Oxidative damage of dust storm fine particles instillation on lungs, hearts and livers of rats

Does ambient air pollution influence biochemical markers of liver injury? Findings of a cross-sectional population-based survey

BACKGROUND

There is limited evidence supporting an adverse effect of ambient air pollution on the liver.

OBJECTIVES

To test the association between exposure to residential air pollution and serum biochemical indicators of liver injury.

METHODS

We used a nationally representative sample of 32,989 participants aged 3-79 years old who participated in the Canadian Health Measures Survey between 2007 and 2019. Cross-sectional associations were assessed by generalized linear mixed models incorporating survey-specific sampling weights.

RESULTS

The joint effect of an interquartile range (IQR) increase in nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was positively and significantly associated with all measures of liver injury adjusting for age, sex, education, income, smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, and physical activity. The ranking of effect sizes from largest to smallest percent increases were 8.72% (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.56, 9.88) for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), 5.54% (95%CI 3.31, 7.77) for gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), 4.81% (95%CI 3.87, 5.74) for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), 2.46% (95%CI 0.26, 4.65) for total bilirubin (TBIL) and 1.18% (95%CI 0.62, 1.75) for alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Findings were not significantly different when stratified by age (≤16, >16 yr), sex, smoking (current, other), cholesterol (≤6.18, >6.18 mmol/l) and BMI (<30, ≥30 kg/m2).

DISCUSSION

These findings suggest that ambient air pollution may have a relatively small impact on the liver, but these changes may have significant impact from a population health perspective, considering the ubiquitous nature of air pollution, or for individuals exposed to very high levels of air pollution.

Atmospheric conditions and composition that influence PM2.5 oxidative potential in Beijing, China

Epidemiological studies have consistently linked exposure to PM_2.5 with adverse health effects. The oxidative potential (OP) of aerosol particles has been widely suggested as a measure of their potential toxicity. Several acellular chemical assays are now readily employed to measure OP; however, uncertainty remains regarding the atmospheric conditions and specific chemical components of PM_2.5 that drive OP. A limited number of studies have simultaneously utilised multiple OP assays with a wide range of concurrent measurements and investigated the seasonality of PM_2.5 OP. In this work, filter samples were collected in winter 2016 and summer 2017 during the atmospheric pollution and human health in a Chinese megacity campaign (APHH-Beijing), and PM_2.5 OP was analysed using four acellular methods: ascorbic acid (AA), dithiothreitol (DTT), 2,7-dichlorofluorescin/hydrogen peroxidase (DCFH) and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR). Each assay reflects different oxidising properties of PM_2.5, including particle-bound reactive oxygen species (DCFH), superoxide radical production (EPR) and catalytic redox chemistry (DTT/AA), and a combination of these four assays provided a detailed overall picture of the oxidising properties of PM_2.5 at a central site in Beijing. Positive correlations of OP (normalised per volume of air) of all four assays with overall PM_2.5 mass were observed, with stronger correlations in winter compared to summer. In contrast, when OP assay values were normalised for particle mass, days with higher PM_2.5 mass concentrations (μgm^-3) were found to have lower mass-normalised OP values as measured by AA and DTT. This finding supports that total PM_2.5 mass concentrations alone may not always be the best indicator for particle toxicity. Univariate analysis of OP values and an extensive range of additional measurements, 107 in total, including PM_2.5 composition, gas-phase composition and meteorological data, provided detailed insight into the chemical components and atmospheric processes that determine PM_2.5 OP variability. Multivariate statistical analyses highlighted associations of OP assay responses with varying chemical components in PM_2.5 for both mass- and volume-normalised data. AA and DTT assays were well predicted by a small set of measurements in multiple linear regression (MLR) models and indicated fossil fuel combustion, vehicle emissions and biogenic secondary organic aerosol (SOA) as influential particle sources in the assay response. Mass MLR models of OP associated with compositional source profiles predicted OP almost as well as volume MLR models, illustrating the influence of mass composition on both particle-level OP and total volume OP. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that different assays cover different chemical spaces, and through comparison of mass- and volume-normalised data we demonstrate that mass-normalised OP provides a more nuanced picture of compositional drivers and sources of OP compared to volume-normalised analysis. This study constitutes one of the most extensive and comprehensive composition datasets currently available and provides a unique opportunity to explore chemical variations in PM_2.5 and how they affect both PM_2.5 OP and the concentrations of particle-bound reactive oxygen species.

