The correlation between single and mixed trace elements exposure in systemic lupus erythematosus: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown an association between trace elements and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but the relationship between trace elements and SLE is still unclear. This study aims to determine the distribution of plasma trace elements in newly diagnosed SLE patients and the association between these essential and toxic element mixtures and SLE. METHODS: In total, 110 SLE patients and 110 healthy controls were included. Blood samples were collected. 15 plasma trace elements were quantified using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Multivariate logistic regression, restricted cubic spline (RCS), weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, quantile g-computation (qgcomp), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) are used to analyze the association between single and mixed exposure of elements and SLE. RESULTS: The logistic regression model shows that, plasma lithium (Li) [OR (95 % CI): 1.963 (1.49-2.586)], vanadium (V) [OR (95 % CI): 2.617(1.645-4.166)] and lead (Pb) [OR (95 % CI): 1.603(1.197-2.145)] were positively correlated with SLE, while selenium (Se) [OR (95 % CI): 0.055(0.019-0.157)] and barium (Ba) [OR (95 % CI): 0.792(0.656-0.957)] had been identified as protective factors for SLE. RCS results showed a non-linear correlation between the elements Li, V, Ni, copper, Se, rubidium and SLE. In addition, WQS regression, qgcomp, and BKMR models consistently revealed significant positive effects of plasma Li and Pb on SLE, as well as significant negative effects of plasma Se. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to heavy metals such as Li and Pb is significantly positively correlated with SLE, but Se may be protective factors for SLE. In addition, there is a nonlinear correlation between the elements Li and Se and SLE, and there are complex interactions between the elements. In the future, larger populations and prospective studies are needed to confirm these associations.

Assessment of Essential Trace Elements Cu, Zn, Mn, and Ni in Mediterranean Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from the Algerian Coast.

The aim of this study was to determine the levels of essential trace elements copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel in two size groups of mussels, Mytilus galloprovincialis, sampled from three sites along the Algerian coast with different levels of pollution. The results of this work are very interesting for determining the effect of mussel size on the variation of contaminant levels in environmental monitoring studies. Thirty individuals from 2 size groups, less than 4-cm and more than 4-cm shell length, were collected over 4 seasons at each site studied. The samples were dissected, and copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel were measured in the whole soft tissues by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The maximum concentrations of copper, zinc, manganese, and nickel expressed in mg/kg dry weight at the three sites were 54.01, 146.25, 20.69, and 8.85, respectively. A clear distribution pattern of the studied elements was observed in the two size classes. In fact, significantly higher concentrations (P < 0.05) were found in individuals with a shell length of less than 4 cm. Significantly, higher concentrations (P < 0.05) were found in individuals with a shell length of less than 4 cm due to their high filtration and low excretion activities compared to long individuals. In addition, metal pollution index (MPI) values were higher in small bivalve individuals. The trace element contents found in the mussel samples of the present study showed large spatial and temporal variations among the different sites studied, highlighting the typical exposure of marine sites to different marine pollutants. Notably, elevated concentrations of copper were observed in the port of Zemmouri, likely due to port activities. Conversely, the highest levels of manganese and nickel were recorded at Boudouaou El Bahri, potentially attributable to the use of fertilisers by agricultural activities. Some shellfish samples had exceeded the permissible concentration levels of copper and manganese, thereby posing a danger to bivalve consumers.

Field Application of an Innovative Approach to Assess Honeybee Health and Nutritional Status.

