Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology最新文献

{"title":"Impact of hidden hunger on pregnant women from underserved communities and its role in anaemia","authors":"Anumesh K. Pathak ,&nbsp;Dhruv Agarwal ,&nbsp;Shivani Singh ,&nbsp;Rupita Kulshresthra ,&nbsp;Manish Raj Kulshrestha ,&nbsp;Vandana Tiwari","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127794","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127794","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Micronutrient deficiencies (MiNDs) during pregnancy contribute to anemia, preeclampsia, and poor fetal outcomes. We assessed the prevalence of MiNDs and their association with anemia among pregnant women in northern India.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 322 first-trimester pregnant women from low- to middle socioeconomic backgrounds. Haematology indices were measured on an automated analyser; vitamins (A, B1, B9, B12, D3) by LC-MS/MS; and trace elements (Fe, Zn, Cu, Se, Mn) by ICP-MS.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Anaemia prevalence was 46.5 %. Anemic women had significantly lower levels of manganese (50.3 %), copper (32.8 %), zinc (41.9 %), and iron (51.1 %) (p &lt; 0.0001) and vitamins A (14.8 %), B1 (59.3 %), B9 (46.4 %), and B12 (71.3 %) (p &lt; 0.0001). Selenium (p = 0.752) and vitamin D3 (p = 0.340) were not associated with anemia. Among anaemic women, 14 % had multiple micronutrient deficiencies.</div><div>Anemia increased the risk of low vitamin A (&lt;900 pg/mL; OR 2.06, CI: 1.32–3.21, p = 0.001), B1 (&lt;70 ng/mL; OR 4.30, CI: 2.68–6.89, p &lt; 0.0001), B9 (&lt;3 ng/mL; OR 5.91, CI: 3.64–9.59, p &lt; 0.0001), and B12 (&lt;200 pg/mL; OR 5.53, CI: 3.43–8.93, p &lt; 0.0001) respectively. Similarly, the risk of low iron (&lt;80 µg/dL; OR 8.01, 95 % CI: 4.85–13.23, p &lt; 0.0001), zinc (&lt;600 µg/L; OR 5.18, 95 % CI: 3.22–8.34, p &lt; 0.0001), copper (&lt;700 µg/L; OR 4.30, 95 % CI: 2.68–6.89, p &lt; 0.0001), and manganese (&lt;4.0 µg/L; OR 2.25, 95 % CI: 1.44–3.51, p = 0.004) was significantly associated with higher risk of anemia.</div><div>Univariate analysis showed significant correlations between hemoglobin and vitamins A, B1, B12, manganese; copper; and iron (p &lt; 0.05). In multivariate analysis, B1, B9, B12, Fe, Cu, and Zn were independent predictors of Hb levels.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Anemia during pregnancy is strongly linked to multiple micronutrient deficiencies. Findings support antenatal strategies that extend beyond iron–folate to address multiple micronutrient deficiencies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 127794"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145454392","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"METTL14 promotes ferroptosis during the development of cisplatin-induced kidney injury by stabilizing ERFE through IGF2BP3-dependent m6A methylation","authors":"Yan Chen ,&nbsp;Wenlong Li ,&nbsp;Dian Zhao ,&nbsp;Chong Huang ,&nbsp;Chengyun Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127793","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127793","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (CP-AKI) is a major complication of cisplatin chemotherapy that is mechanistically linked to ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death. However, the epigenetic and post-transcriptional factors regulating ferroptosis in CP-AKI, particularly those mediated by N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) RNA methylation, remain insufficiently defined. This study investigated the role of methyltransferase-like 14 (METTL14)-mediated m⁶A RNA methylation and its downstream targets in ferroptosis regulation during CP-AKI.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We established an in vitro model of CP-AKI using cisplatin-treated human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2). The expressions of gene and protein were tested by qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence. Cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay. The total m⁶A methylation and ferroptosis markers were measured by the kits. MeRIP-PCR was performed to detect m⁶A modifications on ERFE mRNA. The binding relationship between METTL14/insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) and erythroferrone (ERFE) was analyzed by RIP assay. ERFE mRNA stability was determined by Actinomycin D chase assay.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Cisplatin treatment upregulated METTL14, IGF2BP3, and ERFE in HK-2 cells, coinciding with increased m6A methylation and ferroptosis induction. METTL14 knockdown attenuated cisplatin-induced ferroptosis in HK-2 cells by downregulating ERFE. Mechanistically, METTL14 stabilized ERFE mRNA through IGF2BP3-dependent m⁶A modification. As expected, IGF2BP3 overexpression reversed the effect of METTL14 knockdown on cisplatin-induced ferroptosis in HK-2 cells, while concomitant ERFE depletion abrogated this reversal.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>METTL14 upregulation promotes ferroptosis in CP-AKI by stabilizing ERFE mRNA through IGF2BP3-dependent m⁶A modification. Targeting the METTL14/IGF2BP3/ERFE axis offers a promising strategy for mitigating cisplatin-induced kidney injury.