High Levels Of Cu Research Articles

Effect of dietary copper level on the gut microbiota and its correlation with serum inflammatory cytokines in Sprague-Dawley rats.

In China's swine industry, copper is generally supplemented above the National Research Council (NRC) requirement (2012) because of its antimicrobial properties and the potential for growth promotion. Yet few are concerned about whether this excess supplementation is necessary. In this study, the 16S rRNA pyrosequencing was designed and used to investigate the effect of dietary copper level on the diversity of the fecal microbial community and the correlation of copper level with the serum level of inflammatory cytokines in Sprague-Dawley rat models. The results showed that the diet containing a high level of Cu (120 and 240 mg/kg) changed the microbial richness and diversity of rat feces associated with the increased copper content in the rat ileac and colonic digesta. Furthermore, a Pearson's correlation analysis indicated that an accumulation of unabsorbed copper in the chyme was correlated with the microbial composition of the rat feces, which was linked with TNF-α in serum. The results suggest that dietary copper level may have a direct impact on circulating inflammatory cytokines in the serum, perhaps inducing an inflammatory response by altering the microbial composition of rat feces. Serum TNF-α could be the chief responder to excessive copper exposure.

Trace Elements Levels in Drinking Water from Gokana, Ogoniland, River State, Nigeria

This study investigated the levels of trace metals in drinking water in crude oil contaminated communities in Gokana Rivers State Nigeria The trace metals levels were measured with atomic absorption spectrophotometer The levels of Co Zn Mg Cu and Fe in the drinking water ranged between and respectively The levels of Co Cu and Fe in drinking water in the study sites analyzed were significant p higher when compared with their corresponding permissible limits by WHO except magnesium and zinc that were below the permissible limit Co Cu and Fe were ranged between times larger than the permissible limits The high level of Co Cu and Fe render this water from these communities in Gokana unsuitable for human consumption due to their potentials adverse health effect at high levels

Temporal-spatial variations, source identification and ecological risks of nutrients and dissolved metals in seawater of the Southeastern Mediterranean Sea, Egypt

ABSTRACTThe Egyptian Mediterranean coastal zone suffers from several types of pollutants, due to different inputs from industrial, sewage effluents, shipping activities, spillage and coastal activities. In the present study, the nitrogen, phosphorus compounds and dissolved metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) concentrations in the Egyptian Mediterranean seawater were investigated during 2012 to 2015. The aim of the study was to understand the temporal and spatial variations of the determined parameters and their ecological risk along the Egyptian Mediterranean seawater. The relative dominance of metals was in the following decreasing order: Fe>Zn>Mn>Cu>Pb>Cr>Ni>Cd in 2012, Fe>Zn>Pb>Cu>Ni>Cr>Mn>Cd in 2013, Fe>Cu>Zn>Ni>Cr>Mn>Pb>Cd in 2014 and Fe>Ni>Cr>Cu>Zn>Pb>Mn>Cd in 2015. Relatively high levels of Cu, Cr, Cd, Ni, Zn and Pb were detected in El-Mex bay which is one of the most important industrial and trade regions of Alexandria city. While, higher mean values of Fe and Mn were registered in El Burg and El Dekhaila, respectively. El-Dekheila harbor is considered as a part of El-Mex bay which is subjected to several sources of wastewater and the degree of water contamination of the harbor depends on seawater circulation in the bay. The contamination by metals in seawater samples were assessed using metal pollution index, enrichment and contamination factors. Descriptive statistical analysis showed that terrestrial inputs via Nile River and sewages may be the main sources for the dissolved metals and nutrients contamination.

Linkage between human population and trace elements in soils of the Pearl River Delta: Implications for source identification and risk assessment

The human population is both an emitter and receptor of metals. This study aims to clarify how the relationship of metals and metalloids to human populations influences their source characterization and health risk, based on metal concentrations in 298 soil samples in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) and the corresponding zip-code level population. Nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb), but not chromium (Cr) and arsenic (As), were significantly correlated with population (p<0.01), suggesting potential anthropogenic sources. A principal component analysis (PCA) revealed three factors (i.e., F1, F2, and F3) contributing to metal levels in the PRD: (1) metal transport from rivers (F1), which explained the high levels of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, and Cd in downstream areas; (2) industrial sources (F2), mainly contributing to Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, and Pb; and (3) natural and agricultural sources (F3), mainly contributing to As and Pb. F2 was significantly correlated with population, while F3 was not, indicating that an analysis of the correlation with population could be used to identify industrial sources of metals. Compared with directly calculated risks, the population-weighted non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were increased by 4.2–4.9% and 7.7–9.2%, respectively. A unit increase in the concentration of industrial metals led to higher extra risks than a corresponding increase in natural metals due to the proximity to human populations.

