Associations between blood nickel and lung function in young Chinese: An observational study combining epidemiology and metabolomics.

Prior research has explored the relationship between occupational exposure to nickel and lung function. Nonetheless, there is limited research examining the correlation between blood nickel levels and lung function among young adults in the general population. The metabolomic changes associated with nickel exposure have not been well elucidated. On August 23, 2019, we enrolled 257 undergraduate participants from the Chinese Undergraduates Cohort to undergo measurements of blood nickel levels and lung function. The follow-up study was conducted in May 2021. A linear mixed-effects model was employed to assess the relationship between blood nickel levels and lung function. We also conducted stratified analyses by home address. In addition, in order to explore the biological mechanism of lung function damage caused by nickel exposure, we performed metabolomic analyses of baseline serum samples (N = 251). Both analysis of variance and mixed linear effect models were utilized to assess the impact of blood nickel exposure on metabolism. Our findings from cross-sectional and cohort analyses revealed a significant association between blood nickel levels and decreased forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) among young adults in the general population. Furthermore, we found stronger associations in urban areas. In metabolomics analysis, a total of nine metabolites were significantly changed under blood nickel exposure. The changed metabolites were mainly enriched in six pathways including carbohydrate, amino acid, and cofactor vitamin metabolism. These metabolic pathways involve inflammation and oxidative stress, indicating that high concentrations of nickel exposure can cause inflammation and oxidative stress by disrupting the above metabolism of the body.

The Evaluation of Selected Trace Elements in Blood, Serum and Blood Cells of Type 2 Diabetes Patients with and without Renal Disorder.

BACKGROUND: An appropriate diet is the basis for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, there are no strict recommendations regarding the content of micronutrients and their modifications in the presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, we decided to investigate whether T2DM patients, including those with CKD, have different levels of chromium, nickel, cobalt, magnesium, and zinc in various blood elements compared to healthy individuals. METHODS: We divided our subjects into three groups: the control group (individuals without T2DM and proper renal function), those with T2DM and proper renal function, and those with T2DM and GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. RESULTS: We observed higher levels of chromium in all materials examined in patients with T2DM and impaired renal function. Both study groups found higher levels of nickel in samples of whole blood and red blood cells. Patients with T2DM and proper renal function had higher levels of serum manganese. Both study groups had lower levels of serum zinc. We observed higher levels of chromium in all materials examined in patients with T2DM and impaired renal function. Both study groups found higher levels of nickel in samples of whole blood and red blood cells. Patients with T2DM and proper renal function had higher levels of serum manganese. Both study groups had lower levels of serum zinc. CONCLUSIONS: In order to ensure effective care for patients with T2DM, it is necessary to improve the standard diet, including the content of micronutrients and their modification in patients with concomitant CKD.

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.

Nickel oxide nanoparticles modified with dimethylglyoxime grafted on a cellulose surface as an efficient adsorbent for thin film microextraction of tramadol in biological fluids followed by its determination using HPLC.

In the current study, nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) modified with dimethylglyoxime (DMG) were deposited onto the cellulose surface (Ni(DMG)2-NiO-Cell) and used as an efficient adsorbent for thin film microextraction (TFME) of tramadol (TRA). The extracted TRA was determined using a high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV). NiO NPs were synthesized by co-precipitation method on the surface of the cellulose substrate; afterward, its surface was modified by DMG to increase the extraction capability of the thin film toward TRA. The synthesized NiO-Cell and Ni(DMG)2-NiO-Cell thin films were characterized using various techniques. The effect of modification of the NiO thin film with DMG reagent on the extraction efficiency was investigated. The crucial parameters influencing the extraction efficiency, including extraction time, desorption time, desorption solvent, pH and salt content, were investigated via a one-at-a-time approach. The figures of merit for the developed method were evaluated in urine, plasma, and deionized water under the optimized extraction and desorption condition. The limits of detection and limits of quantification were in the range of 0.1 to 1 ng mL-1 and 0.3 to 3 ng mL-1, respectively, for the studied samples. The linear dynamic ranges of the developed TFME-HPLC-UV method were 0.3-1000, 1-2500, and 3-5000 ng mL-1 for the deionized water, urine, and plasma samples, respectively. The reproducibility and repeatability of the developed method was assayed in terms of intra-day, inter-day, and inter-thin film precisions by conducting six-replicate experiments at the concentration level of 0.1 and 1 µg mL-1, which were in the range of 5.9% to 8.3%. The sufficiency and applicability of the developed TFME-HPLC-UV method was investigated by determining TRA in urine and plasma samples, and the resulting relative recoveries (RR%) were 85.9% and 91.7%, respectively.

