10E+00) in Xiamen, and the hazard index values indicated non-carcinogenic risk in Xiamen and Zhoushan. The carcinogenic risk for human As exposure (2.50E-05–7.09E-03) indicated a significant cancer risk.

Zinc Status of Horses and Ponies: Relevance of Health, Horse Type, Sex, Age, and Test Material

Little is known about the animal- and diet-related factors that could interfere with the plasma zinc (Zn) concentrations of equines. Additionally, the adequacy of plasma to reflect changes in the Zn intake is unclear. In the first part of this study, the plasma Zn concentrations of hospitalized horses and ponies (n = 538) were measured and evaluated for the impact of the age, sex, horse type, and internal diseases of the animals. In the second part, the effects of increasing dietary Zn chloride hydroxide and Zn methionine supplementations were assessed on the plasma and mane hair Zn concentrations of healthy horses (n = 2) and ponies (n = 8). Part 1: The age, sex, and horse type did not influence the plasma Zn concentrations. No effect of internal diseases was observed, with the exception of higher plasma Zn concentrations in animals with metabolic disorders compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Part 2: Both Zn supplements dose-dependently increased the Zn concentrations in the mane hair (p = 0.003), but not in the plasma of the horses and ponies. In conclusion, the plasma Zn concentrations were widely unaffected by nutritional and non-nutritional factors in equines, while mane hair samples better reflected the dietary Zn supply.

Heavy metals in fish, rice, and human hair and health risk assessment in Wuhan city, central China

The current study investigated the concentration of heavy metals (HMs) in human hair associated with fish and rice consumption in Wuhan City, central China. The mean values of As in 8/10 fish species exceeded the food safety standard of 0.015 mg/kg. The mean values (mg/kg) of HMs in rice followed a descending order of Zn (13.7)> Cu (1.9)>Cr (0.51)>As (0.11) >Cd (0.08) >Pb (0.04). The ascending order of HMs for male hair was Cd < As < Cr < Pb < Cu < Zn, while As < Cd < Cr < Pb < Cu < Zn for female. 30% of hair Cr and 22% of hair Zn contents exceeded the recommended values. The middle age (19–44) and adult (45–59) groups were the most vulnerable group, as the concentration for most elements was high in these age groups. A significant correlation was found between fish-eating frequency and hair Zn (r = 0.213; p < 0.05), and As (r = 0.204; p < 0.05). High odd ratios were found in a population with high fish-eating frequency, especially for Pb (7.19), As (3.1), Zn (3.83), and Cd (3.7). A significant non-carcinogenic risk was associated with Cr exposure through consuming herbivores, filter feeders, and omnivorous fish. The cancer risk values of Cd exposure (1.54E-04) via rice consumption and As exposure (1.25E-04) via consumption of omnivores fish indicate precautionary measures.

A combined method for human health risk area identification of heavy metals in urban environments

Multi-medium heavy metals pollution is a crucial pathway to destroy the urban environmental resources cycle. In this study, Nanjing of China, a typical mega city, was taken as the study area. Compared with other cities or countries, Cr, Cu and Zn in human nails and hair in the study area have higher concentration characteristics, while Cd and Pb have lower concentration characteristics. By combining the health risk status of heavy metals in soil and dustfall, the spatial clustering characteristics of heavy metals in soil dustfall and the concentration information of heavy metals in humans in the study area, a potential toxic risk area identification method based on soil-dustfall-human (SDB-HR) was established. Through Monte Carlo analysis, it’s found that the risk of Zn and Cr in soil-dustfall to human health is relatively high, with the probability of carcinogenesis reaching 51.2 % and 50.2 %, respectively. By the proposed method, different levels of heavy metal risk areas in urban environments can be more reasonably and effectively identified, which will provide important technical and theoretical support for the precise management of heavy metals in urban environments.

