Liver Selenium Research Articles

The Effects of Chromium Histidinate on Mineral Status of Serum and Tissue in Fat-Fed and Streptozotocin-Treated Type II Diabetic Rats

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of chromium histidinate (CrHis) against experimentally induced type II diabetes and on chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) in serum, liver, and kidney of diabetic rats. The male Wistar rats (n = 60, 8 weeks old) were divided into four groups. Group I received a standard diet (12% of calories as fat); group II were fed standard diet and received CrHis (110 mcg CrHis/kg body weight per day); group III received a high-fat diet (HFD; 40% of calories as fat) for 2 weeks and then were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) on day 14 (STZ, 40 mg/kg i.p.; HFD/STZ); group IV were treated as group III (HFD/STZ) but supplemented with 110 mcg CrHis/kg body weight per day. The mineral concentrations in the serum and tissue were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Compared to the HFD/STZ group, CrHis significantly increased body weight and reduced blood glucose in diabetic rats (p < 0.001). Concentrations of Cr, Zn, Se, and Mn in serum, liver, and kidney of the diabetic rats were significantly lower than in the control rats (p < 0.0001). In contrast, higher Fe and Cu levels were found in serum and tissues from diabetic versus the non-diabetic rats (p < 0.001). Chromium histidinate supplementation increased serum, liver, and kidney concentrations of Cr and Zn both in diabetic and non-diabetic rats (p < 0.001). Chromium supplementation increased Mn and Se levels in diabetic rats (p < 0.001); however, it decreased Cu levels in STZ-treated group (p < 0.001). Chromium histidinate supplementation did not affect Fe levels in both groups (p > 0.05). The results of the present study conclude that supplementing Cr to the diet of diabetic rats influences serum and tissue Cr, Zn, Se, Mn, and Cu concentrations.

Alcohol, Gestation and Breastfeeding: Selenium as an Antioxidant Therapy

The aim of this paper is to study the relationship between alcohol, selenium and oxidative stress in breastfeeding rat pups exposed to ethanol during gestation and lactation. We have also studied how a Se-supplemented diet among mothers could prevent different oxidative liver disorders in the pups. Pups of 21 days were randomized into four groups: control group (C), alcohol group (A), alcohol selenium group (AS) and control selenium group (CS). Alcohol was supplied to their mothers for 13 weeks (induction, reproduction, gestation and lactation periods). The selenium-supplemented diet contained 0.5 ppm as selenite. We determined serum and liver selenium by graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. We measured antioxidant enzyme activities: glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD); and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and protein carbonyl (PC) by a spectrophotometric method in the liver. In the liver of pups, exposure to ethanol provoked a decrease in selenium and GPx activity and an increase in GR and CAT activity, as well as in carbonyl groups in protein. A pups had higher Se levels and GPx activity in serum than C pups. Administering Se with alcohol balances the activities of scavenging enzymes and reduces peroxidation protein products. These results suggest that selenium could be effective in neutralizing the damage of ethanol consumption during gestation and lactation in pups since it repairs selenium levels in liver as well as the activity of scavenging enzymes and peroxidation protein products. In serum, Se also recovers GPx activity and increases the levels of Se that are available to other organs.

Zinc, Copper, Iron, and Selenium Levels in Brain and Liver of Mice Exposed to Acrylonitrile

The mechanism of toxicity of acrylonitrile (AN) has not been fully defined. The research described herein was undertaken to investigate the possible effects of AN on the levels of metallic elements in liver and brain of mice. Thirty-two mice were randomly assigned to four separate groups and treated intraperitoneal (i.p.) once daily for 1 week. Mice in the control group received normal saline, and mice in the three exposure groups received 5, 10, or 20 mg AN/kg b.w. Samples of brain and liver were collected immediately after decapitation. Tissue levels of trace elements (zinc, copper, iron) were determined with flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer or double channel atomic fluorescence absorption spectrophotometer (selenium). Mean brain weights of AN-treated mice were increased as a function of dose compared to controls, but there was no significant change in the ratio of liver/body weight in the four groups. While mean brain zinc decreased as a function of AN dosage, mean liver zinc of the low-dose group significantly increased (p < 0.05); mean liver copper in the medium-dose AN group was significantly higher compared to controls (p < 0.05); however, mean brain copper was increased, but the difference did not attain statistical significance in the three AN groups when compared with the controls (p > 0.05). Mean brain iron levels were significantly decreased in the middle-dose AN group (p < 0.05), but there were no consistent changes in liver iron. Tissue levels of selenium in brain and liver were similar for the control and AN treatment groups. AN induces significant and differential changes in the levels of zinc, copper, and iron in brain and liver. These changes likely play a pivotal role in mediating AN toxicity, most likely via changes in cellular redox status.

