Fe In Liver Research Articles

Metal Bioaccumulation and Assemblage Attributes for Anurans in the Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve, Mexico

Background and Research Aims: Morphological and physiological effects of anthropogenic metals have been the focus of several studies in the Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve (REBIOSH, Mexico) but little is known about how they affect anurans in the area. We evaluated metal bioaccumulation in anurans from streams in the REBIOSH and examined anuran communities in five sites at different positions relative to abandoned mine tailings. Methods: Three and two sites were located upstream and downstream from mine tailings, respectively. We collected anuran community information and obtained sediment, water and liver samples for metal quantification from each site. Results: Concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn and Mn in water, and Zn, Mn, Fe and Cr in sediment, were significantly different among sites. We found bioaccumulation of Pb, Zn and Fe in livers of Smilisca baudinii, Lithobates spectabilis, L. zweifeli and Rhinella horribilis, species with different life traits. We found similar among-site species richness and diversity. Communities were dominated by L. zweifeli, R. horribilis and S. baudinii. Dominance was highest in sites distant from mine tailings. Agalychnis dacnicolor, Tlalocohyla smithii and Hypopachus variolosus were only present in sites located closest to mine tailings. Conclusion: We did not detect an effect of metal bioacummulation on anuran communities, but our findings suggest a potential effect on certain species in the protected area. Our results form a baseline for future explorations of the impacts of metals in the region. Implications for Conservation: Toxic metal bioaccumulation has potential for reducing anuran genetic variability and altering sexual proportions and fecundity, potentially leading to anuran extirpations. We provide first evidence for metal bioaccumulation in anurans in the protected area, and one of few studies on its anuran communities. Our evidence can serve as guidance to ameliorate effects of legacy metal mining in this biodiversity hotspot.

Influence of sex and maturity state on trace elements content in liver and muscle of the Sciaenidae Totoaba macdonaldi.

BackgroundThe fish Totoaba macdonaldi is endemic to the Upper Gulf of California. Its migratory movements involve sites with high levels of trace elements in the environment that can accumulate in tissues. In this study, lead (Pb), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) concentrations in male and female totoaba liver and muscle were quantified at various sexual maturity stages along the species’ geographic distribution.MethodsGeneralized linear models were used to explore associations between trace element concentrations and season of the year, sex/maturity stage, and total fish length.ResultsNo detectable Pb concentrations were recorded in liver or muscle; Cu, Cd, Zn and Fe contents in totoaba liver and muscle were typical of fish inhabiting areas with no contamination issues and are within international maximum permissible levels for human consumption. Variations in the content of Cd, Cu, Zn and Fe in liver of totoaba seem to be more related to the feeding and reproductive physiology of this species than as result of environmental exposure. Results suggest that consumption of totoaba muscle does not pose a public health risk. Furthermore, depending on the sex/maturity stage of totoaba, this fish’s muscle may provide approximately 70% Cu, 60% Zn and 100% Fe of the recommended dietary reference intake.

Age-specific accumulation of toxic metal(loid)s in northern pike (Esox lucius) juveniles.

Northern pike specimens of 0+, 1+, and 2+ age classes were collected in June 2013 from the Vizelj channel near Belgrade (Serbia). Inductively coupled plasma optical spectrometry (ICP-OES) and atomic absorption spectrometer SpectrAA 220 were used for analyzing concentrations of As, Cr, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Sr, Pb, and Zn, as well as Hg in muscle, gills, and liver. Metal pollution index (MPI) was calculated. Concentrations of As, Cd, Co, and Pb were below the limit of detection. Concentrations of Cu, Hg, and Zn in muscle did not exceed the maximum allowed concentrations. The gills were tissue which was most affected by pollution. The highest concentrations of Fe in muscle, Cr and Fe in gills, and Hg, Sr, and Zn in liver were recorded in 0+ individuals, as well as Zn in gills of 2+ individuals. On contrary, the lowest concentrations were recorded for Zn in gills of 0+ individuals, Hg in gills of 1+ individuals, and Fe in muscle, Cr and Sr in gills, and Zn in liver of 2+ individuals. Regarding age classes, 2+ juveniles had the highest MPI values for all tissues. Correlations between the metal(loid) accumulation and fish condition were not significant, as well as between fish length and weight and Cu and Hg in muscle, Cu, Hg, and Sr in gills, and Cu, Cr, and Fe in liver. Results indicated that young individuals were more sensitive to pollution, but older fish showed higher overall bioaccumulation of toxic elements analyzed in this study.

