Fe Levels Research Articles

The interplay between temporal and seasonal distribution of heavy metals and physiochemical properties in Kaap River

A key aspect of climate change is its impact on river water quality. Most research focuses on the impact of physiochemical parameters on water quality. However, the long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns coupled with anthropogenic activities play a significant role in river contamination. Metals are known to have toxic effects and environmental persistence. This study evaluated the heavy metal content of the Kaap River, where mining and agriculture are the primary land use. A 7-year study was conducted to investigate the seasonal relationship between heavy metals and physiochemical parameters (EC and pH). Fe, Al, As, and Mn concentrations were analysed in a laboratory accredited by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS). The Python package Seaborn was used to generate heat maps for improved data visualization. Seasonal and temporal fluctuations had a combinatorial impact on Mn, Fe, and Al levels of the river. However, As levels were unaffected. The pH of the rivers was within the recommended range, despite flow regime, seasonal, and time-dependent fluctuations. Seasonal and temporal variations were also observed for EC, with the highest value of 42.35 mS/m being recorded during the winter of 2022, exceeding the recommended threshold of 30 mS/m. The correlation analysis revealed positive and significant correlations for the EC/pH and Al/Fe combinations and a weak degree of association for other parameters (P < 0.05). A permanent monitoring of water quality is required to ensure sustainable livelihoods and the safety of Kaap River water, which is subject to significant heavy metal fluctuations over time.

Exogenous γ-aminobutyric acid and Bacillus pumilus reduce arsenic uptake and toxicity in rice.

In this study, the addition of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), Bacillus pumilus, or both, was found to enhance rice growth and yield while significantly decreasing arsenic (As) accumulation in Oryza sativa rice tissues. GABA emerged as a regulator of iron (Fe) homeostasis, acting as a signaling modulator that influenced phytosiderophore secretions in the plant. Meanwhile, B. pumilus directly increased Fe levels through siderophore production, promoting the development of Fe-rich rice plants. Subsequently, Fe competed with As uptake at the root surface, leading to decreased As levels and translocation to the grains. Furthermore, the addition of GABA and B. pumilus optimized rice indole-3 acetic acid (IAA) contents, thereby adjusting cell metabolite balance under As stress. This adjustment results in low malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in the leaves and roots during the early and late vegetative phases, effectively reducing oxidative stress. When added to As-contaminated soil, GABA and B. pumilus effectively maintained endogenous GABA levels and exhibited low ROS generation, similar to normal soil. Concurrently, GABA and B. pumilus significantly downregulated the activity of OsLsi1, OsLsi2, and OsABCC1 in roots, reducing As uptake through roots, shoots, and grains, respectively. These findings suggest that GABA and B. pumilus additions impede As translocation through grains, ultimately enhancing rice productivity under As stress.

Transcription factor MYB8 regulates iron deficiency stress response in Arabidopsis

Iron (Fe) is a crucial microelement for humans, animals, and plants. Insufficient Fe levels in plants impede growth and diminish photosynthesis, thus decreasing crop production. Notably, approximately one-third of the soil worldwide is alkaline and prone to Fe deficiency. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms underlying Fe absorption and transportation in plants can enhance Fe bioavailability in crops. In this study, the role of the transcription factor MYB8 in plant response to Fe deficiency in Arabidopsis was investigated via reverse genetics. Phenotype analysis revealed that the functional deletion mutant of MYB8 gene exhibited sensitivity to Fe deficiency stress, as indicated by shorter root length, lower chlorophyll content, and Fe concentration. Conversely, MYB8 overexpression strain showed a tolerant phenotype. Furthermore, qRT-PCR identified possible downstream MYB8-regulated genes. Moreover, MYB8 regulated the expression of iron-regulated transporter 1 (IRT1) by binding to the MYB binding sites motif (‘AACAAAC’) in its promoter.

