Biometals最新文献

This study presents a comprehensive analytical assessment of macro- and micro-element content in Artemisia abrotanum L. harvested during two distinct growth periods—pre-blooming and blooming. Using a validated ICP-MS method, both microwave digestion and infusion extraction techniques were applied to evaluate the elemental composition of the plant. The concentrations of essential, beneficial, and potentially toxic elements—including Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, P, S, Al, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Mo, Cd, Ba, Tl, Pb, and U—were determined and compared across harvest times and extraction methods. Chemometric analyses, including principal component and hierarchical cluster analysis, were employed to classify the results and elucidate patterns among the elements and sample types. The findings revealed that the elemental distribution in Artemisia abrotanum L. varies significantly with harvest period and preparation method. Notably, Na, Mn, Ni, Co, As, Se, Sr, and Ba were more abundant during the blooming period, while K, Mg, Ca, Zn, Mo, Cd, and Pb were higher in the pre-blooming period. Differences in P, Fe, Al, V, Cr, and Tl concentrations were primarily attributed to the extraction technique. The study further evaluated the measured element concentrations against updated dietary and toxicological reference values, providing a clearer perspective on the potential health implications of consuming Artemisia abrotanum L. infusions. These results underscore the importance of both harvest timing and preparation method in determining the nutritional and safety profile of medicinal plants.

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There is very limited epidemiological research available to verify how metal exposure impacts the prognosis of individuals with asthma. This study aimed to investigate the value of multiple urinary metals in assessing the prognosis of asthma patients by utilizing data from NHANES and constructing the predictive models. This study employed Cox regression models, survival 3D interaction plots, and survival curves to examine the associations between urinary metals and the outcomes among asthmatic patients. This study also employed LASSO regression to find key variables for the prediction model and then employed time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) models to evaluate how well the prediction model performed and its usefulness. The Cox regression models, survival 3D interaction plots, and survival curves all verified that, after controlling for confounders, the higher concentrations of urinary cadmium (HR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.08–2.87) and cobalt (HR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.06–1.52), the lower the survival rate and the higher the risk of death for asthma patients. However, no significant associations were observed between the other seven urinary metals (barium, cesium, molybdenum, manganese, lead, tin, and tungsten) and the prognosis of asthma patients. According to the LASSO regression and SHAP model, the most significant indicators predicting mortality in individuals with asthma were age, cadmium, cobalt, diabetes, cancer, other chronic airway diseases, and cardiovascular disease. The combination of these seven indicators exhibited superior performance when predicting the 1-year (AUC: 0.82), 5-year (AUC: 0.86), and 9-year (AUC: 0.82) death risk of asthma populations. This study revealed that when the urinary cadmium concentration of asthma patients exceeded 0.21 µg/L or the urinary cobalt concentration exceeded 0.98 µg/L, urinary cadmium and cobalt concentrations were positively associated with mortality among asthma patients. Urinary cadmium and cobalt, when combined with other markers, can serve as effective and practical instruments for predicting adverse outcomes in asthmatic populations.

Ferroptosis-mediated injury in diabetic kidney (DKD) is receiving increasing attention. Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4) has long been considered a key protein to prevent ferroptosis, but its exact role in the progression of DKD, where this protein down-regulated, remains unclear. Thus, to clarify GPX4 in DKD progression, we have used adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) to overexpress it in kidneys of DKD rats. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DKD rats were injected once with GPX4-AAVs via tail vein. Renal function and kidney pathology were measured. Before and after treatment with GPX4-AAV, variations in kidney of ferroptosis-related indicators, such as GPX4, dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH), iron content, glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), ferritin heavy chain (FTH), were monitored. The kidneys of STZ-treated rats showed reduced expression of GPX4, DHODH, GSH and SOD, increased expression of TFR1 and FTH, and higher levels of iron and MDA. Histopathology was consistent with renal fibrosis and thickened renal tubules. Changes were partly reversed after overexpression of GPX4, with decreased expression of FTH, together with reduced iron and MDA levels, although expression of TFR1, GSH and SOD showed no significant change. Renal function showed a lower urine protein–creatinine ratio, whereas the effect on renal fibrosis and thickened renal tubules was alleviated. Our study demonstrates that GPX4 is downregulated in DKD, and its AAV-mediated overexpression in kidney of DKD rats partly alleviates the diabetic kidney injury induced by ferroptosis.

