**8. Elemental profiles as an indicator of metal ion and ligand homeostasis**

The cell metabolism is a complex balance of proteins, fatty acids, carbohydrates, metal ions and trace elements regulated by DNA and RNA in nucleus and mitochondria. As the metab‐ olism involve many molecular reactions and species not practical to be monitored a simplified indication of metal ion-ligand status, elemental profile, may be a substitute to monitor effects of important cell reactions. The elemental profile may be looked upon as the integrated results of reactions at the moment the sample was taken. It is important to underline that deviations in the elemental profile may also include effects of compounds with strong association to the examined elements. These deviations may give biochemical and physiological insights to observe early changes in the metabolism. Changes of metabolism of metal ions in e.g. eryth‐ rocytes may help to understand early reactions, if it is normal or an indication of an early pathophysiological process.