The Relationship between Serum Trace Elements and Oxidative Stress of Patients with Different Types of Cancer.

Objective Many studies have identified causal and promotive roles of oxidative stress (OxS) and oxidative damage caused by OxS in the occurrence and progression of cancer. Many biomarkers in the blood circulation of patients may change correspondingly with the development of tumors. This study is aimed at investigating the correlation between OxS and serum trace element (TE) levels of patients with different types of cancer. Methods 1143 different types of cancer patients and 178 healthy controls from Mar. 2018 to Aug. 2020 in Mianyang Central Hospital were involved in this study. Their levels of OxS parameters (including total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidant stress index (OSI)) and the concentrations of serum TEs (including Cu, Zn, Fe, and Se) were determined. Results Compared with healthy controls, all types of cancer patients had higher TOS level (all Padj < 0.001) and OSI level (z = 6.228 ~ 9.909, all Padj < 0.001) and lower TAS level (all Padj < 0.001). Compared with healthy controls, the changes of four TE levels in serum were different in different types of cancer patients, among which Cu increased in all groups, but there was no statistical difference in gastric and brain cancer; Se decreased in all groups, but there was no statistical difference in gastric, colorectal, esophageal, and other cancer; Zn was significantly decreased in breast cancer patients (Padj < 0.001); there was no statistical difference in the change of Fe in liver, kidney, and other cancer. Spearman correlation showed that the change of Cu concentration was most closely related to the three OxS parameters and was strongly correlated in the observed several types of tumors (rs > 0.6). Multinomial logistic regression showed that the risks of different tumors are related to the level change of multiple TEs and OxS parameters (ORTOS = 1.19 ~ 2.82, OROSI = 2.56 ~ 4.70, ORTAS = 0.20 ~ 0.46, ORCu = 0.73 ~ 1.44, ORZn = 0.81 ~ 0.91, ORFe = 0.68 ~ 1.18, and ORSe = 0.22 ~ 0.45, all P < 0.006). Conclusions The OxS exists in the occurrence and development of cancer, which may be related to the changes of certain trace elements. In order to evaluate OxS correctly, it is necessary to detect TAS and TOS and at the same time, their ratio OSI should be detected. Assessment of markers representing the overall level of OxS and TEs may guarantee improved the monitoring of disease occurrence and development risk in cancer patients.

Dietary exposure of the adult Croatian population to meat, liver and meat products from the Croatian market: Health risk assessment

This is a comprehensive study of the macronutrient, toxic and non-essential element concentrations in 22 meat, liver and meat products from the Croatian market. The highest mean content of Fe, Mn, Zn and Mo were measured in pork liver, while Ag, Co, Cu and V were highest in bovine liver. Pâtés contain the highest concentrations of Al, Ba, Cd, Ni and Se, while salami products had the highest As, Ca, Cr, K and Pb. Pork meat and pork canned products contained the highest Hg and Mg levels. Using the tolerable daily intake for Cu, Fe, and Zn, and minimal risk levels for Se to check for potential risk, higher exposure was found only in the case of P95 consumers for Fe in liver and Se in meat products. Also, P95 consumers face an exposure to risk since the concentrations of Cd and Co in liver and of Al and Cd in meat products exceeded the toxicological limits. Meat, liver and meat products can be considered safe for adult consumers based on the low contributions to toxicological limits for As, Ba, Cr, Hg, Ni and Pb.

291 Effects of replacing inorganic trace minerals with low level of organic trace minerals on growth performance, tissue mineral deposition and mineral excretion in piglets

