Home Physical Sciences Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) of zinc concentrations in scalp hair and fingernails samples of Algerian females with breast cancer
Article
Licensed
Unlicensed Requires Authentication

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) of zinc concentrations in scalp hair and fingernails samples of Algerian females with breast cancer

  • Ammar Mansouri , Sabiha Keskas , Tarek Azli , Zohra Bouhila , Lylia Hamidatou EMAIL logo , Hocine Slamene and Mohammed El-Amine Benamar
Published/Copyright: November 2, 2021
Radiochimica Acta
From the journal Radiochimica Acta Volume 109 Issue 12

Abstract

In the present work, zinc levels were measured in scalp hair and fingernails in order to identify potential risk factors for breast cancer. The samples were collected from 40 Algerian breast cancer female patients and from 20 normal subjects matching the same age range. The concentration of zinc was analyzed using Instrumental neutron activation analysis technique (INAA). In scalp hair samples it was found in the range 119–792 μg/g for the normal subjects and in the range 82–806 μg/g for the patients, with an increase rate of 10.9%. The range of concentration of zinc in fingernails was found between 89 and 247 μg/g for normal subjects and between 75 and 276 μg/g for the patients with an increase rate of 2.5%. The influence of age on zinc concentration was also investigated. The obtained results show some consistency with those obtained by other groups.

Keywords: breast cancer; fingernails; instrumental neutron activation analysis technique (INAA); scalp hair; zinc
Corresponding author: Lylia Hamidatou, Nuclear Research Centre of Birine, P.O. Box 180 Ain Oussara, Djelfa 17200, Algeria, E-mail:

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the Nuclear Research Centre of Algiers (CRNA) in the framework of an undergoing internal project PR14/STN/PF05-03/DTN/CRNA/2016, as well as by the neutron activation analysis laboratories in Nuclear Research Centre of Draria (CRND) and Nuclear Research Centre of Birine (CRNB). The technical support of the Oncology Department-Belloua University Hospital, in Tizi-Ouzou and that of the Senology Department–Pierre & Marie Curie Centre-Mustapha Bacha Teaching Hospital, in Algiers are gratefully acknowledged. Moreover, the authors are indebted to their colleague Mr. Adnane S. Moulla with regard to his help in language editing and proof reading. Our thanks are also due to the anonymous reviewers for their beneficial comments.

  1. Author contribution: All the authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this submitted manuscript and approved submission.

  2. Research funding: None declared.

  3. Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests.

  4. Consent: All authors declare that written informed consent was obtained from the patients and the normal subjects for the publication of this case report.

  5. Ethical approval: All authors hereby declare that all experiments have been performed in accordance with the ethical standards laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki.

References

1. Priya, M. D. L., Geetha, A. Level of trace elements (copper, zinc, magnesium and selenium) and toxic elements (lead and mercury) in the hair and nail of children with autism. Biol. Trace Elem. Res. 2011, 142, 148. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-010-8766-2.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

2. Zhang, S., Chua, Y., Maa, S., Chena, F., Zhanga, D., Hua, Z., Zhangb, Z., Jinb, H., Guoa, L. Highly accurate determination of Zn and Cu in human hair by ultrasound assisted alkali dissolution combined with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. Microchem. J. 2020, 157, 105018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.microc.2020.105018.Search in Google Scholar

3. Oh, J., Shin, S. H., Choi, R., Kim, S., Park, H., Kim, S., Han, S., Koh, W., Lee, S. Assessment of 7 trace elements in serum of patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease. J. Trace Elem. Med. Biol. 2019, 53, 84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2019.02.004.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

4. Joda, B. A., Ward, N. I. Use of human teardrop fluid for the determination of trace elements in healthy individuals and diabetic patients. J. Trace Elem. Med. Biol. 2021, 65, 126733. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2021.126733.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

