Non-essential Elements Research Articles

Exploration of the optimal strategy for dietary calcium intervention against the toxicity of liver and kidney induced by cadmium in mice: An in vivo diet intervention study.

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic non-essential element, while calcium (Ca) is an essential element with high chemical similarity to Cd. Dietary intake is the major Cd exposure pathway for non-smokers. A multi-concentration dietary intervention experiment was designed to explore the optimum concentration of Ca in diet with obvious protective effects against the toxicity of livers and kidneys induced by Cd in mice. The mice were divided into six groups with different concentrations of Cd and Ca in their food: control-group (no Cd or Ca), Ca-group (100 g/kg Ca, without Cd), Cd-group (2 mg/kg Cd, without Ca), CaL+Cd-group (2 mg/kg Cd, 2 g/kg Ca), CaM+Cd-group (2 mg/kg Cd, 20 g/kg Ca) and CaH+Cd-group (2 mg/kg Cd, 100 g/kg Ca). The organ indexes, oxidative stress biomarkers, lesions and Cd concentrations were detected after a 30-day exposure period. Results showed that serum Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) level in CaH+Cd-group was significantly lower than that in Cd-group, while close to that in control-group. The contents of Serum Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) in different groups showed the same trend. Concentrations of all oxidative stress biomarkers (GSH-Px, SOD, CAT, GSH and MDA) in CaH+Cd-group were close to the normal levels of control-group while significantly different from those in Cd-group. The only exception was the Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in kidneys. This study suggests that Ca plays a protective role in relieving the Cd-induced toxicity of livers and kidneys and a concentration of 100 g/kg for Ca in diet showed the best protective effects. These findings could provide a clue for further studies concerning human diet intervention for Cd control.

Determination of chemical elements in rice from Singapore markets: Distribution, estimated intake and differentiation of rice varieties

Concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Pb, Se and Zn were determined in polished and husked rice samples purchased from Singapore markets to estimate nutritional risk by their estimated weekly intakes (EWIs). The elemental distribution in rice grain was studied using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and a principal component analysis was performed to investigate the relationships between the variables (total element concentration) in a multidimensional space. Except for Cd and Se, the median concentration of analytes for husked grains was higher than in polished grains. Rice samples with As concentration higher than 198 μg kg−1 were submitted to speciation analysis, and inorganic-As found in grains ranged from 41 to 87 % of the total As. Calculated EWIs for essential elements were lower than the Recommended Dietary Allowance, while the EWIs for non-essential elements were below the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake. Nevertheless, our results demonstrate that the presence of toxic elements in rice, especially As, must be carefully monitored. It was found a significantly low concentration levels of essential elements in most of the samples analyzed, highlighting the relevance of biofortification strategies to mitigate hidden hunger. Furthermore, the mineral profile obtained from the samples allowed discrimination of rice samples according to farming practice, grain processing and country of origin using principal component analysis and discriminant function analysis.

Contamination in newly hatched larvae of the mangrove crab Ucides cordatus and a new perspective about trace elements transport

Mangroves are relevant ecosystems due to their ecological role, economic use, and social importance. One of the most abundant and important species in Brazilian mangroves is the exploited crab Ucides cordatus. This study focuses on this species and the aim was to evaluate the concentration of trace elements in the hepatopancreas of ovigerous females, eggs (pre-hatching and hatching stages), and for the first time, in newly hatched larvae. Ovigerous females were captured in two Southeastern Brazil mangroves (Guanabara Bay and Paraíba do Sul River’s secondary estuary) and spawning was held in spawning tanks, in the laboratory. Some females were not taken to the tanks, but they were frozen right after collection. There was no significant difference in trace element concentration between these females and those kept in the spawning tanks. Both essential and non-essential trace elements were detected in newly hatched larvae. Comparing with the adult female, the elements Zn, Cu, and Mn showed the highest concentrations in larvae and eggs. Vanadium, Cr, and Mn concentrations were significantly higher in hatching eggs than observed in newly hatched larvae, indicating the retention of elements in the eggshell. Considering the V (0.17 - 1.17 μg.g−1 dry weight), Cu (14.1 - 41.1 μg.g−1 dry weight), and Zn (235.4 - 263.9 μg.g−1 dry weight) concentrations in newly hatched larvae, with the same order of magnitude observed in suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediments in suspension, the planktonic larval dispersion could result in the transport of elements beyond the mangrove, and their introduction in coastal waters.