Abstract This study was conducted to investigate effects of inorganic trace mineral (ITMs) replacement with low level organic trace minerals (glycine complex minerals, GCMs; proteolytic complex minerals, PCMs) on growth, tissue mineral retention and mineral excretion in piglets. A total of 128 weaned piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Largewhite, 14.37 ± 0.32kg BW) aged 40d were randomly divided into 4 dietary treatments and fed for 28 days, with 4 replicates of 8 piglets per treatment. Dietary treatments were:(T1) basal + ITMs (Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn, sulfate) at 100% commercial level;(T2) basal + ITMs at 50% commercial level + GCMs at 50% commercial level;(T3) basal + GCMs at 50% commercial level;(T4) basal + PCMs at 50% commercial level respectively. On day 29, six piglets from each group were slaughtered to collect serum, muscle and organ samples. The results showed that ADG of T1, T2 and T3 was higher than that of T4 (P &amp;lt; 0.05), FCR of T1, T2 and T3 was lower than that of T4 (P &amp;lt; 0.01). The retention of trace minerals in tissues and serum is significantly correlated with the supplemental level and source of trace minerals. When 50% commercial level ITMs replaced with GCMs, Cu in serum, heart, liver and pancreas, Fe in liver and muscle was increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05), and liver Zn, Mn in heart, liver and muscle was increased (P &amp;lt; 0.01) respectively. Muscle Zn in T3 was higher than that from T4 (P &amp;lt; 0.05) with same level of organic minerals. Zn, Fe, Mn excreted from urine in pigs fed T2 diet was less than that from T1 (P &amp;lt; 0.05), and urine Zn in T3 treatment is lower than that from T4 (P &amp;lt; 0.05). This study indicated that dietary ITMs replacement with GCMs resulted in higher tissue minerals deposition, and organic trace minerals from GCMs exhibited higher bioavailability than those from PCMs.

Metal Accumulation in Muscle and Liver of the Common Nase (Chondrostoma nasus) and Vimba Bream (Vimbavimba) from the Danube River, Serbia: Bioindicative Aspects.

Accumulation of 17 elements in muscle and liver of common nase and vimba bream, caught between February and May 2016 in the Danube River (1173 river kilometer), were assessed by ICP-OES. The principal component analysis grouped muscle and liver samples based on element concentrations (muscle grouped by higher Ba and Sr values, and liver grouped by higher Al, B, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn values), but no grouping between the two species was observed. Concentrations of Ba, Cu, Fe, and Zn were significantly higher in muscle, and concentrations of Ba, Cd, Cu, and Mn in liver of common nase, while vimba bream had significantly higher concentrations of Cr and Fe in liver. Common nase has a higher affinity for bioaccumulation of Cu, Fe, and Zn in muscle, while vimba bream has a higher affinity for Al, Cd, and Cr in muscle.

The Effects of Diet-induced Obesity on the Distribution of System Trace Elements (P24-059-19)

ObjectivesIron (Fe), Copper (Cu), and Manganese (Mn) are essential trace elements that are critical for health and must be maintained in an optimal physiological range. When there is a disturbance of this regulation, such as obesity, pathologies ranging from anemia to neurotoxicity can occur. The objective of this current study is to examine strain and sex differences in the distribution of systemic trace elements due to diet-induced obesity (DIO). We hypothesize that high fat DIO causes significant systemic alterations of Fe, Cu, Mn distributions compared to low fat diet with sex and strain as contributing factors. MethodsBeginning at 21 days of age, male and female C57BL/6 J (n = 36) and DBA/2 J (n = 36) mice were fed either a high-fat diet (60% Kcal from fat) or a control diet (10% Kcal from fat) for 16 weeks. Food intake and body mass were measured weekly. At the end of the 16 weeks, blood, liver, and spleen tissues were collected. Fe, Cu, and Mn concentrations were measured using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. ResultsWhile DIO did not cause any strain or sex differences in hematocrit, differences were detected in all three metals, Mn, Cu, and Fe concentrations in the liver and spleen. Specifically, there was a statistically significant sex by diet interaction on liver Mn concentrations (P = 0.008) and strain by sex interaction on spleen Mn concentrations (P = 0.002). There was a sex by diet and strain by sex interaction on liver Cu concentrations (P = 0.01 and P = 0.006, respectively). A three-way strain, sex, and diet interaction (P = 0.003) was observed for Cu in spleen. There was a strain by sex and strain by diet interaction on liver Fe concentrations (P = 0.031 and P = 0.002, respectively). There was a statistically significant strain, sex, and diet interaction on spleen Fe concentrations (P = 0.0002). The most prominent interactive effects of sex, strain and DIO was observed with liver and spleen Fe concentrations compared to Cu or Mn. For example, male DBA and female C57 mice had greatly reduced Fe in liver and spleen but their opposite sex counterparts were largely unaffected by the impact of DIO. ConclusionsOur results expand our previous data by showing strain and sex differences not only in Fe, but Cu and Mn systemic concentrations. For females, the impact of DIO on Fe was more significant in the C57 strain whereas in males the effect of DIO was more significant in the DBA strain. Funding SourcesUNCG Health and Human Sciences Research Grant & UNCG Faculty First Award.