Environment, forage quality, management practices, pathogens, and pesticides influence honeybee responses to stressors. This study proposes an innovative approach to assess colony health and performance using molecular diagnostic tools by correlating hemolymph proteins with common measures of colony strength, prevalent honeybee pathogens (Varroa destructor and Nosema spp.), and essential trace elements (iron, zinc and copper). Colonies were selected from four apiaries located in different environmental and foraging conditions in the province of Bologna (Italy). Hemolymph samples were taken from June to October 2019. The Varroa infestation of the colonies was estimated by assessing the natural mortality of the mites, while the bees were tested for Nosema spp. spores using a microscopic method. Hemolymph proteins were quantified and separated using SDS-PAGE, and colony performance was assessed by determining adult bees, total brood, honey, and pollen reserves. The biomarkers measured proved to be useful for monitoring changes in performance and trophic conditions during summer and early autumn. Significant correlations were found between hemolymph proteins and colony performance measures. A positive correlation between pollen reserves, vitellogenin, and hexamerin 70a highlights the importance of these proteins for successful overwintering. In October, Varroa infestation was negatively correlated with total proteins, vitellogenin, apolipophorin II, transferrin, and hexamerin 70a, with negative implications for overwintering; furthermore, Varroa infestation was also negatively correlated with iron content, potentially affecting iron homeostasis.

Toxic and essential metals: metabolic interactions with the gut microbiota and health implications.

Human exposure to heavy metals, which encompasses both essential and toxic varieties, is widespread. The intestine functions as a critical organ for absorption and metabolism of heavy metals. Gut microbiota plays a crucial role in heavy metal absorption, metabolism, and related processes. Toxic heavy metals (THMs), such as arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd), can cause damage to multiple organs even at low levels of exposure, and it is crucial to emphasize their potential high toxicity. Nevertheless, certain essential trace elements, including iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn), play vital roles in the biochemical and physiological functions of organisms at low concentrations but can exert toxic effects on the gut microbiota at higher levels. Some potentially essential micronutrients, such as chromium (Cr), silicon (Si), and nickel (Ni), which were considered to be intermediate in terms of their essentiality and toxicity, had different effects on the gut microbiota and their metabolites. Bidirectional relationships between heavy metals and gut microbiota have been found. Heavy metal exposure disrupts gut microbiota and influences its metabolism and physiological functions, potentially contributing to metabolic and other disorders. Furthermore, gut microbiota influences the absorption and metabolism of heavy metals by serving as a physical barrier against heavy metal absorption and modulating the pH, oxidative balance, and concentrations of detoxification enzymes or proteins involved in heavy metal metabolism. The interactions between heavy metals and gut microbiota might be positive or negative according to different valence states, concentrations, and forms of the same heavy metal. This paper reviews the metabolic interactions of 10 common heavy metals with the gut microbiota and their health implications. This collated information could provide novel insights into the disruption of the intestinal microbiota caused by heavy metals as a potential contributing factor to human diseases.

Associations between Non-Essential Trace Elements in Women's Biofluids and IVF Outcomes in Euploid Single-Embryo Transfer Cycles.

Previous studies have found inconsistent associations between heavy metals and metalloids (cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic), and reproductive outcomes. The biofluid concentrations of ten non-essential trace elements (Hg, Pb, As, Ba, Sr, Rb, Cs, Sn, Ni, and Co) were evaluated in 51 Spanish women undergoing ICSI, PGT-A, and SET/FET. Nine out of ten non-essential elements were detectable in follicular fluid, whole blood, and urine collected the day of vaginal oocyte retrieval (VOR) and the day of embryo transfer and then analyzed by ICP-MS or Tricell DMA-80 for mercury. Elevated mercury and strontium concentrations in follicular fluid were associated with poor ovarian response and preimplantation outcomes. Worst preimplantation outcomes were also identified in women with elevated whole-blood strontium or mercury, urinary arsenic, barium, and tin the day of VOR. High concentrations of urinary rubidium on VOR day were linked with enhanced fertilization and blastocyst development. Excessive titanium in whole blood was associated with lower odds of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and achieving a live birth in a given IVF cycle. Excessive urinary arsenic on the day of embryo transfer was associated with lower odds of live birth. Although these preliminary results need to be confirmed in larger populations, distinguishing organic and inorganic element forms, our findings show that some non-essential elements have a detrimental impact on human IVF outcomes.

[Intoxications with trace metal elements: A new concept of the metal profile]. / Intoxications aux éléments traces métalliques : nouveau concept du profil métallique.

