Biometals最新文献

Metal ions are involved in many biological functions such as enzyme catalysis, signal transduction and gene expression regulation in biological system. They play multiple roles in the pathogenesis and immune escape mechanism of gastric cancer(GC). This review begins by outlining the fundamental biological roles of metal ions, highlighting its significance in tumor development. We focus on elucidating how metal ions modulate the gastric cancer immune landscape by regulating immune cell functions, and participating in specific signaling pathways. Additionally, the potential of metal ion interference as an emerging therapeutic strategy for tumors is discussed, along with the prospects for applying metal-based nanomaterials in the treatment of gastric cancer. Additionally, we discuss the crosstalk between ferroptosis and cuproptosis mediated by metal ions, which provides a novel perspective for understanding metal ion-dependent tumor cell death. The potential of metal ion interference as an emerging therapeutic strategy and the application prospects of metal-based nanomaterials in gastric cancer treatment are summarized. Finally, we point out key future research needs, including clarifying the dynamics of metal ions in the gastric cancer microenvironment, standardizing metal-related biomarkers for clinical stratification, and optimizing the safety and targeting of metal-based therapies. This review comprehensively summarizes the regulatory roles and mechanisms of metal ions in the gastric cancer immune microenvironment, offering theoretical support for the development of precision therapeutic strategies targeting metal ion homeostasis.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disorder worldwide and is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome. Copper, an essential cofactor for enzymes involved in redox regulation and lipid metabolism, is frequently diminished in MASLD patients. Copper deficiency may exacerbate oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatocellular damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of dietary copper deficiency on oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and histopathological alterations in mice fed a high-fat diet. Male C57BL/6 J mice (n = 32) were assigned to four groups: control diet (CD), copper-deficient control diet (CD-Cu), high-fat diet (HFD), and copper-deficient high-fat diet (HFD-Cu) for 12 weeks. Biochemical, histological, and molecular parameters were evaluated. Mice in the HFD-Cu group exhibited significantly greater dyslipidemia, elevated transaminases, increased hepatic lipid accumulation, enhanced oxidative stress (reduced SOD1 activity, increased TBARS, protein carbonyls, and GSSG), and higher inflammatory cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-1β) compared to HFD alone. Histological analysis confirmed more severe macrovesicular steatosis and inflammation in HFD-Cu mice. In conclusion, copper deficiency potentiates the deleterious effects of a high-fat diet, aggravating oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatic injury. These results highlight the critical role of copper in liver homeostasis and its potential involvement in MASLD progression.

Biological soil crusts (BSCs) play essential roles in arid ecosystems by stabilizing soil and regulating hydrological processes. BSC microbial communities comprise a small number of abundant taxa and a large pool of rare taxa, which differ in their transcriptional capacities. However, the respective contributions of abundant and rare taxa to alkali‑metal homeostasis, a process crucial for maintaining cellular osmotic balance and metabolic activity, remain poorly understood. Here, we integrated metatranscriptomic sequencing with chemical fractionation analysis of Na⁺ and K⁺ to compare transcriptional patterns and influencing factors between rare and abundant microbial taxa in moss‑dominated (MD) and lichen‑dominated (LD) crusts. Our results indicated that abundant bacteria expressed the Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter nhaA and the trk/ktr K⁺ uptake protein, particularly in MD crusts. In contrast, rare taxa expressed diverse genes, including Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter nhaB, nhaC, and nhaD, K⁺-stimulated Na⁺-pyrophosphatase nsaA, and kup K⁺ uptake. Abundant fungi dominated expression of the NHE‑type Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter nha1, while rare fungi expressed a variety of genes. Analysis of the integrated co-occurrence network indicated that abundant bacterial and fungal taxa displayed greater node degree and connectivity relative to rare taxa, and were dominant in both microbial co-occurrence links and the expression of key Na⁺/K⁺ uptake and transport genes. The expression of these genes was more strongly correlated with bioavailable Na and K fractions, particularly carbonate- and oxide-bound forms, than with soil pH or electrical conductivity. These findings indicate that bioavailable Na and K contents induce distinct transcriptional responses in abundant and rare taxa, thereby regulating key alkali-metal homeostasis within BSC microbial communities.

