Increase In Cu Levels Research Articles

Effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker on oxidative stress and metabolism of elements in kidney of STZ-induced diabetic rats

In diabetes, increased oxidative stress and impaired trace element metabolism play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. The objective of this research was to examine the outcomes of blocking the renin-angiotensin system, using either the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), perindopril, or the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor blocker, irbesartan, on oxidative stress and trace element levels such as Zn, Mg, Cu, and Fe in the kidneys of diabetic rats that had been induced with streptozotocin.Thirty-two Wistar albino male rats were equally divided into four groups. The first group was used as a control. The second group of rats developed diabetes after receiving a single intraperitoneal dose of STZ. The third and fourth groups of rats had STZ-induced diabetes and received daily dosages of irbesartan (15 mg/kg b.w/day) and perindopril (6 mg/kg b.w/day) treatment, respectively.Biochemical analysis of the kidneys showed a distinct increase in oxidative stress, indicated by heightened levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, as well as reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in the kidneys of diabetic rats. In the kidneys of diabetic rats, the mean levels of Fe and Cu were found to be significantly higher than those of the control group. Additionally, the mean levels of Zn and Mg were significantly lower in the diabetic rats compared to the control rats. Both perindopril and irbesartan decreased significantly MDA content and increased SOD activities and GSH levels in the kidneys of rats with diabetes. The Zn and Mg concentrations in the kidneys of diabetic rats treated with perindopril and irbesartan were markedly higher than in untreated STZ-diabetic rats, while the Cu and Fe concentrations were significantly lower. The urinary excretion of rats treated with perindopril and irbesartan showed a pronounced increase in Cu levels, along with a significant reduction in Zn and Mg levels. Although diabetic rats demonstrated degenerative morphological alterations in their kidneys, both therapies also improved diabetes-induced histopathological modifications in the kidneys.Finally, the present results suggest that manipulating the levels of Zn, Mg, Cu, and Fe - either through ACE inhibition or by blocking AT1 receptors - could be advantageous in reducing lipid peroxidation and increasing antioxidant concentration in the kidneys of diabetic rats.

Electrocoagulation/flotation process for removing copper from an aqueous environment

The presence of copper in aqueous environments such as drinking water has led to several environmental effects, such as flavor and odor. The increase in Cu levels in ground and surface water has been mainly attributed to anthropogenic and natural sources. Consequently, this applied-analytical study aimed to investigate copper removal from urban drinking water through batch reactor electrocoagulation/flotation (ECF) with aluminum electrodes. The copper removal efficiency was evaluated under various operating conditions of current density (0.8–2.4 mA/cm2), initial concentration (1–100 mg/L), pH (3.5–10.5), and time (10–30 min). Cu was determined using the method outlined in the standard procedures (3500-Cu B at 4571 nm). The results indicated that increasing the current density from 0.8 to 2.4 mA/cm2 and the reaction time from 10 to 30 min improved Cu+2 removal efficiency (from 95 to 100%). In addition, the results demonstrated that Cu+2 reduction is 100% with an initial concentration of 100 mg/L, a pH of 7.5, a reaction time of 30 min, and an anode current density of 2.4 mA/cm2. The Taguchi method results for copper removal efficiency show that reaction time is the most significant variable. Furthermore, Cu removal kinetics models in an ECF reactor are second-order (R2 > 0.92). The Cu removal in the ECF reactor is due to redox and adsorption. Moreover, the operational costs of Cu treatment with Al electrode pairs are estimated to range from 8857 and 9636 Rial/kg of Cu removed. Thus, it can be concluded that the ECF process is very efficient in removing Cu from aqueous environments under optimum conditions.

Cu(ATSM) Increases P-Glycoprotein Expression and Function at the Blood-Brain Barrier in C57BL6/J Mice.

