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It has long been believed that some metals possess many adverse health effects. Recently, certain elements have been identified as essential trace elements that play an important role in the genesis and progression of several diseases. Some toxic metals have also been shown to be elevated in biological samples of diabetes mellitus patients. The status of trace elements in diabetes patients is also influenced by their diet, drugs administered and, to a large extent, by environmental factors. Pollutants due to the presence of toxic metals in environment not only enter the body by breading, water, and foodstuff accumulates in hair, but they could be adsorbed directly on the hair from environment. The aim of present study was to investigate the relationship between the level of zinc, lead, cadmium, nickel and chromium in hair samples of diabetic women from Tehran (Iran). The study population consisted of 100 women between 30 to 70 years of age from Tehran. The hair samples were washed with 1% (w/v) (DDTC), 0.1M HCL and deionized water. Afterwards, the hair sample dried in oven at 70° C for 5 hours and then digested the next day. Dry ashing digestion procedure was carried out. The concentration of elements was measured by means of an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The statistical analysis confirmed that mean concentrations of lead and nickel did not differ significantly from the control group. The results of this study showed that the mean values of Cr and Zn were significantly decreased in scalp hair samples of diabetic patients as compared to control subjects. Hair Cd level was significantly higher in type 2 diabetic patients. Values of Pearson correlation coefficient showed positive correlation between these elements.

This paper describes a new comparison and determination for demonstrating the levels of Al, Cd and Pb in cow’s tail hair between Tehran as a polluted area and Semnan as an area free from pollution. The hair samples were collected from a total 227 apparently healthy lactating cows above 3 years of age. This includes 165 cows reared in industrial and urban area (Tehran) and 62 cows reared in area supposed to be free from pollution (Semnan). Prior to analysis, samples were washed with 0.1M HCl, acetone and deionized water. The hair samples were digested afterward in a mixture of nitric and perchloric acid mixture (HNO3:HCLO4=4:1 v/v). Concentrations of all metals were assessed by flame and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer.