Doses Of Zinc Research Articles

Combined effect of low dose levels of lead and zinc on bone tissue of rats

Pollution of the environment remains a pressing problem of the global level. The greatest concern is caused by heavy metals, especially lead, which to the greatest extent - up to 90–95 % accumulates in bone tissue of the human body.Aim. The establishment of the bioeffect type of low-dose and zinc combined action on bone tissue density by the calcium content in it in the experiment.Materials and methods. For experimental studies Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups. To determine the type of and zinc effect on the calcium level in femur bone tissue the content of the latter by the titration method was identified. To evaluate the relationship between low doses of zinc and lead, the combined action coefficient and change of combined action effect coefficient were determined.Results. The analysis of the results shows that the type of and zinc low concentrations combined action in their influence on bone tissue density by calcium content in it is characterized as an antagonistic, since the combined action coefficient value was 0.32–0.39. The effect of subacute combined action in binary systems lead acetate – zinc chloride and lead acetate – zinc citrate is weakened by 2.6 and 3.1 times, respectively.Conclusions. The type of and zinc low concentrations combined action provided that they affect the bone tissue density of rats by calcium content in it, which do not exceed the threshold of general toxicity, is characterized as antagonistic, since the combined action coefficient = 0.32–0.39. The effect of subacute combined action in binary systems, lead acetate – zinc chloride and lead acetate – zinc citrate is reduced by 2.6 and 3.1 times, respectively, compared with their isolated effects, indicating active inhibition of bone tissue accumulation by zinc compounds, which is especially characteristic of zinc citrate.

Advances in the research of zinc deficiency and zinc supplementation treatment in patients with severe burns

Zinc is one of the essential trace elements in human body, which plays an important role in regulating acute inflammatory response, glucose metabolism, anti-oxidation, immune and gastrointestinal function of patients with severe burns. Patients with severe burns may suffer from zinc deficiency because of insufficient amount of zinc intake from the diet and a large amount of zinc lose through wounds and urine. Zinc deficiency may affect their wound healing process and prognosis. This article reviews the characteristics of zinc metabolism in patients with severe burns through dynamic monitoring the plasma and urinary concentration of zinc. An adequate dosage of zinc supplemented to patients with severe burns by an appropriate method can increase the level of zinc in plasma and skin tissue and improve wound healing, as well as reduce the infection rates and mortality. At the same time, it is important to observe the symptoms and signs of nausea, dizziness, leukopenia and arrhythmia in patients with severe burns after supplementing excessive zinc.

Soil Application of Silicon: Effects on Economic Yield and Nutrition of Phosphorus, Zinc and Iron in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A field experiment was conducted for the two consecutive seasons to evaluate the effect of diatomaceous earth as a silicon (Si) source along with recommended doses of fertilizer nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and zinc (Zn) as well as farmyard manure (FYM) in nine different treatment combinations on the yield and P, Zn and iron (Fe) nutrition of rice. The results showed a significant increase in grain yield of rice upon Si application with a concomitant improvement of P metabolism. Increased phosphatase activities in soil by the application of Si showed synergism between Si and P in grain (r = 0.91**) and straw (r = 0.90**). Zinc and Fe nutrition was affected by Si application through 600 kg diatomaceous earth ha−1 with a decline in their concentrations in the grains by 39.6 and 25.7 per cent and in straw by 21.1 and 27.1 per cent, respectively over standard fertilizer practice. Better P metabolism as a results of Si fertilization may increase the production of phytic acid in rice which may retard translocation of micronutrients.