P-glycoprotein (P-gp), expressed at the blood-brain barrier (BBB), is critical in preventing brain access to substrate drugs and effluxing amyloid beta (Aβ), a contributor to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Strategies to regulate P-gp expression therefore may impact central nervous system (CNS) drug delivery and brain Aβ levels. As we have demonstrated that the copper complex copper diacetyl bis(4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone) (Cu(ATSM)) increases P-gp expression and function in human brain endothelial cells, the present study assessed the impact of Cu(ATSM) on expression and function of P-gp in mouse brain endothelial cells (mBECs) and capillaries in vivo, as well as in peripheral organs. Isolated mBECs treated with Cu(ATSM) (100 nM for 24 h) exhibited a 1.6-fold increase in P-gp expression and a 20% reduction in accumulation of the P-gp substrate rhodamine 123. Oral administration of Cu(ATSM) (30 mg/kg/day) for 28 days led to a 1.5 & 1.3-fold increase in brain microvascular and hepatic expression of P-gp, respectively, and a 20% reduction in BBB transport of [3H]-digoxin. A metallomic analysis showed a 3.5 and 19.9-fold increase in Cu levels in brain microvessels and livers of Cu(ATSM)-treated mice. Our findings demonstrate that Cu(ATSM) increases P-gp expression and function at the BBB in vivo, with implications for CNS drug delivery and clearance of Aβ in AD.

Copper-Based Antibiotic Strategies: Exploring Applications in the Hospital Setting and the Targeting of Cu Regulatory Pathways and Current Drug Design Trends.

Classical antibacterial drugs were designed to target specific bacterial properties distinct from host human cells to maximize potency and selectivity. These designs were quite effective as they could be easily derivatized to bear next-generation drugs. However, the rapid mutation of bacteria and their associated acquired drug resistance have led to the rise of highly pathogenic superbug bacterial strains for which treatment with first line drugs is no match. More than ever, there is a dire need for antibacterial drug design that goes beyond conventional standards. Taking inspiration by the body's innate immune response to employ its own supply of labile copper ions in a toxic attack against pathogenic bacteria, which have a very low Cu tolerance, this review article examines the feasibility of Cu-centric strategies for antibacterial preventative and therapeutic applications. Promising results are shown for the use of Cu-containing materials in the hospital setting to minimize patient bacterial infections. Studies directed at disrupting bacterial Cu regulatory pathways elucidate new drug targets that can enable toxic increase of Cu levels and perturb bacterial dependence on iron. Likewise, Cu intracellular chelation/prochelation strategies effectively induce bacterial Cu toxicity. Cu-based small molecules and nanoparticles demonstrate the importance of the Cu ions in their mechanism and display potential synergism with classical drugs.

Metals in Alzheimer's Disease.

The role of metals in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is still debated. Although previous research has linked changes in essential metal homeostasis and exposure to environmental heavy metals to the pathogenesis of AD, more research is needed to determine the relationship between metals and AD. In this review, we included human studies that (1) compared the metal concentrations between AD patients and healthy controls, (2) correlated concentrations of AD cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers with metal concentrations, and (3) used Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess the potential metal contributions to AD risk. Although many studies have examined various metals in dementia patients, understanding the dynamics of metals in these patients remains difficult due to considerable inconsistencies among the results of individual studies. The most consistent findings were for Zn and Cu, with most studies observing a decrease in Zn levels and an increase in Cu levels in AD patients. However, several studies found no such relation. Because few studies have compared metal levels with biomarker levels in the CSF of AD patients, more research of this type is required. Given that MR is revolutionizing epidemiologic research, additional MR studies that include participants from diverse ethnic backgrounds to assess the causal relationship between metals and AD risk are critical.

Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Al-Si-Mg-Cu Cast Alloys with Different Cu Contents

The mechanical properties of Al-Si-Mg-Cu cast alloys are heavily determined by Cu content due to the precipitation of relating strengthening precipitates during the aging treatment. In this study, the microstructures and mechanical properties of Al-9Si-0.5Mg-xCu (x = 0, 0.9, 1.5, and 2.1 wt.%) alloys were investigated to elucidate the effect of Cu content on the evolution of their mechanical properties. After T6 (480 °C + 6 h − 530 °C + 4 h, 175 °C + 10 h) treatment, Mg-rich and Cu-rich phases were dissolved in the matrix; the main aging-precipitates of the alloys change from the needle-like β″ phases in the base alloy to the granular Q′ phases in the 0.9Cu alloy, the granular Q′ phase in the 1.5Cu alloy, the granular Q′ phase, and θ′ platelets in the 2.1Cu alloy. The increase of Cu level results in difference of the type, number density, and morphology of the nanoscale precipitated phase. Because of precipitation strength, the yield strength was increased by 103–130 MPa depending on the Cu contents. The precipitation strengthening effect of the precipitates was quantitatively evaluated by the Orowan mechanism. The aging-treated Al-9Si-0.5Mg-2Cu alloy shows the good strength and ductility: yield strength 351 MPa, ultimate tensile strength 442 MPa, and elongation 8.4%. The morphologies of fracture surfaces of the alloys also were observed.

