Tissue Fe Concentrations Research Articles

Screening potential plants in the gold mining area for phytoremediation approach

Abstract Heavy metal waste can be caused by anthropogenic activity. This waste can pollute soil and water far from the source. One of the ways to immobilize the heavy metals is using a plant that can accumulate them. This research aimed to screen potential plants that can be used as remediation agents due to ASGM activity in the post-mining area. This study was conducted at PT Napal Umbar Picung (NUP), Tanggamus Regency, Lampung. The study collected the potential hyperaccumulator plant from contaminated areas. Plant samples were dried at 80°C for three days in a ventilated oven. The dried samples were powdered using the Philips Blender 5000 series into fine-grained sizes. The powder samples were analyzed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The highest concentrations of As, Cd, Fe, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the shoot tissues of ASGM at PT NUP were 285.8 mg/kg, 11.7 mg/kg, 258,320 mg/kg, 501.6 mg/kg, 57.4 mg/kg, 806.2 mg/kg, and 4,520 mg/kg. The results showed that the hyperaccumulator plant of Hg was Alpinia galanga. Christella sp. Chromolaena odorata, Clidemia hirta, Melastoma malabathricum, and Nephrolepis cordifolia. This study can conclude that the plants can be used as a phytoremediation approach to heavy metals contamination such as As, Cd, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn, and especially Hg.

The association between trace metals in both cancerous and non-cancerous tissues with the risk of liver and gastric cancer progression in northwest China

Liver cancer and gastric cancer have extremely high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. It is well known that an increase or decrease in trace metals may be associated with the formation and development of a variety of diseases, including cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the contents of aluminium (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) in cancerous liver and gastric tissues, compared to adjacent healthy tissues, and to investigate the relationship between trace metals and cancer progression. During surgery, multiple samples were taken from the cancerous and adjacent healthy tissues of patients with liver and gastric cancer, and trace metal levels within these samples were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We found that concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn in tissues from patients with liver cancer were significantly lower than those in healthy controls (P < 0.05). Similarly, patients with gastric cancer also showed lower levels of Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, and Zn—but higher levels of Cu and Se—compared to the controls (P < 0.05). In addition, patients with liver and gastric cancers who had poorly differentiated tumours and positive lymph node metastases showed lower levels of trace metals (P < 0.05), although no significant changes in their concentrations were observed to correlate with sex, age, or body mass index (BMI). Logistic regression, principal component analysis (PCA), Bayesian kernel regression (BKMR), weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and quantile-based g computing (qgcomp) models were used to analyse the relationships between trace metal concentrations in liver and gastric cancer tissues and the progression of these cancers. We found that single or mixed trace metal levels were negatively associated with poor differentiation and lymph node metastasis in both liver and gastric cancer, and the posterior inclusion probability (PIP) of each metal showed that Cd contributed the most to poor differentiation and lymph node metastasis in both liver and gastric cancer (all PIP = 1.000). These data help to clarify the relationship between changes in trace metal levels in cancerous liver and gastric tissues and the progression of these cancers. Further research is warranted, however, to fully elucidate the mechanisms and causations underlying these findings.

Toxic Metal and Essential Element Concentrations in the Blood and Tissues of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Patients.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive lethal neoplasm, and it has an average 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. Although the factors that influence PDAC development remain unclear, exposure to toxic metals or the imbalance in essential elements may have a role in PDAC-associated metabolic pathways. This study determined the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn in whole blood, cancer and non-cancer tissues of patients affected by PDAC, and compared them with levels in healthy controls using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results of the whole blood showed significantly higher levels of Cr, Cu and Cu/Zn ratio in PDAC patients compared to the controls. In addition, the concentrations of Cu, Se, Fe and Zn significantly increased in cancer tissue compared to the healthy counterparts. This study revealed evidence of altered metal levels in the blood and pancreatic tissues of PDAC patients with respect to healthy controls. These changes may contribute to multiple mechanisms involved in metal-induced carcinogenesis, including oxidative stress, DNA damage, genetic alteration, decreased antioxidant barriers and inflammatory responses. Thus, the analysis of metals can be used in the diagnosis and monitoring of PDAC neoplasms.