Prophylactic Zinc and Therapeutic Selenium Administration Increases the Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in the Rat Temporoparietal Cortex and Improves Memory after a Transient Hypoxia‐Ischemia

In the cerebral hypoxia-ischemia rat model, the prophylactic administration of zinc can cause either cytotoxicity or preconditioning effect, whereas the therapeutic administration of selenium decreases the ischemic damage. Herein, we aimed to explore whether supplementation of low doses of prophylactic zinc and therapeutic selenium could protect from a transient hypoxic-ischemic event. We administrated zinc (0.2 mg/kg of body weight; ip) daily for 14 days before a 10 min common carotid artery occlusion (CCAO). After CCAO, we administrated sodium selenite (6 μg/kg of body weight; ip) daily for 7 days. In the temporoparietal cerebral cortex, we determined nitrites by the Griess method and lipid peroxidation by the Gerard-Monnier assay. qPCR was used to measure mRNA of nitric oxide synthases, antioxidant enzymes, chemokines, and their receptors. We measured the enzymatic activity of SOD and GPx and protein levels of chemokines and their receptors by ELISA. We evaluated long-term memory using the Morris-Water maze test. Our results showed that prophylactic administration of zinc caused a preconditioning effect, decreasing nitrosative/oxidative stress and increasing GPx and SOD expression and activity, as well as eNOS expression. The therapeutic administration of selenium maintained this preconditioning effect up to the late phase of hypoxia-ischemia. Ccl2, Ccr2, Cxcl12, and Cxcr4 were upregulated, and long-term memory was improved. Pyknotic cells were decreased suggesting prevention of neuronal cell death. Our results show that the prophylactic zinc and therapeutic selenium administration induces effective neuroprotection in the early and late phases after CCAO.

Effect of zinc and boron on yield, nutrient content and quality of blackgram (Vigna mungo L.)

An experiment was carried out in sandy loam soil at M. G. C. G. Vishwa Vidyalaya Farm, Chitrakoot during kharif of 2013. The objectives were to evaluate the effect of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) on the yield, nutrient content and quality of blackgram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] and to find out the optimum dose of Zn and B for yield maximization. There were four levels of zinc (0, 10, 20 and 30 kg/ha) and boron (0, 2.0 kg/ha one spray with boric acid and 2 kg/ha two sprays with boric acid) along with a blanket dose of N20 P40 K20 kg/ha. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with three replications. Results showed that the application of 30 kg zinc/ha and boron 2 kg/ha with two foliar sprays resulted in highest grain yield with their interaction effect on grain yield (8.98 q/ha) as well as all growth, yield, quality and nutrients uptake parameters. The lowest value of symbiotic traits, yield parameters, quality and uptake status were recorded under control treatments. Increasing dose of zinc and boron increased the all parameters.

The interaction of high copper and zinc doses in acid soil changes the physiological state and development of the root system in young grapevines (Vitis vinifera)

Old vineyards may present high copper (Cu) content in the soil due to the frequent application of Bordeaux fungicide to control leaf fungal diseases. Thus, many wine makers replace copper fungicides by those made of zinc (Zn) and it leads to the accumulation of these two elements in vineyard soils, fact that may potentiate the occurrence of physiological disorders and morphological changes in the plant root system. The aim of the current study was to assess the effects of high Cu and Zn contents in a sandy acid soil on the physiological state and development of the root system in young grapevines. The soil was taken from a vineyard from Southern Brazil, and then it was sieved and had its acidity and P and K contents corrected. Next, the soil was subjected to the application of 0 and 120mg Cu kg−1; each one of these doses was added with 0, 120 and 240mg Zn kg−1, thus totaling six treatments. After the treatments were added to the soil samples, 2.4kg of soil was stored in rizobox-type containers. One young grapevine plant was transplanted to each box. The transplanted plants were cultivated for 60 days in greenhouse. The accumulation of root and shoot dry matter was set after the experimental period, as well as the Cu and Zn contents in the roots and shoot, the root system morphology, the chlorophyll a fluorescence, the photosynthetic pigments, the gas exchanges and the superoxide dismutase enzyme activity (SOD). Young grapevines presented mechanisms to tolerate high Cu and Zn concentrations in the soil, mainly through the retention of such metals in their roots to diminish translocation to the shoot. However, the highest Cu and Zn doses led to grapevine plant growth decrease, to gas exchange alterations and to photochemical efficiency reduction associated with photosynthetic pigment decrease and to non-photochemical energy dissipation increase. Moreover, the SOD activity was greater in intermediate Zn doses, thus indicating antioxidant system activation. Thus, the combination between high Cu and Zn concentrations in vineyard soils will enable minimizing the toxic effects of these metals to young grapevines cultivated in these soils.

