Research group from Tohoku University discovers gender differences in plasma element concentrations

A research group led by Professor Yoshiro Saito from the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Tohoku University, Professor Masayuki Yamamoto from the Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, and Professor Toshinari Takamura from the Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences at Kanazawa University has established a comprehensive multi-elemental analysis method using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and developed a technique to evaluate 14 essential elements and toxic metals in human plasma simultaneously. Using blood samples collected from a community-based cohort study, they discovered elements with gender differences in plasma levels and revealed that the selenium-transporting protein selenoprotein P correlates with iron, selenium, arsenic, mercury, hematocrit values, hemoglobin contents, and HbA1c levels. Their findings were published in Scientific Reports.

Essential trace elements such as selenium, zinc, and iron are vital for maintaining biological homeostasis. Since both deficiency and excess exist for each element, maintaining optimal levels is crucial for health. Meanwhile, toxic metals such as mercury, arsenic, and lead are known to counteract the effects of essential trace elements and increase disease risk. The research group established a comprehensive multi-elemental analysis method using ICP-MS and developed a technique to evaluate 14 essential elements and toxic metals in human plasma simultaneously. Using 100 microliters of plasma from 506 healthy individuals collected in the Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization's community-based cohort study, they obtained measurements of 14 element concentrations and conducted multiple correlation analyses with previously collected biochemical data and questionnaire results to analyze relationships with various factors. They also evaluated selenoprotein P, a selenium-transporting protein in plasma whose levels affect disease risk and analyzed its relationships with various factors.

The results revealed gender differences in the levels of elements such as iron, selenium, and mercury in healthy individuals, with males showing higher values for each. Gender differences were also demonstrated in selenoprotein P levels. Since selenium derived from selenoprotein P is known to be important for spermatogenesis, the higher selenium and selenoprotein P levels in males are thought to be necessary for sperm formation. Mercury showed correlation with the frequency of seafood consumption. Since males are known to consume more seafood, this relationship is thought to be attributable to lifestyle habits.

Furthermore, it was revealed that selenoprotein P levels correlate with iron, selenium, arsenic, mercury, hematocrit values, hemoglobin contents, and the diabetes marker HbA1c. The correlation between selenoprotein P levels and HbA1c levels confirmed that increased selenoprotein P levels elevate diabetes risk. The correlation between selenoprotein P levels and iron-related hematocrit values and hemoglobin content suggests a close relationship between selenium and iron metabolism. Additionally, correlations between seafood consumption frequency and mercury and arsenic levels were demonstrated.

Maintaining various trace elements at optimal levels is considered important for proper bodily function. On the other hand, various toxic metals have been shown to inhibit the effects of essential trace elements and increase health disorders and disease risk. The comprehensive multi-elemental analysis method using ICP-MS has made it possible to assess diverse element amounts in the body.

Future evaluation of larger sample sizes over extended periods is expected to clarify relationships with disease risk. Additionally, elucidating the relationships between genetic polymorphisms and trace elements/toxic metals may reveal the molecular mechanisms of disease risk.

Journal Information
Publication: Scientific Reports
Title: Gender differences in plasma element concentrations and associations between selenoprotein P and iron metabolism in a community-based cohort study
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-10581-2