To evaluate the importance of trace amounts of elements in thyroid cancer etiology and diagnostics, instrumental neutron activation analysis has been used to estimate Ag, Co, Cr, Fe, Hg, I, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, and Zn concentrations in malignant and benign thyroid nodules as well as in apparently intact paranodular thyroid tissue. Resected material from 135 patients was obtained from operations.
Chronic lead exposure is recognized as a potential cause of hyperuricaemia, kidney damage and hypertension. The fascinating story of lead poisoning and nephrotoxicity illustrates the utility of descriptive studies in the early elucidation of a new disease entity.
The pursuit towards understanding lead nephropathy is presented as a successful illustration of human occupational and public health.
Exposure to toxic metals has become an increasingly recognized source of illness worldwide. Both cadmium and arsenic are ubiquitous in the environment, and exposure through food and water as well as occupational sources can contribute to a well-defined spectrum of disease. The symptom picture of arsenic toxicity is characterized by dermal lesions, anemia, and an increased risk for cardiovascular disease,
The oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein (LDL) has been implicated as an early step in the formation of atheromatous lesions. In vitro studies suggest it to be accelerated, or even initiated, by transition metals such as iron or copper in combination with a reducing agent. Even if such metals have been demonstrated in atheroma gruels,
