Elemental status as a factor in individualization of cerebral metabolism

The aim of the study was to identify associations between the levels of biologically significant micro- and macroelements in the human body and the expression of standard fNIRS indicators.

Research methodology: The study involved students from state universities, native residents of three regions of the European part of Russia: Arkhangelsk and Volgograd Oblasts, and the Republic of Crimea, aged 18–25 years (49 men and 51 women). The elemental status of the subjects was assessed based on the content of biologically significant micro- and macroelements (Al, As, B, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, I, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Se, Si, Sn, V, Zn) in hair samples. Chemical analysis of the biological material was performed using standard methods of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy at the ANO Center for Biotic Medicine (Moscow). To assess the hemodynamic response of the cerebral cortex in the near infrared range, a Cortivision Poton Cap C20 device (Cortivision, Poland) equipped with 20 optodes (10 sources and 10 detectors) with a sampling frequency of 7.8125 Hz was used. Statistical processing of the results was performed in SPSS for Windows (ver. 20).

The results of the study: The obtained results showed that hemoglobin concentration in the cerebral circulation, reflecting the overall level of metabolic activation, is directly related to the content of essential cationic macronutrients (Na, K, Ca, Mg) and inversely related to the content of heavy metals and toxicants (Pb, Hg, Sn, As, Ni).

Conclusion: These data necessitate further development of individualized cerebral metabolism based on the body's elemental status, particularly for individuals with cardiometabolic and neurocognitive disorders. Furthermore, the potential for widespread implementation of functional near-infrared spectroscopy in research and clinical practice as a simple and effective method for neuroimaging brain function is demonstrated.