Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology最新文献

{"title":"Harnessing the anti and pro-oxidants potential of selenium","authors":"Dibyajyoti Nath ,&nbsp;Sayali Biradar ,&nbsp;Sumit Sow ,&nbsp;Shiva Nath Suman ,&nbsp;Vipin Kumar ,&nbsp;Shivani Ranjan ,&nbsp;Santosh Kumar Singh ,&nbsp;Hemlata Singh ,&nbsp;Ranjan Laik ,&nbsp;Mainak Ghosh ,&nbsp;Lalita Rana","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127827","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127827","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Selenium is an essential trace element with a dual role in plant physiology; it acts either as a pro-oxidant or as an antioxidant depending on its concentration and chemical form. A plant assimilates Se present in the soil, which constitutes the main determining factor for its availability due to the presence of different forms (e.g. selenite, selenate, organic Se). Efficient uptake facilitates the assimilation of Se mostly through sulfate transporter genes. Once inside the plant, selenium undergoes complex speciation, transforming into organic compounds like selenomethionine and selenocysteine, which are then distributed throughout the plant tissues. As an antioxidant, selenium plays a crucial role in enhancing plant stress tolerance. Being part of selenoenzymes, e.g. glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), selenium can neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced inside the cells, protecting them from oxidative deterioration. Selenium treatment enhances the enzyme activities of antioxidation and the accumulation of non-enzymatic antioxidants in plants, thus improving resistance to abiotic stress such as drought, salinity, and heavy metal toxicity. Reaching a higher level, selenium opposes its antioxidant activity and turns into pro-oxidants. Selenium toxicity in plants is characterized by a redox imbalance, causing excessive production of certain types of ROS and their related oxidative stress. This pro-oxidant activity further compounds cellular damage since it may disrupt the metabolism of essential metals. To apply selenium safely, it is important to know precisely at what concentrations it ceases to have beneficial effects on health. Despite these challenges, selenium biofortification may be a good method to improve the nutritional quality of crops and to uplift human health. Selenium-enriched crops are one of the key food sources of this vital trace element necessary for antioxidant defense and immune function in humans. Future research should focus on optimizing selenium biofortification protocols to maximize the antioxidant properties of selenium while minimizing the risk of pro-oxidant effects so as to promote sustainable agriculture and human nutrition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 127827"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146127742","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Divulging the hidden risks of trace and heavy elements in sports nutritional supplements; a comprehensive study targeted with health risk evaluation","authors":"Adel Ehab Ibrahim ,&nbsp;Samy G. Alamir ,&nbsp;Mohamed Al-Omairi ,&nbsp;Galal Magdy ,&nbsp;Hany A. Batakoushy ,&nbsp;Ahmed Al-Harrasi","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127853","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127853","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The sports dietary supplements market is growing globally, with a typical 36–85% of athletes consuming these products. Various types of products are being marketed under different classes. However, as nutritional supplements, they don’t require regulatory approval in most developing countries as well as some western communities before releasing them into the market.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing sports dietary supplements, as they can significantly influence the nutritional status and health of humans.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study investigates 18 essential (Cr, Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, Co, Ca, K, Mg and Na) and other toxic (As, Al, Ba, B, Cd, Ni, Pb and Si) metal contents, in 23 sports supplements marketed in Oman for the first time. ICP-OES was utilized, preceded by a microwave digestion technique. The method was validated within linear ranges of 0.03–15.00 and 10.00–250.00 ppm for micro- and macro-elements. Risk assessments were performed using the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Al, Ba, Cu, Fe, and Ni were the most prevalent non-labeled contaminants detected. Some labeled elements were found missing in some samples. Cd and Co weren’t detected, however, As and Pb recorded 13.0% prevalence among samples. Although B was only labeled in one sample, it was detected in 69.57% of the studied products, with an average THQ of 0.24. Moreover, several samples had HI ≥ 1. The results underscore the unrealized risks associated with their consumption and labeling discrepancies. The findings also highlight the need for regulatory oversight in the supplement market to promote safe consumption and informed dietary choices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 127853"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147350093","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cytotoxic, genotoxic, and apoptotic effects of