The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction is higher in the older adults as compared to the younger population. An excess or deficiency of chemical element contents in thyroid plays an important role in goitro-and carcinogenesis of gland. The variation with age of the mass fraction of twenty chemical elements in intact thyroid of 72 males (mean age 37.8 years, range 2-80 years) was investigated. Measurements were performed using neutron activation analysis and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Tissue samples were divided into two portions. One was used for morphological study while the other was intended for chemical element analysis. This work revealed that there is a statistically significant increase in Ca and I mass fraction, as well as a decrease in Al, B, Ba, K, Li, Mn, and P mass fraction in the normal thyroid of male during a lifespan. Results of the study showed that for older males there is a goitrogenic and carcinogenic association with inadequate levels of the thyroid parenchymal chemical elements as Al,

Objective: Subclinical hypothyroidism does affect fertility. The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism is 10-15 times more common in women than in men. Many chemical elements play important role in thyroid function and fertility. The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate whether significant differences of chemical element contents exist between female and male thyroids and how they can be related to the etiology of subclinical hypothyroidism.Methods: Thyroid tissue levels of Br, Ca, Cl, I, K, Mg, Mn, and Na were prospectively evaluated in 105 healthy persons (33 females and 72 males). Tissue samples were used for chemical element measurements, employing instrumental neutron activation analysis with high resolution spectrometry of short-lived radionuclides.Results: It was found that the Br thyroid content of females was significantly higher than that of males, while the Ca and Mg contents were lower. Conclusion:Inappropriate content of intra-thyroidal Br, Ca and Mg can be associated with the etiology of female subclinical hypothyroidism.

Objective: Chronic prostatitis (CP) is an internationally important health problem of the man, particularly in developed countries. The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate whether significant changes in the levels of Zn and some other trace elements of prostatic fluid exist in the inflamed prostate. Methods: Prostatic fluid levels of Br, Fe, Rb, Sr, and Zn were prospectively evaluated in 33 patients with CP and 42 healthy male inhabitants. Measurements were performed using 109 Cd radionuclide-induced energy dispersive X-ray fluorescent microanalysis. Prostatic fluid samples were divided into two portions. One was used for cytological and bacteriological investigations while the other was intended for trace element analysis. Results: Mean values ± standard error of means (M ± SΕΜ) for concentration (mg/L) of trace element in the expressed prostatic fluid (EPF) of normal prostate were: Br 2.86 ± 0.59, Fe 8.30 ± 1.42, Rb 1.16 ± 0.10, Sr 1.27 ± 0.17, and Zn 598 ± 34. It was observed that in the EPF of inflamed prostate content of Rb significantly increased whereas content of Zn decreased in a comparison with those in the EPF of normal prostate. Conclusions: There are significant changes in trace element contents and their relationships in the fluid of CP prostate. The alterations in levels of Zn and Rb in the EPF of inflamed prostate might demonstrate an involvement of these trace elements in etiology and pathogenesis of CP. It was supposed that the changes of Zn and Rb levels in the EPF samples can be used as CP markers.