Liver Zinc Levels Research Articles

Zinc supplementation alters tissue distribution of arsenic in Mus musculus

Arsenic occurs naturally in the environment and humans can be exposed through food, drinking water and inhalation of air-borne particles. Arsenic exposure is associated with cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, immunologic, and developmental toxicities as well as carcinogenesis. Arsenic displays dose-depen toxicities in target organs or tissues with elevated levels of arsenic. Zinc is an essential micronutrient with proposed protective benefits due to its antioxidant properties, integration into zinc-containing proteins and zinc-related immune signaling. In this study, we tested levels of arsenic and zinc in plasma, kidney, liver, and spleen as model tissues after chronic (42-day) treatment with either arsenite, zinc, or in combination. Arsenite exposure had minimal impact on tissue zinc levels with the exception of the kidney. Conversely, zinc supplementation of arsenite-exposed mice reduced the amount of arsenic detected in all tissues tested. Expression of transporters associated with zinc or arsenic influx and efflux were evaluated under each treatment condition. Significant effects of arsenite exposure on zinc transporter expression displayed tissue selectivity for liver and kidney, and was restricted to Zip10 and Zip14, respectively. Arsenite also interacted with zinc co-exposure for Zip10 expression in liver tissue. Pairwise comparisons show neither arsenite nor zinc supplementation alone significantly altered expression of transporters utilized by arsenic. However, significant interactions between arsenite and zinc were evident for Aqp7 and Mrp1 in a tissue selective manner. These findings illustrate interactions between arsenite and zinc leading to changes in tissue metal level and suggest a potential mechanism by which zinc may offer protection from arsenic toxicities.

Pb, Cd, and Cu Play a Major Role in Health Risk from Contamination in Duck Meat and Offal for Food Production in Thailand.

Zinc, Pb, Cd, Mn, Fe, Cr, and Cu levels in duck meat from large-scale farms have been found to be significantly higher than those from free-grazing duck farms. Zinc, Co, Mn, Cr, and Cu contamination levels in duck liver from large-scale farms were significantly higher than those from free-grazing farms; only Cd in duck liver from free-grazing farms was higher than in liver samples from large-scale farms at P < 0.05. Lead, Cd, Fe, and Cr levels in duck intestine samples from free-grazing farms were higher than large-scale farms at P < 0.001. Moreover, the average concentrations of Pb in duck meat and liver samples from large-scale farms and Cd levels in duck liver samples from free-grazing farm also exceeded the FAO/WHO and Codex Alimentarius limits by 100% (55/55), 100% (54/54), and 67.6% (23/34), respectively. PCA analysis showed a strong positive relationship between the eight metals in meat, liver, and intestine was > 0.69, > 0.69, and > 0.72, in order. The relationship of the liver combined with the intestine was > 0.65. This study indicated that consumers may incur health risks from long-term consumption of duck due to high Pb and Cd concentrations from both types of farms, particularly from large-scale duck farms.

Estimation of Zinc Levels in Blood, Liver and Stomach Contents using ICP-AES: A Cross Sectional Autopsy Based Study

Zinc is an essential component of the body, but its excess quantity is harmful and long term intake above upper limits causes acute or chronic toxicity. Normal levels of zinc in serum is 75-120 µg/dL while in blood it is 1200 µg/dL. A study was conducted to determine the level of zinc in various biological samples from the medicolegal autopsies conducted at mortuary, Department of Forensic Medicine &amp; Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. Biological samples were taken from 100 cases comprising of Blood, Liver &amp; Stomach contents from each case. They were analysed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrophotometry (ICP-AES). The data obtained were analysed using various demographic profiles and treatment history to know prevalence &amp; distribution of these metals in general population so as to help later in investigation of alleged deaths due to metal toxicity &amp; metallic compounds poisoning. The result showed mean blood zinc levels were 14.21 μg/ ml (range 0-77.36 μg/ml), mean zinc levels in liver and stomach contents were 25.66 μg/g (range 0.72–127.03 μg/g) and 7.95 μg/ml (range 0–60.94 μg/ml) respectively. The data analysis on the basis of treatment history showed that mean zinc levels in blood, liver and stomach contents were higher in cases where treatment was not given i.e. 14.97 µg/ml, 15.25 µg/g and 8.18 µg/ml respectively.

Lycopene restores trace element levels in ochratoxin A-treated rats.

