Tissue Copper Concentrations Research Articles

The Debated Issue on Tissue Copper Levels in Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Meta-analysis and Replication Study.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a growing public health problem. Several clinical studies have shown a potentially oncogenic role of copper in CRC progression, but the reports are inconsistent. To examine published evidence on the association between tissue copper status and CRC, we carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis, searching Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost, Embase, ProQuest, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies reporting colon tumor and matched non-cancerous tissue copper concentrations in CRC patients for articles published till June 2023. Based on a random effects model, standardized mean differences (SMD) were assessed. We also completed a replication study on 17 CRC patients that analyzed copper levels in both cancer tissue specimens and healthy mucosa dissected from the same patient. Thirteen studies investigating copper levels (including the replication study) in colorectal specimens from a pooled total of 312 CRC and 298 healthy mucosa were selected. Our meta-analysis estimated a high between-study heterogeneity (I2 = 96%) and lower levels of copper in CRC tissue cancer specimens than in matched healthy mucosa: the decrease was equal to - 0.74 (95% CI, - 2.18; 0.71) but was not significant. The replication study showed a significant decrease in tissue cancer specimens. Sensitivity analyses of the meta-analysis revealed that pre-analytical methodology for tissue preparation significantly reduced the between-study heterogeneity strongly influencing copper levels (p < 0.01), indicating a copper decrease in the cytoplasmic copper pool of the tumor tissue suggesting a rapid turnover of the metal in cancer cells.

Roe deer exposure to trace metals and pesticides in forests and agricultural plains of North-eastern France.

Human activities related to agriculture and industrial development result in the emission of different types of pollutants in the environment. The phytosanitary pressure depends on the time of the year, the type of habitat, and the used treatments. Wildlife, particularly ungulates, can be exposed to pesticides and trace metals through their herbivorous diet directly impregnated by the environmental contamination. Wild game thus plays a sentinel role but can also represent a risk for human health by exposing venison consumers to these contaminants. The present study explored this dual problem in two types of habitat: forests and agricultural plains located in North-eastern France. Samples of liver and muscle were taken from ten roe deer, five caught on the forests and five others in the plains, to determine contaminant levels. There was no significant difference in contamination of roe deer livers according to the habitat for three trace metals (chromium, nickel, and copper), while lead concentrations were higher in samples from the plain (0.85 vs. 0.74mg·kg-1 dry matter DM; P < 0.01). Conversely, zinc concentrations were higher in forest roe deer (110 vs. 95mg·kg-1 DM; P < 0.05). Cadmium concentrations did not differ significantly between the two habitats, but forest samples showed strong inter-individual variability, with some values close to those observed on the plains and others higher (1.8 vs. 0.3mg·kg-1 DM for forest and plain, respectively; P = 0.11). Mercury was not detected in any sample. The majority of pesticides investigated were not detected. Only a few pesticides were in trace amount (from 1 to 8µg·kg-1 fresh matter), either in the liver (e.g., heptachlor and oxychlordane) or in both tissues, liver and muscle (e.g., pyridalyl). Some compounds were only detected in plain (e.g., cypermethrin and fenpropidin) and others in forest (piperonyl butoxide and pyridalyl) samples. Analyses mainly detected insecticides in samples taken from forests and agricultural plains. Fungicides and a few herbicides were mainly detected in plain sampled animals. Pesticides and copper concentrations in roe deer tissues were lower than maximum residue levels established for farm (copper) or wild terrestrial (pesticides) animals. Cadmium concentrations were also lower than the maximum level for most samples, except for some forest roe deer. However, both forest and plain roe deer exceeded the maximum level for lead in liver. Human exposure was simulated according to different amounts of meat consumed and compared with toxicological reference values. This study highlighted an overall low risk to human health for both pesticides, copper and lead, with more reservations about cadmium for some roe deer shot in forest. The differences in roe deer contamination between forests and agricultural plains for some trace elements and organic pollutants confirmed the sentinel role of this species.

PSXI-16 Increased copper concentrations in liver and duodenum tissues in Rambouillet-crossbred sheep receiving copper supplementation

PSXI-16 Increased copper concentrations in liver and duodenum tissues in Rambouillet-crossbred sheep receiving copper supplementation

Cuproptosis associated cytoskeletal destruction contributes to podocyte injury in chronic kidney disease.

