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Background: The aim of the study was the evaluation of the influence of metals and non-metals on the vascular pathologies development. The role of trace elements, including metals and non-metals, on the development of atherosclerosis is not fully understood. Material and methods: The study included 79 patients aged 43-89 year-old who underwent endarterectomy procedure. The acquired atheromatous plaques were quantitatively analyzed for the content of metals and non-metals. The obtained results were analyzed statistically. The study group was divided into groups depending on age and gender. Results: Analysis of the composition of the atherosclerotic plaque showed statistically significant difference in zinc (Zn) level in the atherosclerotic plaque derived from the carotid artery. Male plaques contained significantly more zinc compared to women. In the case of other elements, no statistically significant dependencies were observed. Patients under the age of 70 showed a significantly higher content of boron (B) compared to patients over 70 years of age. In addition, there was a statistically significant negative correlation of the content of this element and the advancement of the examined age. Conclusion: The content of metals and nonmetals in atherosclerotic carotid plaques with the exception of Zn does not show statistically significant differences depending on the sex. With age, the content of these elements has a decreasing tendency, but these differences do not obtain statistical significance except for the level of B. Further research is needed to show possible differences in the chemical composition of atherosclerotic plaques collected from other locations of the arterial system. Interesting analyzes and conclusions could be provided by a comparative analysis of atherosclerotic plaque composition in patients from populations in different geographical locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Metallic and non-metallic elements have influence on the development the changes within structure and function of arteries in different regions of vascular tree. The content of elements into arterial walls varies according to geographical origin of people. Material and methods: Tissue specimens were taken from the six lower limbs amputated on the level of thigh due to atherosclerosis, The mean age was 69 (57 to 84). Tissue specimens were collected from the limbs from the level of amputation, the popliteal fossa and the dorsal artery of foot. After chemical processing of the tissues homogenates determination of the content of elements using atomic emission spectrometry method with inductively coupled plasma (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy) was performed. The content of Al, Ba, Ca, Cu, Fe, ?, Mg, Mn, P, S, Sr and Zn was determined. Results: As a point of reference mean absolute value occurred from six specimens on the level of thigh was assumed as 100%. Content of non-metallic elements such as Ca, P and S rise towards to periphery of amputated limb reaching few times higher values on the level of dorsal artery of foot. Content of some metallic elements such as: Fe, Zn, ? and Sr also rise towards to periphery of extremity. The Cu accumulation was the highest on the level of popliteal fossa, while Mn, Al and Mg concentration was the lowest on this same level and the highest in dorsal artery of foot. Conclusions: The influence of individual elements on development the atherosclerosis especially on necrotic changes requires further investigations. Described problem pose a preliminary report only in order to indicate the issue and to check the method of analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]