This study was designed to investigate the in vivo effects of ochratoxin A (OTA) and/or lycopene on the levels of selenium, zinc, and copper in the liver, kidneys, and testes of male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were treated with OTA (0.5 mg kg-1 day-1) and/or lycopene (5 mg kg-1 day-1) by gavage for 7 or 14 days. Trace element levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. OTA significantly lowered selenium (20 % in the liver, 17 % in the kidney, and 40 % in the testis), zinc (24 % in the liver, 23 % in the kidney, and 26 % in the testis), and copper levels (40 % in the liver and 10 % in the kidney). Lycopene alone did not affect the trace element levels in any of the organs. In combination with OTA, however, it significantly restored liver, kidney, and testis selenium and zinc levels compared to the group treated with OTA alone. Our results have confirmed that depletion of trace elements in different organs is one of the mechanisms of action of OTA. They also suggest that lycopene interferes with this depleting effect and restores trace element levels, the implications of which need to be further investigated.

THE EFFECT OF PUMPKIN SEED OIL ON ZINC DEFICIENT-INDUCED REPRODUCTIVE DISORDERS IN MALE RATS

Pumpkin ( Cucurbitae Pepo L. ) seed oil (PSO) is suggested as an antioxidant, as well as reproductive effect, whereas zinc claimed as fertility supplement. Current work aims to assess the possible effect of PSO combined with zinc on thyroids, testosterone hormones and oxidative damage against zinc deficiency in male rats. Thirty-six rats weight ranged 70-80g classified into four nine rats, were used for the research that lasted for six weeks. Group I, the control group, received fed on basal diet with sufficient zinc and water ad libitum. Group II, received zinc-deficient diet (3ppm), group III was received zinc-deficient diet and zinc sulphate supplemented (3+81 ppm) and group IV received the same of group III treated with 200 mg PSO/kg/b.wt/rats. The results showed an excellent quality of PSO with high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and phenolic phytochemicals. Results showed statistically significant increase in serum levels of triodothyronine hormone (T3), testosterone, antioxidant microsomal enzymes in liver and testis in the test PSO compared with the zinc-deficient rats. The results also revealed statistically significant decrease in the serum levels of lipid profile except HDL-C in groups ZD + Zn and ZD + Zn + PSO when compared with zinc deficient group (ZD). The increase in zinc levels in blood and liver and testis in dose dependent as there were consistent increment in groups ZD + Zn and ZD + Zn + PSO after which the levels increased with adding PSO to zinc supplemented in zinc-deficient rats. In conclusion, PSO has some significant positive effects on reproductive functions in male rats in particular those suffering from zinc deficient. All of the effects could be potentially attributed the high bioactive compound content fatty acids, menieral, antioxidant activity, testis and liver by PSO. Key words: Linolenic acid, antioxidant, testosterone, testis, phytochemicals

Could a trace mineral deficiency be associated with congenital chondrodystrophy of unknown origin (CCUO) in beef cattle in Australia?

Congenital chondrodystrophy of unknown origin (CCUO) has been reported in beef cattle worldwide. A trace mineral deficiency in pregnant dams has been suggested as causing the deformities seen in CCUO calves. An extended outbreak of CCUO in Australia between 2002 and 2009 provided an opportunity to examine the pattern of trace mineral status in gestating cows and the effect of parenteral trace mineral supplementation on a herd at risk of CCUO calves. A property with a strong history of CCUO was identified from a previous case-control study. A randomly selected sample of multiparous (8 to 10 years old) Angus and Angus cross cows (n = 20) was assigned to control (no injection) or supplement group given three injections at the recommended dose rate of chelated mineral supplement (Mn, Zn, Cu and Se) at 6-week intervals in mid- to late gestation. Liver biopsies were performed to measure liver Mn, Zn, Cu and Fe at each injection time and 1 month post-calving. Pasture samples were also collected for analysis. Supplemented cows had higher liver Cu levels compared to control cows (p < 0.001), but there was no difference between supplement and control cows for liver Zn, Fe or Mn. Liver Cu (p < 0.001), Fe (p < 0.001) and Zn (p < 0.001) fell during gestation and liver Mn increased after calving (p < 0.001). Three cows from the control group and two from the supplement group had liver zinc levels below the normal values at the end of the trial. Two cows from the control group and one from the treatment group gave birth to cows with signs of CCUO including superior brachygnathia. All cows except one from the control group had rough dry coats with excessive dander. The role of trace mineral status in the birth of CCUO calves, especially the role of zinc deficiency, requires further investigation.

