Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in human blood samples using solid phase extraction and gas chromatography mass spectrometry- a review

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous pollutants with toxic effects and adverse health impacts on general population. Several methods of extraction had been applied to extract PAHs from human blood samples such as solid phase extraction (SPE). The SPE represents one of the most common techniques for extraction and clean-up procedures as it needs low quantity of solvents with less manual efforts. Similarly, various analytical instruments like gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to measure the PAHs levels. Gas chromatography is a simple, fast, and very efficient method for solvents and small organic molecules. This review provides an overview of the measured concentrations of PAHs in human blood samples through the application of SPE and GC-MS during the last ten years. While these studies used various solvents, their application of SPE method and GC-MS revealed rewarding results about the determination of PAHs levels in the human samples

Measurement of Leukocyte telomere length with various modifications to Cawthon's method: a review

Telomeres are non-coding folded-loop DNA structures that are capped the chromosomes’ ends in order to protect them against any damage. Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) shortening represents a biological ageing marker that is linked to the morbidity as well mortality. Cawthon’s method of measuring LTL using quantitative real-time PCR has emerged and become phenomenal due to its important features such as affordability, rapidity, and convenience. However, various modifications were introduced to Cawthon’s method, such as the number of replicates, PCR profile, concentration of primers, and quality control steps. This review addresses all these modifications and their effects on the measurement of LTL and provides an overview for the researchers who want to assess the LTL in their studies. In addition, some effects of LTL on human health issues are elaborated in this review