Effect of phosphorus and zinc on yield of lentil

Fertilization of lentil (Lens culinaris) is one of the most crucial management technique which affects growth and yield. Therefore the present research was designed to investigate the response of lentil to various phosphorus and zinc levels at Agronomy Research Farm the University of Agriculture, Peshawar during rabi season 2015. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) having three replications.Five doses of phosphorus (40, 60, 80,100, and 120 kg ha-1) and four levels of zinc (3, 6, 9, and 12 kg ha-1) along with one control (No P and Zn) was used in the experiment. Number of pods plant-1, thousand grains weight, grain yield and seed recovery percentage was significantly influenced by different doses of both phosphorus and zinc. More pods plant-1(118) and (122), thousand grain weight (30 g) and (29.6 g), grain yield (2021.3 kg ha-1) and (2047.5 kg ha-1) and maximum seed recovery of 69 % were noted from the plots received 100 and 120 kg P ha-1 respectively. Similarly the application of zinc at 9 kg ha-1produced morepods plant-1 (117) and grain yield (1846 kg ha-1). Statistically similar results were found in plots received 9 and 12 kg Zn ha-1regarding thousand grain weights (30.6 g and 29.4 g) and seeds recovery percentage (68 %). The above all experimental results concluded that phosphorus and zinc should be used at the rates of 100 kg ha-1 and 9 kg ha-1 for the growth and yield of lentil. Keywords: Lentil; Phosphorus; Zinc; Yield components; Yield http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.600150

Effects of hydroxychloride and sulfate form of zinc and manganese supplementation on superoxide dismutase activity and immune responses post lipopolysaccharide challenge in poultry fed marginally lower doses of zinc and manganese

Effects of hydroxychloride (OHCl) and sulfate form of zinc and manganese supplementation on immune responses of birds fed marginally lower levels of zinc and manganese during an experimental lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection were studied. In experiment I, 30-week-old layer birds were fed 50mg/kg Zn+45mg/kg Mn or 100mg/kg Zn+90mg/kg Mn in sulfate or OHCl form and injected with 0 or 500μg/kg LPS in a 2 (50mg Zn+45mg Mn and 100mg Zn+90mg Mn) X 2 (sulfate and OHCl) X 2 (0 and 500μg LPS) factorial setup of treatments for 10 weeks. Among LPS-injected birds, those receiving 50mg ZnOHCl+45mg MnOHCl had comparable heterophil and monocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity compared to the birds fed 100mg Zn+90mg Mn. Compared to the birds injected with PBS, LPS injection upregulated cathelicidin and IL-1 relative mRNA amounts in monocytes from birds fed 100mg Zn+90mg Mn, both in sulfate and OHCl form, and in birds fed 50mg ZnOHCl+45mg MnOHCl, but not in the birds fed 50mg ZnSO4+45mg MnSO4. In experiment II, one-day-old broiler birds were fed 50mg ZnOHCl+45mg MnOHCl, 50mg ZnOHCl+90mg MnOHCl, 100mg ZnOHCL+45mg MnOHCl, 100mg ZnOHCl+90mg MnOHCl, 50mg ZnSO4+45mg MnSO4, or 100mg ZnSO4+90mg MnSO4 for 21 and 42 days. Birds fed 100mg ZnOHCl+45mg MnOHCl form had a comparable heterophil and monocyte SOD activity and monocyte cathelicidin mRNA amounts compared to the group fed 100mg Zn+90mg Mn. Increasing the ZnOHCl content from 50mg to 100mg/kg Zn reversed (P >0.05) the decrease in SOD activity and monocyte cathelicidin mRNA levels of the 50mg ZnOHCl+45mg MnOHCL fed group, and increasing the MnOHCl content from 45mg to 90mg/kg in the 100mg ZnOHCl+45mg MnOHCl group further increased SOD activity. In conclusion, birds fed diets with lower amounts of zinc and manganese in sulfate form decreased SOD activity and IL-1 and cathelicidin amounts during inflammation, and either increasing the dietary zinc and manganese content or feeding zinc and manganese in OHCl form synergistically increased the SOD activity and IL-1 and cathelicidin mRNA amounts in immune cells.