manganese nitrate on RAW264.7 macrophages via reactive oxygen species accumulation and mitochondrial injury","authors":"Ping-Kun Tsai ,&nbsp;Sheng-Wen Wu ,&nbsp;Yen-Ju Lee ,&nbsp;Yi-Ting Hsieh ,&nbsp;Yung-Chuan Ho ,&nbsp;Shiuan-Shinn Lee ,&nbsp;Yu-Hsiang Kuan","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127852","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127852","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element involved in multiple physiological processes. However, excessive Mn exposure is well known to induce neurotoxicity and has been extensively studied in neuronal and glial models. In contrast, the effects of manganese nitrate (Mn(NO₃)₂) on innate immune cells, particularly macrophages, remain poorly understood. Given the critical role of macrophages in immune regulation and inflammation, this study investigated the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and apoptotic effects of Mn(NO₃)₂ in RAW264.7 macrophages, with emphasis on oxidative stress, mitochondrial injury, and apoptotic signalling pathways.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Macrophages were treated with various concentrations of Mn(NO₃)₂. Cell viability was assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and genotoxic effects were analysed using micronucleus and comet assays. Apoptosis was quantified using sub-G1 DNA analysis, Annexin V/PI staining, and the TUNEL assay. Furthermore, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial membrane potential, caspase activities, and apoptosis-related protein (BCL2, BAD, Fas, and TNFR1) expression were evaluated. <strong>Findings:</strong> Mn(NO₃)₂ exposure was associated with concentration-dependent reductions in cell viability, along with increases in micronucleus formation, DNA strand breaks, and nuclear fragmentation. Elevated ROS generation and mitochondrial depolarisation levels were also observed. Moreover, BCL2 downregulation, BAD upregulation, and caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 activation were observed. Fas and TNFR1 upregulation confirmed the involvement of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In conclusion, the findings demonstrate that Mn(NO₃)₂ induces cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and apoptosis in RAW264.7 macrophages through ROS-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction. Mn(NO₃)₂ activates both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways, as evidenced by caspase-3/caspase-9 and caspase-8 activation along with BCL2 downregulation, BAD upregulation, and Fas and TNFR1 expression alterations. These findings provide new mechanistic insights into Mn-induced immunotoxicity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 127852"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147370876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advances in neural mechanisms and magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers of aluminum exposure causing cognitive impairment","authors":"Wencheng Hu ,&nbsp;Zhuohui Wang ,&nbsp;Ruonan Wang ,&nbsp;Fanpeng Kong ,&nbsp;Ziyan Pei ,&nbsp;Fangfang Zhang ,&nbsp;Guoshun Huang ,&nbsp;Baolong Pan","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127834","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127834","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aluminum (Al) is the most widely distributed neurotoxic metallic element in the environment, and prolonged exposure can lead to cognitive impairment and increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). This article systematically reviews the critical mechanisms underlying aluminum-induced neurotoxicity: mediating neuronal apoptosis through activation of oxidative stress pathways and induction of mitochondrial dysfunction; engaging programmed cell death modalities such as necroptosis via activation of the RIP1/RIP3/MLKL signaling pathway; disrupting the homeostasis of neurotransmitter systems including glutamatergic and cholinergic pathways; and impairing synaptic plasticity. Neuroimaging studies demonstrate that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revealed significant gray matter volume reduction in the hippocampus and frontal lobes of aluminum-exposed individuals, accompanied by disrupted functional connectivity in the default mode network (DMN) and diminished white matter integrity. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) analyses indicate neuronal metabolic disturbances, while quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) further demonstrates abnormal cerebral iron deposition. These pathological manifestations may synergistically interact with β-amyloid (Aβ) protein aberrant aggregation and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) formation mediated by tau protein hyperphosphorylation. Although multimodal MRI techniques provide a crucial approach for dynamic monitoring of aluminum neurotoxicity, the research on its specific biomarker system requires further refinement. By conducting an in-depth exploration of the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment induced by aluminum exposure and evaluating the feasibility of MRI-based imaging techniques as biomarkers for assessing aluminum neurotoxicity, this study aims to establish a theoretical foundation for early warning of cognitive dysfunction and development of targeted intervention strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 127834"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146121356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trace metal signatures in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): Insights from an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) hotspot on Mount Etna (Sicily, Italy)","authors":"Chiara Copat ,&nbsp;Calogero Edoardo Cicero ,&nbsp;Alfina Grasso ,&nbsp;Francesco Ligato ,&nbsp;Carmen Sica ,&nbsp;Maria Fiore ,&nbsp;Francesco Patti ,&nbsp;Salvatore Lo Fermo ,&nbsp;Mario Zappia ,&nbsp;Salvatore Giammanco ,&nbsp;Margherita Ferrante ,&nbsp;Alessandra Nicoletti","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127844","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127844","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chronic exposure to trace metals has been increasingly recognized as a possible factor influencing the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In the province of Catania, on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna, epidemiological investigations have highlighted the presence of a high-incidence cluster of the disease. Against this backdrop, the present study was designed to explore whether the concentrations of trace elements in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) differ between ALS patients residing in this high-incidence area (In-Cluster) and those living in regions with lower incidence (Out-Cluster). For trace element analysis, CSF was analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Fourteen metals (Al, V, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Fe, Se, Mg) were quantified in standard and KED modes. No single metal concentration differed significantly between In-Cluster and Out-Cluster groups. However, In-Cluster patients frequently showed higher upper quartiles for Al, Mn, As, Hg, and Se, suggesting broader variability. Ratio analysis highlighted significant differences between groups, with higher Al/Cu ratios observed in In-Cluster patients. Sex-stratified analysis further revealed increased Mn-based ratios in females, with a significantly elevated Mn/Pb ratio. These patterns indicate possible dysregulation of trace metal homeostasis linked to environmental exposure. In conclusion, although statistical significance was limited, our findings suggest that chronic volcanic ash exposure may contribute to subtle imbalances between neurotoxic and neuroprotective elements in CSF, potentially influencing ALS susceptibility. Further studies integrating environmental monitoring, speciation analysis, and larger cohorts are needed to clarify the role of trace metals in ALS pathogenesis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 127844"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146215189","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Associations between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure, zinc status, and abnormal lipid profiles in the U.S. population","authors":"Humairat H. Rahman ,&nbsp;Walker Toohey ,&nbsp;Stuart H. Munson-McGee","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127849","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127849","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Abnormal lipid profiles, including changes in triglycerides, cholesterol, and phospholipids, are key concerns in healthcare due to their involvement in essential physiological processes and cellular membrane structures. Dysregulation of lipid homeostasis is associated with various clinical diseases, such as atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to investigate the associations between zinc deficiency, urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds, and abnormal lipid profiles.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the 2011–2012, 2013–2014, and 2015–2016 cycles. A weighted logit regression analysis was conducted to determine the main effect odds ratios (OR) of PAH exposure in relation to zinc deficiency and abnormal lipid profiles.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In individuals with zinc deficiency, specific PAH compounds were significantly associated with abnormal lipid profiles. Notably, 1-hydroxynaphthalene was significant in the second quantile analysis (OR: 1.503, 95 % CI: 0.983–2.298). 2-hydroxyfluorene was significant in the third tertile analysis (OR: 1.508, 95 % CI: 0.971–2.341). 1-hydroxyphenanthrene was significant in both the third tertile (OR: 1.567, 95 % CI: 1.017–2.415) and the fourth quartile (OR: 1.723, 95 % CI: 1.042–2.848) analyses.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study identified 1-hydroxynaphthalene, 2-hydroxyfluorene, and 1-hydroxyphenanthrene as significant contributors to abnormal lipid profiles in the context of zinc deficiency. These findings highlight potential biomarkers and underscore the importance of addressing zinc deficiency to mitigate lipid-related health risks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 127849"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146260617","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analysis of serum zinc levels in healthy Japanese children under the age of 10","authors":"Takato Sasaki ,&nbsp;Aya Nishigata ,&nbsp;Ryota Ishii ,&nbsp;Bryan James Mathis ,&nbsp;Kouji Masumoto","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127841","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127841","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Children who primarily consume starch-heavy diets, which tend to be high in phytic acid that inhibits zinc absorption and low in zinc-rich animal protein, are at increased risk of zinc deficiency. However, there is limited research addressing this issue. This study aimed to evaluate serum zinc levels in healthy Japanese children under 10 years of age.