Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2025
Setup of Capillary Electrophoresis-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry CE-ICP-MS for Quantification of Iron Redox Species FeII, FeIII
Published on: May 4, 2020
Sex differences in cadmium and lead concentrations in different biological matrices in athletes. Relationship with
Víctor Toro-Román1, María C Robles-Gil1, Diego Muñoz1
1Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, Avenida de la Universidad s/n, 10003 Cáceres, Spain.
Purpose:
The present study aimed to analyse sex differences in cadmium and lead concentrations in plasma, urine, platelets and erythrocytes and to relate these concentrations to biomarkers of iron status.
Methods:
A total of 138 soccer players divided according to sex: men (n = 68) and women (n = 70) participated in the present study. All participants resided in the city of Cáceres (Spain). Erythrocyte, haemoglobin, platelet, plateletcrit, ferritin and serum iron values were determined. Cadmium and lead concentrations were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
Results:
The women had lower haemoglobin, erythrocyte, ferritin and serum iron values (p < 0.01). Regarding cadmium, the women showed higher concentrations in plasma, erythrocytes and platelets (p < 0.05). As for lead, they also showed higher concentrations in plasma, relative values of erythrocytes and relative values of platelets (p < 0.05). Significant correlations were observed between cadmium and lead concentrations with biomarkers of iron status.
Conclusions:
Cadmium and lead concentrations are different between sexes. Biological differences between sexes and iron status could influence cadmium and lead concentrations. Lower serum iron concentrations and markers of Fe status increase Cd and Pb concentrations. Ferritin and serum iron have been directly related to increased Cd and Pb excretion.
