Role Of Copper Research Articles

Role of copper in the enhancement of astaxanthin and lipid coaccumulation in Haematococcus pluvialis exposed to abiotic stress conditions

This study investigated the effects of copper (Cu) on astaxanthin and lipid biological synthesis in unicellular alga Haematococcus pluvialis under high-light (HL) and nitrogen-deficiency (ND) conditions. During a 15-day cultivation period, the astaxanthin and lipid contents reached the peak values (3.32% and 47.72%) under 6 μM Cu treatment, which were increased by 66.87% and 34.99% compared to nontreated group, respectively. The application of Cu also increased the transcriptional expression of biosynthesis genes and antioxidant enzyme-related genes, as well as increased the intracellular calcium (Ca2+) level but led to a decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Additionally, Cu treatment induced the activation of calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). This approach simultaneously facilitated astaxanthin and lipid production, and the role of Cu were elucidated on the regulation of signal transduction (e.g., Ca2+, CDPK, MAPK and ROS) in the carotenogenesis and lipogenesis in H. pluvialis.

Comparison of Serum Copper, Selenium and Zinc Concentrations Among the States of Glucose Tolerance

Trace element is essential for the proper growth, development, and physiology of the organism and the primary source of trace element is dietary intake. Among trace elements, the role of copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) in the pathogenesis of diabetes have been widely recognized. However, there is little information available about these 3 trace elements across the different states of glucose tolerance.We examined associations between serum levels of trace elements - Cu, Zn, and Se with various stages of glucose tolerance in a representative, cross-sectional sample of US adults. Our sample included 5,087 adults (≥20 years) with available serum concentrations of Cu, Zn and Se as well as states of glucose tolerance, defined by history, HbA1c, fasting, and 2-hour plasma glucose concentrations. Serum concentrations of trace elements were compared with glucose tolerance status with the consideration of covariates. Regression analyses was used to examine the relationship of trace elements with HOMA-IR, HOMA-B, and BMI in non-diabetic subjects with the consideration of appropriate covariates.Serum Se (P<0.0001) and Zn (P<0.0001) concentrations differed significantly among 3 groups based on the states of glucose tolerance, while no difference was noted in serum Cu concentration. In non-diabetic subjects, serum Cu concentration was positively correlated with BMI (P<0.0001) with a possible compensatory increased beta cell function (P=0.018). Serum Se concentration was negatively correlated with insulin resistance (P=0.016) but not with beta cell function or BMI. Serum Zn concertation was negatively correlated with beta cell function (P=0.0023) and BMI (P=0.018), but not with insulin resistance.We found that a higher serum concentration of trace elements was associated with negative glucose and fuel homeostasis in a non-deficiency population possibly through different mechanisms. Although the casual relationship remains to be elucidated, we recommend against trace element supplementation in a non-deficiency population.

The role of copper on the restoration of graphene oxide by chemical vapor deposition

High-quality reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets can be accessible through Langmuir-Blodgett self-assembly (LBSA) on copper foil and dielectric substrate under high temperature ethanol vapors via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. Through the LBSA forming method, a uniform and smooth graphene oxide (GO) film can be obtained on the target substrate, which is more economical and efficient compared to the traditional growth strategy. Moreover, the GO-derived graphene film repaired on copper was nearly defect-free with a negligible defect density (ID/IG ratio of <0.1) and manifested a strong 2D peak, indicating high efficiency of defects restoration. The obtained rGO sheets exhibited excellent electrical properties (1.2 kΩ/sq prepared on SiO2/Si, 0.2 kΩ/sq prepared on copper and subsequently transferred to SiO2/Si) that had surpassed other GO-derived graphene ever reported. Meanwhile, we demonstrate that Cu-vapor will degrade the restoration efficiency when introduced remotely, which is quite different from previous studies on graphene growth.

