Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology最新文献

{"title":"Impact of preeclampsia on mineral status in rats","authors":"Joanna Suliburska,&nbsp;Rafsan Cholik","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127801","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127801","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to assess the influence of preeclampsia on mineral homeostasis in a rat model of preeclampsia. Twelve-week-old female pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were divided into two groups: healthy rats (CH, n = 6) and preeclamptic rats (CP, n = 6). The rat model of preeclampsia was induced by NG-nitro-Larginine-methyl-ester (<span>L</span>-NAME). Blood pressure (systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP)) was measured at 18 gestational days (GD) using a non-invasive blood pressure system CODA (Kent Scientific). At 19 GD final body mass was measured then rats were euthanised by decapitation and tissues and blood samples were collected. Body mass, relative tissue mass (% of body mass), fetus, and placenta mass were measured. Morphological and biochemical parameters were assayed in blood in the certified diagnostic laboratory. Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg, iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) content in tissues were determined using flame atomic spectrometry (ZA 3000 Hitachi) after mineralization in a Microwave Digestion system (Mars 2™ System). Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism. The systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in preeclamptic rats compared to the healthy group. The relative mass of the liver was markedly lower in the CP group than in the CH group. The ratio between platelets and lymphocytes, and neutrophils and lymphocytes were significantly higher in preeclamptic rats than in the control group. <span>L</span>-NAME treatment significantly increased Ca concentration in placenta and kidney and markedly decreased content of Cain liver. Mg content in kidney was significant higher and Cu concentration in fetus was significantly lower in CP than in CH group. The significant positive correlations were found between SBP and Ca content in placenta and kidney (respectively). The reverse correlations between Ca concentration in liver and SBP and between Cu content in fetus and SBP was observed. Correlations were found between the content of elements in tissues and morphological parameters reflecting inflammation and hypoxia. In conclusion, preeclampsia may disturb minerals content in maternal and fetal tissues in rats. Changes in mineral status in preeclampsia may be related to inflammation and hypoxia. It seems that Ca may play a role in regulating systolic blood pressure in preeclamptic rats.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"93 ","pages":"Article 127801"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145685665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An overview of lead toxicity and its therapeutic strategies","authors":"Pushkar Singh Rawat ,&nbsp;Shalini Singh","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127815","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127815","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lead (Pb) is recognized as one of the most prevalent metals found in the Earth’s crust. Its affordability and easy accessibility have led to its extensive use in various industrial applications. Over recent decades, the global issue of heavy metal pollution has escalated, despite increased awareness. This situation is particularly concerning in developing nations, where Pb toxicity poses a significant threat to public health. A critical challenge in addressing Pb toxicity lies in its diagnosis, as it often presents asymptomatically, with many symptoms overlapping with other medical conditions. Blood Pb levels (BLLs) serve as a primary diagnostic test, while additional screening methods assess hematological alteration, including the breakdown of RBCs, elevated coproporphyrin levels, zinc protoporphyrin, and urinary porphyrins, among others. This review intends to outline the systemic toxicity of Pb, emphasizing its impact on various systems, including the Respiratory, Hematological, Nervous, Cardiovascular, Hepatic, Renal, Skeletal, and Reproductive systems. Additionally, this article also examines its genotoxic effect and associated cancer risks. Consequently, there is an urgent need to investigate alternative prevention strategies against Pb toxicity, particularly through dietary supplementation. This review focuses on the vital role of dietary supplements in mitigating Pb toxicity and highlights advanced management approaches. It thoroughly examines the protective effects of phytochemicals, vitamins, probiotics, essential metals, edible plants, and other nutritional supplements in combating Pb toxicity. Furthermore, it discusses advanced chelation therapies utilizing various chelating agents such as CaNa₂EDTA, DMPS, succimer, <span>D</span>-penicillamine, and dimercaprol in a dedicated