Trace Elements Se Research Articles

Spatial Variations in Magmatic Volatile Influx and Fluid Boiling in the Submarine Hydrothermal Systems of Niuatahi Caldera, Tonga Rear‐Arc

AbstractSubmarine caldera volcanoes may host several hydrothermal systems along the caldera wall and related to volcanic cones. Fluid boiling and magmatic volatile influx are common processes in shallow (<2,000 mbsl) subduction zone‐related environments causing variations in the mineralogical and chemical composition of seafloor hydrothermal mineralizations that remain poorly constrained. The submarine caldera of Niuatahi volcano, Tonga rear‐arc, hosts four active vent sites discharging high temperature fluids (<334°C) with variable salinities (369–583 mM Cl) that are indicative of fluid boiling, recorded by distinct Te/As and Te/Au in pyrite, sphalerite, and chalcopyrite. High sulfidation mineral assemblages (e.g., enargite), stable S isotope data and similar trace element signatures in sulfides and native S condensates suggest a minor and/or infrequent contribution of magmatic SO2 to the hydrothermal systems located proximal to the caldera center causing a volatile element (e.g., Se, Bi, Te) enrichment. The hydrothermal system at the northern caldera wall is decoupled from the magmatic SO2 source, as revealed by radiogenic Pb isotopes. Instead, S isotope and trace element constraints propose a host rock‐dominated hydrothermal system, lacking a magmatic volatile influx. The observed hydrothermal fractionation processes (fluid boiling) and the distinct metal (loid) sources (magmatic volatiles vs. host rock) represent a continuum from magmatic volatile‐ to host rock‐dominated hydrothermal systems within the Niuatahi caldera. This leads to seafloor mineralizations with spatially selective trace element enrichments, like Te, Se, and Bi (±Au, Ag) in the caldera center compared to Au, Ag, Zn, Cd, and Pb at the northern caldera wall.

Evaluation of the concentrations of some trace elements (Fe, Cu, Se, Zn and Co) in calves naturally infected with coccidiosis

Evaluation of the concentrations of some trace elements (Fe, Cu, Se, Zn and Co) in calves naturally infected with coccidiosis

Assessment of microplastic and trace element pollution in the southeastern Mediterranean coasts, Egypt, using shellfish Arca noae as a bioindicator

The ubiquitous presence of microplastics (MPs) and trace elements in the marine environment is regarded as a global threat to marine organisms. The current study aims to assess MP levels and trace element (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Se, and Fe) accumulation in the shellfish Arca noae collected from five locations along the southeastern Mediterranean coasts, Alexandria, Egypt. The frequency of the occurrence of ingested MPs in A. noae soft tissues was 48%, whereas the abundance of MPs was 1.65 ± 0.28 MP/individual and 0.58 ± 0.04 items g1 of the wet weight of tissue. Polyethylene was the most abundant polymer in A. noae, followed by polypropylene and polystyrene. The concentration levels of Zn, Cd, and Pb detected in the soft tissues of A. noae are higher than the maximum permissible limits. This study provides baseline data for further environmental assessments, with the use of A. noae as an early warning indicator in biomonitoring programs.

Molecular Gatekeeper Discovery: Workflow for Linking Multiple Exposure Biomarkers to Metabolomics.

The exposome reflects multiple exposures across the life-course that can affect health. Metabolomics can reveal the underlying molecular basis linking exposures to health conditions. Here, we explore the concept and general data analysis framework of "molecular gatekeepers"─key metabolites that link single or multiple exposure biomarkers with correlated clusters of endogenous metabolites─to inform health-relevant biological targets. We performed untargeted metabolomics on plasma from 152 adolescent girls participating in the Growing Up Healthy Study in New York City. We then performed network analysis to link metabolites to exposure biomarkers including five trace elements (Cd, Mn, Pb, Se, and Hg) and five perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs; n-PFOS, Sm-PFOS, n-PFOA, PFHxS, and PFNA). We found 144 molecular gatekeepers and annotated 22 of them. Lysophosphatidylcholine (16:0) and taurodeoxycholate were correlated with both n-PFOA and n-PFOS, suggesting a shared dysregulation from multiple xenobiotic exposures. Sphingomyelin (d18:2/14:0) was significantly associated with age at menarche; yet, no direct association was detected between any exposure biomarkers and age at menarche. Thus, molecular gatekeepers can also discover molecular linkages between exposure biomarkers and health outcomes that may otherwise be obscured by complex interactions in direct measurements.