Trace and Major Element Concentrations in Cadaveric Lung Tissues from World Trade Center Health Registry Decedents and Community Controls.

Studies of the health impacts of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks on New York City's (NYC's) World Trade Center (WTC) towers have been hindered by imprecise estimates of exposure. We sought to identify potential biomarkers of WTC exposure by measuring trace and major metal concentrations in lung tissues from WTC-exposed individuals and less exposed community controls. We also investigated associations of lung tissue metal concentrations with self-reported exposure and respiratory symptoms. The primary analyses contrasted post-mortem lung tissue concentrations obtained from autopsies in 2007-2011 of 76 WTC Health Registry (WTCHR) enrollees with those of 55 community controls. Community controls were frequency-matched to WTCHR decedents by age at death, calendar quarter of death, gender, race, ethnicity and education and resided at death in NYC zip codes less impacted by WTC dust and fumes. We found WTCHR decedents to have significantly higher iron (Fe) lung tissue concentrations than community controls. Secondary analyses among WTCHR decedents adjusted for sex and age showed the log(molybdenum (Mo)) concentration to be significantly associated with non-rescue/recovery exposure. Post hoc analyses suggested that individuals whose death certificates listed usual occupation or industry as the Sanitation or Police Departments had elevated lung tissue Fe concentrations. Among WTCHR decedents, exposure to the WTC dust cloud was significantly associated with elevated lung tissue concentrations of titanium (Ti), chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) in non-parametric univariable analyses but not in multivariable analyses adjusted for age and smoking status. Logistic regression adjusted for age and smoking status among WTCHR decedents showed one or more respiratory symptoms to be positively associated with log (arsenic (As)), log(manganese (Mn)) and log(cobalt (Co)) concentrations, while new-onset wheezing and sinus problems were negatively associated with log(Fe) concentration. Fe concentrations among individuals with wheezing, nonetheless, exceeded those in community controls. In conclusion, these data suggest that further research may be warranted to explore the utility as biomarkers of WTC exposure of Fe in particular and, to a lesser extent, Mo, Ti, Cr and Cd in digestions of lung tissue.

A comparative eco toxicological study of heavy metal concentrations in mussels collected in 2004 from the western and eastern coastal waters in the straits of Johore

The concentrations of Cu, Cd, Zn, Pb, Ni and Fe in the different soft tissues of Perna viridis from the west and east coast of The Straits of Johore (SOJ) were determined. Crystalline style (CS) recorded higher accumulation of Cu (west: 58.2 mg/kg dry weight; east: 56.0 mg/kg dry weight), Cd (west: 9.45 mg/kg dry weight; east: 3.93 mg/kg dry weight), Pb (west: 49.5 mg/kg dry weight; east: 7.07 mg/kg dry weight) and Ni (west: 40.0 mg/kg dry weight; east: 20.2 mg/kg dry weight) than those other soft tissues. Byssus meanwhile recorded high levels of Zn (west: 173 mg/kg dry weight; east: 193 mg/kg dry weight) and Fe (west: 3213 mg/kg dry weight; east: 1221 mg/kg dry weight). By comparing the accumulation of heavy metal concentrations in all the eight tissues, CS and byssus recorded the highest accumulation of heavy metals among all tissues, followed by other tissues namely foot, gill, gonad, mantel, muscle and remainder, which recorded relatively low level on heavy metal concentrations. Generally, the soft tissues recorded higher heavy metal concentrations on the east coast than on the west coast of the SOJ. This indicated a high bioavailability and contamination of the potentially toxic heavy metals on the east coast which was due to various human activities.

Spatial-temporal variations of metals and arsenic in sediments from the Doce River after the Fundão Dam rupture and their bioaccumulation in Corbicula fluminea.