Protective Effect of Diphlorethohydroxycarmalol Isolated from Ishige okamurae Against Particulate Matter-Induced Skin Damage by Regulation of NF-κB, AP-1, and MAPKs Signaling Pathways In Vitro in Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Particulate matters (PM), the main contributor to air pollution, have become a serious issue that threatens human's health. Skin is the largest organ in humans, as well as the primary organ exposed to PM. Overexposure of PM induces skin damage. Diphlorethohydroxycarmalol (DPHC), an algal polyphenol with the potential of skin protection, has been isolated from the edible brown seaweed Ishige okamurae. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the protective effect of DPHC against PM (ERM-CZ100)-induced skin damage in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) cells. The results indicated that DPHC significantly and dose-dependently reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species generation in HDF cells. In addition, DPHC significantly induced collagen synthesis and inhibited collagenase activity in ERM-CZ100-stimulated HDF cells. Further study demonstrated that DPHC remarkably reduced the expression of human matrix metalloproteinases through regulation of nuclear factor kappa B, activator protein 1, and mitogen-activated protein kinases signaling pathways in ERM-CZ100-stimulated HDF cells. This study suggested that DPHC is a potential candidate to protect skins against PM-induced damage, and it could be used as an ingredient in pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries.

The protective effect of Sargassum horneri against particulate matter-induced inflammation in lung tissues of an in vivo mouse asthma model

Sargassum horneri is an edible brown seaweed with potential anti-inflammatory properties. The present study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of S. horneri using an in vivo mouse asthma model following exposure to particulate matter (PM). 7-8 week old BALB/c mice (20-25 g) were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 4) as follows: 1: no treatment, 2: OVA (ovalbumin) + PM, 3: OVA + PM + SHE (S. horneri ethanol extract) 200 mg kg-1, 4: OVA + PM + SHE 400 mg kg-1, 5: OVA + PM + prednisone 5 mg kg-1, 6: OVA only, and 7: PM only. All mice (except healthy controls) were sensitized on the first day by intraperitoneal injection of 10 μg OVA and 2 mg Al(OH)3 in 200 μL of saline. Starting from day 15, mice (except groups 1 and 6) were exposed to sonicated PM (5 mg m-3, 30 min day-1) through a nebulizer daily for 7 consecutive days. Mice exposed to PM and OVA showed up-regulated expression of MAPKs and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in the lungs. Furthermore, PM-exposed lungs had significantly reduced expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 genes. However, oral administration of the SHE reduced the phosphorylation levels of MAPKs, iNOS and COX2 expression levels, and mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, SHE treated group mice had up-regulated anti-oxidant gene expression levels in the lungs compared to group 2. These findings demonstrate that oral administration of the SHE re-establishes PM-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in the lungs. Taken together, the SHE has therapeutic potential in preventing PM-induced inflammation and oxidative stress.

Protective effect of green tea catechin against urban fine dust particle-induced skin aging by regulation of NF-κB, AP-1, and MAPKs signaling pathways

The increase in ambient fine dust particles (FDP) due to urbanization and industrialization has been identified as a major contributor to air pollution. It has become a serious issue that threatens human health because it causes respiratory diseases and skin aging. In the present study, the protective effect of the green tea catechin, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), against FDP (ERM-CZ100)-stimulated skin aging in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) was investigated. The results demonstrate that EGCG significantly and dose-dependently scavenged intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in and increased the viability of FDP-stimulated HDFs. In addition, EGCG dose-dependently recovered collagen synthesis and inhibited intracellular elastase and collagenase activities. Moreover, EGCG decreased the expression of human matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) via regulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), activator protein 1 (AP-1), and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathways in FDP-stimulated HDFs. This study suggests that EGCG is a potential anti-aging candidate that can be used for FDP-induced skin aging as a therapeutic agent itself or as an ingredient in pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical products.

