Metal Levels In Tissues Research Articles

Levels of metals in fish tissues of Liza haematocheila and Lateolabrax japonicus from the Yellow River Delta of China and risk assessment for consumers

The Yellow River Delta (YRD) is an important spawning and nursery area for numerous fishes. The concentrations of Fe, Al, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cr, Cu, Co, Pb and Cd in muscle, liver, gills and skin of two broadly distributed commercial fish in the YRD were analyzed. The results demonstrated that liver and gills displayed higher accumulation ability of metals than other tissues, while muscle always accumulated the lowest concentrations of metals. Generally, significant opposite relationships (p < 0.05) were observed between fish size and metals in fish tissues especially in muscles of both fish species which may be explained by the lower feeding rate, stronger detoxification and elimination mechanisms in the bigger individuals. All metals in muscles were well below the proposed toxic limit. Besides, the toxic effects were not expected to occur for the consumption of muscles of studied fish according to the results of human health risk assessment.

Particulate matter exposure disturbs inflammatory cytokine homeostasis associated with changes in trace metal levels in mouse organs

Few studies have focused on the impact of particulate matter (PM) exposure with respect to the relationship between PM-induced inflammation and the levels of trace metals in tissues and organs. In this study, C57BL/6 male mice were exposed to ambient air alongside control mice breathing air filtered through a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. In both groups, mRNA levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were measured after 4, 8 and 12 weeks together with the trace metal contents of the lungs, heart, liver, hippocampus and blood. PM exposure resulted in a general upward trend in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in lung, heart, liver and hippocampus. By contrast, IL-10 mRNA expression varied depending on the organ, with a continuous upward trend in heart and liver and an up-regulation at 8 weeks followed by a down-regulation at 12 weeks in lung and hippocampus. The disturbed homeostasis of inflammatory cytokines was accompanied by changes in trace metal levels in the mice. These alterations may have constituted a compensatory effect conferring protection from inflammatory damage. However, prolonged PM exposure finally resulted in the deficiency of several essential trace metals in the lungs and hippocampus, which may have contributed to the observed histological changes typical of an inflammatory response.

Characterising the brain metalloproteome in Down syndrome patients with concomitant Alzheimer's pathology.

Down syndrome (DS) is a common intellectual disability, with an incidence of 1 in 700 and is caused by trisomy 21. People with DS develop Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like neuropathology by the age of 40. As metal ion dyshomeostasis (particularly zinc, iron and copper) is one of the characteristics of AD and is believed to be involved in the pathogenesis of disease, we reasoned that it may also be altered in DS. Thus, we used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to examine metal levels in post-mortem brain tissue from DS individuals with concomitant AD pathology. Size exclusion-ICPMS was also utilised to characterise the metalloproteome in these cases. We report here for the first time that iron levels were higher in a number of regions in the DS brain, including the hippocampus (40%), frontal cortex (100%) and temporal cortex (34%), compared to controls. Zinc and copper were also elevated (both 29%) in the DS frontal cortex, but zinc was decreased (23%) in the DS temporal cortex. Other elements were also examined, a number of which also showed disease-specific changes. The metalloproteomic profile in the DS brain was also different to that in the controls. These data suggest that metals and metal:protein interactions are dysregulated in the DS brain which, given the known role of metals in neurodegeneration and AD, is likely to contribute to the pathogenesis of disease. Interrogation of the underlying cellular mechanisms and consequences of this failure in metal ion homeostasis, and the specific contributions of the individual DS and AD phenotypes to these changes, should be explored.

Toxic (Al, Cd, and Pb) and trace metal (B, Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn, Sr, and Zn) levels in tissues of slaughtered steers: risk assessment for the consumers.

The levels of toxic metals (Al, Cd, Pb) and trace metals (B, Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn, Sr, Zn) were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) in the muscle (sirloin and chuck) and liver from a total of 180 samples of steers (less than 2 years old) (Bos taurus) of foreign and local origin slaughtered on the island of La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain). As regards toxic metals, Al was the metal with the highest contents in both tissues of the foreign steers (3.75 mg/kg in the muscle and 55.3 mg/kg in the liver) and the local steers (5.60 mg/kg in the muscle and 8.65 mg/kg in the liver). In conclusion, the present study confirmed that beef is a source of trace elements, mainly Fe and Zn. In addition, the consumption of this type of beef did not show significant intakes of toxic metals (Al, Cd, and Pb) and, therefore, the consumption of the steer muscle and liver does not pose a toxicological risk for Spanish consumers.