The podocyte cytoskeleton determines the stability of podocyte structure and function, and their imbalance plays a pathogenic role in podocyte diseases. However, the underlying mechanism of podocyte cytoskeleton damage is not fully understood. Here, we investigate the specific role of cuproptosis in inducing podocyte cytoskeleton injury. In in vitro and in vivo studies, exposure to high levels of copper and adriamycin (ADR) caused significant increases in copper concentration in intracellular and renal tissue. Moreover, excessive accumulation of copper induced cuproptosis, resulting in the destruction of the podocyte cytoskeleton. However, inhibition of copper accumulation to reduce cuproptosis also significantly alleviated the damage of podocyte cytoskeleton. In addition, inhibition of cuproptosis mitigated ADR-induced mitochondrial damage as well as the production of reactive oxygen species and depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, and restored adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis. Among the transcriptome sequencing data, the difference of CXCL5 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 5) was the most significant. Both high copper and ADR exposure can cause upregulation of CXCL5, and CXCL5 deletion inhibits the occurrence of cuproptosis, thereby alleviating the podocyte cytoskeleton damage. This suggests that CXCL5 may act upstream of cuproptosis that mediates podocyte cytoskeleton damage. In conclusion, cuproptosis induced by excessive copper accumulation may induce podocyte cytoskeleton damage by promoting mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby causing podocyte injury. This indicates that cuproptosis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of podocyte injury and provides a basis for seeking potential targets for the treatment of chronic kidney disease.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Cuproptosis induced by excessive copper accumulation leads to podocyte cytoskeleton damage by promoting mitochondrial dysfunction, and CXCL5 acts as an upstream signal mediating the occurrence of cuproptosis.

Bioinformatics-based dynamics of cuproptosis -related indicators in experimental silicosis

Pneumoconiosis is one of the most serious occupational diseases worldwide. Silicosis due to prolonged inhalation of free silica dust during occupational activities is one of the main types. Cuproptosis is a newly discovered mode of programmed cell death characterized by the accumulation of free copper in the cell, which ultimately leads to cell death. Increased copper in the serum of silicosis patients, suggests that the development of silicosis is accompanied by changes in copper metabolism, but whether cuproptosis is involved in the progression of silicosis is actually to be determined. To test this hypothesis, we screened the genetic changes in patients with idiopathic fibrosis by bioinformatics methods and predicted and functionally annotated the cuproptosis-related genes among them. Subsequently, we established a mouse silicosis model and detected the concentration of copper ions and the activity of ceruloplasmin (CP) in serum, as well as changes of the concentration of copper and cuproptosis related genes in mouse lung tissues. We identified 9 cuproptosis-related genes among the differential genes in patients with IPF at different times and the tissue-specific expression levels of ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) and Lipoyl synthase (LIAS) proteins. Furthermore, serum CP activity and copper ion levels in silicosis mice were elevated on days 7th and 56th after silica exposure. The expression of CP in mouse lung tissue elevated at all stages after silica exposure. The mRNA level of FDX1 decreased on days 7th and 56th, and the protein level remained in accordance with the mRNA level on day 56th. LIAS and Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD) levels were downregulated at all times after silica exposure. In addition, Heatshockprotein70 (HSP70) expression was increased on day 56. In brief, our results demonstrate that there may be cellular cuproptosis during the development of experimental silicosis in mice and show synchronization with enhanced copper loading in mice.

Comparative Analysis of Tissue Copper Levels in Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) Patients