Study on the Mechanism of Curcumin Regulating Lung Injury Induced by Outdoor Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)

Background

Epidemiological studies have shown that exposure to PM induces oxidative stress, leading to a variety of health problems. In particular, PM2.5 contains a lot of substances harmful to the human body and penetrates into the lungs to induce lung injury. At the same time, there is increasing evidence that oxidative stress also affects the severity of lung injury. However, there is still no good way to reduce or eliminate these hazards. In the future, more experimental research is needed to further confirm the mechanisms of these hazards and formulate effective preventive measures and treatment plans for their hazard mechanisms. Curcumin has been reported to reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory damage and protect organs.

Objective

To investigate whether curcumin can play a protective role against PM2.5-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory damage by inducing expression of the HO-1/CO/P38 MAPK pathway.

Methods

In this experiment, PM2.5 was dropped into the trachea to establish a lung injury model in mice. 28 SPF-grade male Kunming mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control group, saline control group, PM2.5 treatment group, and curcumin intervention group. Albumin (ALB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured in alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) to assess lung tissue damage. Colorimetric detection of oxidative stress indicators such as MDA, GSH-PX, T-AOC, and CAT in the lung tissue was performed. The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the lung tissue were determined by ELISA. Histopathological examination was used for the assessment of alveolar epithelial damage. The protein expression of the HO-1/P38 MAPK pathway in the lung tissue was determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Endogenous CO was detected by spectrophotometry. The results showed that the expression of the HO-1/CO/P38 MAPK protein in the lung tissue was significantly increased in the curcumin intervention group compared with the PM2.5 treatment group, and it was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Compared with the PM2.5 treatment group, the curcumin intervention group can reduce the amount of ALB, LDH, and ALP in BALF; reduce the levels of MDA, IL-1, and TNF-α in the lung tissue; and improve GSH-PX, T-AOC, and CAT levels, but there is no statistical difference (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

We found that PM2.5 can cause lung damage through oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Oxidative stress and inflammatory responses increase the expression of HO-1/CO/P38 MAPK. The intervention of curcumin can further increase the expression of HO-1/CO/P38 MAPK.

Exposure to ambient fine particles causes abnormal energy metabolism and ATP decrease in lung tissues

Airborne fine particles, generating from human activities, have drawn increasing attention due to their potential lung health hazards. The currently available toxicological data on fine particles is still not sufficient to explain their cause-and-effect. Based on well reported critical role of ATP on maintaining lung structure and function, the alterations of ATP production and energy metabolism in lungs of rats exposed to different dosages of seasonal PM_2.5 were investigated. Haze dosage PM_2.5 exposure was demonstrated to reduce the ATP production. Activity of critical enzymes in TCA cycle, such as malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and citrate synthase (CS), and expression of mitochondrial respiration chain genes were attenuated in groups exposed to haze dosage PM_2.5. In contrast, there was prominent augment of glycolytic markers at haze dosage PM_2.5, including metabolite contents (pyruvate and lactic acid), enzyme activities (hexokinase (HK) and pyruvate kinase (PKM)), along with mRNA levels of PKM and LDH. Consequently, sub-chronic exposure to seasonal haze PM_2.5 caused reduction in ATP generation and metabolic rewiring from TCA cycle to glycolysis. Our findings can help better understand the toxicological mechanism of lung disease caused by particulate air pollution.

Association of time-serial changes in ambient particulate matters (PMs) with respiratory emergency cases in Taipei's Wenshan District