Potentially toxic elements in human scalp hair around China’s largest polymetallic rare earth ore mining and smelting area

There is a growing concern about human health of residents living in areas where mining and smelting occur. In order to understand the exposure to the potentially toxic elements (PTEs), we here identify and examine the cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in scalp hair of residents living in the mining area (Bayan Obo, n = 76), smelting area (Baotou, n = 57) and a reference area (Hohhot, n = 61). In total, 194 hair samples were collected from the volunteers (men = 87, women = 107) aged 5–77 years old in the three areas. Comparing median PTEs levels between the young and adults, Ni levels were significantly higher in adults living in the smelting area while Cr was highest in adults from the mining area, no significant difference was found for any of the elements in the reference area. From the linear regression model, no significant relationship between PTEs concentration, log10(PTEs), and age was found. The concentrations of Ni, Cd, and Pb in hair were significantly lower in the reference area when compared to both mining and smelting areas. In addition, Cu was significantly higher in the mining area when compared to the smelting area. Factor analysis (FA) indicated that men and women from the smelting area (Baotou) and mining area (Bayan Obo), respectively, had different underlying communality of log10(PTEs), suggesting different sources of these PTEs. Multiple factor analysis quantilized the importance of gender and location when combined with PTEs levels in human hair. The results of this study indicate that people living in mining and/or smelting areas have significantly higher PTEs (Cu, Ni, Cd, and Pb) hair levels compared to reference areas, which may cause adverse health effects. Remediation should therefore be implemented to improve the health of local residents in the mining and smelting areas.

Interactive Effects of Obesity and Hypertension on Patterns of Hair Essential Trace Element and Mineral Content in Adult Women.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate potential similar patterns and interactive effects of obesity and hypertension on hair essential trace element and mineral content in adult women. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 607 adult women divided into controls (n = 101), groups with obesity without hypertension (n = 199), hypertension without obesity (n = 143), and both obesity and hypertension (n = 164) were included in the study. Assessment of hair mineral and trace element levels was performed by inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. Hair Ca, Mg, Co, and Mn levels in women with obesity, hypertension, and both diseases were significantly lower, compared to controls. Hair Mg levels in women with obesity and hypertension were significantly lower, whereas hair Na and K were found to be higher when compared to other groups. Hair Fe and V content in obese patients was lower than in other groups. Obesity was associated with lower hair Cu levels, whereas patients with hypertension had higher hair Cu content. Hypertension was also associated with higher hair Cr and Se content irrespective of body weight. Hair Zn levels in obese women with and without hypertension were significantly lower than those in healthy controls and normal-weight women with hypertension. In multiple regression models hair Mg was considered as a significant negative predictor of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure values. The observed alterations in hair trace element and mineral content provide an additional link between obesity and hypertension, although further detailed studies are required.

Levels of a select group of trace elements in scalp hair of schizophrenics by PIXE

The levels of ten trace elements in the range Ca to As in the scalp hair of schizophrenics were analyzed using Particle Induced X-ray emission (PIXE) technique. Thirty males and females with a confirmed diagnosis of schizophrenia and an equal number of age-matched controls of both genders were chosen. The samples were excited with a proton beam of 2.5 MeV and spectra were scanned by a Si (Li) detector. The findings revealed a statistically significant difference in the concentration of six trace elements (Ca, Zn, Se, Mn, Fe, Ni, and Cu) in scalp hair of schizophrenia patients compared to controls, implying a disruption in the homeostasis of these elements. A plausible correlation of this imbalance with the etiology and pathology of schizophrenia is discussed.

Arsenic and heavy metal concentrations in human hair from urban areas

Background: As concentrations of heavy metals in hair can reflect both metals exposure and intake concentrations, hair sample analysis is widely applied in forensic sciences, evaluation of environmental or occupational exposure and other studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Co, Mn, Zn, Fe and Ni in the scalp hair of an urban population from Kermanshah in western Iran. Methods: In the present research, 30 points of the city were selected for human scalp hair sampling. Samples were taken from healthy inhabitants (aged 6 to 46 years) in Kermanshah city. Multivariate analysis method was applied to distinguish the anthropogenic and natural sources of heavy metals. Levels of elements in the scalp hair were measured by ICP-MS. Results: The mean concentrations of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb and As were 33.53±9.05, 27.98±7.77, 203.18±22.31, 1.94±0.85, 18.44±3.40, 107.11±22.56, 119.21±10.52, 0.97±0.36, 60.27±13.84, and 0.34±0.51 µg/g in the urban area, respectively. The highest concentration of all elements was found in the age group of 31-40 and 41-50 years except Fe, the maximum concentration of which was found in the age group of 6-20 years. Significant differences were found between smokers and non-smokers. Conclusion: Comparison of the heavy metals concentrations in the scalp hair of this area showed that the concentrations of the elements were clearly higher than those reported in other studies. However, the high concentrations of the elements in hair indicated that the inhabitants in the urban areas of Kermanshah might be at risk of exposure to high levels of toxic elements.