Aqueous and mineralogical sulfur speciation in legacy tailings with variable redox conditions

Sulfide mineral reactivity and dissolved sulfur (S) speciation in tailings systems remain poorly constrained across redox gradients, especially in heterogeneous materials. We characterized the S-bearing mineralogy, prevailing geochemical conditions, and dissolved, intermediate (incompletely oxidized) S speciation, at three legacy tailings in Ontario and two in Nova Scotia, Canada. Tailings in Cobalt, Ontario, contained up to 3.5 wt-% sulfide minerals, mainly authigenic chalcopyrite and cobaltite/gersdorfitte. Sulfate (up to 537 ppm) dominated dissolved S in surface and porewaters from these sites, but significant fractions of thiosulfate and tetrathionate, at >40% of total S, could be detected in tailings porewaters. Tailings at the Goldenville and Montague sites in Nova Scotia contained up to 7.5 wt-% sulfide minerals, mainly pyrite and arsenopyrite, but contained smaller fractions of intermediate S (<15% on average, mostly thiosulfate and sulfite). Across all sites, overlying surface waters contained both lower total S levels, as well as lower intermediate-S fractions, than tailings porewaters. Redox conditions appeared to exert a dominant control on aqueous S speciation, and correlations of intermediate S with dissolved Fe levels and tailings mineralogy suggested the latter presented lesser influences on S dynamics. This work demonstrates that incomplete S oxidation and resultant intermediate S species play an important role for S mobility in sub-oxic tailings systems and at legacy mine sites and should therefore be considered in long-term reactivity and water quality predictions.

A novel cholesterol metabolism-related ferroptosis pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma

BackgroundEmerging studies have reported the contribution of cholesterol to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. However, the specific role and mechanism of cholesterol metabolism on spontaneous and progressive HCC development from the point of view of ferroptosis are still worth exploring. The present study aimed to reveal a novel mechanism of cholesterol metabolism-related ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.MethodsTwo microarray datasets (GSE25097, GSE22058) related to HCC were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Metabolomics analysis was performed by ultra performance liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS). The cholesterol-related proteins were downloaded from HMBD. Ferroptosis-related genes were extracted from FerrDb database. Data sets were separated into two groups. GSE25097 was used to identify ferroptosis-related genes, and GSE22058 was used to verify results. During these processes, chemical–protein interaction (CPI), protein–protein interaction (PPI), the Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to test the associated pathway.ResultsWe identified 8 differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes (HAMP, PTGS2, IL1B, ALOX15B, CDKN2A, RRM2, NQO1 and KIF20A) and 4 differentially expressed cholesterol-related genes (LCAT, CH25H, CEL and CYP7A1). Furthermore, based on the predicted results with STITCH, we identified indomethacin and IL1B as the essential node for cholesterol-mediated ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cell. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the activities of plasma IL1B in liver cancer patients enrolled have been significantly affected by the level of plasma cholesterol (P < 0.001) and the test result of IL1B is a predictor variable causing the changes of serum Fe levels (P < 0.001).ConclusionsOur findings shed new light on the association between cholesterol metabolism and ferroptosis in HCC, and suggest that IL1B is the necessary node for cholesterol to lead to ferroptosis process in HCC. Also, we identified the potential role of indomethacin in adjuvant therapy of HCC with complications of abnormal cholesterol metabolism.

Smartphone-enabled green anthocyanin sensor for Fe(III) sensing on paper using capillary-driven microfluidics

Chemical wastes, such as synthetic dyes and coloring agents, pose significant concerns due to their detrimental impact on human health and ecosystems. As an eco-friendly alternative, the study of natural dyes and coloring agents has gained momentum over the last decade, owing to their biodegradability and reduced environmental and health risks. Here, we report a novel approach employing a butterfly pea anthocyanin paper-based sensor to quantify Fe(III) ions in water. Compared to previous green sensing techniques reliant on heavy instrumentations, this approach offers enhanced accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and user-friendliness. Notably, this study is the first example of natural dye sensing on a capillary microfluidics system. The capillary-driven microfluidic system ensures user-friendly operation and allows the sensing platform to be directly immersed in water without reagent loss. The device's design involves drying the butterfly pea-derived anthocyanin reagent within a pH-controlled paper substrate embedded in the capillary-driven microfluidic system. Smartphone-based colorimetric signal generation and quantification was achieved within seconds for a working range of 50–800 mg/L, with the device's detection limit of 43 mg/L using ImageJ and 55 mg/L using the smartphone app. This green sensing methodology has the potential to be used for groundwater sources with elevated Fe(III) levels. Additionally, this platform can be used in chemistry educational settings as an effective means to understand fundamental concepts such as acid-base reactions, base strength, ionic equilibrium, and metal complexation in a user-friendly microfluidic system.

