Detection of Trace Elements Se, Cu, and Zn Levels in Biological Samples of Drug Abusers: Halani Sindh, Pakistan

Biol Trace Elem Res. 2024 Jan 9. doi: 10.1007/s12011-023-04056-6. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTIllicit drug use has become a global issue, posing significant health, socioeconomic, and cultural risks. The study examined essential trace metals: selenium, zinc, and copper in blood concentrations, as well as in serum and scalp hair samples, from 240 male drug-abuse subjects/patients aged 18-45, categorized into three age groups. The study compared 45 healthy subjects of the same age group using an acid digestion method supported by a microwave oven during sample preparation. The technique of atomic absorption spectrometry was employed to identify essential and toxic elements, utilizing certified reference materials for accuracy. According to a recent study, plasma zinc and selenium concentrations in drug abusers are lower than those in referent subjects, potentially increasing vulnerability to infection due to poor nutritional status or other contaminants.PMID:38196054 | DOI:10.1007/s12011-023-04056-6
Source: Biological Trace Element Research - Category: Biology Authors: Source Type: research