Expression of heavy metal ATPases (HMA1 and HMA3) in Brassica nigra and B. juncea grown at different Cu levels

Metal pollution is a major environmental problem which affects agriculture and human health. Turkey has significant Cu mining areas in Diyarbak?r and its surrounding areas (Southeast Anatolia). Several crop plants cultivated in these areas are irrigated with water from the Tigris, and most agricultural lands are contaminated with Cu. Brassica nigra and B. juncea are well-known metal accumulator plant species which can hyperaccumulate metals, including copper, in their shoots. The purpose of this study is to evaluate their potential for the phytoremediation of Cu from these contaminated areas as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective means of reducing Cu-contamination. In this research, B. nigra and B. juncea plants were grown in soil at different Cu concentrations (0 to 1000 ?M) and showed no toxicity symptoms while accumulating a significant amount of metal in their leaves. In the leaves of both species, the Cu content increased significantly with the increase in the Cu level in the media. HMA1 (Heavy Metal ATPase 1) in the leaves of both plant species gradually increased with increased Cu levels until 50 ?M, then its expression slowly decreased with the further increase in Cu levels. The expression of HMA3 also increased with an increase in Cu in the leaves of both plant species. However, its expression pattern differed from that of HMA1. Our data showed that an increase in Cu levels in the leaves triggers the expression of both genes, suggesting that they play an active role in Cu detoxification. We propose that these plant species could be used for the decontamination of Cu from polluted soils. These data also indicate that Cu accumulation and tolerance in both plant species is probably a multi-genetic response, possibly involving several other transporter genes in the stress signal pathway. Hence, we also explored the expression of the other metal transporters, such as other HMAs (HMAs 5-8), Nramps (e.g., Nramp3), COPT proteins, and some Cu chaperons in these plant species.

In Twin Pregnancies, Zinc and Iron Decreased, while Copper Increased Minimally

Objective: Along with the increase in the frequency of multiple pregnancies, an increase is observed in the frequency of feto-maternal negativities. In our study, we aimed to determine the iron, ferritin, hemoglobin, zinc, and copper levels in second-trimester multiparous twin pregnancies and compare them with the values in singleton pregnancies and healthy women with the same demographic characteristics.Methods: Three groups were created in the study; control group, single pregnancy group, and twin pregnancy group. Fasting venous blood samples were taken from individuals. Iron, zinc, copper, and ferritin levels were measured.Results: Compared with the control group, the ferritin (Fe), and zinc (Zn) values of the individuals in the single and twin pregnancy groups were statistically low while copper (Cu) levels were significantly high (p<0.05). Also, when compared with individuals in a single pregnancy group, a statistically significant decrease was found in Fe, and Zn levels in the twin pregnancy group (p<0.05). Although there was a minimal increase in Cu levels, this increase was not statistically significant in the twin pregnancy group.Conclusion: Since changes in trace element levels can lead to feto-maternal adverse effects, we think that dietary habits should be monitored, and zinc, copper, ferritin, and iron levels should be followed in pregnant women.

Essential metals, vitamins and antioxidant enzyme activities in COVID-19 patients and their potential associations with the disease severity.