Ambient air pollution poses a significant risk for a group of common and often debilitating respiratory diseases, but its direct impact on cause-specific respiratory diseases using emergency room visit (ERV) as an indicator remains to be fully explored. In this study, we conducted a time-series study of ambient PM2.5, NO2, SO2 and their association with ERV for asthma, COPD and pneumonia in a four-year time span. Relative risks for ERV as per log increase in the level of ambient pollutants with time lags of up to 10 days were calculated, using a generalized additive model of Poisson regression. Daily 24-h average concentrations of PM2.5 and pollutant gases were obtained from a local Gutting air quality monitoring station. Results showed that the ERVs for pneumonia and asthma were associated with the level of PM2.5. The effects of PM2.5 on the risk of ERV for asthma were found to be significant at lag days 1 and 2 with increasing risk of 4.34% [RR: 1.091; CI: 1.020-1.166 (95%)] and 3.58% [RR: 1.074; CI: 1.007-1.146 (95%)], respectively. The ERV for pneumonia was associated with the level of PM2.5 at lag days 5, 6 and 7, with increasing risk of 1.92% [RR: 1.039; CI: 1.009-1.070 (95%)], 2.03% [RR: 1.041; CI: 1.009-1.075 (95%)], and 1.82% [RR: 1.037; CI: 1.001-1.075 (95%)], respectively. Further, PM2.5, but not NO2 and SO2, posed a significant risk of ERV for asthma during spring at lag days 0, 1 and 2 (17.12%, RR: 1.408, CI: 1.075-1.238; 15.30%, RR: 1.358 CI: 1.158-1.166; 11.94%, RR: 1.165, CI: 1.004-1.121), which was particularly evident for those who were younger than 75 years of age. In contrast, only PM2.5 was a significant risk of ERV for COPD, which was primarily for those who were younger than 75 years of age during summer season at lag days 3, 4 and 5. (26.66%, RR: 1.704, CI: 1.104-2.632; 26.99%; RR: 1.716, CI: 1.151-2.557; 24.09%; RR: 1.619, CI: 1.111-2.360). Collectively, these results suggested significant seasonal variation and differential time lag effects of PM2.5 on ERV for asthma, COPD and pneumonia.

A new dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction using ionic liquid based microemulsion coupled with cloud point extraction for determination of copper in serum and water samples

A simple and rapid dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction procedure based on ionic liquid assisted microemulsion (IL-µE-DLLME) combined with cloud point extraction has been developed for preconcentration copper (Cu(2+)) in drinking water and serum samples of adolescent female hepatitits C (HCV) patients. In this method a ternary system was developed to form microemulsion (µE) by phase inversion method (PIM), using ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([C4mim][PF6]) and nonionic surfactant, TX-100 (as a stabilizer in aqueous media). The Ionic liquid microemulsion (IL-µE) was evaluated through visual assessment, optical light microscope and spectrophotometrically. The Cu(2+) in real water and aqueous acid digested serum samples were complexed with 8-hydroxyquinoline (oxine) and extracted into IL-µE medium. The phase separation of stable IL-µE was carried out by the micellar cloud point extraction approach. The influence of of different parameters such as pH, oxine concentration, centrifugation time and rate were investigated. At optimized experimental conditions, the limit of detection and enhancement factor were found to be 0.132 µg/L and 70 respectively, with relative standard deviation <5%. In order to validate the developed method, certified reference materials (SLRS-4 Riverine water) and human serum (Sero-M10181) were analyzed. The resulting data indicated a non-significant difference in obtained and certified values of Cu(2+). The developed procedure was successfully applied for the preconcentration and determination of trace levels of Cu(2+) in environmental and biological samples.

Fine particulate matter in acute exacerbation of COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common airway disorder. In particular, acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) can significantly reduce pulmonary function. The majority of AECOPD episodes are attributed to infections, although environmental stress also plays a role. Increasing urbanization and associated air pollution, especially in developing countries, have been shown to contribute to COPD pathogenesis. Elevated levels of particulate matter (PM) in polluted air are strongly correlated with the onset and development of various respiratory diseases. In this review, we have conducted an extensive literature search of recent studies of the role of PM_2.5 (fine PM) in AECOPD. PM_2.5 leads to AECOPD via inflammation, oxidative stress (OS), immune dysfunction, and altered airway epithelial structure and microbiome. Reducing PM_2.5 levels is a viable approach to lower AECOPD incidence, attenuate COPD progression and decrease the associated healthcare burden.