Selenium concentration in liver and kidney of free living animals (roe and red deer) from West Pomerania (Poland)

The aim of this study was to determine concentrations of selenium in the liver and kidneys of roe deer and red deer from West Pomerania, depending on the season. Altogether, samples from 169 animals were collected (96 from roe deer and 73 from red deer) in 2003–2007. The mean concentration of selenium in the liver of red deer and roe deer was 0.37 μg/g and 0.62 μg/g dry weight, respectively. In kidneys, Se concentration was 2.72 μg/g d.w. in red deer and 2.99 μg/g d.w. in roe deer. In roe deer, liver selenium concentration in autumn was significantly higher than in winter (P < 0.05) and spring (P < 0.01) and significantly lower in spring than in summer (P < 0.05); likewise, kidney selenium concentration was higher in autumn than in summer. In deer, no statistically significant season-related differences were observed for liver selenium concentrations. In red deer kidneys, selenium concentration was the lowest in summer, significantly lower than in autumn and winter. Low selenium concentrations in the analyzed tissues show that the animals live in areas deficient in this element.

Comparison of Selenium Levels and Sources and Dietary Fat Quality in Diets for Broiler Breeders and Layer Hens

Two experiments were carried out with broiler breeders (experiment 1) and laying hens (experiment 2) to study the effects of Se sources, in interaction with dietary level of Se or dietary fats on performance, Se incorporation into tissues (blood, liver, breast muscle, and egg) and eggs, hatchability, and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities in tissues and blood. Both experiments involved a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement of 3 Se sources (selenite, Se yeast, or B-Traxim Se) and either 2 levels of each source (0.1 or 0.3 mg/kg) or 2 fats (fresh or oxidized). Egg production was not affected by Se source or dietary fat in both experiments. Egg production was greater (P < 0.01) in breeder hens fed 0.3 mg/kg of Se in experiment 1. Hatchability of eggs from hens fed 0.1 mg/kg of Se was lower (P < 0.05) in hens fed Se yeast, whereas from hens fed 0.3 mg/kg of Se, it was comparable across treatments. Selenium in egg, liver, and breast muscle was greater (P < 0.01 or <0.05) in hens fed the greater concentration of Se. Eggs from breeder hens fed organic Se sources had greater (P < 0.01) Se content than those of inorganic source. Egg albumen from breeder fed Se yeast had the greatest Se (P < 0.01), whereas egg yolk from hens fed B-Traxim Se had the greatest Se (P < 0.05). These parameters were affected by interaction between dietary Se level and source (P < 0.01 or < 0.05). Selenium contents in liver and breast muscle were greater (P < 0.01) in hens fed Se yeast compared with hens fed other sources of Se. In experiment 1, liver GPX was greater (P < 0.01) in hens fed selenite or Se yeast, whereas plasma GPX was greater (P < 0.01) in hens fed selenite compared with B-Traxim Se or Se yeast. Supplementation with oxidized fat increased (P < 0.05) GPX in blood and liver. B-Traxim Se decreased (P < 0.05) malondialdehyde content in breast muscle of layers. It is concluded that broiler breeders require supplementation of 0.3 mg/kg of Se, and that there are numerous measurable advantages in using organic rather than inorganic sources for both breeders and layers.

