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Background and objective: the prostate gland is subject to various disorders and of them chronic prostatitis (CP) is a complex disease. Various studies indicate some discrepancies regarding zinc (Zn) levels in prostatic fluid of normal and inflamed glands. The present study evaluated by systematic analysis the published data for Zn levels analyzed in expressed prostatic fluid (EPF) of normal and inflamed glands. Methods: The present systematic analysis included 25 studies, all of which were published in the years from 1961 to 2018 and selected by searching the databases Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, ELSEVIER-EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and the Web of Science. The articles were analyzed and “Median of Means” and “Range of Means” were used to examine heterogeneity of Zn concentrations in two groups of subjects – apparently healthy men “N” and patients with prostatitis “P”. Moreover, using the ratios of prostatic fluid Zn in “P” group to prostatic fluid Zn in “N” group (ZnP/ZnN) obtained (or calculated by us) in the reviewed studies, “Median of Means” and “Range of Means” for these ratios were found. The objective analysis was performed on data from the 25 studies, with total 285 subjects in “P” group and more than 900 subjects in “N” group. Results: The range of means of Zn concentration reported in the literature for normal EPF varies widely from 47.1 mg/L to 825 mg/L with median of means 501 mg/L. The range of means of Zn concentration for EPF of untreated prostatitis varies also widely from 56 mg/L to 491 mg/L, with median of means 268 mg/L. Thus, the obtained median of means for Zn concentration in normal human prostatic fluid is about two times higher than median of mean values of the element content in EPF of inflamed prostate. In other words, the analysis of 25 studies with discordant data regarding prostatic fluid concentration of Zn demonstrated that there is a significantly diminished concentration of Zn in EPF of patients with prostatitis compared to controls. Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between lowered Zn concentrations in prostatic fluid and prostatitis, but because of small sample size and high data heterogeneity, we recommend other primary studies.

A prevalence of thyroid dysfunction is higher in the elderly as compared to the younger population. An excess or deficiency of trace element contents in thyroid play important role in goitro-and carcinogenesis of gland. The variation with age of the mass fraction of six trace elements (Br, Cu, Fe, Rb, Sr, and Zn) in intact (normal) thyroid of 33 females (mean age 54.5 years, range 3.5-87) was investigated by109 Cd radionuclide-induced energy dispersive X-ray fluorescent analysis.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the prostatic levels of trace elements in the malignant human prostate. Methods: Contents of 43 trace elements in normal (N, n = 37), benign hypertrophic (BPH, n = 32) and cancerous (PCa, n = 60) prostate were investigated. Measurements were performed using instrumental neutron activation analysis and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: The mass fractions of all trace elements with the exception of La, Nb, and Yb show significant variations in cancerous prostate when compared with normal and BPH prostate. The contents of Co, Hg, Rb, Sc, Se, and Zn were significantly lower and those of Ag, Al, Au, B, Be, Bi, Br, Ce, Cr, Cs, Dy, Er, Gd, Ho, Li, Mn, Mo, Nd, Ni, Pb, Pr, Sb, Sm, Sn, Tb, Th, Ti, Tl, Tm, U, Y, Yb, and Zr were significantly higher in PCa than in BPH tissues. When trace elements of cancerous prostate were compared with those in normal prostatic parenchyma, contents of Cd, Rb, Sc, Se, and Zn were significantly lower and Ag, Al, Au, B, Be, Bi, Br, Ce, Cr, Dy, Er, Fe, Gd, Hg, Ho, Li, Mn, Nd, Ni, Pr, Sb, Sm, Sn, Tb, Th, Tl, Y, and Zr were significantly higher. Conclusion: The Ag, Al, B, Br, Li, Mn, Ni, and Zn mass fraction in a needle-biopsy core can be used as the informative indicators for distinguishing malignant from benign prostate. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of these tests were in range 72% - 100%, 66% - 100%, and 74% - 98%, respectively.

It is unclear why a prevalence of thyroid dysfunction is higher in the elderly as compared to the younger population. An excess or deficiency of trace element contents in thyroid may play important role in goitre- and carcinogenesis of gland. To examine the variation with age of the mass fraction of 50 trace elements in intact (normal) male thyroid. Samples of thyroid parenchyma obtained from 72 healthy males (mean age 37.8 years, range 2–80 years) was investigated. Measurements were performed using a combination of non-destructive and destructive methods: instrumental neutron activation analysis and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, respectively. Tissue samples were divided into two portions. One was used for morphological study while the other was intended for trace element analysis. There is a statistically significant increase in Cd and Se mass fraction, as well as a decrease in Al, Be, Dy, Ga, Gd, Li, Mn, U, and Y mass fraction in the normal thyroid of male during a lifespan. Moreover, a disturbance of intra-thyroidal chemical element relationships (correlations) with increasing age was found. Our findings suggest that, at least, a goitrogenic and carcinogenic effect of Cd overload and Mn deficiency in the thyroid of old males may be assumed. Many trace elements in human thyroid behave themselves as antagonists or synergists. Therefore, an age-related disturbance in correlations between Mn and other trace element mass fractions in thyroid parenchyma may also contribute to harmful effects on the gland. Age-related changes in intra-thyroidal trace element contents and disturbances in trace element relationships are involved in goitre- and carcinogenesis.