The role of micronutrient deficiency in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 has been reviewed in the literature; however, the data are limited and conflicting. This study investigated the association between the status of essential metals, vitamins, and antioxidant enzyme activities in COVID-19 patients and disease severity. We recruited 155 patients, who were grouped into four classes based on the Adults guideline for the Management of Coronavirus Disease 2019 at King Faisal Specialist & Research Centre (KFSH&RC): asymptomatic (N = 16), mild (N = 49), moderate (N = 68), and severe (N = 22). We measured serum levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), vitamin D3, vitamin A, vitamin E, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Among the patients, 30%, 25%, 37%, and 68% were deficient in Se (< 70.08 µg/L), Zn (< 0.693 µg/mL), vitamin A (< 0.343 µg/mL), and vitamin D3 (< 20.05 µg/L), respectively, and SOD activity was low. Among the patients, 28% had elevated Cu levels (> 1.401 µg/mL, KFSH&RC upper reference limit). Multiple regression analysis revealed an 18% decrease in Se levels in patients with severe symptoms, which increased to 30% after adjusting the model for inflammatory markers. Regardless of inflammation, Se was independently associated with COVID-19 severity. In contrast, a 50% increase in Cu levels was associated with disease severity only after adjusting for C-reactive protein, reflecting its possible inflammatory and pro-oxidant role in COVID-19 pathogenesis. We noted an imbalance in the ratio between Cu and Zn, with ~ 83% of patients having a Cu/Zn ratio > 1, which is an indicator of inflammation. Cu-to-Zn ratio increased to 45% in patients with mild symptoms and 34%–36% in patients with moderate symptoms compared to asymptomatic patients. These relationships were only obtained when one of the laboratory parameters (lymphocyte or monocyte) or inflammatory markers (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio) was included in the regression model. These findings suggest that Cu/Zn might further exacerbate inflammation in COVID-19 patients and might be synergistically associated with disease severity. A 23% decrease in vitamin A was seen in patients with severe symptoms, which disappeared after adjusting for inflammatory markers. This finding may highlight the potential role of inflammation in mediating the relationship between COVID-19 severity and vitamin A levels. Despite our patients’ low status of Zn, vitamin D3, and antioxidant enzyme (SOD), there is no evidence of their role in COVID-19 progression. Our findings reinforce that deficiency or excess of certain micronutrients plays a role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. More studies are required to support our results.

Measuring the Level of Some Trace Elements in the Serum and Placentae of Pregnant Women Infected with Toxoplasmosis

The current study deals with Toxoplasmosis and the relation of the parasite causing it (Toxoplasma gondii), its impact on the levels of trace elements in the serum and placentae of some pregnant women infected with compared to non-infected who are considered a control group. Several trace elements, which included the Selenium (Se), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Ferrous (Fe), Magnesium (Mg) and Manganese (Mn) were measured, the study was conducted on a sample of (450) women, 225 of them were not infected with Toxoplasmosis and 225 were infected, 24 placenta of non-infected women and 18 of infected women. Results showed that there was a significant increase in the levels of Se, Cu, Zn and Mg in the pregnant women serum who are infected with Toxoplasmosis, while there was an insignificant decrease in the level of Fe throughout the period of pregnancy for the in the serum of the infected pregnant women. The correlation between the infection and the period of pregnancy showed a significant increase in the levels of Se and Zn during the (3-6 months) period of pregnancy, a significant increase in the levels of Cu and Mg and insignificant increase in Mn level during the (6-9 months) period of pregnancy and on the other hand the level of Fe decreased. Moreover, results showed a significant increase in Se, Fe and Mg levels during the (6-9 months) period of pregnancy and insignificant increase in Cu level during the (6-9 months) period of pregnancy. The levels of Zn and Mn decreased during the pregnancy period in the placentas of the infected women.

Influence of Cu doping on structure, morphology and optical characteristics of SnO2 thin films prepared by chemical bath deposition technique

This paper reports various properties of four Cu-doped SnO2 thin films (hereafter called CuSnO-TFs) synthesized on glass substrate at temperature 80 °C via the standard chemical bath deposition method. The as-deposited films were annealed at 400 °C for 1 h. The as-prepared samples were characterized at room temperature using different analytical tools to determine the effects of varying Cu doping contents (0–3 wt%) on their structures, morphologies, and optical characteristics. The XRD analyses of the studied CuSnO-TFs showed their body-centered tetragonal structures in rutile phase with high purity and good polycrystallinity. The average crystallite size was increased from 17.6 to 34.52 nm with the increase of Cu contents from 0 to 3%, respectively. The SEM images of the grown films revealed agglomerated morphologies with the nucleation of spherical clusters or granules. Both visible transmittance and optical band gap energies of the films were decreased with the increase of Cu levels. In addition, the values of the refractive index, extinction coefficient, and dielectric constant of the deposited films were gradually increased and shifted towards higher wavelengths with the increase of Cu doping proportion. It was shown that by tuning the Cu contents overall properties of the proposed SnO2 thin films can be customized which are desired for diverse functional applications.