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

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

Data on multiple regression analysis between boron, nickel, arsenic, antimony, and biological substrates in horses: The role of hematological biomarkers.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the biomarkers of exposure to boron, nickel, arsenic, and antimony in an industrial region, evaluating the bioaccumulation in biological substrates and the correlation with biomarkers such as hematological parameters. Through indication of the accumulation of some minerals in the horse's biological substrates reflects environmental pollution. Moreover, an additional aim of the study was to show whether these contaminants have an influence on the hematological parameters in horses. Blood, serum, mane, and tail samples from 20 horses from an industrial area were analyzed to determine boron (B), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb) concentration. Hematological parameters (red blood cell [RBC], white blood cells [WBC], hemoglobin [Hb], hematocrit [Hct], mean corpuscular volume [MCV], mean corpuscular hemoglobin [MCH], mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration [MCHC], platelet [PLT]) as a biomarker of blood in relation to the bioaccumulation of these elements were analyzed also. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed and single regression analysis (Pearson) and multiple regression analysis (p < 0.05) between blood factors, As, B, Ni, and Sb concentrations, and for each mineral in different substrate, respectively. Results showed a significant correlation between tail and mane concentrations with serum and blood for boron concentration (r = -1 p < 0.05). No significant correlation between sample (feed, hay, mane, tail, and water) concentrations and As, Ni, and Sb were found. A significantly negative correlation with blood parameters (r = -1 p < 0.05) was observed in Boron concentration for mane and tail. This suggests that the mane and tail may be a potential means to investigate suspected exposure to excessive levels of trace minerals.

The Content of Minerals in the PCOS Group and the Correlation with the Parameters of Metabolism.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common disease in women of childbearing age. It is characterized by excessive androgen production, ovulation disorders, and developing metabolic syndrome. The aim of the study was to check whether selected minerals were related to the pathophysiological mechanisms of PCOS. The concentrations of minerals were determined using an inductively coupled atomic plasma-emission spectrometer (ICP-AES Jobin Yvon JY-24). Blood samples from PCOS and control women were collected, processed, and digested with a microwave system in women with PCOS with and without insulin resistance and in the control group. It was found: zinc (Zn)-10.14 ± 2.11, 9.89 ± 1.44 and 10.30 ± 1.67; nickel (Ni) 0.001 ± 0.0009, 0.001 ± 0.0006 and 0.002 ± 0.00001; iron (Fe) 868.0 ± 155.8, 835.3 ± 156.4 and 833.0 ± 94.6; manganese (Mn) 0.017 ± 0.006, 0.017 ± 0.008 and 0.020 ± 0.009; copper (Cu) 0.714 ± 0.129, 0.713 ± 0.114 and 0.761 ± 0.146; magnesium (Mg) 48.4 ± 8.3, 50.0 ± 8.4 and 45.3 ± 10.7; sodium (Na) 374.3 ± 84.3, 396.3 ± 66.6 and 367.9 ± 88.9; potassium (K) 2541.8 ± 330.9, 2409.6 ± 347.1 and 2336.9 ± 211.4 (µg/g). Some micronutrient deficiencies may have a negative effect on the lipid profile in PCOS patients (Ni, Na). Further studies are needed to better understand dependencies.

Understanding of metals dysregulation in patients with systolic and diastolic dysfunction in ischemic heart disease.

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the leading cause of death and chronic disability in the world. IHD affects both the systolic and diastolic function of the heart which progressively leads to heart failure; a structural and functional impairment of filling or ejection of blood from the heart. In this study, the progression of systolic and diastolic dysfunction characterized according to their echocardiographic parameters including left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), grades of diastolic dysfunction and ratio between early mitral inflow velocity and mitral annular early diastolic velocity (E/e'), were correlated with differential regulation of various metals in patients sera samples (n = 62) using inductive coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Chromium, nickel and selenium were found significant (p < 0.05) in patients having EF < 45% compared with EF > 45%. In patients with systolic dysfunction (EF < 45%), the level of selenium was decreased while the level of chromium and nickel was increased compared to patients with EF > 45%. Selenium level was also decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in grade 1A and 2 patients that are considered as higher grades of diastole dysfunction in comparison to grade 0-1. Overall, selenium deficiency was identified in both systolic and diastolic dysfunctions of IHD patients corresponding to the progression of disease that could be related to many metabolic and translational pathways specifically which involve selenoproteins.

