Element contents in organs and tissues of Chinese adult men.

This study was undertaken to provide reference values for relevant parameters of Chinese Reference Man. Eighteen kinds of major organ or tissue samples, including muscle, rib, liver, and so on, were obtained from autopsies of 68 healthy adult men living in four areas of China with different dietary patterns (Hebei, Shanxi, Sichuan, Jiangxi or Jiangsu provinces, including Shanghai City) who had just encountered sudden deaths. At the same time, whole blood samples were collected from 10 volunteers living in each of these areas. The concentrations of 60 elements in these samples were detected by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), neutron activation analysis (NAA), fluorometry (FL), graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS) techniques and necessary quality control (QC) measures. Based on obtained concentrations and reference values of these organ or tissue weights for Chinese Reference Man, the elemental burdens in these organs or tissues were estimated. As a summary report of a series of research studies for Chinese Reference Man, which included three steps (from 1996 to 2006), the concentrations of 60 elements in 18 main organs or tissues were determined and their elemental burdens in the organs or tissues and whole body were estimated. Furthermore, the organ or tissue distributions of some important elements for radiation protection were discussed. These results may provide more reliable and better representative bases than before for establishing related reference values of Chinese Reference Man and revising current reference values of International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Reference Man. These basic data will also be very valuable for many other applications in radiation protection and other scientific fields.

[Chinese Total Diet Study in 2000. Cadium intakes by different age-sex population groups].

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the dietary cadium intakes by different age-sex groups in China. METHODS: The cadium concentrations of food sample from 3rd Chinese total diet study were determined, and then combine these data with the food consumption by population of ten age-sex groups, The cadium intakes, and its distribution and dietary sources were obtained. RESULTS: It was found that the mean and median concentrations of cadium in all food samples were 0.046 and 0.006 mg/kg, respectively. The cadium contents in shellfish and liver were far higher than other food staffs. The cadium intakes by different age-sex groups were estimated to be 12.0 - 25.9 microg/day, ranged from 30.3% to 67.0% of PTWI. The individual dietary cadium intakes by 14% children in 2 - 7 years old group exceed PTWI. Cereals, vegetables and seafood were the main sources of cadium exposure, and contributed about 80% of total intakes. CONCLUSION: Although the dietary cadium intakes by different age-sex groups are all lower than PTWI, they are increased in the past decade. Moreover, in some provinces, the cadium burden of people is heavy.

[Progress in the determination of glucosinolates].

The glucosinolates are a large group of hydrophilic, sulphur-containing plant secondary metabolites, occurring mainly in cruciferous family, which have recently attracted intense research interest because of their cancer chemoprotective attributes. Developing the analytical methods is the premises for studying the property of glucosinolates, so that much effort has been devoted to developing methods for efficient isolation and identification of them. In this article, the recent progress on analyzing of glucosinolates was reviewed.

[Lead intakes by different age-sex population groups from Chinese total diet study in 2000].

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the dietary lead intakes by different age-sex population groups in China. METHODS: The lead concentrations of food sample from 3rd Chinese total diet study were determined, and then were combined with the food consumption by population of ten age-sex groups, The lead intakes, and its distribution and dietary sources were obtained. RESULTS: It was found that the mean and median concentrations of lead in all food samples were 0.118 and 0.052mg/kg, respectively. The highest concentration of individual sample and mean concentrations of lead in preserved egg were 8.964mg/kg and 2.577mg/kg, respectively. The vegetable samples in Hubei Province were heavily contaminated. The lead intakes by different age-sex groups were estimated to be 54.9-112.7microg/day. The average dietary lead intakes by 2-7 years old group could reach 86.1% of PTWI, and individual lead intakes by about 30% children in this group exceed PTWI. But the average dietary lead intakes of other age-sex population groups ranged from 42.8% to 86.1% of PTWI. The main sources of dietary lead were cereals and vegetables in ten age-sex population groups, and could reach 72%-80% of total lead intakes. CONCLUSION: Although the dietary lead intakes by different age-sex population groups are all lower than PTWI, it should be decreased to a lower level. Moreover, the dietary exposures to lead are higher enough for 2-7 years old children and population in some provinces to be considered seriously.