section. The findings of the present review work indicate that incorporating nutrient supplements into regular diet plans is both straightforward and cost-effective, with fewer side effects compared to alternative treatments. Therefore, these protective strategies are deemed effective and beneficial in reducing the impact of Pb toxicity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"93 ","pages":"Article 127815"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association of iodine nutritional status with thyroid nodules and papillary thyroid carcinoma in women from an iodine-sufficient region in Brazil: A cross-sectional center study","authors":"Ivia Fonseca ,&nbsp;Aline Larcher de Almeida ,&nbsp;Patrícia Borges dos Santos ,&nbsp;Natalia Treistman ,&nbsp;Tales Aprigio ,&nbsp;Mario Vaisman ,&nbsp;Ana Paula Aguiar Vidal ,&nbsp;Patrícia de Fátima dos Santos Teixeira ,&nbsp;Nathalie Silva de Morais","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127816","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127816","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate the association of iodine nutritional status with TNs, and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in women attending an outpatient clinic at a university hospital in an iodine-sufficient region of Brazil. Additionally, the urinary iodine status was evaluated in patients with PTC and BRAF mutation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Cross-sectional study including 133 women who underwent thyroid ultrasound and urinary iodine concentration (UIC) measurement. The diagnosis of PTC was confirmed by histopathology, and the BRAF V600E mutation was assessed through immunohistochemistry in patients with classical PTC.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A UIC &gt; 300 µg/L was an independent risk factor for the presence of TNs (odds ratio [OR] 3.42, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.10–10.66 p = 0.033) and for the occurrence of PTC (OR 3.90, 95 % CI 1.00–15.42, p = 0.05). The BRAF V600E mutation was present in 50 % of the analyzed PTCs, with frequencies of 33.3 %, 50.0 %, and 75.0 % among participants with insufficient, adequate, and more than adequate iodine levels, respectively. The median UIC was higher in patients with the follicular subtype of PTC compared with those with the classical subtype (318.1 µg/L vs. 207.1 µg/L, respectively; p = 0.048). A high frequency of UIC values ≥ 300 µg/L also was found in patients with the follicular subtype of PTC (83.3 %).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In an iodine-sufficient area, UIC values ≥ 300 µg/L suggested an association with the presence of TNs and PTC. A high frequency of iodine excessive status was observed in patients with follicular subtype. However, none of the patients with presence of the BRAFV 600E mutation presented excessive iodine status.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"93 ","pages":"Article 127816"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145925278","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influence of feeding zones and seasonal dynamics on metal bioaccumulation and human health risk assessment in riverine fish","authors":"Javed Ahmed Ujan ,&nbsp;Madeeha Arshad ,&nbsp;Fariha Latif ,&nbsp;Abdur Rahim ,&nbsp;Saira Naz ,&nbsp;Mohamed Mohany ,&nbsp;Salim S. Al-Rejaie","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127814","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127814","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Metal pollution poses a significant ecological and public health concern due to its persistence, non-biodegradability, and potential for biomagnification through aquatic food webs. This study investigated the influence of feeding zones and seasonal variations on metal bioaccumulation in six fish species (<em>Sperata seenghala</em>, <em>Cyprinus carpio</em>, <em>Labeo rohita</em>, <em>Hypophthalmichthys nobilis</em>, <em>Catla catla</em>, and <em>Hypophthalmichthys molitrix</em>), collected seasonally (December 2023-November 2024) from the Jinnah Barrage on the Indus River, Pakistan, using different nets. Concentrations of Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, Zn, and Hg were analyzed in fish muscle, water, and sediment using ICP-MS and CV-AAS. Statistical analyses, including two-way ANOVA and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), were used to evaluate the effects of season and feeding zone on metal accumulation patterns. Results revealed that the bottom feeders accumulated significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher levels of Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cr than column and surface feeders, reflecting greater sediment exposure. Concentrations of Pb and Cd exceeded the WHO/FAO permissible limits in all seasons across different feeding zones, while Cr levels were higher during winter, spring, and autumn in bottom-feeding species. Seasonal variations were also significant (p &lt; 0.05), with metal levels in fish peaking during winter and autumn and declining