Bioaccumulation of trace elements in liver and kidney of fish species from three freshwater lakes in the Ethiopian Rift Valley.

The objective of the present work was to obtain scientific information on the ecological health of three freshwater lakes (Awassa, Koka, and Ziway) situated in the Ethiopian Rift Valley by investigating possible trace element contamination accumulated in fish. Accordingly, fish liver and kidney samples were collected from three commercially important fish species (Barbus intermedius, Clarias gariepinus, and Oreochromis niloticus) in the lakes to determine the concentrations of chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), using ICP-MS. Trace element concentrations were generally higher in O. niloticus compared with concentrations in B. intermedius and C. gariepinus. Compared to background values of most freshwater fish species, higher liver concentrations of Cu in C. gariepinus and O. niloticus, Mn in O. niloticus, Co in all except B. intermedius, and Zn in C. gariepinus from Lakes Ziway and Awassa were found. Cr, Co, Ni, Cd, and Pb were enriched in kidney, while Mn, Cu, Zn, As, and Se seems retained in the liver tissues. Assessment of transfer factors indicated that bioaccumulation from water and diet occurred, while uptake from sediments was low. Furthermore, the transfer factor values were generally higher for essential elements compared to the non-essential elements. Multivariate statistical analyses showed that the differences between the trace element levels were generally not significant among the lakes (p = 0.672), while significant differences were found between the fish species (p = 0.042), and between accumulation in kidney and liver (p = 0.002).

Ionomic Responses of Local Plant Species to Natural Edaphic Mineral Variations.

Leaf ionome indicates plant phylogenetic evolution and responses to environmental stress, which is a critical influential factor to the structure of species populations in local edaphic sites. However, little is known about leaf ionomic responses of local plant species to natural edaphic mineral variations. In the present study, all plant species and soil samples from a total of 80 soil sites in Shiozuka Highland were collected for multi-elemental analysis. Ioniomic data of species were used for statistical analysis, representing 24 species and 10 families. Specific preferences to ionomic accumulation in plants were obviously affected by the phylogeny, whereas edaphic impacts were also strong but limited within the phylogenetic preset. Correlations among elements resulted from not only elemental synergy and competition but also the adaptive evolution to withstand environmental stresses. Furthermore, ionomic differences of plant families were mainly derived from non-essential elements. The majority of variations in leaf ionome is undoubtedly regulated by evolutionary factors, but externalities, especially environmental stresses also have an important regulating function for landscape formation, determining that the contributions of each factor to ionomic variations of plant species for adaptation to environmental stress provides a new insight for further research on ionomic responses of ecological speciation to environmental perturbations and their corresponding adaptive evolutions.

Exposure to multiple metals/metalloids and human semen quality: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundExposure to metals/metalloids, including essential and nonessential elements, has been associated to male reproductive health in animals. However, findings from human studies are inconsistent. ObjectivesTo investigate the impact of exposure to multiple metals/metalloids at environmental levels on the conventional human semen-quality parameters. Materials and methodsMen living in rural or industrial areas were recruited by personalized letters. No exclusion criteria were applied. Each man provided one semen sample and one blood sample. We analyzed the semen sample both to determine conventional sperm parameters (concentration, progressive motility and normal forms) and to quantify lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), vanadium (V) and selenium (Se) levels. The levels of these metals/metalloids were also quantified in venous blood and spermatozoa samples. Associations between the blood/seminal plasma metal/metalloid levels and semen quality parameters were assessed using confounder adjusted logistic regression models. Correlation and interactions between blood/seminal plasma and semen metal/metalloid levels were investigated using the Spearman’s correlation. ResultsWe found a positive association of seminal plasma cadmium level with lower Total count (OR = 4.48, 95%CI 0.25–80); whereas lead (OR = 4.51, 95%CI 0.86–23) and cadmium (OR = 3.45, 95%CI 0.77–16) seminal plasma levels had a positive association with progressive sperm motility. Overall, these associations remained suggestive after adjustment, though statistically unstable risks. Finally, we found weak interactions between beneficial effects of Se and detrimental ones only for Cd and Pb blood level on sperm concentration, total sperm count and progressive sperm motility. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that environmental exposure to Pb and Cd contributes to a decline in human semen quality, whereas Se can have beneficial effects. Measurements of metals/metalloids in the seminal fluid may be more predictable of semen quality than conventional blood measurements