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 127793"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145466465","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Environmental trace metals contamination near a copper mining area from central-west region of Romania","authors":"Florica Emilia Morariu ,&nbsp;Eugen Cătălin Zoican ,&nbsp;Marinel Nicolae Horablaga ,&nbsp;Nicolae Florin Popa ,&nbsp;Romeo T. Cristina ,&nbsp;Eugenia Dumitrescu ,&nbsp;Catalin Cicerone Grigorescu ,&nbsp;Adina Horablaga ,&nbsp;Sorin Morariu","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127780","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127780","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background and objective&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The rising global demand for metals has intensified mining operations, resulting in considerable environmental pollution by heavy metals in soils and water bodies, which endangers ecosystems and human health. While heavy metals are naturally present in soils and aquatic environments, human activities such as mining and smelting have significantly disrupted their biogeochemical cycles, causing increased concentrations that pose threats to both the environment and public health. This study focuses on assessing the levels of trace and heavy metals in river water and soils in a Romanian copper mining region, as well as examining their bioaccumulation in soils, aquatic organisms, and plants. The findings aim to provide essential data to support environmental management and remediation efforts.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This study examines environmental metal contamination in the vicinity of a copper mining area located in the Central-West Region of Romania. Samples—including water, mud, soil, fish, and Salix alba leaves—were collected from upstream (UPS), downstream (DWS), and the confluence point (RJ) of the Aries and Abrud rivers within Alba County. Sampling sites encompassed various locations near the mining operations along the river, as well as a reference site approximately 200 km southwest (SW) in a non-mining area. All samples were analyzed using a PerkinElmer AAPinacle 900 T atomic absorption spectrometer. Additionally, concentration factors and pollution load indices for water, mud, and soil were calculated, along with bioaccumulation factors for fish and Salix alba leaves.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Our analyses revealed elevated levels of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) exceeding Romanian water quality standards, while mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) remained below standard thresholds. The contamination factor (CF) indicated higher concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, Hg, Cd, and Pb in the mining vicinity compared to non-mining areas, with increased CF observed downstream and at the river junction, suggesting significant pollutant dispersion. The pollution load index (PLI) corroborated these findings, showing elevated pollution levels in water, soil, and mud samples near the mining site. Bioaccumulation assessments demonstrated a bioconcentration factor (BAF) greater than one for Hg, Cd, and Pb in Salix alba leaves from all sampling points, indicating bioaccumulation, whereas Fe exhibited lower BAF values. In fish, BAFs for Cu, Zn, Hg, and Pb exceeded one across all areas, confirming accumulation, while Fe showed limited bioaccumulation. Notably, cadmium bioaccumulation was detected only upstream and at the river junction, with no accumulation downstream.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;These findings highlight the impact of copper mining activities on environmental metal distribution and bioaccumulation in local biota, underscoring the need for ongoing monito","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 127780"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145417359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Camel whey protein coated metal-organic frameworks (CWP/MOF) as a sustainable approach to treat environmental stress-induced liver toxicity by cobalt chloride in rats","authors":"Dalia Hamad ,&nbsp;Asmaa F.A. Dawood ,&nbsp;Hanan M. Alharbi ,&nbsp;Shereen Mahmoud Refaie ,&nbsp;Marwa A. Ali ,&nbsp;A.A. Abu-Sehly ,&nbsp;Hanem S. Abdel –Tawab ,&nbsp;Nermeen N. Welson ,&nbsp;Fatma El-Zahraa A. Abd El-Aziz","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127791","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127791","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and aim</h3><div>Environmental stressors, such as heavy metal pollution, can have devastating effects on biological organisms, leading to conditions like liver toxicity. This study explored the therapeutic potential of a novel iron-based metal-organic framework (Fe-MOF) in mitigating cobalt chloride-induced liver toxicity in rats<strong>.</strong></div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Utilizing a solvothermal synthesis method, CWP/MOF was created and characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Adult male rats were divided into four groups, each consisting of six rats. The groups were treated as follows: Group 1 (Control): Received 0.5 mL/day of distilled water only. Group 2 (CoCl₂): Treated with cobalt chloride (100 mg/kg/day) dissolved in distilled water. Group 3 (CoCl₂ + Fe-MOFs): Treated with cobalt chloride (100 mg/kg/day) and Fe-MOFs dissolved in distilled water. Group 4 (CoCl₂ + CWP/MOF): Treated with cobalt chloride (100 mg/kg/day) and CWP/MOF, dissolved in distilled water. All groups received treatment for a duration of two months.