The rupture of the Fundão dam in Brazil released tons of mining tailings into the Doce River Basin (DRB). This investigation aimed to determine the bioaccumulation of metals in soft tissues of the bivalve Corbicula fluminea exposed to sediments collected in the DRB in four periods (just after, 1, 3, and 3.5 years after the dam rupture). In the exposure bioassays, the concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in sediments and bivalve soft tissues were quantified. The concentration of some elements (As, Cd, Mn, and Al) in sediments exceeded the federal limits or regional backgrounds at some sampling sites, but their concentrations tended to decrease over time. However, higher concentrations of many elements were detected in the winter of 2019. Several elements were detected in C. fluminea soft tissues, but the bioaccumulation factors were generally low or not related to those elements associated with the ore tailings, evidencing that the bioavailability of metals to bivalves, in laboratory conditions, was limited. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:87-98. © 2023 SETAC.

Abstract TP118: Brain Iron Quantification By MRI In Normal Human Subjects And Contra-lesional Hemisphere Of Intraparenchymal Hemorrhage (IPH) Patients

Introduction: Human cadaveric studies have correlated higher transverse relaxation rate (R2*) to higher tissue Fe concentrations. These methods enable non-invasive brain tissue Fe quantification after IPH. This study tested these methods on live human IPH patients vs. normal subjects to assess using the contra-lesional cerebral hemisphere as an internal control for future longitudinal tissue Fe quantification studies. Methods: Normal and IPH subjects underwent MRI on a 3T clinical scanner with a 32-channel head coil. Scans included anatomic T1- and T2-weighted images and a 3D gradient 8-echo sequence. Seven regions on the contra-lesional hemisphere were segmented using registered T1 and gradient-echo images. R2* maps were generated and the mean values per region were compared to identical regions in normal subjects using a T-test with Bonferroni correction (corrected p = p * 7). Results: 14 IPH patients, aged 18-85, and 10 control subjects, aged 35-73, underwent MRI scanning. Mean R2* varied from 17.8-40.8 Hz in IPH subjects and 19.5-38.4 Hz in normal subjects. There was a significant difference in the mean R2* values in the centrum semiovale (p=2.9e-5). The other regions demonstrate no significant differences in mean R2* values, as shown in the figure. Conclusion: In the contra-lesional centrum semiovale, the average R2* values of IPH patients correlate to lower Fe concentrations compared to controls. Upon further review of anatomic T1- and T2- weighted images, we found that the IPH patients had more white matter T2-hyperintense foci likely accounted for by underlying small vessel disease. In the other brain regions, the contralateral cerebral hemisphere of IPH subjects had R2* values not significantly different from controls. This suggests the Fe released from a hematoma does not cross into the contra-lesional hemisphere, which may be used as an internal control in future longitudinal IPH studies.

Effects of dietary organic or inorganic iron concentrations on productive performance, egg quality, blood measurements, and tissue iron concentrations in aged laying hens.

The objective of the current experiment was to investigate the effects of dietary organic or inorganic iron (Fe) concentrations on productive performance, egg quality, blood measurements, and tissue Fe concentrations in aged laying hens. A total of three hundred fifty 60-week-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens were allotted to one of five dietary treatments with seven replicates. Each replicate had 10 consecutive cages. Organic Fe (Fe-Gly) or inorganic Fe (FeSO4 ) was added to the basal diet at the levels of 100 or 200 mg/kg Fe. Diets were fed on an ad libitum basis for 6 weeks. Results indicated that supplementation of organic or inorganic Fe in diets increased (p < 0.05) eggshell color and feather Fe concentrations compared with no supplementation of Fe in diets. An interaction was found (p < 0.05) between Fe sources and supplemental levels in diets for egg weight, eggshell strength, and Haugh unit. Hens fed diets supplemented with organic Fe had greater (p < 0.05) eggshell color and hematocrit than those fed diets supplemented with inorganic Fe. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of organic Fe increases the eggshell color of aged laying hens. High supplemental levels of organic Fe in diets improve egg weight in aged laying hens.

Synergistic Effect Evaluation of Magnetotherapy and a Cationic-Magnetic Nanocomposite Loaded with Doxorubicin for Targeted Drug Delivery to Breast Adenocarcinoma.

