Quantification of some trace elements in humans

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This research concentrates on the further development, evaluation, validation and application of the new techniques for in vivo measurements of  trace and toxic elements in human bone. Measurements are non-invasive, no sample is taken, nor is there discomfort to the patient.   A beneficial effect of low strontium doses has been recently found in osteoporosis patients.  At intermediate and high doses, strontium can induce diseases such as osteomalacia in renal patients and rickets in children. The in vivo X-ray fluorescence technique has been developed to measure strontium stored in the bone. We would like to further develop and improve the sensitivity of the technique, and facilitate its clinical application to benefit patients suffering from osteoporosis.    Aluminum and manganese are toxic elements. It is documented that increased aluminum levels are detected in dialysis patients causing a variety of health problems and deaths. Furthermore, it has been vigorously debated whether aluminum in any form is associated with Alzheimer's disease. Manganese is essential to human life, in particular, to neurological and skeletal functions. Exposure to manganese at low levels for a prolonged period of time can result in milder neurological symptoms than those seen in manganism, Parkinson's disease like syndrome: including memory deficit, loss of motor control and reduction in the refinement of certain bodily motions. To measure the elements concentration, in vivo neutron activation analysis of bone is developed using a low-energy accelerator. A critical feature of this technique is that the interfering reactions are not energetically permitted. This research project focuses on, but is not limited to: a further system development and an in vivo pilot study of the new techniques of in vivo measurements of elements in human bone.