Metals in biological tissues of the population living near a hazardous waste incinerator in Catalonia, Spain: Two decades of follow-up

During the period 1996–1998, a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) was built in Constantí (Tarragona County, Catalonia, Spain). Because of the potential adverse effects of toxic emissions, mainly metals and dioxins and furans, waste incinerators in general have been an important cause of concern for the public opinion. For that reason, to assess its environmental impact on the surroundings, as well as the potential human health risks of the HWI, environmental and biological monitoring studies have been carried out since 1996–1998, when the baseline concentrations were established. This article summarizes all the results corresponding to metals in biological tissues of the population living near the HWI, two decades after the construction of the facility. In 1996–1998, the baseline concentrations of a number of elements (As, Be, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Tl and V) were determined in samples of hair, blood and autopsy tissues (bone, brain, liver, lung and kidney) of subjects living in the area. In successive 5-year periods, new surveys were conducted to periodically measure the levels of metals in the same biological tissues. The daily dietary intake of these metals was also estimated for the population of the area. The results of this surveillance program do no suggest additional adverse health risks of metals for the population living near the HWI. However, special attention should be paid to Cr, due not only to the increases of this element observed in most analyzed biological tissues, but also in its dietary intake.

Assessment of Cd, Hg, Pb, Cu and Zn Amounts in Muscles of Cyprinus Carpio from Karasu Stream, Sinop

Heavy metal contaminations in aquatic habitats effect negatively on the organisms that depend on the water. In this work heavy metal levels in edible tissues of Cyprinus carpio from Karasu Stream in Sinop in summer, autumn and winter were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer. The accumulation pattern in the work is in the order of Zn&gt;Cu&gt;Pb&gt;Cd&gt; Hg. The amounts of Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn in carps were 0.022-0.036, 0.031-0.045, 0.22-0.29, 1.32-1.61 and 8.4-12.3 mg kg-1 wet wt., respectively. Concentrations of heavy metals in C. carpio were all below the TFC and EC guidelines. Total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) was 0.10722 and below 1 which showed that consumption of carp from the Karasu Stream has no health threats by now as the heavy metals investigated was concerned.

Heavy Metals in Biota in Delaware Bay, NJ: Developing a Food Web Approach to Contaminants.

Understanding the relationship between heavy metal and selenium levels in biota and their foods is important, but often difficult to determine because animals eat a variety of organisms. Yet such information is critical to managing species populations, ecological integrity, and risk to receptors (including humans) from consumption of certain prey. We examine levels of cadmium, lead, mercury, and selenium in biota from Delaware Bay (New Jersey, USA) to begin construction of a “springtime” food web that focuses on shorebirds. Horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) eggs are one of the key components at the base of the food web, and crab spawning in spring provides a food resource supporting a massive stopover of shorebirds. Fish and other biota also forage on the crab eggs, and a complex food web leads directly to top-level predators such as bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) and striped bass (Morone saxatilis), both of which are consumed by egrets, eagles, ospreys (Pandion haliaetus), and humans. Metal levels in tissues were generally similar in algae, invertebrates, and small fish, and these were similar to those in blood of shorebirds (but not feathers). There was a significant direct relationship between the levels of metals in eggs of horseshoe crabs and mean metal levels in the blood of four species of shorebirds. Metal levels in shorebird feathers were higher than those in blood (except for selenium), reflecting sequestration of metals in feathers during their formation. Levels in feathers of laughing gulls (Leucophaeus atricilla) were similar to those in feathers of shorebirds (except for selenium). Selenium bears special mention as levels were significantly higher in the blood of all shorebird species than in other species in the food web, and were similar to levels in their feathers. Levels of metals in bluefish and striped bass were similar or higher than those found in the blood of shorebirds (except for selenium). The mean levels of cadmium, lead, and mercury in the blood and feathers of shorebirds were below any effect levels, but selenium levels in the blood and feathers of shorebirds were higher than the sublethal effect levels for birds. This is a cause for concern, and warrants further examination.

Response of a Small Mammal Population Postremediation for an In Situ Oil Pipeline Blowout on the Athabasca Oil Sands.

Two releases from steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) wellheads occurred 3 yr apart. To track recovery of the affected areas, red-backed voles were studied 1 and 4 yr later, using population estimates, hepatic detoxification effort, body condition, and tissue metal levels as bioindicators of site recovery. From years 1 to 4, higher ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase induction was no longer evident, capture rate was lower, and body lead residues were no longer (inversely) correlated with body condition. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:1542-1548. © 2019 SETAC.