Determination of the Extent of Trace Metals Pollution in Soils, Sediments and Human Hair at e-Waste Recycling Site in Ghana.

The concentrations of trace elements (Mg, Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Y, Mo, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, Cs, Ba, Tl, Pb, and Bi) in soils, sediment, human hair, and foodstuff collected around the electronic waste (e-waste) recycling sites in Accra, Ghana were detected using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). High levels of Cu, Zn, Mo, Cd, In, Sn, Sb, and Pb were observed in soils collected from the e-waste recycling sites. Four sequential extraction procedures were used to evaluate the mobility and bioavailability of metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Sb, and Pb). Especially, the results showed that Cd and Zn in soils were mostly recovered in exchangeable fraction (respectively 58.9 and 62.8%). Sediment collected from around the site had enrichment of Zn, Sn, Sb, Mo, In, Pb, and Bi. The concentrations of Cu, Mo, Cd, Sb, and Pb in human hair were significantly higher than those collected from the control site (p<0.01). Additionally, hierarchical cluster analysis reviewed that these elements were derived from e-waste activities. The results of Pb isotopic ratios in the samples indicate that Pb in human hair possibly originated from contaminated soils, fish, and foodstuff.

Bioelements in hair of children with selected neurological disorders.

We have analyzed concentrations of magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) in hair of a group of 82 children with mental retardation, in which 9 patients suffered from epilepsy, 18 from the Down's syndrome and 55 from cerebral palsy. Girls comprised little over 50% of the patients. In the group of boys with epilepsy, we found Mg, Ca, Cu and Fe deficiency, and normal level of Zn. In the group of girls with epilepsy, apart from low Fe concentration, a high level of Ca, Mg, Zn, and Cu was noted. For girls with the Down's syndrome, a high or normal level of Ca, Mg, Zn and Cu was found, whereas the Fe concentration varied and presented itself in a non-characteristic way. Both groups of children with cerebral palsy, i.e. boys and girls, displayed low Fe concentration in their hair; low Cu level was found in older patients as well. In this group of patients, we also noted high concentrations of Ca, Mg and Zn in girls and normal in boys. A high concentration of Ca in girls with cerebral palsy requires separate analysis. The obtained results could be useful as guidance in the direction and determination of the amount of possible patient nutritional supplementation.

Ecology, health and genetic characterization of the southernmost green turtle (Chelonia mydas) aggregation in the Eastern Pacific: implications for local conservation strategies

Bahia Salado, located in northern Chile (27°41’S, 70°59’W), is the southernmost foraging ground for the endangered green turtle (Chelonia mydas) in the Eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO). To date, almost no information exists on its current status, nor on its connectivity with nesting rookeries in the EPO. This study aims to inform on the genetic characterization, health and ecology of Bahia Salado’s green turtle aggregation in order to provide baseline information for local conservation strategies. We describe population structure and residency times using mark-recapture method. We also examine health parameters (body condition index, blood profile and blood copper-Cu and lead-Pb concentrations) and regional connectivity through genetic analyses. Our results indicate that this aggregation is composed exclusively of juveniles, with residency times varying between five to sixteen months. Turtles exhibited a very good body condition; however they showed the highest blood concentrations of Cu and Pb described for C. mydas and for almost all sea turtle species. Some biochemistry parameters (albumin, calcium, phosphorus, AST, triglycerides and creatinine) are also the highest ever reported for this species in the region. Analysis of the 770 bp (base pairs) control region of the mitochondrial DNA revealed four haplotypes, suggesting a strong genetic connectivity to the Galapagos rookery. Our study indicates that Bahia Salado’s aggregation represents a developmental foraging ground, where juvenile green turtles thrive. Although Bahia Salado’s ecosystem seems to be a very suitable habitat for the species, the high levels of Cu and Pb, together with elevated AST, demand further research on the negative impacts of heavy metals on this aggregation. Our results highlight the importance to protect this bay from anthropological activities, evaluate pollution sources and other local threats to this particular coastal ecosystem. We recommend year-round monitoring of the green turtle aggregation and other components of this ecosystem, incorporating participation of local seaweed collectors and the fishing community.