Evaluation of Protein Oxidation Parameters in Women with Pregnancy Complications

Pregnancy is a physiological state start from fertilization to birth. The pregnant woman is exposed to significant risks of complications that affect mother health and fetus. This is marked by variations of the antioxidant defense system. This study aimed to estimate the activity of serum Ceruloplasmin and levels of some biochemical parameters as markers of oxidative stress in serum of women with pregnancy complications compared to healthy pregnant women as controls and study the correlation between them. This study included 70 serum samples divided into (45) samples as patients with pregnancy complications which are sub-divided to the following groups: preeclampsia, anemia and Abortion and (25) healthy pregnant women group. The results showed non-significant difference in total protein concentration and ceruloplasmin activity in all studied groups except abortion group cleared a significant decrease compared to other groups. The results of the free amino, thiol and carbonyl levels showed non-significant difference in all studied groups while abortion group showed significant decrease in carbonyl levels. The results also showed a non-significant increase in Cu levels in all studied groups except abortion group showed a significant decrease. Finally, levels of Fe cleared non-significant increase in all studied groups except preeclampsia group showed a significant increase compared to other groups.

Copper and zinc levels in plasma and cancerous tissues and their relation with expression of VEGF and HIF-1 in the pathogenesis of muscle invasive urothelial bladder cancer: a case-controlled clinical study.

To evaluate Cu and Zn levels in bladder cancer (BC) patients and their relationship with expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). Plasma levels of Cu and Zn were determined in 66 transitional bladder cell carcinoma patients (BC group) and 60 matched controls. The concentration of Cu and Zn as well as the expressions of both VEGF and HIF-1 were also estimated in cancerous and non-cancerous bladder tissues in the BC group. The results showed that plasma Cu and Cu/Zn ratio were significantly higher in BC group when compared with the control group. In contrast, the plasma Zn in BC group was significantly lower than in the controls. Comparing levels of Cu and Zn in cancerous and non-cancerous bladder tissues among the BC group indicated a significantly higher Cu levels in the cancerous tissues, while Zn levels was significantly lower. There were higher expressions of both VEGF and HIF-1 in the cancerous samples. Moreover, the Cu concentration in cancerous tissues was significantly correlated with expressions of VEGF and HIF-1. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the increase in plasma Cu/Zn ratio and plasma Cu and the decrease in plasma Zn may be risk factors for development of bladder cancer. We concluded that alteration of plasma and bladder tissue levels of both Cu and Zn is correlated with pathogenesis of bladder cancer. The increase in Cu level in cancerous tissues of BC group has an important role in angiogenesis in bladder cancer cells.

Copper potentiates azole antifungal activity in a way that does not involve complex formation.

To survive, fungal pathogens must acquire nutrient metals that are restricted by the host while also tolerating mechanisms of metal toxicity that are induced by the host. Given this dual vulnerability, we hypothesized that a pathogen's access to and control of essential yet potentially dangerous metal ions would affect fungal tolerance to antifungal drug stress. Here, we show that Candida albicans becomes sensitized to both Cu limitation and Cu elevation during exposure in liquid culture to the antifungal drug fluconazole, a widely prescribed antifungal agent. Spectroscopic data confirm that while fluconazole forms a complex with Cu(ii) in water, interactions of fluconazole with neither Cu(ii) nor Cu(i) are observed in the cell culture media used for the cellular assays. This result is further supported by growth assays in deletion strains that lack Cu import machinery. Overall, we establish that increases in Cu levels by as little as 40 nM over basal levels in the growth medium reduce tolerance of C. albicans to fluconazole in a way that does not require formation of a Cu-fluconazole complex. Rather, our data point to a more complex relationship between drug stress and Cu availability that gives rise to metal-mediated outcomes of drug treatment.

