Biological Trace Element Research最新文献

Elasmobranchs play crucial ecological roles and exhibit high biological diversity, yet their physiology, especially regarding contaminant regulation, remains poorly understood. In this sense, the pancreas, a vital organ for digestion and hormonal balance, is still severely understudied in ecotoxicological assessments concerning this group This study investigated, for the first time, total and subcellular concentrations of metals and metalloids by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in the pancreatic tissue of five threatened elasmobranch species along the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Species-specific bioaccumulation patterns were observed: Narcine brasiliensis exhibited the highest contamination, accumulating six elements, while Dasyatis hypostigma showed high Pb, Rb, Se and Ti levels. Zapteryx brevirostris exhibited the highest concentrations of Hg and V, while Atlantoraja castelnaui and Squatina guggenheim displayed high levels of Mn and Co, respectively. Subcellular analyses revealed that, in most species, metal concentrations associated with detoxification proteins (e.g., metallothioneins) were lower than total concentrations, suggesting either limited detoxification capacity, such as insufficient synthesis or metallothionein binding, or saturation of detoxification sites, implying maximum metal-binding capacity. Molar ratio assessments indicated potential protective interactions involving essential elements like Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn, although these defenses do not always seem to be sufficient. Additionally, statistically significant associations such as Zn-As and Fe-Ti, among others, highlight potential competitive or antagonistic interactions affecting metal bioavailability. These findings suggest that the pancreas may be more vulnerable to metal toxicity than previously assumed. Overall, this study provides novel insights into metal handling in elasmobranchs and highlights the importance of including subcellular metal partitioning in future environmental exposure and physiological risk assessments in marine predators.

Milk acts as an essential pathway for heavy metal contaminants mainly in regions influenced by coal mining activities. Research emphasizes on spatial, age based and interspecies differences and associated human health risks. Milk samples were collected from cows, goats and buffaloes reared in two coal mining regions from district Chakwal, Pakistan. Milk samples were analyzed for cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr) and iron (Fe) using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Age related patterns revealed that Cd (cows: 0.11-0.25 mg/L; goats: 0.13-0.18 mg/L; buffaloes: 0.09-0.19 mg/L), Cu (0.45-0.89; 0.36-0.54; 0.17-0.35 mg/L), Cr (0.10-0.35; 0.30-0.36; 0.09-0.29 mg/L) and Mn (0.35-0.68; 0.34-0.85; 0.60-0.72 mg/L) concentrations increased with advancing age while Zn and Fe showed a declining trend. Spatial analysis displayed that milk samples from Choa contained higher concentrations of most metals compared to Minhala. Among the species, buffalo milk exhibited lower metal accumulation. Health hazard investigation based on estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI) and carcinogenic risk (CR) demonstrated higher hazard levels in children because of lessened body mass and greater milk consumption. In some cases, HI values for children exceeded the acceptable threshold (> 1) and CR levels for Cd and Cr surpassed permissible range (TCR = 0.0124). The results underscore potential of milk as a major exposure pathway for metals in coal mining regions and emphasize the requirement for constant inspecting and mitigation tactics to guard public health.

Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies in developed countries. Although new anticancer agents are being evaluated in models of this cancer, there is a scarcity of studies on the effects of sodium metavanadate (NaVO₃). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sodium metavanadate on the growth, viability, and survival of prostate cancer cells and to compare these results with those for sodium orthovanadate (Na₃VO₄). The experiments were conducted on DU-145 cells incubated with either sodium metavanadate or sodium orthovanadate. The impact of these vanadium compounds on cell growth was assessed using the MTT assay and crystal violet staining. Subsequently, the effects of sodium metavanadate and sodium orthovanadate on cell survival and the cell cycle were examined using propidium iodide and Hoechst 33342 staining, followed by analysis with fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Both sodium metavanadate and sodium orthovanadate inhibited the growth of DU-145 cells, with IC₅₀ values of 12.74 ± 5.38 µM and 8.94 ± 2.90 µM, respectively. This inhibition was attributed to apoptosis and necrosis, as well as cell cycle arrest at the G₁/S checkpoint. The findings suggest that sodium metavanadate and sodium orthovanadate are potential anticancer agents against prostate cancer, effective at low concentrations.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a severe diabetic complication, frequently resulting in infections and amputations. The current research focuses on the development and assessment of a synergistic nano-herbal formulation based on green-synthesized silver nanoparticles and a polyherbal gel for the efficient treatment of DFUs. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were green-synthesized using aqueous extracts of Tagetes erecta (Marigold) and Portulaca oleracea (Purslane). They were further blended with a polyherbal gel formulation to improve antimicrobial and wound-healing activities. AgNPs were synthesized using aqueous plant extracts and characterized through UV-Visible spectrophotometry (SPR peaks: 439 nm for T. erecta, 427 nm for P. oleracea), FT-IR (O-H stretching at 3610 cm⁻¹, 3687 cm⁻¹), XRD (semi-crystalline structure), and DLS (particle sizes: 311 nm and 304 nm, zeta potentials: -19.7 mV and -20.1 mV, respectively). Antimicrobial studies showed strong inhibition against S. aureus (21 mm, 20 mm) and K. pneumoniae (22 mm) for AgNPs. The polyherbal gel, incorporating extracts of Ficus racemosa, Emblica officinalis, Curcuma longa, Carica papaya, Terminalia bellerica, Acacia catechu, and Aloe vera, achieved 85% wound closure in diabetic rats by day 16, compared to 60% (untreated) and 95% (povidone iodine). AgNP-antibiotic combinations reached 90% healing. HbA1c levels remained unchanged, indicating glucose-independent healing. These findings suggest that AgNP-polyherbal formulations could serve as a sustainable and effective DFU treatment, enhancing antimicrobial activity and promoting tissue regeneration.

