Liver Mn Research Articles

Long Term Excessive Zn Supplementation Induced Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats Fed on Semi-Synthetic Diet

The use of Zn as micronutrient in husbandry and agriculture practices and also in baby foods and multivitamin supplements have been increased during the last two decades. However, the effect of long term increasing Zn load on the oxidative stress in the body has not been worked so far. The supplementation of pharmacological dosage of Zn in otherwise Zn adequate diet was investigated with the aim if excess Zn in the diet triggers oxidative stress and its conesquence on enzymes of antioxidant defense system. In this study, three groups of rats were fed on semi-synthetic diet containing 20 mg Zn/kg (control, group-I), 40 mg Zn/kg (group-II) and 80 mg Zn/kg (group-III) diet respectively for a period of 6 months. Blood lipid profile in the serum, lipid peroxidation status and the activities of antioxidant enzymes and trace minerals level were estimated both in the liver and kidney of three groups of rats. The study revealed that the gain in body weight increased in rats in Zn concentration dependent manner. The blood lipid profile displayed a significant rise in serum glucose, total lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol whereas HDL-cholesterol showed a reduction in their levels in group-II and III than their control counter parts. The lipid peroxidation products were higher and the enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-s-transferase, glutathione reductase, glutathione (reduced) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were significantly lowered in liver and kidney of group-II and group-III. Their mineral status revealed a higher Zn concentration and lower Cu, Mg and Mn both in liver and kidney. This data suggest that Zn in excess in diet when fed for longer periods of time induces oxidative stress by altering the status of minerals.

An Estimation of the Manganese Requirement for Broilers from 1 to 21 Days of Age

A dose-response experiment was conducted to find the sensitive and consistent biomarker for the estimation of dietary manganese (Mn) requirement and establish the optimal Mn level for broilers fed a practical corn-soybean meal diet from 1 to 21days of age post-hatching. A total of 480 1-day-old Arbor Acres male chicks were randomly allotted to one of eight treatments with five replicates of 12 birds each and fed diets supplemented with 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, or 140mg Mn/kg from reagent grade Mn sulfate. Tissue Mn concentrations, manganese-containing superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity, and MnSOD mRNA concentration within heart tissue were analyzed at 7, 14, and 21days of age. Tissue Mn concentrations and heart MnSOD activity showed significant quadratic responses, and heart MnSOD mRNA concentration showed an asymptotic response to dietary supplemental Mn level, respectively. The estimate of dietary Mn for chicks from 1 to 21days of age was 122-128 for heart Mn concentration, 141-159 for pancreas Mn concentration, 127-138 for liver Mn concentration, and 135-156mg/kg for heart MnSOD activity, respectively. Heart MnSOD mRNA concentration was a consistent index for the estimation of the Mn requirement of broilers. Based on this index, the estimate of dietary Mn requirement for broilers from 1 to 21days of age post-hatching was about 130mg/kg, which was a little more than two times of the current NRC (1994) requirement.

Assessing metal, protein, and DNA profiles in Labeo rohita from the Indus River in Mianwali, Pakistan

This study assessed metals in water and different tissues of Labeo rohita and the impact of these metals on DNA and proteins as biomarkers of gills and muscles of these fish from three different polluted sites (reference or low = KW, medium = CH and high = SK) of the Indus River, Pakistan. The Mn, Pb, Cu, Zn, Hg, and Cr levels in water, gills, liver, muscles, and skin of these fish were compared with the international permissible levels. All metals except Pb and Hg in water were within the acceptable limits of drinking water. In contrast, the Mn, Hg, and Cr levels in the fish tissues were higher than their permissible limits for fish as a human food. Here, the gills contained higher metals than the other tissues. Different patterns of biomarkers were found in fish from these sites. While the gills did not show four protein bands (55, 30, 18.4, and 16.4 kDa), the muscles showed four new protein bands (100, 85, 45, and 20 kDa) for fish from the medium and high polluted sites as compared to the reference or low polluted site. The fish from the CH and SK sites of the Indus River contained low molecular weight DNA in their gills but high molecular weight DNA in their muscles when compared with the KW site. This study suggests that the proteins and DNA profiles of L. rohita could be used as biomarkers to assess the impact of potential environmental stressors such as metals on the freshwater systems.