No Association of Hair Zinc Concentration with Coronary Artery Disease Severity and No Relation with Acute Coronary Syndromes.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Although zinc (Zn) was reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and protective properties in CVDs, its association with coronary artery disease (CAD) is still unclear. As methods commonly used to assess Zn levels in blood and urine do not show the full picture of the microelement supply, in this study, the nutritional status of Zn in patients with angiographically confirmed CAD was assessed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. We found no association between Zn and the severity of CAD evaluated with the Coronary Artery Surgery Study Score (p = 0.67). There were no statistically significant differences in Zn levels between patients with acute coronary syndrome and those with stable CAD (p = 0.937). A statically significant negative correlation was observed between Zn content and serum triglyceride concentration (p < 0.05). Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were found to have a significantly lower hair Zn content compared to non-diabetic individuals (p < 0.01). The role of Zn in the pathogenesis of CAD and its complications need further well-designed research as the moderation and supplementation of Zn dietary intake could be a simple intervention to reduce the CVDs risk.

Complementary Feeding and Malnutrition among Infants and Young Children Aged 6-23 Months in Rural Areas of China.

This study investigated the nutrition and complementary feeding (CF) of infants and young children (IYC) aged 6–23 months in rural areas of China in 2018 and explored the relationship between CF and nutritional status. We measured the length and weight, calculated the z-scores, and detected micronutrients in the hair. The status of CF was obtained from the respondents by a 24-h dietary recall. IYC were classified into clusters using a two-step cluster analysis. The CF and nutritional status of each cluster were analyzed and compared. The prevalence of stunting, wasting, and overweight in the IYC in rural Chinese areas was 7.1%, 3.0%, and 3.7%, respectively. The median levels of Ca, Fe, and Zn in hair were 550.10 µg/g, 62.94 µg/g, and 132.86 µg/g, respectively. The prevalence of meeting the requirements of minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF), and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) was 68.9%, 77.9%, and 46.4%, respectively. IYC with a higher prevalence of MDD, MMF, and MAD were more inclined to maintain a healthy status. The prevalence of undernutrition and overweight of 6- to 23-month-old IYC in rural areas of China was low. However, lack of trace elements was evident, and MAD prevalence remained low.

Status Nutrisi Mineral Rusa Totol (Axis axis) di Lingkungan Istana Kepresidenan Bogor

The study aimed to determine the effect of mineral status (Ca, P, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Pb) in soil, grass, and hair of spotted deer in the Bogor Presidential Palace. Fifteen male deer were randomly selected with an age of ± 2.5‒6 years. Soil was collected from ten points representing land, and grass samples were obtained by sampling from several points of the grazing area. Mineral content in soil, grass, and deer hair were analyzed using the atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results showed that the level of Ca (0.03%) and P (0.016%) in the soil are deficient, Mn (1960 ppm), Zn (33.89 ppm), and Cu (77.23 ppm) are considered in the normal range, and Fe and Pb elements are high. Mineral levels of Ca, P, Cu, and Zn in grasses do not meet the daily requirements, whilst high levels of Fe and Mn minerals exceed the requirements for the spotted deer. The Pb content in grass is 0.94 ppm, which is within the normal limit. The levels of Ca (0.02%), Fe (308.11 ppm). and Mn (6.18 ppm) minerals in deer hair are high, however, zinc (44.68 ppm) and Cu (3.08 ppm) levels are low. High Pb level (14.38 ppm) is due to the long-term impact of Pb accumulation.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Bogor Palace, mineral status, Axis axis

Short- and long-term exposure to trace metal(loid)s from the production of ferromanganese alloys by personal sampling and biomarkers

