title: Human placenta as a 'dual' biomarker for monitoring fetal and maternal environment with special reference to potentially toxic trace elements. Part 2: essential minor, trace and other (non-essential) elements in human placenta.
abstract: A survey of elemental composition of the human placenta was undertaken to evaluate reference values for minor and trace elements (essential and non-essential). The new data collection was narrowed down to results generated between the period of 1975-2000, since analytical methodology was becoming increasingly reliable with time for many elements. The search revealed the following results (microg/g, based on wet weight): Ca = 770; Cl = 1900; K = 1685; Mg = 100; Na = 360; P = 1700; and S = 350. However, Na, P and S need further confirmation. For a group of essential trace elements following average values were evaluated (microg/g, based on wet weight): Co = 0.007; Cr = 0.03; Cu = 0.9; Fe = 69; I = 0.005; Mn = 0.08; Mo = 0.02; Se = 0.2; and Zn = 10. However, the iodine value needs further confirmation. In addition, information values have been identified for a number of so-called non-essential elements such as Ag, Au, B, Ba, Br, Cs, F, La, Rb, Sb, Sc, Si, Sn, Sr, Ti, V and W. The survey results for toxic trace elements As, Cd, Hg, Ni and Pb are discussed in part 3 of this paper along with placenta as a biomonitor for toxic trace elements.
authors.affiliation: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Nutritional and Health Related Environmental Studies (NAHRES), Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: G V
authors.initials: GV
authors.lastname: Iyengar
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rapp
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D010920:Placenta / Q000737:chemistry*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012016:Reference Values; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D014131:Trace Elements