In order to clarify the differences between Ag, Br, Ca, Co, Cr, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, and Zn contents in hyperplastic (patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), n = 32) and nonhyperplastic (control group of healthy male inhabitants, n = 32) prostates, an instrumental neutron activation analysis was performed. Mean values (M ± SEΜ) for mass fraction (mg/kg, dry mass basis) of chemical elements in glands of patients with BPH were the following: Ag, 0.0346 ± 0.0060; Br, 30.4 ± 3.6; Ca, 2030 ± 165; Co, 0.0716 ± 0.0097; Cr, 1.073 ± 0.119; Fe, 130.0 ± 7.9; Hg, 0.232 ± 0.030; K, 14,470 ± 740; Mg, 1200 ± 80; Mn, 1.19 ± 0.09; Na, 11,610 ± 870; Rb, 14.7 ± 0.8; Sb, 0.163 ± 0.025; Sc, 0.0257 ± 0.0040; Se, 1.243 ± 0.079; and Zn, 1235 ± 92. It was observed that in BPH tissue, the mass fraction of Co (p < 0.015), Cr (p < 0.0002), Hg (p < 0.000007), K (p < 0.001), Rb (p < 0.048), Sb (p < 0.0001), and Se (p < 0.000001) were significantly higher than in controls. In the sixth to eighth decades, the mass fractions of almost all chemical elements in hyperplastic prostates did not depend from age. Our finding of correlation between pairs of prostatic chemical element mass fractions indicates that there is a great disturbance of prostatic chemical element relationships with a benign hyperplastic transformation. The results apparently confirm the disturbed homeostasis of Zn and Se and some other chemical elements in the etiology of BPH.

The variation with age of the mass fraction of 54 trace elements (Ag, Al, As, Au, B, Be, Bi, Br, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Dy, Er, Eu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Hf, Hg, Ho, Ir, La, Li, Lu, Mn, Mo, Nb, Nd, Ni, Pb, Pd, Pr, Pt, Rb, Re, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sn, Ta, Tb, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, Tm, U, Y, Yb, Zn, and Zr) in intact nonhyperplastic prostate of 65 healthy 21–87 year old males was investigated by instrumental neutron activation analysis with high resolution spectrometry of long-lived radionuclides and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. This work revealed that there is a significant tendency for an increase in Bi, Cd, Co, Fe, Hg, Sc, Sn, Th, U, and Zn (p

The variation with age of the 18 trace element mass fractions and some histological characteristics of intact prostate glands of 50 subjects aged 0-30 years was investigated by instrumental neutron activation analysis, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, and a quantitative morphometric analysis. Mean values ± standard error of the mean (M ± SΕΜ) for the mass fractions (in milligrams per kilogram wet tissue) of these trace elements in pre-puberty were: Al 28.5 ± 9.0, B 0.40 ± 0.11, Ba 1.48 ± 0.44, Br 10.5 ± 1.5, Ca 241 ± 30, Cl 3,203 ± 278, Cu 3.51 ± 0.89, Fe 33.7 ± 4.1, K 2,364 ± 145, Li 0.020 ± 0.004, Mg 153 ± 23, Mn 0.46 ± 0.06, Na 2,286 ± 130, P 1,391 ± 100, S 1,698 ± 132, Si 62 ± 11, Sr 0.38 ± 0.08, and Zn 27.6 ± 2.3. During puberty and postpuberty, when there is a significant increase in circulating androgens, the mean values were: Al 7.2 ± 1.4, B 0.21 ± 0.05, Ba 0.25 ± 0.06, Br 5.8 ± 1.0, Ca 433 ± 81, Cl 2,314 ± 201, Cu 1.77 ± 0.13, Fe 20.9 ± 1.6, K 2,585 ± 118, Li 0.0088 ± 0.0014, Mg 232 ± 27, Mn 0.34 ± 0.04, Na 1,875 ± 107, P 1,403 ± 98, S 1,673 ± 73, Si 22.2 ± 3.1, Sr 0.22 ± 0.03, and Zn 93.3 ± 8.9. Mean values (M ± SΕΜ) of percent volumes (%) of the stroma, epithelium and lumen in the prostate before puberty were 73.4 ± 2.6, 20.4 ± 1.7, and 4.45 ± 0.94, respectively, versus 46.5 ± 2.5, 38.5 ± 1.9, and 14.9 ± 1.2 during puberty and postpuberty. This work's results confirm that the Zn mass fraction in prostate tissue is an androgen-dependent parameter. For the first time it has been demonstrated that the glandular lumen is a main pool of Ca, Mg, and Zn accumulation and that the stroma is a main pool of Al, B, Ba, Br, Cl, Cu, Fe, Mn, Na, and Si accumulation in the normal human prostate, for the age range 0-30 years. It was concluded that the Ca, Mg, and Zn binds tightly within the prostatic fluid, because the volume of glandular lumen reflects the volume of prostatic fluid.