NaFeEDTA fortified soy sauce showed higher iron absorption rate in Chinese females.

OBJECTIVE: NaFeEDTA was considered as a promising iron fortificant for controlling iron deficiency anemia. Soy sauce is a suitable food carrier for iron fortification and is a popular condiment in China. Iron absorption rates of NaFeEDTA and FeSO4 were observed and compared in adult female subjects. METHODS: The stable isotope tracer method was used in Chinese females consuming a typical Chinese diet. Ten healthy young Chinese women were selected as subjects in the 15-day study. A plant-based diet was used based on the dietary pattern of adult women in the 1992 National Nutrition Survey. Six milligram of 54Fe in 54FeSO4 soy sauce and 3 mg 58Fe in Na58FeEDTA soy sauce were given to the same subjects in two days. Food samples and fecal samples were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Iron absorption rates of NaFeEDTA and FeSO4 were 10.51% +/- 2.83 and 4.73% +/- 2.15 respectively. The 58Fe (NaFeEDTA) absorption was significantly higher than that of 54Fe (FeSO4) (P < 0.01). The iron absorption rate from NaFeEDTA was 1.2 times higher than that from FeSO4 in Chinese adult women consuming a typical Chinese diet. CONCLUSION: The higher absorption rate of NaFeEDTA suggested that NaFeEDTA would be a better iron fortificant used in soy sauce for the controlling of iron deficiency anemia in China.

[Comparison between anodic stripping voltammetry and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry for blood lead analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To compare and evaluate anodic striping voltammetry (ASV) with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry (GFAAS) for blood lead analysis. METHODS: These two methods were used to analyze same samples of three kinds of blood (cattle blood, rat blood & human blood) at the same time. The practicability and reliability of the results were evaluated by the statistic analysis. RESULTS: Limits of detection (LOD) for ASV and GFAAS were 5.3 microg/L and 0.045 microg/L. Limits of quality (LOQ) were 17.8 microg/L and 0.15 microg/L for ASV and GFAAS. The results that three kinds of blood samples were analyzed by these two methods were in high correlation after t test (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The data demonstrated that the ASV method could be in the complete conformity to GFAAS for different kinds of blood samples in lead analysis. The results showed that the sensibility of GFAAS was better than that of ASV, but the ASV showed a marked performance in stability, ease of operation and precision as well as GFAAS. GFAAS was suitable for the scientific research as ASV for a clinic.

[Study on the baseline contents and reference maximum limit standard of heavy metals and harmful element of 23 Chinese herbs in Northern China].

OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to obtain the baseline contents and establish the reference maximum limits of heavy metals and harmful element in China. METHODS: According as Chinese standard methods of heavy metals and harmful element, 254 Chinese herbs were determined. RESULTS: The contents of lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic in different Chinese herbs were (1.78 +/- 1.98), (0.17 +/- 0.24), (0.04 +/- 0.06) and (0.72 +/- 0.69)mg/kg, respectively. In the process of establishing the reference maximum limit standards of these harmful substances, the dietary intakes which including the intakes from food, beverage and drinking water were necessarily considered. The intakes including dietary and Chinese herbs of per person per day (and the percent of ADI) of lead, cadmium, mercury and inorganic arsenic were 102.9 microg (45.7%), 21.4 microg (34.0%), 5.7 microg (5.7%) and 81.0 microg (60.5%), respectively. We recommended the reference maximum limit standards of lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic which in Chinese herbs were 5.0 mg/kg, 0.3 mg/kg, 0.2 mg/kg and 2.0 mg/kg, respectively. CONCLUSION: The survey of baseline level of heavy metals and harmful element was successful. The intakes of these harmful substances were safe to human health. The maximum level standards of lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic in plant Chinese herbs submitted by our coordinated group have been accepted by Chinese Herbs Codex, 2005 version. This standard is suitable for quality standards in plant Chinese herbs.