Serum minerals (Ca, P, Co, Mn, Ni, Cd) and growth hormone (IGF-1 and IGF-2) levels in postmenopausal Saudi women with osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis is reported to be common among Saudi women. Several minerals appear to be important determinants of insulin-like growth factor (IGF), the bioactivity of which regulates bone and mineral metabolism. Here we proposed that mineral status may alter the IGF system among individuals with osteoporosis. This study aims to evaluate the relationships between essential elements and IGF levels among postmenopausal Saudi women with osteoporosis. A total of 128 postmenopausal Saudi women aged ≥50 years old were recruited in this study. Diagnosis of osteoporosis was done by using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry to determine the bone minerals density (BMD). Serum calcium and phosphate were determined using routine chemical analyzer. Serum Co, Mn, Ni, Cd were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Serum IGF-1 and IGF-2 were determined using Luminex xMAP. Using stepwise linear regression analysis, only Cd was identified to be significantly associated with IGF1 in osteoporosis, explaining 3% (confidence interval 0.01-0.05; P = 0001) of the variance perceived. Our results suggest that Cd exposure indirectly affects BMD which may increase the risk of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Further longitudinal study using a larger sample size is recommended to determine causality of Cd levels and IGF-1.

ICP-MS trace element analysis in serum and whole blood.

Trace elements and minerals are compounds that are essential for the support of a variety of biological functions and play an important role in the formation of and the defense against oxidative stress. Here we describe a technique, allowing sequential detection of the trace elements (K, Zn, Se, Cu, Mn, Fe, Mg) in serum and whole blood by an ICP-MS method using single work-up, which is a simple, quick and robust method for the sequential measurement and quantification of the trace elements Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Zinc (Zn), Selenium (Se), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn) and Magnesium (Mg) in whole blood as well as Copper (Cu), Selenium (Se), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Gold (Au) and Lithium (Li) in human serum. For analysis, only 100 µl of serum or whole blood is sufficient, which make this method suitable for detecting trace element deficiency or excess in newborns and infants. All samples were processed and analyzed by ICP-MS (Agilent Technologies). The accuracy, precision, linearity and the limit of quantification (LOQ), Limit of Blank (LOB) and the limit of detection (LOD) of the method were assessed. Recovery rates were between 80-130% for most of the analyzed elements; repeatabilities (Cv %) calculated were below 15% for most of the measured elements. The validity of the proposed methodology was assessed by analyzing a certified human serum and whole blood material with known concentrations for all elements; the method described is ready for routine use in biomonitoring studies.

Suitability of MDA, 8-OHdG and wild-type p53 as genotoxic biomarkers in metal (Co, Ni and Cr) exposed dental technicians: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: High concentrations of Co, Ni, and Cr in the blood serum of dental technicians are strongly associated with free radical formation. It has highly reactive properties that can cause further oxidation of molecule in the vicinity. PURPOSE: This study intended to investigate whether the Dental Technician occupational exposure of Co, Ni and Cr, could contribute to the high incidence of cancer. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study to dental technicians, performed after acccepting ethical clearance. Blood was sampled in 3 examinations for Co, Ni, Cr using Atomic Absorbance Spectrophotometry (AAS), MDA was examined with TBARS test, also 8 OHdG and wildtype p53 proteins determined by ELISA method. RESULTS: Comparative statistical analysis, showing a significant difference (p < 0.05) between levels of Co, Ni, and Cr in exposed groups to the control group. But, not all variables was proven to be positively correlated, only with Cr, and Co, and negatively correlated with wild-type p53. CONCLUSION: MDA,8-OHdG and wildtype p53 can be used as genotoxic biomarkers in the metal exposed group, since they can accurately reflect the degree of Oxidative damage.

Trace elements profile in the blood of Huntington' disease patients.

Huntington' disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor, psychiatric, and cognitive deterioration. HD is, together with spinocerebellar ataxias, spinobulbar muscular atrophy and dentatorubral-pallido- luysian atrophy, one of the nine disorders caused by an expansion of glutamine residues in the causative protein where the polyglutamine expansion cause aberrant protein folding. Since an excessive metal's accumulation in organs may induce protein misfolding and oxidative stress, we have studied the blood concentration of essential (Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, Zn) and nonessential (As, Cd, Sb, Sn, V) trace elements in HD patients. We found increased levels of the essential elements iron, chromium, selenium and zinc and of the nonessential element arsenic in the blood of HD patients. Since alteration in metals homeostasis may contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease and could eventually constitute a target for therapy, we may suggest the utilize of the blood metal profile as a further in vivo tool to study and characterize Huntington disease.

Nasal polyp epithelial atypia and exposure to nickel and copper.