Present in quantities ranging from hundreds of milligrams to several grams in various environmental compartments, trace metal elements (TMEs), formerly known as "heavy metals," have been the subject of much discussion in recent years due to their major toxicological impact on human health. They are divided into essential elements such as iron, zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, and toxic elements such as mercury, cadmium, lead, lithium, and arsenic. Essential trace elements play a vital role in the body, and their deficiency can alter important physiological functions, while toxic elements have no physiological role and can lead to serious illnesses. However, essential elements can also cause intoxication depending on their concentrations and chemical forms. The industrialization of the modern world exposes the global population to high concentrations of trace elements that can be toxic in the short or long term. These TMEs enter the human body through various pathways (inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact). The clinical manifestations of TME intoxications are highly varied and nonspecific, making their diagnosis and management difficult. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) allows the detection of TME intoxications. Indeed, it enables the simultaneous quantification of around thirty trace metal elements in biological media. Thus, it has led to the establishment of a new approach: the metal profile, which has many applications in clinical biology and clinical, forensic, occupational, or environmental toxicology.

Couples' preconception urinary essential trace elements concentration and spontaneous abortion risk: A nested case-control study in a community population.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have indicated a correlation between maternal imbalances in essential trace elements during pregnancy and the occurrence of spontaneous abortion (SA). Nonetheless, the impact of these elements from both partners and during the preconception period remains unexplored. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate the relationship between preconception essential trace elements and spontaneous abortion (SA) based on husband-wife dyads. METHODS: This study selected 390 couples with spontaneous abortion (SA) and 390 matched couples with live births from a preconception cohort of 33,687 couples. Urine samples collected prior to pregnancy were analyzed for ten essential trace elements (Se, Cr, Mo, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, V, Co, and Ni) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). RESULTS: Multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis identified that elevated concentrations of Zn (OR = 0.73) and Ni (OR = 0.69) in couples were associated with a reduced risk of SA, whereas elevated levels of Cr (OR = 1.30) and Mn (OR = 1.39) were linked to an increased risk. Restricted cubic spline models suggested a U-shaped association between couples' Cu and Co concentrations and SA. Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression further supported a U-shaped relationship between the mixture of ten elements and SA, showing significant protection at the 50th and 55th percentiles compared to the 10th percentile. Additionally, the effects of Cr, Zn, Mn, and Ni on SA varied when the concentrations of the other nine elements were held constant at their 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles. Stratified analysis revealed that maternal Cu (OR = 0.43) and Fe (OR = 0.63) reduced the risk of SA when paternal Cu and Fe were in the lower quartile. Conversely, maternal Cu (OR = 2.03) and Fe (OR = 1.77) increased the risk of SA when paternal concentrations were in the higher quartile. Similar patterns were observed for Cr, Mn, Co, and Zn. CONCLUSION: Elevated urinary concentrations of Zn and Ni in couples were associated with a reduced risk of SA, while higher levels of Cr and Mn were linked to an increased risk. Cu, Co, and a mixture of ten essential trace elements exhibited a U-shaped relationship with SA. The impact of certain essential trace elements (Cu, Fe, Cr, Mn, Co, and Zn) on SA in one partner was influenced by their concentrations in the other partner.

Changes of Target Essential Trace Elements in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, complex, and demyelinating disease closely associated with altered levels of trace elements. Although the first studies into the role of trace elements in MS were published in the 1970s, for five decades it has remained unknown whether trace elements can be part of this heterogeneous neurological disease. (2) Materials and methods: To drive toward at a potential solution, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to elucidate whether there were differences in circulating levels of neurologically important essential trace elements (Zn, Fe, Co, Cu, Mn, and Se) between MS cases and controls. (3) Results: This study revealed significantly lower serum/plasma Zn and Fe levels and higher Cu levels in MS-affected individuals compared to controls. At the same time, no significant differences were found between the MS cases and controls regarding their serum/plasma levels of Co, Mn, or Se. Thus, the loss of Fe and Zn should be considered in supplementation/nutrition strategies for MS patients. On the other hand, since high serum Cu levels indicate a burden on the bloodstreams of MS patients, Cu should be excluded from mineral supplement strategies. Furthermore, all three trace elements (Fe, Zn, and Cu) should be considered from an etiological point of view, and, most importantly, their levels in the bloodstreams of MS patients should be monitored. (4) Conclusions: This study highlights the way for personalized and targeted strategies in the management of MS.