Colon cancer is among the most common colorectal malignancies and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Conventional therapies, including chemotherapy, often cause severe side effects and drug resistance, underscoring the need for safer and more effective alternatives. Green nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach in cancer therapy, offering sustainable and biocompatible therapeutic options. In this study, Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were synthesized using Oxalis stricta leaf extract via an eco-friendly green synthesis approach and evaluated for their anticancer potential against colon cancer. Characterization by UV–VIS spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier-transform Infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy confirmed the nanoscale size, stability, and surface functionalization of the ZnO NPs. Cytotoxicity evaluation using the MTT assay revealed a dose-dependent anti-proliferative effect on colon cancer cells, with an IC₅₀ value of 30.27 µg/mL. Hemolysis assay indicated good biocompatibility with minimal red blood cell lysis. Apoptosis induction was evidenced by fluorescence staining techniques, including DAPI, AO/EB, DCF-DA, and Rhodamine 123, revealing nuclear condensation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial membrane disruption. In silico molecular docking demonstrated strong binding interactions between phytoconstituents of Oxalis stricta and cancer-related targets MMP-9, GSK3β, and Bcr-Abl. Furthermore, ZnO NPs inhibited cell migration and matrix metalloproteinase activity, as evidenced by wound healing and gelatin zymography assays. These findings suggest that Oxalis stricta mediated ZnO NPs hold significant promise as a biocompatible, multi-targeted nanotherapeutic agent for colon cancer treatment.

Lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) are two of the most widespread environmental toxicants, posing significant immunological and systemic health risks worldwide. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the immunotoxicity of Pb and As, highlighting their shared and unique cellular mechanisms, with a focus on oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and epigenetic modifications. Pb exposure has been shown to suppress CD4⁺ T cell populations, alter CD8⁺ and NK cell ratios, elevate Th2 cytokines like IL-4 and IL-6, and increase IgE levels, contributing to heightened allergy risk and systemic inflammation. Arsenic disrupts IL-6/STAT3 signaling, suppresses IFN-α/β-mediated antiviral responses, and promotes chronic inflammation through NF-κB and HIF-1α activation. Both metals generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), impair mitochondrial membrane potential, trigger apoptotic cascades, and induce genotoxic markers such as γH2AX and micronuclei. Co-exposure to Pb and As results in enhanced toxicity, with synergistic increases in lipid peroxidation (MDA), nitric oxide, cytokine release, and histopathological damage in liver and kidney tissues. However, most toxicological models overlook low-dose, chronic, and combined exposures. We emphasize the urgent need for chronic exposure studies, prospective human cohorts, multi-metal models, and omics-integrated approaches to identify early biomarkers of dysfunction. This review underscores the global public health urgency of addressing Pb and As co-exposure through multidisciplinary research, regulatory reform, and targeted interventions, particularly in vulnerable populations across high-risk regions.

This study explored the eco-friendly synthesis, characterization, optimization, and biomedical potential of zinc oxide-eggshell (ZnO@ES) nanocomposites using Althaea officinalis flower extract. HPLC analysis identified pink flower extract as the highest in quercetin (88.452 ppm), making it the optimal choice for synthesis. UV–Vis spectroscopy confirmed ZnO nanostructures (384 nm peak), while characterization analyses using different spectroscopic and microscopic techniques validated their successful incorporation within the eggshell matrix. The hemocompatibility of ZnO@ES nanocomposites was assessed through hemolysis tests, which demonstrated low hemolytic activity (<5%), ensuring blood compatibility. Antimicrobial assays against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans revealed significant inhibitory effects, particularly with ZnO@ES4. Agar well diffusion tests showed that while eggshell alone lacked antimicrobial activity, ZnO@ES2 formed inhibition zones against P. aeruginosa and E. coli, whereas ZnO@ES4 was effective against P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and S. aureus. Biofilm inhibition tests further demonstrated that ZnO@ES2 and ZnO@ES4 significantly reduced E. coli and P. aeruginosa biofilms, with ZnO@ES4 being more effective. MTT cytotoxicity assays using L929 fibroblast cells confirmed biocompatibility, with ZnO@ES2 enhancing cell proliferation. By repurposing eggshell waste, this study promotes a circular economy approach, transforming an abundant biowaste into value-added biomaterials. The green synthesis method eliminates the need for toxic chemicals, ensuring an environmentally friendly and sustainable clean production process. These findings support the development of antimicrobial and biocompatible nanocomposites with biomedical applications.

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Nano-Fe forms could serve as novel fertilizers that can enhance Fe bioavailability. In this study, we synthesized magnetite nanoparticles and complexed nano-Fe₃O₄ with glycine, aspartic acid, and arginine. After synthesis, the amino acid-functionalized Fe-nanoparticles (nFe₃O₄-Gly, nFe₃O₄-Asp, and nFe₃O₄-Arg) were sprayed (75 and 150 mg L⁻¹) on okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] plants, and changes in growth, biochemical traits, and their role in agronomic biofortification were investigated during a field experiment using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). It was found that foliar application of these nanoparticles significantly enhanced okra biomass, and the most effective was nFe₃O₄-Gly at 75 mg/L, which enhanced shoot dry weight (+ 70.1%), number of leaves (+ 30.2%), leaf area (+ 48.3%), and number of branches (+ 55.6%) compared to the control. Moreover, foliar treatments positively influenced soluble proteins (up to 1.8 mg/g FW; + 44.4% than control) and free amino acids (up to 1.52 mg/g DW; + 57.8%). Most importantly, Fe concentrations in leaves and okra fruits substantially increased, indicating prominent Fe biofortification. After all, three harvests, okra fruits exhibited up to 0.71 mg/g DW (+ 50.7% than control). Overall, nFe₃O₄-Arg was the most effective for Fe biofortification of okra fruits at a concentration of 75 mg/L. In contrast, the yield per plant was enhanced by both nFe₃O₄-Arg and nFe₃O₄-Asp. In summary, this study demonstrated the potential of amino acid-functionalized Fe nanoparticles in improving growth and Fe bioavailability in okra, offering a promising avenue for addressing Fe deficiency in crops.

