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Determination of selenium and iodine in human thyroids
Miguel Murillo1, Nereida Carrión, Mercedes Quintana
1Analytical Chemistry Center, Chemistry School, Science Faculty, Central University of Venezuela, Zip Code 47102, Caracas 1041-A, Venezuela. mmurillo@strix.ciens.ucv.ve
Summary
This study determined selenium and iodine levels in human thyroid glands using advanced analytical methods. Results provide crucial data on trace element distribution within thyroid tissue.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Human Physiology
- Trace Element Analysis
Background:
- Thyroid gland function is influenced by essential trace elements like selenium and iodine.
- Accurate quantification of these elements is vital for understanding thyroid health and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and apply a robust method for determining selenium and iodine concentrations in human thyroid tissue.
- To establish reference ranges for selenium and iodine in healthy human thyroid glands.
Main Methods:
- Microwave-assisted nitric acid digestion of thyroid tissue.
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) with hydride generation for selenium determination.
- Sandell-Kolthoff reaction for iodine quantification.
Main Results:
- Established low detection limits for both selenium (0.2 ng/mL) and iodine (0.3 ng/mL).
- Quantified average iodine levels at 3.44 ± 1.11 µg/g, with a range of 2.34–5.21 µg/g.
- Measured selenium concentrations varying from 505 ± 51 ng/g to 1495 ± 204 ng/g depending on gland location.
Conclusions:
- The developed methods are sensitive and reliable for analyzing selenium and iodine in human thyroid samples.
- The study provides essential data on the distribution and concentration of these critical trace elements in the thyroid gland.