in summer. In contrast, water and sediment exhibited the highest metal concentrations during summer, likely due to low flow and higher metal retention in fish during colder months. PCA revealed apparent seasonal clustering between biotic and abiotic compartments. Bioconcentration factors were highest for Hg and Cr, particularly in bottom feeders during summer. Health risk assessment showed Hazard Index (HI) &gt; 1 in winter and autumn for several species (mainly due to Hg, Pb, and Cd), with children at highest risk. The findings revealed that both feeding habits and seasonal conditions regulate metal accumulation in fish, necessitating ongoing monitoring and mitigation strategies for consumer safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"93 ","pages":"Article 127814"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145835826","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Iron: A double-edged sword of female reproductive health","authors":"Rui Mao ,&nbsp;Dan Yin ,&nbsp;Wenbo Lv ,&nbsp;Die Wang ,&nbsp;Ying Ouyang ,&nbsp;Cuilan Zhou ,&nbsp;Jun Liu ,&nbsp;Suyun Li ,&nbsp;Yunhua Zhu ,&nbsp;Ping Yu ,&nbsp;Hongqing Liao ,&nbsp;Cuiying Peng","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127808","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127808","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Iron is an essential micronutrient element for human. It participates in energy metabolism, enzyme activation, immune system and other metabolic functions. In this review, the potential role of iron in female reproductive health were considered. The effects of iron on female reproduction in this review are divided into two aspects: the effects of iron deficiency and iron overload. Iron deficiency and iron overload can affect the health of pregnant women and their babies. It will be discussed from three aspects, namely pregnant woman's health, fetal development and placental function. During iron overload, the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation can damage female germ cells and tissues. Ferroptosis is a novel form of cell death that distinguishes apoptosis, autophagy and necrosis. It is dependent on iron overload and lipid peroxidation. It is currently a research hotspot. It has been shown that ferroptosis is associated with many female reproductive disease like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis (EMs), endometrial cancer (EC), ovarian cancer (OC) and premature ovarian failure (POF), which in turn to lead female infertility. However, the mechanism of this process is not fully understood. In this review, the occurrence mechanism of ferroptosis and the relationship between ferroptosis and these female reproductive disease will also be discussed. In a word, this review focuses on the effects of iron deficiency and iron overload on female reproduction, and the purpose of this review is to provide a reference for treatment of female reproductive disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"93 ","pages":"Article 127808"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145776907","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Environmental trace metals contamination near a copper mining area from central-west region of Romania","authors":"Florica Emilia Morariu ,&nbsp;Eugen Cătălin Zoican ,&nbsp;Marinel Nicolae Horablaga ,&nbsp;Nicolae Florin Popa ,&nbsp;Romeo T. Cristina ,&nbsp;Eugenia Dumitrescu ,&nbsp;Catalin Cicerone Grigorescu ,&nbsp;Adina Horablaga ,&nbsp;Sorin Morariu","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127780","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127780","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background and objective&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The rising global demand for metals has intensified mining operations, resulting in considerable environmental pollution by heavy metals in soils and water bodies, which endangers ecosystems and human health. While heavy metals are naturally present in soils and aquatic environments, human activities such as mining and smelting have significantly disrupted their biogeochemical cycles, causing increased concentrations that pose threats to both the environment and public health. This study focuses on assessing the levels of trace and heavy metals in river water and soils in a Romanian copper mining region, as well as examining their bioaccumulation in soils, aquatic organisms, and plants. The findings aim to provide essential data to support environmental management and remediation efforts.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This study examines environmental metal contamination in the vicinity of a copper mining area located in the Central-West Region of Romania. Samples—including water, mud, soil, fish, and Salix alba leaves—were collected from upstream (UPS), downstream (DWS), and the confluence point (RJ) of the Aries and Abrud rivers within Alba County. Sampling sites encompassed various locations near the mining operations along the river, as well as a reference site approximately 200 km southwest (SW) in a non-mining area. All samples were analyzed using a PerkinElmer AAPinacle 900 T atomic absorption spectrometer. Additionally, concentration factors and pollution load indices for water, mud, and soil were calculated, along with bioaccumulation factors for fish and Salix alba leaves.