5. Golasik, M., Przybyłowicza, A., Zniak, A. W., Herman, M., Ecki, W. G., Nski, W. G., Walas, S., Krejpcio, Z., Szyfter, K., Florek, E., Piekoszewski, W. Essential metals profile of the hair and nails of patients with laryngeal cancer. J. Trace Elem. Med. Biol. 2015, 31, 67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2015.03.001.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

6. World Health Organization. Cancer today - population fact sheets; The Global Cancer Observatory, 2018. https://gco.iarc.fr/.Search in Google Scholar

7. Kim, S. Y., Kim, J. W., Ko, Y. S., Koo, J. E., Chung, H. Y., Lee-Kim, Y. C. Changes in lipid per oxidation and antioxidant trace elements in serum of women with cervical intraepithelial Neoplasia and Invasive cancer. Nutr. Cancer 2003, 47, 126. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327914nc4702_3.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

8. Tandon, M., Kapil, U., Bahadur, S., Dwivedi, S. N., Pathak, P. Role of micronutrients and trace elements in carcinoma of larynx. J. Assoc. Phys. India 2000, 48, 995.Search in Google Scholar

9. Bray, F., Ferlay, J., Soerjomataram, I., Siegel, R. L., Torre, L. A., Jemal, A. Global cancer statistics 2018: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. Ca - Cancer J. Clin. 2018, 68, 394. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21492.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

10. Rizk, S. L., Sky-Peck, H. H. Comparison between concentration of trace elements in normal and neoplastic human breast tissue. Cancer Res. 1984, 44, 5390.Search in Google Scholar

11. Piccinini, L., Borella, P., Bargellini, A., Medici, C. I., Zoboli, A. A Case -control study on selenium, zinc, and copper in plasma and hair of subjects affected by breast and lung cancer. Biol. Trace Elem. Res. 1996, 51, 23. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02790144.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

12. Hamdi-cherif, M., Bidoli, E., Birri, S., Mahnane, A., Zaidi, Z., Boukharouba, H., Moussaoui, H., Kara, L., Ayat, A., Makhloufi, K., Atoui Virdone, S., Serraino, D. Cancer estimation of incidence and survival in Algeria 2014. J. Cancer Res. Ther. 2015, 3, 100.10.14312/2052-4994.2015-14Search in Google Scholar

13. Skrajnowska, D., Bobrowska-Korczak, B. Role of zinc in immune system and anticancer defense mechanisms. Nutrients 2019, 11, 2273. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11102273.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

14. Kaczmarek, K., Jakubowska, A., Sukiennicki, G., Muszyńska, M., Jaworska-Bieniek, K., Durda, K., Huzarski, T., Serrano-Fernandez, P., Byrski, T., Gronwald, J., Gupta, S., Lubiński, J. Zinc and breast cancer risk. Hered. Cancer Clin. Pract. 2012, 10, A6. https://doi.org/10.1186/1897-4287-10-s4-a6.Search in Google Scholar

15. Favier, A. E. Hormonal effects of zinc on growth in children. Biol. Trace Elem. Res. 1992, 32, 383. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02784624.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

16. Pennington, J. A. T. Intakes of minerals from diets and foods: is there a need for concern? J. Nutr. 1996, 126, 2304S. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/126.suppl_9.2304s.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

17. Garland, M., Morris, J. S., Colditz, G. A., Stampfer, M. J., Spate, V. L., Baskett, C. K., Rosner, B., Speizer, F. E., Willett, W. C., Hunter, D. J. Toenail trace element levels and breast cancer: a prospective study. Am. J. Epidemiol. 1996, 144, 653. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.aje.a008977.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

18. Crea, T., Guerrin, V., Ortega, F., Harteman, P. Zinc et système immunitaire. Ann. Med. Interne 1990, 141, 447.Search in Google Scholar

19. Klevay, L. M. Hair as a biopsy material: assessment of zinc. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 1970, 23, 284. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/23.3.284.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

20. Ghayour-Mobarhan, M., Taylor, A., New, S. A., Lamb, D. J., Ferns, G. A. Determinants of serum copper, zinc and selenium in healthy subjects. Ann. Clin. Biochem. 2005, 42, 364. https://doi.org/10.1258/0004563054889990.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