This work investigates the synergistic effect of magnetotherapy and a novel cationic-magnetic drug delivery system on inhibiting breast cancer cell growth and other tissues. First, super-paramagnetic magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were coated with doxorubicin-imprinted poly(methacrylic acid-co-diallyl dimethylammonium chloride) [Fe3O4/poly(MAA-DDA)]. The cationic-magnetic nanocomposite (CMC) was characterized using XRD, FT-IR, VSM, TGA, TEM, FESEM, EDS, DLS, and BET. In vitro analyses, including drug release kinetics, cytotoxicity, and hemolytic assays, confirmed this novel CMC's good drug release profile and biocompatibility. Finally, in vivo experiments on BALB/c mice were designed to evaluate the synergistic effect of magnetotherapy on targeted drug delivery using the CMC. In vivo fluorescence imaging evaluated the drug distribution in different tissues of mice. Tumor volume evaluation demonstrated the efficiency of the CMC and magnetotherapy in preventing tumor growth; the two techniques significantly reduced tumor volume. Histopathological analysis proved that applying magnetotherapy in conjunction with the cationic-magnetic drug delivery system significantly prevented tumor cell proliferation and increased apoptosis with limited impact on other tissues. Also, Dox and Fe concentrations in different tissues confirmed the efficient drug delivery to tumor cells.

Nutrients in ‘Gigante’ forage cactus pear under different saline water irrigation depths and planting densities

ABSTRACT Climate variability tends to increase the occurrence of extreme drought conditions in semi-arid regions, thereby compromising crop yield, including that of drought-tolerant plants such as forage cactus pear. Irrigation of cactus with saline water has enabled good results, and its combination with changes in planting densities may promote changes in the production response of this crop. A field experiment spanning two crop cycles was carried out to evaluate nutrient concentrations in ‘Gigante’ forage cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) under different saline water irrigation depths and planting densities. A randomized block design was used with treatments arranged in split-split plots. Two irrigation intervals (7 and 14 days) were assigned to plots, four planting densities (20,000; 40,000; 60,000 and 80,000 plants ha-1) to subplots, and four irrigation depths of saline water of electrical conductivity 2.91 dS m-1 (0, 11, 22 and 33% of reference evapotranspiration) to sub-subplots. The irrigation depths were applied only in the period of the year without rain. Intermediate planting densities (43,002 and 54,687 plants ha-1) promote lower P, Ca and Fe concentrations in cladode tissues of forage cactus pear. Irrigating ‘Gigante’ cactus forage with saline water up to 33% ETo increases the concentrations of N, P, Ca, Mg, B, Cu, Mn and Zn in cladode tissues. Irrigation levels between 16 and 25% of ETo with saline water resulted in the highest concentrations of K, S and Na.

Chromosomal aberration and genetic differentiation of Oreochromis niloticus affected by heavy metals from an iron ore mine area

ABSTRACT The concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Pb and Fe in water, sediment and Oreochromis niloticus tissues and the chromosomal aberrations, genetic differentiation and genomic template stability (GTS) of O. niloticus in 2 reservoirs near iron ore mine and one reference reservoir were investigated. Genetic differentiation and %GTS were evaluated by inter simple sequence repeat analysis. The As, Cd and Cr concentrations in fish from 2 mine reservoirs exceeded the standards. Seven types of chromosomal aberrations were found in fish from the iron ore mine: single chromatid gap, iso chromatid gap, centromere gap, dicentric chromosome, fragmentation, deletion, and ring chromosome. The average percentages of aberrant chromosomes in the cells of O. niloticus from mine reservoirs 1, 2 and the reference reservoir were 23.6, 16.8 and 2.2, respectively. Genetic differentiation and subsequent dendrogram analysis separated O. niloticus into 3 clusters, corresponding to the 2 mine reservoirs and the reference reservoir. The %GTS ranges of O. niloticus were 68.75–83.75, 71.88–85.19 and 83.58–97.01, respectively. Metals accumulations in O. niloticus could induce the occurrence of chromosomal aberrations and genetic differentiation.