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Our analyses revealed elevated levels of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) exceeding Romanian water quality standards, while mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) remained below standard thresholds. The contamination factor (CF) indicated higher concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, Hg, Cd, and Pb in the mining vicinity compared to non-mining areas, with increased CF observed downstream and at the river junction, suggesting significant pollutant dispersion. The pollution load index (PLI) corroborated these findings, showing elevated pollution levels in water, soil, and mud samples near the mining site. Bioaccumulation assessments demonstrated a bioconcentration factor (BAF) greater than one for Hg, Cd, and Pb in Salix alba leaves from all sampling points, indicating bioaccumulation, whereas Fe exhibited lower BAF values. In fish, BAFs for Cu, Zn, Hg, and Pb exceeded one across all areas, confirming accumulation, while Fe showed limited bioaccumulation. Notably, cadmium bioaccumulation was detected only upstream and at the river junction, with no accumulation downstream.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;These findings highlight the impact of copper mining activities on environmental metal distribution and bioaccumulation in local biota, underscoring the need for ongoing monito","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 127780"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145417359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Response to Letter to the editor: Sex difference in the association between dietary iron intake and bone mineral density in adolescents aged 12–19: A cross-sectional study","authors":"Keyi Li,&nbsp;Jun Han,&nbsp;Jinyu Zhu,&nbsp;Xiang Zhu,&nbsp;Yanfang Zhong,&nbsp;Zefeng Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127797","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127797","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 127797"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145461067","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Metallothionein 2A alleviates ulcerative colitis by inhibiting ferroptosis in intestinal epithelial cells with Tfrc downregulation","authors":"Siqi Hua ,&nbsp;Shuangshuang Song ,&nbsp;Chunhao Yang ,&nbsp;Jingwen Xu ,&nbsp;Zhonghua Li ,&nbsp;Bo Zhu ,&nbsp;Zichun Hua","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127746","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127746","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Ferroptosis has emerged as a critical pathogenic mechanism in ulcerative colitis (UC). Metallothioneins (MTs), known for their redox regulatory functions, may protect against ferroptosis in UC. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted comprehensive investigations combining a bioinformatics analysis of a human UC dataset (GSE243625) with experimental validations using DSS-induced murine colitis models and RSL3-treated HCT116 human colon epithelial cells. Our experimental approaches included immunohistochemical analysis of MT2 expression, assessment of ferroptosis markers, evaluation of mitochondrial function, measurement of mitochondrial redox status and Fe²⁺, and profiling of protein expression. The therapeutic potential of ZnO nanoparticles was evaluated <em>in vivo</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant downregulation of all nine MT family members in UC patients, with the most pronounced suppression occurring in active disease. This finding was corroborated in murine models, which showed reduced colonic MT2 expression following DSS treatment. Cellular studies demonstrated that MT2A overexpression provides robust protection against RSL3-induced ferroptosis, evidenced by a reduction in lipid peroxidation, preservation of mitochondrial integrity, and decreased accumulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. Mechanistically, MT2A modulated cellular iron homeostasis by downregulating transferrin receptor (Tfrc). Importantly, the oral administration of ZnO nanoparticles effectively restored MT2 expression, downregulated Tfrc, attenuated ferroptosis, and significantly alleviated colitis symptoms in vivo.