Differential action of methylselenocysteine in control and alloxan-diabetic rabbits

Antidiabetic action of inorganic selenium compounds is commonly accepted. Since in diet selenium mainly exists as selenoamino acids, potential hypoglycemic properties of methylselenocysteine (MSC) were investigated in four groups of rabbits: untreated and MSC-treated control animals as well as alloxan-diabetic and MSC-treated diabetic rabbits. MSC (at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight) was administered daily for 3 weeks via intraperitoneal injection. The data show, that in MSC-treated control animals plasma glucose concentration was diminished, while plasma urea and creatinine levels as well as urine albumin content were elevated and necrotic changes occurred in kidney-cortex. Decreased GSH/GSSG ratios in blood, liver and kidney-cortex were accompanied by increased glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities and a diminished renal γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase activity. Death of 50% of control animals was preceded by a dramatic decline in blood glucose concentration. Surprisingly, in MSC-treated diabetic rabbits, plasma glucose levels were either normalized or significantly decreased. Blood and liver GSH/GSSG ratios were increased and renal functions were markedly improved, as indicated by a diminished albuminuria and attenuated histological changes characteristic of diabetes. However, after administration of MSC to diabetic rabbits plasma urea and creatinine levels as well as renal GSH/GSSG ratios were not altered. In view of MSC-induced marked accumulation of selenium in kidneys and liver of control rabbits, accompanied by a decline in blood glucose level, disturbance of glutathione homeostasis and kidney-injury, application of MSC in chemotherapy needs a careful evaluation. On the contrary, MSC supplementation might be beneficial for diabetes therapy due to an improvement of both glycemia and renal function.

Effects of dietary selenium supplementation on serum and liver selenium, serum malondialdehyde and liver glutathione peroxidase activity in rats consuming thermally oxidized sunflower oil

The present study compared the effects of four isocaloric diets containing (1) fresh sunflower oil not supplemented with selenium (Fresh), (2) oxidized sunflower oil not supplemented with selenium (Oxidized), (3) fresh sunflower oil supplemented with 1 ppm selenium as sodium selenite (Fresh + Se), (4) oxidized sunflower oil supplemented with 1 ppm selenium as sodium selenite (Oxidized + Se) on serum MDA concentrations, liver GPx activity and serum and liver selenium contents in growing male Sprague Dawley rats during a period of 43 days. The oxidized oil used was prepared by heating fresh sunflower oil at 180 °C for 48 h. Serum and liver selenium contents and liver GPx activity were significantly higher in the selenium supplemented groups compared to the non-selenium supplemented groups, but these parameters did not differ significantly between the oxidized oil fed groups and the fresh oil fed groups. Serum MDA concentrations increased significantly in the Oxidized group compared to the Fresh group. This suggests that the ingestion of oxidized oil resulted in, in vivo lipid peroxidation. Serum MDA concentrations remained significantly higher even in comparison of the Oxidized + Se group with the Oxidized group. Our results emphasize that the consumption of oxidized oil increases in vivo lipid peroxidation and thus can be deleterious to health. However, we did not observe a significant beneficial effect of selenium supplementation upon the ingestion of thermally oxidized oil on lipid peroxidation.

The relationships between mercury and selenium in plankton and fish from a tropical food web