Heavy metal levels in muscle tissues of some fish species caught from north-east Mediterranean: Evaluation of their effects on human health

Sixteen different fish species were sampled from six sampling stations selected between Taşucu (Mersin) and Samandağ (Hatay) at North-East Mediterranean coasts of Turkey between March and May 2018.Mean muscle levels of Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sn and Pb for fish species obtained from all sampling stations were 2.15–7.10, <0.0002 – 0.39, <0.001 – 19.02, <0.0006 – 0.50, <0.0006 – 0.74, 3.82–55.05, 1.08–15.06, <0.0004 – 0.92 and <0.0003 – 0.06 mg kg−1 wet weight respectively. Cadmium levels in muscle tissues of all the species studied were below detection limits.Mean muscle level of each metal was calculated for each station by keeping the human consumption in mind, weekly tolerable limits, target hazard quotients and cancer risk assessment of the metals were firstly determined in fish species obtained from North-East Mediterranean. The amount of metal intake by the consumption of analyzed samples was found to be below weekly tolerable limits, however target hazard quotients and cancer risk levels for As were found above the limits stated by United States Environmental Protection Agency. Moreover, 20.93% and 27.91% of 43 fish specimen obtained from Erdemli station had higher Zn levels than those proposed by Turkish Food Codex and World Health Organization respectively.

Cadmium, lead and mercury in muscle tissue of gilthead seabream and seabass: Risk evaluation for consumers

Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) presence was investigated in the muscle tissue of gilthead seabream and seabass, collected from various aquaculture sites of the Aegean and Cretan Sea as well as from the fish market (fisheries). Risk for the Greek population through consumption of these species was estimated using two approaches: Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI). All heavy metal levels in the fish tissue were below the established safe limits for consumption. Metal accumulation was found to differ amongst mode of production, species, location and seasonality. Seabass demonstrated higher Hg and lower Cd concentrations than seabream, Hg and Pb seem to be more accumulated in closed seas and Pb values displayed a linear increasing trend from warmer to colder periods. Regression analysis revealed that the main contributing factor to Cd accumulation is species (beta: −0.28, 95%CI: −0.48 to −0.09); lead is predominately affected by seasonality (beta: 0.44, 95%CI: 0.29 to 0.59), Hg accumulation is mainly affected by location (beta: -0.32, 95%CI: −0.61 to −0.03) while wild seabream accumulates greater levels for Hg and Pb than farmed. Risk analysis demonstrated that consumption of the studied species, is safe for all metals (HI < 0.460 and TTHQ < 0.299).

Zinc, copper, cadmium, and lead levels in cattle tissues in relation to different metal levels in ground water and soil.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the interaction between environmental (water and soil) levels of zinc, copper, cadmium, and lead levels, as well as their content in Hereford beef cattle tissues in five districts (D1-western area, D2 and D3-central area, D4 and D5-eastern area) of the Orenburg region. Soil metal levels were assessed using atomic emission spectrometry, whereas water and tissue (liver, kidney, muscle, heart) metal content was studied using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The obtained data demonstrate that the highest levels Zn in soil and water (p < 0.001), as well as cattle muscle, liver, and kidney (p < 0.05) were observed in D4 and D5 (eastern area), exceeding the maximum permissible concentration levels (MPCL) for drinking water and muscle for all regions. Similar associations were found for Cu levels. The highest soil and water Cd and Pb content were observed in D2 (central area) and D5 (eastern area), respectively. At the same time, cattle tissue Cd and Pb content did not correspond to the respective environmental levels. Correlation analysis demonstrated that water and soil Zn and Cu content directly correlated with muscle, liver, and kidney, but not heart metal content. At the same time, water Cd levels were negatively interrelated with muscle cadmium content but correlated directly with hepatic metal content. Both water and soil Pb levels positively correlated with renal metal levels in cattle. In turn, soil lead content was inversely associated with muscle metal levels. Regression analysis also demonstrated a significant association between environmental and tissue levels of Zn and Cu. The models adjusted for all studied elements demonstrated a significant effect of metal interaction on tissue metal levels. Hypothetically, excessive environmental Zn, and possibly Cu, levels may affect the uptake of heavy metals including Cd and Pb from the environment.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals by Cyperus malaccensis and Spartina alterniflora in a typical subtropical estuary (Min River) of Southeast China