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A retrospective review of medical records from children who underwent preoperative examinations for inguinal or umbilical hernia surgery between January 2021 and December 2023 was conducted. Children with conditions such as prematurity, low birth weight, asthma, or dietary restrictions were excluded. Hypozincemia was defined as serum zinc levels &lt; 80 μg/dL. This study analyzed the occurrence rate of hypozincemia and relationship between hypozincemia and contributive factors.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In this study, 187 cases were eligible for analysis, with a median age of 45 months. The median serum zinc level was 74.0 μg/dL, with children aged 6–10 years showing higher levels. A weak positive correlation was observed between the serum zinc levels and age, serum albumin levels, and hemoglobin levels. Hypozincemia was observed in 74.3 % of studied cases. Significant factors associated with hypozincemia included low serum albumin levels and the timing of sample collection.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Based on Japanese standards, approximately 75 % of healthy Japanese children exhibited low serum zinc levels, suggesting a potential risk of zinc deficiency. It is recommended that screening, monitoring, and supplementation of zinc be considered, particularly for younger children or those with increased zinc needs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 127841"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146168751","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anticancer potential of biogenic selenium nanoparticles from yeast and lactic acid bacteria: Advances, challenges, and opportunities","authors":"G.M. Rodríguez-Serrano ,&nbsp;M. Párraga-San Roman ,&nbsp;C.E. Jara-Gutiérrez ,&nbsp;A. Castañeda-Ovando ,&nbsp;E. Contreras-López ,&nbsp;L.G. González-Olivares","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127842","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127842","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Microbial biogenic selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have become promising agents in nanomedicine because of their environmentally friendly synthesis and potential anticancer properties.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This review provides an updated overview of the synthesis of SeNPs by yeast and lactic acid bacteria, their physicochemical properties, anticancer mechanisms, and potential therapeutic applications, with a particular emphasis on their role in cancer treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect using keywords such as “selenium nanoparticles,” “biogenic synthesis,” “microbial,” “anticancer activity,” and “therapeutic potential.” Articles published between 2010 and 2025 in English were included if they focused on the yeast and lactic acid bacteria synthesis of SeNPs and their biomedical applications. Duplicates, inaccessible texts, studies on non-microbial methods, and reports lacking biological evaluation were excluded. Approximately 108 articles were analyzed thematically based on synthesis, characterization, mechanisms, and applications.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Bacteria and yeast were identified as promising biosynthetic agents for SeNP production, showing indications of improved stability and biocompatibility. Characterization studies suggested that size- and shape-dependent properties may influence biological activity. Reported anticancer-related effects include ROS-mediated apoptosis, DNA damage, cell cycle perturbation, and modulation of signaling pathways, with evidence of partial selectivity for cancer cells and lower toxicity to healthy tissues. Functionalization during microbial synthesis enhances solubility and cellular uptake, potentially improving therapeutic performance. Comparative analyses suggest that microbial SeNPs may offer advantages over chemically synthesized counterparts in safety and biological effectiveness.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Microbial SeNPs represent sustainable nanomaterials with potential application in anticancer research. However, significant challenges remain, including the need for scalable production processes, greater standardization of synthesis protocols, and further preclinical and clinical evaluation to substantiate their therapeutic relevance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 127842"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146168258","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Associations of individual and combined alterations in essential trace metal levels with breast cancer risk: A case-control study in Tanzania","authors":"Emmanuel Njale ,&nbsp;John A.M. Mahugija ,&nbsp;Dativa J. Shilla ,&nbsp;Nyimvua S. Mbare","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127823","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127823","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Both deficiency and excess of essential trace metals may be linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Alterations in trace metal concentrations have been noted in breast cancer patients, but their relationships with breast cancer remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between alterations in trace metals levels and breast cancer.