Selenium (Se) has been shown to reduce mercury (Hg) bioavailability and trophic transfer in aquatic ecosystems. The study of methylmercury (MeHg) and Se bioaccumulation by plankton is therefore of great significance in order to obtain a better understanding of the estuarine processes concerning Hg and Se accumulation and biomagnification throughout the food web. In the western South Atlantic, few studies have documented trace element and MeHg in fish tissues. No previous study about trace elements and MeHg in plankton has been conducted concerning tropical marine food webs. Se, Hg, and MeHg were determined in two size classes of plankton, microplankton (70-290 microm) and mesoplankton (>or=290 microm), and also in muscle tissues and livers of four fish species of different trophic levels (Mugil liza, a planktivorous fish; Bagre spp., an omnivorous fish; Micropogonias furnieri, a benthic carnivorous fish; and Centropomus undecimalis, a pelagic carnivorous fish) from a polluted estuary in the Brazilian Southeast coast, Guanabara Bay. Biological and ecological factors such as body length, feeding habits, and trophic transfer were considered in order to outline the relationships between these two elements. The differences in trace element levels among the different trophic levels were investigated. Fish were collected from July 2004 to August 2005 at Guanabara Bay. Plankton was collected from six locations within the bay in August 2005. Total mercury (THg) was determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CV-AAS) with sodium borohydride as a reducing agent. MeHg analysis was conducted by digesting samples with an alcoholic potassium hydroxide solution followed by dithizone-toluene extraction. MeHg was then identified and quantified in the toluene layer by gas chromatography with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD). Se was determined by AAS using graphite tube with Pin platform and Zeeman background correction. Total mercury, MeHg, and Se increased with plankton size class. THg and Se values were below 2.0 and 4.8 microg g(-1) dry wt in microplankton and mesoplankton, respectively. A large excess of molar concentrations of Se in relation to THg was observed in both plankton size class and both fish tissues. Plankton presented the lowest concentrations of this element. In fish, the liver showed the highest THg and Se concentrations. THg and Se in muscle were higher in Centropomus undecimalis (3.4 and 25.5 nmol g(-1)) than in Micropogonias furnieri (2.9 and 15.3 nmol g(-1)), Bagre spp (1.3 and 3.4 nmol g(-1)) and Mugil liza (0.3 and 5.1 nmol g(-1)), respectively. The trophic transfer of THg and Se was observed between trophic levels from prey (considering microplankton and mesoplankton) to top predator (fish). The top predators in this ecosystem, Centropomus undecimalis and Micropogonias furnieri, presented similar MeHg concentrations in muscles and liver. Microplankton presented lower ratios of methylmercury to total mercury concentration (MeHg/THg) (34%) than those found in mesoplankton (69%) and in the muscle of planktivorous fish, Mugil liza (56%). The other fish species presented similar MeHg/THg in muscle tissue (of around 100%). M. liza showed lower MeHg/THg in the liver than C. undecimalis (35%), M. furnieri (31%) and Bagre spp. (22%). Significant positive linear relationships were observed between the molar concentrations of THg and Se in the muscle tissue of M. furnieri and M. liza. These fish species also showed significant inverse linear relationships between hepatic MeHg and Se, suggesting a strong antagonistic effect of Se on MeHg assimilation and accumulation. Differences found among the concentrations THg, MeHg, and Se in microplankton, mesozooplankton, and fishes were probably related to the preferred prey and bioavailability of these elements in the marine environment. The increasing concentration of MeHg and Se at successively higher trophic levels of the food web of Guanabara Bay corresponds to a transfer between trophic levels from the lower trophic level to the top-level predator, suggesting that MeHg and Se were biomagnified throughout the food web. Hg and Se were positively correlated with the fish standard length, suggesting that larger and older fish bioaccumulated more of these trace elements. THg, MeHg, and Se were a function of the plankton size. There is a need to assess the role of selenium in mercury accumulation in tropical ecosystems. Without further studies of the speciation of selenium in livers of fishes from this region, the precise role of this element, if any, cannot be verified in positively affecting mercury accumulation. Further studies of this element in the study of marine species should include liver samples containing relatively high concentrations of mercury. A basin-wide survey of selenium in fishes is also recommended.

Corticosterone in relation to tissue cadmium, mercury and selenium concentrations and social status of male lesser scaup (Aythya affinis)

Combined lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) and greater scaup (A. marila) populations have declined steadily from the 1970s. Accompanying the population decline have been two shifts in lesser scaup demographics: a decrease in the proportion of young birds and an increase in male to female ratio. In addition, there are concerns about potential effects of contaminants and trace elements. These metals may influence the stress response and corticosterone secretion. We examined impacts of cadmium, selenium and mercury on the stress response in relation to social status in male lesser scaup near Yellowknife, NWT May to June 2004 and 2005. Kidney cadmium and liver selenium and mercury ranged 0.78-93.6, 2.12-9.64, and 0.56-3.71 microg/g, dry weight, respectively. Results suggest that corticosterone release may be influenced by complex contaminant interactions in relation to body condition and body size. When cadmium was high and birds were in good body condition, there was a negative relationship between liver selenium and corticosterone (R(2) = 0.60, n = 10, P = 0.008) but not in birds with poor body condition (R(2) = 0.07, n = 9, P = 0.50). Unfortunately we were unable to draw any conclusions about metals and social status in relation to corticosterone or glucose and T(4). This study emphasizes the complex nature of biological systems and the importance of considering interactions to characterize effects of metals.