To understand the bioaccumulation of heavy metals by Cyperus malaccensis (CM) and Spartina alterniflora (SA) in a typical subtropical estuary (Min River) of Southeast China, the concentrations of five metals (Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Ni) in plants and sediments of CM and SA marshes were determined. Two experimental plots (no flooding plot and flooding plot) were established in the intertidal zone of the Min River estuary in July 2015, and, in each plot, in situ sampling was conducted in CM and SA marshes, respectively. The concentrations of heavy metals in all samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis. Vertical variations of the five metals differed between marshes or plots, and, in most cases, there was no evidence of grain-size composition (particularly for clay) and sediment organic matter (SOM) contributing to the sorption of significant amounts of metals in sediments of different marshes. Flooding regime was an important factor inducing the difference of metals in sediments of the two experimental plots. Heavy metal levels in different tissues of CM and SA differed within species or plots. For the five metals, the root was generally the main stock, and, as water condition changed from non-flooding to flooding, allocations of Pb, Cu, and Zn in CM and SA decreased while those of Cr increased. The accumulation factors [AFs] of heavy metals in different tissues of CM and SA also differed between species or plots. In most cases, the [AF]plant of different metals were less than 1, implying that the metal accumulations in CM and SA of the two plots were uncommon. This study found that Cu and Zn pollution in non-flooding conditions and Pb and Cu pollution in flooding conditions might be more serious, indicating that intertidal sediments might be severely contaminated by the three metals if effective measures are not taken to control the pollutant loadings of the Min River estuary in the future. Moreover, CM generally accumulated more Pb, Cu, and Zn while SA absorbed more Cr and Ni (particularly in flooding conditions), implying that, when determining environmental pressures, the two plants could be used as specified biological indicators.

CORRELATION PROFILES OF THE ACCUMULATED METALS IN SEAWATER, SEDIMENT AND Pachygrapsus marmoratus (Fabricius) TISSUES IN BLACK SEA (ORDU, TURKEY)

This study was performed in order to investigate the interactions of accumulation patterns of some metals (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in exoskeleton, gill, hepatopancreas and muscle tissues of the marbled crab Pachygrapsus marmoratus (Fabricius) sampled from near streams and domestic discharge points along the coastal region of Black Sea along Ordu in Turkey as well as patterns in sediment and seawater samples of the crab sampling sites. The study area covering a coastal stretch of 28 km along Black Sea lies between the latitudes 41°03'46.42"-41°07'42.35"N and longitudes 37°28'45.63"-37°41'15.29"E. The metal contents of the samples were analysed by the inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) technique. The results showed that the accumulation orders of the metals, in a descending order, were Fe&amp;gt;Al&amp;gt;Mn&amp;gt;Zn&amp;gt;Cr&amp;gt;Pb&amp;gt;Cu&amp;gt;As&amp;gt;Ni&amp;gt;Cd in the sediment, Fe&amp;gt;Mn&amp;gt;Cr&amp;gt;As&amp;gt;Cd in the water, and Al&amp;gt;Fe&amp;gt;Cu&amp;gt;Mn&amp;gt;Zn in crab tissues when evaluated together. In the crab samples, the amount of the accumulation of all metals was ordered as gills&amp;gt;exoskeleton&amp;gt;hepatopancreas&amp;gt;muscle. Al and Fe were the predominant metals in the sediment and crab tissues but Al was not detected in the seawater samples. A correlation test was performed to reveal the interaction of accumulation in the sediment, water and crab tissues. Metal-metal interactions and their co-accumulation was detected by correlation test. These interactions which exist in the crab tissues but not in the seawater and sediment were the main point of this study. Gills and exoskeleton displayed the greatest number of significant correlations between metal–metal interactions. Also, metal concentrations were found to be higher in the gills and exoskeleton. Strong correlations between Mn-Al (r=0.954, correlation p&amp;lt;0.001), in the exoskeleton, Al-Fe (r=0.849, correlation p&amp;lt;0.001), Mn-Zn (r=0.854, correlation p&amp;lt;0.001) in the gills, Al-Zn (r=0.882 correlation p&amp;lt;0.001) in the hepatopancreas were determined. Moderate correlations between Zn-Cu were found in the hepatopancreas. These metal-metal interactions may have been a result of metallothionein activity. No significant relations were found between metal levels in sediment samples and crap tissues (p&amp;gt;0.05). The results also showed that metals present in the seawater and sediment did not directly transform to tissue accumulation. This result showed that metal amounts in the tissues of the P. marmoratus did not reflect environmental contaminations and that sediment accumulated higher amounts of metals than seawater and tissues.