Heavy metals in farmed and wild milkfish (Chanos chanos) and wild mullet (Mugil cephalus) along the coasts of Tanzania and associated health risk for humans and fish

In 2016, farmed milkfish (Chanos chanos) from Tanzania mainland (Mtwara), and Zanzibar islands (Pemba and Unguja) and wild milkfish and mullet (Mugil cephalus) from the Indian Ocean were collected for analyses of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Al, Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co and Cr) in muscles and livers. High concentrations of Pb were detected in muscles and livers from wild and farmed milkfish and wild mullet from all sites. The highest concentration of Pb was detected in wild milkfish liver from Mtwara (47.4 mg/kg ww). The Pb concentrations in fish muscle exceeded maximum levels (ML) set by FAO/WHO (0.3 mg/kg ww) in 100% of the analysed fish. Concentrations of Pb were higher in wild fish than in farmed fish. Cd concentrations were generally low. The comparison of the Hg concentration with EQSBiota indicated that Hg might pose potential health risk to 22% of the analysed fish. Median concentrations of Fe in livers from farmed milkfish from Jozani and Shakani, Zanzibar, were 40–80 times higher than the other sites. Assessment of human health risk and exposure to heavy metals indicated no potential risk from consuming the fish from the present study locations. However, the Pb concentrations exceeding ML in the fish suggests that Pb may affect the health of fish. Future investigations should include regular monitoring of heavy metals in farmed and wild fish in Tanzania for further development of sustainable aquaculture and the welfare of the wild fish stock in the coastal waters.

Distribution of Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn in Liver, Gills and Muscle of Early Life Stages of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar).

The aim of this study was to determine metal distribution in different tissues in early life stages of Atlantic salmon. The concentrations of the metals Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn in liver, gills, muscle of fish and water from a salmon farm in the Region de los Lagos of southern Chile were determined. Results show that Cd and Pb had the lowest concentrations, while Zn the highest concentration, followed by Cu, Fe and Mn. Cu and Fe had the highest concentrations in liver, while Mn and Zn were the highest in gills. Cu and Fe in liver were higher in pre-smolts than in fingerlings. Cu had the highest bioaccumulation factor in pre-smolts, both in liver and gills. In conclusion the metals tend to bioaccumulate selectively in different tissues of Salmo salar. Liver is the most relevant for Cu and Fe, and liver and gills for Zn.

Effects of mine tailing and mixed contamination on metals, trace elements accumulation and histopathology of the chub (Squalius cephalus) tissues: Evidence from three differently contaminated sites in Serbia

Chub (Squalius cephalus) specimens were collected in Korenita River seven months after spillover from the waste water of antimony mine tailing pond and compared with chub living in Kruščica reservoir (intended for water supply) and Međuvršje reservoir (influenced by intense emission of industrial, urban and rural wastewater). Concentrations of 15 elements (Al, As, B, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Si, Sr, Zn) were determined in muscle, liver and gills of chub by inductively coupled plasma optical spectrometry (ICP-OES) and histopathological alterations in liver and gills were assessed. Chub specimens from Korenita River had higher concentrations of As, Ba and Pb in all three investigated tissues as well as higher total histopathological index values than chub from reservoirs. Specimens from Međuvršje reservoir were characterized by higher values for concentrations of Cu and Si in muscle tissue and higher values for regressive histopathological alterations in gills. Individuals of chub from Kruščica reservoir had the highest concentrations of Fe in liver, Hg in muscle and Sr and Zn in muscle while gills had the lowest value of total histopathological index. The results from the present study showed higher level of histopathological alterations as a result of mine tailing accident. As a result of mixed contamination on the Međuvršje site, histopathological index values of gills were in line with the index value from Korenita River. Increased values for Fe and Sr in chub tissue from Kruščica reservoir could be explained by geological structure of the site which is characterized by magmatic rock rich in Cu, Fe and Ni as well as dominant carbonate sediment complex of marine origin with increased level of Sr.

