Biometals最新文献

Arsenic (As) is a widespread environmental metalloid and human carcinogen, and its exposure is associated with a wide range of toxic effects, leading to serious health hazards. As poisoning is a complex systemic multi-organ and multi-system damage disease. In this study, a rat model of As poisoning was established to investigate the levels of trace elements in the blood of rats and sex differences in the effect of As on every trace elements in rat blood. Twenty 6-week-old SD (Sprague Dawley) rats were randomly divided into the control group and the As-exposed group. After 3 months, the contents of 19 elements including As in the blood were detected in these two groups by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). As levels in the blood of As-exposed rats were significantly higher than those in the control group, with increased levels of Rb, Sr, Cs and Ce, and decreased levels of Pd. As showed a significant positive correlation with Rb. There were significant sex differences in blood Se, Pd, Eu, Dy, Ho, and Au levels in the As-exposed group. The results showed that As exposure can lead to an increase of As content in blood and an imbalance of some elements. There were sex differences in the concentration and the correlation between elements of some elements. Elemental imbalances may affect the toxic effects of As and play a synergistic or antagonistic role in As toxicity.

Graphical abstract

Effects of arsenic exposure on trace elements in blood of SD rats, there were sex differences in the blood concentrations of some elements in the As-exposed group. Blood concentrations of some elements changed in the As-exposed group, while correlations were found between some elements. ↑: increased in the As-exposed group. ↓: decreased in the As-exposed group

The diorganotin(IV) complexes (5–20) were synthesized in the present research from 4-fluorophenoxyacetic hydrazide and salicylaldehyde derivatives-based hydrazone ligands (1–4) to get an effective biological agent to combat microbial and oxidant deformities. Numerous spectral techniques such as (¹H, ¹³C, ¹¹⁹Sn) NMR, UV–Vis, IR, and mass spectrometry were executed to illuminate the composition of complexes. These techniques ascertained tridentate chelation of hydrazone ligands with tin metal through enolic, phenolic oxygens and imine nitrogen, revealing pentacoordinated geometry of the complexes. The single crystal XRD of complex (5) confirmed distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry. The TGA studies showed thermal stability up to 180 °C of the complexes, whereas the low conductance observed pointed to the non-electrolytic nature of the compounds. Furthermore, serial dilution assay was implemented to uncover the microbial inhibition efficacy (against six strains) of the compounds using ciprofloxacin and fluconazole. Among the synthesized compounds, (1, 8) exhibited comparable MIC value to standard. The compound (8) was reported as four times more potent than the fluconazole against C. albicans. Using DPPH assay, the antioxidant efficiency was examined which advocates enhanced efficacy of complexes than the ligands. The potency of complex (8) against C. albicans makes it a point of interest for molecular docking investigation, so, complex (8) and its ligand (1) were studied against protein of C. albicans (5TZ1), revealing the more efficacy of complex (binding energy-11.6 kcal/mol) than ligand. Further, the compounds were analysed for ADME prediction which concluded the efficacy of compounds as orally efficient pharmaceuticals.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most serious forms of malnutrition. Wild type strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae have higher tolerance to inorganic iron and higher iron conversion and accumulation capacity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of S. cerevisiae enriched iron as a potential organic iron supplement on mice with iron deficiency anemia. 60 male Kunming mice (KM mice, with strong adaptability and high reproduction rate, it can be widely used in pharmacology, toxicology, microbiology and other research) were randomly divided into normal control group and iron deficiency diet model group to establish IDA model. After the model was established, IDA mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal control group, IDA group, organic iron group (ferrous glycinate), inorganic iron group (ferrous sulfate) and S. cerevisiae enriched iron group. Mice in the experimental group were given different kinds of iron by intragastric administration once a day for 4w. The results showed that S. cerevisiae enriched iron had an effective recovery function, and the body weight and hematological parameters of IDA mice returned to normal levels. The activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant capacity in serum were increased. In addition, the strain no. F8, able to grow in an iron-rich environment, was more effective in alleviating IDA and improving organ indices with fewer side effects compared to ferrous glycinate and ferrous sulfate groups. This study suggests that the iron-rich strain no. F8 may play an important role in improving IDA mice and may be developed as a new iron supplement.