Evaluation of Nutritional and Mineral-Heavy Metal Contents of Horse Mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) in the Middle Black Sea in terms of Human Health

In this study, the effects of seasonal and sexual differences on the nutritional composition, macro (Na, Mg, P, K, Ca), trace element (Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Mo, Ni, Se) and potential toxic metal levels (Cd, Pb, As) of horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) caught in the middle Black Sea coast during all seasons were investigated. The metal levels of muscle tissues of the examined specimens were determined using ICP-MS instrument. The results showed that horse mackerel had a high nutritional value in terms of protein and lipid levels. Metal levels were found to be different in terms of sexual and seasonal factors. With regard to macro element levels, horse mackerel muscle was found to be rich. Zn and Cu levels of the trace elements were below the legal limits specified by the codex. It was also observed that the levels of Cd and Pb in horse mackerel muscle tissue were below the FAO (Food Agriculture Organ U N 464:5-10, 1983) limit values and above the TFC (Turkish Food Codex 2011) limit values. In terms of EWI and EDI values, horse mackerel was found to be non-toxic. This study suggests that horse mackerel is beneficial seafood for human health and nutrition.

The effects of season on the metal levels of tissues of some lessepsian species caught from the Northeastern Mediterranean Sea

The concentrations of iron, copper, zinc, chromium, arsenic, cadmium and lead were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) in the muscle, gill, brain and liver tissues of lessepsian fish species sampled from Taşucu region located on the south of Turkish coastal waters in the Mediterranean Sea for all seasons. While iron showed the highest levels, cadmium showed the lowest levels in the examined tissues of all fish species (Pelates quadrilineatus, Upeneus moluccensis, Nemipterus randalli, Saurida lessepsianus). Metal levels showed tissue-dependent changes in the species studied. Cadmium was detected only in the liver tissue in all fish, in addition to a few other tissues (U. moluccensis’s brain tissues in summer season and P. quadrilineatus’s gill tissues in winter season). The maximum accumulation of Fe except for N. randalli and S. lessepsianus was detected in liver tissue. The maximum accumulation of Cu in all species was detected in liver tissue. The maximum accumulation of Zn except for S. lessepsianus was also detected in liver tissue. The highest accumulations of As and Cr in other fish species except for N. randalli were also detected in liver tissue. Except for As accumulation in N. randalli, the least accumulation for metals in all species was determined in muscle tissue. According to the seasons, there was no statistically significant relation between metal accumulations. Metal concentrations in edible parts of fish species were 17.26-108.22 µg g-1 dw for iron, 0.54-3.65 µg g-1 dw for copper, 11.50-31.17 µg g-1 dw for zinc, 0.32-1.09 µg g-1 dw for chromium, 4.32-69.44 µg g-1 dw for arsenic, below limit (not detectable) for cadmium, N.D.-1.12 µg g-1 dw for lead. In this study, for all metals except arsenic there is no health risk through an exposure of consumption of certain fish. Additionally, the results obtained for the elements in analyzed fish species were within acceptable limits for human consumption.

Heavy Metal Levels in some Edible Crustacean and Mollusk Species Marketed in Mersin

Muscle tissues of squid (Loligo vulgaris), cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) and prawn (Penaeus semisulcatus) marketed for consumption were analyzed for their Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb levels. Metal analysis were carried out using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopic (ICP-MS) methods. Muscle levels of Fe, Cu, Zn and Pb ranged between 0.50–19.82, 0.53–8.57, 6.80–32.12 and <0.003–1.60 mg/kg w.w., respectively whereas Cd level was below detection limits in the species studied. Mean muscle levels of metals in samples for consumption were compared with provisional tolerable daily (PTDs) and weekly (PTWs) limits. It was shown that the levels of metals in tissues analyzed were below PTDs and PTWs. Mean metal levels of all samples were also below the upper limits set by Turkish Food Codex (TFC) and European Union (EU) Commission. Hence it was shown that levels of the selected 5 metals in muscle tissues of squid, cuttlefish and prawns marketed in Mersin were in accordance with the quality standards set by TFC and EUC and concluded that they do not pose any health problems for human consumption.

Heavy metal bioaccumulation in Oreochromis niloticus from Tenango Dam, Puebla, Mexico.