Increased iron level in phytase-supplemented diets reduces performance and nutrient utilisation in broiler chickens

ABSTRACT1. The effect of different levels of dietary iron on phytase activity and its subsequent effect on broiler performance were investigated in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. A total of 360 day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were distributed to 6 experimental diets, formulated with three levels of Fe (60, 80 and 100 mg/kg) and two levels of phytase (0 and 500 FTU/kg).2. Phytase supplemented to mid-Fe diets increased feed consumption more than the non-supplemented diet at d 24. From hatch to d 35, Fe × phytase interaction significantly influenced the feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The high-Fe diet supplemented with phytase significantly reduced FI and BWG of broilers than those supplemented with low- or mid-Fe diets. The overall FCR was significantly better in birds fed on the mid-Fe diets with phytase supplementation.3. A significant improvement in ileal digestibility of N, P, Mg and Fe was observed in birds feed diets containing 60 mg Fe/kg, with significant interaction between Fe and phytase.4. Phytase improved the bone breaking strength when supplemented to low- or mid-Fe diets, compared to the non-supplemented diets. There was a significant Fe × phytase interaction effect. Tibia Fe content was higher in birds fed on phytase-free diets with high Fe but the reverse was the case when phytase was added and their interaction was significant. High dietary Fe significantly increased the accumulation of Fe in liver.5. Phytase improved Ca-Mg-ATPase, Ca-ATPase and Mg-ATPase activities in jejunum when supplemented to the diet containing 80 mg Fe/kg.6. This study indicates that high (100 mg/kg) dietary Fe inhibited phytase efficacy and subsequently reduced the overall performance and nutrient utilisation of broilers.

Taurine Normalizes the Levels of Se, Cu, Fe in Mouse Liver and Kidney Exposed to Arsenic Subchronically.

To evaluate the benefits of taurine on the homeostasis of trace elements induced by toxic metals, we investigated the concentration of Selenium (Se), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn) in mouse liver and kidney after arsenic exposure for 2 months. The experimental animals were divided into control group, arsenic exposure group (1, 2, 4 ppm) and taurine protective group randomly. Concentrations of serum, liver and kidney trace elements such as Se, Cu, Fe, Mn were measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry. Our results showed that the concentration of Cu was higher, however, the concentration of Se and Fe was lower in mice liver and kidney exposed to arsenic. The levels of Se, Cu, Fe were alleviated by co-administered with taurine. Furthermore, there was no difference in the concentration of Mn between the three groups. Our finding suggests that taurine may relieve the disturbed levels of Se, Cu and Fe in liver and kidney induced by arsenic.

Accumulation of heavy metals and As in liver, hair, femur, and lung of Persian jird (Meriones persicus) in Darreh Zereshk copper mine, Iran.

Rodents frequently serve as bioindicator to monitor the quality of the environment. Concentrations of 11 elements (Cd, Co, Ti, Fe, Mn, Cu, Sb, As, Sr, Ni, and Cr) were investigated and compared in liver, hair, femur, and lung of the Persian jird (Meriones persicus) from Darreh Zereshk copper mine, Iran. Metals were determined in different tissues of 39 individuals of Persian jird, collected by snap trap in 2014 from five areas of Darreh Zereshk copper mine. Samples were prepared by wet digestion method, and the contents of elements were analyzed with ICP-OES (VARIAN, 725-ES) instrument. Cadmium, Sb, and Co were below the limit of detection, and Mn and As were found only in hair and liver tissues. We detected the highest concentration of Cu, As, Ti, Fe, Mn, Cr, and Ni in hair in comparison with other tissues. Significant higher levels of Ti in femur and hair; Fe in liver and hair; Mn in liver; As in hair; Sr in lung; Cr in lung, hair, femur, and liver; Cu in femur; and Ni in liver and lung tissues were observed in females. Nearly all element concentrations in the tissues of Persian jird from flotation site, Darreh Zereshk and Hasan Abad villages and leaching site (mining areas) were higher than those from tailing dump site (reference site). We found the highest concentrations of As in liver and hair; Ni and Cr in liver, hair, and lung; and Sr in lung and hair tissues of Persian jird in leaching site. We tried to specify the status of elements before fully exploitation of Darreh Zereshk copper mine by using bioindicator species. Based on our achievements, initial activities did not strongly pollute the surrounded environment of the mine. The high abundance of Persian jird as well as their several proper features makes them a suitable species for biomonitoring programs especially for further studies will be performed after full exploitation of Darreh Zereshk copper mine.

Speciation of iron in mouse liver during development, iron deficiency, IRP2 deletion and inflammatory hepatitis.