Non-invasive iron deficiency diagnosis: a saliva-based approach using capillary flow microfluidics.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a condition characterized by lower-than-average iron (Fe) levels in the body, affecting a substantial number of young children and pregnant women globally. Existing diagnostic methods for IDA rely on invasive analysis of stored Fe in ferritin from blood samples, posing challenges, especially for toddlers and young children. To address this issue, saliva has been proposed as a non-invasive sample matrix for IDA diagnosis. However, conventional Fe analysis techniques often necessitate complex and costly instrumentation. This study presents the first non-invasive, saliva-based preliminary screening test for IDA using a nitrocellulose lateral flow system. In this study, we introduce a novel approach using the ferroin reaction with bathophenanthroline (Bphen) and ferrous (Fe2+) ions to quantify Fe levels in saliva. Our methodology involves a capillary flow-driven microfluidic device integrated into a lateral flow system utilizing nitrocellulose membranes. Here, we present the first instance of saliva on a nitrocellulose substrate to detect salivary Fe levels. The optimized system yielded a linear response over the 1-200 ppm range in buffer solution, with a limit of detection (LoD) of 5.6 ppm. Furthermore, the system demonstrated a linear response in pooled saliva samples across the 1-1000 ppm range, with a LoD of 55.1 ppm. These results underscore the potential of our capillary flow-driven microfluidic device as a viable non-invasive diagnostic tool for IDA, particularly in remote and resource-limited settings.

Floristic diversity and edaphic filters in an urban forest under Cerrado domain, in Cuiabá, Central Western Brazil.

We aimed to characterize the adult and regenerating tree components and their relationships with soil characteristics of a native vegetation remnant in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The area of the fragment is stratified into "dry area" (lithic neosoil) and "damp area" (gleisoil). We conducted a forest inventory with a random distribution of 25 parcels. We analyzed the physical and chemical components of the soil. We evaluated the vegetation's horizontal structure, diversity, and sample sufficiency using the Bootstrap richness estimator. We classified the species according to dispersal syndrome and ecological group. Overall, we found 93 species in the adult layer and 70 species in the regenerating layer. The similarity dendrograms based on the two evaluated indices demonstrated the existence of the two initially stratified environments in both strata. The IndVal (%) indicated that the set of indicator species differed between the strata. Thereby, the fragment is in an intermediate stage of successional progression. PCA showed that plots in the wet area had higher pH values and Ca, Zn, and Fe levels, while plots in the dry area did not clearly distinguish, varying in terms of K, B, and organic matter content. In CCA, a set of species that occurred exclusively in the damp area showed a strong relationship with the analyzed variables. The area is a diverse ecosystem that efficiently provides ecosystem services to society and should be the subject of long-term conservation and research.

External magnet-guided targeted delivery and tissue distribution analysis of anti-cluster of differentiation 3 conjugated magnetic nanoparticles of Fe3O4 using in vivo imaging system

Drug distribution is a vital parameter for depicting the pharmacokinetic properties of therapeutic agents. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) conjugated with anti-cluster of differentiation 3 (anti-CD3) monoclonal antibody (MNPs-Ab) is a promising immunotherapeutic agent. Magnet-guided targeted delivery of MNPs has been studied exclusively in oncology. The distribution of MNPs is routinely analyzed by measuring Fe levels using inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). However, the ICP-based methods measure the total iron content, including endogenous iron. We used an efficient approach that measured MNPs-Ab distribution after intravenous administration using an in vivo imaging system. The fluorescent-labeled anti-CD3s are conjugated with dextran-coated magnetic nanoparticles (50 nm diameter) by the glutaraldehyde conjugation method. MNPs-Ab was intravenously administered to BALB/c mice. The fluorescence intensity in live animal and organs were analyzed after 0, 1, and 24 h. The conjugation of fluorescently labeled antibodies with MNPs was validated. The attachment of a permanent magnet on the dorsal skin area successfully guided the intravenously injected Ab-MNPs within 24 h. However, after 1 h, no observable fluorescence was seen at the target site. The in vitro organ distribution study confirms nanoparticles’ predominant distribution in the liver and kidneys-the intensities of the fluorescence increase after 24 h than 1 h. Our in vivo imaging studies confirmed the external magnet-driven targeted distribution of the antibody-conjugated nanoparticle. Besides, the in vivo imaging system enables rapidly identifying the distributed nanoparticles.

