Serum trace metals in Blackfoot disease patients

The purpose of this study was to investigate ultratrace levels of metals in serum of patients with Blackfoot disease (BFD). BFD is an endemic peripheral vascular disorder confined to a limited area along the southwest coast of Taiwan. In this study, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry with stabilized temperature platform furnace conditions was used for the determination of selenium, manganese, cobalt, chromium and zinc. This technique includes a dilution of serum with 12 mM ultrapure nitric acid and 1% Triton X-100. The results showed that total manganese, cobalt, chromium and zinc levels in the BFD patients were significantly different from those in normal controls (P < 0.05). The total selenium level in the BFD patients was not different from the normal controls (P > 0.05). The possible connection of these elements with the etiology of the disease is discussed.