Copper nanoparticles induce early fibrotic changes in the liver via TGF-β/Smad signaling and cause immunosuppressive effects in rats

Copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) have various uses, including as additives in polymers/plastics, lubricants for metallic coating, and biomedical applications. We investigated the role of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 signaling in hepatic damage caused by Cu NPs and explored the effects of a 28-day repeated oral administration to Cu NPs on the immune response. The exposure to Cu NPs caused a dose-dependent increase in Cu levels in the liver and spleen. Cu NPs caused hepatic damage and markedly increased oxidative stress in liver tissues. Cu NPs induced activation of TGF-β1/Smad signaling by induction of vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase-9. Exposure to Cu NPs also induced activation of Smad-independent pathways, phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and Akt/FoxO3. Consistent with the activation of TGF-β1/Smad-dependent and -independent pathways, Cu NPs markedly increased the deposition and induction of extracellular matrix components, α-smooth muscle actin, and collagens in liver tissues. In addition, repeated exposure to Cu NPs suppressed the proliferation of mitogenically stimulated T- or B-lymphocytes and decreased CD3+ (particularly, CD3+CD4+CD8−) and CD45+ population, followed by decreased levels of immunoglobulins and Th1/Th2 type cytokines. Collectively, Cu NPs caused hepatic damage and induced pro-fibrotic changes, which were closely related to the activation of oxidative stress-mediated TGF-β1/Smad-dependent and -independent pathways (MAPKs and Akt/FoxO3). We confirmed the immunosuppressive effect of Cu NPs via the inhibition of mitogen-stimulated spleen-derived lymphocyte proliferation and suppression of B- or T-lymphocyte-mediated immune responses.

Synergetic effect of Cu and Mn oxides supported on palygorskite for the catalytic oxidation of formaldehyde: Dispersion, microstructure, and catalytic performance

In this study, palygorskite (Pal), a natural nanorod-like clay mineral, is applied as the support of mixed Cu Mn oxides for formaldehyde (HCHO) oxidation, with focus on their dispersion, microstructure, and relative role during the catalytic oxidation. The composite material loaded with Cu Mn oxides retains the nanorod-like morphology of Pal, while the oxide particles in the size of 10–40 nm are well dispersed in the slit pores stacked by rods of Pal. Most of the Cu Mn oxides on Pal are with spinel structure, where Cu2+ ions occupy the tetrahedral sites and Mn3+ ions occupy the octahedral sites. The Pal-supported Cu Mn oxides achieves 90% CO2 generation at 207-258 °C, and displays better catalytic performance than solely supported catalyst. The presence of Cu obviously improves the reducibility of composite and the adsorption of HCHO, resulting in the acceleration of HCHO oxidation. The water resistance of composite catalyst also enhances with the increase of Cu content. Based on all these benefits, the catalytic performance of Cu Mn oxides on Pal can be optimized with an increase of Cu level.

Experimental study on copper uptake capacity in the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis).

To investigate the effect of different sizes, sex, and exposure time on Cu uptake capacity, mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis of different shell sizes were exposed to different Cu concentrations in different aquariums. In another experiment, mussels were exposed to stable dissolved Cu for 6days in the laboratory. All mussels tissue concentrations were analyzed using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry. At the end of uptake, the rate of increase of Cu level in the soft tissues of mussels in different aquariums was 3.84-7.92 times higher than before exposure. While the results of Cu concentrations were negatively correlated with the shell sizes in the control and second groups (r control = -0.862, r second = -0.851 p < 0.05), this relation was not observed in the other groups (p > 0.05). Also, results showed no significant difference between male and female (p > 0.05). On the other hand, Cu concentration values in soft tissue were monitored daily and observed to be increasing up to the third day but afterwards to be descending, thus indicating a significant effect of the exposure time-related Cu uptake by mussels. Therefore, the exposure time to Cu metal of the mussel should be taken into account in the marine pollution investigations. In addition, by using the obtained Cu heavy metal concentration results, the heavy metal intake by the human population was calculated by taking into account daily mussel consumption. The results were examined for potential human health risks and discussed. These results would be helpful to understand factors controlling Cu accumulation in mussels.