Characterization of springtime airborne particulate matter-bound reactive oxygen species in Beijing

Epidemiologic studies have suggested that particulate matter (PM)-associated adverse health effects are related to particle composition. To study the toxicological characteristics of dust storm, airborne PM10 was collected at two sites in Beijing from March to May 2012. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), quantified by dithiothreitol (DTT), was used to measure the PM-induced oxidative potential. Two dust storm (DS) samples were monitored during the sampling period: one happened on March 28th (DS1) and the other one was on April 28th (DS2). The backward trajectory results showed that both events originated from Inner Mongolia and Mongolia, respectively. The increased trends of ROS activities during the dust storm episode in PM10 were observed for all the dust storms owing to a higher concentration of water-soluble components for all the PM10 samples compared to nondust storm ones. Interestingly, the correlations between DTT consumption with water-soluble species yield interesting results about the spatial variability of redox activity between sites. In particular, a tracer of soil suspension, namely Fe, contributed the most fraction to ROS variability in the urban background site. Water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) made the highest contribution to ROS variability, suggesting that vehicle emission might be important driving factors of the PM-induced oxidative stress in the urban site.

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Identification of Labile Radicals Formed during Pyrolysis of Catechool, Hydroquinone, and Phenol through Neutral Pyrolysis Product Mass Analysis

Catechol, hydroquinone, and phenol are known to be environmental pollutants due to their ability to generate environmentally free radicals, which cause millions of deaths worldwide. Recently, efforts have been done to precisely identify the origin and the nature of those free radicals employing EPR-LTMI technique. All the three precursors generate cyclopentadienyl radical as major pyrolysis products and phenoxyl radical as both pyrolysis and photolysis products which were obtained from phenol; ortho-semiquinone and para-semiquinone were seen, respectively, from the pyrolysis of catechol and hydroquinone. However, it has been suspected that the solely use of the EPR-LTMI did not allow the isolation of the more labile radicals that is supposedly terminated by radical-radical or radical-surface interaction. The present study reports the gas chromatography mass analysis of the pyrolysis products from catechol, hydroquinone, and phenol. Naphthalene , indene, and hydroxyindene were observed as the pyrolysis products of hydroquinone, while fluorene, 1H-indenol and its isomer 1H-inden-1-one 2,3 dihydro, acenaphthylene, benzofuran-7-methyl, and benzofuran-2-methyl were observed as pyrolysis products of catechol. Dibenzo dioxin and dibenzo furan were observed from pyrolysis of catechol and hydroquinone. Those products result from the combination of radicals such as cyclopentadienyl, para-semiquinone, ortho-semiquinone, hydroxyl-cyclohexadienyl, phenoxyl, and most importantly Hydroxycyclopentadienyl which was not identified by EPR-LTMI.

Investigation of Alteration in the Levels of Iron and Copper in Scalp Hair Samples of Patients Having Different Types of Viral Hepatitis

The aim of this study was to measure the alterations of copper and iron contents in scalp hair samples of hepatitis A-E patients of both genders, same age group, and socioeconomic status. For comparative study, the scalp hair samples of healthy individuals of the same age and socioeconomic status were collected. The concentrations of copper and iron were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, after microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity and accuracy of methodology was checked using a certified reference material. The results of this study showed that the mean values of copper and iron were higher in scalp hair samples of hepatitis patients than those of age-matched control subjects, while the difference was significant in the cases of patients having viral hepatitis B, C, and D as compared to those who have viral hepatitis A and E (p < 0.001). It was concluded that the overload of copper and iron in the human body may cause lipid peroxidation and eventually damage the hepatic system.

Identification of pathology from diesel exhaust particles in the bladder in a rat model by aspiration of particles from the pharynx

To determine whether diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) could be a toxic agent to the bladder, rats were exposed to different concentrations of DEPs for one month or three months. When the rats were sacrificed, morphologic changes of the urothelium were investigated. The antioxidase activity and the levels of lipid peroxidation in the bladder were assayed. In the three-month group, DEPs at doses of 21.03 μg/μl insulted the structural integrity of surface glycosaminoglycans, widened the gap between urothelial cells, increased levels of lipid peroxidation, and decreased antioxidase activities in the urinary bladder (p<0.05). Furthermore, DEPs at a dose of 5.61 μg/μl decreased glutathione, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities (p<0.05). These results led to the conclusion that DEPs were a toxic agent in the bladder. The toxic effects might be attributed to oxidative damage mediated by pro-oxidant/antioxidant imbalance or excessive free radicals.