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>there was a one-dimensional structure and multienzyme-like activity. CWP/MOF prevented apoptosis and reduced the histopathological effect and collagen fiber percentage caused by cobalt chloride in the liver. Nanotechnology was used to increase the therapeutic efficiency of camel whey protein against the harmful effects associated with environmental stress-induced liver toxicity by cobalt chloride in rats<strong>.</strong></div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This study highlights the potential of CWP/MOF as a groundbreaking therapeutic agent for induced liver toxicity, with promising applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. By harnessing the unique properties of CWP/MOF, researchers may uncover new avenues for treating liver-related disorders and promoting overall health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 127791"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145417360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Azelastine attenuates Cisplatin-induced renal and testicular injury: Involvement of Nrf2/SLC7A11-GPX4 and NCOA4-mediated ferroptosis","authors":"Salwa R. Abo El-Ela,&nbsp;Amal M. El Gayar,&nbsp;Randa A. Zaghloul","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127792","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127792","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Aim</h3><div>Renal and testicular toxicities are side effects of the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin (Cis). The study aims to assess the potential repurpose of Azelastine (Az), an H1-receptor antagonist to alleviate Cis-induced toxicity.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Sprague Dawley rats received Az (4 or 6 mg/kg/orally) for ten days and were challenged by a single i.p. injection of Cis (10 mg/kg) on the fifth day. Renal and testicular tissues were investigated using histopathology, immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and ELISA techniques.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Az (6 mg/kg) attenuated Cis-induced nephrotoxicity by reversing the elevation of serum creatinine, BUN, and urinary total protein [38.5 %, 32.3 % and 60 % (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.0001)], and the decline of urinary creatinine and CrCl by 2.15- and 2.8-fold (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.0001 and p &lt; 0.01, respectively). Az (6 mg/kg) induced a significant decrease in both renal and testicular levels of MDA, tissue iron (70.9 %, 51 %, 44.5 % and 33.6 %, respectively, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.0001) and TFR (27.6 %, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.05 and 39 %, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.0001, respectively). Moreover, Az up-regulated renal and testicular Nrf2 and GPX4 (6.9-, 15.6-, 3.9- and 4.8-fold, respectively, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.0001). Both renal and testicular GSH and SLC7A11 were enhanced by Az (2.7-, 2.1-, 4.5-fold, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.0001, and 3.4-fold, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.01, respectively). Finally, Az induced a decrease of renal and testicular NCOA4 and FTH1 gene expressions (53.4 %, 48.6 %, 51.5 % and 41.3 %, respectively, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.0001). Interestingly, Az enhanced the protein levels of NCOA4, but reduced FTH1 (44.5 %, p &lt; 0.0001, 41 %, p &lt; 0.001 and 1.29- and 1.33-fold p &lt; 0.01, respectively)</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Az mitigates Cis-induced nephrotoxicity and testicular injury by inhibiting ferroptosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 127792"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145411302","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Selective impact of zinc on human circulating CD56dim NK cells","authors":"Sabrina B. Bennstein,&nbsp;Ronja Stöcker,&nbsp;Laura Heenen,&nbsp;Jana Jakobs,&nbsp;Kim Ohl,&nbsp;Lothar Rink","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127788","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127788","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div>Natural Killer (NK) cells are essential for recognizing aberrant and virus-infected cells. Adequate levels of the trace element zinc are known to be important for proper immune functionality against infections and tumor growth. So far, not many studies have analyzed the effects of zinc on NK cells. We previously observed higher levels of activated CD69⁺ NK cells in zinc-adequate compared to zinc-deficient donors. We therefore aimed to analyze the influence of zinc on the activation and functionality of NK cell <em>in vitro</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were freshly isolated from young healthy donors. Serum zinc levels and Adjusted Zinc Diet Score (AZDS) were determined. NK cells, CD56^dim NK cells, and CD56^bright NK cells were analyzed <em>ex vivo</em> or cultivated in zinc-deficient, zinc-adequate, and zinc-supplemented media for 1 or 20 h ± specific inhibitors. CD56^dim NK cell frequencies, phenotype, and functionality were analyzed via flow cytometry, qPCR, and Western blot.