The objective of the present study was to assess hair toxic metal and metalloid levels in 150 children with chronic sinusitis and 150 controls, using inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (ICP-DRC-MS) on a NexION 300D (Perkin Elemer, USA). The data demonstrate that hair As and Be levels in children with chronic sinusitis were 24% and 125% higher than those in healthy children, with no significant group difference in hair levels of Al, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb. In the group of younger children (2-9 years old) hair As and Be levels were higher than in the controls, whereas older children (10-18 years old) were characterized by increased levels of As, Be, and Hg. Hair Al, As, Cd, and Pb levels in healthy children from the older group were significantly lower in comparison with the first age group, by 39%, 22%, 35%, and 46%, respectively. At the same time, an age-related decrease in children with chronic sinusitis was observed only for hair Al, Cd, and Pb. The correlation between hair metal(loid) levels and age in the chronic sinusitis group was weaker than in the control one. It is proposed that reduced mucociliary clearance in chronic sinusitis is associated with impaired metal particle removal from the upper airways and their absorption. The latter in turn aggravate chronic inflammation and mucociliary dysfunction. Further studies are required for assessment of the mechanisms underlying the observed relationship.

24.3.2019