Biometals最新文献

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.

Graphical Abstract

Coating high concentrations of copper (Cu) on the inner wall of containers prevents root entanglement by inhibiting root tip elongation. However, it remains uncertain whether roots near and far from the container wall differentially absorb Cu, thereby triggering varied defense responses. Two-year-old Camphora officinarum were planted in containers coated with 120 (T1) and 200 (T2) g L⁻¹ Cu(OH)₂ with latex as the carrier. After six months of treatment, obvious root entanglement in containers only coated with latex (T0) and control containers was observed, while no entanglement in T1 and T2. Cu(OH)₂ treatment increased soil and root Cu concentration, which exhibited significant position differences (near-wall vs. far-wall) in T1 and T2. Root Cu concentration near the container wall in T1 and T2 was 3.5 and 3.0 times higher than that far from the container wall, and 19.3 and 32.1 times higher than that in the control. Oxidative stress biomarkers increased with increasing root Cu concentration with the highest levels near the container wall in T2. Excessive Cu increased antioxidant enzyme activities and non-enzymatic antioxidant contents with higher superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, ascorbate acid, and reduced glutathione in T1 and higher dehydroascorbate reductase and monodehydroascorbate in T2. Overall, antioxidant enzyme activity in roots was higher near the container wall in T1 while far from the container wall in T2. Excessive and uneven Cu distribution and oxidative stress biomarkers effectively inhibited peripheral root elongation and entanglement. During this process, although antioxidant defense responses were induced, defense capacity was impaired by supra-optimal Cu.

This study explores the biocompatibility and inhibitory effects of magnesium (Mg) and its alloy, specifically the Mg–Cu alloy, on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. The importance of this research stems from the potential use of magnesium alloys as biomaterials in bone repair and tissue engineering, while their effects on cancer cells have not been thoroughly investigated. Existing literature shows that although the degradation properties and biocompatibility of magnesium alloys have been examined, their anticancer properties remain a topic of debate. Thus, this study aims to clarify the impact of the Mg–Cu alloy on HCC cells, providing a theoretical foundation for its use in tumor therapy. We utilized various methods, including sample preparation, cell culture, cell viability assays (CCK8), cell cycle and apoptosis analysis, and luciferase activity detection, to comprehensively evaluate the effects of magnesium and its alloys on cellular behavior. Our findings indicate that the Mg–Cu alloy significantly reduces the viability of HCC cells–Huh7 and enhances apoptosis, with a pronounced effect noted at higher extract concentrations. Additionally, the Mg–Cu alloy effectively inhibits hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication, suggesting its potential as an antiviral agent. In summary, this study highlights the promising anticancer and antiviral properties of the Mg–Cu alloy, indicating its potential applications in biomedical fields. Future research should concentrate on the clinical implications and the mechanisms that underlie these effects.

Dissolved Fe(II) influences Cd uptake and transport within wheat plants, but the specific interaction process remains elusive. This study used synchrotron radiation technology, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, ion chromatography, and RT-PCR to analyze the interaction processes of Fe(II) and Cd(II) ions in the roots of wheat grown in hydroponic systems containing Cd(II). The results indicated that dissolved Fe(II) decreases Cd uptake due to rhizosphere passivation, cell wall binding or blocking, and competitive absorption and regulation. Poorly crystalline Fe(III) oxides were newly formed, which facilitated the immobilization of Cd(II) on the rhizoplane (over 78%) in a hydroponic system with 5 μmol L⁻¹ Cd(II). Binding of Cd(II) by cell wall depended on pectin and phosphate contents in the presence of Fe(II). Higher accumulation of lignin in the root endodermis blocked Cd(II) transport at 1000 μmol L⁻¹ Fe(II). The Fe(II) level influenced Cd uptake by regulating the content of rhizosphere Cd(II) ions and the expression of Cd(II) uptake genes in a hydroponic system with 5 μmol L⁻¹ Cd(II). The content of CaCl₂-extractable Cd(II) was decreased by 45.4% and the expression of Cd(II) uptake genes was significantly down-regulated with Fe(II) concentration increasing from 15 to 1000 μmol L⁻¹. In the high-concentration Cd(II) (15 μmol L⁻¹) system, the inhibitory effect of dissolved Fe(II) on Cd uptake decreased due to increases in rhizosphere Cd content and expression of Cd(II) uptake genes. This work suggests that dissolved Fe(II) can reduce Cd uptake of wheat plants and provides fundamental data for food security.

