High-precision isotopic analysis of essential mineral elements in biomedicine: natural isotope ratio variations as potential diagnostic and/or prognostic markers

作者：Costas Rodriguez Marta; Delanghe Joris; Vanhaecke Frank^*

来源：TrAC-Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 2016, 76: 182-193.

DOI：10.1016/j.trac.2015.10.008

• Isotopic analysis
• Natural isotope ratio variations
• Essential elements
• Metals
• MC-ICP-MS
• Biomedical applications
• Metabolism
• Bone mineral balance
• Cancer
• Liver cirrhosis

High-precision isotopic analysis of essential mineral elements, mainly Ca, Cu, Fe and Zn, provides relevant biomedical information. For this application, multi-collector ICP-mass spectrometry is the preferred technique. Variation in the isotopic signature of these elements is governed by alterations in their uptake, metabolism and/or excretion. Therefore, diseases that affect mineral metal metabolism, such as hemochromatosis, cancer, liver cirrhosis and Wilson's disease, affect the isotopic composition of these elements in some body compartments. This review discusses how natural isotope ratio variations in biofluids can potentially be exploited as alternative approaches for the diagnosis of diseases that can otherwise only be established at a later stage or via a more invasive method and/or for prognostic purposes. This discussion also includes an evaluation of the isotopic variability in biofluids for apparently healthy individuals and in biofluids, soft tissues and bone of experimentally controlled animals. Physiological and lifestyle factors were also paid attention to.

• 出版日期2016-2