Metabolomics and transcriptomics indicated the molecular targets of copper to the pig kidney

Copper poses huge environmental and public health concerns due to its widespread and persistent use in the past several decades. Although it is well established that at higher levels copper causes nephrotoxicity, the exact mechanisms of its toxicity is not fully understood. Therefore, this experimental study for the first time investigates the potential molecular mechanisms including transcriptomics, metabolomics, serum biochemical, histopathological, cell apoptosis and autophagy in copper-induced renal toxicity in pigs. A total of 14 piglets were randomly assigned to two group (7 piglets per group) and treated with a standard diet (11 mg CuSO4 per kg of feed) and a high copper diet (250 mg CuSO4 per kg of feed). The results of serum biochemical tests and renal histopathology suggested that 250 mg/kg CuSO4 in the diet significantly increased serum creatinine (CREA) and induced renal tubular epithelial cell swelling. Results on transcriptomics and metabolomics showed alteration in 804 genes and 53 metabolites in kidneys of treated pigs, respectively. Combined analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics indicated that different genes and metabolism pathways in kidneys of treated pigs were involved in glycerophospholipids metabolism and glycosphingolipid metabolism. Furthermore, copper induced mitochondrial apoptosis characterized by increased bax, bak, caspase 3, caspase 8 and caspase 9 expressions while decreased bcl-xl and bcl2/bax expression. Exposure to copper decreased the autophagic flux in terms of increased number of autophagosomes, beclin1 and LC3b/LC3a expression and p62 accumulation. These results indicated that the imbalance of glycosphingolipid metabolism, the impairment of autophagy and increase mitochondrial apoptosis play an important role in copper induced renal damage and are useful mechanisms to understand the mechanisms of copper nephrotoxicity.

Investigating Aluminum and Copper Role in Simulating the Extrusion Process of Bimetal Tubes by Finite Element Method

Investigating Aluminum and Copper Role in Simulating the Extrusion Process of Bimetal Tubes by Finite Element Method

Insight into the role of copper in the promoted photocatalytic removal of NO using Zn2-xCuxCr-CO3 layered double hydroxide

In this work the ability of Zn2-xCuxCr-CO3 layered double hydroxides (LDHs) as highly efficient DeNOx photocatalysts was studied. LDHs with x = 0, 0.2 and 0.4 were prepared using a coprecipitation method. The samples were characterized by different techniques such as XRD, XPS, FT-IR, ICP-MS, TG, SBET, SEM and Diffuse reflectance (DR). The increased amount of copper ions in the LDH layers gave rise to slight changes in the structure and morphology and an important variation of the optical properties of the LDHs. The prepared ZnCuCr–CO3 photocatalysts exhibited favourable conversion efficiency (51%) and an extraordinary selectivity (97%) for the photochemical NO abatement. The photochemical mechanism was elucidated from DOS, EPR, Femtosecond transient absorption and in-situ DRIFTS studies. The results suggested that the presence of Cu2+ ions in the LDH framework introduced new states in the valence band states, thus favouring the production and mobility of e−/h+ charge carriers and a greater production of ⋅O2− and ⋅OH.

Injection and Extraction of Atomic Hydrogen on Cu–Pd- and Ag–Pd-Alloys in Alkaline Medium

The behavior of alloys of the Cu–Pd- and Ag–Pd-systems in the hydrogen evolution reaction in 0.1 M KOH aqueous solution is investigated. The role of copper and silver in the processes of the atomic hydrogen insertion and ionization is revealed. The mechanism of the hydrogen evolution reaction in aqueous alkaline solution on Cu,Pd- and Ag,Pd-alloys with the electronegative component content up to 60 at % is proposed. The limiting stage of the hydrogen evolution reaction on the palladium alloys in 0.1 M KOH is shown to be the atomic hydrogen ionization complicated by its diffusion in the solid phase. The parameters of hydrogen permeability for the systems under study are calculated. The maximum hydrogen permeability is achieved on the Ag80Pd alloy. Accordingly, alloys with higher palladium content, along with pure palladium, can be successfully used as effective materials for the atomic hydrogen purification and storage.

Selenium, Zinc, and Copper Status in Euthyroid Nodular Goiter: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background:It is known that some elements are needed for normal thyroid gland functions. Iodine and selenium are the most well-known trace elements necessary for thyroid metabolism. Selenium is involved in the formation of thyroid hormones and the structure of the deiodinases associated with the development of the thyroid gland. While the role of zinc in thyroid metabolism is at the T3 receptor level, the role of copper is yet not clear.Objective:To compare the levels of serum trace elements such as selenium, zinc, and copper between the patients with euthyroid nodular goiter and healthy participants.Methods:This cross-sectional study included 98 patients with euthyroid multinodular goiter and 83 healthy subjects without thyroid disease. The demographics, thyroid hormone levels, and thyroid ultrasonography of the participants were recorded. Venous blood samples were centrifuged and sera samples were stored at -80°C until analysis of selenium, zinc, and copper levels. The levels of trace elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).Results:While serum, zinc, and selenium levels were significantly higher in the control group than the nodular goiter group, the copper levels were similar in the two groups. Trace elements were not correlated with thyroid hormone levels and thyroid volumes. Patients in the nodular goiter group were analyzed according to their solitary and multiple nodule status. The solitary and multiple nodular goiter groups were similar in terms of copper, zinc, and selenium levels.Conclusions:Deficiency of selenium and zinc may be associated with nodular goiter. Replacement of these trace elements may be useful for the prevention of nodular goiter, especially in deficient regions.

