Distribution of Toxic and Essential Elements in Autopsy Organs of Subjects Living in South-Eastern Poland

International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2026 Open access

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Authors: Wojciech Flieger, Przemysław Niedzielski, Michał Flieger, Zofia Wojciechowska, Aleksandra Proch, Jędrzej Proch, Alicja Forma, Andrzej Torbicz, Dariusz Majerek, Grzegorz Teresiński, Jacek Baj, Eliasz Dzierżyński
+1 more Jolanta Flieger
DOI: 10.3390/ijms27062585
Cited by: 2
References: 72

Abstract

< 0.0001) of essential elements (Zn, Se, Mn, Cu) regulated by homeostatic mechanisms. Toxic metals exhibited 'metabolic trap' patterns, particularly Cd and Pb in the liver and Cr in the lungs, due to their long biological half-lives. Strong positive correlations (Se-Zn, Se-Cu) indicated integrated antioxidant responses, while toxic pairs (Cr-Ni, Pb-Cd) suggested shared exposure pathways and molecular mimicry via transporters such as DMT1. Results confirmed long-term bioaccumulation, with toxic elements in the brain remaining below 0.25 µg/g. In the lungs, the accumulation hierarchy (Pb > Mn > Cd > Cr) reflected inhalation exposure. These findings emphasize the role of organ-specific sequestration in assessing long-term environmental exposure.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Heavy Metal Exposure and Toxicity Heavy metals in environment Trace Elements in Health

Publication details

Journal / source
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Publisher
MDPI AG
Volume
27
Issue
6
Pages
2585–2585
Publication date
11 March 2026
Language
EN