ABSTRACT Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a recognized potentially malignant oral condition linked to the consumption of areca nut. Chewing areca nut has been shown to elevate soluble copper levels in mouth fluids. Materials and Methods: Participants: The study included a panel of 30 patients with OSMF from Rama Dental College, Kanpur, India, and 30 nonareca chewing individuals serving as controls. Tissue Sample Collection and Analysis: Buccal mucosal biopsies were obtained from both OSMF patients and controls. The tissue copper concentrations were quantified using mass absorption spectrometry (MAS). Additionally, energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX) was employed to identify the presence and distribution of copper in the tissue. Statistical Analysis: Statistical comparisons were performed using appropriate methods, with a P-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: MAS analysis revealed that the mean tissue copper level was 6.2 ± 3.1 micrograms per gram (μg/g) in OSMF specimens (n = 30), slightly higher than the 4.5 ± 2.0 μg/g in the nonareca chewing controls (n = 30) (P = 0.1). EDX analysis showed distinct copper peaks in both the epithelium (22/23) and connective tissue (18/23) of OSMF specimens compared to control biopsies. These findings were corroborated by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) in a subset of samples. Conclusion: The study revealed higher copper concentrations in buccal mucosal tissue of OSMF patients from Rama Dental College, Kanpur, suggesting a potential connection between copper and the initiation of OSMF.

Copper Nanoparticles as a Prophylactic Agent in Aquaculture and Accumulation of Copper in Fish

In this study, we evaluate the ability of fish to accumulate copper when using copper(II) oxide (CuO) nanoparticles as a sanitation agent in bodies of water. For this purpose, we performed chemical–toxicological analysis of fish organs and tissues. The results showed that after treating the body of water with CuO at a concentration of 20 µg/L, copper concentration in fish tissues slightly increased and remained within the normal range. When determining toxicity limits, it was established that higher concentrations of CuO can be used with short-term exposure. The obtained data indicate the possibility of using CuO as a prophylactic agent in aquaculture.

113 Effect of Birth Weight on Tissue Copper, Iron, and Zinc Concentrations in Piglets

Abstract Pigs (n = 3,990) were used in a previous study to determine if supplemental zinc fed to sows at various timepoints during gestation would reduce pre-weaning mortality. Additionally, data were analyzed to evaluate the effect of birth weight on tissue concentrations and distribution of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) in piglets. Mixed parity sows were fed 1 of 3 diets: a control corn-soybean meal diet containing 125 ppm supplemental Zn supplied by zinc hydroxychloride, a diet consisting of the control + 141 ppm supplemental Zn as ZnSO4 (266 ppm total supplemental Zn) fed from 5 days after breeding to farrowing, or the control diet fed from breeding to farrowing + 2,715 ppm of supplemental Zn from ZnSO4 (2,840 ppm total supplemental Zn) starting on day 110 of gestation until farrowing. Two low and 2 average birth weight pigs (n = 122) were selected from 10 sows per treatment group to assess Cu, Fe, and Zn concentrations of serum and tails. Serum was collected from each pig at day 1 of age and tails were collected on day 2 of age. Liver tissue was collected from a subset of pigs (n = 65) that died naturally or were euthanized within 2 days of age. The statistical model included fixed effects of treatment and farrowing group, the random effect of their interaction, and the random effect of pig nested within sow. Serum concentrations of each trace element did not differ by birth weight (Table). Low birth weight piglets had greater concentrations of Fe (P = 0.018) and Cu (P = 0.031) in their tails than average birth weight pigs. No differences were observed in tail Zn concentration by birth weight. Notably, pigs that died naturally weighed less at birth than euthanized pigs (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Moreover, pigs that died naturally had greater hepatic Fe concentrations (P &amp;lt; 0.001) and tended to have greater liver Cu concentrations (P = 0.098) compared with euthanized pigs. The associations between tissue iron and copper concentrations and birth weight of piglets may have nutritional and pathophysiological implications and thus warrant further investigation.

Chronic Engineered Nanoparticle Additions Alter Insect Emergence and Result in Metal Flux from Aquatic Ecosystems into Riparian Food Webs.

Freshwater ecosystems are exposed to engineered nanoparticles (NPs) through discharge from wastewater and agricultural runoff. We conducted a 9-month mesocosm experiment to examine the combined effects of chronic NP additions on insect emergence and insect-mediated contaminant flux to riparian spiders. Two NPs (copper, gold, plus controls) were crossed by two levels of nutrients in 18 outdoor mesocosms open to natural insect and spider colonization. We collected adult insects and two riparian spider genera, Tetragnatha and Dolomedes, for 1 week on a monthly basis. We estimated a significant decrease in cumulative insect emergence of 19% and 24% after exposure to copper and gold NPs, irrespective of nutrient level. NP treatments led to elevated copper and gold tissue concentrations in adult insects, which resulted in terrestrial fluxes of metals. These metal fluxes were associated with increased gold and copper tissue concentrations for both spider genera. We also observed about 25% fewer spiders in the NP mesocosms, likely due to reduced insect emergence and/or NP toxicity. These results demonstrate the transfer of NPs from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems via emergence of aquatic insects and predation by riparian spiders, as well as significant reductions in insect and spider abundance in response to NP additions.