BACKGROUND: Possible factors for cell atypia in nasal mucosa include noxious chemicals: ammonia, formaldehyde and heavy metals. AIMS: Case presentation of a nasal polyp with epithelial dysplasia in a worker exposed to nickel and copper salt dust. CASE REPORT: A 27-year-old man complained of impaired nasal breathing and mild right-sided epistaxis. He was exposed to copper and nickel salt dust for 6 years. Clinical examination showed a polypoid lesion arising from the right middle turbinate. Histopathological examination of the excised lesion showed high-grade epithelial dysplasia. Duration of exposure and concentration of heavy metals in serum suggest the biological plausibility of exposure to these factors and development of epithelial dysplasia in the nasal mucosa. CONCLUSIONS: Epithelial dysplasia may occasionally be noted in inflammatory nasal polyps, especially in workers exposed to heavy metals.

Elevated Serum Pb, Ni, Cd, and Cr Levels and DNA Damage in Exfoliated Buccal Cells of Teenage Scavengers at a Major Electronic Waste Dumpsite in Lagos, Nigeria.

This study investigated the levels of Pb, Ni, Cd, and Cr in the blood, and DNA damage in exfoliated buccal cavity of scavenging teenagers at Alaba International electronic market, Nigeria. One hundred and ninety-nine blood samples were collected from scavenging teenagers in Alaba International market (n = 95) and the control group (n = 104). Blood Pb, Ni, Cd, and Cr concentrations were analyzed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Genotoxicity assessment was through exfoliated buccal cell micronucleus assay, while questionnaire was used to collect data on factors that can contribute to the blood heavy metal levels. The blood Pb of scavenging teenagers from Alaba International market varied from 2.84 to 189.44 µg/L compared to the control group with a range of 0.01 to 4.21 µg/L. The blood Cd (range = 0.38-12.35 µg/L), Cr (range = 0.20-19.03 µg/L), and Ni (range = 0.24-21.01 µg/L) were higher significantly in the Alaba group compared to the control group (Cd: range = 0.00-0.96 µg/L; Cr: range = 0.01-0.72 µg/L; and Ni: range = 0.00-0.28 µg/L). Frequencies of micronucleus, karyolysis, and pycnosis in the exfoliated buccal cells in Alaba group also increased significantly compared with the control group. Spearman correlation analyses indicated a positive correlation between the blood Pb, Ni, Cd, and Cr and induced micronucleus in the buccal exfoliated cells. Furthermore, data showed a positive correlation between Pb, Ni, Cd, and Cr and the duration of scavenging of the teenagers. However, a negative correlation was observed between educational status and Pb, Ni, Cd, and Cr. E-waste indiscriminate disposal and primitive recycling processes may be responsible for the high blood heavy metal levels, and consequently an increased DNA damage in exfoliated buccal cells in scavenging teenagers at Alaba International market. Graphical Abstract.

Exposure to metal fumes and circulating miRNAs in Algerian welders.

PURPOSE: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a group of Algerian welders to study the relationship between the exposure to metal particles from welding fumes and the concentration of three circulating miRNAs, miR-21, miR-146a and miR-155, as markers of renal function injury. METHODS: Characteristics of the subjects and the curriculum laboris were determined by questionnaires. We measured the concentrations of metals in blood and urine samples using ICP-MS. The three circulating miRNAs studied were measured by quantitative PCR. Associations between miRNAs and internal exposure markers were assessed by simple and multiple regression analyses. RESULTS: miR-21 was significantly lower among welders (p = 0.017), compared with controls, adjusted for age, body mass index, smoking status and seniority. Significant adjusted associations were observed between miR-21 or miR-155 and urinary chromium (p = 0.005 or p = 0.041, respectively), miR-146a and urinary nickel (p = 0.019). The results of the multivariate analysis showed that duration of employment was the main factor responsible for the variation of miRNAs among welders. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, a recent exposure to certain metals, mainly chromium and nickel, appears to be associated to a decrease in plasma expression of miR-21, miR-146a and miR-155. Further larger studies would help to determine the mechanisms of action of metal particles on miRNA expression.

Analysis of Lead, Cadmium, and Nickel in Blood Donors in Relation to Smoking-A Comparative Study.

Donor blood is usually screened for some risk factors, such as hepatitis, HIV, and malarial parasites, but it is not routinely screened for heavy metals although their adverse effects on the human body have been proved by a number of studies. In this study, an attempt was made to determine the effect of smoking on concentration of cadmium, nickel, and lead in donor blood. A semistructured questionnaire was prepared and given to participants. It showed that 79% (two groups: 65 smokers and 65 nonsmokers) smoked at least one cigarette per day. Collected blood samples were then subjected to atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). In comparing blood levels between smoking and nonsmoking participants, we noted a high positive correlation between lead and nickel concentrations. There were statistically significant correlations between cadmium, lead, and nickel concentrations in the blood of smokers and nonsmokers. Moreover, because a substantial percentage of blood donors may be smokers and blood donation does not always meet demand, it would be difficult to completely exclude smokers from donating blood. Our findings indicate the need to screen for heavy metals when transfusing blood to the elderly, neonates, and infants, and to avoid transfusion of blood and blood products if levels are in the toxic range.

