title: Metal accumulation in the human uterus varies by pathology and smoking status.
abstract: To evaluate the content of Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in human endometrium (END), endocervix (ECX), and endometrial (END-P) and endocervical (ECX-P) polyps in relation to histologic image and female demographic characteristics and habits.
  
  
  
  Tissues were collected during curettage of the uterine cavity, subjected to histopathologic examination, digested, and analyzed with the use of a microwave induced nitrogen plasma atomic emission spectrometer. Demographic/lifestyle characteristics were assessed with the use of a questionnaire.
  
  
  
  University hospital and research laboratory.
  
  
  
  One hundred nine white Polish women undergoing curettage of the END (n = 60) or ECX (n = 23) or dissection of END-P (n = 16) or ECX-P (n = 10).
  
  
  
  None.
  
  
  
  Trace element concentrations in collected tissues.
  
  
  
  Histologic states of analyzed END included: normal (n = 22), irregularity (n = 3), polypoid (n = 12), simple hyperplasia (n = 10), leiomyoma (n = 5), and cancer (n = 8); whereas for ECX: normal (n = 10), inflammation (n = 8), irregularity (n = 2), and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN; n = 3). All elements were identified in the sampled material. Compared with histologically normal tissues, endometrial cancer, hyperplasia, and CIN revealed significantly increased levels of toxic metals (Cd and Pb), altered status of Cu and Mn, and an elevated Cu/Zn ratio. Current and former smoking was associated with significantly higher Cd and Pb levels in investigated tissues. Polyps represented significant accumulators of Al, Cd, Ni, and Pb (END-P) or Al, Cd, and Cu (ECX-P).
  
  
  
  The findings of this study are important in understanding the presence and role of metals in the female reproductive system and its pathology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland. Electronic address: rzymskipiotr@ump.edu.pl.
authors.forename: Piotr
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rzymski
authors.affiliation: Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland.
authors.forename: Przemysław
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Niedzielski
authors.affiliation: Department of Mother's and Child's Health, Gynecologic and Obstetrical University Hospital, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
authors.forename: Paweł
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rzymski
authors.affiliation: Department of Mother's and Child's Health, Gynecologic and Obstetrical University Hospital, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
authors.forename: Katarzyna
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tomczyk
authors.affiliation: Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland.
authors.forename: Lidia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kozak
authors.affiliation: Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Poniedziałek
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D000075322:Heavy Metal Poisoning; D006801:Humans; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D011041:Poisoning / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D012907:Smoking / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D014599:Uterus / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D019216:Metals, Heavy; D014131:Trace Elements
keywords: Trace metals; bioaccumulation; cigarette smoking; polyps; uterine