Enhancement to Salt Stress Tolerance in Strawberry Plants by Iodine Products Application

Iodine is a non-essential element for land plants, but is considered as a beneficial element, related to antioxidant capacity, environmental adaptations and improvement of plant growth. Salinity is one of the more recurrent abiotic stresses worldwide, seriously affecting vegetal production. The aim of this work was to evaluate iodine application (Q products® and KIO3, Quimcasa de México, Naucalpan, Mexico) in strawberry plants under normal and salt stress conditions. Growth, antioxidant content, essential minerals, iodine accumulation and fruit quality were evaluated. The results showed that, under stress conditions, the application of Q products increased ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) activity as well as glutathione (GSH) content and yield in fruit, without avoiding biomass loss; with the application of KIO3 an increase in GSH and APX activity as well as P and K concentrations were obtained. In leaves an increase in P, Ca, Mn and iodine accumulation was evidenced with the application of Q products, and an increased concentration of ascorbic acid and iodine with KIO3 treatments. Under normal conditions in fruits, the application of Q products increased phenolic compounds synthesis; additionally, an increase in Ca and Mn concentrations was shown. KIO3 application increased the firmness and Mn. In leaves, the application of Q products increased chlorophyll a, b and calcium. In conclusion, the application of iodine improves the quality value of strawberries under normal conditions and provides an enhancement of salt stress tolerance.

Essential and non-essential elements in biological samples of inhabitants residing in Nenets Autonomous Okrug of the Russian Arctic

Exposure of Arctic residents to environmental pollutants is an emerging public health problem receiving little global attention. The objective of this study was to assess whole blood concentrations of nine selected essential (Co, Cu, Mn, Se, Zn) and non-essential (As, Cd, Hg, Pb) elements among Nenets and non-Nenets adult residents of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug (NAO) living in seven coastal and inland settlements. Urine was collected in two settlements for assessment of iodine status. Altogether 297 whole blood and 68 urine samples were analysed by inductively coupled mass spectrometry and the accuracy of the measurements was assessed by use of human whole blood and urine quality control materials. Several essential and non-essential showed significant variations in whole blood concentrations characterized by gender, population group and locality. Cd levels among non-Nenets non-smokers (0.19 µg/L) indicated a dietary intake at a natural global background level. Hg concentrations in whole blood show that not more than 10% of women in the fertile age had a Hg intake above the EFAS’s recommendation. The Pb concentrations were in the range of, or partly exceeding reference values for increased risk of nephrotoxicity, and there is a need for a continued effort to reduce Pb exposure among the population groups in NAO. With high prevalence of obesity among the Nenets and non-Nenets population, a high prevalence of Fe-deficiency among menstruating women (<50 years) (37.2%) and a lower I status than recommended by WHO, these nutritional dependent components deserve further attention.

Variation of essential and non-essential trace elements in whale shark epidermis associated to two different feeding areas of the Gulf of California.

The Gulf of California represents an important hotspot for whale shark (Rhincodon typus) aggregation. Anthropogenic activities and natural sources could expose sharks to high levels of trace elements (TEs). To determinate these levels in this endangered species, concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn (in ng/g ww) were measured in 130 whale shark skin biopsies and 44 zooplankton samples collected from two areas of the Gulf of California, Bahía de Los Angeles (BLA) and Bahía de La Paz (LAP) during 2016-2018. For biopsies, Zn exhibited highest concentrations in BLA (2016-2017, 298 ± 406; 2017-2018, 1959 ± 2545) and at LAP (in 2016-2017, 595 ± 554; in 2017-2018, 2642 ± 1261). On the other hand, Cd (BLA 2016-2017, 3 ± 3; LAP 2016-2017, 4 ± 3; BLA 2017-2018, 17 ± 14; LAP 2017-2018, 13 ± 10) and Pb (BLA 2016-2017, 7 ± 7; LAP 2016-2017, 15 ± 32; BLA 2017-2018, 69 ± 76; LAP 2017-2018, 7 ± 5) showed lowest concentrations. Significant differences in TE concentrations between sites and periods occurred. Arsenic found in shark biopsies from La Paz suggested enrichment and/or increased bioavailability in this area. Sex alone was not a significant factor in TE concentration; nevertheless, a sex-dependent difference in correlation of TE concentration and size was noted (negative in males, positive in females). This indicates feeding strategies of whale shark may be sex and size segregated. During 2017-2018, zooplankton and sharks showed enrichment in all TEs. Essential elements were not biomagnified by sharks. Lead was biomagnified through zooplankton. Strong positive correlation between selected elements indicates that Zn, Cd and Pb follow the same metabolic route in the sharks' body.

