Multi-elemental analysis of human lung samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract

The aim of this study was to establish concentrations of a wide range of elements in human lung samples to allow better identification of potential exposures in subsequent cases. This study reports concentrations of 48 elements (Al, As, Au, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Br, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, Hg, In, Li, Mn, Mo, Nb, Ni, Os, Pb, Pd, Pt, Rb, Re, Ru, Sb, Se, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ta, Te, Ti, Tl, Tm, V, W, Y, Zn and Zr) in fresh lung tissue samples from 54 hospital patients, of which 93% exhibited various forms of neoplasia. The lung samples were taken from unaffected, background tissue. The samples were stored as fresh tissue in alcohol, dried and microwave digested before analysis by inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). It was possible to establish 95th percentiles for all elements except for rhenium and for 40 elements mixed effects modelling was undertaken. Overall, the levels reported are commensurate with ranges for those elements that had been reported previously. The data were examined for gender, smoking and occupational exposures to metals. The results show that males have higher lung concentrations of Ni, Cr, Gd, Au and Be than females, but significantly lower lung concentrations of Co, Sn, W and In. Cadmium lung concentrations were significantly higher in smokers. Platinum lung concentrations were higher in those who had undergone chemotherapy and gadolinium concentrations were predictably high in those who had undergone imaging scans. More essential elements such as Cu, Br, Fe and also Ge varied the least within lung samples from individuals whilst Be, Hf and Pt had the greatest variances. Between individuals V and Li lung concentrations varied the most, whilst Cu varied least. Analysis of the data for those who reported as having previously worked with metals showed 24 of the 48 elements determined were higher than those from those who had not reported working with metals.

Copper(II)-Induced Restructuring of ZnuD, a Zinc(II) Transporter from Neisseria meningitidis

“…How about the metal binding specificity to this “fishing net” region? The relative concentrations of Zn­(II) and Cu­(II) vary in different tissues, but, as a rule, there is always a significant excess of Zn­(II) over Cu­(II)in esophageal tissue, the concentration of Zn­(II) is four times higher than that of Cu­(II); in the lung tissue (which might be of potential relevance in meningococcal pneumonia), the concentration of Zn­(II) is about 1 order of magnitude higher than that of Cu­(II) . In a hypothetical situation, in which quasi-physiological concentrations of the metal ions and the studied ligand are present in the lung (a 10-fold excess of Zn­(II) over Cu­(II) ions , ) Ac-FHDDDNAHAHTHS-NH 2 was still more likely to bind Cu­(II) over Zn­(II) (Figure S7).…”

Biodistribution of upconversion/magnetic silica-coated NaGdF4:Yb3+/Er3+nanoparticles in mouse models

“…In fact, the nanoparticles are actively investigated not only for therapeutic purposes 38 but also in terms of undesirable particle penetration into the organs, such as the lung and brain, due to the environmental pollution, as well as particle accumulation/elimination by the reticuloendothelial system. 39,40 Our investigation provides the rst useful information on the biocompatibility of the newly synthetized NaGdF 4 :Yb 3+ / Er 3+ @SiO 2 nanoparticles and their vascular localization in the evaluated organs even 24 h aer the administration. This is important for prospective applications of Gd compounds not only for MRI, but also for efficient targeting of pathological neoangiogenesis (cancer, diabetic retinopathy, etc.)…”

Carbon nanomaterial-derived lung burden analysis using UV-Vis spectrophotometry and proteinase K digestion

“…In addition, most organ burden analysis of metal-based nanomaterials use acid digestions to lyse the organ tissues and nanomaterials [20,21]. However, this method cannot discriminate between nanomaterial-derived metal ions and tissue-derived metals or bio-persistent nanomaterials from dissolved ions [22,23]. For example, the iron concentration collected by acid digestion of organs treated with iron oxide nanomaterials can be derived from iron in the organ, iron from dissolved iron oxide in the body fluid such as lysosomal fluid, or iron from bio-persistent iron oxide.…”