A dual-responsive colorimetric probe for the detection of Cu2+ and Ni2+ species in real water samples and human serum.

The monitoring of heavy transition metals has increasingly attracted great attention because they pollute the environment and have unique physiological functions. Chemosensors are useful tools for monitoring heavy transition metals due to their simple visualization, excellent sensitivity and high selectivity. Herein, we have developed a novel chemosensor for the detection of water-soluble Cu2+ and Ni2+ species with different mechanisms, and low detection limits of 2.1 nM for Cu2+ and 1.2 nM for Ni2+ were obtained. The colorimetric probe CPH has been applied to qualitative and quantitative detection of Cu2+ and Ni2+ species in real samples.

Self-Reported Health and Metal Body Burden in an Electronic Waste Recycling Community in Northeastern Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to summarize electronic waste (e-waste) worker health; examine associations between health and sociodemographic characteristics; and metal body burden. METHODS: In 2016, 131 e-waste recycling workers were enrolled in the study, completed a questionnaire, and gave blood and urine samples for heavy metal concentration assessment (lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, nickel). The relationship between symptoms, general health, and metals is assessed via generalized estimating equation models (adjusted for age, education, sex, and village). RESULTS: Cadmium in blood and copper in serum were most consistently associated with higher odds of poor health and prevalence of symptoms. We found inconsistent results between general health, symptom severity, and urinary nickel. Higher blood lead levels (BLL) were associated with fewer self-reported symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to certain metals in e-waste recycling communities may adversely impact health status.

Presence of Toxic Heavy Metals in Platelet-Rich Fibrin: a Pilot Study.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is widely used blood-derived biomaterial which is directly applied to the surgical wounds. Depending on its autologous origin, PRF is thought as a safe material. However, it is not known to what extent the blood-derived toxins can be found in the PRF by considering the systemic exposure rates of the individuals to the toxins. The aim of this pilot study was to test the hypothesis whether PRF contains any blood-origin heavy metals (HMs) and smoking increases their concentrations as an environmental HM source. PRF samples were obtained from systemically healthy 30 non-smoker and 30 smoker volunteers. All liquid and dry fibrin parts of the PRF samples were analyzed in terms of 15 toxic elements using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. All analyzed HMs were detected in all investigated PRF samples within various concentrations in both groups. In addition, significantly high levels of cadmium, arsenic, lead, manganese, nickel, chromium, and vanadium were detected in dry fibrin matrices of PRF samples of smokers comparing with non-smokers (p < 0.05). Only cadmium was at significantly high levels in the liquid part of PRF samples of smokers (p < 0.05). This is the first study evaluating toxic ingredients of PRF. The results revealed that PRF contains various toxic HMs. Additionally, systemic exposure to environmental HM sources such as smoking may significantly increase HM concentrations in PRF. Further studies are required to investigate the transmission potentials of HMs to the applied tissues and biological importance of PRF-origin HMs.

Evaluation of Some Trace Elements and Vitamins in Major Depressive Disorder Patients: a Case-Control Study.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental disorder worldwide; however, little is known about its etiology. It is well known that levels of certain trace elements are associated with the pathogenesis of some diseases. Accordingly, this study aims to evaluate the effect of trace elements and vitamins in the etiology of MDD. In this case-control study, sixty men patients with MDD and sixty, age and gender matched, control subjects were examined. Serum levels of Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Mn, Mg, and Al were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry as well as serum levels of vitamins E and A were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. The results revealed that there were significantly higher levels (p < 0.001) of Cu, Cr, and Al in patients sera compared with control. While there were significantly lower levels (p < 0.001) of Zn, Ni, Mn, Mg, vitamin E, and vitamin A in MDD patients as compared with control. In addition, high Cu/Zn ratio (p < 0.05) was observed with the depressive disorder patients. The present study highlights some main indications: a significant relationship between the disturbances of element levels and vitamins (E and A) with MDD. Cu and Zn seemed to have a crucial role in understanding the pathogenesis of depressive disorders, where Cu/Zn ratio could have an important role in the diagnosis and monitoring of MDD. Moreover, the results suggest that the reduction in the antioxidant vitamin E leads to increased risk of MDD. Finally, more studies on using trace element supplementation would be suggested to clarify their effect, in order to improve the therapy of MDD.