Ionomics and lipidomics for evaluating the transgenic (cp4-EPSPS gene) and non-transgenic soybean seed generations

This work evaluates three generations of transgenic and non-transgenic soybean plants through multiomics namely ionomics and lipidomics. Transgenic variety was inserted with cp4-EPSPS gene, which confers resistance to glyphosate. Comparisons between soybeans were carried out from seeds obtained during summer season on south hemisphere, grown in the same soil and without intentional stress factors. Essential and non-essential elements, B, Al, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Mo, and Ba, and fatty acids were evaluated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), respectively. After checking the accuracy of the method employed, chemometric analysis (using Principal Component Analysis, Hierarchical CusterAnalysis, and correlation heatmaps) indicated that some elements may share mechanisms of transport and are to some extent, correlating with fatty acids, allowing for differentiation of all generations and soybean species. Results reforce the importance of multiomics approach to evaluate genetic modified organism such as plants.

Impacts of Heavy Metal Enriched Tailings of Magnesite Mine on Surrounding Water Reservoirs

The prime aim of this study was to assess the physicochemical properties of water reservoirs from magnesite mine surrounding four sites (each direction) on three seasons such as summer, winter, and rainy season. The results attained from the physicochemical analysis states that all the surrounding water reservoir samples have been severely polluted by both essential and non-essential elements. Predominantly the water sample taken from the site I of three seasons has been severely affected by the metal pollutants. The site I water sample unacceptable (mg L-1) physicochemical properties such as turbidity (16.20±1.3; 15.23±1.8; 18.29±1.5), conductivity (2742.30±2.7; 2652.24±2.1; 2785.25±2.1), TDS (2085.13±4.3; 2024.15±2.1; 2113.10±1.2), TSS (712.21±2.1; 692.31±1.12; 711.12±1.5), hardness (765.38±2.4; 738.65±2.1; 781.23±2.9), BOD (208.12±1.7; 201.31±1.2; 212.31±1.5), COD (312.74±0.98; 301.54±1.21; 307.721±1.51), DO (1.12±.39; 1.01±.28; 1.02±0.23), Ca (265.28±1.21; 252.14±1.34; 275.34±1.17), Mg (124.56±1.54; 117.32±1.28; 135.28±1.62), Cl (1248.64±2.69; 1203.17±2.18; 1351.21±1.34), Zn (75.61±1.85; 71.52±1.02; 78.32±1.21), Cd (24.54±0.84; 21.28±0.61; 26.25±0.71), Pb (11.52±0.95; 8.2±0.52; 12.35±0.52), and Cr (3.1±0.054; 2.9±0.063; 3.5±0.21) contents of summer, winter, and the rainy season correspondingly. Among these three seasons, the water sample collected during rainy season possesses more quantity metals than other seasons. These results confirmed that the metal contamination has been spreading from the abandoned magnesite mine tailing. These unacceptable physicochemical properties could cause severe ecological damage to the water ecosystem.

Barium effect on germination, plant growth, and antioxidant enzymes in Cucumis sativus L. plants.

Barium (Ba) is a nonessential element that can cause several deleterious effects in most organisms. Elevated Ba concentrations can be toxic for plants and may affect growth and disturbances in homeostasis. This study aimed to evaluate the Ba stress, the plant‐tolerance limits, and the detoxification strategy adopted by Cucumis sativus L. The effect of Ba on seed's germination and vegetative development of this species was evaluated. For germination test, different Ba concentrations were used (0, 200, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 μM). Results showed that germination was stimulated with 500 and 2,000 µM of Ba. The toxicity effect on plant development was studied by treating the plants with increasing doses of Ba (100, 200, 300, and 500 μM) during 45 days. Shoot and root dry biomass production decreased significantly with elevated Ba concentrations, although water content enhanced in the roots. The concentration of Ba, 500 µM, induced high Ba accumulation in shoots and roots (9 times higher than in the control plants). Moreover, results showed that catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase activities were stimulated in the different tissues of cucumber plants which highlight the occurring of an oxidative damage through Ba treatments and the involvement of the plant enzymatic antioxidant defense system.