Copper Concentrations in Ketamine Therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression.

Changes in serum copper concentration are observed in patients with depressive symptoms. Unmet needs in contemporary antidepressant treatment have increased interest in non-monoaminergic antidepressants, such as ketamine, an anaesthetic drug that has demonstrated a rapid antidepressant effect in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The purpose of this study was to examine whether serum copper concentrations change during ketamine treatment and whether there is an association between the copper concentrations and treatment response measured using psychometric scale scores. Moreover, the interlink between somatic comorbidities and copper concentration was studied. Patients with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder were rated weekly by a clinician using the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). Copper level assessments were carried out weekly before the start of ketamine treatment and then after every second infusion and one week after the last ketamine infusion. The serum concentration of copper before ketamine treatment was significantly higher than that after the fifth infusion (p = 0.016), and the serum concentration after the treatment was significantly higher than that after the fifth infusion (p = 0.048). No significant correlations between changes in the copper serum concentrations and MADRS or YMRS were found. The serum copper level was not associated with somatic comorbidities during the course of treatment. This study provides data on the role of copper in short-term intravenous ketamine treatment in TRD, although no clear evidence of a connection between the copper level and treatment response was found.

The Role of Copper (II) on Kininogen Binding to Tropomyosin in the Presence of a Histidine-Proline-Rich Peptide.

The antiangiogenic activity of the H/P domain of histidine–proline-rich glycoprotein is mediated by its binding with tropomyosin, a protein exposed on endothelial cell-surface during the angiogenic switch, in presence of zinc ions. Although it is known that copper ion serum concentration is significantly increased in cancer patients, its role in the interaction of H/P domain with tropomyosin, has not yet been studied. In this paper, by using ELISA assay, we determined the modulating effect of TetraHPRG peptide, a sequence of 20 aa belonging to H/P domain, on the binding of Kininogen (HKa) with tropomyosin, both in absence and presence of copper and zinc ions. A potentiometric study was carried out to characterize the binding mode adopted by metal ions with TetraHPRG, showing the formation of complex species involving imidazole amide nitrogen atoms in metal binding. Moreover, circular dichroism showed a conformational modification of ternary systems formed by TetraHPRG, HKa and copper or zinc. Interestingly, slight pH variation influenced the HKa-TetraHPRG-tropomyosin binding. All these results indicate that both metal ions are crucial in the interaction between TetraHPRG, tropomyosin and HKa.

The role of copper in the enhanced performance of W/Ti catalysts for low-temperature selective catalytic reduction

The influence of copper (Cu) on the performance of a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) WOx/TiO2 catalyst was investigated. The properties of the catalysts were investigated by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, Raman spectroscopy, temperature programmed desorption (TPD), temperature programmed reduction (TPR), in-situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier-transform spectroscopy (DRIFTs), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The addition of Cu led to an interaction between the octahedral WOx species in W/TiO2 catalysts, which increased the redox capacities of the catalysts, thereby enhancing the low-temperature performance of the catalysts at ≤350 °C. In contrast, the addition of Cu above certain content (~1.0 wt%) resulted in the generation of polymerized or bulk CuOx, which inhibited the enhancement of low-temperature performance. Furthermore, the increased capacity for oxidation resulted in increased rates of NH3 oxidation, which reduced the performance of the catalyst in the high-temperature region at temperatures exceeding 500 °C. The adsorption characteristics of the W-Cu/TiO2 catalyst following the addition of Cu exhibited a decrease in Brønsted-acid sites while an increase in Lewis-acid sites. Moreover, by inhibiting the production of adsorption NOx species, such as monodentate nitrate, while inducing physical adsorption of NOx, resulted in the generation of NO2(ad), thereby promoting the ‘Fast SCR’ on the catalyst.

