Essential and Non-essential Trace Elements

Flashcards covering the classification, uses, distribution, and clinical effects (deficiency and toxicity) of essential and non-essential trace elements.

Aluminum

A non-essential element used for making beverage cans, pots, pans, and foil; it primarily distributes to the bones ($50\%$) and lungs ($25\%$) and is excreted mainly in the urine ($95\%$).

Arsenic clinical manifestations

Acute exposure causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as rice water diarrhea and pancytopenia, while chronic exposure leads to Mee’s lines, hyperkeratosis, Blackfoot disease (PVD), and "socks and glove" neuropathy.

Itai-itai

A condition caused by chronic cadmium toxicity characterized by severe osteomalacia and osteoporosis.

Chromium deficiency and toxicity

Deficiency is associated with glucose intolerance and hypercholesterolemia, while toxicity can cause dermatitis, skin ulcers, and renal tubular damage.

Copper transport proteins

Albumin and transcuprein transport copper from the blood to the liver, while ceruloplasmin and metallothionein transport it from the liver to the blood.

Menkes’ disease

An early-stage clinical condition associated with copper deficiency, characterized by neutropenia and hypochromic anemia.

Wilson’s disease

A condition associated with copper toxicity that results in hepatic and renal damage.

Iron distribution and indices

The most abundant trace element in the body, it is bound to transferrin, ferritin, and hemosiderin and is found in RBCs, liver, spleen, and bone marrow.

Koilonychia

Spoon-shaped nails, which are a clinical indicator of iron deficiency.

Lead evaluation samples

Whole blood collected using Tan-top tubes ($K_2EDTA$) and urine are used to evaluate blood lead levels (BLL).

Lead hematologic interference

Interferes with heme synthesis by inhibiting aminolevulinic acid synthetase (leading to $\text{↑ALA}$) and ferrochelatase (leading to $\text{↑Protoporphyrin IX}$).

Mercury sources and absorption

A non-essential element found in amalgams, electronic switches, and as a vaccine preservative; it is primarily absorbed through inhalation ($80\%$).

Locura manganica

A condition caused by manganese toxicity that resembles Parkinson’s disease and is characterized by compulsive laughing or crying.

Molybdenum clinical effects

Deficiency can cause growth depression and hypercuprinemia, while toxicity can lead to goiter, thyrotoxicosis, and hypuricemia.

Keshan disease

A cardiomyopathy caused by a deficiency in the essential element selenium.

Selenium toxicity

Clinical manifestation characterized by liver failure and a distinct garlic odor on the breath.

Zinc

An essential element used for galvanizing steel and as a treatment for Wilson's disease; it is mainly transported by albumin and $a2$-macroglobulin.

Acrodermatitis enteropathica

A specific clinical manifestion associated with zinc deficiency.

Hypogeusia

The impairment or loss of taste, which is a symptom of zinc deficiency.