The variation with age of the Br, Fe, Rb, Sr, and Zn mass fractions and some histological characteristics of intact prostate glands of 50 subjects aged 0-30 years was investigated by an energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence and a quantitative morphometric analysis. Mean values ± standard error of the mean (M ± SΕΜ) for the mass fractions (in milligrams per kilogram wet-mass basis) of these trace elements in pre-puberty were: Br-10.5 ± 1.3, Fe-28.6 ± 4.1, Rb-3.05 ± 0.27, Sr-0.42 ± 0.08, and Zn-32.9 ± 3.2. During puberty and postpuberty, when there is a significant increase in circulating androgens, the mean values were: Br-5.60 ± 0.57, Fe-19.3 ± 1.6, Rb-3.50 ± 0.28, Sr-0.24 ± 0.03, and Zn-113 ± 10. Mean values (M ± SΕΜ) of percent volumes (%) of the stroma, epithelium, and lumen in the prostate before puberty were 73.4 ± 2.6, 20.4 ± 1.7, and 4.45 ± 0.94, respectively, versus 46.5 ± 2.5, 38.5 ± 1.9, and 14.9 ± 1.2 during puberty and postpuberty. A significant positive correlation between the prostatic Zn and percent volume of both glandular epithelium (r = 0.573, p ≤ 0.001) and glandular lumen (r = 0.725, p ≤ 0.001) was found. For the first time, it has been demonstrated that the glandular lumen is a main pool of Zn accumulation, and that the stroma is a main pool of Br and Fe accumulation in the normal human prostate, for the age range 14 to 30 years. It was concluded that the Zn binds tightly within the prostatic fluid because the volume of glandular lumen reflects the volume of prostatic fluid.

To clarify age-related histological and Zn content changes in nonhyperplastic adult prostate glands, a quantitative morphometric and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analyses were performed. The prostates were obtained from autopsies of 63 subjects aged 21-70 years who died mainly from trauma. It was found that histologically normal prostate tissue undergoes substantial changes throughout aging. These changes are reflected in an increase of the percent volume of the glandular lumen for the third to fifth decades, reaching a maximum for the decade 41-50 years. Over the same period, the percent volume of the stroma remains steady, but the percent volume of epithelium decreases, approximately, linearly with age. The percent volume of glandular lumen (reflects the volume of prostatic fluid) in the prostate gland of men aged 41 to 50 years is 1.5-fold higher than that in men aged 21 to 30 years, but the epithelium/lumen (prostatic fluid) ratio is approximately twofold lower. This suggests that accumulation of the prostatic fluid develops from 30 to 50 years of age. This accumulation of the prostatic fluid results in an increase of the Zn mass fraction in the prostate. In turn, when the intraprostatic Zn level exceeds a certain level by the end of the fifth decade, it begins to work as a trigger for different factors, all of which increase the proliferation of stromal cells. Deductions from these results allow possible partial explanations of both relevant prostatic aging mechanisms and the effects of dietary interventions using supplementary Zn.

The effect of age on trace element contents in intact prostate of 50 apparently healthy 0–30 year old males was investigated by neutron activation analysis with high resolution spectrometry of long-lived radionuclides. Mean values (M ± SEΜ) for mass fraction (milligram per kilogram, on dry-weight basis) of trace elements were: Ag 0.0708 ± 0.0096, Co 0.0348 ± 0.0040, Cr 0.466 ± 0.069, Fe 100 ± 10, Hg 0.0258 ± 0.0025, Rb 12.6 ± 0.8, Sb 0.0576 ± 0.0066, Sc 0.0125 ± 0.0016, Se 0.478 ± 0.031, and Zn 273 ± 31, respectively. A strongly pronounced tendency of age-related increase in Se and Zn mass fraction and of age-related decrease in Co, Cr, Fe, and Sc mass fraction was observed in period of life from 0 to 30 years.

The questions about the androgen control and the involvement of trace elements in prostatic reproductive function still remain unanswered. One valuable way to elucidate the situation is to compare the values for the prostatic mass fractions of trace elements in pre-and post-pubertal boys. The effect of age on the mass fraction of 54 trace elements in intact prostate of 50 apparently healthy 0-30 years old males was investigated by neutron activation analysis and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Mean values (M ± SEΜ) for mass fraction (milligram per kilogram, on dry-weight basis) of trace elements were: Ag 0.062 ± 0.008, Al 80 ± 18, Au 0.0092 ± 0.0024, B 5.9 ± 3.5, Be 0.0034 ± 0.0009, Bi 0.018 ± 0.010, Br 26 ± 3, Cd 0.26 ± 0.05, Ce 0.049 ± 0.012, Co 0.035 ± 0.004, Cr 0.49 ± 0.07, Cs 0.036 ± 0.005, Dy 0.0072 ± 0.0018, Er 0.0040 ± 0.0011, Fe 100 ± 10, Gd 0.0065 ± 0.0018, Hg 0.031 ± 0.004, Ho 0.0013 ± 0.0004, La 0.034 ± 0.007, Li 0.064 ± 0.009, Mn 1.69 ± 0.15, Mo 0.54 ± 0.13, Nb 0.013 ± 0.004, Nd 0.025 ± 0.006, Ni 4.1 ± 0.6, Pb 1.3 ± 0.2, Pr 0.0058 ± 0.0015, Rb 14.5 ± 0.8, Sb 0.051 ± 0.006, Sc 0.013 ± 0.002, Se 0.54 ± 0.03, Sm 0.0055 ± 0.0015, Sn 0.22 ± 0.05, Tb 0.0012 ± 0.0004, Th 0.0076 ± 0.0020, Ti 2.8 ± 0.5, Tl 0.0032 ± 0.0009, Tm 0.00064 ± 0.00017, U 0.0025 ± 0.0004, Y 0.036 ± 0.010, Yb 0.0037 ± 0.0012, Zn 281 ± 32, and Zr 0.16 ± 0.04. The upper limit of mean mass fraction of As, Eu, Ga, Hf, Ir, Lu, Pd, Pt, Re, and Ta were: As ≤ 0.069, Eu ≤ 0.0012, Ga ≤ 0.071, Hf ≤ 0.049, Ir ≤ 0.00054, Lu ≤ 0.00063, Pd ≤ 0.014, Pt ≤ 0.0029, Re ≤ 0.0048, and Ta ≤ 0.010. This work revealed that there is a significant tendency for the mass fractions of Cd, Se and Zn in the prostate tissue of healthy individuals to increase with age from the time of birth up to 30 years. It was also shown that high levels of Al, Au, B, Br, Cr, Ga, Li, and Ni mass fraction in prostate tissue do not indicate a direct involvement of these elements in the reproductive function of prostate.

Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify the differences between the prostatic levels of chemical elements in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and healthy male. Methods: We evaluated the prostatic level of 66 chemical elements in 43 patients with BPH and 37 healthy males. Measurements were performed using five instrumental analytical methods. Results: In the hyperplastic prostates, we have observed a significant increase in the mean level of Bi, Cr, Hg, K, Sb, and Se accompanied a significant decrease in the mean level of Al, Ce, Cs, Dy, Er, Gd, Ho, La, Mo, Nd, Pb, Pr, Sm, Sn, Tb, Tm, U, and Y. No differences were found in the mean prostatic level of other chemical elements including Ag, Al, Au, B, Ba, Be, Br, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Nb, Ni, P, Rb, S, Sc, Si, Th, Ti, Tl, Yb, Zn, and Zr between BPH patients and healthy males. Conclusions: The finding of chemical element contents and correlation between pairs of chemical element mass fractions indicates that there is a great disturbance of prostatic chemical element metabolism in BPH gland. Trace elements Bi, Cr, Hg, K, Sb, and Se may be regarded as the possible tissue biomarkers of hyperplastic transformation of prostate gland. Obtained data did not confirm a critical role of Cd and Pb accumulation in the pathogenesis of BPH. A potential age-related Zn, Fe, and Se deficiency in the prostate tissue has not been found as being involved in the etiology of BPH. Keywords: Benign prostate hyperplasia, Prostatic chemical element contents, Trace element supplementations, Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis, Neutron activation analysis, Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission and mass spectrometry

A facility and method for 109Cd radionuclide-induced energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescent (EDXRF) were developed to determine the Fe, Zn, Br, Rb, and Sr concentrations in the specimens of human prostatic fluid. Specimens of expressed prostatic fluid were obtained from 51 men (mean age 51 years, range 18–82 years) with apparently normal prostates using standard rectal massage procedure. Mean values (M ± SEΜ) for concentration of trace elements (mg L−1) in human prostate fluid were: Fe 9.04 ± 1.21, Zn 573 ± 35, Br 3.58 ± 0.59, Rb 1.10 ± 0.08, and Sr ≤ 0.76. It was shown that the results of trace element analysis in the micro-samples (20 μL) are sufficiently representative for assessment of the Fe, Zn, Br, and Rb concentration in the prostate fluid. The facility for 109Cd radionuclide-induced EDXRF is comparatively compact and can be located in close proximity to the site of carrying out the massage procedure. The means of Zn and Rb concentration obtained for prostate fluid agree well with median of reported means. For the first time, the Fe and Br concentrations, as well as the upper limit of the Sr concentration, were determined in the human prostate fluid.

Numerous studies show that prevalence of prostate cancer (PCa) drastically increases with age, these malignant tumours are mainly formed in the peripheral zone of the prostate gland, and a high intake of red meat is associated with a statistically significant elevation in risk of PCa. The factors which cause all these well-specified features of the PCa are currently unclear. Here we describe one factor which can play an important role in etiology of malignant transformation of the prostate and is connected with the above-mentioned features of PCa. It is hypothesized that the prostatic intracellular Zn concentrations are probably one of the most important factors in the etiology of PCa. For an endorsement of our standpoint the estimation of changes of intracellular Zn concentrations over males lifespan was obtained using morphometric and Zn content data for the peripheral zone of prostate tissue, as well as Zn concentration in prostatic fluid. It was shown that the Zn concentrations in prostatic cells for men aged over 45 years are 10-fold higher than in those aged 18 to 30 years and this excessive accumulation of Zn may disturb the cells functions, resulting in cellular degeneration, death or malignant transformation.We hypothesize this excessive intracellular Zn concentration in cells of the prostate gland periphery has previously unrecognized and most important consequences, associated with PCa.

The Ca, Cl, Mg, Na, and P content and Ca/P, Ca/Mg, Ca/Na, Cl/Ca, and Cl/Na ratios in samples of intact cortical bone, inflamed bone and osteogenic sarcoma tissue were investigated by neutron activation analysis with high resolution spectrometry of short-lived radionuclides. In osteogenic sarcoma tissue the mass fractions of Cl and Na are higher and the mass fraction of Ca is lower than that of both normal and inflamed bone tissues. It was shown that the differences between the Cl/Ca ratio can be used as an additional test for differential diagnosis between normal or inflamed bone and osteogenic sarcoma.

