Determination of trace elements in human liver biopsy samples by ICP–MS and TXRF: hepatic steatosis and nickel accumulation

Abstract

Human liver biopsy samples, collected from 52 individuals, were analysed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry in a retrospective study (i.e. patient selection and liver biopsy were not for the purpose of element analysis). The freeze-dried samples (typically 0.5-2 mg dry weight) were digested in a laboratory microwave digestion system and solutions with a final volume of 1 mL were prepared. The concentrations of Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, and Pb were determined by use of a Thermo Elemental X7 ICP-MS spectrometer. TXRF measurements were performed with an Atomika Extra IIA spectrometer. Yttrium was employed as an internal standard, prepared by dissolution of 5N-purity yttria (Y(2)O(3)) in our laboratory. The accuracy was tested by analysis of NIST 1577a Bovine Liver certified reference material. The concentrations of Fe, Cu, Zn, and Rb determined in human liver biopsy samples were in good agreement with data published by other authors. The distribution of nickel in the samples was surprisingly uneven-nickel concentrations ranged from 0.7 to 12 microg g(-1) (dry weight) in 38 samples and in several samples were extremely high, 36-693 microg g(-1). Analysis of replicate procedural blanks and control measurements were performed to prevent misinterpretation of the data. For patients with steatosis (n=14) Ni concentrations were consistently high except for two who had levels close to those measured for the normal group. As far as we are aware no previous literature data are available on the association of steatosis with high concentration of nickel in human liver biopsies taken from living patients.

Liver Biopsy

“…www.intechopen.com Significant correlation was found between trace element determinations and the ultrasound and histopathological data in the case of Ni (Varga et al, 2005). This finding was confirmed in the present study with a larger sample size (Fig.…”

“…The result presented in this paper demonstrated that despite of its uneven distribution, Ni concentration in human liver biopsy samples seemed to be suitable for classification of patients. Analizing trace elements by microanalitical methods in human liver biopsy samples, collected from 52 individuals in a previous work (Varga et al, 2005), a probable correlation between high nickel concentration and hepatic steatosis was found: accumulation of nickel was exclusively observed in cases of steatosis. Decreased Fe concentration was also observed in the group of patients with steatosis.…”

“…Polypropylene microvials (used for sample storage) were cleaned with 0.5 mol/l nitric acid for 1 h then rinsed with high-purity water and dried in a clean bench. The samples were digested in a laboratory microwave system according to the method described in our previous work (Varga et al, 2005). Distribution of the elements within the liver was investigated taking biopsy samples from different localizations of a cadaveric liver with steatosis with the same technique described before.…”

Heavy metal analysis in lens and aqueous humor of cataract patients by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

“…In contrast, total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) does not suffer from these matrix effects because of its lack of sensitivity for light elements and as long as the sample is small and can be dried as a homogenous residue. Studies investigating various elements in human body fluids and tissues showed excellent results (Von Bohlen et al, 1988;Marco et al, 1999;Hernandez-Caraballo and Marco-Parra, 2003;Varga et al, 2005;Stosnach and Mages, 2009). Surprisingly little is known about the presence and concentration of heavy metals in ocular tissue and how it influences vision and acuity.…”

Development and Characterization of a Portable Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence System Using a Waveguide for Trace Elements Analysis

“…2 According to Alov,3 diverse substances can be analyzed by TXRF; therefore, it makes sense to combine them into several groups: natural (water, soil, deposits, aerosols, and plants); [4][5][6] geological and mineralogical (ore, mineral raw materials, and crystals); [7][8][9] technological (petroleum and petroleum products, metals and melts, thin films, polymers, chemicals, and wastes); [10][11] and biomedical (blood, serum, urine, and human tissue). [12][13][14][15] Furthermore, wine, 16 archaeological, [17][18] art, 19 and forensic samples 20 can also be analyzed by TXRF. Synchrotron radiation or rotating anode X-ray sources have been used for the detection of low amounts of elements by TXRF.…”