Antioxidant 1 copper chaperone gene expression and copper levels in dog osteosarcoma patients.

Twenty-four dogs with OS underwent limb amputation. Serum, OS tumour, and normal bone were harvested at time of surgery. RNA was extracted and gene expression was performed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Tissue and blood copper concentrations were also determined with spectrophotometry. Compared to bone, tumour samples had significantly higher expressions of antioxidant 1 copper chaperone (ATOX1, p = .0003). OS tumour copper levels were significantly higher than that of serum (p < .010) and bone (p = .038). Similar to our previous observations in mouse and human OS, dog OS demonstrates overexpression of genes that regulate copper metabolism (ATOX1), and subsequent copper levels. Dogs with OS may provide a robust comparative oncology platform for the further study of these factors, as well as potential pharmacologic interventions.

Inimical impact of high-fat diet on expression of heme oxygenase-1, trace metals content, and associated intestinal histopathology.

A high-fat diet (HFD) is one of the most prominent causative factors for obesity and metabolic inflammation. The effects of HFD overconsumption on intestinal histology, expression of haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and transferrin receptor-2 (TFR2) remain elusive. The present study was conducted to analyze the effect of HFD on these parameters. To develop the HFD-induced obese model, rat colonies were divided into 3 groups; the control group was reared on normal rat chow, whereas groups I and II were given HFD for 16 weeks. Hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) staining revealed marked epithelial changes, inflammatory cell infiltrates, and destruction of mucosal architecture in both experimental groups as compared to the control group. Sudan Black B staining showed a high triglyceride deposition in the intestinal mucosa of animals fed on HFD. Atomic absorption spectroscopy revealed a decrease in tissue copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) concentration in both HFD experimental groups. Whereas the cobalt (Co) and manganese (Mn) levels were comparable to controls. The mRNA expression levels of HO-1 and TFR2 were found to be significantly upregulated in HFD groups compared to the control group. Hence, HFD consumption leads to histopathological changes and altered gene expression in the rodent intestine. So, one should remove HFD from daily meals to avoid related metabolic complications.

Transdermal Application of Soluble CuII(atsm) Increases Brain and Spinal Cord Uptake Compared to Gavage with an Insoluble Suspension

CuII(atsm) is a blood–brain barrier permeant copper(II) compound that is under investigation in human clinical trials for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Imaging in humans by positron emission tomography shows the compound accumulates in affected regions of the CNS in patients. Most therapeutic studies to date have utilised oral administration of CuII(atsm) in an insoluble form, as either solid tablets or a liquid suspension. However, two pre-clinical studies have demonstrated disease-modifying outcomes following transdermal application of soluble CuII(atsm) prepared in dimethyl sulphoxide. Whether differences in the method of administration lead to different degrees of tissue accumulation of the compound has never been examined. Here, we compare the two methods of administration in wild-type mice by assessing changes in tissue concentrations of copper. Both administration methods resulted in elevated copper concentrations in numerous tissues, with the largest increases evident in the liver, brain and spinal cord. In all instances where treatment with CuII(atsm) resulted in elevated tissue copper, transdermal application of soluble CuII(atsm) led to higher concentrations of copper. In contrast to CuII(atsm), an equivalent dose of copper(II) chloride resulted in minimal changes to tissue copper concentrations, regardless of the administration method. Data presented herein provide quantitative insight to transdermal application of soluble CuII(atsm) as a potential alternative to oral administration of the compound in an insoluble formulation.