A method for radionuclide-induced (109Cd) energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescent (EDXRF) was used to determine Br, Fe, Rb, Sr, and Zn contents in intact and morphologic normal prostate tissues. Prostates were removed at necropsy from 64 men (mean age 36.5 years, range 13–60) who had died suddenly. All materials were divided into two parts. One part was morphologically examined, whereas chemical element contents of the other were estimated. Mean values (M ± SEΜ) for mass fraction of Br, Fe, Rb, Sr, and Zn (mg kg−1 on dry-weight basis) in the intact and morphologic normal prostate tissue were 35.5 ± 4.0, 107 ± 5.4, 17.1 ± 0.8, 1.9 ± 0.3, and 850 ± 79, respectively. Mean values (M ± SEΜ) for Zn/Fe, Zn/Rb, and Zn/Sr ratios of mass fraction were 8.72 ± 0.80, 57.4 ± 7.2, and 567 ± 82, respectively. A strongly pronounced tendency of age-related exponential increase in Zn mass fraction as well an increase in Zn/Fe, Zn/Rb, and Zn/Sr ratios in prostate was observed. A significant positive correlation was seen between the prostatic zinc and iron contents (p ≤ 0.05, r = 0.22) and between the prostatic zinc and bromine contents (p ≤ 0.01, r = 0.43). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Following infection of exposed peripheral tissues, neurotropic alphaherpesviruses invade nerve endings and deposit their DNA genomes into the nuclei of neurons resident in ganglia of the peripheral nervous system. The end result of these events is the establishment of a life-long latent infection. Neuroinvasion typically requires efficient viral transmission through a polarized epithelium followed by long-distance transport through the viscous axoplasm. These events are mediated by the recruitment of the cellular microtubule motor proteins to the intracellular viral particle and by alterations to the cytoskeletal architecture. The focus of this review is the interplay between neurotropic herpesviruses and the cytoskeleton.

For the first time, the contents of rare earth elements (REEs) in a rib bone of a healthy human were determined. The mean value of the contents of Ce, Dy, Er, Gd, La, Nd, Pr, Sm, Tb, and Yb (10 elements out of 17 total REEs), as well as the upper limit of means for Ho, Lu, Tm, and Y (4 elements) were measured in the rib bone tissue of 38 females and 42 males (15 to 55 years old) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We found age-related accumulation of REEs in the bone tissue of healthy individuals who lived in a non-industrial region. It was calculated that during a lifespan the content of REEs in a skeleton of non-industrial region residents may increase by one to two orders of magnitude. Using our results as indicative normal values and published data we estimated relative Gd accumulation in the bone tissue of patients according to magnetic resonance imaging with contrast agent and La accumulation in the bone tissue of patients receiving hemodialysis after treatment with lanthanum carbonate as a phosphate binder. It was shown that after such procedures contents of Gd and La in the bone tissue of patients are two to three orders of magnitude higher than normal levels. In our opinion, REEs incorporation may affect bone quality and health similar to other potentially toxic trace metals. The impact of elevated REEs content on bone physiology, biochemistry and morphology requires further investigation.

A facility and method for radionuclide-induced (109Cd) energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescent (EDXRF) were developed to determine the Zn content in the needle-biopsy specimens of human prostate. The material received from 33 subjects was used for quality control of Zn results and estimation of Br, Rb, Sr, and Zn contents in prostate: 23 patients (13 benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)and 10 cancer) and 10 apparently healthy persons (control group of men died unexpectedly). All materials were divided into two parts. One of them was morphologically examined while Zn content of another one was estimated. Mean values (M ± SEM) for mass fraction of Zn (mg kg−1 on dry weight basis) in normal, hyperplastic and cancerous prostate tissues were 1110 ± 140, 1140 ± 110, and 134 ± 18, respectively. It was shown that the needle-biopsy specimens were sufficiently representative for an assessment of the Zn content in affected tissue of prostate. The developed method provides Zn estimation in both fresh and dry needle-biopsy specimens, as well as in samples made of lyophilized and homogenized tissues of resected prostate. The facility for EDXRF is comparatively compact and can be located in close proximity to the site of carrying out the biopsy procedure. Additionally, the developed facility and method allow to determine Br, Rb, and Sr contents in samples of prostate tissue. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The effect of age and gender on minor and trace element contents in the scalp hair of 80 relatively healthy 15- to 55-year-old women and men was investigated. Contents or upper limit of contents of 37 chemical elements in the scalp hair were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Mean values (M +/- SEpsilonMu) for the mass fraction of Ag, Au, Ba, Br, Ca, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Eu, Fe, Hf, Hg, I, K, La, Lu, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sr, Th, and Zn (milligrams per kilogram of dry hair) were 0.191 +/- 0.018, 0.0102 +/- 0.0014, 6.33 +/- 0.68, 3.59 +/- 0.26, 1320 +/- 110, 0.369 +/- 0.055, 1245 +/- 133, 0.0707 +/- 0.0054, 2.78 +/- 0.22, 0.0082 +/- 0.0021, 88.2 +/- 6.7, 0.040 +/- 0.012, 0.145 +/- 0.009, 6.93 +/- 1.05, 146 +/- 14, 0.238 +/- 0.025, 0.0030 +/- 0.0007, 163 +/- 17, 2.29 +/- 0.30, 344 +/- 31, 0.65 +/- 0.10, 0.062 +/- 0.005, 0.0100 +/- 0.0012, 0.248 +/- 0.008, 0.0090 +/- 0.0010, 45.7 +/- 3.5, 0.0168 +/- 0.0019, and 154 +/- 3, respectively. The upper limits of contents of Cd, Cs, Gd, Nd, Ta, Tb, Tm, and Yb wereor=0.17,or=0.013,or=0.104,or=0.19,or=0.011,or=0.0048,or=0.0057, andor=0.0047, respectively. In all hair samples, the contents of As was under detection limits0.01. The tendency for the Ce, La, and Th content to increase with age was found in the human hair, but statistically significant changes were shown for females only. The mass fraction of Rb in the male scalp hair increases and of Cl decreases with age. It was shown that higher Au, Ca, Mg, and Sr mass fractions as well as lower Cl, Fe, I, Sc, Se, and Sm content were typical of female hair as compared to those in male hair.