Distribution of Clean Water Quality Levels in SPAMDes Ngudi Tirto Kulon Progo

Clean water must be met in terms of quality, quantity and continuity. Clean water quality that has not been met according to quality standards will harm people’s health. Rural communities often face the problem of unmet quality of clean water. The Ngudi Tirto Rural Drinking Water Supply System serves the clean water needs of the Kebonromo hamlet community. Water sampling is needed to determine its quality level. Sampling was carried out at several points to determine the distribution of quality levels. The quality levels taken are pH, Fe, KMnO4 and DO. The distribution of water quality levels was analysed using ArcGIS software with the IDW method. Clean water quality standards are based on Minister of Health Regulation no. 32 of 2017. Based on the results of water quality levels, it shows that the pH value is between 6.9 and 7.8. Fe quality levels obtained values between 0.1 mg/l and 0.3 mg/l. The quality level of KMnO4 obtained values between 6.162 mg/l and 15.01 mg/l. And the DO quality level obtained a value between 1.15 mg/l and 2.7 mg/l. The distribution of clean water quality levels along the distribution network is as follows, for pH levels of 100% which meet quality standards, Fe levels of 100% which meet quality standards, KMnO4 levels of 87.5% which meet quality standards and DO levels which do not meet quality standards.

Effects of Cr-addition on ageing response of an Al–Si–Mg die cast alloy

Chromium (Cr) is rarely added to Al–Si die cast alloys as it has a strong tendency to induce the formation of coarse-sized sludge particles. In the present study, high pressure die-cast samples made of Al-7wt.%Si–Cr–Mg alloys with varied Fe contents (0.11 wt%, 0.26 wt% and 0.32 wt%) were tensile tested under as-cast and T5 heat-treated conditions, in comparison to those made of Al-7wt.% Si–Mn–Mg alloy with a constant Fe content (0.11 wt%). The results demonstrated that under the as-cast condition, the Al–Si–Cr alloys with higher Fe contents can achieve comparable tensile properties as the Al–Si–Mn alloy with strictly controlled Fe level. However, after a T5 heat treatment (205 °C for 60 min), the increment in yield strength is less for the Al–Si–Cr alloys in relative to the Al–Si–Mn alloy, regardless of Fe contents. Scanning electron and scanning transmission electron microscopic characterizations were conducted on the as-cast and heat-treated microstructures, aiming to understand the undermined ageing response caused by Cr addition.

Characterization of a Southern Ocean deep chlorophyll maximum: Response of phytoplankton to light, iron, and manganese enrichment

AbstractSouthern Ocean phytoplankton growth is limited by low iron (Fe) supply and irradiance, impacting the strength of the biological carbon pump. Unfavorable upper ocean conditions, such as low nutrient concentrations, can lead to the formation of deep chlorophyll or biomass maxima (DCM/DBM). While common in the Southern Ocean, these features remain understudied due to their subsurface location. To increase our understanding of their occurrence, we studied the responses of phytoplankton communities from a Southern Ocean DCM to increasing light, Fe, and manganese (Mn) levels. The DCM communities were light‐ and Fe‐limited, but light limitation did not increase phytoplankton Fe requirements. The greatest physiological responses were observed under combined Fe/light additions, which stimulated macronutrient drawdown, biomass production and the growth of large diatoms. Combined Mn/light additions induced subtle changes in Fe uptake rates and community composition, suggesting species‐specific Mn requirements. These results provide valuable information on Southern Ocean DCM phytoplankton physiology.

Efficiency of Some Chemical Reagents with Ultrafiltration System in the treatment of Abattoir Wastewater