Elemental selenium particles at nano-size (Nano-Se) are more toxic to Medaka ( Oryzias latipes) as a consequence of hyper-accumulation of selenium: A comparison with sodium selenite

Recent studies have shown that elemental selenium particles at nano-size (Nano-Se) exhibited comparable bioavailability and less toxicity in mice and rats when compared to sodium selenite, selenomethinine and methylselenocysteine. However, little is known about the toxicity profile of Nano-Se in aquatic animals. In the present study, toxicities of Nano-Se and selenite in selenium-sufficient Medaka fish were compared. Selenium bioaccumulation and subsequent clearance in fish livers, gills, muscles and whole bodies were examined after 10 days of exposure to Nano-Se and selenite (100 μg Se/L) and again after 7 days of depuration. Both forms of selenium exposure effectively increased selenium concentrations in the investigated tissues. Surprisingly, Nano-Se was found to be more hyper-accumulated in the liver compared to selenite with differences as high as sixfold. Selenium clearance of both Nano-Se and selenite occurred at similar ratios in whole bodies and muscles but was not rapidly cleared from livers and gills. Nano-Se exhibited strong toxicity for Medaka with an approximately fivefold difference in terms of LC 50 compared to selenite. Nano-Se also caused larger effects on oxidative stress, most likely due to more hyper-accumulation of selenium in liver. The present study suggests that toxicity of nanoparticles can largely vary between different species and concludes that the evaluation of nanotoxicology should be carried out on a case-by-case basis.

Trace micro-nutrients may affect susceptibility to bovine tuberculosis in cattle

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a continuing problem in British herds. Micro-nutrients are important for the maintenance of well-functioning immune system. The aim of this study was to determine whether the selenium, copper and vitamin B12 status of cattle was associated with Mycobacterium bovis ( M. bovis) infection. Between 2002 and 2005, 200 cattle (43% dairy, mean age 4.6 years), reactors according to the standard interpretation of the tuberculin test, and 200 in-contacts (41% dairy, mean age 4.4 years) non-reactors, which had been in contact with cattle with bTB, were selected from herds in England and Wales. Levels of the seleno enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), copper and vitamin B12 were measured in blood. Confirmation of bTB infection was made by bacteriological culture and histopathology following a detailed postmortem. Levels of selenium and copper were also measured in a random sample of 63 livers. bTB was confirmed by culture/histology in 23/200 (11.5%) of in-contacts and 110/200 (55%) of reactors. In blood drawn at recruitment, GSHPx was lower in cattle with confirmed bTB compared to other cattle (geometric means 59.7 u/mL versus 78.9 u/mL red blood cells (RBC), p < 0.01). Vitamin B12 was similar (geometric means 161.5 pmol/L versus 165.5 pmol/L, p = 0.62) and copper was similar (geometric means 14.4 μmol/L versus 14.1 μmol/L, p = 0.55). In logistic regression models including all micro-nutrients simultaneously and controlling for age, sex, animal production class, herd size, number of reactors, postmortem laboratory and seasonal trends, lower levels of GSHPx (adjusted OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.21–0.81 per 100 u/mL RBC, p = 0.01) and higher levels of copper (adjusted OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.21–2.36 per 5 μmol/L, p < 0.01) were associated with an increased risk of confirmed bTB but there was no association with vitamin B12. There was evidence for a stronger association between confirmed bTB and GSHPx in in-contacts (adjusted OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.06–0.79 per 100 u/mL RBC) compared to reactors (adjusted OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.21–1.23 per 100 u/mL RBC) ( p = 0.08 for interaction). Lower liver copper was associated with a higher risk of confirmed bTB (adjusted OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.02–1.0 per 5000 μmol/kg dry mass, p = 0.05) but there was no association between liver selenium and bTB. Trace micro-nutrient status may affect susceptibility to M. bovis infection in cattle. Further studies are needed.

Total mercury, organic mercury and selenium in liver and kidney of a South American coastal dolphin

Selenium and total and organic mercury were determined in the liver and kidney of franciscana dolphin ( Pontoporia blainvillei) incidentally caught in fishing nets along two Brazilian coastal areas (southeast and south). Regional differences in the concentrations of these contaminants were observed in P. blainvillei. Liver showed the highest organic and total mercury. In general, samples of individuals collected at the southern of Brazil had the highest concentrations of selenium and total and organic mercury. No significant gender differences were observed. Growth stage influenced the accumulation of these contaminants in both organs, and hepatic concentrations increased with the body length, according to the sampling area. Molar mercury and selenium concentrations in liver were significantly correlated, with a Se:Hg ratio close to 4. The among-site differences we found may be related to differences in preferred prey, bioavailability in the marine environment, environmental conditions, or these individuals may belong to distinct populations.

