Comparative metal distribution in scalp hair of Pakistani and Irish referents and diabetes mellitus patients

Abstract

Background: The essential metals, chromium (Cr), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn), are necessary for many metabolic processes and their homeostasis is crucial for life. The toxic metals, cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), have no beneficial role in human metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of Cd, Cr, Mg, Mn, Pb, and Zn in scalp hair samples of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients of both genders, ages ranging from 30 to 50 y, and belong to urban areas of Ireland and Pakistan. For comparison purposes, age matched non-diabetic subjects of both countries were selected as referents. Methods: The concentrations of metals in scalp hair samples were measured by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer and atomic absorption spectrophotometer after microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity and accuracy of the methodology were checked by conventional wet-acid-digestion method and using certified reference materials. Results: The mean values of Cd and Pb were significantly higher in scalp hair samples of both Pakistani and Irish diabetic patients as compared to referents of both countries (P<0.001). In contrast, lower Cr, Mg, Mn, and Zn (P<0.01) concentrations were detected in scalp hair derived from patients with type 2 diabetes versus healthy subjects of both countries. Conclusion: This study showed that, increased toxic elements and decreased essential elements are associated with diabetes mellitus. Therefore, these elements may play a role in the development and pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus.

Quantification of Some Trace Elements in The Scalp Hair of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

“…Similar results have been reported by other studies (11,16,20). Epidemiological studies showed a high prevalence of hypomagnesemia and lower intracellular Mg concentration in patients with DM (21).…”

“…This result was consistent with the findings of different authors (11,14). Hyperglycemia and high levels of insulin increase Cr excretion; thus, low hair levels of Cr may be seen in patients with DM (14).…”

“…Also, significantly higher Cu levels, lower Zn levels, higher values of Cu/Zn ratio, and also lower Cr, Mn, and Mg levels were found in patients with DM compared with healthy subjects (9,10). The present study found the hair Zn concentrations to be significantly lower in patients with DM than in control healthy subjects, which is consistent with the findings of different authors (6,11,12), who demonstrated low scalp hair Zn concentration in patients with DM; this might be due to the long-term Zn deficiency in the patients. Because of a lack of a specific organ for Zn reserve, its daily intake is needed.…”

“…The results showed a significant difference between hair Mn levels in patients with DM and control subjects, which is consistent with the findings of different investigators (8,11,16). DM, being a degenerative disease, may be initiated as a result of peroxidation caused by free radicals.…”

Assessment of environmental and occupational exposure to heavy metals in Taranto and other provinces of Southern Italy by means of scalp hair analysis

“…High concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and Pb were found in scalp hair samples of diabetic patients in Pakistan and Ireland (Afridi et al 2013). The involvement of metals has also been implicated in the development of Parkinson's disease (Bocca et al 2006).…”