Potential novel diagnostic applications of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in trace metal imaging of hepatic metal disorders

The liver is the most central organ and largest gland of the body that controls the whole body metabolism. It produces inconceivable many essential proteins, is responsible for recovery of various food components, mediates the bile production, degrades toxins, and is involved in excretion of unwanted metabolites. Several of these metabolic or catabolic functions of the liver depend on trace elements that are either integral part of enzymes, cofactors, or directly serve as chemical catalysts. Therefore, a lack of trace elements can lead to organ failure or systemic illness. Conversely, excessive hepatic trace ele…