Effect of zinc dose difference on serum inflammatory factors and myocardial injury in children with rotavirus enteritis

Effect of zinc dose difference on serum inflammatory factors and myocardial injury in children with rotavirus enteritis

High zinc exposure leads to reduced dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) levels in both the host and endosymbionts of the reef-building coral Acropora aspera

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is a biogenic compound that could be involved in metal detoxification in both the host and endosymbionts of symbiotic corals. Acropora aspera, a common reef-building coral of the Great Barrier Reef, was exposed to zinc doses from 10 to 1000μg/L over 96h, with zinc being a low-toxic trace metal commonly used in the shipping industry. Over time, significantly lower DMSP concentrations relative to the control were found in both the host and symbionts in the highest zinc treatment where zinc uptake by both partners of the symbiosis was the highest. This clearly indicates that DMSP was consumed or stopped being produced under high and extended zinc exposure. This drop in DMSP was first observed in the host tissue, suggesting that the coral host was the first to respond to metal contamination. Such decrease in DMSP concentrations could influence the long-term health of corals under zinc exposure.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Zinc Oxide and Zinc Methionine on Layer Performance, Egg Quality, and Blood Serum Indices.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of dietary zinc oxide (ZnO) and zinc methionine (Zn-Met) supplementation on layer performance, quality of egg, some blood constituents, and oxidative status in blood of laying hens. A total of 120 laying hens (Hisex Brown) 22-week-old were indiscriminately allotted into five groups of 24 hens with six replications (four birds/replicate). A complete randomized design experiment was performed including control (basal diet), two levels of ZnO (50 and 100mg/kg basal diet), and two levels of Zn-Met (50 and 100mg/kg basal diet) through 22 to 34weeks of age. Supplementation of 100mg of Zn-Met significantly (P=0.001) increased feed intake compared to other treatment groups. The groups supplemented with 50mg of ZnO and 100mg of Zn-Met reported the significantly higher egg production rate (P=0.002) and egg mass (P<0.001) compared to other treated groups. All traits of egg quality were not statistically (P<0.05 or 0.01) affected by ZnO or Zn-Met supplementation except shell thickness, Haugh unit score, and yolk to albumin ratio. Dietary supplementation of either ZnO or Zn-Met did not affect the oxidative parameters in serum except the activity of Cu-Zn-SOD. Serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) were significantly (P<0.05) affected by Zn supplementation, while HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) did not affect. Compared to the control group, supplementation of ZnO or Zn-Met increased serum content of zinc with no differences among supplemental zinc doses. It could be concluded that dietary inorganic (ZnO) and organic (Zn-Met) supplemented up to 50 and 100mg/kg, respectively, can be used as effective supplements to improve productivity of laying hens, serum zinc level, lipid profile (triglyceride and LDL cholesterol), and activity of Cu-Zn-SOD.

The effect of zinc and melatonin supplementation on immunity parameters in breast cancer induced by DMBA in rats

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of zinc and melatonin supplements on the immunity parameters of female rats with breast cancer induced by DMBA.Methods: Group 1; Control, Group 2; 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), Group 3; DMBA + zinc, Group 4; DMBA + melatonin, Group 5; DMBA + zinc + melatonin. The rats’ breast cancer was induced by DMBA 80 mg/kg. Groups 3–5 received daily 5 mg/kg doses of zinc, melatonin, and zinc + melatonin, respectively. Lymphocyte rates, T-lymphocyte subgroups, B-lymphocyte and natural killer cells (NK), and natural killer T (NKT) were evaluated.Results: The most significant increase in lymphocyte, T-lymphocyte, and CD4 lymphocyte rates was found in Group 5. The highest NKT cell rates were found in Group 3.Conclusions: Findings show that zinc and melatonin supplements have led to an increase in the immunity parameters of rats with breast cancer.

