Biological Trace Element Research最新文献

The utilization of medicinal plants in Iran and other parts of the world is increasing, and there is a need to study the levels of macro and trace elements, including toxic elements, in medicinal plants. This study analyzed trace and macro elements in 42 medicinal plant samples from a medicinal plant garden in Hamadan city, western Iran. The average trace element contents (mg kg^-1 dry weight) in the aerial parts were 1.29 mg kg^-1 for Cd, 10.5 mg kg^-1 for Cu, 75.5 mg kg^-1 for Fe, 41.3 mg kg^-1 for Mn, 3.22 mg kg^-1 for Ni, and 19.7 mg kg^-1 for Zn. Iron was highest in Origanum majorana (96.7 mg kg^-1), while Cd was lowest in Inula helenium (0.85 mg kg^-1). For macro elements, the highest values were Ca in Urtica dioica (27,800 mg kg^-1), K in Echium amoenum (34,600 mg kg^-1), Mg in Verbascum thapsus (9080 mg kg^-1), and Na in Borago officinalis (10,500 mg kg^-1). Relative to adult RDAs, Marrubium vulgare is a key source of Ca (64%) and K (22%), Achillea millefolium provides Mg (98%), Fe (54%), and Mn (97%), and Matricaria chamomilla contributes Cu (86%). The bioaccumulation factor (BCF) averaged 0.68 for Cd, 0.27 for Cu, 0.005 for Fe, 0.26 for Mn, 0.05 for Ni, and 0.44 for Zn, with the highest BCF for Cd (0.92 in Urtica dioica) and lowest for Fe (0.0031 in Marrubium vulgare). The Alcea kurdica, Plantago major, and Urtica dioica may be considered in phytoremediation due to the higher Cd and Ni accumulation. Among studied trace elements, Cd had the highest hazard quotient. This study highlights both the nutritional benefits and safety hazards linked to medicinal plants and proposes some medicinal plants for possible phytoremediation of contaminated soils.

Boron compounds, such as boric acid(BA-H₃BO₃), have been utilized as potential candidates for modulating various biological functions owing to their specific characteristics, such as low toxicity, interaction with biomolecules, and possible roles as antigenotoxic and anticancer agents. On the other hand, mitomycin-C(MMC), a chemotherapeutic drug used for several cancers, may induce genetic damage in the healthy cells of cancer patients. Therefore, this study evaluated whether BA (0.25-2.5 µg/mL) generates protective potential against MMC-induced DNA and chromosome damage. After human lymphocytes were exposed to MMC and BA alone and in combination (BA + MMC), genotoxic and/or mitigating effects were evaluated using chromosomal aberration (CAs), sister chromatid exchange (SCE) (24 and 48 h), and cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (48 h) tests. The ameliorative potential of BA against hydrogen peroxide(H₂O₂)-induced DNA damage was also assessed using a comet assay (1 h). MMC significantly increased (p < 0.05) the frequency of abnormal cells, CA/cell, SCE/cell, micronucleus, and nuclear buds and decreased (p < 0.05) the mitotic index compared to the control. However, BA alone did not induce any significant alterations in the incidence of these aberrations. In addition, all the combined treatments of BA + MMC significantly ameliorated (p < 0.05) all of these indices against MMC. In the comet assay, BA significantly diminished (p < 0.05) the tail intensity (%DNA) against H₂O₂. These results revealed that BA does not induce significant genotoxic effects. Moreover, it may exert chemopreventive potential against MMC- and H₂O₂-induced genetic damage. These findings suggest that boric acid is safe and effective at low concentrations in food, medicine, and healthcare applications.