The iron content of livers from (57)Fe-enriched C57BL/6 mice of different ages were investigated using Mössbauer spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), electronic absorption spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). About 80% of the Fe in an adult liver was due to blood; thus removal of blood by flushing with buffer was essential to observe endogenous liver Fe. Even after exhaustive flushing, ca. 20% of the Fe in anaerobically dissected livers was typical of deoxy-hemoglobin. The concentration of Fe in newborn livers was the highest of any developmental stage (∼1.2 mM). Most was stored as ferritin, with little mitochondrial Fe (consisting primarily of Fe-S clusters and haems) evident. Within the first few weeks of life, about half of ferritin Fe was mobilized and exported, illustrating the importance of Fe release as well as Fe storage in liver function. Additional ferritin Fe was used to generate mitochondrial Fe centres. From ca. 4 weeks of age to the end of the mouse's natural lifespan, the concentration of mitochondrial Fe in liver was essentially invariant. A minor contribution from nonhaem high-spin Fe(II) was observed in most liver samples and was also invariant with age. Some portion of these species may constitute the labile iron pool. Livers from mice raised on an Fe-deficient diet were highly Fe depleted; they were devoid of ferritin and contained 1/3 as much mitochondrial Fe as found in Fe-sufficient livers. In contrast, brains of the same Fe-deficient mice retained normal levels of mitochondrial Fe. Livers from mice with inflammatory hepatitis and from IRP2(-/-) mice hyper-accumulated Fe. These livers had high ferritin levels but low levels of mitochondrial Fe.

PEG-modified GoldMag nanoparticles (PGMNs) combined with the magnetic field for local drug delivery

Polyethylene glycol-modified GoldMag nanoparticles (PGMNs) were synthesized and characterized by several analysis including transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer. Here, we showed that the composite nanoparticles have a saturated magnetization of 34 emu/g with an average diameter of 50 nm. The kinetics analysis showed the maximum doxorubicin (DOX) loading capacity of PGMNs is 107.78 mg/g. The PGMNs loaded with DOX (DOX-loaded PGMNs) exhibited a controlled drug release pattern within the first 4 h and then a slowly, sustained release pattern for 4 days. The biodistribution of DOX-loaded PGMNs in vivo indicated that the concentrations of DOX in liver exposed to magnetic field group (60.7 ± 8.14, 53.6 ± 4.89, 44.8 ± 6.41, and 38.4 ± 2.58 ng/g) were significantly higher than those of no applied magnetic field group (40.8 ± 9.96, 31.9 ± 7.01, 28 ± 6.11, and 20.7 ± 5.78 ng/g) at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 h (P < 0.05), respectively. The amount of Fe in liver exposed magnetic field showed a similar trend. Histological studies revealed an enhanced particle aggregation in the targeted liver area. Under the external magnetic field, the biodistribution of DOX-loaded PGMNs was changed compared to absence of magnet field, and the PGMNs were capable of carrying drug for targeting therapeutic purposes.

Sex, Age, and Tissue Specific Accumulation of Eight Metals, Arsenic, and Selenium in the European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus)

Many insectivores have been shown to be sensitive to heavy metals and therefore suitable for biomonitoring purposes. In Finland, the hibernation period of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is long, and during hibernation the stress caused by environmental toxins may be crucial. Concentrations of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and selenium (Se) were measured in a population of hedgehogs in the town of Joensuu in eastern Finland during the summers of 2004 and 2005. The analyzed tissues were kidney, liver, hair, and spine. The sampled hedgehogs (n=65) were mainly road-killed animals. As expected, the concentrations of heavy metals were low because the hedgehogs were living in a comparatively unpolluted area. Significant increases with age were found in Cd concentrations (kidney, liver, and spine) and some essential elements (Se in spine, kidney, and liver; Mo in kidney and liver; Cu in spine; Fe in liver; and Mn in spine). Age accumulation and correlations between Se and Cd and between Mo and Cd may indicate the protective roles of Se and Mo against Cd toxicity in hedgehogs, in which Cd is already at comparatively low concentrations. Sex had no significant effect on concentrations of the elements studied. In conclusion, age is an important parameter to be taken into account when studying heavy-metal concentrations in hedgehogs and other insectivores.