The study seeks to evaluate the concentration of some toxicants in abattoir wastewater prior to treatment and after treatment using ultrafiltration system. Samples of water were gathered from the reservoir of wastewater in the Gwagwalada abattoir, Abuja, Nigeria without treatment and labelled S1. Some of the water was subjected to treatment using Chlorine + Alum + Lime (S2), another with Chlorine + Alum + Lime + Activated carbon (S3). Physico-chemical parameters such as: pH, colour, nitrates etc. were analyzed. Trace metals (Zn, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn, Ni, Co and Cd) levels in the water samples were investigated using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Concentration of pesticide residues (μg/L), antibiotics and bacterial growth were also evaluated. The S1, S2 and S3 nitrate concentrations were 271.20, 22.40 and 26.57 mg/L respectively. Level of Zinc, Copper and Lead in the trio samples investigated were within the range 0.14 to 0.24 mg/L, 0.15 to 0.24 mg/L and 0.06 to 0.17 mg/L respectively. Dichlorvos, Lambda-cyhalothrin and Chlorpyrifos were found in the 3 water samples in varying concentration. Only sample S1 shows microbial growth of Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp., and Shigella spp. at 52.00 ± 8.49, 58.00±31.11, &gt;100 and 10.50 ±0.71 CFU/100ml respectively. In S1, 0.05 μg/L of oxytetracycline and 0.34 μg/ of levofloxacin were found. This study has shown that treating wastewater from the abattoir using ultrafiltration method with some reagents such as Chlorine, Alum, Lime and Activated Carbon can help in removing toxicants and purify it before releasing it into the environment.

Evaluation of some heavy metals and selenium pollution in Karataş Lake (Burdur/Türkiye) using various pollution indices and statistical analysis

Wetland face environmental problems due to some reasons such as drought, rapid population and rapid developments in technology. Karataş Lake is located within the Lakes Region in Türkiye and has also of great economically, ecologically and ornithologically importance. Unfortunately, it completely dried out in 2021 due to sufficient rainfall, groundwater withdrawal and global climate change. In 2022, the lake started to hold water again. This study is important because it is one of the last studies before the lake dries up and first study to evaluate some heavy metals and selenium pollution using some indices. In this study, which was carried out between October 2019–July 2020, some heavy metals and selenium concentrations were determined in water of Karataş Lake seasonally and evaluated pollution degree of lake water using some indices and statistical analysis. Water temperature, pH, electrical conductivity and dissolved oxygen levels were measured in situ using YSI 556 MPS. For heavy metal analysis, water samples were taken, acidified to a pH of <2, stored at 4 °C and analyzed directly using ICP-OES (Agilent 5110). Pb and Se in all seasons were below detection limit. The analyzed metals sorted as; Cd < Mo < Cr < Cu < Mn < Zn < Ni < Fe. Generally, heavy metals were increased in autumn and decreased in spring. According to some water quality standards for drinking water, Fe levels were higher than the permissible levels for drinking water in all seasons (TSE, 2005; EPA, 2018; EU, 2020), Mn in autumn (TSE, 2005; EPA, 2018; EU, 2020), Ni in autumn and summer (TSE, 2005; EU, 2020). Water Quality Index (WQI), Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) and Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HEI) values were calculated in Karataş Lake to determine pollution degree. Depend on WQI results, lake water was in good category in autumn, winter and spring while poor category in summer. The lake water samples based on HPI and HEI values are in the low contamination category. The lake is still struggling with environmental problems. If necessary precautions are not taken for the future of the lake, the lake may dry out again. The results of this study will help the authorities in terms of preventing re-drying, sustainability of the lake and management of the region. This study will be also a reference for future studies.

Role of placental barrier on trace element transfer in maternal fetal system and hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus

BackgroundHypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy (HDCP) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can affect the placental barrier function to varying degrees. However, current studies show that the transfer and distribution characteristics of trace elements in the maternal-fetal system are still unclear. This study investigated the effect of the placental barrier on the transfer of trace elements from mother to fetus and its relationship with HDCP and GDM.MethodsA case-control method was used in this study. 140 pairs of samples were collected; 60 were from healthy pregnant women, and 80 were from patients with pregnancy complications. The contents of trace elements in paired samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). SPSS software was used to analyze the differences in trace element levels in matched samples of each group. The correlations were analyzed based on Pearson’s correlation factor (r).ResultsThe distribution characteristics of Fe content in the pathological group (HDCP group and GDM group) were the same as those in the normal group (umbilical cord blood > maternal blood > placenta), but there was no significant difference in the iron content in maternal blood and cord blood of pathological group. The distribution characteristics of Mn content in the pathological group (placenta > umbilical cord blood > maternal blood) were changed compared with those in the normal group (placenta > maternal blood > umbilical cord blood). In addition, the placental Cr content and cord blood Cr and Ni content of the pathological group were higher than those of the normal group. HDCP placental Cr and GDM placental Fe levels were significantly correlated with the Apgar score.ConclusionsThe transfer of Fe and Mn and the placental barrier function of Cr and Ni in the maternal-fetal system of HDCP and GDM are significantly altered, which directly or indirectly increases the maternal and fetal health risk.