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The frequencies of cytotoxic CD56^dim NK cells positively correlated with serum zinc as well as AZDS. CD69 expression was significantly increased after 20 h of zinc supplementation on CD56^dim NK cells. CD69⁺ CD56^dim NK cells showed significant higher degranulation capacity and IFNγ production. Furthermore, NFκB inhibition upregulated CD69 expression and <em>NFKB</em> mRNA was significantly decreased in zinc-supplemented conditions. In addition, perforin levels were sensitive to zinc deprivation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Extracellular zinc selectively activates CD56^dim NK cells enhancing degranulation and IFNγ production. Zinc supplementation might be a useful tool for <em>in vitro</em> NK cell expansion protocols for future cellular therapies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 127788"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145417361","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gallic acid mitigates cadmium-induced reproductive damage: Effects on sperm, antioxidants, and apoptosis in mice","authors":"Sanaz Alaee ,&nbsp;Zahra Derakhshan ,&nbsp;Farhad Koohpeyma ,&nbsp;Saeed Shokri ,&nbsp;Amirreza Talaie ,&nbsp;Hesam Kamyab","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127789","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127789","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cadmium is a well-known reproductive toxicant found in many industrial wastes. The gallic acid impact on the recovery of reproductive ability of mice exposed to cadmium was investigated. The experiment involved six groups of male mice, designated as Groups 1 through 6, each receiving specific treatments: Group 1 received distilled water, Group 2 received water containing gallic acid with a concentration of 50 mg/kg, Group 3 received water containing gallic acid with a concentration 100 mg/kg, Group 4 was treated with water containing cadmium with a concentration of 1.2 mg/kg, Group 5 received water containing cadmium and gallic acid with concentrations of 1.2 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, respectively, and finally Group 6 received water containing 1.2 and 100 mg/kg of cadmium and gallic acid, respectively. The mice's blood samples were collected after finishing the treatment stage to evaluate testosterone levels, and the testes were excised for stereological analysis and assessment of antioxidant and apoptotic marker expression. Sperm samples extracted from the epididymis were analyzed for quantity, morphology, motility, viability, maturation, and DNA fragmentation. Results indicated significant declines in all measured parameters in mice exposed to cadmium. Additionally, high doses of gallic acid adversely affected some fertility parameters in normal mice. In cadmium-exposed mice, mRNA expression of antioxidants (<em>Gpx1</em>, <em>Cat</em>, and <em>Sod1</em>) and anti-apoptotic (<em>Bcl2l1</em>) genes was significantly reduced, while the expression of proapoptotic (<em>Caspase3</em> and <em>Bax</em>) genes increased. Notably, 50 mg/kg of gallic acid improved all fertility parameters in these mice. It is suggested that the high concentration of antioxidants can control oxidative stress, thereby disrupting the normal physiological level of reactive oxygen species in the mice's cells. Therefore, gallic acid at the appropriate dose improves fertility parameters in mice exposed to cadmium. The results showed that the dose of 50 mg/kg of gallic acid can effectively mitigate the cadmium detrimental impacts on the health of the vital organs of the male mice reproductive system. These findings suggest the potential therapeutic application of gallic acid in combating reproductive toxicity induced by cadmium, highlighting the importance of dosage in achieving beneficial outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 127789"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145411336","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Serum trace element and mineral levels and fecal microbiota in relation to cartilage damage in rheumatoid arthritis patients","authors":"Anatoly V. Skalny ,&nbsp;Tatiana V. Korobeinikova ,&nbsp;Galina Morozova ,&nbsp;Irina V. Menshikova ,&nbsp;Viktor A. Gritsenko ,&nbsp;Feng Zhang ,&nbsp;Daria V. Mak ,&nbsp;Xiong Guo ,&nbsp;Tatiana I. Sotnikova ,&nbsp;Michael Aschner ,&nbsp;Alexey A. Tinkov","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127787","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127787","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><strong>The objective</strong> of the present study was to evaluate serum trace element and mineral levels as well as taxonomic characteristics of gut microbiota and their association with cartilage damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Serum trace element and mineral levels in 41 healthy controls and 41 RA patients were assessed using inductively-coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. Taxonomic characteristics of fecal microbiota were assessed using 16S metagenomic sequencing. RA patients were characterized by increased cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and complement component 3 (C3) levels, indicative of cartilage damage and inflammation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Serum Ca, Fe, Se, and Zn levels in RA patients were lower, whereas circulating Cr, Cu, and Mo concentrations exceeded the respective control values. 16S metagenomic sequencing of fecal samples revealed lower relative abundance of <em>Firmicutes</em> and <em>Actinomycetota</em> with a reduction in <em>Firmicutes</em>-to-<em>Bacteroidetes</em> ratio in RA patients. At the class level, the relative abundance of Bacilli, <em>Coriobacteria</em>, and <em>Clostridia</em> in RA patients was lower, whereas that of <em>Bacteroidia</em> and <em>Negativicutes</em> was higher compared to the control group. Tight negative association between serum Zn levels and the abundance of <em>Bacteroidetes</em> and <em>Bacteroidia</em> was observed, whereas correlation between Zn and <em>Firmicutes</em>-to-<em>Bacteroidetes</em> ratio was positive. