Estimation of Hair Toxic and Essential Trace Element and Mineral Profiles of Patients with Chronic Gout.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate hair levels of toxic and essential trace elements and minerals in male and female patients with chronic gout. A total of 223 examinees aged from 27 to 82 years old including 116 healthy controls (64 women and 52 men) and 107 patients with gout (56 women and 51 men) were enrolled in the current cross-sectional study. Analysis of hair toxic and essential trace element and mineral content was performed using inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. The obtained data demonstrate that hair B, Fe, I, and Mo levels in gout patients were 67%, 8%, 46%, and 21% higher in comparison to the respective control values. Hair Cr and V content in patients was more than twofold higher than in the controls. Hair Mg and Zn levels were found to be 34% and 11% lower when compared to the respective control values. Hair toxic metal and metalloid content was also significantly affected in gout patients. Specifically, hair Al, As, and Pb levels were 24%, 43%, and 33% higher in gout patients than in healthy controls, respectively. Analysis of covariance demonstrated that sex also had a significant influence on hair trace element and mineral levels in gout patients. Specifically, gout-associated overaccumulation of hair trace elements including was more profound in male than in female patients. It is assumed that trace element dysregulation may contribute to gout development and progression, especially in men. However, further studies are required to elucidate this association and the underlying molecular mechanisms.