Effects of waterborne copper exposure on carnitine composition, kinetics of carnitine palmitoyltransferases I (CPT I) and mRNA levels of CPT I isoforms in yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of waterborne copper (Cu) exposure on carnitine concentration, carnitine palmitoyltransferases I (CPT I) kinetics, and expression levels of four CPT I isoforms in the liver, muscle and heart of yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. Yellow catfish were exposed to four waterborne copper (Cu) concentrations (2 (control), 24 (low), 71 (medium), 198 (high) μg Cu/l, respectively) for 6weeks. Waterborne Cu exposure increased maximal reaction rates (Vmax) in the liver and muscle, but not in the heart. Michaelis–Menten constants (Km) tended to increase in the liver, but decreased in the heart after Cu exposure. The contents of total carnitine (TC) and acylcarnitine (AC) in the liver, and free carnitine (FC) in the muscle increased with increasing waterborne Cu concentrations, while FC content in the muscle declined with the increase of Cu levels. Waterborne Cu exposure also significantly influenced carnitine composition and profiles in heart. The mRNA expression of CPT Iα1a, CPT Iα1b and CPT Iα2a in the liver, and CPT Iα1a, CPT Iα1b and CPT Iβ in the muscle as well as CPT Iα1a in the heart were up-regulated by Cu exposure. Additionally, correlations were observed in the expression levels of CPT I isoforms and Km for carnitine, and between CPT I isoform expression and CPT I activity. To our knowledge, for the first time, the present study provided evidence that waterborne Cu exposure could influence carnitine composition, CPT I kinetics and mRNA levels of four CPT I isoforms in yellow catfish, which served to increase our understanding of the mechanisms underlying lipid catabolism during Cu exposure.

Effects of calcium on rhizotoxicity and the accumulation and translocation of copper by grapevines

We assessed the effects of background concentrations of calcium (Ca) in solution on rhizotoxicity of copper (Cu) in and the accumulation and translocation of Cu by the grapevine, Vitis vinifera L. var. Kyoho. Grapevine cuttings in a hydroponic system were exposed to Cu-spiked solutions (0, 1, 2.5, 5, 10, and 25 μM) with two Ca backgrounds (0.5 and 5 mM) for 15 days. We found that when Cu exposure exceeded 5 μM, no new white roots were generated from the cuttings. When exposed to a Cu concentration of 25 μM, the lateral roots were sparse, appeared dark and exhibited malformed terminal swellings. The morphological phenomena of root response to an increase in Cu levels were relatively pronounced at a background concentration of 5 mM Ca; epidermal cell walls thickened, cortical cells remained intact and root terminal swelling was enhanced with Cu exposure. A 5 mM Ca background concentration enhanced the reduction in relative root elongation, but alleviated the reduction in relative root dry weight with increased Cu exposure. Moreover, there was a prominent increase in root Cu concentrations with increased Cu exposure, but the increases in leaf Cu concentrations were much less. The Cu profile of Cu exposure in a 5 mM Ca background concentration appeared higher in root, but lower in leaf than the Cu profile in a 0.5 mM Ca background; therefore, increase of Ca background concentrations would enhance Cu to be accumulated by root, but not translocated into the leaf.

Trace elements (copper, zinc, selenium and molybdenum) as markers in oral sub mucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral cancer is a major cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide and is prevalent in most areas where tobacco related practices are observed. Essential elements play a role in many biochemical reactions as a micro-source and there is growing evidence that their concentrations are altered on the onset and progress of malignant disease. In this study the levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and molybdenum (Mo) in serum of patients with oral sub mucous fibrosis (OSMF) (n=30) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) (n=30); were determined and the alterations of these critical parameters were analyzed in comparison with controls (n=30) to identify predictors amongst these parameters for disease occurrence and progression. The serum Cu and Zn were established using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Serum estimation of Se and Mo was done by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Data analysis revealed a marked, progressive and significant increase in Cu levels in precancer (OSMF) and cancer (OSCC) groups as compared to the normal group. The level of Zn in serum was slightly elevated in OSMF and OSCC though not statistically significant. Cu/Zn ratio was slightly but not significantly elevated. Serum levels of Se and Mo were significantly decreased in the precancer and cancer groups as compared to the normals.