PENGARUH SUPLEMENTASI SENG DAN ZAT BESI TERHADAP TINGKAT KECUKUPAN ENERGI BALITA USIA 3 – 5 TAHUN DI KOTA SEMARANG

Background: Nutritional intake associated with appetite and eating habits infant. Low appetite in infant would affected low energy intake. Not only energy intake, but also the intake of micronutrients, especially zinc and iron. Lack of energy in the long term can reduce the nutritional status of children. Based Riskesdas 2013, the prevalence of malnutrition and malnutrition increased from 2007 to 2013. Malnutrition in 2013 reached 5.7%, while for 13.9% of malnutrition.Methods: This was quasi experimental with a randomized control group pre-post test design. Subjects were children aged 3-5 years in Semarang as many as 36 subjects and divided into 4 groups (9 subjects/group) with random sampling consisting of one control group who were given placebo and 3 treatment groups. Each of the treatment group was supplemented with zinc, iron, and zinc-iron for 60 days. Dosage of zinc and iron was 10 mg/day and 7,5 mg/day. Food intake obtained by the method of Semi Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ). Analysis of data using Paired T-Test and Kruskal-Wallis testResults: For 36 infants subyek divided into 20 boys and 16 girls infant. Most of the Infant energy adequacy levels classified on adequate category (75%). After given intervention which group1,2 and 3 not had a significant effect on energy adequacy levels. There only had effect on group 4 toward energy adequacy levels.Conclusion: Zinc and iron supplementation had effect increased energy adequacy levels on infant 3-5 years old.

English

The impacts of copper and zinc compounds were tested on winter wheat crop grown in calcareous chernozem soil in Hungary, Reg&ouml;ly, Tolna County, during the planting seasons of 2011 and 2013. This work aims to discover &nbsp;the effects of different doses of copper and zinc on wheat yield (t.ha-1), in terms of gluten content (%), &ldquo;Zeleny&rdquo; number or sedimentation index and raw protein content (m%). Further, quality food crop of optimal chemical composition under sustainable farming conditions was also adopted. The primary criteria used for selecting the test area include: Soils with high phosphorus and lime content and those deficient of copper and zinc deficiency on the basis of soil analysis. Foliar treatments were applied on winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The experiments were performed with a completely new sucrose copper compound that is not yet used in agriculture. The test compounds used in the ecological farming were applied twice in strip-plot design with area of 0.5 ha for each plot. The tests helped us to introduce the efficiency of the treatments throughout the three years. Zn increased the volume of the yield considerably. Maximum yields were achieved at 1.59 kg.ha-1 dose. Cu made each quality parameter improved more significantly. Maximum gluten contents were achieved at 1.38 kg.ha-1 Cu2+ doses. Cu of 1.50 kg.ha-1 produced the highest raw protein content and Cu of 1.52 kg.ha-1 showed the highest Zeleny values in sedimentation tests. This proves the highest efficiency of Zn and Cu applied at 1.4 to 1.6 kg.ha-1 doses. &nbsp; Key words: Essential microelements, winter wheat, quality, yield, precision technology.

The Role of Compost in Stabilizing the Microbiological and Biochemical Properties of Zinc-Stressed Soil

