Biological Trace Element Research最新文献

In Bangladesh, body soaps are very popular among consumers due to their flavors and low alkali content. The current study assesses the contamination of several trace metals (TMs) such as iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in some of the body soaps most commonly used in Bangladesh. The concentrations of Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, and Mn were found within the acceptable limits stipulated by the World Health Organization (WHO); however, in contrast, the concentrations of Ni, Cd, and Pb remained below the detection limit. Notably, the concentration of Cr in two soap samples (S-2, S-3) out of twenty-one soap samples exceeded the permissible limit stipulated by the WHO. Health risks associated with the TM intake via dermal routes were evaluated in terms of chronic daily intake (CDI) and hazard quotient (HQ). The results indicated that no non-carcinogenic risks (NCR) are likely to occur owing to the use of those body soaps. The carcinogenic risk (CR) estimated for Cr revealed no possibility of probable carcinogenic diseases. Though the NCR and CR are unlikely to occur resulting from the long-term uses of these soaps, the present study provides baseline information on the possible contaminations of TMs in the beauty soaps that do not seem to have been reported so far in Bangladesh. In light of the above information, it can be concluded that the presence of TMs in the body soaps could be a warning for people in general thereby suggesting continuous monitoring.

Heavy metals contamination of poultry products is a major concern for public health. This study aimed to determine the concentration of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and iron (Fe) in the edible parts of broilers, as well as in feed, drinking water, and litter as sources of contamination and to assess their possible human health risk in the province of Jijel (Northeast Algeria). The range of Hg, Pb, and Fe in edible parts were 0.004-0.007, 0.185-0.480, and 28.536-88.306 mg/kg, respectively, and the difference in content was only significant (p < 0.05) for lead. Breast and thigh samples had Pb concentrations above the maximum limit. Spearman coefficient analysis revealed that most correlations were positive between metals detected in feed, water, and litter and those in the edible parts of broilers. But most of them were insignificant (p > 0.05). The estimated daily intake (EDI) values of examined metal exceeded the tolerable daily intake (PTDI). The target hazard quotients (THQ) and hazard index (HI) of all metals were lower than 1, suggesting no significant carcinogenic risks. The calculated incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) of Pb was higher than 10^-4 for men, women, and children, indicating the presence of carcinogenic risk. Considering the wide consumption of broiler meat, regular national monitoring of heavy metals in the broiler production chain is recommended to protect population health.

Mercuric chloride (HgCl₂) is a heavy metal that is toxic to the human body. Carvacrol (CAR) is a flavonoid found naturally in plants and has many biological and pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of CAR in HgCl₂-induced testicular tissue damage. HgCl₂ was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 1.23 mg/kg body weight alone or in combination with orally administered CAR (25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg body weight) for 7 days. Biochemical and histological methods were used to investigate oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy pathways in testicular tissue. CAR treatment increased HgCl₂-induced decreased antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT, and GPx) activities and GSH levels. In addition, CAR reduced MDA levels, a marker of lipid peroxidation. CAR decreased the levels of inflammatory mediators NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, iNOS, MAPK14, MAPK15, and JNK. The increases in apoptotic Bax and Caspase-3 with HgCl₂ exposure decreased with CAR, while the decreased antiapoptotic Bcl-2 level increased. CAR reduced HgCl₂-induced autophagy damage by increasing Beclin-1, LC3A, and LC3B levels. Overall, the data from this study suggested that testicular tissue damage associated with HgCl₂ toxicity can be mitigated by CAR administration.

The study aimed to assess the impact of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on rats' neurobehavior compared to bulk zinc oxide (BZnO). Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to five groups. The control group received Tween 80 (10%), while the ZnONP groups were given ZnONPs at 5 and 10 mg/kg body weight dosages, and the bulk zinc oxide (BZnO) groups received BZnO at the same dosages. Behavioral observations, neurobehavioral examinations, and assessments of brain tissue oxidative markers, neurotransmitter levels, and histopathological changes were performed. The results indicated that ZnONP at a dosage of 5 mg/kg improved general behavior, locomotor activity, memory, and recognition and reduced fearfulness in rats. Conversely, the higher dosage of 10 mg/kg and the bulk form had adverse effects on general behavior, locomotor activity, and learning ability, with the bulk form demonstrating the most severe impact-znONP-5 treatment increased antioxidant enzyme levels and decreased inflammatory markers. BZnO-5 exhibited lower oxidative stress markers, although still higher than BZnO-10. Furthermore, ZnONP-5 and BZnO-5 increased neurotransmitter levels compared to higher dosages. ZnONP-5 upregulated the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA, while BZnO-5 showed increased BDNF mRNA expression and decreased expression of genes related to apoptosis and inflammation. In summary, ZnONPs at 5 mg/kg demonstrated positive effects on rat brain function and behavior, while higher dosages and the bulk form had detrimental effects. In conclusion, the studies emphasized the importance of further assessing various doses and forms of zinc oxide on brain health, highlighting the significance of dosage considerations when using nanomaterials.

