Content of Fifty Trace Elements in Thyroid Benign Nodules and Thyroid Tissue adjacent to Nodules investigated using Neutron Activation Analysis and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

Thyroid benign nodules (TBNs) are the most common diseases of this endocrine gland and are common worldwide. The etiology and pathogenesis of TBNs must be considered as multifactorial. The present study was performed to clarify the role of some trace elements (TEs) in the etiology of these thyroid disorders. Thyroid tissue levels of fifty TEs were prospectively evaluated in nodular tissue and tissue adjacent to nodules of 79 patients with TBNs. Measurements were performed using a combination of non-destructive instrumental neutron activation analysis and destructive method such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results of the study were additionally compared with previously obtained data for the same TEs in “normal” thyroid tissue. This study provides evidence on many TEs level alteration in nodular and adjacent to nodule tissue and shows the necessity to continue TEs research of TBNs.