“You Are Gold!”— the Literal and Medical Marvels of Gold in the Human Body

The expression “You are gold!” is more than just a flattering phrase. It evokes the idea of someone being precious, rare, and valuable, just like the metal itself. But did you know that this metaphor holds a literal truth as well? Gold, cherished for centuries for its beauty and value, is present in the human body, and its role in modern medicine is becoming increasingly significant. This article explores the fascinating journey of gold—from its trace presence within us to its cutting-edge medical applications and the risks it can pose.

The Subtle Presence of Gold in the Human Body

It may come as a surprise, but the average human body contains about 0.2 milligrams of gold. Though this is a minuscule amount, it’s distributed throughout the body, with a significant portion in the blood. Gold doesn’t play a critical role in biological processes, unlike essential elements such as iron and calcium. Yet, its presence has intrigued scientists for years, leading to groundbreaking discoveries in medical research.

Gold’s lack of biological necessity hasn’t stopped researchers from exploring its potential medical uses. Its unique properties—such as its resistance to corrosion, conductivity, and ability to be formed into nanoparticles—make it a highly valuable tool in the development of new treatments.

The Medical Marvels of Gold: From Cancer to Neurodegenerative Diseases

1. Gold Nanoparticles in Cancer Treatment

One of the most promising applications of gold in medicine is cancer treatment. Researchers have developed gold nanoparticles that act as a delivery system for anticancer drugs. These nanoparticles can be engineered to target cancerous tumours, releasing their therapeutic payload where needed most. This targeted approach enhances the treatment’s effectiveness and significantly reduces the side effects typically associated with chemotherapy.

Gold nanoparticles’ ability to be activated by light makes them particularly exciting. This means that once the nanoparticles reach the tumour, they can be triggered by a specific wavelength of light to release the drug, ensuring that healthy tissues remain unharmed. This method is especially promising for treating hard-to-reach cancers, such as those affecting the brain, and could revolutionize the way cancer is treated in the future​ (Phys.org)​ (Phys.org).

2. Gold Nanocrystals for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Gold’s potential doesn’t stop at cancer treatment. Another exciting development involves using gold nanocrystals to treat neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s (PD). These conditions are characterized by a decline in the brain’s ability to produce energy, which is crucial for maintaining healthy brain function. Gold nanocrystals have been shown to help restore this energy balance by improving the NAD+/NADH ratio, a key indicator of cellular energy levels.

In clinical trials, patients with MS and PD treated with gold nanocrystals reported improved motor function and other symptoms. The nanocrystals work by crossing the blood-brain barrier, a significant hurdle in treating brain diseases, and directly enhancing the brain’s energy production capabilities. This innovative approach offers hope for slowing down or even reversing the progression of these debilitating diseases, potentially improving the quality of life for millions of people worldwide​ (Home)​ (New Atlas).

The Dark Side of Gold: Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Despite its potential benefits, gold is not without its risks. One of the lesser-known issues associated with gold is its ability to cause allergic contact dermatitis. This type IV hypersensitivity reaction can develop after prolonged skin contact with gold, commonly through jewellery. Although less common than allergies to other metals such as nickel, gold allergy is more frequently diagnosed in women, likely due to their greater exposure to gold jewellery.

Gold allergy typically presents as localized dermatitis or chronic papular reactions at the contact site, such as the earlobes, fingers, or neck. In more severe cases, the allergy can spread, causing widespread dermatitis that can be difficult to treat. Interestingly, the face and eyelids are common sites for allergic reactions, suggesting that allergens can be transferred by handling gold or airborne exposure​ (DermNet®).

Diagnosing and Treating Gold Allergy

Diagnosing a gold allergy involves taking a detailed medical history and performing a patch test with gold sodium thiosulfate, the most commonly used allergen in these tests. The challenge with diagnosing gold allergy is that a positive patch test may not always correlate with clinical symptoms, making it difficult to determine the true relevance of the allergy.

Treatment for gold allergy primarily involves avoiding further exposure to gold, which can be challenging given its prevalence in everyday items like jewellery and dental restorations. Chronic dermatitis may require treatment with emollients and topical corticosteroids in cases where avoidance is not possible. For those with persistent nodules or severe reactions, surgical excision may be necessary​ (DermNet®).

The Golden Balance: Weighing the Benefits and Risks

Gold’s journey from a symbol of wealth and beauty to a tool of modern medicine is a testament to the ongoing innovation in healthcare. Its applications in treating cancer and neurodegenerative diseases are promising, offering new avenues for patients with limited options. However, as with anything precious, there is a need for caution. The risks of allergic reactions to gold highlight the importance of understanding the full impact of this metal on the human body.

For individuals with known gold allergies, especially those considering gold-based treatments, it’s essential to undergo thorough testing and consult healthcare professionals to avoid potential complications. As research advances, the goal is to maximize the benefits of gold in medicine while minimizing the risks, ensuring that this ancient metal can continue contributing to human health in the most positive ways possible.

Bibliography

  1. DermNet New Zealand. (2024). Contact allergy to gold. Retrieved from DermNet NZ
  2. New Atlas. (2024). Daily gold nanocrystal drink promising as MS and Parkinson’s treatment. Retrieved from New Atlas
  3. Phys.org. (2024). Light-activated antitumor drug could inspire new cancer treatments that have minimal side effects. Retrieved from Phys.org
  4. UT Southwestern Medical Center. (2024). Gold nanoparticles reverse brain deficits in multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s. Retrieved from UT Southwestern Newsroom
  • How much gold is present in the average human body?
    • The human body contains about 0.2 milligrams of gold, mostly distributed in the blood.
  • What role does gold play in the body’s biological processes?
    • Unlike iron or calcium, gold does not play a critical role in biological processes.
  • How are gold nanoparticles used in cancer treatment?
    • Gold nanoparticles are a delivery system for anticancer drugs, targeting tumours precisely and minimizing side effects.
  • What is the unique property of gold nanoparticles in cancer treatment?
    • A specific wavelength of light can activate them to release the drug, which helps protect healthy tissues.
  • How do gold nanocrystals help in treating neurodegenerative diseases?
    • Gold nanocrystals improve cellular energy levels, particularly the NAD+/NADH ratio, helping to restore brain function in diseases like MS and Parkinson’s.
  • What is a common allergic reaction to gold?
    • Allergic contact dermatitis, a type IV hypersensitivity reaction, can occur after prolonged skin contact with gold, especially through jewelry.
  • How is a gold allergy diagnosed?
    • A gold allergy is typically diagnosed using a patch test with gold sodium thiosulfate, though the results may not always correlate with clinical symptoms.