The Effects of FeCl3 and Fe–EDTA on the Development of Psoriasis

The effects of FeCl₃ and Fe-EDTA on the development of psoriasis were studied in the mouse model of vaginal epithelium and tail epidermis. The mitoses of vaginal epithelial cell in female mice of their estrogenic stage and the formation of granular cell layers in male mouse tail scale were observed. Mice were randomly divided into eight groups and treated with normal saline, methotrexate, and different doses of two iron forms, FeCl₃ and Fe-EDTA, respectively, for 10 days. To explore the influence of FeCl₃ and Fe-EDTA on the excretion of Cu, Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Se, the concentration of those elements in liver and kidney was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. The different doses of FeCl₃ or Fe-EDTA could obviously inhibit the mitoses of vaginal epithelial cell (p< 0.05) and promote the formation of granular cell layers in mice tail scale (p < 0.05). No statistically significant results were found between the groups of FeCl₃ and Fe-EDTA, and between experimental groups and methotrexate group acted as the positive control (p>0.05). Compared with the negative group, the concentrations of Cu, Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Se in liver and kidney of experimental groups and positive control group were not significantly changed (p > 0.05). FeCl₃ and Fe-EDTA are as effective as methotrexate on inhibiting hyperplasia of epidermal cells and increasing the formation of granular cell layers, and the concentrations of Cu, Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Se in liver and kidney of experimental groups and positive control group were not significantly changed compared with the negative group, possibly retarding the development of psoriasis.

Liver, gills, and skin histopathology and heavy metal content of the Danube sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus Linnaeus, 1758)

The sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus L.) is a bottom-feeding fish species with a direct exposure to contaminants from water and sediments. Although heavy metal pollution is believed to be one of the main threats to the sterlet population in the Danube River basin, there is a lack of knowledge of the exact impact of heavy metals on their survival. In the present study, effects of heavy metal pollution on sterlet in the Danube basin were assessed as well as the utility of different sterlet organs and tissues as indicators of heavy metal contamination. The sterlet were sampled at three different sites in the Danube basin, in Hungary and Serbia, isolated from each other by dams. Heavy metal analysis included measurement of Cd, As, Pb, Cr, Hg, Cu, Ni, Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations in sterlet gills, muscle, liver, and intestine, and histopathological analyses comprised assessment and scoring of the extent and intensity of alterations in skin, gills, and liver tissue. Analysis revealed a significant presence of sublethal histopathological changes that were most pronounced in the liver and skin and increased accumulation of heavy metals, with the highest concentrations in the liver. Canonical discriminant analysis showed significant differentiation among the three studied localities, suggesting that the heavy metal concentrations in sterlet populations were site specific. The present study concludes that the accumulation of heavy metals is a response to the presence of these pollutants in the environment, and, together with other pollutants, it affects the vital organs of natural sterlet populations.

Manganese in Parenteral Nutrition: Who, When, and Why Should We Supplement?