A Closed-loop Supply Chain Network Design Problem in Copper Industry

Undoubtedly, metals are the basis of the sustainable development of all human societies. In the last century, the role of copper, as the third most widely used metal, after steel and aluminum, has been crucial. Copper is a recyclable metal. It has many applications such as industrial electricity, plumping, wiring, electronic equipment, transportation, and infrastructure. Today, with the growth of the industry in societies, the demand for copper has increased. This motivated us to study its supply chain network design firstly. To the best of our knowledge, there is no research reported about copper supply chain network design. This paper aims to maximize the profit of the copper closed-loop supply chain. We formulate this network design problem as a Mixed Integer Programming model. The model is considered as single-objective and multi-product. The exact solution of the model is found by using GAMS software. Sensitivity analysis results provide useful results that managers can use them in decisions.

S0487 The Role of Copper and Zinc in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Mendelian Randomization Study

S0487 The Role of Copper and Zinc in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Copper and anti-anhedonic effect of ketamine in treatment-resistant depression

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) remains one of the major psychiatric challenges worldwide. Search for non-monoaminergic agents, possibly effective in treatment of TRD is of prime importance. One of those agents is ketamine – a dissociative, anesthetic drug exhibiting a fast antidepressant action in patients with TRD. Concurrently, anhedonia appears to be significant symptom domain with far-reaching impact on course of treatment. There is data demonstrating that abnormal copper levels might be associated with symptoms of depression. As there is common denominator in ketamine and copper role in neurotransmission this paper is to explore the associations of blood copper levels and psychometric measures in patients with TRD in course of major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BP), focusing on anhedonia measured with Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) score.

The Role of Copper in Tau-Related Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease.

All tauopathies, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), are characterized by the intracellular accumulation of abnormal forms of tau protein in neurons and glial cells, which negatively affect microtubule stability. Under physiological conditions, tubulin-associated unit (Tau) protein is intrinsically disordered, almost without secondary structure, and is not prone to aggregation. In AD, it assembles, and forms paired helical filaments (PHFs) that further build-up neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Aggregates are composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein that is more prone to aggregation. The pathology of AD is also linked to disturbed copper homeostasis, which promotes oxidative stress (OS). Copper imbalance is widely observed in AD patients. Deregulated copper ions may initiate and exacerbate tau hyperphosphorylation and formation of β-sheet-rich tau fibrils that ultimately contribute to synaptic failure, neuronal death, and cognitive decline observed in AD patients. The present review summarizes factors affecting the process of tau aggregation, conformational changes of small peptide sequences in the microtubule-binding domain required for these motifs to act as seeding sites in aggregation, and the role of copper in OS induction, tau hyperphosphorylation and tau assembly. A better understanding of the various factors that affect tau aggregation under OS conditions may reveal new targets and novel pharmacological approaches for the therapy of AD.

Role of surface defects in CO2 adsorption and activation on CuFeO2 delafossite oxide

The recycling of CO2 back into chemicals via photo-electrochemical cells represents a viable route to mitigate the global climate crisis of current days. In this paper we focus on the copper-iron delafossite oxide, CuFeO2, which has been proven to have suitable physico-chemical properties to photo-catalyze the carbon dioxide reduction to formic acid. The specific electronic and structural features that allow activating the highly stable CO2 molecule are dissected by exploiting state-of-the art first principles methods. The effects of surface oxygen vacancies as well as the different roles of copper and iron on the adsorption and the activation of carbon dioxide at the CuFeO2 most stable surface are analyzed. These results highlight the key role of oxygen defects in favoring the CO2 adsorption and in promoting the formation of a radical anion CO2− or a carbonate-like adsorbate so providing the scientific grounds for implementing new rational design strategies and improving the performances of CuFeO2-based photoelectrodes for CO2 reduction.

Intensive removal of PAHs in constructed wetland filled with copper biochar

In this study, biochar-loading copper ions (Cu-BC), a novel composite for removing phenanthrene very efficiently from water, was prepared using the impregnation method. The performance of constructed wetlands (CWs) with these modified and original biochar as substrates was analyzed. CW with Cu-BC removed a large amount of phenanthrene (94.09 ± 3.02%). According to the surface characteristics analysis, Cu-BC can promote the removal of pollutants via complex absorption, hydrophobic adsorption, increasing the Lewis Pair and electrostatic attraction. Furthermore the higher nitrate removal rate in the treated system (91.11 ± 1.17%) was observed to have higher levels of bacterial metabolic diversity and denitrifier types. The phenanthrene accumulated in plants with this treatment system was enhanced by the role of copper in photosynthesis. It is able to boost the plant extraction of organic matter.

