Copper and cadmium levels in hairs and nails; an indicator of heavy metal pollution

Heavy metals ingested or inhaled can affect liver, Brain, Bone and lungs. Raised copper and cadmium levels have been seen in ischemic heart disease. A level of trace elements varies in blood among population. In this study Copper and Cadmium levels were determined in hairs and nails; easy to sample and store. Purpose of this study is to find out relationships with heavy metals pollution and try to develop as a screening test. Such work is not yet done in our population. 86 male subjects and 20 controls [male] were selected for determination of Cu and Cad concentrations in hairs and nails. Medical history was noted. 3-4 fingernails and 1 tbsp of hair cut from the nape of neck close to root were obtained. Samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Highly significant [p< 0.001] raised copper levels were seen in hairs and nails of subjects [110.79 +/- 26.01 and 99.34 +/- 7.81microg/ gm respectively] compared with control [80.76 +/- 7.81and 77.65 +/- 2.48]. Similarly significantly [p< 0.001] raised Cadmium levels were found in subjects [hairs 143.57 +/- 62.03and nails 104.71 +/- 74.52] compared with control [89.20 +/- 12.98 and 77.54 +/- 12.32]. Highly significant [p< 0.001] raised values of Cd and Cu indicate that hairs and nails concentration may indicate heavy metals pollution and it can be easy sampling test for screening of pollution about heavy metal exposure

Plasma vitamin A, carotene, serm total protein and albumin levels in the school age children and young adults of Multan city

Purpose of this study was to estimate the severity and extent of vitamin A deficiency and to find whether it constitutes a significant public health problem. This study included 446 school children aged 5-17 years and 210 young adults aged 18-22 years of Deeni Madaras. All students were male, normal and apparently healthy. The schools and students of Multan city were selected randomly. It was observed that majority of the children belonged to poor socioeconomic class. In these subjects dietary intake of milk, meat and eggs per week was very low and in many cases the consumption of these commodities was once per month. Intake of other dairy products like butter and butter oil was also not found in many cases. However, consumption of leafy vegetables was common to some extent. Clinical examination showed that none of the children had visual or skin disturbances. To assess the malnutrition, serum total protein and serum albumin were measured in all subjects. Low levels of serum total proteins were found in 52.4% children of age 5-11 years, in 26.6% children of age 12-17 years and in 21.0% young adults of age 18-22 years. Low levels of serum albumin were found in 28% children of age 5-11 years, 37% children of age 12-17 years and in 35% young adults of age 17-22 years. Low or subclinical plasma vitamin A levels were noticed in 81.5% children of age 5-11 years, in 6% children of age 12-17 years and in 12.5% young adults of age 18-22 years. Low or subclinical plasma carotene levels were observed in 64% children of age 5-11 years, in 16% children of age 12-17 years and in 20% young adults of age 18-22 years. This study has shown that clinical features of vitamin A deficiency are not visible in our children, however subclinical deficiency is present which must be corrected for adequate growth and development