The environmental exposure to trace metal(loid)s (As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) was assessed near a ferromanganese alloy plant using filters from personal particulate matter (PM) samplers (bioaccessible and non-bioaccessible fine and coarse fractions) and whole blood as short-term exposure markers, and scalp hair and fingernails as long-term biomarkers, collected from volunteers (n = 130) living in Santander Bay (northern Spain). Bioaccessible and non-bioaccessible metal(loid) concentrations in coarse and fine PM from personal samplers were determined by ICP-MS after extraction/digestion. Metal(loid) concentration in biomarkers was measured after alkaline dilution (whole blood) and acid digestion (fingernails and scalp hair) by ICP-MS as well. Results were discussed in terms of exposure, considering the distance to the main Mn source, and sex. In terms of exposure, significant differences were found for Mn in all the studied fractions of PM, As in whole blood, Mn and Cu in scalp hair and Mn and Pb in fingernails, with all concentrations being higher for those living closer to the Mn source, with the exception of Cu in scalp hair. Furthermore, the analysis of the correlation between Mn levels in the studied biomarkers and the wind-weighted distance to the main source of Mn allows us to conclude that scalp hair and mainly fingernails are appropriate biomarkers of long-term airborne Mn exposure. This was also confirmed by the significant positive correlations between scalp hair Mn and bioaccessible Mn in coarse and fine fractions, and between fingernails Mn and all PM fractions. This implies that people living closer to a ferromanganese alloy plant are exposed to higher levels of airborne metal(loid)s, mainly Mn, leading to higher levels of this metal in scalp hair and fingernails, which according to the literature, might affect some neurological outcomes. According to sex, significant differences were observed for Fe, Cu and Pb in whole blood, with higher concentrations of Fe and Pb in males, and higher levels of Cu in females; and for Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in scalp hair, with higher concentrations in males for all metal(loid)s except Cu.

Effects of Sub-chronic Lead Exposure on Essential Element Levels in Mice.

Lead (Pb), a corrosion-resistant heavy non-ferrous metal, is one of the most common environmental neurotoxic metals. The effects of Pb on other essential metal elements are contradictory. Therefore, this in vivo study addressed the effects of sub-chronic Pb exposure on the distribution of other divalent metals, exploring the relationships between Pb levels in blood, teeth, bones, hair, and brain tissues. Thirty-two healthy male C57BL/6 mice received intragastric administration (i.g.) with 0, 12.5, 25, and 50mg/kg Pb acetate, once a day for 8weeks. Levels of Pb and other metal elements [including iron(Fe), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and calcium(Ca)] in the whole blood, teeth, the right thighbone, hair, and brain tissues (including cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and hypothalamus) were detected with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Pb levels in all detectedorgans were increased after Pb-exposed for 8weeks. The results of relationship analysis between Pb levels in the tissues and lifetime cumulative Pb exposure (LCPE) showed that Pb levels in the blood, bone, and hair couldindirectly reflect the Pb accumulation in the murine brain. These measures might serve as valuable biomarkers for chronic Pb exposure reflective of the accumulation of Pb in the central nervous system (CNS). Sub-chronic Pb exposure for 8weeks altered Ca, Cu, Fe, and Zn levels, but no effects were noted on Mg levels in any of the analyzed tissues. Pb decreased Ca in teeth, Cu in thighbone and teeth, Zn in whole blood and hair, and Fe in hair. In contrast, Pb increased Ca levels in corpus striatum and hypothalamus, Cu levels in striatum, Zn levels in teeth, and Fe levels in hippocampus, thighbone, and teeth. The Pb-induced changes in metal ratios in various tissues may serve as valuable biomarkers for chronic Pb exposure as they are closely related to the accumulations of Pb in the murine CNS. The results suggest that altered distribution of several essential metal elements may be involved in Pb-induced neurotoxicity. Additional studies should address the interaction between Pb and essential metal elements in the CNS and other organs.

Simultaneous Detection of Toxic and Heavy Metals in the Scalp Hair Samples of Smokers

Toxic and heavy metals are non-biodegradation pollutants in the environment that can affect human health. The levels of these metals can be analyzed with some biological materials, and they may be used to monitor changes in the human body. The levels of selected toxic and heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Ni, Se, Mn, As, Cr, Cd, and Zn) in the scalp hair of male smokers and non-smokers were determined to investigate dietary exposure to various chemical metals pollutants in Saudi Arabia Population. All inves

Zinc citrate influence on the concentration of some macro- and microelements in rabbit body tissues