Metals are critical in anaerobic digestion, but their co-occurrence effects on microbiome structure and function are underexplored. This study hypothesized that exposure of methanogenic granules to a trace element (TE) mixture alongside molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W) or selenium (Se)-would alter (i) extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) protein and carbohydrate content, (ii) microbial composition and function (iii) methanogenic pathways.To test this, anaerobic batch reactors (n = 35) were set up in a fed batch mode, with sacrificial reactors (n = 14) used to collect biomass for analyses, including DNA: RNA co-extraction, amplicon sequencing, and determination of the concentrations of total and soluble metals, Scanning Electron Microscopy- Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) and EPS extraction over a 24-day period.The results reveal that, Mo and W increased the concentration of soluble Fe in abiotic controls, enhancing Fe and S retention. The presence of W, Mo, W + Se, and Se had a positive effect on methane production, with W + Se and W enhancing acetoclastic methanogenesis. Additionally, Se increased EPS protein and carbohydrate contents in the biomass. Shifts in the microbiome composition were mainly driven by Mo and Se, with typically dominant Anaerolineacaeae, Capriciproducens, Macelibacteroides and Clostridium sensu stricto 5 taxa. Functional potential suggested an enrichment of nucleotide metabolism and, importantly, Vitamin (B12, B6 and B9) metabolic potential.These finding inform Anaerobic digestion (AD) stakeholders about the impacts of Fe, W, Mo, and Se co-dosing on process performance and microbiome structure and function, offering insights to optimize biogas production through tailored metal supplementation combinations, given demonstrations at lab and pilot scales.

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) ions are highly toxic elements present in the water, soil and sediments of the Yucatan Peninsula. The use of Cd- and Pb-resistant microorganisms as natural biosorbents could be considered an innovative strategy for the bioremediation of ecosystems contaminated with these ions. In this investigation, halophilic bacteria of the genus Brachyobacterium were identified that were tolerant to high concentrations of metal ions isolated from the coasts of Isla Arena, Mexico. Sediment parameters showed pH values ​​ > 7.6 and < 8.5; temperatures > 30 °C and < 33 °C; salinity > 2.0% and < 4.2%; conductivity > 2411 µs/cm and < 8240 µs/cm; and total solids > 1204 ppm and < 4193 ppm. Isolates S1p and S1a were genetically identified as Brachybacterium paraconglomeratum and Brachybacterium saurashtrense, both with 99.7% identity, according to the software employed. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ​​indicated a tolerance of 1656 mg/L of Pb for both strains; while for Cd, the tolerance values ​​were 591 mg/L and 236 mg/L for S1p and S1a, respectively. Additionally, FT-IR analysis demonstrated that, most likely the functional groups involved in this metal-bacteria interaction are OH-, NH-, and/or COOH-, associated with proteins, lipids and fatty acids in cell walls of bacteria, as also reported by other authors. In this study, we observed that, at a pH of 6.5 and a time of 48 h, a maximum biosorption capacity of 58 mg/L was obtained. This work presents the biosorption capacity of cadmium and leads ions from halophilic bacteria of the genus Brachybacterium isolated from undisturbed sites and opens the possibility of exploring this methodology in other scenarios.

The most prevalent neurodegenerative illness is Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aluminium chloride (AlCl₃) is a heavy metals that produces several neurodegenerative diseases, commonly AD. AlCl₃ easily goes through the blood-brain barrier and reaches to brain. In this study, we reviewed literature, highlighting the various molecular mechanisms targeting AlCl₃-induced neurodegenerative disorders like AD in numerous in vivo and in vitro models. AlCl₃ can cause conformational changes in the beta-sheet of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide that lead to the aggregation of Aβ in the brain's neuronal cells. AlCl₃ can also decrease the expression of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), which is essential for evading tau aggregation and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) formation. It can increase acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels in the brain, which can produce cognitive impairment. AlCl₃ also produces calcium (Ca²⁺) and iron dyshomeostasis in neuronal cells. It activates various inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). In addition, AlCl₃ can increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which induce telomere degradation, may initiate telomere dysfunction that can initiate neuroinflammation, and induce cellular senescence. AlCl₃ may increase the expression of glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3β), which produces various cognitive impairments, leading to AD. Various therapeutic techniques like chelation, antioxidant, and drug therapy are used to treat AD, but a better-targeted approach and a deeper understanding of the molecular basis of Alzheimer's due to AlCl₃ intoxication are crucial. AlCl₃-induced neurotoxicity involves mitochondrial disruption, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and DNA impairment, necessitating further research for treatment against aluminium (Al)-induced AD. AlCl₃ can cause neurodegenerative diseases like AD, but understanding its molecular mechanisms is challenging due to its interaction with biological systems.

