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

Abstract

(2014). Heavy metal analysis in lens and aqueous humor of cataract patients by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry . Powder Diffraction, 29, pp 155-158. doi:10.1017/ S0885715614000281. Heavy Metal Analysis In Lens And Aqueous Humor Of Cataract Patients By Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence SpectrometryMartina Schmeling, Bruce I. Gaynes, And Susanne Tidow-Kebritchi The human eye is continuously exposed to the environment yet little is known about how much of toxins, specifically heavy metals are present in its different parts and how they influence vision and acuity. To shed light into this subject, aqueous humor and lens samples were collected from 14 cataract patients to study the presence and concentration of selected metals in the eye. Subjects undergoing routine cataract surgery were consecutively enrolled for study by simple random sampling. Prior to surgery, subject demographic were compiled. The surgical procedure involved small incision cataract removal using phacoemulsification. During the procedure, a small aliquot of aqueous humor was retained for analysis, whereas homogenized lens fragments were obtained during phacoemulsification. A balanced salt solution was used as control for each set of samples. Both ocular specimens were analyzed by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry after dilution and addition of an internal standard. The data obtained show substantial variations in elemental signature between the two media (aqueous humor and lens) and the patients themselves. Most commonly found heavy metals in both types of media were chromium and manganese. Barium was found in the lens, but not in aqueous tissue, whereas nickel was found only in the aqueous humor. Concentrations were generally higher in aqueous samples. Further study and increased sample size are required to more accurately elucidate the relationship between systemic and ocular metal accumulation and the impact of metal accumulation on measures of visual function and ocular disease.

Levels of Trace Elements in the Aqueous Humor of Cataract Patients Measured by the Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry

“…Schmeling et al [31] analyzed the aqueous humor and lens samples collected from 14 cataract patients to study the presence and concentration of selected heavy metals via the use of total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (TXRF). The data obtained show that the most commonly found metals in both analyzed media were chromium and manganese.…”

Atomic spectrometry update: review of advances in the analysis of clinical and biological materials, foods and beverages

“…122 Chromium and Ni were found in both sample types, Ba only in lens with Ni only in aqueous humour. 122 Chromium and Ni were found in both sample types, Ba only in lens with Ni only in aqueous humour.…”

2015 Atomic Spectrometry Update – a review of advances in X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and their applications

“…First, the wound model was developed by placing a liquid blood phantom on an epoxy resin wound phantom contaminated with Pb, which was used as the substitute model contaminant in place of radioactive heavy atoms. Schmeling et al 377 conducted TXRF measurements on the lens and aqueous humor of 14 cataract patients, to study the presence and concentration of selected metals in the eye. At a maximum equivalent dose of 16.5 mSv to the wound and blood thickness of 0.5 mm, the method detection limit value for Pb was 1.2 mg g À1 (3.1 nmol).…”