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 Wilso n'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 w hich characterizes the two diseases. In the same samples Ca, Mg, P, S and Zn concentrations were also determined in order to study significa nt variations or anomalous trends that could help identify these disea ses. Our results generally show a good coincidence with literature dat a within the limits of sample variability. Based on Factor Analysis as well as Regression Analysis there is evidence of a high correlation b etween Fe and P contents in beta-thalassemia. The latter finding led u s to propose tentatively an accumulation of Fe as a complex with beta- containing molecules.