Estimation of Hair Toxic and Essential Trace Element and Mineral Profiles of Patients with Chronic Gout.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate hair levels of toxic and essential trace elements and minerals in male and female patients with chronic gout. A total of 223 examinees aged from 27 to 82 years old including 116 healthy controls (64 women and 52 men) and 107 patients with gout (56 women and 51 men) were enrolled in the current cross-sectional study. Analysis of hair toxic and essential trace element and mineral content was performed using inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. The obtained data demonstrate that hair B, Fe, I, and Mo levels in gout patients were 67%, 8%, 46%, and 21% higher in comparison to the respective control values. Hair Cr and V content in patients was more than twofold higher than in the controls. Hair Mg and Zn levels were found to be 34% and 11% lower when compared to the respective control values. Hair toxic metal and metalloid content was also significantly affected in gout patients. Specifically, hair Al, As, and Pb levels were 24%, 43%, and 33% higher in gout patients than in healthy controls, respectively. Analysis of covariance demonstrated that sex also had a significant influence on hair trace element and mineral levels in gout patients. Specifically, gout-associated overaccumulation of hair trace elements including was more profound in male than in female patients. It is assumed that trace element dysregulation may contribute to gout development and progression, especially in men. However, further studies are required to elucidate this association and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Assessment of essential and toxic trace element levels in erythrocytes of hemodialysis patients with end-stage renal disease.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem, resulting in end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and premature death. AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the profile of essential and toxic trace elements in erythrocytes of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and their relationship with selected anthropometric and biochemical parameters. METHODS: The present study compared the profiles of trace elements, including toxic sub-stances, in the erythrocytes of 80 hemodialysis patients with CKD with 40 healthy subjects. All patients had stage 5 CKD. The levels of Cd and Pb were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and levels of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu Cr, Ni, and Li by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. RESULTS: The ESRD patients demonstrated significantly lower Fe and Zn concentrations and significantly higher Mn and Li and toxic Pb and Cd concentrations in erythrocytes compared to those of the healthy controls. Negative correlations were observed, among others, between the concentrations of Cu, Li, and creatinine; Cu and phosphates; Mn, Pb, and transferrin saturation while positive correlations were noted between Cu, Cr, and transferrin and Pb, Cr, and the normalized protein catabolism rate. CONCLUSIONS: The higher concentrations of toxic elements present in the erythrocytes of CKD patients might have resulted from the reduced ability of the kidneys to excrete them. Moreover, differences in the concentrations of essential elements (Fe, Mn, Zn) between the two groups indicated that their resorption in the kidneys of CKD patients was impaired. Patients with CKD might benefit from interventions intended to reduce high, toxic concentrations of Pb and Cd and Li and Mn as an alternative supportive treatment. Iron and zinc supplementation should be a component for the treatment of anemia in CKD patients.

Higher Concentrations of Essential Trace Elements in Women Undergoing IVF May Be Associated with Poor Reproductive Outcomes Following Single Euploid Embryo Transfer.

Essential trace elements are micronutrients whose deficiency has been associated with altered fertility and/or adverse pregnancy outcomes, while surplus may be toxic. The concentrations of eight essential trace elements were measured using inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and assessed with respect to clinical in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in a population of 51 women undergoing IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), pre-implantation genetic screening for aneuploidy (PGT-A), and single frozen euploid embryo transfer (SET/FET). Specifically, copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), molybdenum, selenium, lithium, iron, chromium, and manganese were quantified in follicular fluid and whole blood collected the day of vaginal oocyte retrieval (VOR) and in urine collected the day of VOR and embryo transfer. We found that the whole blood Cu/Zn ratio was significantly associated with superior responses to ovarian stimulation. Conversely, the whole blood zinc and selenium concentrations were significantly associated with poor ovarian response outcomes. Higher levels of whole blood zinc and selenium, urinary selenium, lithium, and iron had significant negative associations with embryologic outcomes following IVF. Regarding clinical IVF outcomes, higher urinary molybdenum concentrations the day of VOR were associated with significantly lower odds of implantation and live birth, while higher urinary Cu/Mo ratios on the day of VOR were associated with significantly higher odds of implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth. Our results suggest that essential trace element levels may directly influence the IVF outcomes of Spanish patients, with selenium and molybdenum exerting negative effects and copper-related ratios exerting positive effects. Additional studies are warranted to confirm these relationships in other human populations.