Changes in levels of essential elements in suckling rats exposed to zinc and mercury

The effect of mercury and its interaction with zinc on the content of essential metals in tissues from neonate rats was investigated. Three-day-old Wistar rats were treated with saline or 27 mg kg −1 d −1 ZnCl 2 (s.c.) for five consecutive days. From the 8th to the 12th day of life, the rats received one daily dose of saline or 5.0 mg kg −1 HgCl 2 (s.c). Twenty-four hours after the last injection liver, kidneys and blood were collected for metal quantification. The HgCl 2 exposure induced alterations on metal levels, such as increase of Fe, Hg and Zn in liver, decrease of Fe and Mg and increase of Cu and Hg contents in kidneys. The Hg exposure also increased Hg levels in the blood. The treatment with ZnCl 2, administered previously to HgCl 2, partially prevented the increase of Fe in the liver, and not only prevented the decrease of renal Mg but also increased it to levels higher than those found in control group. The Zn–Hg rats also presented higher renal Cu levels, and showed partially lower blood and hepatic Hg levels and higher renal Hg levels. The pre-administration of Zn caused no severe alterations in levels of essential metals (Cu, Fe, Mg and Mn). In short, Zn appears to be an alternative treatment of Hg poisoning in young animals in comparison to chelating drugs since these have low metal selectivity.

Normal cadmium uptake in microcytic anemia mk/mk mice suggests that DMT1 is not the only cadmium transporter in vivo

Divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) is a mammalian iron (Fe) transporter and also transports Cadmium (Cd) in vitro. This study compared Cd absorption in DMT1-dysfunctional MK/Rej- mk / mk mice ( mk/mk mice) and in DMT1-functional, Fe-deficient wild-type (WT) mice, to clarify the role of DMT1 in intestinal Cd absorption in vivo. Mice were given 1 ppm CdCl 2 aq in drinking water for 2 weeks, and the concentrations of Cd and Fe in liver, kidney, and intestinal epithelium were subsequently determined. The Fe concentration in intestinal epithelia of WT mice was decreased in proportion to the level of dietary Fe limitation, while Cd accumulation under the same conditions was increased. DMT1 mRNA expression in the small intestine of Fe-deficient WT mice was clearly increased compared to that in Fe-sufficient WT mice. Iron deficiency resulted in up-regulation of Cd uptake in the intestine of Fe-deficient WT mice. The mk/mk mice have a mutation in DMT1 and loss of its function led to decreased intestinal Fe concentration. However, intestinal Cd accumulation was the same as in WT mice and it was also increased in Fe-deficient situation. There is the possibility that an unknown Cd pathway has taken a role on Cd intestinal absorption in vivo and that this pathway is regulated by food Fe concentrations. Therefore, DMT1 is not the sole transporter of intestinal cadmium absorption in vivo.

Effects of Vanadium(V) and/or Chromium(III) on L-Ascorbic Acid and Glutathione as well as Iron, Zinc, and Copper Levels in Rat Liver and Kidney

This study investigated the selected parameters of the antioxidant system in liver and kidney after in vivo administration of vanadium and/or chromium in rats. Outbred 2-mo-old albino male Wistar rats received drinking water for 12 wk with either sodium metavanadate (SMV; group II); chromium chloride (Cr; group III); or sodium metavanadate and chromium chloride (SMV-Cr; group IV); and group I (control) received deionized water. Chronic treatment with V alone or in combination with Cr produced a significant increase in kidney relative weight. Further, giving rats V alone also led to a significant elevation in liver relative weight. An increase in hepatic Fe concentration and renal Zn content occurred after treatment with V or Cr, respectively. The rats coadministered V and Cr had significantly higher levels of Fe in liver and Zn in kidneys. Simultaneous administration of these two elements resulted in a significant decrease in renal L-ascorbic acid concentration. V given alone significantly decreased GSH content and GSH/GSSG ratio in liver and kidney as well as increased GSSG concentration in liver, whereas Cr alone produced a significant decrease in GSH content in kidney and GSH/GSSG ratio in both organs. In the SMV-Cr-treated group a significant decrease in renal GSH concentration and GSH/GSSG ratio in both organs occurred. A significant increase in liver GSSG content was also found. The observed significant changes in kidney GSH content and in GSH/GSSG ratio in both rat tissues after Cr might result from the pro-oxidant actions of this metal. Thus, oxidative stress, which is a major pathway for V-induced toxicity, might also be associated with Cr(III)-induced adverse effects in rats.