Contents of Heavy Metals in Chinese Edible Herbs: Evidence from a Case Study of Epimedii Folium.

Toxic heavy metal contamination in Chinese edible herbs has raised a worldwide concern. In this study, heavy metals in Epimedii Folium, an edible medicinal plant in China, were quantitatively analyzed. Variations of heavy metals in different species, in various organs (i.e., leaves, stems, and roots), in wild-growing and cultivated plants, and in 35 market samples of Epimedii Folium, were systematically investigated. In all of Epimedium samples, Hg (mercury) was not detectable (0.00μg/g). Four species, Epimedium pubescens, Epimedium sagittatum, Epimedium brevicornu, and Epimedium wushanense, were found to contain Cu (copper) and Pb (lead). And contents of Cu and Pb in E. brevicornu were significantly higher than those in other species (P<0.01). In wild-growing and cultivated Epimedium plants, Cd (cadmium) and As (arsenic) were not detectable, and concentrations of Cu and Pb in wild-growing plants were significantly higher than those in cultivated plants (P<0.01). Cd was not detectable in leaves, roots, and stems, while organ specificity was apparent in the distribution of Cu, As, and Pb. And the highest levels of Cu and Pb were observed in roots and leaves, respectively. In Chinese markets, several samples of Epimedii Folium contained excessive Cu, Cd, As, and Pb beyond the national permissible limits. In summary, there was a large variation of heavy metals among Epimedii Folium samples, and Cu and Pb were the most important heavy metals contaminating the edible medicinal plant. Application of Epimedii Folium to drug and food industries will need to focus more on toxic heavy metal contamination.

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.

Long-term application of the organic and inorganic pesticides in vineyards: Environmental record of past use

Areas such as Douro Demarcated Region (Portugal), where vineyards are frequently located on steep slopes of narrow valleys, can be particularly sensitive to runoff and erosion processes. These particular conditions are expected to enhance the transport of pollutants, acting as a potential source of contamination to freshwater systems. The intense vine cultivation in this region includes decades of pesticides application, that have resulted in the accumulation of these chemicals and its degradation products in the vineyards soils and sediments. Residues of several pesticides related to agricultural activities were found in soils, with older vineyards showing higher levels of Cu and banned insecticides (such as DDT). The metabolite 4,4-DDE was the compound found at higher levels in soils and in sediments. The relatively high levels in more recent sediments suggest that soils are still a source of contamination. Levels of currently used pesticides were low, which is related with their physicochemical properties, the application period, and climacteric conditions.

Contrasting effects of composting and pyrolysis on bioavailability and speciation of Cu and Zn in pig manure

The intensive and unregulated application of feed additives to commercial pig foods has resulted in high levels of Cu and Zn in pig manure. The aim of this study was to assess the impacts of composting and pyrolysis processes on the bioavailability and chemical speciation of Cu and Zn in pig manure products by single and sequential extractions, and to compare metal bioavailability in composts and biochar-amended soils in incubation experiments. Composting and pyrolysis processes can convert exchangeable and carbonate-bound Cu and Zn to organic matter and residual fractions, and significantly reduce the potential availability of metals in composts and biochars. The DTPA-Cu and Zn concentrations in soils amended with biochar BC700 were lower than in composts and soils amended with biochar BC400. It is suggested that 700 °C is the preferred pyrolysis temperature for the conversion of pig manure contaminated with heavy metals to biochar, in order to minimize environmental pollution.

Cadmium and copper induced changes in growth, oxidative metabolism and terpenoids of Tanacetum parthenium

Morphological and biochemical responses of feverfew plants exposed to low (5μM) and high (35 and 70μM) levels of Cd or Cu were investigated. Increasing metal supply notably reduced the plant biomass. Elevated Cd and Cu levels also resulted in an increase in the leaf proline content. Besides, decrease in ascorbic acid (AsA) and glutathione (GSH) contents was similar in the leaves of Cd- and Cu-treated plants, indicating altered biosynthesis of AsA and GSH under metal excess. High metal doses stimulated increase in antioxidative enzyme activities that could be related to elevated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content and subsequent lipid peroxidation. Cd was typically more accumulated in shoots and roots than Cu, leading to higher translocation factor at high Cd doses. In terms of essential oil content, it seems that Cd had an inhibitory effect during the experiment, whereas Cu was found to stimulate it only at 5μM. Furthermore, high Cd supply enhanced the relative proportion of monoterpene hydrocarbons, while Cu increased the proportion of sesquiterpenes, especially at 5μM. This result provides the first evidence of the response of feverfew plants to Cd or Cu by associating stress-related responses with changes in terpenoids.