Molybdenum Concentration and the Risk of Spontaneous Preterm Birth: A Nested Case-Control Study - Beijing Municipality, China, 2018-2020.

What is already known about this topic?: The level of molybdenum (Mo) in a mother's urine has been linked to the growth rate of the fetus and the blood pressure levels in children. What is added by this report?: We evaluated the variations in maternal plasma Mo concentrations throughout pregnancy and their potential association with the risk of spontaneous preterm birth (SPB). What are the implications for public health practice?: Future research must determine the Mo levels in pregnant women across various regions in China. Moreover, particular attention needs to be given to the potential increase in Mo concentration throughout pregnancy and its possible adverse impacts on the health of both the mother and the fetus.

Using Bayesian and weighted regression to evaluate the association of idiopathic oligoastenoteratozoospermia with seminal plasma metal mixtures.

Idiopathic oligoastenoteratozoospermia (iOAT) affects 30% of infertile men of reproductive age. However, the associations between Cr, Fe, Cu, Se or Co levels and iOAT risk have not been determined. This research aimed to assess the associations between Cr, Fe, Cu, Se and Co levels as well as their mixtures in seminal plasma and the risk of iOAT and severe iOAT. Therefore, a case‒control study including 823 participants (416 iOAT patients and 407 controls) recruited from October 2021 to August 2022 at the reproductive medicine center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University was conducted in Anhui, China. The concentrations of Cr, Fe, Cu, Se and Co in seminal plasma were detected via inductively coupled plasma‒mass spectrometry. Binary logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between the levels of Cr, Fe, Cu, Se and Co and the risk of iOAT and severe iOAT; additionally, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regressions were performed to evaluate the joint effect of seminal plasma levels of Cr, Fe, Cu, Se and Co on the risk of iOAT and explore which elements contributed most to the relationship. We found significant associations between the concentrations of Fe, Cu and Se in seminal plasma and iOAT risk after adjusting for covariates (Fe, lowest tertile vs. second tertile: aOR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.31, 2.64; Cu, lowest tertile vs. second tertile: aOR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.37, 2.76; Se, lowest tertile vs. second tertile: aOR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.17, 2.35). A lower Se concentration in seminal plasma (lowest tertile vs. second tertile: aOR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.10, 3.10) was positively associated with the risk of severe iOAT. Additionally, we also observed an association between the concentration of Cr in seminal plasma and the risk of iOAT before adjusting for covariates (Cr, third tertile vs. lowest tertile: OR=1.44, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.02). According to the BKMR analyses, the risk of iOAT increased when the overall concentrations were less than the 25th percentile. The results from the WQS regression indicated that a negative WQS index was significantly associated with the iOAT risk, while a positive WQS index was not. Se and Fe had significant weights in the negative direction. In conclusion, lower Cu, Fe and Se levels in seminal plasma were positively associated with iOAT risk, while higher Cr levels in seminal plasma were positively associated with iOAT risk according to the single element model, and lower levels of Se were related to a greater risk of severe iOAT; when comprehensively considering all the results from BKMR and WQS regression, Fe, Se and Cr levels contributed most to this relationship.

Selenium and zinc supplementation mitigates metals-(loids) mixture- mediated cardiopulmonary toxicity via attenuation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic mechanisms in female Sprague Dawley rats.