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our findings establish MT2A as a crucial regulator of ferroptosis in UC pathogenesis and identify ZnO nanoparticle-mediated MT2 induction and Tfrc downregulation as a promising therapeutic strategy. This study provides novel insights into the MT2A-ferroptosis axis and its potential translational applications for UC treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 127746"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145050555","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of the quantitative performance of different spectroscopic techniques for multielemental analysis of nail and hair samples: A comparative study","authors":"João Silva ,&nbsp;Eva Marguí ,&nbsp;Romain Guillemaut ,&nbsp;Jasna Jablan ,&nbsp;Alessandro Migliori ,&nbsp;Paula Kasprzyk ,&nbsp;Joaquim J. Ferreira ,&nbsp;Sofia Pessanha","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127751","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127751","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The accurate detection and quantification of elemental content in skin appendages, such as, hair and nails are pivotal in biomedical research, including disease diagnostics, environmental exposure monitoring, and forensic investigations.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study evaluates and compares the suitability of different sample treatments and four spectroscopic techniques—Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF), Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) for multielemental analysis of these biological tissues. Making use of different Certified Reference Materials (CRMs), the performance of the developed methods was assessed based on their sensitivity, precision, range of detectable elements, and the extent of sample preparation required.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>EDXRF method is suited for rapid and non-destructive determination of light elements present at relatively high concentrations – Sulfur (S), Chlorine (Cl), Potassium (K) and Calcium (Ca) – in hair and nail samples. TXRF provides information of most of the elements present in the target samples, including Bromine (Br), but the determination of light element (i.e, Phosphorus (P), S, Cl) is not feasible. Finally, the proposed ICP-OES/ICP-MS method is useful for the determination of major, minor and trace elements, except chlorine.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This comparative study reveals the distinct strengths, range of elements and suitable applications of each technique, providing a valuable framework for selecting appropriate methods based on specific analytical needs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 127751"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145097746","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Relationship between heavy metals and miRNAs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma","authors":"Andrea Pisano ,&nbsp;Angela Sabalic ,&nbsp;Giovanni Forte ,&nbsp;Grazia Fenu ,&nbsp;Beatrice Bocca ,&nbsp;Federica Etzi ,&nbsp;Davide Tutedde ,&nbsp;Claudia Trignano ,&nbsp;Giovanni Fiorito ,&nbsp;Peter Massányi ,&nbsp;Roberto Madeddu","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127754","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127754","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive cancers, characterized by poor prognosis due to the late diagnosis and chemotherapy resistance. Both genetic and environmental factors, including heavy metals exposure are involved in PDAC development. In this study, we evaluated the association between a panel of miRNAs and metals with PDAC, and subsequently assessed their correlation using Spearman’s test to investigate potential biological links. miRNA expression was analysed in the serum of PDAC patients (n = 37) compared to healthy controls (n = 20), as well as in tumour biopsies (n = 23) versus adjacent healthy tissue (n = 21). For metals, whole blood and tumour biopsies were examined and compared with their respective healthy counterparts. The metals considered were cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se); the analysed miRNAs included miR-361–3p, miR-320d, miR-20b–5p, miR-4486, miR-216a–5p, miR-216b–5p, miR-324–5p, miR-125a–5p. Our results showed that miR-320d, miR-20b–5p, miR-4486, miR-216a–5p and miR-216b–5p were significantly overexpressed in PDAC serum samples compared to controls as well as PDAC patients showed high concentration of Cr and Cu. On the other hand, no significant differences were reported between PDAC biopsies and healthy counterpart. However, higher concentration of Cu, Fe, Se, and Zn were observed in tumour samples. Spearman's Rank Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between miR-216a-5p and Mn, Cd and Zn and negative correlation with miR-320d and miR-361–3p in tissue samples. While in serum, miR-361–3p was positively correlated with Cu, suggesting a potential link between oxidative stress regulation and PDAC development. This study suggests that specific miRNAs correlate with metals in PDAC, such as miR-361–3p with Cu and miR-216a-5p with Mn, hinting at a potential role of metal homeostasis in tumour-related pathways. However, these findings warrant further validation and functional studies, and may provide novel insights for biomarker development and therapeutic strategies in PDAC.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 127754"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145159457","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}