[Chinese total diet study in 2000--the dietary mercuric intakes].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety of dietary mercuric intakes in different areas in China. METHODS: Using the Chinese total dietary study method, the analytical samples were obtained in different areas by food consumption survey, food aggregation, food sampling and preparation. The levels of dietary total mercury were determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. The dietary total mercuric intakes in different areas were obtained by timing the food consumption data and the mercuric content in different dietary samples. The safety of dietary mercury was evaluated in Chinese four regions and average adults by using the dietary mercuric PTWI recommended by WHO. RESULTS: The results indicate that the dietary mercuric intakes are safe in different regions. Only a few samples in some areas exceed tolerance limits of China national standard. Dietary total mercuric intakes (of PTWI) in four different regions adults and mean were 8.86 microg (19.7%), 4.69 microg (10.4%), 7.01 microg (15.6%), 6.88 microg (15.3%), 6.86 microg (15.2%), respectively. Mainly sources of dietary mercuric intake were cereals, vegetables and sea foods. CONCLUSION: The result shows that the total mercuric intakes in Chinese people are safe.

[Comparison of the methods on the study of dietary intakes].

Study of dietary intakes is an approach that estimates the potential influence that toxic and nutritional chemicals land in human health. It is also an important measure to ensure that diet is safe and nutritional. In this review, the different methods in dietary intakes' estimation are introduced and the methods are compared. In conclusion the characteristic of the methods is discussed.

[2000 Chinese total dietary study--the dietary arsenic intakes].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety of dietary arsenic intakes in different areas in China. METHODS: Using the total dietary study method, the analytical samples were obtained in different areas by food consumption survey, food aggregation, food sampling and preparation. The levels of dietary total and inorganic arsenic were determined by the hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry and atomic fluorospectrophotometry. The dietary total and inorganic arsenic intakes in different areas were obtained by timing the food consumption data and the arsenic content in different dietary samples. The safety of dietary arsenic was evaluated in Chinese four regions and average adults by using the dietary inorganic arsenic PTWI recommended by WHO. RESULTS: The results indicate that the dietary arsenic intake is safety in different regions. Only a few samples in some areas exceed tolerance limits of China national standard. Dietary total and inorganic arsenic (of PTWI) intakes in four different regions (north1, north2, south1, south2 and average adults) were 0.220 mg and 0.094 mg (69.3%), 0.254 mg and 0.098 mg (72.2%), 0.296 mg and 0.048 mg (35.6%), 0.335 mg and 0.077 mg (57.3%), 0.276 mg and 0.079 mg (58.6%) respectively. Mainly sources of dietary arsenic intake were cereals, vegetables and beverage and water. CONCLUSION: It is the first time that the dietary total arsenic and inorganic arsenic intakes of the adult were investigated in Chinese total diet study. The result shows that the total and inorganic arsenic intakes in Chinese people are safe.

[Determination of selenium in selenium-enriched foods by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry].

OBJECTIVE: To determine selenium (Se) in selenium-enriched foods by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry. METHODS: The samples were digested by HNO3-HCLO4 and reduced by NaHB4, and then was determined in 6 mol/L HCL. RESULTS: The results showed that the detectable range, detection limit, recovery rate, and the relative standard deviation(RSD) of the method were 0 - 80.0 microg/L, 0.0056 mg/kg, 92.05% - 103.88%, and 1.34% - 3.81% respectively. CONCLUSION: This method is suitable for selenium determination.

[2000 Chinese total diet study--the dietary lead and cadmium intakes].