Over recent years, we have been living under a pandemic, caused by the rapid spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2). One of the major virulence factors of Coronaviruses is the Non-structural protein 1 (Nsp1), known to suppress the host cells protein translation machinery, allowing the virus to produce its own proteins, propagate and invade new cells. To unveil the molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV2 Nsp1, we have addressed its biochemical and biophysical properties in the presence of calcium, magnesium and manganese. Our findings indicate that the protein in solution is a monomer and binds to both manganese and calcium, with high affinity. Surprisingly, our results show that SARS-CoV2 Nsp1 alone displays metal-dependent endonucleolytic activity towards both RNA and DNA, regardless of the presence of host ribosome. These results show Nsp1 as new nuclease within the coronavirus family. Furthermore, the Nsp1 double variant R124A/K125A presents no nuclease activity for RNA, although it retains activity for DNA, suggesting distinct binding sites for DNA and RNA. Thus, we present for the first time, evidence that the activities of Nsp1 are modulated by the presence of different metals, which are proposed to play an important role during viral infection. This research contributes significantly to our understanding of the mechanisms of action of Coronaviruses.

Coating high-touch surfaces with inorganic agents, such as metals, appears to be a promising long-term disinfection strategy. However, there is a lack of studies exploring the effectiveness of copper-based products against viruses. In this study, we evaluated the cytotoxicity and virucidal effectiveness of products and materials containing copper against mouse hepatitis virus (MHV-3), a surrogate model for SARS-CoV-2. The results demonstrate that pure CuO and Cu possess activity against the enveloped virus at very low concentrations, ranging from 0.001 to 0.1% (w/v). A greater virucidal efficacy of CuO was found for nanoparticles, which showed activity even against viruses that are more resistant to disinfection such as feline calicivirus (FCV). Most of the evaluated products, with concentrations of Cu or CuO between 0.003 and 15% (w/v), were effective against MHV-3. Cryomicroscopy images of an MHV-3 sample exposed to a CuO-containing surface showed extensive damage to the viral capsid, presumably due to the direct or indirect action of copper ions.

Iron is an essential element for the normal functioning of living organisms, but excessive iron deposition can lead to organ damage. This study aims to investigate the interaction between the endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathway and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in liver injury induced by iron overload in chicks. Rspectively, 150 one-day-old broilers were divided into three groups and supplemented with 50 (C), 500 (E1), and 1000 (E2) mg ferrous sulfate monohydrate/kg in the basal diet. Samples were taken after continuous feeding for 14 days. The results showed that iron overload could upregulate the levels of ALT and AST. Histopathological examination revealed bleeding in the central vein of the liver accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration. Hoechst staining showed that the iron overload group showed significant bright blue fluorescence, and ultrastructural observations showed chromatin condensation as well as mitochondrial swelling and cristae disorganization in the iron overload group. RT-qPCR and Western blot results showed that iron overload upregulated the expression of Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, GRP78, GRP94, P-PERK, ATF4, eIF2α, IRE1, and ATF6, while downregulating the expression of Bcl-2 and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. XBP-1 splicing experiment showed significant splicing of XBP-1 gene after iron overload. PCA and correlation analysis suggested a potential association between endoplasmic reticulum stress, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, and liver injury in chicks. In summary, iron overload can induce cell apoptosis and liver injury by affecting endoplasmic reticulum stress and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

This is a critical review of what we know so far about the evolution of metallothioneins (MTs) in Gastropoda (snails, whelks, limpets and slugs), an important class of molluscs with over 90,000 known species. Particular attention will be paid to the evolution of snail MTs in relation to the role of some metallic trace elements (cadmium, zinc and copper) and their interaction with MTs, also compared to MTs from other animal phyla. The article also highlights the important distinction, yet close relationship, between the structural and metal-selective binding properties of gastropod MTs and their physiological functionality in the living organism. It appears that in the course of the evolution of Gastropoda, the trace metal cadmium (Cd) must have played an essential role in the development of Cd-selective MT variants. It is shown how the structures and Cd-selective binding properties in the basal gastropod clades have evolved by testing and optimizing different combinations of ancestral and novel MT domains, and how some of these domains have become established in modern and recent gastropod clades. In this context, the question of how adaptation to new habitats and lifestyles has affected the original MT traits in different gastropod lineages will also be addressed. The 3D structures and their metal binding preferences will be highlighted exemplarily in MTs of modern littorinid and helicid snails. Finally, the importance of the different metal requirements and pathways in snail tissues and cells for the shaping and functionality of the respective MT isoforms will be shown.