Expression of biomarkers connected to endocrine disruption in Cottus gobio and Salmo trutta fario in relation to sewage treatment plant-efflux and pesticides

The increasing efflux on a large scale of organic contaminants holding endocrine disrupting activity from sewage treatment plants produces detrimental biological effects to various fish species. However, the impact of small-scale sewage treatment plant-efflux in small river streams and narrow creeks is largely unknown. Extensive pesticide output especially in vineyards and orchards also causes adverse effects on the endocrine system of wildlife fish species inhabiting nearby rivers. To elaborate whether fish species and populations in the areas of interest were at risk of experiencing endocrine disruption, we identified different biomarkers related to endocrine disruption in Cottus gobio and Salmo trutta fario and applied this approach to selected Austrian freshwater streams pre and post sewage treatment plants and permanent cultures with extensive pesticide output in South Tyrol. Overall, mRNA expression levels of vitellogenin, estrogen receptor α and zona pellucida genes in wildlife fish, compared to a control population reared under constant conditions in the laboratory were significantly increased. Sewage-treatment plant efflux did not significantly affect the mRNA expression levels while extensive use of pesticides altered mRNA expression significantly in C. gobio. C. gobio and S. trutta fario display different levels of mRNA expression. Cadmium and copper concentrations in liver tissues varied but did not indicate significant levels of contamination. Our results demonstrate the presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the tested freshwater streams. We anticipate our study to be a starting point for further studies focusing on the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on individuals and populations. Especially the fact that the two selected species reveal highly different levels of mRNA expression levels is of interest when applying biomarker approaches which can be a useful tool for monitoring projects and risk-assessment associated studies.

Monitoring of metal content in the tissues of wild boar (Sus scrofa) and its food safety aspect

The study was performed on 10 female and 10 male wild boars (Sus scrofa) after shooting during the regular hunting season to investigate the concentration of metals in the muscle and fat tissue. The concentrations of essential and non-essential elements were determined (arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), and zinc (Zn)) using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The concentrations of As, Hg, and Cd were below the limit of detection (As, Hg: < 0.5 mg/kg, Cd: < 0.05 mg/kg) in every tissue sample of both sexes. The lead was detected as 0.36 ± 0.16 mg/kg and 0.22 ± 0.06 mg/kg in the muscle of females and males, respectively, showing a significant difference between the sexes (p = 0.0184). The measured concentration of Cr was 0.14 ± 0.08 mg/kg and 0.13 ± 0.06 mg/kg, and that of copper was 1.22 ± 0.14 mg/kg and 1.06 ± 0.16 mg/kg in the muscle of females and males, respectively. The same tendency was observed in the case of copper content of fat tissues (female: 0.13 ± 0.10 mg/kg; male: 0.13 ± 0.04 mg/kg; p = 0.2707). Manganese concentration of muscle was 0.45 ± 0.30 mg/kg (female) and 1.36 ± 0.96 mg/kg (male), and that of fat tissue was 0.32 ± 0.22 mg/kg (female) and 0.74 ± 0.75 mg/kg (male). The Zn was detected as 56.75 ± 7.86 mg/kg and 1.83 ± 0.76 mg/kg in the muscle and fat of females and 52.12 ± 11.51 mg/kg and 1.94 ± 0.57 mg/kg in males, respectively. Based on data, the consumption of fat and muscle tissues of the wild boars tested can be food toxicologically objectionable, mainly due to the lead content, and thus pose a risk to frequent consumers of this type of game meat.

Copper deposition in Wilson's disease causes male fertility decline by impairing reproductive hormone release through inducing apoptosis and inhibiting ERK signal in hypothalamic-pituitary of mice.

