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Trace-element determination in individual peripheral blood cells and possible diagnostic applications
1Department of Physical Biology, Gustaf Werner Institute, Uppsala University, Box 531, S-751 21, Uppsala, Sweden.
Biological Trace Element Research
|November 21, 2013
Summary
This study proposes using blood cells, not just plasma, to understand trace element levels in the body. Analyzing individual cell elemental profiles offers a new diagnostic approach for diseases like acute myeloid leukemia.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Hematology
Background:
- Trace elements are vital for biological systems, but their physiology is poorly understood.
- Establishing reference values for trace elements is challenging due to confounding factors.
- Current diagnostic focus on blood plasma/serum overlooks potential information in blood cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose blood cells as a novel model for assessing trace-element status.
- To introduce nuclear microprobe analysis for determining elemental profiles in individual blood cells.
- To explore the diagnostic potential of blood cell elemental analysis in disease.
Main Methods:
- Development and discussion of techniques for blood cell separation and preparation.
- Utilizing nuclear microprobe technology for elemental profiling of single cells.
- Comparison of elemental data from a control group and patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of feasible methods for analyzing elemental content in individual blood cells.
- Presentation of reference elemental data from a healthy control group.
- Comparison of elemental profiles between control subjects and acute myeloid leukemia patients.
Conclusions:
- Blood cells can serve as valuable diagnostic markers for trace-element imbalances.
- Nuclear microprobe analysis enables detailed investigation of cellular elemental composition.
- This approach shows promise for diagnosing conditions such as acute myeloid leukemia.
