Windsor University School of Medicine Uses of metals & non-metals Knowledge without sense is two-fold folly. Spanish proverb Ch. 20 J.C. Rowe

Metals & Non-metals Metals : group 1-3 Non-metals: group 4-8

Metals Metals are generally dense, malleable & ductile, strong, have high melting points & high electrical conductivity. Some metals, such as copper, iron & aluminum, are produced in huge amounts.

Metals cont’d. A solution of one metal in another is called an alloy The properties of alloys are different from those of the parent metal. Properties which can be altered by alloying include melting point, hardness, strength, magnetic strength & corrosion resistance.

Non-metals Carbon, a non-metal, forms alloys (steels) when it dissolves in iron. Non-metals generally have low density, are brittle solids or gases, & have low melting points. Compounds containing non-metals are widespread in nature. Some non-metals can be made in allotropic forms which have useful properties.

Metals & non-metals in living systems Some elements, such as carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen & oxygen, are important in living things. Compounds of some such as calcium are needed in quite large quantities. Others elements called trace elements are needed in tiny quantities.

“Magic three”: Iron, copper & zinc Iron is the basis of Hb-molecule: the O2 carrier. Cu is essential for collagen synthesis, the body’s main connecting agent. Collagen is essential for the muscle tone, the elasticity of arteries, the proper development & the generation of ATP, the main energy compound in our cells. Zn is essential for good protein digestion & helps wounds to heal; but too much, inhibits Cu absorption Zinc has been shown benefit for delaying macular degeneration

Function in living systems Metals Function in living systems iron Present in haemoglobin, therefore is linked to the transport of oxygen by the red blood cells in the blood; is also present in oxidative enzymes & is needed for proper plant growth Magnesium The central atom of the chlorophyll molecule, which is required for the process of photosynthesis; is also needed for some enzyme activity within cells. Manganese Involved in the formation of enzymes, bones & amino acid development Potassium As a cation, is found in body fluids of plants & animals & is essential for proper plant growth Sodium As cation, is found in body fluids outside the cells; plays a very important role in the transmission of nerve impulses Calcium Needed for strong bone & teeth formation; also needed for the formation of shells

Functions of selected trace elements Metal Function in living systems Zinc Present in many enzymes, and is needed for growth of animals & in the metabolism of protein. Cobalt Present in vitamin B12 & is essential in preventing pernicious anemia Copper Needed for the absorption & mobilization of iron in the formation of haemoglobin as well as assisting in the formation of collagen & melanin Chromium Essential in the regulation of blood glucose levels, linked to the action of insulin…

Functions of selected elements Non-metal Function in living systems Oxygen Needed as the final e- acceptor in ETC & ATP synthesis. Involved in numerous reactions e.g. free radical chemistry & immunity Carbon Necessary for all organic structures & involved in many reactions Nitrogen Needed for amino acid & DNA/RNA metabolism Chlorine Essential in water balance, ion transport, enzymatic transport Iodine Needed for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland & prevent goitre formation; also used as an antiseptic on wounds.

Diabetes, Insulin & Cr Defn: DM - metabolic diseases with prolonged hyperglycemia. Symptoms: polyuria, polydipsia & polyphagia. Divided into DM I & II + GD In 2014,  387 million patients Mostly insulin treatment  2004, Cr found to augment insulin action in muscle, liver & kidney

Effects of chromium supplementation on insulin sensitivity in overweight subjects with a family history of diabetes treated for 8 months with 1,000 μg/day CrP (64). Effects of chromium supplementation on insulin sensitivity in overweight subjects with a family history of diabetes treated for 8 months with 1,000 μg/day CrP (64). Data are means ± SD. *P < 0.05, **P < 0.005 versus baseline.... Taken from William T. Cefalu and Frank B. Hu. (2004) Role of Chromium in Human Health and in Diabetes. Diabetes Care. Vol: 27, Number: 11. Pg:2741-51 William T. Cefalu, and Frank B. Hu Dia Care 2004;27:2741-2751 ©2004 by American Diabetes Association

Macular Degeneration & Zn loss of vision in the center of the visual field (the macula) due to retinal damage Zinc has been shown benefit for delaying macular degeneration but Zn can increase Cu excretion leading to Cu deficiency

Macular Degeneration

Metal-related Diseases Iron calcium Before & After 2 years of Ca treatment Rickets - Before treatment and 2 years after treatment with calcium

Metal-related Diseases Iron Cobalt Sodium Cobalt needed for B-12.. Signs of B-12 deficiency include headaches.. Anemia… smooth reddish tongue a sign of pernicious anemia

Mania, Bi-Polar and Lithium Defn: Mania – mood disorder marked by periods of great excitement, euphoria, delusions, over-activity  irritability  severe insomnia,  grandiose notions,  speech volume  disconnected & racing thoughts,  sexual desire,   energy & activity level,  poor judgment & inappropriate social behavior Often considered a symptom of Bi-polar Disorder Defn: Bipolar Disorder – (manic depression) involves at least one manic or nearly manic (hypomanic) episode. With mood swings lasting for weeks at a time & causing significant work & relationship problems. Affects about 5% of adults in USA, (men & women equally). Depressive Phase Symptoms The depressive symptoms that may be experienced in bipolar disorder are those of any major depressive episode, including significant sadness, irritability, hopelessness, and an increase or decrease in appetite, weight, or sleep. Bipolar depression can result in sufferers wanting, planning, or attempting to kill themselves or someone else. Manic Phase Symptoms The manic symptoms of bipolar disorder can include the sufferer having a grossly excessive sense of well-being or abilities, racing thoughts, decreased sleep, and speech that is rapid to the point of being hard to decipher. Manic individuals may also engage in unwise activities such as excessive sexual behaviors or spending

Mania, Bi-Polar and Lithium Li2CO3 & Li citrate – mood stabilizer Med use:  mania ,  mood  suicide Side-effects: Blocks ADH,  dehydration Blocks Thyroxine activity Depression Teratogenetic agent (Ebstein’s anomaly) Leukocytosis

Ebstein Anomaly & Li Echocardiogram or US

Pb (lead poisoning) Aka – saturnism / plumbism Burton’s Line Aka – saturnism / plumbism Accumulation of Pb in the body leading to neurologic & organ damage Signs of Pb toxicity include: Depression, confusion Hallucinations Learning deficits(retardation) Death Sideroblastic anemia

Notice the Lead Line (Norm vs. Pb poisoning) With Pb Normal

Pb Poisoning: Adult vs Child

Arsenic Poisoning – Glycolysis 33rd element, metalloid Found naturally in ground water Arsenate interferes with Steps 6 & 7 of glycolysis... Blocking ATP formation

Skin necrosis

Non-Metal / metalloid – Related diseases Iodine Chlorine Silicon Cystic fibrosis can lead to pancreatitis which has the Cullen sign seen with peritoneal bruising along the abdomen seen above…… Papillary Carcinioma of thyroid due to I excess

F helps prevent Dental Cavities Oxygen & Fluorine O2 Main function: ATP synthesis & WBCs use it to kill bacteria via ROS F helps prevent Dental Cavities Betadine or povidone-iodine used

Iodine & Nitrogen Depressurization of blood N2 gas forms bubbles in joints & blood vessels. Manifestations can be seen in the skin & eyes. Can be fatal if the bubbles cause a arterial gas embolism. This condition often occurs to deep-sea divers and is called the bends or I solution is very good antiseptic agent and surgeons often use I solutions called: Betadine or Povidone-iodine Decompression sickness

Mahatma Ghandi The world has enough for man's need, but not for man's greed.

Yup it really is The End…. All the Best 