Trace and major elements in surface snow and fresh water bodies of the Marguerite Bay Islands, Antarctic Peninsula

The results of major and trace elements investigation in snow and fresh water on Dismal and Horseshoe Islands, Marguerite Bay, Antarctic Peninsula are presented. Samples of newly fallen snow, old snow, as well as water from lakes, ponds and streams were collected during the 4th Turkish Antarctic Expedition in February-early March 2020. Determination of Ag, Al, As, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Na, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Th, Tl, U, V and Zn content was carried out using the ICP-MS method. Totally 39 samples were analyzed.It was established that, variability and average concentrations of major and trace elements are significantly higher in newly fallen snow compared to old snow. The lowest concentrations of major and a number of trace elements (Fe, Cr, Se, Ba, As and Tl) were recorded in samples of old snow, and the highest - in water of streams. All types of samples have the highest Na concentrations, that confirms sea aerosols as the source of their input.High enrichment factors EFc (>100) for Zn, Cd, Se and Sb (especially in newly fallen snow) indicate possible anthropogenic impact connected with long-range air mass transfer.

Effects of oral vitamin D3 supplementation in Crohn's disease patients: Modulation of clinical active/remission phases by pro-inflammatory cytokines profile and oxidative stress

The 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) deficiency in Crohn's disease (CD) is associated with the immune system dysfunction and redox status alteration. These two events affect intestinal mucosal function through macrophages cells infiltration and to lead a pro-inflammatory cytokines storm and ROS (reactive oxygen species) overproduction. The objective of this study was to investigate the immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects of vitaminD3 supplementation (DS3) in clinical active phase. A cohort of 262CD patients and vitaminD deficient (<50nmol/L or <20ng/mL) was randomized into 2groups according to the DS3 doses at 200,000IU/month (D200 group) versus 6,000IU/day (D6 group). Serum 25OHD3 levels were assessed before and after 6 and 12months of DS3. The clinical active phase was characterized by the CDAI score (Crohn's Disease Activity Index) and the fecal calprotectin assay. The 25OHD3 profile was analyzed by LC-MS/MS. The pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, IL-23) were assessed by ELISA tests. The serum trace elements (Se, Mn, Cu, Zn) was determined by mass spectrometry. The antioxidant status (TAS, SOD, GPx, GSH) was evaluated by Randox kits. The results showed that the serum 25OHD3 concentrations became normal (>75nmol/L or >30ng/mL) in the 2groups. Our data showed that vitaminD supplementation allowed the clinical remission phase. The DS3 decreased serum levels of CRPus, TNFα, IL-17 and IL-23. The DS3 modulates the trace elements ratio and increased the SOD and GPx activities. The DS3 corrects the denutrition state. The vitaminD supplementation benefits are more significant in D6 group (continuous 6,000IU/day) than in D200 group (intermittent 200,000IU/month). Our study suggests that the serum 25OHD3 profile can be considered a reliable biomarker in the bioclinic CD evolution to prevent the active phase, to extend the remission phase and to avoid the surgical bowel resection.

Assessment of Serum Elements Concentration and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Change in the levels of trace elements has been linked with PCOS pathogenesis by various studies, whereas some had reported no such association. Therefore, in order to evaluate association of eleven trace element (Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, Se, Mn, Fe, Mg, Co, Ni and Pb) serum concentration with PCOS pathogenesis, current systematic review and meta-analysis has been carried out. Literature search was conducted using PubMed, Central Cochrane Library, Google Scholar and Science Direct databases with appropriate keywords. Studies published upto 3rd of September were evaluated for eligibility with suitable inclusion and exclusion criteria. Only case-control studies examining the association of serum trace element concentrations between PCOS cases and controls were selected. Present meta-analysis identified 32 articles with 2317 PCOS and 1898 controls. The serum Cu (MD = 15.40; 95% CI = 4.32 to 26.48; p = 0.006), Co (MD = 0.01; 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.02; p = 0.000), Cr (MD = 0.04; 95% CI = 0.00 to 0.07; p = 0.03) and Fe (MD = 12.98; 95% CI = 5.87-20.09; p = 0.0003) concentration is significantly higher, while lower concentration has been observed for Se (MD = - 0.99; 95% CI = - 1.31 to - 0.67; p = 0.000) and Mg (MD = - 223.41; 95% CI = - 391.60 to - 55.23; p = 0.009) among women with PCOS in comparison with the healthy group. Concentration of other elements which were analysed is not significantly related to PCOS. In short, PCOS women has higher serum concentrations of Cu, Co, Cr and Fe and lower concentrations of Se and Mg. Studies with sub-population of obese, non-obese and with and without insulin resistance are important to understand the pathomechanism of these elements in the syndrome.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SERUM ZINC, COPPER AND SELENIUM LEVELS AND THE DEGREE OF LIVER DAMAGE IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C.