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Urinary trace metals were determined in 100 breast cancer patients and 80 controls using an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer (ICP-AES). An unconditional binary logistic regression model was used to assess the impact of individual metals on breast cancer, while Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was applied to uncover possible non-linear, interactive, and combined metal effects on breast cancer. <em>Results</em>. In multivariable models, the second quartile of Cu (OR = 10.83, 95 % CI: 2.54–46.23) and Se in third (OR = 8.54, 95 % CI: 1.25–58.20) and highest (OR = 11.87, 95 % CI: (1.65–85.20) quartiles were significantly associated with increased breast cancer risk, while the second quartile of Co (OR = 0.15, 95 % CI: 0.02–0.96) was significantly connected to a reduced risk. The analysis of combined effects revealed that higher concentrations of trace metal mixtures were associated with breast cancer, with Cu contributing the most to the overall relationship within the mixture.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Alteration in urinary Co levels was linked to a lower risk of breast cancer, while Cu and Se were associated with increased risks. The combined effect of the metal mixture was also linked to breast cancer. It is recommended that further large-scale and population longitudinal studies can be conducted in order to clarify or confirm these findings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 127823"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146049167","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association between systemic inflammation and serum cobalt level in patients with metallic implants: Evidence from NHANES 2015–2020","authors":"Dingxiang Hu ,&nbsp;Jing Chen ,&nbsp;Jiajun Lin ,&nbsp;Zhi Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127831","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127831","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The long-term implantation of metallic prostheses in orthopedic surgery, particularly cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloys, raises growing concerns about metal ion release and associated inflammatory responses. Although mechanical wear and corrosion are established contributors to cobalt ion exposure, emerging evidence suggests that host inflammatory status may also be linked to ion release. The Inflammatory Burden Index (IBI), integrating C-reactive protein and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), offers a comprehensive marker of systemic inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the association between IBI and serum cobalt as well as chromium levels in individuals with intracorporeal metallic implants.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2015 to 2020. A total of 668 participants were enrolled after excluding individuals without relevant metal exposure or with incomplete data. Serum cobalt and chromium levels, IBI calculated as CRP (mg/L) × NLR, and relevant covariates were analyzed. Survey-weighted linear regression models were used to examine the association between IBI and serum cobalt, with subgroup analyses stratified by gender and age. Statistical analyses were conducted using R and EmpowerStats.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants with high IBI had significantly higher serum cobalt levels, but chromium levels did not differ between the groups. Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed a positive correlation between IBI and serum cobalt levels, with the association being particularly pronounced in males and individuals aged 50–70 years. In the fully adjusted model, serum cobalt levels were 9.978 nmol/L higher in participants in the highest IBI tertile compared to those in the lowest tertile (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). Subgroup analyses further confirmed that this association remained significant among males (β = 0.413, 95 % CI: 0.293–0.532) and participants aged 50–70 years (β = 0.332, 95 % CI: 0.036–0.627).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study reveals a positive association between IBI levels and serum cobalt—but not chromium—in individuals with intracorporeal metallic implants, with particularly strong associations in men and older adults. These cross-sectional findings suggest a close link between host inflammatory status and cobalt exposure, although causality and directionality cannot be determined. Composite inflammatory indices such as the IBI may help identify patients at higher risk of cobalt elevation, a possibility that should be tested in prospective studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 127831"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146115366","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}