Effect of landfill leachate on oxidative stress of brain structures and liver from rodents: modulation by photoelectrooxidation process

The decomposition of solid waste in landfill is responsible for the formation of leachate, a dark liquid with an unpleasant odor; studies investigating its toxicity on mammals are rare. Oxidative stress has been considered as an important biochemical mechanism of the toxicity of several xenobiotics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of landfill leachate on oxidative parameters in striatum, hippocampus and liver homogenates of mice and rats. In order to propose a clean technology for the treatment of leachate, we also investigated the effects of landfill leachate submitted to photoelectrooxidation process (PEO). The homogenates of cerebral structures and liver of Swiss albino mice and Wistar rats were incubated with different concentrations of non-PEO landfill leachate and PEO-treated landfill leachate. After the incubation, the levels of free radicals, determined by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate probe, and the lipoperoxidation, quantified by the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, were evaluated. There was an increase on the levels of free radicals in striatum of both mice and rats when exposed to non-PEO leachate. Moreover, PEO-treated leachate increased the lipoperoxidation in striatum homogenates from rodents. However, both leachates did not alter any of the parameters evaluated in the hippocampus. In the liver, the incubation with leachates induced an augment on levels of free radicals only in samples of mice. In addition, PEO-treated leachate increased the lipoperoxidation indexes in the liver of mice and rats. These results suggest that the landfill leachate can induce an oxidative stress state in the liver and the striatum of rodents. Additionally, the PEO process was unable to efficiently alter the toxic compounds of landfill leachate.

Distribution of copper, iron, and zinc in biological samples (scalp hair, serum, blood, and urine) of Pakistani viral hepatitis (A-E) patients and controls

The aim of the present study was to compare the level of copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in biological samples (serum, blood, urine, and scalp hair) of patients suffering from different viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, and E; n = 521) of both gender age ranged 31-45 years. For comparative study, 255 age-matched control subjects, of both genders residing in the same city were selected as referents. The elements in the biological samples were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry, prior to microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity and accuracy of the methodology was checked by using certified reference materials (CRMs) and with those values obtained by conventional wet acid digestion method on same CRMs. The results of this study showed that the mean values of Cu and Fe were higher in blood, sera, and scalp hair samples of hepatitis patients, while Zn level was found to be lower than age-matched control subjects. The urinary levels of these elements were found to be higher in the hepatitis patients than in the age-matched healthy controls (p < 0.05). These results are consistent with literature-reported data, confirming that the deficiency of zinc and hepatic iron and copper overload can directly cause lipid peroxidation and eventually hepatic damage.

Determination of copper and iron in biological samples of viral hepatitis (A-E) female patients

There is accumulative evidence that the metabolism of iron and copper is altered in viral hepatic diseases, and these nutrients might have specific roles in their pathogenesis and progress. The aim of present study was to compare the level of copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) in biological samples (serum, urine, and scalp hair) of female patients suffering from different viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D, and E; n = 253) of age range 31-45 years. For comparative study, 95 healthy females of the same age group residing in the same city were selected. The elements in the biological samples were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry, prior to microwave-assisted acid digestion. The validity and accuracy of the methodology was checked by using certified reference materials (CRMs) and with those values obtained by conventional wet acid digestion method on same CRMs. The results of this study showed that the mean values of Cu and Fe were higher in sera and scalp hair samples of hepatitis patients than age-matched control subjects, while the difference was significant (p < 0.001), in the cases of viral hepatitis B and viral hepatitis C as compared to viral hepatitis A, D, and E. The urinary levels of these elements were found higher in the hepatitis patients than in the age-matched healthy controls (p < 0.05). These results are consistent with literature-reported data, confirming that hepatic iron and copper overload can directly cause lipid peroxidation and eventually hepatic damage.