Descriptive Analysis of Heavy Metals Content of Beef From Eastern Uganda and Their Safety for Public Consumption

In this study, we initiated an effort to generate information about beef safety in Uganda. Our entry point was to assess by atomic absorption spectrophotometry the levels of essential elements copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), and non-essential elements lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and cadmium (Cd) in 40 beef samples collected from within and around Soroti (Uganda). The information was used to evaluate the safety of consuming such beef against the World Health Organization (WHO) limits. The latter was accomplished by (i) estimating the daily intake (EDI) of each metal in the study area, (ii) modeling the non-cancer health risk using the target hazard quotient (THQ) and (iii) modeling the cancer risk using the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR). The study finds that the mean concentrations (±95% CI) and EDI were in the order of Fe > Zn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Co > Cu > Cd. Cancer risk was found to be due to Ni > Cr > Cd > Pb and significantly higher in children than adults. The latter particularly demonstrates the importance of Ni poisoning in the study area. Overall, while essential elements in our beef samples were below WHO limits (hence no health risks), non-essential elements had high health and cancer risks due to higher levels of Cr and Ni.

Elevated Concentrations of Metal(loids) in Seaweed and the Concomitant Exposure to Humans.

While the consumption of seaweed and seaweed-based products is very common amongst East Asian nations, forming a notable component of the daily diet, relatively very few studies have concerned the concentrations of heavy metals in these together with potential effects on human health. The present study analyses the concentrations of 17 elements in locally resourced seaweed, also assessing potential noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. The samples were ground, homogenized, and quantified using the ICP-OES technique. It has been found that the essential elements K, Ca, Mg, Zn, and Na typically show concentrations somewhat greater than a number of potentially toxic metals, in particular, Cd, Pb, Ag, and As, with exceptions being Ni, Cr-VI, and Si. Statistical analysis indicates all of the latter to have similar origin, with increased concentration of these metals within the marine ecosystem. While the daily estimated intake of most metals is seen to be within the daily dietary allowance level recommended by various international organizations, the noncarcinogenic risk shows a value greater than unity, estimated via the hazard quotient. This indicates a potential for adverse effects to health arising from consumption of the sampled seaweed. The carcinogenic risk resulting from nonessential elements shows values greater than the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) reference limit of 10−4. Considering the nonbiodegradability of heavy metals and metalloids and their potential accumulation in seaweed, there is need for critical examination of metal levels in the seaweeds obtained from the present study locations, together with the introduction of practices of removal of heavy metals via bio-adsorbent techniques.

Essential and Non-Essential Elements in Medicinal Plants: A Review

Saira Baloch* Author Affiliations School of Life Science, Leshan Normal University, Leshan, Sichuan, China Received: February 02, 2021 | Published: February 08, 2021 Corresponding author: Saira Baloch, School of Life Science, Leshan Normal University, Leshan, Sichuan, China DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2021.33.005446

Biosorption efficacy of living and non-living algal cells of Microcystis aeruginosa to toxic metals

The existence of metallic elements in the aquatic environment is recognized to cause acute destruction to aqueous life. This study depicts the prospective application of cyanobacterial strains of Microcystis aeruginosa as a sorption material of toxic elements, aluminium (Al), and cadmium (Cd) from aqueous solutions. Algal samples were revealed to the metal solution, a noticeable modification change in cell wall structure surface occurred. The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis illustrated the reality of carboxyl, carbonyl, and hydroxyl moieties, which are liable for the uptake of essential and nonessential elements aluminium and cadmium, respectively. The results showed the ability of Microcystis aeruginosa to uptake Al and Cd at the optimal temperature, light, and pH by living and non-living cells in the concentration of 20 ppm and stimulated antioxidant resistance against oxidative stress. This finding divulged that Microcystis could be utilized as an efficient bio-sorbent for the elimination of these ions, especially Cd from freshwater.

Ionomic variation in leaves of 819 plant species growing in the botanical garden of Hokkaido University, Japan.