Utility of Fishes as Bio-indicators for Tracing Metal Pollution in the Cochin Backwaters, Kerala, India

Trace metal (Fe, Ni, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd and Cr) concentrations in water and tissues (flesh, gills and liver) of two fishes, Etroplus suratensis Arius arius and from the Cochin backwaters were investigated during February 2017 to January 2018. Trace metals were analysed using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The omnivorous species, showed a higher concentration of trace metals E. suratensis in tissues than the carnivorous species, . Bioaccumulation of metals in fish tissues showed higher levels in the liver, which was followed A. arius by gill and flesh . Bioaccumulation factors (B F) of metals maybe due to the different physiological roles of these organs in fish metabolism Acalculated for the species, follows an order Fe &gt; Zn &gt; Ni &gt; Cu &gt; Cr &gt; Pb &gt; Cd whereas that for the species, follows an E. suratensis A. ariusanother order Fe &gt; Zn &gt; Cr &gt; Cu &gt; Ni &gt; Pb &gt; Cd. Comparatively higher BAF values in organs of fishes indicate the increased concentration of the soluble metal in the medium in which the fishes inhabit. Metal selectivity index (MSI) and tissue selectivity index (TSI) are better tool for explaining bioaccumulation of trace metals in fishes. The results of the present study suggest the potential use of fishes, and E. suratensis A. arius as bioindicators for tracing metal pollution in the estuarine environment of Cochin.

Research and Progress on the Mechanism of Iron Transfer and Accumulation in Rice Grains.

Iron (Fe) is one of the most important micronutrients for organisms. Currently, Fe deficiency is a growing nutritional problem and is becoming a serious threat to human health worldwide. A method that could help alleviate this “hidden hunger” is increasing the bioavailable Fe concentrations in edible tissues of major food crops. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms of Fe accumulation in different crop tissues will help to develop crops with higher Fe nutritional values. Biofortification significantly increases the concentration of Fe in crops. This paper considers the important food crop of rice (Oryza sativa L.) as an example and highlights recent research advances on the molecular mechanisms of Fe uptake and allogeneic uptake in different tissues of rice. In addition, different approaches to the biofortification of Fe nutrition in rice and their outcomes are described and discussed. To address the problems that occur during the development and application of improving nutritional Fe in rice, technical strategies and long-term solutions are also proposed as a reference for the future improvement of staple food nutrition with micronutrients.

Metabolic utilization of intravenously injected iron from different iron sources in target tissues of broiler chickens.

No information is available regarding the utilization of iron (Fe) from different Fe sources at a target tissue level. To detect differences in Fe metabolic utilization among Fe sources, the effect of intravenously injected Fe on growth performance, hematological indices, tissue Fe concentrations and Fe-containing enzyme activities and gene expressions of Fe-containing enzymes or protein in broilers was investigated. On d 22 post-hatching, a total of 432 male chickens were randomly allotted to 1 of 9 treatments in a completely randomized design. Chickens were injected with either a 0.9% (wt/vol) NaCl solution (control) or a 0.9% NaCl solution supplemented with Fe sulphate or 1 of 3 organic Fe sources. The 3 organic Fe sources were Fe chelates with weak (Fe-MetW), moderate (Fe-ProtM) or extremely strong (Fe-ProtES) chelation strength. The 2 Fe dosages were calculated according to the Fe absorbabilities of 10% and 20% every 2 d for a duration of 20 d. Iron injection did not affect (P > 0.05) ADFI, ADG or FCR during either 1 to 10 d or 11 to 20 d after injections. Hematocrit and Fe concentrations in the liver and kidney on d 10 after Fe injections, and Fe concentrations in the liver or pancreas and ferritin heavy-chain (FTH1) protein expression level in the liver or spleen on d 20 after Fe injections increased (P ≤ 0.05) as injected Fe dosages increased. When the injected Fe level was high at 20% Fe absorbability, the chickens injected with Fe-ProtES had lower (P < 0.001) liver or kidney Fe concentrations and spleen FTH1 protein levels than those injected with Fe-MetW or Fe-ProtM on d 20 after injections. And they had lower (P < 0.05) liver cytochrome C oxidase mRNA levels on d 20 after injections than those injected with Fe-MetW or Fe sulphate. The results from this study indicate that intravenously injected Fe from Fe-ProtES was the least utilizable and functioned in the sensitive target tissue less effectively than Fe from Fe sulfate, Fe-MetW or Fe-ProtM.