Micronutrient requirements are not fully understood. Parenteral nutrition (PN) usually contains the trace element (TE) manganese (Mn) from fixed-concentration TE supplements. Multiple TE formulations may not be optimal in pediatric and home PN. Moreover, most PN products contain Mn as a ubiquitous contaminant. Excessive Mn can lead to Parkinson-like symptoms resulting from hypermanganesemia. A survey of 40 Australasian hospitals that contributed data on 108 patients to the annual home PN register and a systematic review of the literature were conducted to establish the scope of the potential problem of Mn toxicity in PN patients. Exposure to Mn doses 5-6 times current daily requirements, together with the TE contamination that is reported in PN products, can lead to neurotoxicity. Whole-blood levels are more accurate for monitoring and correlate well with signal intensity of magnetic resonance imaging. Current TE formulations restrict prescribing options. The regulatory mechanisms of Mn homeostasis are bypassed via the parenteral route so elimination via the hepatobiliary system is impaired, resulting in tissue or brain accumulation. Published dosage recommendations may be excessive and official guidelines require revision. Variability in clinical practices necessitates that individual TE additives are more widely available and multiple TE products reformulated. More frequent monitoring for any brain accumulation is recommended. The scarcity of PN-associated Mn deficiency, plus the growing evidence for Mn toxicity, leads to the conclusion that it is unnecessary for Mn to be prescribed routinely for pediatric or long-term PN patients.

Preliminary effects of alcohol and Curcuma longa upon CYP2E1 and hematotoxicity in benzene-induced mice

To observe the effects of CYP2E1 enzymatic alteration upon hematotoxicity by benzene poisoning in mice and the interference of alcohol and Curcuma longa. Eighty male Kunming mice (KM) were randomly divided into four groups: group A (20 mice injected subcutaneously with sodium chloride 2 ml/kg once every 2 days for 3 weeks as normal control group); group B (20 mice injected subcutaneously with 2 ml/kg benzene once every 2 days for 3 weeks as model group); group C (20 mice drinking freely 10% alcohol per day on the basis of benzene poisoning model as alcohol-treated group) and group D (20 mice given Curcuma longa 3 g/kg once a day on the basis of benzene poisoning model as Curcuma-treated group). Then the blood samples were collected so as to count the parameters of WBC, Hb, PLT. In addition, the liver cytochrome P450 activity and MN formation rate were measured. (1) Compared with group A, WBC, Hb and PLT of group B significantly decreased [(2.6 +/- 1.0) x 10(9)/L, (93 +/- 11) g/L, (593 +/- 81) x 10(9)/L]. (2) Compared with group B, the parameters of group C decreased (P < 0.05) while the liver cytochrome P450 activity of group C increased. It indicated that alcohol improved the activity of CYP2E1 and the MN formation rate of group C also increased [(8.8 +/- 1.8) per thousand vs(6.5 +/- 1.0) per thousand, P < 0.01]. (3) Compared with group B, the parameters of group D improved (P < 0.01). The activity of CYP2E1 of group D decreased and the difference was significant (P < 0.01). In the meantime, MN formation rate decreased (P < 0.01). (1) When the liver cytochrome P450 activity were altered, the hematotoxicity of benzene poisoning in mice underwent changes. (2) Alcohol increases the hematotoxicity induced by benzene poisoning in mice. (3) Curcuma longa has preventive effect against the hematotoxity of benzene.

Concentration of heavy metals in tissues of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) sampled in the Cananéia estuary, Brazil

Thirty specimens (15 adults and 15 juveniles) of Chelonia mydas found in the Cananéia estuary in the state of São Paulo on the southeastern Brazilian coast between January 2005 and September 2006, were analyzed The concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, Mn and Ni in liver and kidney samples of adult and juvenile green turtles were determined by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry.The average Cd concentration found in adult livers (0.57µg.g-1) was significantly higher than that in juveniles (0.279µg.g-1). Cu concentrations were significantly higher in the liver than in the kidney, and significantly higher in adults (39.9µg.g-1) than in juveniles (20.7µg.g-1) Average Mn concentrations in liver and kidney did not differ between adults (4.32 and 4.17µg.g-1) and juveniles (4.81 and 3.82µg.g-1), whereas Ni concentrations in adults (0.28 and 0.19µg.g-1, respectively) were significantly higher than in juveniles (0.13 and 0.089µg.g-1, respectively). Pb concentrations in liver were significantly higher in adults (0.37µg.g-1) than in juveniles (0.06µg.g-1). The concentrations of essential trace elements in Chelonia mydas were generally comparable to values reported in other, similar studies. With respect to non-essential metals (Cd, Pb and Ni), Chelonia mydas presented lower values than those reported for their northern Atlantic counterparts.