Effect of biodiesel fuel on "real-world", nonroad heavy duty diesel engine particulate matter emissions, composition and cytotoxicity.

Biodiesel is regarded by many as a "greener" alternative fuel to petroleum diesel with potentially lower health risk. However, recent studies examining biodiesel particulate matter (PM) characteristics and health effects are contradictive, and typically utilize PM generated by passenger car engines in laboratory settings. There is a critical need to analyze diesel and biodiesel PM generated in a "real-world" setting where heavy duty-diesel (HDD) engines and commercially purchased fuel are utilized. This study compares the mass concentrations, chemical composition and cytotoxicity of real-world PM from combustion of both petroleum diesel and a waste grease 20% biodiesel blend (B20) at a community recycling center operating HDD nonroad equipment. PM was analyzed for metals, elemental/organic carbon (EC/OC), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (N-PAHs). Cytotoxicity in a human lung epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B) following 24h exposure to the real-world particles was also evaluated. On average, higher concentrations for both EC and OC were measured in diesel PM. B20 PM contained significantly higher levels of Cu and Mo whereas diesel PM contained significantly higher concentrations of Pb. Principal component analysis determined Mo, Cu, and Ni were the metals with the greatest loading factor, suggesting a unique pattern related to the B20 fuel source. Total PAH concentration during diesel fuel use was 1.9 times higher than during B20 operations; however, total N-PAH concentration was 3.3 times higher during B20 use. Diesel PM cytotoxicity was 8.5 times higher than B20 PM (p<0.05) in a BEAS-2B cell line. This study contributes novel data on real-world, nonroad engine sources of metals, PAH and N-PAH species, comparing tailpipe PM vs. PM collected inside the equipment cabin. Results suggest PM generated from burning petroleum diesel in nonroad engines may be more harmful to human health, but the links between exposure, composition and toxicity are not straightforward.

Profiles and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Great Rift Lakes, Kenya

Heavy metal pollution in surface water of four lakes (Naivasha, Elementaita, Nakuru, and Bogoria) of the Great Rift Valley in Kenya, East Africa was investigated in this study. Eight heavy metals including chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) were determined using inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometer (ICP‐MS). Among the tested heavy metals, Cd and Hg were detected in all surface water samples. The concentrations of Cr, Cd, Ni, and Pb were relatively lower than those of other metals in the four lakes. Results of Kohonen self‐organizing map indicated that all the sampling sites in four lakes of the Great Rift Valley in Kenya could be classified into three different groups based on the heavy metal pollution. Lake Naivasha and Nakuru had characteristics of low concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, As, and Hg. Lake Bogoria was characterized by high levels of Ni, Cu, Cd, and Hg, and low levels of Pb, Cr, Zn, and As. Lake Elementaita showed characteristics of high concentrations of As and Hg and low concentrations of Pb, Ni, Cu, and Cd. Source identification using principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that anthropogenic factor played an increasingly important role in the heavy metal pollution of four lakes of the Great Rift Valley in Kenya, East Africa. Analysis of non‐carcinogenic health risks of heavy metals indicated Hg and As in Lake Elementaita and Hg in Lake Bogoria may pose adverse health effects to local residents via ingestion route.

The influence of macro- and microelements in seminal plasma on diluted boar sperm quality