The objective of this study was to examine the relationships between combined metal exposure and the comorbidities of overweight/obesity (OWOB) and myopia. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2001–2006) were analyzed. The sample comprised 5927 participants aged 12 years and older, with urine measurements of 11 metals obtained through inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression models were employed to evaluate the combined effects of the metals. Multivariate logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline functions assessed the connections between metal exposure and comorbidities. The findings indicated that 1290 (21.76%) of the 5927 participants exhibited both OWOB and myopia. High levels of lead (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.62–0.93), platinum (OR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.68–0.97), and uranium (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59–0.86) were associated with a reduced risk of these comorbidities (P trend < 0.05). Conversely, elevated exposure to mixed metals was linked to an increased risk of comorbidities (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.23–1.77, P trend < 0.0001). Females had a higher risk of exposure to mixed metals (OR = 4.63, 95% CI: 2.63–8.16) compared to males (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 0.74–2.82). This study offers preliminary evidence of an association between metal exposure and the comorbidity of OWOB and myopia. Although causality cannot be inferred due to the cross-sectional nature of the study, these results support further longitudinal research.

This study evaluated the effect of thymoquinone (TQ) on the hepatorenal system of rats intoxicated with mercury (HgCl₂). Forty male Wistar rats (± 150 g) were randomised into five cohorts (n = 8) and treated for 28 consecutive days as follows: control, HgCl₂ (20 µg/L) alone, TQ (5 mg/kg) alone, HgCl₂ + TQ1 (20 µg/L + 2.5 mg/kg) and HgCl₂ + TQ2 (20 µg/L + 5 mg/kg). Subsequently, HgCl₂-induced derangement in the rats’ hepatorenal function was evaluated via biochemical, oxidative, inflammatory, apoptosis biomarkers and histopathological alterations. We observed that co-treatment with TQ preserved organosomatic indices in rats deprecated by HgCl₂ treatment alone. TQ reduced hepatorenal biomarkers of toxicity—hepatic transaminases, creatine and urea—in the serum elevated in HgCl₂ alone treated rats. TQ averted HgCl₂-induced depletion of antioxidant enzymes, glutathione, and total sulfhydryl groups. TQ significantly (p < 0.05) lessened oxidative stress in the examined organs, exemplified by decreased reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, lipid peroxidation, and xanthine oxidase exacerbated by HgCl₂ alone treatment. Additionally, TQ enhanced cellular antioxidant response to oxidative stress by increases in thioredoxin, thioredoxin reductase, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 and heme oxygenase-1 in HgCl₂ co-treated animals. Moreover, TQ alleviated HgCl₂-induced inflammation by significantly downregulating myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide, and interleukin-10 and assuaged apoptosis by decreasing caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities in the experimental rat hepatorenal system. Additionally, TQ interacted with the binding packets of Keap1 and TBK with low Kd values of 4.63 × 10⁻⁵ M and 1.54 × 10⁻⁴ M, respectively. Taken together, the findings of this study demonstrate the likely protective benefit incumbent on TQ as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic compound conferring protection against chemical-induced hepatorenal toxicity, including HgCl₂ in this instance.