The ‘sacred leaf’ or “Hoja Santa” (Piper auritum Kunth) has a great value for Mexican culture and has gained popularity worldwide for its excellent properties from culinary to remedies. To contribute to its heritage, in this project we proposed the green synthesis of silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag₂O NPs) using an extract of “Hoja Santa” (Piper auritum) as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesized Ag₂O NPs were characterized by UV–Visible spectroscopy (plasmon located at 405 nm), X-ray diffraction (XRD) (particle size diameter of 10 nm), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) (particle size diameter of 13.62 ± 4.61 nm), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) (functional groups from “Hoja Santa” attached to nanoparticles). Antioxidant capacity was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS and FRAP methods. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of NPs against a panel of clinically relevant bacterial strains, including both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella Enteritidis and Escherichia coli O157:H7), was over 90% at concentrations of 200 µg/mL. Additionally, we assessed the antibiofilm activity of the NPs against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (reaching 98% of biofilm destruction at 800 µg/mL), as biofilm formation plays a crucial role in bacterial resistance and chronic infections. Moreover, we investigated the impact of Ag₂O NPs on immune cell viability, respiratory burst, and phagocytic activity to understand their effects on the immune system.

Trace elements are important components in the body and have fundamental roles in maintaining a healthy and balanced pregnancy process. Either deficiency or excess of trace elements, including selenium, iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium can lead to pregnancy complications. As a rare disorder during pregnancy of unknown aetiology, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) poses a significant risk to the fetus of perinatal mortality. ICP is a multifactorial complication of which the pathogenesis is still an enigma. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated the association of ICP with some trace elements. Evidence from retrospective studies in humans further revealed the possible contributing roles of trace elements in the pathogenesis of ICP. The published literature on the association of trace elements with ICP was reviewed. Recent advances in molecular biological techniques from animal studies have helped to elucidate the possible mechanisms by how these trace elements function in regulating oxidative reactions, inflammatory reactions and immune balance in the maternal-fetal interface, as well as the influence on hepato-intestinal circulation of bile acid. The scenario regarding the role of trace elements in the pathogenesis of ICP is still developing. The administration or depletion of these trace elements may have promising effects in alleviating the symptoms and improving the pregnancy outcomes of ICP.

Palladium and platinum complexes, especially those that include cisplatin, can be useful chemotherapeutic drugs. Alternatives that have less adverse effects and require lower dosages of treatment could be provided by complexes containing pyridine bases. The complexes [Pd(SCN)₂(4-Acpy)₂] (1), [Pd(N₃)₂(4-Acpy)₂] (2) [Pd(paOH)₂].2Cl (3) and [Pt(SCN)₂(paO)₂] (4) were prepared by self-assembly method at ambient temperature; (4-Acpy = 4-acetylpyridine and paOH = pyridine-2-carbaldehyde-oxime). The structure of complexes 1–4 was confirmed using spectroscopic and X-ray crystallography methods. Complexes 1–4 have similar features in isomerism that include the trans coordination geometry of pyridine ligands with Pd or Pt ion. The 3D network structure of complexes 1–4 was constructed by an infinite number of discrete mononuclear molecules extending via H-bonds. The Pd and Pt complexes 1–4 with pyridine ligands were assessed on MCF-7, T47D breast cancer cells and HCT116 colon cancer cells. The study evaluated cell death through apoptosis and cell cycle phases in MCF-7 cells treated with palladium or platinum conjugated with pyridine base. Upon treatment of MCF-7 with these complexes, the expression of apoptotic signals (Bcl2, p53, Bax and c-Myc) and cell cycle signals (p16, CDK1A, CDK1B) were evaluated. Compared to other complexes and cisplatin, IC₅₀ of complex 1 was lowest in MCF-7 cells and complex 2 in T47D cells. Complex 4 has the highest effectiveness on HCT116. The selective index (SI) of complexes 1–4 has a value of more than two for all cancer cell lines, indicating that the complexes were less toxic to normal cells when given the same dose. MCF-7 cells treated with complex 2 and platinum complex 4 exhibited the highest level of early apoptosis. p16 may be signal arrest cells in Sub G, which was observed in cells treated with palladium complexes that suppress excessive cell proliferation. High c-Myc expression of treated cells with four complexes 1–4 and cisplatin could induce p53. All complexes 1–4 elevated the expression of Bax and triggered by the tumor suppressor gene p53. p53 was downregulating the expression of Bcl2.