Iron Transporters Are Differentially Regulated by Dietary Iron, and Modifications Are Associated with Changes in Manganese Metabolism in Young Pigs1–3

To investigate the effects of dietary iron (Fe) on manganese (Mn) metabolism, 24 weaned pigs (21 d old) were blocked by litter and weight and randomly assigned to the following treatments: 1) no supplemental Fe [low Fe (L-Fe)]; 2) 100 mg supplemental Fe/kg [adequate Fe (A-Fe)]; and 3) 500 mg supplemental Fe/kg [high Fe (H-Fe)]. The basal diet was analyzed to contain 20 mg Fe/kg. Tissues were harvested after 32 d of feeding. Daily gain (least square means ± SEM) was greater in A-Fe pigs (328.3 ± 29.9 g/d) than in L-Fe pigs (224.0 ± 11.2 g/d). Hemoglobin concentrations on d 32 were lower in L-Fe pigs (62 ± 3.5 g/L) than in A-Fe pigs (128 ± 5.6 g/L) and did not differ between pigs fed A-Fe and H-Fe (133 ± 12.0 g/L). Liver Fe increased with increasing dietary Fe. Relative hepatic hepcidin expression was greater in pigs fed A-Fe and H-Fe than in those fed L-Fe. Relative expressions of duodenal divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) and solute carrier family 39 member 14 (ZIP14) were increased in L-Fe pigs compared with H-Fe pigs. Liver copper (Cu) was higher in L-Fe (0.56 ± 0.04 mmol/kg) and H-Fe (0.58 ± 0.04 mmol/kg) pigs than in A-Fe pigs (0.40 ± 0.04 mmol/kg). Liver Mn was lower in H-Fe pigs (0.15 ± 0.01 mmol/kg) than in A-Fe (0.23 ± 0.02 mmol/kg) or L-Fe pigs (0.20 ± 0.02 mmol/kg). Duodenal Mn concentrations were greater in L-Fe pigs than in A-Fe or H-Fe pigs. Fe deficiency in pigs increased gene expression of duodenal metal transporters (DMT1 and ZIP14) and supplementation with H-Fe reduced expression of DMT1 and ZIP14, which may have decreased absorption of Mn.

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.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction for rapid determination of Zn, Cu, Fe, Mg and Mn in liver of diabetic rats under different antioxidant treatments

The metabolism of several essential elements is altered in diabetes mellitus and these nutrients might have specific roles in the pathogenesis and progress of this disease, nevertheless, the mechanisms are still far from known. Variations in Zn, Cu, Fe, Mg and Mn in rat liver have been measured both in control and diabetic rats which have been given antioxidants (either synthetic or natural extracts) or a placebo. Classical contaminant and time-consuming digestion methods for sample pre-treatment have been substituted by ultrasound-assisted liquid extraction (USLE). The effect of several parameters was studied, the best results being obtained for: 0.2 g of sample in 10 mL 10% HNO 3 and 8 min of sonication with 19 kHz frequency. The complete analytical method was validated regarding linearity, precision, accuracy and limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ). Values for LOD ranged from 0.6 for Mn to 12.5 for Mg, and LOQ ranged from 1.8 for Mn and to 62.5 for Mg expressed as μg g −1 in sample. Results showed an increase of all the metal assayed in the liver of diabetic rats as compared to controls. Nevertheless, when animals were treated either with antioxidants or Dunaliella extracts in a short term assay, Fe increase in liver of diabetic rats was lower than with the other treatments, while Rosmarinus (rosemary) extracts were the only treatment producing a decrease in Mn on diabetic rats.

