[Trace element imbalance in children with environmentally induced pathology]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric endocrinology
• Environmental toxicology
• Nutritional science

Context:

• Nontoxic goiter and alopecia are common pediatric conditions.
• Trace element imbalances may contribute to these conditions.
• Industrial town environments pose unique exposure risks.

Purpose:

• To investigate trace element profiles in children with nontoxic goiter and alopecia.
• To explore the relationship between essential and toxic trace elements.
• To assess potential links to environmental exposure in an industrial setting.

Summary:

• Children with nontoxic goiter and alopecia had lower essential elements (Cu, Zn, Fe) and higher toxic elements (Sr, Ni, Cr).
• Alopecia cases showed more significant trace element alterations.
• Findings suggest a correlation between environmental trace element exposure and levels in children's biosubstrates.

Impact:

• Highlights the role of trace element imbalances in pediatric health.
• Underscores the need for environmental monitoring in industrial areas.
• Informs potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for goiter and alopecia.