Oreochromis niloticus was used to determine the effects of heavy metals and their concentration in aquatic environments. Its wide distribution, resistance, and economical importance make it a suitable biomonitor. The present study was conducted in the Tenango Dam (Puebla, Mexico) to determine water quality and its impact on O. niloticus, a species that is cultured and commercialized in this area. Five samples were collected over 1year to evaluate the water's physicochemical parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and hardness) and metal contents (cadmium, chromium, copper, and lead). Metal concentrations, bioconcentration factors, and metallothionein levels were also assessed in O. niloticus livers and muscle tissues. Water and tilapia quality were estimated according to current Mexican guidelines. Results indicated that the water's physicochemical parameters were within acceptable ranges. Metal concentrations, however, suggested that this resource was not suitable for urban use. Moreover, metal levels in fish tissues exceeded the acceptable limits during two periods, rendering it unsuitable for human consumption. The bioconcentration factor indicated that the metals can potentially accumulate in organisms. Furthermore, metallothionein levels in liver and muscle showed a direct correlation with metal concentrations in these tissues. This is the first study to use tilapia as an indicator of contamination in the Tenango Dam, and also the first to describe the presence of metals in this water body.

The effects of age and individual size on metal accumulation of Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin, 1789) from Mersin Bay, Turkey

In this study, heavy metal levels in muscle and liver tissues of different age groups of Lagocephalus sceleratus caught in the Mersin Bay were investigated. Six different age groups were determined among fishes caught using commercial trawlers from the Mersin Bay. The lengths of fish were measured between 17 cm and 68 cm, the weights were measured between 265 g and 3955 g. Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr) and Arsenic (As) levels were investigated using ICP-MS. The heavy metal concentrations in the liver and muscle tissues in L. sceleratus were found to be As&amp;gt;Cr&amp;gt;Cd&amp;gt;Pb and As&amp;gt;Cr&amp;gt;Pb&amp;gt;Cd, respectively. It was observed that with the increased ages of pufferfish, the levels of heavy metals determined in both muscle and liver tissues were increased.

Some macro and trace elements in various tissues of Van fish variations according to gender and weight

ABSTRACT Van fish is a fish that can live in soda water at pH 9-10. Van fishing area is a very important source of protein for the people. The variations in tissue metal levels according to gender and weight in Van fish (Alburnus tarichi, Güldenstadt 1814) were studied. This study was conducted for the first time in Van fish. Which it is very important for living organisms Calcium(Ca), magnesium(Mg), sodium(Na), potassium(K), cobalt(Co), chromium(Cr) and lithium(Li) elements levels in the muscle, liver, gill, gonad, and brain tissues of Van fish were investigated by using inductively-coupled plasma-optic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The results were evaluated in two groups as macro-elements(Ca, Mg, Na, K) and trace-elements(Co, Cr, Li). Cobalt concentration in brain tissue was found to be higher than those in other tissues. Also, male fish had higher metal concentrations than female fish and their metal levels in brain and gonad tissues varied with their weight (P&lt;0.05). This study shows that consumption of Van fish can be consumed to supply some necessary minerals required for a healthy nutrition.

Functional neurotoxicity and tissue metal levels in rats exposed subacutely to titanium dioxide nanoparticles via the airways.

Nanoparticles of titanium dioxide are suspected neurotoxic agents and have numerous applications possibly resulting in human exposure by several ways including inhalation. In the present work, rats were exposed to spherical TiO2 nanoparticles of two different sizes by the intratracheal route. It was investigated how the neuro-functional alterations, detected by electrophysiological and behavioral methods, were related to the concentration of Ti in the tissue samples and what the influence of the size of the NPs was. Rats (young adult Wistar males, 10/group) were exposed to TiO2 nanoparticles of ca. 10 and 100 nm diameter (suspension medium: neutral PBS with 1% hydroxyethyl cellulose) by intratracheal instillation in 5 and 18 mg/kg b.w. dose; 5 days per week for 6 weeks. Controls were instilled with saline, and vehicle controls, with the suspension medium. To see general toxicity, body weight was checked daily, and organ weights were measured at the end of experiment. Grip strength test, to assess motor function damage, was done before and after the 6-week treatment. Finally, the rats were anesthetized with urethane, spontaneous cortical activity and sensory evoked potentials were recorded, then the rats were dissected and tissue samples were taken for Ti level measurement. Body weight gain indicated no general toxicity, and no significant change in the relative organ weights, except that of the lungs, was seen. However, change of time-to-fall in the grip strength test, and latency of cortical evoked po-tentials, were altered in the treated groups, indicating functional damage. Correlation of these alterations with the cortical Ti level was dissimilar for the two sizes of nanoparticles. The results provided further support to the functional neurotoxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles. The exact role of particle size, and the mechanisms involved, remain to be elucidated.