&lt;b&gt;Slurry nebulization ICP-OES for the determination of Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn and Zn

A method that involves analysis of bovine liver by slurry nebulization and ICP-OES has been developed. This method permits rapid and accurate determination of Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn and Zn in bovine liver. Aliquots of freeze-dried and powdered bovine liver sample were dispersed in 2.0 M HNO 3 and sonicated to homogenize the resulting slurries. Bovine liver samples were also microwave digested or subjected to aqueous extraction for comparison of analytical results. Concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn and Zn in aqueous slurries, the digests, and aqueous extracts were determined by the ICP-OES using external calibration curves. A student’s t -test showed that the results obtained using the slurry method were in good agreement at 95 % confidence level (CL) with those of microwave digestion or aqueous extraction techniques, except for Fe. To check the accuracy and precision of the slurry method, a bovine liver CRM was analyzed and good agreement was achieved with the certified values at 95 % CL. The results demonstrate inefficiency of aqueous extraction technique for complete removal of Fe in bovine liver sample. KEY WORDS: Bovine liver, ICP-OES, Slurry nebulization, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Zn Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2008 , 22(3), 313-321.

Toxic Element Concentrations in the Razorbill Alca torda (Charadriiformes, Alcidae) in Portugal

The present study provides the first data on inorganic element levels (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Pb, Se, and Zn) in juvenile, immature, and adult razorbills (Alca torda) collected along the central coast of Portugal. Element concentrations were assessed by ICP-MS in kidney, liver, muscle, and feathers of 28 razorbills, including 4 juveniles, 17 subadults, and 7 adults. The effect of age and tissue on element accumulation was also assessed. The detected levels in razorbills may indicate a possible contamination risk by Hg and Cr. With respect to bird tissues, higher accumulation of Se and Cd was detected in kidney, Zn and Pb in feathers, and As and Mn in liver. Age was found to affect the accumulation of Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, and Mn, juveniles presenting higher levels of Cu and Mn than older individuals. In razorbill kidney, Zn-Hg constituted the most significant relationship among metal concentrations. Liver presented the highest number of significant relationships (mostly involving Zn and Co). With regard to feathers, the most significant relationships involved Se, Zn, Cr and Cu concentrations. Positive linear relationships were detected among kidney, liver, and muscle, with emphasis on relationships involving Se and Hg, which may be indicative of similar accumulation/regulation mechanisms in those organs. Element concentrations are discussed in view of possible detoxification mechanisms in seabirds.

Analysis of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Hg and Mn in kidneys and liver from human cadavers – A case study in South Western Nigeria

In this study, autopsy tissue samples from human liver and kidneys were analysed for Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Hg and Mn in 25 subjects (16 males and 9 females) ranging in age from 2 to 70 years. Tissue samples that were pathologically normal were obtained at postmortem and concentrations of metals were determined. In both kidneys and liver, the concentrations of metals followed the order Cd > Hg > Pb > Zn > Mn > Cu irrespective of gender and age group, except in female kidneys where the order was Cd > Pb > Hg > Zn > Mn > Cu. Generally, males had higher concentrations of metals in both the kidneys and liver. Significant correlations of the metals were found in kidney and liver tissues.

Aluminum exposure through the diet: Metal levels in AβPP transgenic mice, a model for Alzheimer's disease

Aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) cause have been implicated in the etiology of certain neurodegenerative disorders. Moreover, these elements cause the conformational changes of Alzheimer's amyloid β protein. In this study, we determined the concentrations of Al, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn in various tissues of Tg 2576 (AβPP transgenic) Al-treated mice. Female Tg 2576 mice and wild-type littermates were exposed through the diet to 1 mg Al/g for 6 months. At 11 months of age, metal concentrations were measured in various tissues. In brain, Al levels were higher in hippocampus than in cortex and cerebellum. In hippocampus, Cu concentrations decreased in non-treated Tg 2576 mice, while Zn levels were higher in Al-treated mice. Copper, Zn, Mn and Fe concentrations in liver, kidney and bone were not affected by Al exposure. The current results show that Al exposure of Tg 2576 and wild-type mice did not produce important metal changes related with the genotype, responding similarly both groups of animals. As Tg 2576 mice have been considered as a potential model for Alzheimer's disease (AD), the present results would not support the hypothetical role of Al in the etiology of AD.