The physiological function of copper, the etiological role of copper excess and deficiency

Copper is an essential micronutrient for the human body, taking part in several metabolic processes. It is required for the terminal oxidation, the elimination of free radicals, the proper functioning of iron metabolism, the synthesis of hormones, neurotransmitters and the stabilization of the extracellular matrix. Copper is a two-faced element. Its significance in protein-bounded form is undeniable, but free copper causes severe cell damage mainly through free radical reactions, substituting other essential metals in protein structure, and it has various effects on cell signaling pathways. The amount of copper present in the human body is part of a delicate balance. Both its deficiency and excess can develop severe symptoms and diseases. The nutritional copper balance is rarely broken, because the average daily consumption excessively covers the needs, and the body's copper stores can tolerate the temporary differences. Genetic diseases (Menkes and Wilson disease) helped to understand the copper metabolism and understand the clinical symptoms of deficiency and excessive intake. The role of copper in the development of chronic diseases is receiving increasing attention. Recent studies show its significance in neurodegenerative and cancerous diseases, both in pathogenesis and as a therapeutic target. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(35): 1488-1496.

A probable role of copper in the comorbidity in Wilson\u2019s and Creutzfeldt-Jakob\u2019s Diseases: a case report

BackgroundTo the best of our knowledgedd, there is currently no case in the literature reporting the comorbidity of Wilson’s and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), linked through copper.Case presentationA 44-year-old male with a history of inherited Wilson’s disease (hepatolenticular degeneration), which manifested as mild liver injury and psychiatric symptoms, was admitted to our department due to speech and cognitive disturbances. Upon his admission, he had motor aphasia as well as psychomotor retardation with an otherwise normal neurological examination. Laboratory tests, including liver enzymes, copper and serum ammonia were all within normal range. The brain MRI showed increased T2 signal in the caudate nuclei, attributed to copper deposition in the context of Wilson’s disease. In the electroencephalogram, periodic sharp discharges were eminent, initially unilateral and then generalized. The positive 14–3-3 protein in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the new brain MRI, that demonstrated elevated DWI signal not only in the basal ganglia but also in parts of the cerebral cortex (cortical ribbon sign), all supportive of a possible CJD diagnosis. The detection of PrPSc in the patient’s CSF, using the RT-QuIC method, which has a 99.4–100% specificity for CJD, made the diagnosis of CJD highly probable.ConclusionThis is the first report of Wilson’s and Creutzfeldt-Jakob diseases co-morbidity in the literature, which could evoke a possible role of copper in the pathogenesis of CJD.

One-pot synthesis of magnetic CuO/Fe2O3/CuFe2O4 nanocomposite to activate persulfate for levofloxacin removal: Investigation of efficiency, mechanism and degradation route

A cost-effective one-pot hydrothermal route was used to prepare novel magnetic CuO/Fe2O3/CuFe2O4 nanocomposites activating persulfate (PS) to remove levofloxacin from water. The optimized CuO/Fe2O3/CuFe2O4 sample (denoted as CuFeO-2) possessed a higher catalytic performance for levofloxacin degradation by activating PS than those of CuO, Fe2O3, CuFe2O4 and recently reported heterogeneous catalysts. After 120 min, the degradation efficiency and the mineralization degree of levofloxacin (10 mg∙L−1) in CuFeO-2/PS system reached 75.5% and 64.5%, respectively. The influence of some significant reaction parameters (e.g., PS dosage, catalyst dosage, initial pH, temperature and coexisting inorganic anions) on levofloxacin removal in CuFeO-2/PS system was studied and analyzed. Although the catalytic activity of magnetic CuFeO-2 slightly declined after each cycle due to the loss of active Cu(II), the recyclability of CuFeO-2 was significantly better than that of CuO. The trapping experiments and ESR studies confirmed that singlet oxygen (1O2), sulfate radical (SO4•−) and hydroxyl radical (•OH) were generated in CuFeO-2/PS system, thus, the degradation of levofloxacin can be achieved via the non-radical and radical oxidation processes. The role of copper, iron and oxygen elements in CuFeO-2 on PS activation was investigated by ART-FTIR and XPS. The possible degradation routes of levofloxacin were put forward according to the detected intermediate products. Moreover, the performance of CuFeO-2/PS system for levofloxacin degradation in real water matrix was also investigated.