Environmental pollutants, such as zearalenone (ZEA), a mycotoxin from Fusarium graminearum that contaminates cereal crops and animal feed, significantly threaten reproductive health. The main toxicity mechanism of ZEA involves triggering oxidative stress and apoptosis. Zinc (Zn), a critical antioxidant for reproductive health, may counteract ZEA toxicity, but its mechanism of action remains unclear. The objective of the study was to investigate the alleviating effects of Zn supplementation against ZEA-induced testicular toxicity. We combined network toxicology and animal experiments to evaluate Zn's efficacy. Male Kunming mice were divided into Control, ZEA (2 mg/kg), Zn (20 mg/kg) and ZEA + Zn (10/20/40 mg/kg) groups and treated for 28 days. The results revealed that ZEA exhibited marked reductions in sperm quality, accompanied by structural testicular injury to the testis. ZEA diminishes the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), while simultaneously increasing the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), which results in oxidative stress. ZEA down-regulates serum levels of testosterone (T), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and impairs steroidogenesis. Significant elevations in ROS levels and apoptotic protein expression were observed in the testicular tissue of the ZEA group. ZEA significantly decreased both the mRNA and protein expression levels of Sirt3 and Foxo3, as well as their immunofluorescence intensity. Zn significantly increased sperm quality, improved testicular morphology, increased Sirt3 and Foxo3 levels, reduced ROS, normalized antioxidant capacity, improved apoptosis, and restored serum hormone levels. These findings emphasize the reproductive risks associated with ZEA, while also highlighting Zn as a possible candidate for developing alleviating effects against mycotoxin-induced reproductive toxicity.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains an aggressive hematologic malignancy, with leukemia-initiating stem cells (LICs) playing a critical role in disease progression and therapeutic resistance. In this study, we investigated the role of GPR44, a G-protein coupled receptor of arachidonic acid-derived prostaglandin D₂ (PGD₂) and its cyclopentenone prostaglandins (CyPGs) metabolites, Δ¹²-PGJ₂ and 15d-PGJ₂, in regulating selenium metabolism and selenoprotein expression in AML LICs. Transplantation of Gpr44^-/- LICs into donor mice led to aggressive leukemogenesis. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses revealed that GPR44 deletion significantly altered the selenoproteome, with downregulation of Txnrd1, Txnrd3, Selenop, and Gpx2, while upregulating Gpx3, Gpx4, Selenoo, and Msrb1. These findings suggest that GPR44 influences redox homeostasis and leukemic cell survival by modulating selenium utilization. Notably, increased expression of eIF4a3 in Gpr44^-/- LICs suggested a potential mechanism for selective selenoprotein repression through SECIS-binding protein 2 (SBP2) inhibition. Additionally, upregulation of SBP2 and selenophosphate synthetase 2 (SPS2) indicated an adaptive response to maintain selenium incorporation. Given the role of selenium in redox balance, metabolism, and immune function, targeting selenium metabolism in GPR44-expressing AML may offer a novel therapeutic approach. Our findings reveal a previously unrecognized link between GPR44 signaling, selenium metabolism, and leukemia progression, warranting further studies to explore selenoprotein-targeting strategies for AML treatment.

Heavy metal exposure has raised grave health concerns globally in recent decades. The objective of the present research was to examine the contents of heavy metals, including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), tin (Sn), and zinc (Zn) in canned fish, canned chick peas, and canned green peas collected from Tehran, Iran, utilizing inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Moreover, the health risks of heavy metal exposure through canned sample ingestion were evaluated utilizing Monte-Carlo simulation. The heavy metals in samples were detected in the range of 0.01 - 0.2 mg/kg for As, < LOD - 0.05 mg/kg for Cd, 0.9 - 11.8 mg/kg for Cu, 3 - 12.17 mg/kg for Fe, < LOD - 0.11 mg/kg for Hg, 0.01 - 0.9 mg/kg for Pb, 0.02 - 4.08 mg/kg for Sn, and 2.9 - 7.75 mg/kg for Zn. The mean concentration of metals in samples was within standard limits. THQ and HI values were below 1 and CR values were below 10^-6, which were acceptable. These findings suggest that the concentrations of heavy metals in canned fish, chickpeas, and green peas do not pose a health risk to Iranian consumers.

Nutritional management with micronutrient supplementation impacts sexual behaviour, health, and semen production in bulls. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of micronutrients on seminal traits, hormonal profile, age at onset of puberty, and reproductive parameters in Sahiwal bull calves. Twenty-four Sahiwal bull calves were divided into four groups of six based on age and body weight. The Control Group received a basal diet (concentrate, green, and dry roughage). Group T1 received the basal diet plus a customised mineral mixture (Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, and Co). Group T2 received the basal diet plus a customised vitamin mixture (vitamin A and vitamin E). Group T3 received the basal diet plus customised mineral (Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, and Co) and vitamin (vitamin A and vitamin E) mixture. Seminal traits, hormonal profiles, age at puberty, and reproductive parameters were assessed. Micronutrient supplementation significantly improved seminal characteristics and hormone status in bull calves, and the age of puberty was significantly reduced. Testosterone levels in T3 and T1 were significantly higher after 90 days. Luteinising hormone levels were significantly higher during puberty in T3. Insulin-like growth factor levels remained unaltered. Scrotal biometry indicated a linear increase (p < 0.05) in scrotal circumference, paired testicular weight, and volume. Sexual behaviour indicators did not differ significantly between treatments. The age of puberty was significantly reduced in the T3 group. Micronutrient supplementation beyond basal levels enhances testicular growth, hormone status, and seminal quality in male calves, potentially improving reproductive performance. Micronutrient supplementation beyond the basal level significantly improves testicular growth, hormone status, seminal quality, and overall performance in peripubertal Sahiwal bulls.

