Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Cambiaso Daniel, J.
Evaluation of Local and Systemic Responses of Tattooing
Doktoratsstudium der Medizinischen Wissenschaft; Humanmedizin; [ Dissertation ] Medizinische Universität Graz; 2024. pp. 83
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Kamolz Lars-Peter
- Kotzbeck Petra
- Spendel Stephan
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Background Currently, 20% of people globally have tattoos, and research shows that this number is rising. Few international rules have been implemented, despite the fact that the International Agency for Research on Cancer has categorized several of the components included in tattoo inks as carcinogenic. Furthermore, there is still a lack of knowledge and research on data regarding ink kinetics and long-term or systemic impacts. Objectives The goal of this experiment was to better understand potential ink migration and long-term impacts by examining the dynamics of tattoo ink once the color has pierced the skin, as tattoos have already found medicinal applications. Methods There were four female porcines enrolled. On the inner thigh of each extremity, tattoos were applied to all except one of the animals (control). Biopsies of the skin were obtained on days 7, 14, and 28. After each animal was put to sleep on day 28, homogenates of its brain, liver, spleen, and kidney were extracted, along with local lymph nodes. After the ink composition analysis, all probes were used to detect the presence of tattoo ink components. Results The following elements were discovered in the tattoo ink: zirconium (1.285 mg/kg), copper (5.681 mg/kg), titanium (211.499 mg/kg), aluminum (1.195 mg/kg), and chromium (3 mg/kg). Furthermore, tattooed skin had deposits of the tattoo ink elements that were statistically significant (< 0.05) compared to non-tattooed skin. In comparison to the control, the readings for titanium increased by 238 mg/kg, copper (+92 mg/kg), aluminum (+108 mg/kg), zirconium (+23 mg/kg), and chromium (+0.5 mg/kg). Moreover, the lymph nodes contained deposits of titanium, copper, aluminum, zirconium, and chromium that were statistically significant (< 0.05) at 422 mg/kg, 6925 mg/kg, 4918 mg/kg, 0.30.2 mg/kg, and 0.50.2 mg/kg, respectively. These deposits were 60 times higher in the lymph nodes of animals with tattoos and in certain cases accounted for half of the total amount of ink utilized. There were no appreciable ink element deposits in the kidney, liver, spleen, or brain. Conclusions According to our research, there are considerable concentrations of a number of dangerous components found in tattoo ink in both the surrounding lymph nodes and the skin. With regard to possible diseases associated with tattoos, our results shed light on tattoo safety and can guide future research by providing fresh information for a more comprehensive knowledge of tattoos' long-term effects. Therefore, much more research is warranted, especially considering the potential breakdown of tattoo pigments once these get lasered for removal.