Comparative effect of different chelators and vitamin C on liver and kidney zinc levels following lead intoxication

Comparative effect of different chelators and vitamin C on liver and kidney zinc levels following lead intoxication

Effect of weaning and in‐feed high doses of zinc oxide on zinc levels in different body compartments of piglets

High doses of Zn are widely used for prevention and treatment of diarrhoea in weaning piglets; however, the mechanism of action of Zn against diarrhoea is still not well understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether weaning induces Zn deficiency in piglets. Eight litters of primiparous sows were selected for the experiment, and 3 piglets presenting similar weights were selected within each litter. Two of the three selected piglets from each litter were weaned at 21d of age and fed two different diets: a commercial control diet (WCt) and the same diet plus 2000 ppm of Zn as ZnO (WZn). The third selected pig from each litter was kept unweaned (Uw) with the sow and the rest of the litter. All 24 selected animals were killed at 28 d of age, and blood, gastrointestinal content, liver, pancreas and spleen were sampled for Zn, Fe and Cu analysis (mg/kg or L of sample). Data were analysed using anova including treatment as a fixed factor. Weaned pigs fed WCt diet presented a lower Zn concentration in plasma than Uw animals (0.76 ± 0.091 vs. 1.10 ± 0.099 mg/L, p = 0.05). Zinc levels in liver, pancreas and spleen were not affected by weaning. Total concentration of Zn was higher in gastrointestinal contents of weaned animals fed WCt diet than in Uw pigs (p ≤ 0.001 for stomach, jejunum, ileum, caecum and colon). Supplementation with high doses of ZnO increased levels of Zn in gastrointestinal content (p < 0.001), liver (p < 0.001) and pancreas (p < 0.001) compared to WCt diet. It also increased plasma Zn to non-deficient levels (1.32 ± 0.086), but the increase was not as marked as in other locations and final concentration was not different than that in Uw animals (p = 0.231). Weaning creates a Zn deficiency situation in weaned pigs as observed by plasma Zn concentrations. ZnO supplementation counteracts Zn deficiency.

Chronic copper intoxication causes impaired spatial memory and hippocampus copper elevation in wistar rats

Background: Animal models of copper toxicities rarely exhibit neurological impairments and increased brain copper accumulation impeding the development of novel therapeutic approaches to treat neurodegenerative diseases having high brain Cu content. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of intraperitoneally injected copper lactate (0.15 mg Cu/100 g b.w.) daily for 90 days on copper and zinc levels in liver, kidney and hippocampus; expression of hepatic metallothionein-I and Atp7b gene, with metallothionein-III and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) gene in brain, biochemical parameters and neurobehavioral functions (by Morris water maze) of male wistar rats. Results: Copper administered animals exhibited significantly decreased serum AChE activity, increased hepatic metallothionein-I gene expression, impaired neuromuscular coordination and spatial memory compared to control rats. Copper intoxicated rats showed significant increase in liver, hippocampus and kidney tissues copper content (99.1, 73 and 74.9 % increase respectively), 40.7 % reduction in hepatic zinc content and interestingly, 77.1% increase in hippocampus zinc content with concomitant increase in copper and zinc levels in serum and urine compared to control rats. Massive copper deposition and copper associated protein in hepatocytes of copper intoxicated rats was substantiated by rhodanine and orcein stains respectively. Copper intoxicated rats demonstrated swelling and increase in number of astrocytes, degenerated neurons having pyknotic nuclei with copper deposition in choroid plexus. Conclusion: Present study shows the first evidence in vivo that chronic copper toxicity causes impaired spatial memory, swelling of astrocytes, decreased serum AChE activity,

Determination of cadmium, lead, nickel, and zinc in Micropterus salmoides and Oreochromis niloticus by flame atomic absorption spectrometry after cloud point extraction

The levels of cadmium, lead, nickel, and zinc in muscle, intestine, gills, and liver of two fish species (largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides and bream Oreochromis niloticus) collected from Acadia Dam, Bindura, Zimbabwe, were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry after cloud-point extraction (CPE) using 1-(2-thiazolylazo)-2-naphthol as a complexing agent and Triton X-114 as a surfactant. The CPE procedure was optimized with respect to ligand concentration and surfactant concentration, pH, equilibration time, and temperature. Enrichment factors of 26, 20, 31, and 32 were obtained for Cd, Pb, Ni, and Zn, respectively. The metal concentrations in most of the fish tissues were found to generally follow the order: Zn > Ni > Pb > Cd, and the concentrations in the tissues were found to follow the order: liver > gills > intestine > muscle. The results also indicated that there was no significant difference in the mean metal concentrations in the fish tissues of the samples investigated (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the fish from the dam are not excessively burdened with the metals investigated but should be monitored periodically.