Toxic Element Concentration in the Atlantic Gannet Morus bassanus (Pelecaniformes, Sulidae) in Portugal

The present study provides the first data on inorganic element levels in juvenile, subadult, and adult Atlantic gannets (Morus bassanus). Physiological and potentially toxic elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Pb, Se, and Zn) were assessed by ICP-MS in kidney, liver, muscle, and feathers of 31 gannets, including 18 juveniles, 7 subadults, and 6 adults. The effect of age and tissue on element accumulation was also assessed. Mercury was roughly above the minimum level for adverse effects in birds. A higher accumulation of Se and Cd was detected in kidney, Pb in feathers, and Mn in liver. Age was found to affect the accumulation of Cd, Co, Hg, Mn, Se, and Zn. Adults presented significantly lower levels of Mn, Se, and Zn than subadults. Linear positive relationships within tissues were detected involving Se-Cd and Se-Hg. Also, positive linear relationships were detected among kidney, liver, and muscle, with emphasis on relationships involving Cd, Hg, Se, and Zn, which may be indicative of analogous regulation mechanisms in those organs. Atlantic gannets occurring in the study area leave their reproduction sites as juveniles. During their development process, several molting cycles occur and thus the possible contamination risk by Hg should reflect levels in the development areas rather than contamination levels in reproduction areas. The present study provides basic information on multielement accumulation in Morus bassanus, which may help us to understand the behavior and toxicity of various elements in marine birds.

Use of triticale grains in broiler chick diets containing dry fat

The present study was conducted using 400 Ross chicks to determine the efficiency of partial substitution of corn with triticale grain and dry fat (Feedar) on the broiler performance, meat quality and mineral utilization. The chicks were arranged as a complete block design with four treatments and 4 replicate/ treatment (25 chicks/ replicate). The treatments were diet 1: basal diet (corn representing 100% of grain component and corn oil - C); diet 2: (corn representing 100% of grain component and dry fat - T0); diet 3: (50% corn and 50% triticale of grain components and dry fat - T50); diet 4: (75% corn and 25% triticale of grain components and dry fat - T25). Weekly body gain, feed intake were recorded. At slaughter, blood and liver samples were collected for further analysis. Results showed no significant difference (P>0.05) between chicks from C, T50 and T25 in term of total weight gain compared to chicks from T0. Feed intakes were significantly higher in chicks in the T50 group compared with other groups. The feed conversion ratios were significantly higher in chicks fed different levels compared with the control and T0 groups. Moreover, there were no significant effect of treatments on the concentration of Cu, Zn and Mn in liver, but Mg and Co were affected. Carcass dressing and abdominal fat percentages were not affected by the treatments, but lipid percentage in breasts and drumsticks were significantly higher (P<0.05) with added dry fat and triticale when compared to the control group. In conclusion, triticale decreased weight gain during the first three weeks and increased the final feed conversion by almost 20%. However, triticale grain can replace corn up to 50%.

Determination of some heavy metal levels and oxidative status in Carassius carassius L., 1758 from Eber Lake

In this study, the levels of some heavy metals (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in muscle, gill, and liver of Carassius carassius and in the water samples from Eber Lake (Afyonkarahisar, Turkey) have been investigated. Additionally, one of the lipid peroxidation markers, malondialdehide (MDA) and glutathion (GSH) levels were investigated. All the metal analysis was performed by using ICP-AES. According to results obtained, it was observed that heavy metals were accummulated in liver in the highest degree and lowest one in the muscle tissues. MDA and GSH levels varied in the seasons but their winter levels were found to be statistically meaningful when compared with other seasons. The obtained data of metals from the study were compared with the acceptable levels of Turkish governmental regulation and they were found not to be harmful for human health. On the other hand, it was suggested that oxidative stress markers should be checked regularly in order to get important data for continuous life of aquatic organisms.