OBJECTIVE: In order to assess the safety of dietary lead (P) and cadmium (Cd) intakes in different areas in China, we carried out Chinese total diet study (TDS) in 2000 and obtained total lead and cadmium contents and intakes data and assessed the safety of lead and cadmium in Chinese dietary. METHODS: Using the Chinese total dietary study method, the analytical samples were obtained in different areas by food consumption survey, food aggregation, food sampling and preparation. The levels of dietary lead and cadmium were determined by the graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The dietary lead and cadmium intakes in different areas were obtained by timing the food consumption data and the lead and cadmium content in different dietary samples. The safety of dietary lead and cadmium was evaluated in Chinese four regions and average adults by using the dietary lead and cadmium PTWI recommended by JECFA of FAO/WHO. RESULTS: The dietary lead and cadmium intakes of the adult were estimated in Chinese total diet study. Dietary lead and cadmium (of PTWI) intakes in four different regions and average adults were 135.6 microg (60.3%) and 18.3 microg (29.1%), 33.6 microg (14.9%) and 12.1 microg (19.2%), 25.6 microg (11.4%) and 27.6 microg (43.8%), 129.8 microg (57.7%) and 30.8 microg (48.9%), 81.1 microg (36.1% ) and 22.2 microg (35.3%) respectively. Except South 1, mainly sources of dietary lead were cereals, legumes, eggs and vegetables, that of other regions were cereals and vegetables; Mainly sources of dietary cadmium, North 1 were cereals, aquatic foods and vegetables, North 2 and South 2 were cereals and vegetables, South I were cereals, meats, aquatic foods and vegetables. Lead and cadmium concentrations in other food groups of four regions were well below the maximum levels of China national standard, except a few samples in some areas exceeded maximum levels, such as lead of eggs in South 1 region exceeded 8. 1% of maximum levels as well as cadmium of aquatic foods of in North 1 and South 1 exceeded 49.0% and 27.6% of maximum levels respectively. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the dietary lead and cadmium intakes were safe in different regions. Only lead and cadmium concentrations in a few samples of some areas exceeded maximum levels of China national standard.

[Antagonistic action of selenium against the toxicity of lead].

Selenium can antagonize lead toxicity by preventing damage from oxygen free radicals or by forming lead-selenium complex. In this review, three parts are summarized to discuss the relationship between selenium and lead toxicity: (1) The possible mechanisms of selenium protect against the toxicity of lead. (2) The antagonistic action of selenium on lead toxicity. (3). Effect of selenium in different forms on the toxicity of lead.

[Study on of dietary pesticide residues in Chinese residents].

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the change of pesticide residues in Chinese dietary through analysis on results of the pesticide residues in the Chinese total diet study carried out the first in 1990. METHODS: Organochlorine, such as HCH and DDT of 9 groups and 15 organophosphorus pesticide residues of 3 groups in four regions of China were determined by gas chromatography-electron capture detector (GC-ECD) and gas chromatography-flame photometric detector (GC-FPD) respectively. According to the amount of pesticide residues in various foods and the amount of food consumption in different areas, we calculated the amount of dietary intake of pesticide residues, then compared with the acceptable daily intake (ADI) or provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI). The contaminated samples were validated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). RESULTS: Results showed that the total dietary daily intake of HCH per person was decreasing from 5.04 micro g in 1990 to 3.11 micro g in 2000, where as the total dietary daily intake of DDT per person was decreasing from 20.47 micro g in 1990 to 2.15 micro g in 2000. The result was less than 1 percent difference of PTDI (0.01 mg/kg bw) established by the Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR) in 2000. Compared to the results in 1990, the intake of HCH from animal foods increased a little, due to the contaminated of aquatic products by Lindan in the second Southern region and the first Northern region. None of the organophosphorous pesticide residues analyzed were detected in cereals, vegetables and fruits. CONCLUSION: The intake level of pesticide residues in Chinese dietary in 2000 was considered to be low, and the abuse of organophosphorous pesticide seemed to be under effective control.

[Study on the effect of NaFeEDTA on preventing lead poisoning in rats and its impact on zinc, copper].