Effect of selenium and Ascaridia galli infection on antioxidant biomarkers in broiler chickens: a mathematical model for parasite reduction and host growth

The activity of selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GPX), liver concentration of vitamin E, and plasma and liver selenium levels were used for estimation of the antioxidant status of broiler chickens infected with Ascaridia galli. These biomarkers were recorded in an experiment covering 70 days p.i. At the same time the establishment rate of A. galli in chicken intestines, gain in the host body weight and chicken survival were studied. Broiler chickens (Cobb hybrids) were infected with 1450 embryonated A. galli eggs and treated with Sel-plex. A mathematical model was applied to determine the rate of nematode reduction and the relative rate of gain of host body weight, which are essential kinetic parameters of parasite-host interaction. The activity of GPX increased with both elevated selenium and reduced infection levels. The concentrations of selenium and vitamin E, and the GPX activity in the infected chickens demonstrated a similar pattern of change with time after day 30 p.i. The supplementation of the broilers with dietary selenium in the form of Sel-plex improved their antioxidant status. Increases by 29% in vitamin E concentration, 15% in GPX activity, and 22% in liver selenium concentration, respectively, were recorded in the infected and treated, compared to infected and untreated broilers.

Non-linear uptake and hormesis effects of selenium in red-winged blackbirds ( Agelaius phoeniceus)

Effects of selenium on reproductive success were assessed in red-winged blackbirds ( Agelaius phoeniceus). Mean egg selenium (MES) ranged from 2.96 to 21.7 mg/kg dry weight with individual eggs up to 40 mg/kg. Uptake was non-linear: increments in MES declined as aqueous selenium increased; the asymptote was approximately 23 mg/kg. Eggs were heavier and more were laid in 2004 compared to 2005, a year of record rainfall and below-normal temperatures. Mortality of embryos that were incubated to full term was low (2.6% in 2004 and 3.2% in 2005), as was the prevalence of embryonic defects (2.7% in 2004 and 5.1% in 2005). Abnormalities in nestlings were also rare. Egg mortality was caused by predation, weather, and parental abandonment. Nestlings died from predation, starvation, and hypothermia associated with rain and cold, drowning, and bacterial infections. Nestling liver concentrations reached 81 mg/kg dry wt. selenium and were highest at the most highly selenium-exposed sites. Blood glutathione peroxidase (a selenium-dependent enzyme indicative of selenium exposure) was unrelated to liver selenium concentrations, egg selenium, or ambient selenium exposure. The selenium concentration in prey that parents fed to nestlings was higher at the selenium-exposed sites (up to 37 mg/kg dry wt. Se) compared to reference sites. Aqueous selenate:selenite ratios were related to redox differences and were much higher at the site with the highest MES, liver selenium, and prey item selenium concentrations. Hatchability showed U-shaped, or hormesis, relationships with MES: productivity increased with selenium concentrations at low exposures and decreased at high exposures. The effects threshold was approximately 22 mg/kg dry wt. MES.

Fatal inanition in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus): Pathological findings in completely emaciated carcasses