BackgroundGrowing evidence indicates that macro- and microelements in the seminal plasma of humans and various domestic animals are of great importance due to their roles in sperm metabolism, function, survival and oxidative stress. In the present study, we therefore determined the concentrations of macro- and microelements in fresh boar seminal plasma and their relation to sperm quality parameters after 3 days of liquid storage was assessed. Twenty ejaculates from eight boars were collected, and semen volume, concentration, sperm motility, morphology, tail membrane integrity, plasma membrane permeability, mitochondrial membrane potential and DNA fragmentation were determined on the day of collection (day 0) and day 3 (72 h) of storage at 15–17 °C. Seminal plasma was separated and the concentrations of macroelements (Na, K, Ca, and Mg) and microelements (Cu, Fe, Zn and Se) were determined.ResultsAfter 3 days of storage Se levels correlated significantly with sperm motility, progressive motility and morphology, all of which are routinely used for semen evaluation. On day 3, Se levels also correlated with tail membrane integrity, viability and intact DNA (P < 0.05). The correlation coefficients showed that mitochondrial function was better preserved at higher levels of Zn, while higher levels of Cu decreased mitochondrial function, but led to the better preservation of DNA. It was also evident that higher levels of Fe were associated with higher proportions of live spermatozoa and of spermatozoa with normal morphology after 3 days of storage (P < 0.05), while higher levels of Ca and Mg in fresh seminal plasma were associated with lower percentages of progressive motile spermatozoa and with a decreased proportion of spermatozoa with intact DNA (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis including microelements showed that Se significantly affected sperm quality parameters, mentioned above, after 3 days of storage.ConclusionsMacro- and microelements were associated with boar sperm quality and may be important biomarkers of boar sperm quality after liquid storage. Our results demonstrate that the evaluation of Se in fresh boar seminal plasma can serve as an additional tool in predicting sperm quality after storage.

Altered Trace Elements Levels in Hair of Prostate Cancer Patients

Background: Deficiency or excess of trace elements can induce metabolic disorders and dysregulate cell growth, and even lead to mutations and tumorigenesis. Many reports have indicated a direct association between micronutrient deficiency and cancer mortality. Prostate cancer is the sixth most common cancer among men in Saudi Arabia, yet there are few studies of the association between trace element levels and prostate cancer in the country. Objective: This study aimed to explore the association between concentrations of select hair trace elements, including selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe), as long-term indicators, and tumorigenesis of prostate cancer in Saudi Arabia. 1.2 Patients and Methods: The study included 58 patients with prostate cancer, 64 with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and 52 healthy controls. Full history and clinical data were recorded for all subjects. Hair samples were collected from the nape of all subjects, and levels of Se, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe were analyzed by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: Hair Se and Zn levels of prostate cancer patients were significantly lower compared to BPH and healthy groups whereas Cu, Mn, and Fe levels were significantly high. Hair Se and Zn levels were significantly lower in metastatic prostate cancer patients than in localized cancer patients whereas mean hair levels of Cu, Mn, and Fe were not significantly different among these patients. Conclusion: Prostate cancer may be associated with trace element-mediated metabolic disorders. Low levels of Se and Zn and high levels of Cu, Mn, and Fe appear to be associated with its tumorigenesis. Additional prospective studies are warranted to confirm the inverse correlation between Se and Zn levels and prostate cancer.

Metals and metalloids in mussels from the Argentine Patagonia

Mussels are bioaccumulative organisms that are used to monitor marine environments. The levels of 19 metals and metalloids were determined in Mytilus edulis platensis in three sites of the San Jorge Gulf: Bahía Solano (BS), Punta Maqueda (PM) and Km 3 (KM3). The limit values of contaminants As: 16; Cd: 3.7; Cu: 10; Ni: 3.4; Pb: 3.2 and Zn: 200, in μg/g dry weight, were not reached in the sampling sites, except for Cd in PM. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed a relationship between PM and high levels of Cd, between KM3 and high levels of Al, Cu, Pb and Zn, and between BS and high levels of Be, B, Sr and Ag. These results have contributed to the establishment of the state of situation in the spring of 2010 for 19 elements, which could be used in future studies of monitoring and assessment of the environmental risk owing to metal and metalloid contamination in the coasts of Argentine Patagonia.

Metals and metalloids in mussels from the Argentine Patagonia

Mussels are bioaccumulative organisms that are used to monitor marine environments. The levels of 19 metals and metalloids were determined in Mytilus edulis platensis in three sites of the San Jorge Gulf: Bahia Solano (BS), Punta Maqueda (PM) and Km 3 (KM3). The limit values of contaminants As: 16; Cd: 3.7; Cu: 10; Ni: 3.4; Pb: 3.2 and Zn: 200, in μg/g dry weight, were not reached in the sampling sites, except for Cd in PM. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed a relationship between PM and high levels of Cd, between KM3 and high levels of Al, Cu, Pb and Zn, and between BS and high levels of Be, B, Sr and Ag. These results have contributed to the establishment of the state of situation in the spring of 2010 for 19 elements, which could be used in future studies of monitoring and assessment of the environmental risk owing to metal and metalloid contamination in the coasts of Argentine Patagonia.