In order to explore the effect of sodium iron ethylenediaminetetraacetate (NaFeEDTA) on preventing rats from lead poisoning and reducing the lead toxicity, and at the same time to explore its impact on zinc and copper, sixty Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups including blank control group, model control group, positive control group and three different level NaFeEDTA (high, middle and low) groups. With the exception of the blank control group, which only received double distilled water treatment throughout the experiment, all the other rats were continuously treated with lead solution. At the same time, with the exception of the blank and model control groups, the other four groups were treated with acidi dimercaptosuccinici (DMSA), high, middle and low level NaFeEDTA solutions respectively. At the end of the study, several indicators were determined. The results showed that the hemoglobin levels in the three different level NaFeEDTA groups were significantly higher than those of the other four groups and at the same time the lead levels in blood and organs were lower than those of model group significantly. There were significant reverse correlations between iron supplement and the lead levels in liver, kidney and tibia among the three different level NaFeEDTA groups, and the correlation coefficients were -0.4432, -0.6134 and -0.3878 respectively. There were no significant differences in zinc levels and copper levels between the three level NaFeEDTA groups and the negative control group except the brain zinc levels in the middle and high level NaFeEDTA groups were lower and the kidney copper level in the low level NaFeEDTA group was higher than those of the model control group. It is concluded that the NaFeEDTA can effectively improve hemoglobin level, prevent rats from lead poisoning and reduce the lead toxicity. At the same time, NaFeEDTA does not have significant influence on zinc and copper levels in rats.

[Comparison on intake status of harmful elements between China and some developed countries].

There are plenty of harmful elements in the environment. Many of harmful elements tend to accumulate in human body and long-term exposure to high level of these elements may do harm to people's health. Therefore, surveillance on intake of harmful elements has been carrying out by many countries. The intake, contents in food and dietary sources of harmful elements were assessed and compared between China and some developed countries in this paper. It is very urgent for China to take relevant measures to reduce the intake of lead and aluminum in people, especially in children. To reduce lead and aluminum contents in cereal can effectively improve their intake status in China.

[Application of microwave dissolution and inductively coupled plasma-MS spectrometry for determination of ultra-trace level of lanthanides in human rib].

A new method for the determination of ultra-trace level of lanthanides such as La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm Yb and Lu in human rib is explored. Closed-vessel microwave digestion with concentrated HNO3 is used for the sample preparation and the digested analyte is directly analyzed by ICP-MS. The method is sensitive and accurate and, is efficient for the determination of the fourteen lanthanides listed above. Detection limit for various elements ranges from 0.0007 microgram/L to 0.005 microgram/L. Calibration plots exhibit good linearity with high linear correlation coefficient r > or = 0.997. Recoveries of spiked samples ranges from 93.7% to 115.4%. Precision is < 3% RSD. Rhodium is used as the internal standard to compensate the signal suppression caused by the sample matrix. Isobaric overlap of polyatomic ions caused by matrix oxide/hydroxide of barium is corrected by interference correction factor. Two standard reference materials, namely "Human Hair GBW07601" and "Wheat Flour GBW08503" are used for quality control of the analyzed samples.

[Determination of heavy metal in Chinese herbs].

Microwave digestion system was used in digesting samples. Lead and cadmium were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Mercury was determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. Standard reference material (NBS1570), spinach powder was used as analysis quality assurance in this method, and 264 Chinese herbs (23 species) and standard reference material were determined, and satisfactory results were obtained by using this method. Averages recovery of lead, cadmium and mercury is 95.0%, 97.5% and 99.2% respectively. Limit of detection (LOD) is 0.006 mg/kg, 0.208 microgram/kg and 0.026 microgram/kg respectively for lead, cadmium and mercury. Limit of quantity (LOQ) is 0.019 mg/kg, 0.694 microgram/kg and 0.087 microgram/kg respectively for lead, cadmium and mercury. This method is also suitable to determine lead, cadmium and mercury in food.