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Updated: Aug 10, 2025

Atomic Absorbance Spectroscopy to Measure Intracellular Zinc Pools in Mammalian Cells
Published on: May 16, 2019
Iron, Zinc, Copper, Cadmium, Mercury, and Bone Tissue
Żaneta Ciosek1, Karolina Kot2, Iwona Rotter1
1Chair and Department of Medical Rehabilitation and Clinical Physiotherapy, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Żołnierska 54, 70-210 Szczecin, Poland.
Abstract:
The paper presents the current understanding on the effects of five metals on bone tissue, namely iron, zinc, copper, cadmium, and mercury. Iron, zinc, and copper contribute significantly to human and animal metabolism when present in sufficient amounts, but their excess or shortage increases the risk of developing bone disorders. In contrast, cadmium and mercury serve no physiological purpose and their long-term accumulation damages the osteoarticular system. We discuss the methods of action and interactions between the discussed elements as well as the concentrations of each element in distinct bone structures.
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