Wilson’s disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder of copper metabolism characterized by liver and central nervous system dysfunction. Considerable evidence suggests that infertility is also very common in male patients with WD, but the exact molecular mechanisms involved remain unknown. In order to further investigate the pathological changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis and its mechanisms, mice were divided into the normal control group (NC), WD model TX mice group (WD), dimercaptosuccinic acid–treated TX mice group (DMSA), and pregnant horse serum gonadotropin–treated TX mice group (PMSG). The copper content and morphology of hypothalamus and pituitary tissues, the ultrastructure and apoptosis of hypothalamus neurons and pituitary gonadotropin cells, the serum levels of reproductive hormones, and the pregnancy rate and litter size of the female mice were studied. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins and the phosphorylation of extracellular regulatory protein kinase (ERK) 1/2 in the hypothalamus and pituitary were detected. The results showed that the copper content was significantly increased in the WD group, and the histopathological morphology and ultrastructure of the hypothalamus and pituitary were damaged. The levels of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone, the follicle-stimulating hormone, the luteinizing hormone, and testosterone were significantly decreased. The apoptosis rate in the hypothalamus and pituitary was significantly increased. The expressions of proapoptotic proteins Bax and Caspase-3 were significantly increased, the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was significantly decreased, and the phosphorylation level of ERK1/2 was significantly decreased. Fertility is significantly reduced. After DMSA intervention, the hypothalamus tissue copper content decreased, the hypothalamus and pituitary tissue morphology and ultrastructure were improved, cell apoptosis was alleviated, the expression of Bax and Caspase-3 was significantly decreased, the expression of Bcl-2 was significantly increased, and the reproductive hormone level, phosphorylation level, and fertility were increased. Fertility was preserved after treatment with PMSG in male TX mice. These results suggest that copper deposition in WD causes male fertility decline by impairing reproductive neuroendocrine hormone release through inducing apoptosis and inhibiting the ERK signal in the hypothalamic–pituitary region. This study can also provide reference for the damage of copper pollution to the male reproductive system.

Bioaccumulation of copper in Cambarus georgiea

With new developments for the use of copper, such as coated copper sulfates as algicides, it is important to understand both the acute and chronic toxicity impacts of copper on native aquatic fauna. Crustacean physiology is very sensitive to pollution of freshwater systems from anthropogenic sources; as such, crayfish are key bioindicator species. We tested the impact of chronic low exposure of cupric sulfate (5.0 lg/L) for 30 days on the hepatopancreas, gills, and tail muscle tissues of Cambarus georgiea. The relative dry organ mass (% total body mass) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the tail muscle of the exposed group, compared to the control group. Tissue concentration of copper (lM/g dry mass) was also significantly higher in the tail muscle of the exposed group, compared to the control group. This finding is different to the current literature in other species of crayfish and crustacea, which have found that acute exposure to copper leads to accumulation in the hepatopancreas and gills, rather than in tail muscle. C. georgiea is endemic to the hypoxic altitudes of the Blue Ridge Mountain Province, therefore, we suggest that this species likely evolved to sequester copper in the tail muscle in order to prioritize the functional demands of the hepatopancreas and gills within its natural habitat.

Transcriptomics of different tissues of blueberry and diversity analysis of rhizosphere fungi under cadmium stress

Blueberry (Vaccinium ssp.) is a perennial shrub belonging to the family Ericaceae, which is highly tolerant of acid soils and heavy metal pollution. In the present study, blueberry was subjected to cadmium (Cd) stress in simulated pot culture. The transcriptomics and rhizosphere fungal diversity of blueberry were analyzed, and the iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) content of blueberry tissues, soil and DGT was determined. A correlation analysis was also performed. A total of 84 374 annotated genes were identified in the root, stem, leaf and fruit tissue of blueberry, of which 3370 were DEGs, and in stem tissue, of which 2521 were DEGs. The annotation data showed that these DEGs were mainly concentrated in a series of metabolic pathways related to signal transduction, defense and the plant–pathogen response. Blueberry transferred excess Cd from the root to the stem for storage, and the highest levels of Cd were found in stem tissue, consistent with the results of transcriptome analysis, while the lowest Cd concentration occurred in the fruit, Cd also inhibited the absorption of other metal elements by blueberry. A series of genes related to Cd regulation were screened by analyzing the correlation between heavy metal content and transcriptome results. The roots of blueberry rely on mycorrhiza to absorb nutrients from the soil. The presence of Cd has a significant effect on the microbial community composition of the blueberry rhizosphere. The fungal family Coniochaetaceae, which is extremely extremelytolerant, has gradually become the dominant population. The results of this study increase our understanding of the plant regulation mechanism for heavy metals, and suggest potential methods of soil remediation using blueberry.