The progressive development of civilization and intensive industrialization has contributed to the global pollution of the natural environment by heavy metals, especially the soil. Degraded soils generally contain less organic matter, and thus, their homeostasis is more often disturbed, which in turn manifests in changes in biological and physicochemical properties of the soil. Therefore, new possibilities and solutions for possible neutralization of these contaminations are sought, inter alia, through reclamation of degraded land. At present, the use of additives supporting the reclamation process that exhibit heavy metal-sorbing properties is becoming increasingly important in soil recovery. Research was conducted to determine the role of compost in stabilizing the microbial and biochemical balance of the soil due to the significant problem of heavy metal-contaminated areas. The study was conducted on loamy sand, to which zinc was applied at the following doses: 0, 250, 500, 750, 1000, and 1250 mg Zn2+ kg−1 DM of soil. Compost was introduced to the appropriate objects calculated on the basis of organic carbon content in the amount of 0, 10, and 20 g Corg kg−1 DM of soil. The study was conducted over a period of 20 weeks, maintaining soil moisture at 50% capillary water capacity. Zinc significantly modified soil microbiome status. The abundance of microorganisms and their biological diversity and the enzymatic activity of the soil were affected. The negative effects of contaminating zinc doses were alleviated by the introduction of compost into the soil. Organic fertilization led to microbial growth intensification and increased biochemical activity of the soil already 2 weeks after compost application. These effects persisted throughout the experiment. Therefore, it can be stated that the use of compost is an appropriate method for restoring normal functions of soil ecosystems contaminated with zinc.

Efficacy of zinc on yield, economics and soil properties of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in black soil of central Gujarat

A field trial was conducted during winter (rabi) season 2011 to 13 in vertisol to study the influence of zinc on yield, nutrient uptake, economics and soil properties of wheat. The recommended doses of N, P and K were applied @ 120 N: 60 P2O5: 40 K2O kg/ha in combination with Zn @ 0, 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10 kg/ha were applied at time of sowing in all the treatments. Results of study revealed that the yield, harvest index and nutrient uptake (N, K and Zn). Zinc increased significantly with the application of recommended N P K + Zn @ 10 kg/ha as compared to NPK alone and other doses of zinc. In general, yield, harvest index and total nutrient uptake, increased to the highest level of Zn, except total P uptake. The maximum yield (grain-44.37 and straw-50.74 kg/ha) and total nutrient uptake (N-117.23 kg/ha, K-85.90 kg/ha and Zn 286.41 g/ha), was recorded by the application of 10 kg Zn/ha along with recommended dose of NPK as compared to control. The total P uptake declined with increasing levels of Zn. There was no appraisal change in soil pH, EC, organic carbon and CaCO3, but the status of DTPA-extractable Zn of soil was improved remarkably owing to Zn application with combination of recommended NPK. The economics the yield revealed that the FLD recorded higher gross returns (Rupees 55625) and net return (Rupees 32925) with higher benefit cost ratio (2.45) when compared to control. The impact of FLDs was analyzed and remarkable improvement of knowledge and satisfaction of farmers in terms of yield and revenue by dint of technological intervention.

Growth, tolerance and zinc accumulation in Senna multijuga and Erythrina crista-galli seedlings

ABSTRACT Zinc (Zn) is a micronutrient that is reaching toxic levels in the soil, with the intensification of agricultural and industrial activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth, accumulation and tolerance of Erythrina crista-galli and Senna multijuga seedlings in soil with addition of increasing Zn levels. The study was conducted in a greenhouse for 120 days, using a completely randomized design in a 2 x 6 factorial arrangement, corresponding to two tree species (S. multijuga and E. crista-galli) and six doses of zinc in the soil (0, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 mg kg-1) with six replicates. E. crista-galli and S. multijuga seedlings decreased root and shoot dry weight with increasing Zn doses. E. crista-galli and S. multijuga have low Zn translocation index and are capable to phytostabilize Zn in the roots. E. crista-galli had greater tolerance to Zn compared with S. multijuga. The species have potential for Zn phytostabilization programs in contaminated soil.