Alleviation of Aluminum-Induced Oxidative Stress, Trace Element, and Mineral Levels in Rat Tissues Protective Role of Pomegranate Juice (Punica Granatum L.).

The present investigation examined the impact of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice on trace elements, minerals, and oxidative stress in relation to the potential harm inflicted by aluminum chloride (AlCl3) in rats. Rats were split into four groups at random for this purpose: control (C), pomegranate juice (PJ), aluminum chloride (A), and PJ + A. For 30days, PJ was orally administered by gavage at a rate of 4mL/kg every other day, whereas AlCl3 was administered intraperitoneally at 8.3mg/kg. Spectrophotometric analysis was used to measure the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) enzyme activity in various tissues. In addition, high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS FAAS) was used to determine the amounts of the elements Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ca, and Mg in the tissues. It was discovered that when PJ therapy was applied to all tissues, the antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT activity increased, the GSH level rose, and the MDA level, a sign of lipid peroxidation, decreased. Al and Ca levels increased in the A group relative to the C group in all tissues, whereas they decreased in the A + PJ group relative to the A group. Group A exhibited a proportionate increase in Fe levels in the liver and renal tissues compared with group C. Furthermore, the A group's brain tissue had a higher Fe level than the C group's. The A + PJ group's brain tissue had a lower Fe level than the A group's. Our findings demonstrate that PJ therapy greatly decreased Al buildup and oxidative stress in tissues while controlling variations in trace element levels. In addition, it is concluded that PJ might have value as a strong chelating agent to prevent Al poisoning.

Effect of iron administration on the aortic iron content and vascular calcification in phosphorus-loaded chronic kidney disease rats

BackgroundCardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and could be related to oxidative stress. Vascular calcification (VC) has been established as a critical risk factor for accelerated CVD. In CKD, phosphorus (Pi), iron (Fe) and Nrf2 are modulators of VC and important agonists and antagonists of oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to determine whether Fe administration, which is commonly used to treat renal anemia, affects aortic Fe overload and VC, and whether Nrf2 and its related genes, ferritin H and HIF-1α, are involved in the development of VC.MethodsA CKD model was created in rats by administering adenine and simultaneously feeding a high-Pi diet. In addition to control and CKD rats without Fe administration (No-Fe group), Fe was administered orally (PO-Fe group) or intraperitoneally (IP-Fe group) to CKD animals to clarify the effects of Fe administration on the aortic Fe and calcium (Ca) contents and the involvement of Nrf2 and its induced antioxidative proteins, ferritin H and HIF-1α, in VC.ResultsThe aortic Fe content increased significantly in the IP-Fe group, which was closely correlated with liver HAMP (hepcidin) expression in all animals. Fe administration had no significant effect on the aortic Ca and Pi contents regardless of the route of Fe administration. The aortic mRNA level of Nrf2 was significantly increased in the IP-Fe group and correlated with serum Pi levels and aortic Fe contents, which could respond to oxidative stress. Notably, the mRNA level of Nrf2 was also significantly correlated with the mRNA levels of ferritin H and HIF-1α. Since we could not measure Nrf2 protein levels in this study, we confirmed the upregulation of HMOX1 and NQO1 mRNA expression in parallel with Nrf2 mRNA.ConclusionParenteral Fe administration increased aortic Fe in parallel with the liver HAMP mRNA level but did not affect VC. Aortic Nrf2 mRNA levels correlated significantly with aortic Fe and serum Pi levels and with aortic mRNA levels of ferritin H and HIF-1α as well as HMOX1 and NQO1.

Epigallocatechin gallate alleviated the in vivo toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles to mouse intestine.

To evaluate the oral toxicity of nanoparticles (NPs), it is necessary to consider the interactions between NPs and nutrient molecules. Recently, we reported that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a healthy component in green tea, alleviated the toxicity of ZnO NPs to 3D Caco-2 spheroids in vitro. The present study investigated the combined effects of EGCG and ZnO NPs to mice in vivo. Mice were administrated with 35 or 105 mg/kg bodyweight ZnO NPs with or without the presence of 80 mg/kg bodyweight EGCG via gastric route, once a day, for 21 days, and the influences of EGCG on the toxicity of ZnO NPs to intestine were investigated. We found that EGCG altered the colloidal properties of ZnO NPs both in water and artificial intestine juice. As expected, ZnO NPs induced toxicological effects, such as decreased bodyweight, higher Chiu's scores, and ultrastructural changes in intestine, whereas EGCG alleviated these effects. Combined exposure to EGCG and ZnO NPs also changed trace element levels in mouse intestine. For example, the levels of Ti, Co, and Ni were only significantly elevated after co-exposure to EGCG and ZnO NPs, and Fe levels were only significantly decreased by ZnO NPs. Western blot analysis suggested that tight junction (TJ) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteins were elevated by ZnO NPs, but EGCG inhibited this trend. Combined, these data suggested that gastric exposure to ZnO NPs induced intestinal damage, trace element imbalance, and TJ/ER protein expression in mouse intestine, whereas EGCG alleviated these effects of ZnO NPs.

Serum and salivary Cu/Zn ratio as a diagnostic biomarker for oral submucosal fibrosis: an analysis of trace metals and LOX gene variants.

This study aimed to analyze the serum and salivary levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn) and the Cu/Zn ratio and investigate the association between LOX gene variants (rs18800449 and rs2288393) and oral submucosal fibrosis (OSMF). A total of 250 subjects were included in the study: OSMF patients (n = 50), areca nut chewers without OSMF (n = 100) and controls (n = 100). Trace metals were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, while LOX gene variants were genotyped using the tetra primer amplification refractory mutation system (tetra ARMS) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The results showed significant variations in serum and salivary Cu, Zn, Fe and Cr levels and serum Mn concentrations among the three groups (p < 0.0001). Serum Cu levels were significantly higher in OSMF patients, while serum Zn levels were significantly lower. Both serum and salivary Cu/Zn ratios demonstrated a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001) and diagnostic potential to differentiate OSMF from chewers and controls. However, LOX gene variants did not show an association between OSMF and chewers, except for rs1800449 genotypes, which showed a significant and increased risk with the AA genotype in OSMF patients compared to controls (OR = 7.58; 95%CI 2.30-24.97). The study suggests that trace elements and genetic variants may impact the etiology of OSMF. The findings may aid in early diagnosis, suitable treatment, and as a prognostic indicator for disease progression.

Molecular cytogenetic identification and nutritional composition evaluation of newly synthesized Triticum turgidum-Triticum boeoticum amphiploids (AABBAbAb).

Triticum boeoticum Boiss. (AbAb, 2n = 2x = 14) is a wheat-related species with the blue aleurone trait. In this study, 18 synthetic Triticum turgidum-Triticum boeoticum amphiploids were identified, which were derived from crosses between T. boeoticum and T. turgidum. Three probes (Oligo-pTa535, Oligo-pSc119.2, and Oligo-pTa713) for multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (mc-FISH) were combined with genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) to identify chromosomal composition. Seven nutritional indices (anthocyanins, protein, total essential amino acids TEAA, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu) were measured, and the nutritional components of 18 synthetic amphiploids were comprehensively ranked by principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that all three synthetic amphiploids used for cytological identification contained 42 chromosomes, including 14A, 14 B, and 14 Ab chromosomes. The average anthocyanin content was 82.830 μg/g to 207.606 μg/g in the whole meal of the 17 blue-grained lines (Syn-ABAb-1 to Syn-ABAb-17), which was obviously higher than that in the yellow-grained line Syn-ABAb-18 (6.346 μg/g). The crude protein content was between 154.406 and 180.517 g/kg, and the EAA content was 40.193-63.558 mg/g. The Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu levels in the 17 blue-grained lines were 60.55 to 97.41 mg/kg, 60.55-97.41 mg/kg, 35.11 to 65.20 mg/kg and 5.74 to 7.22 mg/kg, respectively, which were higher than those in the yellow-grained line. The contribution of the first three principal components reached 84%. The first principal component was mainly anthocyanins, Fe, Zn and Mn. The second principal component contained protein and amino acids, and the third component contained only Cu. The top 5 Triticum turgidum-Triticum boeoticum amphiploids were Syn-ABAb-11, Syn-ABAb-17, Syn-ABAb-5, Syn-ABAb-8 and Syn-ABAb-4. These amphidiploids exhibited the potential to serve as candidates for hybridization with common wheat, as indicated by comprehensive score rankings, toward enhancing the nutritional quality of wheat.