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that serum COMP level was inversely associated with serum Fe and Se levels, as well as relative abundance of <em>Bacilli</em> and <em>Clostridia</em>, being positively associated with serum Ca and C3 levels.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These novel findings demonstrate a multilateral relationship between trace element metabolism, gut microbiota, and cartilage damage in RA.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 127787"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145454468","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anticancer activity of the new manganese(II), iron(II), nickel(II), copper(II), and zinc(II) complexes based on 1,2,4-triazoline-3-thione derivative","authors":"Agnieszka Czylkowska ,&nbsp;Suneel Lanka ,&nbsp;Bartłomiej Rogalewicz ,&nbsp;Anita Raducka ,&nbsp;Ewelina Fornal ,&nbsp;Magdalena Iwan ,&nbsp;Joanna Kubik ,&nbsp;Agnieszka Korga-Plewko ,&nbsp;Ewelina Humeniuk ,&nbsp;Marcin Świątkowski ,&nbsp;Monika Pitucha ,&nbsp;Anna Gajda ,&nbsp;Aleksandra Lis ,&nbsp;Paweł Szymański ,&nbsp;Marek Smoluch ,&nbsp;Andrzej Żarczyński ,&nbsp;Aneta Drabińska ,&nbsp;Bruno Cury Camargo ,&nbsp;Jacek Szczytko","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127786","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127786","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, we report the anticancer evaluation, synthesis, and characterization of a novel organic ligand, 4-butyl-5-((1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)methyl)-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione and its five metal complexes based on Mn(II), Fe(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) ions. All compounds were analyzed using elemental analysis, NMR and FTIR spectroscopies, magnetic measurements, ESR, and thermogravimetric analysis. Their antioxidant properties were evaluated using the ABTS and DPPH assays, and the anticancer activity was studied <em>in silico via</em> molecular docking and <em>in vitro</em> against a panel of cancer cell lines. Notably, the Fe(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes exhibited potent anticancer activity, with IC₅₀ values of 40.66, 45.95, and 26.51 µM against MDA-MB-231 cells. Their mechanism of action was further investigated through gene expression analysis, cell cycle analysis, apoptosis detection, thiol level evaluation, and DNA damage assessment. The results revealed that Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes are significantly cytotoxic, while the Fe(II) complex acts as a potent cytostatic agent. Importantly, all compounds demonstrated lower activity toward normal cells than the tested cancer cells.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 127786"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145519791","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Boric acid protects against glyphosate-induced neurotoxicity by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy pathways in the rat brain","authors":"Tuba Dogan ,&nbsp;Burak Cinar ,&nbsp;Merve Bolat ,&nbsp;İsmail Bolat ,&nbsp;Esra Aktas Senocak ,&nbsp;Omercan Alat ,&nbsp;Samet Tekin ,&nbsp;Burak Batuhan Lacin ,&nbsp;Ahmet Hacimuftuogli ,&nbsp;Mesut Bunyami Halici","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127785","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127785","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Glyphosate (GLY) is a widely used herbicide with increasing evidence of neurotoxic effects. Boric acid (BA), a trace element, has shown potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but its role in GLY-induced neurotoxicity remains unexplored.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of boric acid against glyphosate-induced brain toxicity in rats through behavioral, biochemical, molecular, and histological evaluations.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Twenty-eight adult rats were divided into four groups (n = 7): Control, BA (100 mg/kg), GLY (150 mg/kg), and GLY+BA. All treatments were given orally for 7 days. Behavioral assessments were performed using the Elevated Plus Maze and Locomotor Activity Test. Oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH, SOD, CAT, GPx), apoptotic markers (Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3), and inflammatory proteins (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2, TLR-4, NF-κB) were analyzed. Iba-1 and GFAP were assessed by Western blot, while histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluations included 8-OHdG, TLR2, and LC3A/B.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>GLY exposure led to significant behavioral deficits, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and neuronal damage. BA co-treatment significantly improved behavioral performance, restored antioxidant balance, downregulated pro-inflammatory and apoptotic markers, and reduced glial activation and histological damage.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Boric acid exerts neuroprotective effects against GLY-induced neurotoxicity, likely via modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy pathways, supporting its therapeutic potential in chemical-induced brain injury.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"92 ","pages":"Article 127785"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145363572","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}