While heavy metals are established contributors to adverse health outcomes, evidence regarding trace element effects on maternal thyroid hormones and birth outcomes remains limited. This prospective study investigated effects of first-trimester exposure to seven trace elements, including vanadium(V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), and Se (selenium), on maternal third-trimester thyroid hormone levels and birth outcomes in Shanghai, China. Among 2069 enrolled pregnant women, 1351 with complete data were analyzed. Linear regression model, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and quantile g computation (QGC) were employed to assess element-outcome relationships. QGC analysis revealed that the increase in the element's mixture was associated with the elevation of total triiodothyronine (TT3) (β = 0.026, 95%CI: 0.004, 0.048) and the infant's birth length (β = 1.120, 95%CI: 1.000, 1.250), with Cr being the primary contributor. Linear regression showed that elevated Cr concentrations were positively associated with the infant's birth length and head circumference, with estimated changes of 0.143 g and 1.61 mm, respectively. Each ln-unit elevated Se and As levels resulting in a 1.19 mm increase in the infant's head circumference and 0.13 mU/L increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration, respectively. Additionally, RCS analyses showed U-shaped relationships between As, Cr, and free triiodothyronine (FT3), as well as V and TT3. Our QGC results demonstrated that maternal exposure to element mixtures in early pregnancy was associated with altered thyroid hormones and accelerated fetal growth, predominantly driven by Cr. The U-shaped relationships for V, Cr, and As with maternal TT3/FT3 levels underscore the need for biphasic clinical safety thresholds for prenatal exposure.

The effects of dietary zinc (Zn) supplementation on lambs fed diets without added Zn remain controversial, and the precise nature and extent of the associations between Zn administration and lamb responses are not fully understood. To address this, a comprehensive systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis was conducted to explore the effects of Zn supplementation on growth performance, mineral metabolism, and nutrient digestibility. Initially, 3169 studies were identified through comprehensive database searches using relevant keywords. Following a two-stage screening process, 30 eligible articles were selected based on predefined criteria and used in the current meta-analysis. The one-stage random-effects model was utilized in this meta-analysis, with sensitivity analyses conducted to evaluate the robustness of the derived effect sizes. The results showed nonlinear relationships between Zn supplementation and performance parameters. Optimal Zn levels were identified: approximately 28.51 mg/kg DM for maximum dry matter intake, 37.84 mg/kg DM for highest weight gain, and 42.00 mg/kg DM for best feed conversion ratio. Linear increases in fecal and urinary Zn, and a decrease in apparent Zn absorption, were observed with increasing Zn supplementation (P < 0.05). Zinc supplementation up to 53 mg/kg DM enhanced Zn retention, and up to 107 mg/kg DM, increased liver Zn concentration, with the highest concentration at 50.59 mg/kg DM. Zinc supplementation also affected copper and iron concentrations in various tissues. Specifically, it decreased pancreatic copper up to 22 mg/kg DM but increased it above 50 mg/kg DM. In kidney tissue, copper concentration increased linearly with Zn supplementation from 76 to 150 mg/kg DM, while in liver tissue, it decreased from 42 to 150 mg/kg DM. Heart tissue iron concentration increased up to 24 mg/kg DM but decreased from 41 to 150 mg/kg DM, with the highest concentration at 16.31 mg/kg DM. Zinc supplementation at 28.28 and 20.88 mg/kg DM increased total concentration of rumen volatile fatty acids and dry matter digestibility, respectively. However, final weight, carcass weight, nitrogen metabolism, Zn levels in heart, pancreas, and kidney tissues, copper levels in heart tissue, iron levels in pancreas and liver tissues, and the digestibility of most dietary fractions (organic matter, crude protein, NDF, and ADF) were not affected (P > 0.05). In summary, the findings of this meta-analysis generally align with NRC guidelines; this study underscores the necessity of precise Zn supplementation to optimize lamb productivity and mitigate potential adverse effects.