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The toxicity of chromium, in its hexavalent form (Cr(VI)), is extremely harmful to living organisms owing to its potent oxidizing properties. The present research focused in exploring the hexavalent chromium induced bioaccumulation, oxidative responses and histological anomalies in widely cultured freshwater carp Labeo rohita. Fingerlings of L. rohita were exposed to four sub-lethal waterborne concentrations of 96 h LC₅₀ (1/40th, 1/20th, 1/10th and 1/5th) of the Cr(VI). The impact of chromium was assessed in 5, 15 and 30 days exhibiting significant accumulation (P < 0.05) in the fish tissues (gill > kidney > liver > muscles) with increasing concentration. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) also exhibited the highest in the liver tissue and least in muscle. Antioxidant enzymes like superoxidase dismutase (SOD) in the gill, liver and kidney increased significantly with the concentrations, while catalase (CAT) activity was found to fluctuate along different concentrations. Significant reduction in growth performance i.e. SGR and reduced feeding intensity was also observed after 30th day. The histopathological examination revealed epithelial hyperplasia in the gill tissues and vacuolization and shrinkage of hepatocytes in the liver tissues. Chromium toxicity-induced alterations in kidney tissues were also characterized by glomerular shrinkage and an increase in Bowman’s space. Overall, the study demonstrated that hexavalent chromium exerts significant impact on accumulation, oxidative stress, and histological anomalies, particularly at higher concentrations, in the fingerlings of L. rohita. Therefore, effective treatment of wastewater below the studied concentrations from anthropogenic sources prior to its release into aquatic environments is vital to avert pollution and safeguard the sustainability of aquatic life.

A contemporary issue arising from global industrial and economic development over the past few decades is the pollution of the environment. Chromium (Cr) is a heavy metal used in numerous industries that can build up in the surrounding ecosystem due to improper disposal techniques. Chromium pollution can cause toxicity in both the local flora and fauna. Bioremediation is perceived as an alternative to conventional treatments to mitigate chromium pollution and has thus been extensively developed in recent years. Among the various biological organisms, bacteria possesses desirable characteristics and can be cost effective while treating the pollutants. Numerous mechanisms have been evolved by bacteria to combat toxicity triggered by chromium exposure. Plant growth promoting bacteria have also evolved with mechanisms that impart resistance to susceptible plants upon chromium exposure. Large scale chromium remediation requires the use of bioreactors that can effectively utilize bacteria and nullify the toxic form of Cr. The robustness of these techniques can be increased by combining them with conventional techniques such as precipitation, filtration, etc. Case studies have also been discussed to determine their relevance in the bioremoval of Cr. The future aspects of chromium bioremediation in accordance to the omics approach has been discussed so as to understand the fate of Cr upon treatment using biological methods. This review highlights the various toxic effects that have been observed in various flora and fauna while providing insights into bacterial mechanisms that could resist Cr toxicity and their possible applications defined in terms of robustness in ex situ as well as in situ remediation technologies.

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Cadmium (Cd) has emerged as a major pollutant in agricultural soils and is known for its strong bioaccumulation potential and high toxicity even at low concentrations. Soybeans, an important grain crop in China, are particularly vulnerable to Cd contamination, which adversely affects germination and yields. Amino acids mitigate Cd toxicity and may influence Cd uptake in plants. This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of selected amino acids to mitigate Cd-induced toxicity during soybean seed germination and to investigate their effects on Cd uptake and accumulation in seedling tissues. Soybean seeds were exposed to varying Cd²⁺ concentrations (0–500 mg/L), with or without amino acid supplementation. At low Cd concentrations (0–50 mg/L), the germination rate showed a slight decline, followed by recovery. However, at 100 mg/L, germination significantly decreased, and at 500 mg/L, it decreased to 2.5%. The application of histidine, serine, tyrosine, cysteine, and methionine to seeds exposed to 500 mg/L Cd²⁺ significantly increased germination compared to untreated Cd-exposed seeds, with improvements ranging from approximately 2- to fivefold, and the highest recovery was observed in cysteine-treated seeds (up to 13.2%). Notably, the Cd content per gram of tissue was higher in amino acid-treated seedlings than in untreated controls, suggesting that amino acids may chelate Cd ions and facilitate their uptake, thereby alleviating toxicity during germination and promoting increased Cd accumulation in tissues. In conclusion, although specific amino acids can partially restore germination under high Cd stress, they may also enhance Cd accumulation in soybean seedlings.

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