The aim: To evaluate the content of trace elements Zn, Cu and Se in blood serum and their relationship with viral load and the degree of liver fibrosis according to the results of the FibroMax test in patients with CHC. Materials and methods: 62 outpatients with a verified diagnosis of CHC were under observation, in which serum Zn, Cu and Se levels, viral load and degree of liver fibrosis were determined according to the FibroMax test. Results: HCV 1b genotype was detected in all patients. The proportion of patients with a high viral load was 32%, with a low viral load - 68%. In 19% of patients, the level of Zn was below normal, and the levels of Cu and Se were within the reference values. The proportion of patients without fibrosis was 32%, 16% had minimal fibrosis, 40% had moderate fibrosis, 8% had progressive fibrosis, and 3% had severe fibrosis. 68% of patients had active inflammation of various degrees, liver steatosis - 65%, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis - 48%, inflammation caused by alcohol consumption was absent. No statistically significant difference was found in serum trace element levels and viral load (p>0.05). A weak negative correlation between the level of Zn and the degree of fibrosis (ρ=-0.340, p=0.007) and a negligible negative correlation between the level of Zn and inflammation activity (ρ=-0.286, p=0.024) were revealed. Patients with fibrosis grade ≥F2 had lower Zn levels compared to patients with fibrosis ≤F1 (0.607 (0.540, 0.691) mg/l vs. 0.716 (0.593, 0.875) mg/l, p=0.01), and when comparing there was no difference in Cu and Se levels (р>0.05). Conclusions: Thus, there is a relationship between the level of Zn in blood serum and the degree of liver damage in patients with CHC, which indicates the prospects for further research.

Trace elements and antioxidant status in human immunodeficiency virus positive patients

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the plasma levels of the antioxidants and mineral trace elements in three severity groups of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients compared with non-HIV-infected controls. Methods: The plasma levels of antioxidants (Total antioxidant, albumin, bilirubin, uric acid) and trace elements (Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr, Cd and Se) were estimated in spectrophotometrically in controls and patients with CD4 counts &lt;200; 200–499 and ≥500 cells/µL. Results: Plasma uric acid and plasma zinc (Zn) were significantly high, while vitamin E and all the micro trace elements (except Zn) were significantly lower in HIV-infected patients compared to healthy controls human beings. The higher level of plasma uric acid was observed in those with CD4 counts &lt;200 cells/µL. All the trace elements (except Zn) were high levels in HIV subjects with a CD4 count of 200–499 cells/µL compared to &gt;500 cells/µL. Only plasma uric acid and zinc showed significant correlation with CD4 cell count. Conclusion: Routine assessment of antioxidant/ trace element levels in HIV subjects is recommended. This supplementation is given to strengthen the immune system and reduce the adverse consequences of HIV related oxidative stress and sometimes suggests that assessing antioxidant levels or enzymes activities of patients infected with HIV should be considered during therapy. Keywords: trace elements; human immunodeficiency virus; antioxidants; CD4 cell; AIDS; oxidative stress

Steroid hormones, selenium, and zinc in the gonads – gametes – larvae biological system of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis Lam.

