Arsenic Speciation in Human Organs following Fatal Arsenic Trioxide Poisoning—A Case Report

Abstract

The aim of this investigation was to study the distribution of arsenic species in human organs following fatal acute intoxication by arsenic trioxide. The collected autopsy samples of most organs were ground and dried, and the total arsenic was measured by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). The arsenic species—inorganic arsenic, in the form of arsenite [As(III)] and arsenate [As(V)], and its metabolites [monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA)]—were quantified by ETAAS after extraction with methanol/water (1:1, by volume) and separation by HPLC. The results indicate that after acute intoxication, the liver and kidneys show the highest concentrations of total arsenic and that the total concentration in blood is 7- to 350-fold less concentrated than in organs. In all organs, As(III) is the predominant species, and MMA is more concentrated than DMA. MMA and DMA are more prevalent in lipidic organs (49% of total arsenic) compared with other organs (25% of total arsenic). As(V) was found in small quantities in the liver, kidneys, and blood.

Arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury levels in blood of Finnish adults and their relation to diet, lifestyle habits and sociodemographic variables

“…After absorption into the body by the lungs or the gastrointestinal tract, As is transported by the blood to other parts of the body and most of it is cleared from the blood at a very high rate. In a case of human fetal ingestion of 8 g of arsenic trioxide (approximately 3g of As), a much higher concentration of As was observed in the liver (147 µg/g) than in the kidneys (27 µg /g) or muscle, heart, spleen, pancreas, lungs or cerebellum (11-12 µg/g) (Benramdane et al 1999), while small amounts were also found in other parts of the brain (8 µg /g), skin (3 µg /g), and hemolysed blood (0.4 µg/g). Therefore, B-As is considered a useful indicator of current exposure ).…”

Modern Scientific Evidence Pertaining to Criminal Investigations in the Chosun Dynasty Era (1392–1897 A.C.E.) in Korea

“…Arsenic sulfide compound, which was called bisang in an old forensic guidebook, is a lethal poison that was used during the Chosun dynasty era. People who were sentenced to death, committed suicide, or murdered often were made to drink solutions of arsenic sulfide compounds at that time.…”

Arsenic status of cardiovascular tissues from cardiac patients

“…Despite this, the effect of arsenic on human health has been noticeable in relation to cancer effects [6][7][8][9] and the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which are recognized as typical non-cancer effects due to arsenic exposure. [10][11][12][13][14][15] Naturally occurring arsenic in the Antofagasta region at North of Chile is due to volcanic activity during the tertiary and quaternary periods in the Andes Mountain, and heavy metals delivery is principally due to copper mining activity, [16][17][18] which favors the arsenic enrichment of underground and surface waters. The most extensive copper production and contamination with arsenic occur in the area between 17º 30' and 26º 05' south latitude and between 67º 00' west longitude and the Pacific Ocean, usually at altitudes higher than 2,000 m above sea level.…”