Background. Some of the humanity’s problems in the 21st century are related to insufficient mineral nutrition according to the World Health Organization. The reason for this conclusion is not in the amount of mineral substances supplied with food, but in their bioavailability in the body. The problem of rabbit high-quality mineral nutrition is not solved during industrial maintenance. Research on the impact of organic compounds of trace elements on the human and animal body has intensified over the last decade. Studies show the effectiveness of the use of organic compounds of microelements with unique physiological properties to penetrate the cell and exert an activating effect on the course of biochemical reactions, which positively affects the whole organism. However, the physiological effect occurs under the condition of receiving and assimilation of organic compounds of trace elements in optimal amounts. Therefore, the main task of this research was to study the effect of the investigated doses of zinc citrate, which was fed in rabbits for 36 days after weaning to assess the change in the content of minerals in the tissues of their body. Materials and Methods. Studies were conducted on 16 rabbits that were close by clinical and visual indicators aged 40 days from birth, kept in a laboratory room of a research institution equipped with mesh industrial cages for rabbits. Rabbits of the control group were kept with free access to complete nutrient and mineral supplementation in feed and water. The animals were kept separately in cages and an appropriate amount of zinc citrate was added to the daily amount of water (100 mL) every day. Rabbits of this age drink an average of 100 mL of water per day. Rabbits of study groups I, II, and III used the same feeding as in the control, in addition, for 24 hours, zinc citrate was additionally used with water in the amount of: I – 0.25; II – 0.50; III – 0.75 mg Zn/kg of body weight. The comparative period was 10 days, the experimental period was 36 days. On day 36 of the study, animals of all groups were euthanized; their blood and tissues: liver, kidney, ribeye, spleen, and hair from the thigh area of rabbits were taken to determine the content of mineral elements using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results. Feeding zinc citrate with water in the amount of 0.25 mg Zn/kg of body weight was marked by a probable increase in the content of Co and Cu (P &lt;0.05) in the blood. Administration of zinc citrate in the amount of 0.50 mg Zn/kg of body weight was characterized by a probable increase in Zn (P &lt;0.001), Co (P &lt;0.001), Fe (P &lt;0.05), Cu (P &lt;0.05) in the blood; the level of Z (P &lt;0.05), Cr (P &lt;0.05), Co (P &lt;0.01), Fe (P &lt;0.05), Cu (P &lt;0.01) in the liver; Fe (P &lt;0.05) and Cu (P &lt;0.05) in the spleen, Zn (P &lt;0.05) in muscle and hair compared to control. The use of zinc citrate at the rate of 0.75 mg Zn/kg of body weight induced the most probable changes: the content of Zn (P &lt;0.01) in the blood, liver (P &lt;0.05), spleen (P &lt;0.01), muscle (P &lt;0.05) and hair (P &lt;0.01), Cr in the liver (P &lt;0.05), Co in the blood (P &lt;0.01), liver (P &lt;0.01), spleen (P &lt;0.01), Fe (P &lt;0.01) and Cu (P &lt;0.05) in the blood, liver (P &lt;0.05–0.01), kidneys (P &lt;0.05–0.01), Fe in the spleen (P &lt;0.01) and muscle (P &lt;0.05) compared with the control group. Conclusions. Additional administration of zinc citrate (0.25 mg Zn/kg body weight) with water for 36 days was marked by the smallest changes in the studied mineral substances concentration of rabbits’ tissues, with the exception of an increase in the Co and Cu blood content. With an increase in the daily amount of zinc citrate (0.50 and 0.75 mg Zn/kg body weight), the concentration of Zn, Co, Fe, and Cu in the blood and liver tissue mainly increased, while less prominent changes were noted in the tissue of the spleen and kidneys compared to the control group. Macro- and microelements concentration changes may indicate a more pronounced effect of zinc citrate depending on the applied amount, in particular, a larger amount (0.75 mg Zn/kg body weight) induced the greatest probable increase in the studied microelements, with the exception of Mg and Mn in the rabbits’ body tissues.

