Bromine Distribution in Healthy and Diseased Ovarian Tissues Investigated by X‐Ray Fluorescence Microscopy: An Exploratory Study

ABSTRACT Bromine (Br) is found in nature primarily as part of inorganic salts, with a significant presence in seawater, and is also found in soil, contributing to its natural occurrence in human and animal diets. As an element in the human body, bromine is essential for health, particularly as a cofactor for the enzyme peroxidase (PXDN). This role is critical for the formation of sulfilimine bonds within collagen IV, which are necessary for basement membrane assembly and proper tissue development. During collagen cross‐linking, bromine is released into the extracellular matrix, underscoring its important role in maintaining tissue structure. In our exploratory study, micro‐ and nano‐X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) imaging at two different synchrotron beamlines was used to analyse Br distribution in bovine ovarian sections, as well as in human healthy endometrium and ovarian endometriotic lesions. Bromine was found to be widely distributed in both normal ovarian and endometriotic tissues, with maximal concentrations in specific areas corresponding to follicles and vessel walls.