Bone manganese as a biomarker of manganese exposure: a feasibility study.
BACKGROUND
There is a need for a diagnostic tool with the ability to measure cumulative exposure to manganese (Mn) in the workplace. Measuring bone Mn levels with in vivo neutron activation analysis (IVNAA) could serve as a biomarker of past exposure. Bone Mn levels of welders were measured and compared to the levels found in subjects without exposure to the element.


METHODS
Forty subjects (30 welders and 10 controls) were recruited. An occupational history was obtained and subjects underwent IVNAA bone Mn measurements.


RESULTS
The mean bone Mn levels were (2.9 +/- 0.4) and (0.1 +/- 0.7) microg Mn/g Ca for welders and controls, respectively (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
This project, the first of its kind, reports differences in bone Mn between Mn-exposed welders and non-occupationally exposed subjects. It appears that bone Mn levels do reflect differences in the occupational exposure of welders.
Pejović-Milić
Ana
A
Department of Physics, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. anamilic@ryerson.ca
Chettle
David R
DR
Oudyk
John
J
Pysklywec
Michael W
MW
Haines
Ted
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008345:Manganese / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D014896:Welding
D015415:Biomarkers; D008345:Manganese