BackgroundIn a project to determine the causes of winter mortality in reindeer in Finnmark County, northern Norway, the most frequent diagnosis turned out to be complete emaciation, despite several of the reindeer having been given silage for up to 4 weeks before they died. The present paper describes autopsy results and other findings in these animals.MethodsAutopsies were made of 32 reindeer carcasses, and 28 of these were diagnosed as completely emaciated based on lack of visible fat and serous atrophy of subepicardial and bone marrow fat. Other investigations of the carcasses included histology, bacteriology, parasitology (counting of macro parasites and faecal egg counting), analysis of vitamin E and selenium in liver, chemical and botanical analysis of rumen content, analysis of lipid content in femur bone marrow and estimation of muscle atrophy by use of a muscle index.ResultsMain findings were: Low carcass weight, severe muscle atrophy, hemosiderosis in liver and spleen, subcutaneous oedema (18%) and effusions to body cavities (18%). Two types of lipofuscin granula were identified in the liver: One type occurred in liver endothelial cells of all carcasses, while the other type occurred in hepatocytes, and prevailed in adult animals. Abomasal haemorrhages, consistent with previously described stress lesions, was present in 68% of the carcasses. Diarrhoea occurred in 2 cases, and loose faecal consistency was associated with silage feeding. Rumen content was low in crude protein. Grass dominated rumen content in silage-fed carcasses, while reindeer on natural pastures had mainly woody plants, mosses and litter in rumen. Stem dominated the grass fraction in rumens with high grass content, indicating ruminal indigestion as a cause of emaciation in silage fed animals. Some cases had heavy infestation of parasites such as warble fly larvae (Hypoderma tarandi), throat bot larvae (Cephenemyiae trompe) and lung nematodes.ConclusionLack of appropriate amounts and/or appropriate quality of feed has been the main cause of emaciation, though heavy infestation of parasites may have contributed to the emaciation in some cases.

Apolipoprotein E Receptor-2 (ApoER2) Mediates Selenium Uptake from Selenoprotein P by the Mouse Testis

Selenium is a micronutrient that is essential for the production of normal spermatozoa. The selenium-rich plasma protein selenoprotein P (Sepp1) is required for maintenance of testis selenium and for fertility of the male mouse. Sepp1 trafficking in the seminiferous epithelium was studied using conventional methods and mice with gene deletions. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated that Sepp1 is present in vesicle-like structures in the basal region of Sertoli cells, suggesting that the protein is taken up intact. Sepp1 affinity chromatography of a testicular extract followed by mass spectrometry-based identification of bound proteins identified apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (ApoER2) as a candidate testis Sepp1 receptor. In situ hybridization analysis identified Sertoli cells as the only cell type in the seminiferous epithelium with detectable ApoER2 expression. Testis selenium levels in apoER2(-/-) males were sharply reduced from those in apoER2(+/+) males and were comparable with the depressed levels found in Sepp1(-/-) males. However, liver selenium levels were unchanged by deletion of apoER2. Immunocytochemistry did not detect Sepp1 in the Sertoli cells of apoER2(-/-) males, consistent with a defect in the receptor-mediated Sepp1 uptake pathway. Phase contrast microscopy revealed identical sperm defects in apoER2(-/-) and Sepp1(-/-) mice. Co-immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated an interaction of testis ApoER2 with Sepp1. These data demonstrate that Sertoli cell ApoER2 is a Sepp1 receptor and a component of the selenium delivery pathway to spermatogenic cells.

Human accumulation of mercury in Greenland

In the Arctic, the traditional diet exposes its people to a high intake of mercury especially from marine mammals. To determine whether the mercury is accumulated in humans, we analyzed autopsy samples of liver, kidney and spleen from adult ethnic Greenlanders who died between 1990 and 1994 from a wide range of causes, natural and violent. Liver, kidney and spleen samples from between 33 and 71 case subjects were analyzed for total mercury and methylmercury, and liver samples also for selenium. Metal levels in men and women did not differ and were not related to age except in one case, i.e. for total mercury in liver, where a significant declining concentration with age was observed. The highest total mercury levels were found in kidney followed by liver and spleen. Methylmercury followed the same pattern, but levels were much lower, constituting only 19% of the total mercury concentration in liver and spleen and as little as 3% in kidney. In liver selenium was found in surplus to mercury on a molar basis. Mercury concentrations in the liver and kidneys of Greenlanders were elevated compared to levels in the general population in Japan, Korea and several European countries, except in the Faroe Islands where mercury levels were 2-3 times higher. This is in accordance with the expected exposure of mercury in the diet.