Effects of amendments on soil chemical properties, alfalfa yield and nutrient uptake

Byproducts have been used in agriculture to improve soil properties and provide plant nutrients. This study utilized flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG), biochar, bed ash, broiler litter ash (BLA) and their combinations on the amelioration of soil acidity. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was used as the lime source and alfalfa as the test crop. While amendments increased alfalfa shoot and root yields as well as tissue Ca concentration, the tissue concentrations of copper, manganese, lead and zinc did not increase with amendment. Bed ash was as effective as CaCO3 in reducing soil acidity to a depth of 36 cm while calcium in the FGDG was more soluble than Ca in the CaCO3. With the increased alfalfa yield and the reduced tissue metal concentrations when these byproducts were used, this demonstrates that at the rate used in this study, these byproducts could be use as amendment on acidic soils.

Effects of copper on an omnivorous (Astyanax altiparanae) and a carnivorous fish (Hoplias malabaricus): A comparative approach

• A. altiparanae presented greater sensitivity to copper. • Copper accumulated in the tissues of A. altiparanae but not in the tissues of H. malabaricus . • There was an increase in gill ATPases activity only in H. malabaricus . • Lipid peroxidation and DNA damage occurred only in A. altiparanae . • A. altiparanae catabolized and H. malabaricus stored muscle glycogen. Copper is an essential metal for life. However, in excess, it can lead to osmoregulatory disorders and oxidative stress in fish and these effects appear to be species specific. In order to evaluate the effects of copper and to compare the sensitivity of two Neotropical fishes that co-occur in nature as prey ( Astyaynax altiparanae ) and predator ( Hoplias malabaricus ), the fish were exposed to three concentrations of Cu (5 μg L −1 , 10 μg L −1 , and 20 μg L −1 ) for 96 h. At the end of the experimental period, copper concentration in tissues, osmoregulatory parameters, oxidative stress biomarkers, plasma glucose, muscle glycogen and acetylcholinesterase activity were evaluated. Fish mortality (25%) was only observed for A. altiparanae exposed to Cu 20 μg L −1 . The results revealed species-specific ionic disturbances. Despite hypocalcemia, H. malabaricus showed an increase in the main gill ATPases, which probably guaranteed the maintenance of plasma Na + . In A. altiparanae , there was no change in ATPase activity in the gills and hyponatremia was observed at all copper concentrations, as well as a decrease in plasma Cl − in the Cu 20 μg L −1 group. The strategy adopted by H. malabaricus seems to have contributed to the absence of copper accumulation in the tissues, in addition to possibly being related to the absence of oxidative stress in this species. On the other hand, there was an increase in the concentration of copper in the gills, liver, and gastrointestinal tract of A. altiparanae , as well as oxidative stress evidenced by increased lipoperoxidation in the liver and damage to erythrocytes DNA. This work reinforces the idea that copper effects are species specific and that a given concentration may not be safe for different species which can coexist in the same environment.

Effect of Biochar Treated Sewage Sludge on the Yield and Uptake of Copper and Zinc in Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa)

One of the potential uses of treated sewage sludge is its application as a soil conditioner in agricultural fields. A factorial experiment was conducted to compare the main effects of biochar and sewage sludge and the interaction effect between biochar and sewage sludge on the plant uptake of copper and zinc and vegetable yield. The experiment was done in a green house and Chinese cabbage was used as the test crop. The experiment consisted of two factors namely, biochar and sewage sludge, each of which was applied to the soil at four levels. The copper and zinc concentration were determined in the laboratory based on Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. A two-way analysis of variance test was performed, and the Tukey&amp;rsquo;s HSD test was used to separate statistically significant treatment means at 5% level of significance. Results showed a significant interaction effect between biochar and sewage sludge (p = 0.012) on the level of copper concentration in plant tissue. It was observed that sewage sludge had a significant effect on zinc concentration (p &amp;lt; 0.001) in the plant tissue while biochar did not show any significant effect. Further, results showed significant increase in dry matter yield of Chinese cabbage with increasing levels of biochar applied (p &amp;lt; 0.001). This study demonstrates that biochar-treated sewage sludge has potential for use as a soil conditioner in vegetable production. However, it is recommended that care should be taken to avoid overuse by utilizing evaluated and treated sludge for soil amendment.