Assessment of the interaction of marine farms with the environment in the industrial cultivation of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis is very important. In the mussel farm – environment system, biotic fluxes of chemical compounds through gonads, gametes (sperm and eggs), and larvae make a considerable contribution to this interaction. Since gonads play a key role in the mussel reproduction, it is interesting to study the budget of materials, that are directly involved in this process. Out of these materials, testosterone, estradiol, fatty acids, and some trace minerals, such as Se and Zn, are known to affect spawning, growth, and development. The molluscs absorb these materials from food and water. These materials are partly metabolically assimilated by mussels and partly excreted into the environment with gametes. The aim of this study was to estimate the components of the budget of steroid hormones, fatty acids, and two essential trace elements (Zn and Se) in mussel gonads, gametes, and larvae. The total testosterone and estradiol in gonads and gametes were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The contents of the trace elements were found using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The fatty acid composition was determined by means of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The contents of Se and Zn in mussel gonads and gametes were found to depend on the stage of the reproductive cycle. In female gonads, Se and Zn concentrations were higher than in male ones. The highest concentration of Se was recorded in eggs: (14.7 ± 2.9) μg·g−1 dry weight (d. w.). In sperm, it was (14.4 ± 1.8) μg·g−1 d. w. Zn content in gonads before spawning was higher than in gametes. In male gonads and in sperm, its values were (27.5 ± 3.7) and (19.3 ± 6.4) μg·g−1 d. w., respectively. In female gonads and eggs, the contents of zinc were (53.6 ± 10.9) and (49.3 ± 8.2) μg·g−1 d. w., respectively. In spring, the mean values of Se and Zn assimilation degree (q) in gonads of the mussel were within 0.1–0.6. The limit values of the alimentary accumulation coefficient (Klim) of Se and Zn ranged 0.6 to 1.4. While spawning, mussels excrete polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which are probably used by other marine organisms. Up to 56.2 % of PUFA are excreted with sperm, and 48.1 %, with eggs, whereas in larvae this fraction does not exceed 10.2 %. The data obtained indicate that the molluscs assimilate sex hormones, fatty acids, selenium, and zinc to maintain vital processes: prostaglandins are synthesized from PUFA in the body, and testosterone esters are formed from testosterone. Se and Zn, when coupled with proteins, play a key role in the reproduction and formation of larval shells.

In Vitro Immunomodulation of the Polysaccharides from Yam (Dioscorea opposita Thunb.) in Response to a Selenylation of Lower Extent.

The immunomodulation of chemically selenylated polysaccharides has been attracting more attention recently, but the corresponding performance of the yam polysaccharides (YPS) with lower selenylation extent remains, thus far, unsolved. In this study, the YPS was selenylated with Na2SeO3 under acidic conditions generated by HNO3 to reach two lower selenylation extents, yielding two selenylated YPSs, namely SeYPS-1 and SeYPS-2 with selenium contents of 715 and 1545 mg/kg, respectively. The results indicated that YPS, SeYPS-1, and SeYPS-2 all had in vitro immuno-modulation when using RAW 264.7 macrophages and murine splenocytes as cell models. In detail, the three polysaccharide samples at dose levels of 5–160 μg/mL showed insignificant cytotoxicity to the macrophages and splenocytes with cell exposure times of 12–24 h, because of the measured values of cell viability larger than 100%. However, Na2SeO3 at dose levels of 1.3–3.25 μg/mL mostly caused obvious cytotoxic effects on the cells, resulting in reduced cell viability values or cell death, efficiently. The results demonstrated that, compared with YPS, both SeYPS-1 and SeYPS-2 at a lower dose level (5 μg/mL) were more active at promoting phagocytosis activity, increasing the CD4+/CD8+ ratio of the T-lymphocyte sub-population in the murine splenocyte, improving cytokine secretion, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α in the macrophages, or increasing interferon-γ secretion, but suppressing IL-4 production in the splenocytes. Consistently, SeYPS-2 has more potential than SeYPS-1 at exerting these assessed bioactivities in the cells. Thus, we conclude that a chemical modification of YPS using trace element Se at a lower selenylation extent could bring about higher immunomodulatory activity towards macrophages and splenocytes, while selenylation extent of YPS is a critical factor used to govern the assessed activity changes of YPS.

Association of TRPM5 Asn235Ser Polymorphism and Trace Elements/Minerals in Chronic Gastritis Patients: a Case-Control Study.