This study evaluated the cardiopulmonary protective effects of essential elements (Zn and Se) against heavy metals mixture (HMM) exposure. Twenty five female Sprague Dawley albino rats, divided in to five groups: controls were orally treated only with distilled water; next, group 2 was exposed to HMM with the following concentrations: 20 mg/kg of Pb body weight, 0.40 mg/kg of Hg, 0.56 mg/kg of Mn, and 35 mg/kg of Al. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were exposed to HMM and co-treated with zinc chloride (ZnCl2; 0.80 mg/kg), sodium selenite (Na2SeO3;1.50 mg/kg) and both zinc chloride and sodium selenite, respectively. The experiment lasted for 60 days. Afterwards animals were sacrificed, and we conduced biochemical and histopathological examination of the heart and lungs. HMM only exposed animals had an increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), increased IL-6 and TNF-α, attenuated SOD, GPx, CAT and GSH and caspase 3 in the heart and lungs. HMM affected NF-kB and Nrf2 in the heart muscle with histomorphological alterations. Zn and Se attenuated adverse effects of HMM exposure. Essential element supplementation ameliorated heavy metal cardiopulmonary intoxication in rats.

Elevated levels of Zn, Cu and Co are associated with an increased risk of endometriosis: Results from a casecontrol study.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is a common gynecological disease that affects approximately 5 %∼10 % of reproductive-aged women. Zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co) and molybdenum (Mo) are essential trace elements and are very important for human health. However, studies on the relationship between mixtures of essential trace elements and the risk of endometriosis are limited and inconsistent. In particular, studies confirming the association via different sample types are limited. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the associations between Zn, Se, Cu, Co and Mo concentrations in blood and follicular fluid (FF) and endometriosis risk in a Chinese population. METHODS: A total of 609 subjects undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) were recruited; 836 samples were analyzed, including 451 blood samples (234 controls and 217 cases) and 385 FF samples (203 controls and 182 cases). In addition, 227 subjects provided both blood and FF samples. Zn, Se, Cu, Co and Mo concentrations in blood and FF were quantified via inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The associations between the levels of Zn, Se, Cu, Co and Mo and the risk of endometriosis were assessed using single-element models (logistic regression models), and the combined effect of the trace elements on endometriosis risk was assessed using multielement models (Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression). RESULTS: Based on the single-element models, significant associations of Zn concentrations in blood (high-level vs. low-level group: aOR = 14.17, 95 % CI: 7.31, 27.50) and FF (first tertile vs. second tertile group: aOR = 0.34, 95 % CI: 0.16, 0.71; third tertile vs. second tertile group: aOR = 2.32, 95 % CI: 1.38, 3.91, respectively) and Co concentrations in blood (first tertile vs. second tertile group, aOR = 0.24, 95 % CI: 0.12, 0.48) and FF (third tertile vs. second tertile group: aOR = 3.87, 95 % CI: 2.19, 6.84) with endometriosis risk were found after adjustment for all confounders. In FF, Cu and Mo levels were significantly greater among the cases than among the controls, with a positive association with endometriosis risk (Cu (first tertile vs. second tertile group: aOR = 0.39, 95 % CI: 0.19, 0.81; third tertile vs. second tertile group: aOR = 2.73, 95 % CI: 1.61, 4.66, respectively) and Mo (high-level vs. low-level group: aOR = 14.93, 95 % CI: 7.16, 31.12)). However, similar associations between blood Cu and Mo levels and endometriosis risk were not found. In addition, the levels of these five essential trace element mixtures in blood and in FF were significantly and positively associated with endometriosis risk according to the BKMR analyses; the levels of Zn and Cu in blood and the levels of Mo in FF were significantly related to the risk of endometriosis, and the posterior inclusion probabilities (PIPs) were 1.00, 0.99 and 1.00 for Zn and Cu levels in blood and Mo levels in FF, respectively. Furthermore, Zn and Mo were the highest weighted elements in blood and FF, respectively, according to WQS analyses. CONCLUSION: The risk of endometriosis was associated with elevated levels of several essential trace elements (Zn, Cu and Co). Elevated levels of these elements may be involved in the pathomechanism of endometriosis. However, further studies with larger sample sizes will be necessary to confirm these associations.

Toxic metals and essential trace elements in placenta and their relation to placental function.