Background: Adenocarcinoma of prostate is an internationally important health problem of the man, particularly in developed countries. The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate whether significant changes in the prostatic tissue levels of Zn, as an androgen dependent trace element and Br, Fe, Rb, and Sr, as androgen independent trace elements, exist in the malignantly transformed prostate. Methods and findings: Prostatic tissue levels of Br, Fe, Rb, Sr, and Zn as well as ratio of Zn content to other trace element contents were prospectively evaluated in 35 patients with adenocarcinoma and 37 healthy male inhabitants. Measurements were performed using 109 Cd radionuclide-induced energy dispersive X-ray fluorescent analysis Tissue samples were divided into two portions. One was used for morphological study while the other was intended for trace element analysis. Mean values ± standard error of means (M ± SEΜ) for mass fraction (mg/kg on dry mass basis) of trace element in the normal tissue was: Br 38.8 ± 5.6, Fe 118 ± 8, Rb 16.3 ± 1.1, Sr 2.5 ± 0.4, and Zn 1154 ± 119, respectively. M ± SEΜ for ratio of mass fractions were: Zn/Br 38.7 ± 6.4, Zn/Fe 11.2 ± 1.3, Zn/Rb 71.7 ± 9.0 and Zn/Sr 534 ± 83, respectively. The contents of Rb and Zn were significantly lower (approximately 2 and 8 times, respectively) and those of Br and Sr was significantly higher (2.7 and 2.2 times, respectively) in cancerous tissues than in normal tissues. Conclusions: There are great changes in trace element contents and their relationships in the malignantly transformed tissue of prostate.

Prostatic Tissue Level of some Androgen Dependent and Independent Trace Elements in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an internationally important health problem of the man, particularly in developed countries. The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate whether significant deficiencies in the prostatic tissue levels of Zn, as an androgen dependent trace element, and Br, Fe, Rb, and Sr, as androgen independent trace elements, exist in patients with BPH. For this purpose it was prospectively evaluated prostatic tissue levels of these trace elements in 32 patients with BPH and 32 healthy male inhabitants. Measurements were performed using 109Cd radionuclide-induced energy dispersive X-ray fluorescent analysis. Beside the measurements of Br, Fe, Rb, Sr, and Zn mass fraction the calculations of Zn/Br, Zn/Fe, Zn/Rb and Zn/Sr mass fraction ratios were also performed. There was no found significant difference in levels of Br, Fe, Rb, Sr, and Zn contents between BPH and intact prostate. In the hyperplastic prostates, we have only observed a significant increase in value of Zn/Fe mass fraction ratio (p

The calibration and application of a facility, based on energy dispersive X-ray fluorescent analysis (EDXRF) using 109Cd as an excitation source, for in vivo and in vitro estimation of Ca, Pb, Sr and Zn in tooth enamel is described. During the in vivo measurements, the device ensures tissue protection of face and mouth cavity from radiation, and only a small part of tooth surface under study is irradiated. To calibrate the facility, the contents of Ca, Sr and Zn were analyzed simultaneously in the enamel of 50 teeth by EDXRF and instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Standards prepared from powdered tooth enamel with additions of chemically pure lead compounds were used to calibrate for lead graduation. Enamel calcium is suggested as an internal standard during in vivo EDXRF of teeth. The content of enamel Sr, Zn and Pb was determined by EDXRF in 35 permanent intact teeth of teenagers and adults. It was shown that lead concentration didn't exceed 3 micrograms/g for all the teeth.

Androgen-Dependent Chemical Elements of Prostate Gland FTo clarify androgen-dependence of chemical element mass fractions in prostate gland, a quantitative measurement by five analytical methods was performed. The intact prostate glands of 50 subjects (European-Caucasian aged 0–30 years) was investigated by an energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), an instrumental neutron activation analysis with high resolution spectrometry of short-lived radionuclides (INAA-SLR), an instrumental neutron activation analysis with high resolution spectrometry of long-lived radionuclides (INAA-LLR), an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), and an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Zinc concentration in a prostate gland is much higher than that in other human tissues. Data about zinc changes for different prostate diseases are limited and greatly contradictory. Zinc content was determined for biopsy and resected materials of transrectal puncture tissues from benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. There were 109 patients (50 BPH and 59 cancer) available for the present study. Control group consisted of 37 intact glands of men died an unexpected death (accident, murder, acute cardiac insufficiency, etc.). All materials studied were divided into two parts. One of them was morphologically examined, while another one was subjected to zinc analysis by INAA. Zinc contents (M±SE) of normal, benign hyperplastic and cancerous prostate glands were found to be 1018±124, 1142±77, and 146±10 μg/g dry tissue, respectively. It was shown that zinc assessments in the materials of transrectal puncture biopsy of indurated prostate sites can be used as an additional test for differential diagnostics of BPH and cancer. Accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the test are 98±2%.