Evidence for a role of nitric oxide in iron homeostasis in plants.

Nitric oxide (NO), once regarded as a poisonous air pollutant, is now understood as a regulatory molecule essential for several biological functions in plants. In this review, we summarize NO generation in different plant organs and cellular compartments, and also discuss the role of NO in iron (Fe) homeostasis, particularly in Fe-deficient plants. Fe is one of the most limiting essential nutrient elements for plants. Plants often exhibit Fe deficiency symptoms despite sufficient tissue Fe concentrations. NO appears to not only up-regulate Fe uptake mechanisms but also makes Fe more bioavailable for metabolic functions. NO forms complexes with Fe, which can then be delivered into target cells/tissues. NO generated in plants can alleviate oxidative stress by regulating antioxidant defense processes, probably by improving functional Fe status and by inducing post-translational modifications in the enzymes/proteins involved in antioxidant defense responses. It is hypothesized that NO acts in cooperation with transcription factors such as bHLHs, FIT, and IRO to regulate the expression of enzymes and proteins essential for Fe homeostasis. However, further investigations are needed to disentangle the interaction of NO with intracellular target molecules that leads to enhanced internal Fe availability in plants.

St. Augustinegrass quality and nutrient content in response to granular and foliar iron, manganese, and magnesium

AbstractIron, manganese (Mn), and magnesium (Mg) are common components of turfgrass nutrition programs. A 2‐yr study was conducted simultaneously in Jay and Citra, FL, to determine the influence of Fe, Mn, and Mg on ‘Palmetto’ St. Augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walt.) Kuntze.] quality and leaf nutrient concentration. Treatments included foliar Fe, Mn, and Mg sulfate and glucoheptonate; and granular Fe, Mn, and Mg sulfate and sucrate. Treatments were applied monthly from June to September during 2014 and 2015. Turfgrass receiving foliar Fe resulted in increased annual average turfgrass quality compared with untreated turfgrass in Citra during 2014 and in Jay during 2014 and 2015, which was associated with increased Fe in leaf tissue. Granular Mg did not influence turfgrass quality, whereas foliar Mg increased turfgrass quality by ∼10% during the last 4 wk of 2014 in Jay. Generally, foliar Mn did not influence turfgrass quality or tissue Mn concentrations, whereas granular Mn reduced turfgrass quality by ∼20% in Citra during 2015. Granular and foliar forms of Mn or Mg may not be warranted on turfgrass grown under similar conditions. Foliar Fe appears to be a reliable method of increasing St. Augustinegrass quality. Moreover, few differences were measured between foliar Fe sources, indicating that the least expensive foliar Fe source may be the most effective option for consumers. Evidence suggests that granular Fe does not improve turfgrass quality or tissue Fe concentrations and can therefore be removed from St. Augustinegrass nutritional programs without concerns of repercussions.

Assessment of levels of Heavy Metal Contents in Foods Sold to public in Benin City, Southern Nigeria

Heavy metals contents (Zn, Cd, Fe and Pb) were analyzed in canned foods frequently consumed in Benin City. Samples were collected from major supermarkets. These samples were categorized into 3 distinctive groups of 3 varying brands with triplicates each of fish, beans and vegetables (Peas, Carrots and Green Beans). The metals were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results showed significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) in the values of Cu and Fe and a highly significant difference (p &lt; 0.001) in Cd in the different brands of canned fish samples. Iron Fe, was found to be prevalent in all classes of food tested with values as high as 20.57±1.14 mg/l in Peas (Del Monte). Concentrations of Fe in body tissues must be highly monitored because in excessive amounts, it can lead to tissue damage. Similarly, for all brands of canned foods examined, Cd had the lowest mean concentration (0.01 ± 0.00) mg/kg in all brands of canned fish. A regular monitoring of canned foods available to the public is recommended to safeguard public health especially when recommended levels are exceeded.

A rice small GTPase, Rab6a, is involved in the regulation of grain yield and iron nutrition in response to CO2 enrichment.