Baby foods contain these toxic heavy metals which occur naturally or from pollution in the environment. The purpose of this research is to investigate the concentration of heavy metals in the biscuit samples that are commonly used in Iraq as food babies. The concentrations of three metals viz zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) are measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy (Buck Scientific/USA, 210 VGA). Health risk parameters such as Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Target Hazard Quotients (THQ), Hazard Index (HI), and Carcinogenic Risk (CR), are determined. The average values of the concentrations of Zn, Pb, and Cd in these samples of biscuits are 0.584 ± 0.099 mg/kg, 0.066 ± 0.008 mg/kg, and 0.205 ± 0.011 mg/kg, respectively, while the average values of HI and CR × 10^-6 for all samples are 0.768 ± 0.040 and 1.94 ± 0.25, respectively. On the basis of comparing these elements, the study finds that the average value of Zn is dominating with the highest concentration, followed by Cd, and Pb. This is relied on the statistical examination that revealed a weak correlation and no significance (p > 0.05) in the amounts of these heavy metals in all samples. The concentrations of Cd, in seven samples, are relatively higher than their permissible limits according to FAO/WHO (0.2 mg/kg). Conversely, the concentrations of Zn and Pb are lower than their permissible limits which was 9.4 mg/kg and 0.3 mg/kg, respectively. The values of health risk parameters for Zn, Pb, and Cd for all samples do not surpass their permissible intake limits according to FAO/WHO, Therefore, it is concluded that the overall estimated healthy risk, due to the heavy metals, is safe since it is within the permissible limits; thus, there are no concerns for a baby who consume biscuit consistently daily.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is the most used chemotherapeutic agent for treating solid tumors. DOX treatment may lead to testicular damage using oxidative stress, resulting in infertility. These adverse effects may be prevented by the activation of antioxidant systems. Oleuropein (OLE) is a powerful flavonoid with several ameliorative effects, including antioxidative, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory. It would be more efficient and applicable in treating chronic human diseases if its poor bioavailability improves with a nano-delivery system. The current study aims to assess the histopathological changes and antioxidative effects of OLE loaded with silver nanoparticles oleuropein (OLE-AgNP) on the testicular injury triggered by DOX in rats. Forty-eight male albino rats were randomly divided into six groups as follows: the control, DOX (2.5 mg/kg), OLE (50 mg/kg), AgNP (100 mg/kg), OLE + AgNP (50 mg/kg), OLE (50 mg/kg) + DOX (2.5 mg/kg), AgNP (100 mg/kg) + DOX (2.5 mg/kg), and OLE-AgNP (50 mg/kg) + DOX (2.5 mg/kg) for 11 days. Oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress markers, sperm analysis, and histopathological analyses were performed on testicular tissues taken from rats decapitated after the applications and compared between the experimental groups. The tissue MDA level was lower in the OLE and OLE+AgNP-treated groups than in the DOX-treated group. In addition, SOD and GSH levels significantly increased in both the OLE and OLE+AgNP-treated groups compared to the DOX group. Both OLE and OLE+AgNP, particularly OLE+AgNP, ameliorated DOX-induced testicular tissue injury, as evidenced by reduced injury and improved seminiferous tubules and spermatocyte area. In addition, OLE and OLE+AgNP, especially OLE+AgNP, inhibited DOX-induced testicular tissue inflammation, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. The findings suggest that nanotechnology and the production of OLE+AgNP can ameliorate DOX-induced testicular damage.

Rutin, a natural bioflavonoid compound, is one of the best-known antioxidants. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of rutin-loaded chitosan alginate nanoparticles (RCA NPs) against lead (Pb)-induced oxidative stress in two different broiler breeds. A total number of 240 chicks from Cobb (CB) and Arbor Acres (AR) breeds were randomly allocated into 4 groups/breed. The 1^st group received standard basal diet (SD) and drinking water (DW) while the 2^nd group received SD and Pb-incorporated DW (350 mg/L). The 3^rd group treated with both rutin-supplemented SD (50 mg/kg feed), and DW contain Pb (350 mg/L). Finally, the 4^th group administered RCA NPs-supplemented SD (50 mg/kg feed) and Pb-incorporated DW (350 mg/L). On the 40^th day of experiment, broilers weighed, and blood samples collected for biochemical and hematological analysis then slaughtered. Economic efficiency, growth performance, and oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated. Gene expression level of growth-associated genes as insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1) and histopathological changes were assessed in liver and intestinal tissue of both breeds. Our results revealed that Pb-treated birds exhibited the lowest average body weight gain (BWG) and economic efficiency measures in both breeds while RCA NPs-treated groups revealed enhanced growth and economic performance. Furthermore, diet supplementation with RCA NPs considerably enhanced the antioxidant enzymes activity and expression of growth-associated genes than groups treated with rutin alone specifically in AR breed. In conclusion, RCA NPs supplementation could be a promising nanoformulation in poultry production through enhancing the antioxidant capacity and bioavailability of rutin.

