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Concentration of elements in human brain: glioblastoma multiforme
E Andrási1, M Suhajda, I Sáray
1Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, L. Eötvös University, Budapest, Hungary.
The Science of the Total Environment
|November 1, 1993
Summary
This study determined average element levels in the normal human brain and found reduced boron and zinc, with increased strontium, in glioblastoma multiforme tissues. These findings offer insights into brain element distribution and disease-related changes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Neurochemistry
- Trace element analysis
Background:
- Understanding elemental composition of the human brain is crucial for neuroscience.
- Glioblastoma multiforme may alter brain tissue's elemental profile.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine average elemental values in specific regions of the normal adult human brain.
- To investigate alterations in trace element levels in brain tissue affected by glioblastoma multiforme.
Main Methods:
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) and Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) were employed.
- Analysis of 21 brain parts from 20 individuals (age 65-75) for major and trace elements.
- Quality control utilized National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Bovine Liver Standard Reference Materials (SRMs).
Main Results:
- Established regional distribution maps for various elements in the healthy human brain.
- Identified statistically significant differences in boron (reduced), zinc (reduced), and strontium (increased) in glioblastoma tissues compared to controls.
- Most other elements showed no significant changes between glioblastoma and control brain tissues.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a comprehensive dataset on human brain elemental distribution.
- Specific trace element alterations (B, Zn, Sr) are associated with glioblastoma multiforme.
- Further research is warranted to explore the functional role of these elemental changes in brain pathology.