21. Naga, M. S., Pallah, B. S., Sahota, G. P. S., Harjinder, S., Sahota, H. S. A. Study of trace elements in scalp hair and fingernails of industrial workers of Ontario, Canada. J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem. 1992, 162, 283.10.1007/BF02035389Search in Google Scholar

22. Ka, H. Trace elements in nails as biomarkers in clinical research. Eur. J. Clin. Invest. 2011, 41, 98.10.1111/j.1365-2362.2010.02373.xSearch in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

23. Khuder, A., Bakir, M. A., Hasan, R., Mohammad, A., Habil, K. Trace elements in scalp hair of leukaemia patients. Nukleonika 2014, 59, 111. https://doi.org/10.2478/nuka-2014-0014.Search in Google Scholar

24. Ali, D. H., Elsheikh, M. A., Khalid, M. A., Momen, A. Trace elements in scalp hair and fingernails as biomarkers in clinical studies. J. Heal. Spec. 2015, 3, 28. https://doi.org/10.4103/1658-600x.150760.Search in Google Scholar

25. Hamidatou, L. Overview of neutron activation analysis, in the book: advanced technologies and applications of neutron activation analysis. IntechOpen 2019, 3; https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.85461. https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/66397.10.5772/intechopen.85461Search in Google Scholar

26. Mansouri, A., Keskas, S., Azli, T., Hadri, A., Hamidatou, L., Benamar, M. E. A. Trace element zinc assessment in the hair of Algerian non-menopausal women with breast cancer using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). In 2nd International Conference on Radiations and applications (ICRA’2019), Algiers, Algeria, October 28–30, 2019.Search in Google Scholar

27. Van Noord, P. A. H., Collette, H. J. A., Maas, M. J. Selenium levels in nails of premenopausal breast cancer patients assessed prediagnostically in a cohort nested case-referent study among women screened in the DOM Project. Int. J. Epidemiol. 1987, 16, 318. https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/16.2.318.Search in Google Scholar

28. Bertazzo, A., Costa, C., Biasiolo, M., Allegri, G., Cirrincrone, G., Presti, G. Determination of copper and zinc levels in human hair: influence of age, sex and hair pigmentation. Biol. Trace Elem. Res. 1996, 52, 37. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02784088.Search in Google Scholar

29. Shamberger, R. J. Validity of hair mineral testing. Biol. Trace Elem. Res. 2002, 87, 1. https://doi.org/10.1385/BTER:87:1-3:001.10.1385/BTER:87:1-3:001Search in Google Scholar

30. Ryabukin, Y. S. Activation Analysis of Hair as an Indicator of Contamination of Man by Environmental Trace Element Pollutants; IAEA Report IAEA/RL/50: Vienna, 1978.Search in Google Scholar

31. Borella, P., Rovesti, S., Caselgrandi, E., Bargellini, A. Quality control in hair analysis: a systematic study on washing procedures for trace element determinations. Mikrochim. Acta 1995, 705, 1.10.1007/BF01244400Search in Google Scholar

32. Mansouri, A., Hamidatou-Alghem, L., Beladel, B., Mokhtari, O. E. K., Bendaas, A., Benamar, M. E. A. Hair-zinc levels determination in Algerian psoriatics using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Appl. Radiat. Isot. 2013, 72, 177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2012.11.003.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

33. Mansouri, A., Hamidatou, L., Mokhtari, O. E. K., Benamar, M. E. A. Determination of scalp hair selenium concentrations in Algerian psoriatic individuals using k0-standardization based on neutron activation analysis method. Radiochim. Acta 2021, 109, 493. https://doi.org/10.1515/ract-2020-0090.Search in Google Scholar

34. Azli, T., Bouhila, Z., Mansouri, A., Messaoudi, M., Zergoug, Z., Boukhadra, D., Begaa, S. Application of instrumental neutron activation analysis method for determination of some trace elements in lichens around three sites in Algiers. Radiochim. Acta 2021, 109, 1. https://doi.org/10.1515/ract-2021-1050.Search in Google Scholar