INTRODUCTION: Placental function is essential for fetal development, but it may be susceptible to malnutrition and environmental stressors. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of toxic and essential trace elements in placenta on placental function. METHODS: Toxic metals (cadmium, lead, mercury, cobalt) and essential elements (copper, manganese, zinc, selenium) were measured in placenta of 406 pregnant women in northern Sweden using ICP-MS. Placental weight and birth weight were obtained from hospital records and fetoplacental weight ratio was used to estimate placental efficiency. Placental relative telomere length (TL) and mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) were determined by quantitative PCR (n = 285). Single exposure-outcome associations were evaluated using linear or spline regression, and joint associations and interactions with Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), all adjusted for sex, maternal smoking, and age or BMI. RESULTS: Median cadmium, mercury, lead, cobalt, copper, manganese, zinc, and selenium concentrations in placenta were 3.2, 1.8, 4.3, 2.3, 1058, 66, 10626, and 166 µg/kg, respectively. In the adjusted regression, selenium (>147 µg/kg) was inversely associated with placental weight (B: -158; 95 % CI: -246, -71, per doubling), as was lead at low selenium (B: -23.6; 95 % CI: -43.2, -4.0, per doubling). Manganese was positively associated with placental weight (B: 41; 95 % CI: 5.9, 77, per doubling) and inversely associated with placental efficiency (B: -0.01; 95 % CI: -0.019, -0.004, per doubling). Cobalt was inversely associated with mtDNAcn (B: -11; 95 % CI: -20, -0.018, per doubling), whereas all essential elements were positively associated with mtDNAcn, individually and joint. CONCLUSION: Among the toxic metals, lead appeared to negatively impact placental weight and cobalt decreased placental mtDNAcn. Joint essential element concentrations increased placental mtDNAcn. Manganese also appeared to increase placental weight, but not birth weight. The inverse association of selenium with placental weight may reflect increased transport of selenium to the fetus in late gestation.

Dietary Intake and Exposure Assessment of Trace Elements in Infants' Diets: A Case Study in Kuwait.

Different types of infant foods categorized as formulas, cereals, and purees imported from seven different countries and available on the Kuwaiti retail market were collected to determine the elemental content, including essential trace elements namely chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and molybdenum (Mo); potentially toxic trace elements such as aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), tin (Sn), antimony (Sb), and uranium (U); and toxic trace elements including arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg). The samples were analyzed using ICP-MS. An extensive literature search illustrated the uniqueness of this study since seven different essential elements, five different potentially toxic elements, and four different toxic trace elements were measured in a variety of infant foods; in addition, the different trace etlemental levels measured in the investigated infant foods were compared to the ones associated with the different infant foods types reported in the literature. The essential trace element concentrations detected in this study were implemented to calculate their total daily intake, where the calculated daily intake values were compared to their recommended dietary allowance (RDA) to assess the percentage total daily intake for the essential trace elements. Further, the calculated potentially toxic and toxic trace elements daily intake values were used to assess the potential health risks to infants incurred by consuming different infant foods by calculating the hazard quotient (HQ), while the margin of exposure (MOE) was calculated for the toxic ones only. It was concluded that infant formulas and foods should be added to the infant diet in addition to breast milk to meet specific nutritional needs. This study confirms that infants are exposed to toxic trace elements via diet, warranting careful attention to diet choices both to limit this exposure and to avert potentially hazardous adverse health effects to the infants. However, based on the calculated hazard quotients (HQs) and margin of exposures (MOEs), consuming breast milk in addition to almost all different types of infant foods is considered safe and unlikely to contribute to infants' non-cancerous health hazards.