Cadmium (Cd) is a ubiquitous occupational pollutant that has been extensively studied for its detrimental effects on male reproductive function, primarily through the induction of oxidative stress, which compromises both sperm quality and sperm DNA integrity. This study aimed to evaluate the protective efficacy of Bryonia laciniosa Linn., a phytochemically rich medicinal plant, against cadmium-induced reproductive toxicity in Wistar rats. Twenty-four healthy adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6 per group): a control group, a B. laciniosa extract-treated group, a Cd-treated group, and a combination group that received both Cd and B. laciniosa extract. Rats exposed to Cd exhibited significantly reduced relative testicular weights, accompanied by impaired sperm parameters and altered spermatogonial morphology. Furthermore, Cd exposure led to significantly decreased serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone compared to the other groups. Oxidative stress biomarkers revealed that Cd exposure significantly lowered the concentrations of enzymatic antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), while increasing levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in testicular tissue. Histopathological examination of testicular cross-sections revealed considerable degeneration of spermatogenic cells, characterized by necrotic atrophy and increased eosinophilic fluid discharge in the seminiferous tubules, ultimately impairing reproductive function. Morphometric analysis was conducted using light microscopy. In contrast, treatment with B. laciniosa extract significantly reduced oxidative stress and restored enzyme levels. This restoration facilitated the regeneration of primary spermatids and spermatogonial cells in the combination treatment group, which was attributed to the extract's antioxidant-rich properties, offering protection against free radical-mediated damage and mitigating Cd-induced sperm DNA damage. The observed protective effects were primarily attributed to the synergistic antioxidant activity of B. laciniosa extract.

Electron transfer is a key process in many biological redox reactions like photosynthesis, respiration and peroxidases. Several of these processes are mediated by trace elements like transition metals and chalcogens. Although the overall redox reaction often involves the transfer of multiple electrons, it may happen in several steps of single electron transfer processes. Understanding and probing such one-electron processes is necessary to optimize the energy channeling in the mimetic redox biology. However, monitoring such reactions requires advanced spectroscopic tools. In transition metals, due to the availability of stable oxidation states, one-electron transfer can be monitored by steady-state techniques, like cyclic voltammetry and NMR spectroscopy. But such process involving p-block chalcogen elements like oxygen, sulfur, and selenium requires real-time measurements due to the involvement of short-lived (nano to micro seconds) free radical species. Our group has contributed significantly to the study of one-electron transfer reactions in these systems using a nanosecond pulse radiolysis facility with transient absorption detection and identified crucial steps involved in redox processes in enzyme mimicking reactions. Examples include superoxide dismutase activity of copper-curcumin complexes and glutathione peroxidase activity of small organoselenium compounds; salient features pertaining to electron transfer are discussed in this article.

Both the muscle iron content and fat infiltration are associated with sarcopenia. However, the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the quantitative assessment of age-related changes in muscle iron content and fat fraction remains limited. This study investigated sex- and age-related differences in muscle iron content and fat fraction in a healthy population, as well as their relationships with handgrip strength (HGS). A total of 198 participants were included. The muscle iron content and fat fraction in the psoas, erector spinae, multifidus, and combined erector spinae and multifidus were determined via the IDEAL-IQ sequence. HGS was evaluated via an electronic handgrip dynamometer. Low HGS was considered if the HGS was < 27 kg for males and 18 kg for females. The muscle iron content and fat fraction increased with age in both men and women (P < 0.01). These variables were negatively correlated with HGS (P < 0.01). The muscle iron content and fat fraction also had acceptable performance in identifying individuals with low HGS (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.673-0.826 for iron content; AUC = 0.818-0.933 for fat fraction). In conclusion, the muscle iron content and fat fraction both increased with age and were both negatively correlated with HGS, which may be used for assessing and screening for sarcopenia.

The main actors of sciatic nerve injury (SNI) are pain, apoptosis, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), and Ca²⁺ entry. However, the role of antioxidant and antiapoptotic boric acid (BoA) through TRPV1 inhibition on the actors in SNI-induced mice has not yet been elucidated. We investigated whether BoA protected the SNI actors in mice undergoing SNI. The thirty-two mice were divided into four groups: Control, BoA, SNI, and SNI + BoA. For four weeks following SNI induction, the BoA and SNI + BoA received 100 mg/kg BoA intraperitoneally. The SNI group, but not the BoA or BoA + SNI groups, indicated increases in TRPV1 current density and Ca²⁺ concentration induced by the TRPV1 agonist (capsaicin). The SNI + BoA group had a reduction in the increases of pain intensity (threshold of paw withdrawal and delay of thermal paw withdrawal) induced by SNI. In the brain, blood, and sciatic nerve of the SNI group, BoA and TRPV1 antagonist (capsazepine) treatments reduced the increases of mitochondrial membrane dysfunction, apoptosis, caspases (-3, -8, and -9), lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial, and intracellular ROS caused by SNI through upregulation of cell viability and antioxidants (vitamin A, vitamin E, β-carotene, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase). In conclusion, BoA therapy reduced the rise in mitochondrial ROS, apoptosis, and Ca²⁺ entry in the sciatic nerve via inhibiting TRPV1. Therefore, the BoA may be a useful novel treatment through modulation of TRPV1 for oxidative stress, apoptosis, and pain produced by SNI.