The variation with age of the mass fraction of 37 chemical elements in intact nonhyperplastic prostate of 65 healthy 21–87 year old males was investigated by instrumental neutron activation analysis with high resolution spectrometry of short- and long-lived radionuclides. Mean values (M±SEΜ) for mass fractions (mg kg−1, dry mass basis) of the chemical elements studied were: Ag—0.055±0.007, Br—33.2±3.3, Ca—2150±118, Cl—13014±703, Co—0.038±0.003, Cr—0.47±0.05, Fe—99.3±6.1, Hg—0.044±0.006, K—11896±356, Mg—1149±68, Mn—1.41±0.07, Na—10886±339, Rb—12.3±0.6, Sb—0.049±0.005, Sc—0.021±0.003, Se—0.65±0.03, and Zn—795±71. The mass fraction of other chemical elements measured in this study were lower than the corresponding detection limits (mg kg−1, dry mass basis): As

The effect of age on the mass fraction of 19 chemical elements in the intact prostate of 50 apparently healthy 0-30-year-old males was investigated by neutron activation analysis with high-resolution spectrometry of short-lived radionuclides and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Mean values (M ± standard error of the mean) for mass fraction (in milligrams per kilogram, on dry weight basis) of chemical elements were as follows: Al, 77 ± 17; B, 1.31 ± 0.29; Ba, 4.0 ± 1.2; Br, 37.7 ± 4.3; Ca, 1,536 ± 189; Cl, 13,414 ± 949; Cu, 12.3 ± 2.1; Fe, 132 ± 11; K, 11,547 ± 468; Li, 0.064 ± 0.009; Mg, 922 ± 89; Mn, 1.88 ± 0.16; Na, 9,834 ± 411; P, 6,741 ± 335; S, 8,034 ± 251; Si, 199 ± 34; Sr, 1.40 ± 0.19; and Zn, 277 ± 33. The upper limit of mean mass fraction of V was ≤0.24. This work revealed that there is significant tendency for the mass fractions of Ca, K, Mg, and Zn in the prostate tissue of healthy individuals to increase with age from the time of birth up to 30 years. It means that Ca, K, Mg, and Zn mass fractions in prostate tissue are the androgen-dependent parameters. Our finding of a positive correlation between the prostatic Zn and Ca, K, Mg, P, and S mass fractions indicates that there is a special relationship of Zn with some main electrolytes (Ca, K, and Mg) and with P- and S-containing compounds in the prostate. It was shown also that high levels of Al, B, Ba, Br, Cl, Li, Na, and Sr mass fraction in prostate tissue do not indicate a direct involvement of these elements in the reproductive function of the prostate.

The effect of age on chemical element mass fractions in intact prostate of 50 apparently healthy 0-30 year old males was investigated by neutron activation analysis with high resolution spectrometry of short-lived radionuclides. Mean values (M ± SΕΜ) for mass fraction (mgkg(-1), dry mass basis) of chemical elements before the time of puberty and in the period of puberty and post-puberty were: Br 46.0 ± 6.7, Ca 1151 ± 140, Cl 14572 ± 700, K 10147 ± 700, Mg 771 ± 131, Mn 2.13 ± 0.25, Na 9880 ± 659 and Br 29.0 ± 4.6, Ca 2049 ± 364, Cl 11518 ± 1121, K 13029 ± 542, Mg 1186 ± 134, Mn 1.74 ± 0.16, Na 9887 ± 716, respectively. A tendency of age-related increase in Ca, K, and Mg mass fraction and of age-related decrease in Br mass fraction was observed in period of life from 0 to 30 years. This new data indicates that of the elements studied, only the Ca, K, and Mg mass fraction in prostate tissue is an androgen-dependent parameter.

Adenocarcinoma of prostate gland is an internationally important health problem in men, particularly in developed countries. The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate whether significant changes in the prostatic tissue levels of trace elements exist in the malignantly transformed prostate. Prostatic tissue levels of 43 trace elements were prospectively evaluated in 36 patients with prostate adenocarcinoma and 37 healthy males. Measurements were performed using a combination of non-destructive and destructive methods: instrumental neutron activation analysis and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, respectively. Tissue samples were divided into two portions. One was used for morphological study while the other was intended for trace element analysis. The reliability of difference in the results between normal and cancerous prostate tissues was evaluated by Student’s t-test. It was found that the contents of Ag, Al, Au, B, Be, Br, Ce, Cr, Dy, Er, Fe, Gd, Hg, Li, Mn, Nd, Ni, Pr, Sb, Sn, Th, Tl, Y, and Zr were significantly higher while those of Cd, Co, Rb, Sc, Se, and Zn were significantly lower in cancerous tissues than in normal tissues. Moreover, it was shown that malignant transformation significantly changed the relationships of trace elements in prostate. Thus, in adenocarcinoma transformed prostate tissue the trace element metabolism is significantly disturbed.