Ionomics is the measurement of total metal, metalloid, and nonmetal accumulation in living organisms. Plant ionomics has been applied to various types of research in the last decade. It has been reported that the ionome of a plant is strongly affected by its evolution and by environmental factors. In this study, we analyzed the concentration of 23 elements in leaves of 819 plant species (175 families) growing in the Botanic Garden of Hokkaido University, Japan. Relative variation estimated by the coefficient of variation in foliar concentrations of essential elements among various plant species tended to be low, whereas nickel concentration showed exceptionally large relative variation. By contrast, the relative variation in nonessential elements was high, particularly in sodium, aluminum, and arsenic. The higher relative variations in these element concentrations can be explained by the occurrence of plants that are hyperaccumulators for these elements. Differences in life forms such as herbaceous/woody species, deciduous/evergreen woody species and annual/perennial herbaceous species affected the concentration of several elements in the leaves. These differences were considered to be due to the combined factors including differences in lifespan, growth rate, and cell wall thickness of the leaves. Results of principal component analyses (based on concentration data of essential and nonessential elements in leaf samples) indicated phylogenetic influences on plant ionomes at the family level in Polypodiales, Pinales, Poales, and Ericales. Furthermore, when analyzing correlations among concentrations of all elements in each order and comparing among different orders, the results also suggested that Polypodiales, Pinales, and Poales each had a specific ion homeostasis network.

Temporal trends of inorganic elements in a common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) population from south west Spain.

Historical variations (1966-2016) in the exposure to inorganic elements in raptors of South West Spain have been little studied. Therefore, uncertainty exists concerning whether environmental or anthropogenic inputs, as well as dietary strategy shift, may cause changes in exposure patterns. To address this gap, essential and non-essential inorganic elements were measured in Common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) feathers from museum specimens and free-living individuals spanning a 50-year period. Moreover, stable isotopes of δ13C and δ15N were also measured as proxies of Common kestrel feeding ecology over time. In general, all elements showed significant increasing trends overtime, suggesting changes of inputs from local sources. Moreover, δ15N signatures were correlated to the variations in Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sr, Ti, V and Zn concentrations, suggesting trophic changes in this kestrel population as well as possible biomagnification processes. Finally, some values of Cr, Mn and Pb were above the threshold concentrations of potential toxicity.

Determination of essential and non-essential element contents of drinking water and baby water for infant’s nutrition

Abstract In this study, essential (Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, P, Zn), and non-essential (Al, Ni, Pb) element contents of the drinking and baby water samples which are sold in the local market and tap water samples in Istanbul were examined. It was determined that elements of Cr, Cu, Fe, P, Zn, Al, and Ni were below detection limits in all water samples. Among the non-essential elements analyzed in water samples, Pb was the only detected element. At the same time, the percentages that meet the daily element requirements of infants were also calculated. As a result of the evaluations made, there is no significant difference in infant nutrition between baby waters and other drinking waters in terms of the element content.

Curcumin Mitigates Hypertension, Endothelial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress in Rats with Chronic Exposure to Lead and Cadmium.

Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are environmental pollutants and nonessential elements in the body. Both metals induce the development of hypertension which is associated with oxidative stress. Curcumin (CUR) is a polyphenolic compound with strong antioxidant activity. The present study evaluated the effect of CUR on oxidative stress, alteration of vascular responsiveness and hypertension induced by exposure to either Pb, Cd or the combination of Pb and Cd. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to low level of lead acetate (100 mg/L) and/or cadmium chloride (10 mg/L) in the drinking water for 16 weeks. The control animals received deionized water as drinking water. CUR (100 mg/kg) or propylene glycol as vehicle was intragastrically administered once daily for the last 4 weeks. Exposure to Pb, Cd or the combination induced increases in blood pressure and peripheral vascular resistance, and decreased the blood pressure response to intravenous infusion to acetylcholine. Supplementation with CUR significantly reduced blood pressure, alleviated oxidative stress, and increased plasma nitrate/nitrite and glutathione in the blood. The effects of CUR were associated with the improvement of vascular responsiveness, upregulation of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase and downregulation of the NADPH oxidase expression. Furthermore, CUR reduced the metal levels in blood, aorta, liver and kidney. Altogether, exposure to the combination of Pb and Cd aggravated hypertension and oxidative stress, and CUR effectively ameliorated these adverse events in metal exposed animals. Data indicate that CUR may be useful as a dietary supplement for protection against the noxious effects of the heavy metals.