Chemometric methods applied to an ICP-AES study of chemical element distributions in autopsy livers from subjects affected by Wilson and beta-thalassemia

The concentrations of seven elements (Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, P, S and Zn) in three autopsy livers (from two beta-thalassemic patients and one Wilson's disease patient) were determined by ICP-AES technique. At autopsy the three livers were subdivided into a large number of samples for a detailed study of the distribution of Fe and Cu, the accumulation of which characterizes the two diseases. In the same samples Ca, Mg, P, S and Zn concentrations were also determined in order to study significant variations or anomalous trends that could help identify these diseases. Our results generally show a good coincidence with literature data within the limits of sample variability. Based on Factor Analysis as well as Regression Analysis there is evidence of a high correlation between Fe and P contents in beta-thalassemia. The latter finding led us to propose tentatively an accumulation of Fe as a complex with beta-containing molecules.