Summary To clarify age-related histological and zinc content changes in paediatric and nonhyperplastic young adult prostate glands, a quantitative morphometric and energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis (EDXRF) was performed. The prostates were obtained at autopsy from 50 subjects (European-Caucasian aged 0–30 years) who died from sudden infant death syndrome, acute pulmonary aetiologies and trauma. None of the subjects had any symptoms of prostatic disease and all prostates were classified as histologically normal. Each prostate was divided into two portions. One tissue portion was reviewed by an anatomical pathologist whereas another was intended for a Zn mass fraction measurement using EDXRF. The mean per cent volume of the stroma (S), glandular epithelium (E), glandular lumen (L) and glandular component (GC = E + L) were determined and the mean ratios of per cent volumes (S/E, S/GC and E/L) were calculated for each prostate specimen. It was found that normal prostate tissue undergoes substantial changes from birth through early adulthood. These changes are reflected in an increment of the per cent volume of the glandular epithelium and lumen and in a diminution of the per cent volume of the stroma. The S/E ratio of the prostate falls by a factor of almost 4, between ages

The Ag, Co, Cr, Fe, Hg, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, and Zn contents in normal ( n =37), benign hypertrophic ( n =43), and cancerous tissues ( n =60) of the human prostate gland were investigated by neutron activation analysis. Mean values (M±SEΜ) for content (mg/kg, dry weight basis) of trace elements in the normal tissue were: Ag—0.048±0.009, Co—0.045±0.004, Cr—0.53±0.08, Fe—111±9, Hg—0.056±0.011, Rb—12.7±0.9, Sb—0.045±0.007, Sc—0.029±0.005, Se—0.70±0.04, and Zn—1000±110, respectively. It was observed that in benign hypertrophic tissues the contents of Co, Cr, Hg, Sb, and Se were higher than in normal tissues, with statistically significant differences. The contents of Co, Rb, Sc, and Zn were significantly lower and those of Ag, Cr, Fe, Hg, and Sb were significantly higher in cancerous tissues than in normal tissues.

Neurotropic herpesviruses depend on long-distance axon transport for the initial establishment of latency in peripheral ganglia (retrograde transport) and for viral spread in axons to exposed body surfaces following reactivation (anterograde transport). Images of neurons infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), acquired using electron microscopy, have led to a debate regarding why different types of viral structures are seen in axons and which of these particles are relevant to the axon transport process. In this study, we applied time-lapse fluorescence microscopy to image HSV-1 virion components actively translocating to distal axons in primary neurons and neuronal cell lines. Key to these findings, only a small fraction of viral particles were engaged in anterograde transport during the egress phase of infection at any given time. By selective analysis of the composition of the subpopulation of actively transporting capsids, a link between transport of fully assembled HSV-1 virions and the neuronal secretory pathway was identified. Last, we have evaluated the seemingly opposing findings made in previous studies of HSV-1 axon transport in fixed cells and demonstrate a limitation to assessing the composition of individual HSV-1 particles using antibody detection methods.

The effect of age and gender on 38 chemical element contents in femoral neck of 85 apparently healthy 15-55-year-old women (n = 38) and men (n = 47) was investigated by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Mean values (M +/- SEpsilonMu) for mass fraction (on dry weight basis) of Ca, Cl, Co, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Sr, and Zn for both female and male taken together were: Ca 153 +/- 3 g/kg, Cl 1,188 +/- 48 mg/kg, Co 0.0039 +/- 0.0004 mg/kg, Fe 55.5 +/- 8.8 mg/kg, K 490 +/- 22 mg/kg, Mg 1,940 +/- 48 mg/kg, Mn 0.385 +/- 0.015 mg/kg, Na 3,850 +/- 70 mg/kg, P 73.0 +/- 1.5 g/kg, Sr 288 +/- 18 mg/kg, and Zn 55.5 +/- 1.6 mg/kg, respectively. The upper limit of mean contents of Cr, Cs, Eu, Hg, Rb, Sb, Sc, and Se were: Cror = 0.2, Csor = 0.02, Euor = 0.007, Hgor = 0.006, Rbor = 0.8, Sbor = 0.02, Scor = 0.0004, and Seor = 0.06 mg/kg, respectively. In all bone samples, the contents of Ag, As, Au, Ba, Br, Cd, Ce, Gd, Hf, La, Lu, Nd, Sm, Ta, Tb, Th, U, Yb, and Zr were under detection limits. The Ca, Mg, and P contents decrease with age. Higher Ca, Cl, K, Mg, Mn, Na, and Sr mass fractions are typical of female femoral neck as compared to those in male bone.

Zinc concentration in a prostate gland is much higher than in other human tissues. Data for zinc changes in different prostate diseases are limited and greatly contradictory. To analyze transrectal puncture tissue biopsy and resected materials, zinc content was estimated in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and cancer. There were 109 patients studied (50 BPH and 59 cancer). The control group consisted of 37 intact glands of men who died an unexpected death (accident, murder, acute cardiac insufficiency, etc.). All materials studied were divided into two parts. One of them was morphologically examined, while the zinc content of another one was estimated. The radionuclide induced energy dispersive X-ray fluorescent analysis was used for zinc determination. Zinc content (M +/- SE) of normal prostate, BPH and cancer was 1018 +/- 124, 1142 +/- 77, and 146 +/- 10 micrograms/g dry tissue, respectively. It was shown that zinc assessment in the material of transrectal puncture biopsy of prostate indurated site can be used as an additional test for differential diagnosis of BPH and cancer. Accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the test are 98 +/- 2%.

The chemical element contents in scalp hair of 80 apparently healthy 15- to 58-year-old citizens (36 females and 44 males) of a non-industrial region in the Central European part of Russia were investigated by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). The summary of statistics, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, standard error of mean, minimum and maximum values, median, percentiles with 0.025 and 0.975 levels for mass fraction of 44 chemical elements: Ag, Al, As, Au, Ba, Br, Ca, Cd, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Eu, Fe, Gd, Hf, Hg, I, K, La, Li, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nd, P, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sr, Ta, Tb, Th, Tm, V, Yb and Zn, were determined for hair of females, males and both females and males taken together. The correlations between element contents in hair and bone are also presented.