Heme iron, non-heme iron, and mineral content of blood clams (Anadara spp.) compared to Manila clams (V. philippinarum), Pacific oysters (C. gigas), and beef liver (B. taurus)

Dietary iron exists as heme and non-heme iron. Heme iron is more bioavailable making it more useful in meeting the RDA. Conversely, heme iron may be a risk factor for colorectal cancer. Therefore, it is important to know the heme iron content of foods. Clams have been purported to be excellent sources of both heme and non-heme iron. However, there are limited data on iron composition among bivalves. Our objective was to measure mineral composition in commonly consumed bivalves and highlight differences in heme iron content. Manila clams, Pacific oysters, frozen blood clams (A. granosa), canned blood clams, and canned akagai (A. broughtonii) were assayed. Beef liver was included as a reference food rich in heme iron. Heme iron content, expressed as mg/100g edible portion (EP), ranged from 0.5±0.1 in Manila clams and 0.85±0.03 in Pacific oysters, to 5.8±0.3 in frozen blood clams. Beef liver contained 3.6±0.2mg/100g EP. Non-heme iron ranged from 4.5±0.4 in Manila clams to 9.8±0.6mg/100g EP in canned blood clams. Most products contained nutritionally high levels (>10% DV) of Cu, Mn, Se, and Zn. Pacific oysters and canned blood clams contained potentially toxic levels of Cd if eaten regularly. We conclude that a broader analysis of bivalve products is needed to strengthen food composition databases for heme iron and potentially toxic minerals, and that blood clams would be a more reliable source of bioavailable iron than other bivalves.

55 SEMINAL PLASMA COMPONENTS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH STALLION SEMEN FREEZABILITY

Oxidative stress has been identified as a major cause of low seminal fertility. Among the components of stallion seminal plasma, some enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants have been identified, which protect sperm from injurious effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS); however, the characterisation of these components is still in preliminary stages, as well as their relationship with freezability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of some components of seminal plasma (SP) on stallion semen freezability. Semen of 30 Colombian Creole horses, and a total of 60 ejaculates, were collected. Semen was centrifuged to recover the SP. It was lyophilized and some components were assayed: total protein concentration (TP) by Bradford assay, CRISP3 protein concentration by ELISA, vitamin C (CVIT), vitamin E (EVIT) and vitamin A (AVIT), by HPLC; content of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg) and Zinc (Zn) by atomic absorption spectroscopy flame. Semen was supplemented with 10% stallion lyophilized SP and cryopreservation was performed. Post-thaw, total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), straight line velocity (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL), average path velocity (VAP), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) and beat cross frequency (BCF), were assessed using a computer-assisted sperm analysis (SCA®, Microptic SL, Barcelona, Spain). Sperm viability (SV) was determined by the Live/Dead kit (Molecular Probes Inc., Eugene, OR, USA). Normal sperm morphology (NM) was performed by the supravital technique and plasmatic membrane integrity (MI) was evaluated by the hypo-osmotic test. For statistical analysis, completely randomised mixed models were fitted. Levels according to the concentration of components of SP (high, medium, and low) were established. Comparisons of the means between levels were done with Tukey’s test. The significance level used for all assessments was P &lt; 0.05. Means for TP of 0.35 mg BSA/g, CRISP3 of 55.22 ng/mg, CVIT of 2.66 mg/g, EVIT of 72.36 µg/g, AVIT of 37.37 µg/g, Fe of 17.37 mg/kg, Cu of 33.64 mg/kg, Mg of 109.08 mg/kg, and Zn of 0.49 g/100 g of SP were found. We found that a high level of CRISP3, AVIT, Cu, and Fe had higher results for post-thaw TM, PM, NM; medium levels of TP and Mg showed higher post-thaw TM, PM, NM, and MI; and lower levels of Zn had better results for post-thaw TM, PM, VCL, and VAP. In contrast, high and medium levels of CVIT had a deleterious effect on post-thaw TM, PM, SV, NM, and MI. We concluded that there is a relationship between concentrations of seminal plasma components and stallion semen freezability.