Prolonged exposure to high doses of certain toxic metals can cause cytotoxic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic effects in cats and dogs. This study aimed to determine the levels of potentially toxic elements in various prescription and non-prescription commercial diets for cats and dogs. A total of 84 dry cat diets and 152 dry dog diets were analyzed. Prescription cat diets were subgrouped into digestive (n = 24) and urinary (n = 20), while prescription dog diets were categorized as digestive (n = 28), urinary (n = 16), hypoallergenic (n = 20), and joint (n = 12). Additionally, non-prescription diets from various brands and flavors were included for dogs (n = 76) and cats (n = 40). Chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), boron (B), aluminum (Al), and cobalt (Co) concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma with optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) (Thermo iCAP 6000 series) at appropriate wavelengths. No significant differences were found in mean As, B, and Co levels between total dog and cat diets (p > 0.05). However, mean Cr and Al levels were significantly higher in dog diets compared to cat diets (p < 0.001). Among cat diets, no significant differences were observed for Cr, As, B, Al, or Co (p > 0.05). In non-prescription dog diets, mean Cr was significantly higher than in urinary group (p < 0.001). Mean Al levels in digestive, joint, and non-prescription groups were higher than in urinary group (p < 0.001). The levels of Cr, As, B, Al, and Co in both prescription and non-prescription diets were below the maximum tolerable limits established by FEDIAF, AAFCO, and FDA, indicating no risk of diet-related toxicosis in cats and dogs.

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs) are used widely in various industries, but emerging evidence suggests their ability to elicit neurotoxicity. The present study evaluated the alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) neuroprotective potential against TiO₂-NP-induced cognitive and molecular impairments in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Twenty-four rats were allocated into four groups: negative control, TiO₂-NPs (150 mg/kg, i.p.), ALA (50 mg/kg, orally), and TiO₂-NPs + ALA. Treatments were administered on alternate days for 28 days. Neurobehavioral tests, including the open field test (OFT), elevated plus maze (EPM), novel object recognition test (NORT), and Morris water maze (MWM), revealed that TiO₂-NPs impaired memory and increased anxiety-like behavior, while ALA co-treatment significantly restored behavioral performance. TiO₂-NPs exposure significantly decreased antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH), increased lipid peroxidation (MDA), elevated proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), and apoptotic marker (caspase-3), and reduced neurotransmitter levels (GABA and dopamine). ALA administration reversed these alterations, indicating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. Gene expression analysis showed TiO₂-NPs upregulated BAX, NF-κB, APP, and MAPT and downregulated BCL-2 and Nrf2, consistent with neurodegenerative and apoptotic signaling. ALA co-treatment normalized these gene expressions. Histopathological analysis confirmed structural damage in the cerebrum and cerebellum after TiO₂-NPs exposure, which ALA markedly improved. These findings suggest that ALA offers significant neuroprotection against TiO₂-NP-induced toxicity via its antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis properties, and supports being a potential protective agent against nanoparticle-induced neurodegeneration.

Excessive copper (Cu) supplementation is common on dairy farms worldwide, despite a growing body of research highlighting the risks of over-supplementation, including liver damage, impaired growth, and reduced fertility. However, diagnosing Cu toxicity remains challenging due to the liver's allostatic regulation of blood Cu levels and debate surrounding toxicity thresholds. This study utilised secondary data from a longitudinal study conducted between September 2016 and September 2018 involving 80 replacement Holstein-Friesian heifers. Data was utilised to generate receiver operating characteristic curves which established liver Cu thresholds associated with suboptimal liver function and fertility. Results indicated that hepatic Cu concentrations exceeding 167 mg/kg of dry matter (DM) were associated with reduced conception rates to first service, while concentrations above 260 mg/kg of DM reduced conception probability to first and second services. Hepatic Cu concentrations exceeding 322 mg/kg of DM were linked to impaired liver function, as evidenced by elevated serum glutamate dehydrogenase activity. In contrast, a toxicity threshold value could not be generated for plasma Cu, underscoring its inadequacy as a biomarker. The fertility thresholds identified in this study may be more closely related to optimizing Cu levels for animal performance rather than indicative of liver Cu toxicity, suggesting the need for further research.