35. Bouhila, Z., Azli, T., Boukhadra, D., Hadri, A., Bayou, N., Mazouzi, C., Benbouzid, S., Lounici, H. Assessment of elemental composition in Algiers-Algeria, using instrumental neutron activation analysis on different environmental samples of lichens and tree barks. J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem. 2021, 329, 1301. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-021-07891-w.Search in Google Scholar

36. Beladel, B., Nedjimi, B., Mansouri, A., Benamar, M. E. A. Trace elements determination in Algerian wheat by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem. 2012, 293, 497. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-012-1784-0.Search in Google Scholar

37. Khaled, S., Mouzai, M., Ararem, A., Hamidatou, L., Zouranen, B. Elemental analysis of traditional medicinal seeds by instrumental neutron activation analysis. J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem. 2009, 281, 87. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-009-0076-9.Search in Google Scholar

38. Hamidatou, L., Slamene, H., Si Mohamed, L. Major, minor and trace elements in four kinds of cement powder using INAA and k0-Standardization methods. J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem. 2015, 304, 717. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-014-3839-x.Search in Google Scholar

39. Kauf, E., Wiesener, W., Niese, S. Neutron activation analytical determination of zinc, copper, manganese, and gold in human hair during the first years of life. Isotopenpraxis 1984, 20, 138. https://doi.org/10.1080/10256018408545005.Search in Google Scholar

40. De Coursey, W. J. Statistics and Probability for Engineering Applications with Microsoft® Excel; Newnes, Elsevier: New York, 2003.Search in Google Scholar

41. Borella, P., Bargellini, A., Caselgrandi, E., Piccinini, L. Observations on the use of plasma, hair and tissue to evaluate trace element status in cancer. J. Trace Elem. Med. Biol. 1997, 11, 162. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0946-672x(97)80046-6.Search in Google Scholar

42. Geraki, K., Farquharson, M. J., Bradley, D. A. Concentrations of Fe, Cu and Zn in breast tissue: a synchrotron XRF study. Phys. Med. Biol. 2002, 47, 2327. https://doi.org/10.1088/0031-9155/47/13/310.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

43. Garg, A. N., Singh, V., Weginwar, R. G., Sagdeo, V. N. An elemental correlation study in cancerous and normal breast tissue with successive clinical stages by neutron activation analysis. Biol. Trace Elem. Res. 1994, 46, 185. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02789296.Search in Google Scholar

44. Magalhães, T., Becker, M., Carvalho, M. L., Von Bohlen, A. Study of Br, Zn, Cu and Fe concentrations in healthy and cancer breast tissues by TXRF. Spectrochim. Acta, Part B 2008, 63, 1473. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sab.2008.10.014.Search in Google Scholar

45. Czerny, B., Krupka, K., Ozarowski, M., Seremak-Mrozikiewicz, A. Screening of trace elements in hair of the female population with different types of cancers in Wielkopolska Region of Poland. Sci. World J. 2014, 2014, 1. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/953181.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

46. Wu, X., Tang, J., Xie, M. Serum and hair zinc levels in breast cancer: a meta-analysis. Sci. Rep. 2015, 5, 12249. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep12249.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

47. Blaurock-Busch, E., Busch, Y. M., Friedle, A., Buerner, H., Parkash, C., Kaur, A. Comparing the metal concentration in the nails of healthy and cancer patients living in the Malwa region of Punjab, India with a random European group - a follow up study. Br. J. Med. Med. Res. 2015, 5, 480. https://doi.org/10.9734/bjmmr/2015/13124.Search in Google Scholar

48. Gibson, R. S. Principles of Nutritional Assessment, 2nd ed.; Oxford University Press: New York, 2005.10.1093/oso/9780195171693.001.0001Search in Google Scholar