Effect of zinc supplementation on type 2 diabetes parameters and liver metallothionein expressions in Wistar rats

Zinc is a trace metal and acts as an active component of various enzymes. Zinc deficiency has been suggested to be associated with the development of diabetes. The present study investigated the role of zinc supplementation on prevention of diabetic conditions. A double-disease model mimicking hyperlipidemia and type 2 diabetes was created by applying high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ) to Wistar rats. We demonstrated that zinc supplementation improved symptoms of diabetes such as polydipsia and increased serum level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, indicating that zinc supplementation has a potential beneficial effect on diabetic conditions. The level of maldondialdehyde (MDA), an oxidative stress marker, was reduced in liver by zinc supplementation in high fat-fed rats with or without STZ injection. Meanwhile, we observed an increase in the expression of metallothioneins (MTs) in liver of rats treated with zinc. This suggests that the induction of MTs in liver, which has been shown to be important in scavenging free radicals, could be one of the underlying mechanisms of zinc supplementation on reducing MDA levels in liver. Finally, we found that zinc levels in liver were increased while there was no change in serum zinc levels, indicating that local zinc level might be a critical factor for the induction of MTs. Also, the level of MTs could potentially be an index of zinc bioavailability. Taken together, these results suggest that both zinc and MT could play an important role in balancing nutrition and metabolism to prevent diabetic development.

Pancreatic Atrophy Due to Zinc Toxicosis in Two African Ostriches (Struthio camelus)

Two of three captive adult African ostriches exhibited inappetance and weakness. In spite of treatment, the two birds were euthanized because of lack of clinical improvement. Postmortem examination demonstrated exocrine pancreatic degeneration, necrosis, and atrophy. Grossly, one ostrich had a markedly diminished pancreatic mass. Histologically, there was massive pancreatic acinar (exocrine) atrophy, marked interstitial fibrosis, and tubular complex formation in one animal, and the second ostrich had active pancreatic acinar necrosis. Toxicologic testing revealed markedly elevated liver zinc levels in the first two birds, whereas the third ostrich had normal serum levels of zinc and continues without apparent disease. This form of zinc toxicosis, while previously reported in different avian species, has been only rarely described in ratites.

Effect of high dose sibutramine application on serum serotonin, plasma noradrenaline and on zinc and iron levels in liver, kidney, adrenal glands in rats

Effect of high dose sibutramine application on serum serotonin, plasma noradrenaline and on zinc and iron levels in liver, kidney, adrenal glands in rats

A study of metal concentrations and metallothionein binding capacity in liver, kidney and brain tissues of three Arctic seal species

Arctic seals are known to accumulate relatively high concentrations of potential toxic heavy metals in their vital organs, such as livers and kidneys, as well as in their central nervous system. We therefore decided to determine whether mercury, copper, cadmium and zinc levels in liver, kidney and brain tissues of three Arctic seal species were associated with the intracellular metal-binding protein metallothionein (MT) as a sign of toxic exposure. Samples from four ringed ( Phoca hispida), five harp ( P . groenlandica) and five hooded ( Cystophora cristata) seals taken during field trips to Central West Greenland (Godhavn) and the Barents Sea in the spring of 1999 were used for the present study. In all three seal species concentrations of mercury, zinc and copper were highest in the liver, except for cadmium which was highest in the kidneys. Metal concentrations increased significantly in the order: ringed seal < harp seal < hooded seal for both kidney and liver tissues. MT concentrations were highest in the kidneys and the concentrations increased in the order: ringed seal < hooded seal < harp seal. MT metal-binding capacity was highest in the kidneys for all three species and increased in the same order: ringed seals (2–10%) < hooded seals (8–15%) < harp seals (27–63%). We therefore suggest that there are species-specific differences in the sub-cellular handling of heavy metals which indicate differences in sensitivity and health implications. However, a larger sample size is needed in order to test the relationship between metal concentrations and MT up-regulation in order to decide which metals are the most important and to elucidate whether the MT binding capacity is sufficient to protect tissues (i.e. kidney) from metal toxicosis. MT with its binding capacity could be a useful marker for environmental exposure to metals and their potential toxicity in the Arctic.

Determination of Lead and Zinc Concentrations in the Blood and Liver of the Captive Common Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)

Heavy metal toxicosis is a well-known phenomenon in wild, captive-animal, and domestic animal medicine. However, the occurrence among reptiles is not well documented. One reason for this is the lack of information regarding reference blood and tissue levels of heavy metals in reptiles. To determine normal blood lead, plasma zinc, and liver lead and zinc concentrations, blood and liver samples were collected from 4 adult and 16 juvenile, healthy green iguanas (Iguana iguana). Lead and zinc levels were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Using the mean +/- two SD as the normal reference range, the present study suggests the following for captive common green iguana: 1) whole blood lead level: 0.06 +/- 0.06 microg/ml; 2) plasma zinc level: 2.68 +/- 1.66 microg/ml; 3) liver lead level (wet-weight basis): <1.0 +/- 0.0 microg/g; 4) liver lead level (dry-weight basis): <3.0 +/- 0.0 microg/g; 5) liver zinc level (wet-weight basis): 24.9 +/- 11.6 microg/g; and 6) liver zinc level (dry-weight basis): 83.4 +/- 44.6 microg/g. These values are fairly consistent with published reference levels in other mammalian and avian species.