Diet and dog characteristics affect major and trace elements in hair and blood of healthy dogs

Obtaining correct amounts of essential elements, and avoiding toxic metals are key factors in dog health. Through analyzing major and trace elements in hair and blood of 50 healthy companion dogs using ICP-MS, we study their associations with dog characteristics and diet, hypothesizing that eating the same diet long-term results in strong correlations between hair and blood element concentrations, and that dog characteristics and diet affect element status. The correlation between hair and blood was significant for Hg (R = 0.601, p = 0.000) and Pb (R = 0.384, p = 0.010). The following associations were significant (p < 0.05): Dark hair had higher Ca and Mg compared to light hair. Females had higher hair Zn, blood Mn, and blood As compared to males. Blood Mn and Se increased, while blood Pb decreased with age. Raw diet fed dogs had higher hair Zn and Se compared to dry or mixed diet fed dogs, and lower blood Mn compared to dry diet fed dogs. Dry and mixed diet fed dogs had higher blood Cd compared to raw diet fed dogs. Mixed diet fed dogs had higher hair Ca and Mg compared to raw or dry diet fed dogs, and higher hair Pb compared to dry diet fed dogs. Wild game consumption was associated with higher blood Pb, and rice consumption with higher blood As. In conclusion, hair provides an alternative for assessing Hg and Pb exposure, and major and trace elements status is affected by hair color, sex, age, and diet.

Effects of age and sex on the content of heavy metals in the hair, liver and the longissimus lumborum muscle of roe deer Capreolus capreolus L.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of age and sex on the content of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu) in the hair, liver and the longissimus lumborum muscle of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.). In addition, correlations between heavy metals in individual tested matrices were studied as well as an attempt was made to explain the reasons for their accumulation in specific research matrices. The levels of Zn and Cu were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy (F-AAS). The levels of Pb and Cd were analysed by means of electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy (ET-AAS). In the own research, sex-related statistically significant differences in concentrations of analysed elements were confirmed. Higher levels of the elements were observed in samples collected from does (except for Cd in the liver samples of 6–7-month-old male fawns) but only in some cases, these values were statistically significantly higher. In some cases, age-related differences in the content of individual metals were also confirmed. Age-dependent increased Pb levels in the muscle and liver were reported in 6–7-month-old, <3–4-year-old, <5–6-year-old males. Similar relationships were confirmed for Zn in the bucks’ muscles. In the group of does, the increase in heavy metal concentrations with aging was observed for Zn in the muscle and for Pb in the liver. In the other cases, the trend of age-related level changes regarding heavy metals was not clearly demonstrated. Significant positive correlations between Cu and Cd were found for all samples, and significant negative correlations of Cu with Pb were found for the hair and liver. There was a negative correlation of Zn with Cu in all matrices. The study also revealed a negative correlation between Zn and Pb in muscle and a strong significant negative correlation between Zn and Cd in hair and in the liver.

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.

Metal/metalloid levels in hair of Shenzhen residents and the associated influencing factors

129 Shenzhen residents’ hair samples were collected and the metal/metalloid concentrations of Hg, As, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe and Ni were detected. Meanwhile, the relationships between metal/metalloid contents in human hair and gender, age, seafood diet habit, smoking habit, as well as the housing type (dwelling environment) were analyzed. Results showed that the average content of Hg, As, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe and Ni in human hair of Shenzhen residents was 0.76 ± 0.96, 0.10 ± 0.04, 5.25 ± 4.88, 0.25 ± 0.33, 0.60 ± 0.31, 13.84 ± 3.67, 2.82 ± 2.01, 196.90 ± 145.01, 12.20 ± 5.10 and 0.34 ± 0.32 μg/g, respectively. Compared with other regions at home and abroad, most metal/metalloids in Shenzhen residents were at a moderate level, and the highly toxic elements (i.e. Pb, Cd, As and Hg) didn’t exceed the upper limit of normal values in China. Statistical analysis showed that the young male people contained significantly higher (p < 0.05) level of Pb (in age group of 20–30 years old) and Fe (in age group of 20–40 years old) in hair than the female people. Smokers had significantly (p < 0.05) higher level of Cd (0.35 μg/g) but lower level of Zn (101.24 µg/g) than non-smokers (Cd: 0.17 μg/g; Zn: 252.63 µg/g). Hg and Pb contents in hair of Shenzhen people were positively related with the frequencies of seafood consumption and the age, respectively. Moreover, residents lived in private buildings (well decorated house) accumulated significantly higher (p < 0.05) levels of Pb, Cr, Fe and Ni as compared with those lived in public rental house and village house (no decoration or simple decoration), suggesting that decoration material was also an important way for human exposure to heavy metals.