Determination of trace and bulk elements in plasma and erythrocytes of diabetic pregnant women by PIXE method.

Proton-Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE) analysis of blood samples from diabetic pregnant women was carried out. Elements S, Ca, P, K, Cl, Fe, Zn, Cu, Rb and Br were detected in red blood cells, while S, Ca, P, K, Cl, Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, Br in the plasma. The concentrations of P, S, Ni, Cu were found to be higher, while those of K, Fe, and Zn were lower in diabetic plasma than in controls. Significantly higher concentrations were measured for P, S, Cl, Fe, Zn and Rb in diabetic erythrocytes compared to normals. Statistical evaluation of the results also indicated significant alteration in the changes of concentrations throughout the pregnancy. Diabetes also resulted in changes in most of the correlations observed in normal pregnancy between the concentrations of elements.

Determination of trace and bulk elements in plasma and erythrocytes of healthy pregnant women by PIXE method.

Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) analysis of blood samples from healthy pregnant women was carried out. Elements S, Ca, P, K, Cl, Fe, Zn, Cu, Rb and Br were detected, in red blood cells while S, Ca, P. K, Cl, Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, Br in the plasma. The concentrations of Ca, K and Br were found to be stable throughout pregnancy, others exhibited significant alterations. The importance of macro- and microelement metabolisms during pregnancy and their role in the intrauterine development is summarized.