Despite extensive studies on the effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations ([CO2]) on rice, the molecular mechanisms and signaling events underlying the adaptation of plants remain largely elusive. Here, we report that OsRab6a, which encodes a small GTPase, is involved in the regulation of rice growth, grain yield, and accumulation of iron (Fe) in response to elevated [CO2] (e[CO2]). We generated transgenic plants with OsRab6a-overexpression (-OE) together with OsRab6a-RNAi lines, and found no differences in growth and grain yield among them and wild-type (WT) plants under ambient [CO2] conditions. Under e[CO2] conditions, growth and grain yield of the WT and OsRab6a-OE plants were enhanced, with a greater effect being observed in the latter. In contrast, there were no effects of e[CO2] on growth and grain yield of the OsRab6a-RNAi plants. Photosynthetic rates in both the WT and OsRab6a-OE plants were stimulated by e[CO2], with the magnitude of the increase being higher in OsRab6a-OE plants. Fe concentrations in vegetative tissues and the grain of the WT and transgenic plants were reduced by e[CO2], and the magnitude of the decrease was lower in the OE plants than in the WT and RNAi plants. Genes associated with Fe acquisition in the OsRab6a-OE lines exhibited higher levels of expression than those in the WT and the RNAi lines under e[CO2]. Analysis of our data using Dunnett’s multiple comparison test suggested that OsRab6a is an important molecular regulator that underlies the adaptation of rice to e[CO2] by controlling photosynthesis and Fe accumulation.

Biota sediment accumulation and bioconcentration factors of trace metals in the snail Melanoides tuberculata form the agricultural drains of the Manzala Lagoon, Egypt.

The freshwater mollusk, Melanoides tuberculata, contains bioconcentration trace metals in its tissues from the surrounding area. M. tuberculata was used as a bioindicator for pollution with seven trace metals (Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) accumulated in snail soft tissues near Bahr El-Baqar and El-Serw agricultural drains of industrial activities in Port Said and Damietta, respectively. The biota sediment accumulation factors (BSAF) in this study reveals that all the soft tissues of the M. tuberculata snails were macro-concentrators with the exception of Ni; it was deconcentrated, and thus provides that the selective tissues as good biomonitors. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) showed the highest concentrations of Fe and Cu in the soft tissues of the M. tuberculata snail, which has the potential to be used as a biomonitoring agent for Fe and Cu contamination of the water.

Ribosomal DNA copy number is associated with P53 status and levels of heavy metals in gastrectomy specimens from gastric cancer patients

The ribosomal DNA (rDNA) can act as a sensor and responder of cancer-associated stress. Here we investigated rDNA copy number in gastric cancers and its association with existing biomarkers and metals exposure. This study was performed on paired tumor and adjacent normal tissues obtained from 65 gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess HER-2, E-cadherin, EGFR, CK (pan), CK20, CK7, TopoⅡ, CAM5.2, P53, and Ki-67 expression. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to detect the concentrations of 17 metals in gastric tissues. rDNA copy number was detected by qPCR in genomic DNA isolated from tissue samples. Associations between the expression of existing markers, metal concentrations, and rDNA copy number were evaluated. Within patients with gastric cancer, the copy number of the 45S rDNA components (18S, 5.8S, 28S) and the 5S rDNA in tumor tissues were significantly higher than those in adjacent normal tissues, whereas mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number was significantly lower in tumor tissues than that in adjacent normal tissues. Further analysis revealed that the increase in 18S, 5.8S, and 28S rDNA copy number in tumor tissues was diminished in the context of EGFR and P53 loss. Moreover, analysis of metals revealed particularly high concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu and Fe in the gastric tissues of these patients. Intriguingly, rDNA copy number variation across individuals was correlated with the concentrations of some metals. The rDNA was amplified in tumor tissues of gastric cancer patients, and its amplification may be associated with metals exposure. The expression of EGFR and P53 may influence rDNA copy number, with diminished amplification of the rDNA in cancers that were negative for these biomarkers. Our observation further our understanding of rDNA copy number in gastric cancer and its potential as a simple and useful marker in gastric cancer monitoring.