The link between chronic gastritis and chemosensory receptors is considered promising for disease prediction and treatment. The transient receptor potential melastatin member channel 5 (TRPM5) is an ion channel and may be a chemosensor in the gastrointestinal tract. Trace elements and minerals involved in many protein structures can change ion channel activity. Our study aimed to determine trace element and mineral levels according to TRPM5 Asn235Ser missense polymorphism distributions in patients with H. pylori (+) and (-) gastritis and to uncover their possible association with disease pathogenesis. In 109 volunteer patients diagnosed with gastritis [64 H. pylori (+), 45 H. pylori (-)], TRPM5 (Asn235Ser) polymorphism was detected by Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR method (KASP), but no difference was found between the groups. There are differences between the serum trace element (Se, Zn, Cu, Mg, and Cu/Zn) levels of the two groups. High serum Se and Cu/Zn ratios were detected in H. pylori (+) patients. Cu/Zn ratio can be used as a marker of bacterial inflammation. The amount of Se was found to be statistically significant in the serums of H. pylori (+) patients carrying TT and CT genotype, while the amounts of Zn, Cu, and Mg were found as significant of H. pylori (-) patients. The relationship of Se with the H. pylori needs to be investigated further. In addition, H. pylori (+) patients have a significantly higher neutrophils/lymphocytes ratio (NLR) compared to those with H. pylori (-) NLR can be used as an indicator of inflammation.

Comparison of trace element contents in normal thyroid and thyroid with Hashimoto's thyroiditis using neutron activation analysis

Role of trace elements (TE) in etiology and pathogenesis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is unclear. The aim of this exploratory study was to assess whether there were significant changes in thyroid tissue levels of ten TE (Ag, Co, Cr, Fe, Hg, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, and Zn) are present in the autoimmune transformed thyroid. Ten TE of thyroid tissue were determined in 8 patients with HT and 105 healthy populations. The measurements were performed using non-destructive instrumental neutron activation analysis with high resolution spectrometry of long-lived radionuclides. Elevated mean values of Ag, Hg, and Rb content were found in thyroid with HT in comparison with normal level (in approximately 21, 30, and 1.6 times, respectively). Because the considerable changes in some TE contents in tissue of thyroid with HT were found, it is reasonable to assume that the levels of these TE in thyroid tissue can be used as HT markers. However, this topic needs additional studies.

Gold enrichment and the Au–Te association in the Huangtan Au–Cu–Zn volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit, Kalatag, East Tianshan, China: An in-situ LA–ICP–MS analysis

Huangtan Au–Cu–Zn is an auriferous VMS deposit hosted in tuff breccia, and tuff of Silurian age in the Kalatag area that located in the northern part of East Tianshan. Mineralization can be divided into two principal ore facies: massive, semimassive ore and stockwork ore. Pyrite, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite, as the predominant sulfide minerals and Au–bearing minerals, were investigated using a combination of ore microscopy, EMPA, SEM–EDS, and in situ LA–ICP–MS. There is no clear systematic variation in the trace element distribution with different types of pyrite, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite in the massive ore, stockwork ore, and hydrothermal alteration zone. Combined with mineralogical characteristics, this deposit is considered to be the product of the same ore-forming fluid and belongs to the VMS metallogenic system. Gold in the Huangtan deposit is present in three main mineralogical forms: auriferous tellurides, “invisible” gold, and native gold. Tellurides identified in the Huangtan deposit include: calaverite, sylvanite, petzite, native tellurium, hessite, altaite, and tellurobismuthite. LA–ICP–MS depth profiles, and mapping imaging for Au, Ag, and Te suggest that the invisible gold in pyrite, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite are micro- to nanoscale inclusions of Au–Ag–Te assemblages. Native gold contains smaller amounts of Ag, Bi, Te, and Se. The concentrations of trace elements Au, Te, Ag, Bi, and Se in pyrite, chalcopyrite, and sphalerite are strongly correlated, indicating that the ore-forming fluid was likely of magmatic origin. In addition, the sulfur isotope compositions (–3.3‰ to 2.3‰) of different types of major sulfides have a narrow range, indicating a homogeneous sulfur source, and show that sulfur sources were mainly derived from magmatic sulfur. The mineral assemblages reveal that Au–Te precipitated under variable redox conditions with log ƒTe2 being less than −8 in the massive ore, and log ƒTe2 being greater than −12.5 in the stockwork ore. The formation of tellurides is sensitive to the temperature of the mineralization system. With the decreasing temperature, the auriferous tellurides gradually precipitated and formed the Huangtan Au–Cu–Zn deposit with an auriferous telluride ore body.