The influence of different levels of dietary selenium on its distribution in the organs of broiler chickens

The content of selenium in basic broiler diets was 50 ? 10, 100 ? 10, 150 ? 10 and 250 ? 10 ?gkg-1. At day 14, 28 and 42 tissue samples were collected. Dynamics and selenium deposits in blood, liver, muscle and heart were estimated in relation to the level of dietary selenium and age of broilers. When broilers were fed with diet containing 250 ?gkg-1 Se, at day 42 the highest concentration of Se was in liver (570.8 ? 44.1 ?gkg-1), blood (430.3 ? 46.5 ?gL-1) and heart (237.5 ? 42.8 ?gkg-1). At day 14, increase of dietary selenium content from 50 ?gkg-1 to 250 ?gkg-1 was followed by decrease of selenium deposits in heart: when broilers were fed with basic diet containing 50 ?gkg-1 Se measured content of Se in heart muscle was 49.8 ? 15.6 ?gkg-1 (99.6%) while in broilers fed with basic diet containing 250 ?gkg-1 Se measured content of Se in heart was 147.2 ? 33.4 ?gkg-1 (58.9%), respectively. The point of saturation as well as maximal concentration of selenium in liver was reached in period between fourth (556.7 ? 40.6 ?gkg-1) and sixth (570.8 ? 44.1 ?gkg-1) week of age. Also, feeding with basic diet containing 250 ?gkg-1 Se the selenium blood level reached 162.8 ? 28.9 ?gL-1 already at day 14 that represent 65.1% of dietary selenium.

Feeding Period of Selenium-Deficient Diet and Response of Redox Relating Minerals

Dynamics of redox relating biotrace elements, selenium (Se), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) in liver, kidney, and spleen of selenium deficient Wistar male rats in a series of feeding period (from 0 to 8 weeks) were studied using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) for the plasma fraction of the rat bloods and the concentration of vitamin C and vitamin E in the liver homogenates were measured. The initial purpose of this study was to find Fe and Zn as sensitive indices of the tissue oxidative stress levels. However, the relationships among the biotrace elements and the oxidative stress/injury were much complicated. Control group, which was fed Se-deficient diet with Na2SeO4 (0.1 mg selenium/l) in drinking water, showed strange response of Se and Zn contents in the kidney and showed high BUN. Supplementation of inorganic Se by biased Se source may serve as another source of a stress especially in the kidney. The Fe and Zn contents in the liver and kidney look sensitive to the Se-deficiency and/or relating oxidative stresses. Short term exposure to the Se-deficiency appeared to consume Fe and Zn in the liver and kidney. In contrast, long term or chronic exposure to Se-deficiency appeared to accumulate Fe and Zn in liver and kidney.

Levels of non-essential elements in muscle from harp seal ( Phagophilus groenlandicus) and hooded seal ( Cystophora cristata) caught in the Greenland Sea area

The non-essential elements, arsenic, cadmium, mercury and lead, inevitably accumulate in marine top predators such as seals. The concentration of these elements and the essential element selenium, due to its proposed protective properties against mercury toxicity in marine mammals, were measured in muscle, liver and kidney from reproductive active females of harp seal ( Phagophilus groenlandicus) and hooded seal ( Cystophora cristata) caught in the drift ice between Iceland and East Greenland. Arsenic levels were below 1 μg/g w.w. in all analysed samples, and were therefore low compared to other seafood products. The concentrations of arsenic found in the present study were comparable to the results reported in a similar study from 1985. Mean concentrations of total mercury in muscle from the present study were higher than levels in other seafood products. The levels of total mercury from the present study showed a tendency of lower levels in all tissue samples compared to the study from 1985. Methyl mercury displayed a trend of a lower ratio of methyl mercury to total mercury as the concentration of total mercury increased, indicating a demethylation of methyl mercury at high total mercury concentrations (e.g. mercury in liver of hooded seal). The concentration ratio of methyl mercury to total mercury in muscle samples was more than 75%, with total mercury concentration less than 0.5 μg/g w.w., whereas the ratio for liver was as low as 0.2% with a total mercury concentration of 128 μg/g w.w. The molar concentration ratios of selenium to mercury showed that selenium was present in a molar surplus to mercury in all tissues with low mercury concentration. However, there seemed to be a general mobilisation of selenium in liver and kidney tissues of harp seal and hooded seal, whereas an extraordinary mobilisation seemed to take place at hepatic mercury concentrations exceeding 50 μg/g w.w. The mean concentrations of lead in muscles in the present study were higher than in fish and other seafood products from the Barents Sea. The lead concentrations from the present study were lower than levels reported in the 1985 study. However, the levels of the non-essential elements analysed in muscle from the two seal species in the present study should not prevent the use of seal meat in human nutrition.