Tolerance and translocation of heavy metals in young grapevine (Vitis vinifera) grown in sandy acidic soil with interaction of high doses of copper and zinc

Vineyard soils may have high levels of copper due to frequent applications of Bordeaux mixture for the control of fungal diseases. Therefore, many winegrowers have used zinc-based fungicides instead of copper-based fungicides, resulting in high levels of Cu and Zn in vineyard soils. The aim of the study was to evaluate the tolerance of young grapevines grown in soil with interaction of high contents of Cu and Zn, and the translocation of these heavy metals from roots to shoots. We collected soil of a natural field of Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state of Brazil. Soil treatments were addition of 0, 30, and 60mg Cu kg−1, and addition of 0, 15, 30, 60, 120, and 180mg Zn kg−1 for each copper dose. A seedling of grapevine per pot was grown for 60days. After that, we measured root and shoot dry matter, Cu and Zn content in roots and shoots, chlorophyll a fluorescence, photosynthetic pigments, and peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity. Young grapevines showed tolerance mechanisms to high concentrations of Cu and Zn by retaining these metals in the roots, decreasing translocation to the shoots. However, at the highest doses of Cu and Zn, we observed decrease in plant growth and in photochemical efficiency associated with the decrease in photosynthetic pigment content. Furthermore, the activity of antioxidant enzymes increased in intermediate doses of Zn, which indicates activation of the antioxidant system. However, the stress condition in treatments with high levels of Cu and Zn was not reversed.

The content of polyphenols and chosen heavy metals in faba bean (Faba vulgaris Moench) relating to different doses of zinc application

We investigated the impact of zinc on chosen heavy metals contents (Cu, Zn, Co, Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni) and polyphenols content and antioxidant capacity of chosen legume. Used soil was from Cakajovce locality (located in Nitra upland) with the neutral soil reaction suitable for the legume cultivation. Determined Cd content as well as Pb content in the soil was on the level of critical value given for the relationship between soil and plant. The values of both elements were far below threshold values proposed by European Commission. In experiment we used two cultivars of fababean - Saturn, Zobor. Seeds of fababean were harvested in milk ripeness. The different high doses of zinc (as ZnSO4.7H2O) were applied into the uncontaminated soil in model conditions. The strong statistical relationship between added Zn content in the soil and in seeds of both faba bean cultivars as well as was the total polyphenols content and the total antioxidant capacity values was confirmed. In all variants the determined Zn amount was below (Saturn) or slightly above (Zobor) the hygienic limit given by the legislative. On the other hand faba bean of both cultivars accumulated high amounts of Pb and Cd - in all variants higher than hygienic limits. The contents of all other heavy metals (Ni, Co, Cr, Cu) were lower than hygienic limits. The polyphenols content ranged from 2208 to 4622 milligrams per kilogram of fresh sample calculated as gallic acid equivalents. Faba bean shows a very small antioxidant capacity - 4.66 - 5.71% of DPPH inhibition.

Zinc lozenges and the common cold: a meta-analysis comparing zinc acetate and zinc gluconate, and the role of zinc dosage.

ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of zinc acetate lozenges with zinc gluconate lozenges in common cold treatment and to examine the dose-dependency of the effect.DesignMeta-analysis.SettingPlacebo-controlled zinc lozenge trials, in which the zinc dose was > 75 mg/day. The pooled effect of zinc lozenges on common cold duration was calculated by using inverse-variance random-effects method.ParticipantsSeven randomised trials with 575 participants with naturally acquired common colds.Main outcome measureDuration of the common cold.ResultsThe mean common cold duration was 33% (95% CI 21% to 45%) shorter for the zinc groups of the seven included trials. Three trials that used lozenges composed of zinc acetate found that colds were shortened by 40% and four trials that used zinc gluconate by 28%. The difference between the two salts was not significant: 12 percentage points (95% CI: −12 to + 36). Five trials used zinc doses of 80–92 mg/day, common cold duration was reduced by 33%, and two trials used zinc doses of 192–207 mg/day and found an effect of 35%. The difference between the high-dose and low-dose zinc trials was not significant: 2 percentage points (95% CI: −29 to + 32).ConclusionsProperly composed zinc gluconate lozenges may be as effective as zinc acetate lozenges. There is no evidence that zinc doses over 100 mg/day might lead to greater efficacy in the treatment of the common cold. Common cold patients may be encouraged to try zinc lozenges for treating their colds. The optimal lozenge composition and dosage scheme need to be investigated further.