In this study, the bioaccumulation levels, the geochemical distributions and the ecotoxicological risk levels of potential toxic elements (PTEs: Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Hg and Pb) were determined in water and fish (Rainbow trout) collected from 15 different ponds in the Black Sea coastal basin. Among the PTEs in muscle tissue, Fe was determined to be at the highest level, while Cd and Co were at the lowest level. It was observed that As and Mn were above the maximum permissible levels. Water Quality Index (WQI) values were excellent at all stations, and no pollution levels were detected that would threaten human health according to the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) and the Heavy Metal Evaluation Index. The metal pollution index level in fish produced in inland waters in the study area was less than 2 (0.78), indicating that there may not be a potential health risk due to the bioaccumulation pattern. However, the target hazard coefficient (THQ) for As was > 1 at all stations except S1 and S15, and the hazard index was > 1 at all stations except S1, suggesting the possibility of non-carcinogenic adverse health effects. When evaluated in terms of total cancer risk level, it suggests that there may be a cancer risk due to metal accumulation in all stations except S1.

Metallo-herb complex (MHC) is a promising frontier in biomedical research, combining the unique pharmacological potential of phyto elements with the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of metal ions. Recently, MHC has been growing rapidly because of its biodiversity activities and bio-environmental friendliness. Keeping this in mind, our review article illustrates different strategies for the formation of MHC. This study presents the different metals which are used for the production of MHC, and also illustrates the factors affecting for the production of MHC. Plant secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, and polysaccharides serves as effective ligands, providing chelating sites to metal ions, resulting metal coordination and improves pharmacological activities. We also present the different synthesis methods using plant secondary metabolites that have been employed to develop these complexes. MHC formation is a one-step reaction and increases bioavailability and elicits different pharmacological activities like antidiabetic activity, antioxidant, antiviral activity, antimicrobial activity, anticancer activity, anti-inflammatory activity, hepatoprotective activity, and neuroprotective activity. MHC is used in drug delivery and biomedical research and opens new avenues for the development of novel, effective, and biocompatible therapeutic agents.

Curcumin, a potent polyphenolic compound found in turmeric, and cobalt, an essential elemental metal, have garnered attention in recent years due to their diverse pharmacological activities and biological significance. This review aims to explore the interactions between curcumin and cobalt, shedding light on their therapeutic potential in various health conditions and their implications for toxicity. Curcumin and cobalt exhibit distinct pharmacological properties, with curcumin demonstrating a wide range of therapeutic effects across different health conditions. Cobalt, on the other hand, is essential for biological processes but can also lead to toxicity at elevated levels. The formation of metal-curcumin complexes, particularly the cobalt-curcumin complex, presents an intriguing avenue for enhancing the bioavailability and efficacy of curcumin and unveiling novel properties with potential applications in cancer treatment, antimicrobial activity, and radioprotection. Moreover, this review delves into the mechanisms underlying curcumin's ability to counteract the toxic effects of cobalt and discusses the challenges and innovative approaches to improving curcumin's efficacy in mitigating metal toxicity. Through in vitro and in vivo studies, researchers have demonstrated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial effects of cobalt-curcumin complexes, highlighting their promising therapeutic potential. The present review discusses how curcumin can counterbalance the toxic effects of cobalt through metal complex formation, offering new insights into potential therapeutic interventions for heavy metal poisoning.

Lead (Pb) contamination in phosphate mining wasteland soils severely inhibits plant growth and compromises ecological safety, thereby necessitating long-term remediation strategies to restore ecosystem functions. Pot experiments were conducted to evaluate the synergistic effects of microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) and magnesium polypeptide (MP) amendments on celery growth and the restructuring of rhizosphere microbial communities. Under Pb stress (200 mg/kg), Pb accumulation in celery was significantly reduced by the combined MICP-MP treatment, with concentrations decreasing to 4.49, 0.26, and 1.93 mg/kg in roots, stems, and leaves, respectively; concurrently, plant growth and development were promoted. Correlation analysis revealed that the remediation-induced enhancement of soil physicochemical properties acted as a primary environmental driver, showing a significant negative correlation with exchangeable Pb content. The transformation of Pb from high-risk, bioavailable exchangeable forms to low-risk, stable fractions, such as carbonate-bound and Fe/Mn oxide-bound forms, was successfully promoted by the treatment, concomitant with enhanced soil physicochemical properties and biological activity. Furthermore, rigorous compositional analysis demonstrated that the MICP-MP treatment significantly enriched beneficial bacterial taxa, such as Nocardiopsis and Planococcus. These shifts in community composition played a key role in enhancing the soil bacterial community's adaptation to Pb stress. In summary, Pb-induced phytotoxicity was alleviated, and rhizosphere microbial stability and assembly were modulated by the MICP-peptide combination, providing new insights into plant-microbe interactions under heavy metal stress.