Understanding the intricate molecular mechanisms governing aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and Wnt/β-Catenin pathways crosstalk is of paramount importance for elucidating normal development. We investigated the repercussions of aberrant activation of these signaling pathways on kidney development. HEK-293 cells were subjected to AHR and Wnt activators and inhibitors for 3 and 24 h. Subsequently, pregnant adult female BALB/c mice were administered treatments at gestation day 9 (GD-9), and embryos were analyzed at GD-18 using a combination of cellular, molecular, stereological, and histopathological techniques. Our results demonstrated a noteworthy escalation in oxidative stress and gene expression endpoints associated with apoptosis. Moreover, stereological analyses exhibited alterations in cortex, proximal tubule, and kidney tissue vessels volumes. Remarkably, co-treatment with 6-formylindolo [3,2-b] carbazole (FICZ) and cadmium (Cd) resulted in a significant reduction in glomerulus volume, while elevating the volumes of distal tubule, Henle loop, and connective tissue, compared to the control group. Histopathological investigations further confirmed structural changes in the loop of Henle and proximal tubule, alongside a decline in glomerular volume. Additionally, the expression levels of AHR and Ctnnb1 genes significantly increased in the Cd-treated group compared to the control group. Enhanced expression of apoptosis-related genes, including Bcl-x, Bax, and Caspase3, along with alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome C release, was observed. In contrast, Gsk3 gene expression was significantly decreased. Our findings robustly establish that chemical pollutants, such as Cd, disrupt the AHR and Wnt/β-Catenin physiological roles during developmental stages by inhibiting the metabolic degradation of FICZ.

Metformin is commonly prescribed to people with diabetes. Metformin has been shown in previous studies to be able to prevent the growth of cancer cells. This study aims to investigate the effects of metformin and gold nanoparticles in MCF7 breast cancer and A549 lung cell lines. The effects of metformin and gold nanoparticles on MCF7 breast cancer and A549 lung cells were determined on cells grown in 24 h cell culture. MCF-7 and A549 cells were incubated for 24 h with the treatment of escalating molar concentrations of ifosfamide. The MTT assay was used to determine the cytotoxicity of metformin toward MCF7 and A549 cell lines. The expression of Bax, BCL2, PI3K, Akt3, mTOR, Hsp60, Hsp70, and TNF-α was measured by RT-PCR. Metformin and gold nanoparticles inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 and A549 cells in a dose and time-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 5 µM and 10 µg/mL. RT-PCR assays showed ifosfamide + metformin + gold nanoparticles significantly reduced the expression of BCL2, PI3K, Akt3, mTOR, Hsp60 and Hsp70 and increased the expression of TNF-α and Bax. The findings obtained in this study suggest that further studies should be conducted, and metformin and gold nanoparticles can be used in breast cancer and lung cancer treatments.

Heavy metal contamination in river Ganga is one of the factors for deterioration in its water quality and also adds to human health risks. We designed our study to achieve a holistic approach by not only estimating the concentration of heavy metals (lead, manganese, chromium, and cadmium) in the river water at different sites based on human anthropogenic activities but also in the fishes residing in the same sites that are collected for human consumption on daily basis. We found that Ganga River in Varanasi is highly loaded with metals (PLI = 6.698). Mean concentration in water was 1.29 mg/L for Pb, 1.325 mg/L for Mn, 0.169 mg/L for Cr, and 0.161 mg/L for Cd, which were above the permissible limits stated by Environment Protection Agency (EPA) in drinking water. Fish, including exotic and invasive species, were collected from the wild and were processed for the presence of these metals in their tissues. Degree of heavy metal concentration followed liver > gills > muscles. The highest accumulation of Pb was observed in Carpio (Cyprinus carpio) liver (8.86 µg/g) and lowest in Baikari (Clupisoma garua) muscles (0.07 µg/g). Total target hazard quotient (THQ) value, i.e., hazard index (HI) showed values in following sequence: Cyprinus carpio > Oreochromis niloticus > Channa gachua > Johnius coitor > Mastacembelus armatus > Mystus tengara > Clupisoma garua. Maximum HI value was recorded in C. carpio, which is highly consumed fish by humans, hence, may be harmful to them.