Concentration Homeostasis and Elements in Hair and Dried Serum Observed by X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis Using Synchrotron Radiation

The study used X-ray fluorescence analysis to evaluate elemental concentrations in hair and dried serum, focusing on calcium (Ca) and other elements like Cl, K, S, and P. It involved 10 subjects (5 males and 5 females) who underwent Ca supplementation, and 50 females aged 30-80 for hair analysis. The research found that hair concentrations of elements have two distinct levels, linked to the gating and closing of ion channels in cell membranes. The normal lower level of hair calcium ([Ca]\(_H\)) is half of the dried serum calcium, while a higher level indicates calcium deficiency or disease states. Prolonged deficiency leads to increased hair [Ca]\(_H\) due to Ca channel closing. The study suggested that hair analysis could serve as a diagnostic tool for assessing cell ion channel function and related health conditions.