Graphical Abstract

Pd(II)-containing complexes exhibit considerable potential as therapeutic agents against cancer owing to their proficiency in selectively targeting neoplastic cells compared to cisplatin. In this context, we describe the synthesis of square planar palladium complexes of the general formula [Pd(L¹⁻⁸)₂] from imino-amido-based asymmetrical (NN) proligands (HL¹⁻⁸) and characterized based on melting point, CHN analysis, spectroscopic techniques (FT-IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR), and ESI–MS. DFT computations are employed to elucidate the characteristics of the frontier orbitals and MEP analysis. In the current investigation, the precursors, proligands, Pd(II) complexes and cisplatin were systematically assessed for their anticancer efficacy against breast carcinoma (BT-474, BT-483, and BT-459) by MTT assay. Among the compounds subjected to evaluation, the complex [Pd(L⁷)₂] demonstrated superior capacity in inhibiting the proliferation of breast cancer cells, exhibiting median inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 6.10, 9.01, and 7.20 µM than standard cisplatin (IC₅₀ = 18.70, 19.40, 19.30 µM), respectively. Cellular apoptosis assessment of [Pd(L⁵⁻⁸)₂] exhibited characteristic apoptotic phenomena including membrane blebbing and DNA condensation. Furthermore, electronic spectroscopy was used to evaluate the binding modalities of complexes with CT DNA, supported by the in silico docking studies. [Pd(L⁷)₂] exhibited the mixed binding mode with a binding affinity in the range of 10⁴ M⁻¹.

Graphical Abstract

Coordination complexes exhibited interesting potentials in different fields such as medical, industrial, pharmaceutical, and analytical. They possess versatile biological applications in drugs synthesis, extraction of noble metals like silver and gold from their ores and in metals purification. In current project we aim to synthesized and characterized transition metal complexes like Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn using Nitroso-R Salt as a ligand. This study presents a novel approach to develop stable metal complexes using Nitroso R Salt, a ligand comprising nitrosyl, hydroxyl, and sulfonate groups. This study offers a combined analysis of both chemical and functional properties, which was not commonly investigated with NRS, by combining biological screening with thorough structural characterizations (FTIR, CHN, XRD and UV). The complexes were then subjected to various tests to explore their deoxyribose degradation inhibition potential, antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. Copper and Zinc Complexes showed good potential 173 and 182% against iron at 100 mM. The highest potential was recorded for Nickel complex potential 2, 7 and 14% against H₂O₂, Fe (II) and in combine form. It was further confirmed respectively by antioxidant DPPH assay. Ligand and complexes showed good inhibitory potential by showing 18.66, 39.32, 38.22, 28.89, 20.71, 19.14 and 28.89% for NRS, Iron, Cobalt, Nickel, Zinc, Copper and Manganese complexes at high concentration of 200uM, respectively. The complexes showed promising antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Nickel complexes demonstrated a strong inhibition against reactive species, but copper and zinc complexes showed a notably high antioxidant capacity. Effective inhibitory zones were found in antimicrobial testing, especially for Fe, Mn, Co, and Cu complexes against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Bacillus subtilis. However, further studies are needed to examine the exact mechanisms of action of these discoveries, which point to possible biomedical uses.

Bio deposition of minerals is a prevalent occurrence in the biological realm, facilitated by various organisms such as bacteria, fungi, protists, and plants. Calcium carbonate is one such mineral that precipitates naturally as a consequence of microbial metabolic processes. This study investigates an innovative approach for MICP- mediated heavy metal remediation, carbon dioxide (CO₂) sequestration by utilizing thermophilic microorganisms isolated from such geographical area which is not yet been subjected to any systematic scientific study. Beyond the well-established urea hydrolysis pathway, this research highlights the contribution of non-ureolytic MICP mechanisms driven by the oxidation of organic compounds within the bacterial extracellular polymeric substances and cell wall components of Bacillus licheniformis. Notably, both strains of Bacillus licheniformis redirect its great potential towards biocalcification yielding 89.36 ± 1.8, 88.21 ± 1.5 mg CaCO₃ cells/ml and 90% efficiency for heavy metal remediation with the formation of nanosized (35.85 nm, 38.58 nm) biominerals. The influence of various parameters, such as temperature, pH, incubation time, CO₂ concentration, and calcium concentration on maximum CaCO₃ biosynthesis was evaluated. FTIR, XRD, and SEM–EDX analyses confirmed characteristic peaks for both calcite and vaterite polymorphs, consistent with these Pb incorporation into the mineral structure, rather than surface adsorption is observed. These comparative findings provide valuable insights for promising bioremediation approach for the sustainable, eco-friendly, energy-efficient immobilization of metal contaminants and bio-based carbonate production for efficient CO₂ sequestration.

Graphical abstract