Application of TXRF for exploring the concentration levels of multi-trace elements in human diabetes blood: A comparative analysis with a chemometric approach

The role of trace elements in the onset and progression of diabetes mellitus has been the subject of extensive research. Multi-elemental profiling of biological fluids like blood can provide vital information regarding disease mechanisms, metabolic processes, and potential biomarkers for diagnosis. Total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) has gained significant attention as a powerful analytical tool for multi-trace elemental analysis, particularly in the biological sciences. Due to the increasing prevalence of diabetes, this study investigates the concentration levels of multi-trace elements in whole blood samples from diabetic (n = 100) and healthy persons (n = 150) using S2-PICOFOX TXRF with a sample dilution method. Trace elements were quantified, including P, S, Ca, Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Br, Rb, Bi, and microelements Cl and K. The results revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the K, Ca, Cr, Ni, Br, and Rb levels between the blood samples. A comparative analysis with a chemometric approach, such as principal component analysis and Spearman's rank correlation analysis, was conducted to understand the distribution patterns of elements and correlations between elemental concentrations in both groups. This study highlights the application of TXRF combined with chemometric methods as a rapid and effective approach for trace element analysis in clinical diagnostics, providing valuable insights into element-related biomarkers for diabetes management and monitoring.