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.

Trace metal levels in Prochilodus lineatus collected from the La Plata River, Argentina

Most of the industrial, urban and sewage discharges are released into the La Plata River, Argentina without any previous treatment. However, few works have investigated the extent of metal contamination. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of cadmium, copper, lead and zinc in liver and gills of adults Prochilodus lineatus collected from three sampling stations along the coast of the La Plata River: Berazategui, Berisso and Atalaya (from north to south). Samplings were performed during 2002 and 2004. Berazategui and Berisso were located nearby the main ducts that discharge the urban and domestic waste disposal from the cities of Buenos Aires and La Plata, respectively. The third station, Atalaya, was free of sewage discharges. Levels of cadmium and copper in liver were always higher than those found in gills. Instead, for lead and zinc, high levels were observed either in liver or gills, depending on the sampling station and the sampling period. In both tissues, the concentrations of metals did not differ significantly between male and female fish. In liver samples, the concentrations of cadmium, copper and zinc tended to increase from north to south. Instead, the levels of lead followed an opposite pattern. No clear tendencies were observed in gill samples. The data may be useful as reference levels of metal contaminants in P. lineatus, the most important fish species in the La Plata River system.

Toxic Effects of Iterative Intraperitoneal Administration of Zinc Gluconate in Rats

Although zinc is an essential trace element involved in many physiological functions, toxicological data concerning acute exposure are scarce. The aim of our study was to determine the maximal iterative dose of zinc that can be administrated in rats without any adverse effect. Saline (control group) or zinc gluconate at 1, 2 or 4 mg/kg were intraperitoneally injected in animals daily during 7 days. The tolerance of zinc treatments was evaluated by the observation of clinical symptoms, haematological parameters and biochemistry, in relation to the zinc and copper levels in blood, liver, pancreas and faeces. We found no serious adverse effect within 1 week in rats injected intraperitoneally with 1 or 2 mg/kg/day of zinc gluconate, which tends to indicate that those doses could be useful in future therapeutic research. In contrast, the therapeutic treatment of adult rats with repeated intraperitoneal injections of a 4 mg/kg/day zinc dose should be cancelled, due to the occurrence of clinical adverse effects within a few days, as intraperitoneal local intolerance or major growth underdevelopment.

Zinc Bioavailability Is Improved by the Micronised Dispersion of Zinc Oxide with the Addition of L-Histidine in Zinc-Deficient Rats

Zinc fortification of milk or soft drinks is usually used to combat zinc deficiencies in developing countries. Water-soluble zinc compounds, such as zinc sulfate or zinc citrate, are better absorbed but have an unacceptable taste. A micronised, dispersible zinc oxide (MDZnO), which does not have such a problem concerning taste, had higher solubility compared to ZnO (zinc oxide) in an artificial gastric solution. MDZnO was tested for its bioavailability using zinc-deficient Wistar rats. Prior to the experiment, rats were fed zinc-deficient diet for 3 wk and were orally administered control (distilled water) or zinc solutions (ZnO, ZnO+L-histidine (His), MDZnO, MDZnO+His, 1 mg zinc/kg or 3.2 mg His/kg body weight). Compared to ZnO, MDZnO showed a lag in peak time and a lengthy period of continued high plasma zinc concentration after the single oral administration of zinc compounds. Addition of His to MDZnO elevated serum zinc concentration. Serum zinc concentration (area under the curve) in rats administered MDZnO with His was significantly higher than in rats administered distilled water (p<0.05). Liver zinc level was significantly higher in rats administered MDZnO with His compared with control rats (p<0.05), although the level was not affected by the administration with ZnO alone, ZnO+His, or MDZnO alone. In conclusion, the solubility of ZnO was elevated by the micronised dispersion tecnique and an in vivo study using zinc-deficient rats confirmed that its bioavailability was significantly improved compared to ZnO and the coadministration of His additively enhanced the bioavailability of MDZnO.

Effect of sulfite exposure on zinc, iron, and copper levels in rat liver and kidney tissues

Effect of sulfite exposure on zinc, iron, and copper levels in rat liver and kidney tissues