Iron homeostasis is maintained in the brain, but not the liver, following mild hypoxia

Alterations in iron metabolism or oxidative damage in response to hypoxic incidents have been examined following re-oxygenation of the hypoxic tissue. To understand the consequences of decreased tissue oxygen on iron load, metal-catalyzed redox activity and oxidative modifications in isolation from re-oxygenation, the present study exposed mice to either normoxia, or mild hypoxia (380 Torr; ∼10% normobaric oxygen) where the tissue was not allowed to re-oxygenate prior to examination. Brain, liver and skeletal muscle were examined for Fe3+ load, metal-catalyzed redox activity and oxidative modifications to proteins (Nϵ-(carboxymethyl)lysine), lipids (4-hydroxynonenal pyrrole) and nucleic acids (8-hydroxyguanosine). Hypoxia induced a 43% increase in the iron content of the liver (P < 0.001) as determined by ICP-MS and a 3.8-fold increase in Fe3+ load (P < 0.001) as determined by Perl's stain. There was a corresponding 2-fold increase in metal-catalyzed redox activity (P < 0.01) in the liver, but no change in the expression of oxidative markers. In contrast, non-significant increases in Fe3+ and metal-catalyzed redox activity were observed in the cerebral cortex, and molecular and granular layers of the hippocampus and cerebellum. Interestingly, hypoxia significantly decreased oxidative modifications to proteins and lipids, but not nucleic acids in most brain regions examined. In addition, hypoxia did not alter the Fe content of skeletal muscle, or the contents of Zn, Cu, Ni or Mn in liver, skeletal muscle, cerebral cortex or hippocampus. Together, these results indicate that there is a tighter regulation of iron metabolism in the brain than the liver, which limits the redistribution of Fe3+ following hypoxia.

Toxic and trace metal concentrations in liver and kidney of dogs

The aim of this study was to provide data on the main toxic and trace metals in the liver and kidney of domestic dogs in Galicia, NW Spain and to evaluate the influence of diet, sex, age, and pathological lesions on metal accumulation. Samples of the liver and kidney from 77 male and female dogs, aged between 6 mo and 18 yr, were collected during ordinary necropsy. Samples were acid-digested and metal concentrations determined by inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-mass spectrometry and ICP-atomic emission spectrometry. Mean toxic metal concentrations (geometric means for liver and kidney respectively) were 11.5 and 15.8 microg/kg wet weight for As, 56.3 and 166 microg/kg for Cd, 32.7 and 51.9 microg/kg for Hg, and 60.1 and 23.6 microg/kg for Pb. For the trace metals, these concentrations were respectively 16.3 and 21.0 microg/kg for Co, 57.6 and 43.9 microg/kg for Cr, 42.1 and 5.95 mg/kg for Cu, 394 mg/kg and 95.7 mg/kg for Fe, 2.39 and 0.956 mg/kg for Mn, 0.522 and 0.357 mg/kg for Mo, 23.8 and 26.8 microg/kg for Ni, 0.686 and 1.39 mg/kg for Se, and 46.7 and 26.0 mg/kg for Zn. Cd concentrations in the kidney significantly increased with age, and Co concentrations in the liver and kidney significantly decreased with age. Hepatic Pb concentrations were significantly higher in growing (<1 yr) and old (>10 yr) dogs. Animals with pathological lesions showed significantly higher Co and lower Mn and Zn concentrations in liver than animals without macroscopic abnormalities. Dogs that received commercial diets in general showed low variability in hepatic mineral status compared to animals that receive homemade feeds or a mixture of commercial and homemade feeds.