49. Choi, S., Cui, C., Luo, Y., Kim, S. H., Ko, J. K., Huo, X., Ma, J., Fu, L. W., Souza, R. F., Korichneva, I., Pan, Z. Selective inhibitory effects of zinc on cell proliferation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through Orai1. Faseb. J. 2018, 32, 404. https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.201700227rrr.Search in Google Scholar

50. Larner, F., Woodley, L. N., Shousha, S., Moyes, A., Humphreys-Williams, E., Strekopytov, S., Halliday, A. N., Rehkamper, M., Charles Coombes, R. Zinc isotopic compositions of breast cancer tissue. Metall. 2015, 7, 112. https://doi.org/10.1039/c4mt00260a.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

51. Kilic, E., Demiroglu, A., Saraymen, R., Engin, O. K. Comparative quantitative analysis of zinc, magnesium, and copper content in the scalp hair of healthy people and breast cancer patients. J. Trace Elem. Exp. Med. 2006, 17, 175.10.1002/jtra.20006Search in Google Scholar

52. Wang, C. T., Chang, W. T., Yang, T. L. Study of the concentrations of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc in the hair of breast cancer patients. Trace Elem. Electrolytes 2006, 23, 281. https://doi.org/10.5414/tep23281.Search in Google Scholar

53. Joo, N. S., Kim, S. M., Jung, Y. S., Kim, K. M. Hair iron and other minerals’ level in breast cancer patients. Biol. Trace Elem. Res. 2009, 129, 28. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-008-8281-x.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

Supplementary Material

The online version of this article offers supplementary material (https://doi.org/10.1515/ract-2021-1069).

Received: 2021-06-22
Revised: 2021-10-15
Accepted: 2021-10-15
Published Online: 2021-11-02
Published in Print: 2021-12-20

© 2021 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

Articles in the same Issue

  1. Frontmatter
  2. Original Papers
  3. Effect of adding dodecanol as modifier to N,N,N′,N′-tetra-n-hexyl-3,6-dithiaoctane-1,8-diamide silica-based adsorbent on the adsorption behaviors of platinum-group metals and other metals from simulated high-level liquid waste
  4. A new way to ensure selective zirconium ion adsorption
  5. Determination of radioprotective and genotoxic properties of sulfamide derivatives
  6. Synthesis of 111In-p-SCN-Bn-DTPA-nimotuzumab and its preclinical evaluation in EGFR positive NSCLC animal model
  7. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) of zinc concentrations in scalp hair and fingernails samples of Algerian females with breast cancer
  8. Soil mineral analysis and environmental radioactivity in Ghizer, Eastern Hindukush, Pakistan
  9. Natural and anthropogenic radioactivity in some vegetables and fruits commonly consumed in the Western Black Sea region of Turkey
https://doi.org/10.1515/ract-2021-1069
Keywords for this article
breast cancer; fingernails; instrumental neutron activation analysis technique (INAA); scalp hair; zinc

Articles in the same Issue

  1. Frontmatter
  2. Original Papers
  3. Effect of adding dodecanol as modifier to N,N,N′,N′-tetra-n-hexyl-3,6-dithiaoctane-1,8-diamide silica-based adsorbent on the adsorption behaviors of platinum-group metals and other metals from simulated high-level liquid waste
  4. A new way to ensure selective zirconium ion adsorption
  5. Determination of radioprotective and genotoxic properties of sulfamide derivatives
  6. Synthesis of 111In-p-SCN-Bn-DTPA-nimotuzumab and its preclinical evaluation in EGFR positive NSCLC animal model
  7. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) of zinc concentrations in scalp hair and fingernails samples of Algerian females with breast cancer
  8. Soil mineral analysis and environmental radioactivity in Ghizer, Eastern Hindukush, Pakistan
  9. Natural and anthropogenic radioactivity in some vegetables and fruits commonly consumed in the Western Black Sea region of Turkey
Sign up now to receive a 20% welcome discount
Institutional Access
How does access work?
Have an idea on how to improve our website?
Please write us.
© 2026 De Gruyter Brill
Downloaded on 28.1.2026 from https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/ract-2021-1069/html
Scroll to top button