Reference intervals of 24 trace elements in blood, plasma and erythrocytes for the Slovenian adult population.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to establish the population- and laboratory-specific reference intervals (RIs) for the Slovenian adult population for 24 trace elements (TEs) in blood, plasma and erythrocytes and to evaluate the impact of gender, age, seafood consumption, smoking habits and amalgam fillings on TEs levels. METHODS: TEs (Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se and Mo, Li, Be, V, Cr, Ni, Ga, As, Rb, Sr, Ag, Cd, Sn, Cs, Au, Hg, Tl, Pb and U) were determined in 192 a priori selected blood donors (107 women and 85 men, aged 18-65 years), using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with the Octopole Reaction System. Participants filled out a questionnaire, and RIs were established according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines for TEs. RESULTS: Uniform RIs for non-essential and gender-specific for essential TEs in blood, plasma and erythrocytes were established. In our population, higher blood and plasma Cu, and erythrocyte Mn levels in women were found. In men, blood Zn, plasma Zn, Mn and Se, and erythrocyte Cu levels were higher. Zn levels were higher in 30-39 years age group. Pb and Sr increased with age. Smoking positively affected Cd, Pb, Cs and Rb; seafood consumption increased As, Hg and Zn; and amalgam increased Hg, Ag and Cu levels. CONCLUSIONS: Essential TEs were inside recommended levels, and the non-essential ones were far below critical levels. Established RIs will provide an important foundation for clinical diagnostics, safety erythrocyte transfusions assessment, toxicology and epidemiological studies.

Serum and urinary essential trace elements in association with major depressive disorders: a case-control study.

Introduction: The etiology and pathophysiology of major depressive disorders (MDDs) remain unclear. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that essential trace elements (ETEs), such as iodine (I), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), cobalt (Co), and molybdenum (Mo), play vital roles in MDDs. Methods: In total, 72 patients with MDD and 75 healthy controls (HCs) in the Zhumadian Second People's Hospital, Henan Province, China were recruited in our study. The levels of different ETEs were examined in both serum and urine, using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), for both the MDD patients and HCs. Results: The serum levels of I, Se, Cu, and Mo were significantly lower in the MDD patients compared to the HCs (p < 0.05), and the urinary levels of I and Zn were significantly higher in the MDD patients compared to the HCs (p < 0.05). The serum concentration of I (Q3: OR = 0.210, Q4: OR = 0.272) was negatively associated with MDD after adjusting for potential confounders, including age, gender, and BMI, and the urinary concentration of I (Q4: OR = 2.952) was positively associated. Conclusions: The higher levels of I, Se, Cu, and Mo in serum might be protective against the development of MDD, and the excess I and Zn in urine may be associated with MDD pathogenesis. Future research needs to gain a deeper understanding of the metabolic pathways of ETEs, especially I, Se, Zn, Cu, and Mo, in MDD, and their role in the pathogenesis of depression.

A Systematic Literature Review on the Association Between Toxic and Essential Trace Elements and the Risk of Orofacial Clefts in Infants.

Orofacial clefts (OFCs) have been linked to various toxic and essential trace elements (TETEs) worldwide. However, review estimation is absent. Therefore, addressing the hypothesis that TETEs are associated with OFCs is the main area of this review. A systematic literature search was conducted using electronic databases through PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar between 2004 and August 2022. The "AND" and "OR" operators were used to make our search results inclusive and restrictive as follows: ("Toxic element*" OR "Heavy metal*") AND ("Toxic element*" OR "Lead OR Arsenic OR Mercury*")) AND ("Essential trace element*" OR "Zinc OR Selenium OR Copper*")) AND ("Orofacial cleft*" OR "Cleft lip*" OR "Cleft palate*") AND ("Infant*" OR "Newborn*" OR "Neonate*")). The presence of toxic elements was linked to the development of OFCs. The results showed that higher levels of toxic elements in various biological sample types were related to increased risks for OFCs. Increased concentrations of essential trace elements (ETEs) lowered the risk of OFCs. Maternal consumption of diets rich in ETEs, including zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), and molybdenum (Mo), was linked to a more pronounced reduction in the risk of OFCs. Based on the findings, it is acceptable to infer that maternal exposure to toxic elements, whether through environmental contaminants or dietary sources, was associated with an elevated risk of OFCs. Furthermore, the study revealed that ETEs exhibited a potential protective role in reducing the incidence of OFCs. This observation highlights the importance of reducing exposure to toxic elements during pregnancy and suggests that optimizing maternal intake of ETEs could be an effective preventive strategy.