Phase partitioning and toxicity prediction of metals in blood plasma, platelets, leukocytes and erythrocytes

作者：Yubing Dai, Jiaxin Liu, Naibing Liang, Zhangpeng Guo, Jing Jin, Congjie Bi, Haijun Zhang, Ningbo Geng, Jiping Chen · 发表于：Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1016/j.ecoenv.2025.118803 · 被引用次数：1 · 研究领域：Heavy Metal Exposure and Toxicity、Contact Dermatitis and Allergies、Trace Elements in Health

Plasma and blood cells may exist different phase partitioning of elements due to their distinct properties and functions, while the distribution patterns of other elements across plasma, platelets, leukocytes, and erythrocytes remain largely unexplored. This study developed a method to rapidly separate these fractions of human blood and quantify 22 elements in each fraction. Notably, elements like Fe, Zn, and Rb were higher in erythrocytes, whereas Cd, Cr, V, and Sr were concentrated in leukocytes. Most metals detected in plasma account for < 40 % of the total concentration in blood, particularly toxic metals, with Cr, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb accounting for 63-75 % in blood cells, suggesting plasma-based assessments may underestimate actual exposure. Metal concentrations in plasma were positively correlated with those in whole blood (ρ ≥ 0.48), except for Fe (ρ = 0.13). We derived empirical ratios to estimate the internal exposure levels of elements from plasma to blood. Finally, we prioritized the assessment of potential acute and non-cancer risks associated with five toxic metals. As evidenced by PrHQ values, the toxicity level of As were the highest. Notably, the PrHQ values for these toxic metals in whole blood were approximately three times higher than those detected in plasma.