Sources and health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in groundwater in the mineral-rich tribal belt of Bastar, Central India

Concentrations of trace elements (Al, B, As, Be, Cd, Ba, Co, Cu, Fe, Cr, Sb, Ni, Li, Sn, Mn, Zn, V and Se) were determined in 160 groundwater samples, collected during pre-monsoon (PRM) and post-monsoon (POM) period (2017) in the tribal belt of Bastar, central India, using inductive coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The concentrations of Al, As, Fe, Mn and Ni were found exceeding the permissible limits in 49% of samples. Cd, Sn and Se elements have shown two-fold increment in POM samples than those collected during PRM. On the contrary, Al, Ba, Co, Cr and Fe have shown a declining trend from PRM to POM period. On applying Principal component analysis (PCA) and Positive matrix factorization (PMF) approaches to the dataset, observed three primary sources (natural, geogenic and agricultural) for groundwater elemental components. Among the measured potentially toxic elements (PTEs), As has shown higher carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk in children as well as adults This study recommends the regular monitoring of heavy metal contamination of groundwater as various geogenic and anthropogenic activities may elevate the risk of severe health hazards.

Characteristics and Assessment of Trace Elements (Hg, As, Sb, Se, and Bi) in Mire Surface Water from the Changbai Mountains, Northeastern China

Characteristics and Assessment of Trace Elements (Hg, As, Sb, Se, and Bi) in Mire Surface Water from the Changbai Mountains, Northeastern China

Organic microelement complex in feeding of cows in the production of iodized milk

The optimal level of mineral nutrition of animals is of great importance in the organization of complete feeding. Micromineral feeding of cattle, pigs and poultry has recently received more and more attention. A significant contribution to the solution of this issue is made by an organic microelement complex based on L-aspartic amino acid produced by JSC “Bioamide” under the trademark OMEC-7M. The purpose of the research was to study the effect of the organic microelement complex based on the L-aspartic amino acid OMEC-7M and organic iodine OMEC-J on the milk productivity and composition of cow milk. In order to conduct scientific and economic experiments, groups of cows have been formed according to the principle of analogous pairs taking into account age, live weight, date of the last calving, productivity and physiological state. Live weight of cows was 500–550 kg with a yield of 5000-6000 kg of milk per lactation. The conditions of feeding and housing the animals were the same, with the exception of the studied factors. Studies have been conducted to determine the effect of organic trace elements Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, Co and Se in the form of asparaginates and organic J on the milk productivity of cows, the composition of milk and the content of iodine in it, the morphological and biochemical composition of blood, the content of the rumen, the digestibility and use of feed nutrients compared to the inorganic salts of these trace elements. As a result of four scientific and economic experiments the effectiveness of the use of the organic microelement complex based on the L-aspartic amino acid OMEC-7M and organic iodine OMEC-J in the feeding of cows in the production of iodized milk has been proved.

Analysis of Trace Elements, Anticholinesterase Activity and ADME/Tox Profiling of some Achillea Species

In this study, the anti-cholinesterase activities of different extracts of Achillea lycaonica, A. vermicularis and A. nobilis L. subsp. neilreichii (Kerner) Formanek species were examined and then trace elements (Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, and Pb) of the plants were analysed by ICP-MS. The pharmacokinetic properties of the phenolic compounds of these plants previously analyzed by us and the ADME-Tox (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) profiles of the trace elements we identified in this study were estimated. According to the data obtained, it was determined that all three plants showed high acetyl-cholinesterase inhibition activity. The concentration of trace elements was lower than that declared by WHO, except for the A. lycaonica. It was determined that V, Cr, Fe, Co, and As metals in A. lycaonica exceeded the limit values determined by WHO. According to ADMET estimates, it is thought that the toxic values of all three plants are not high, and therefore the use of A. nobilis and A. vermicularis plants does not pose any health risk but A lycaonica should be used carefully due to the heavy metals.

Trace elements in muscle tissue of three commercial shark species: Prionace glauca, Carcharhinus falciformis, and Alopias pelagicus off the Manzanillo, Colima coast, Mexico.

Given their predatory characteristics, long life, and high trophic levels, sharks can have a remarkable ability to bioaccumulate and/or biomagnify trace elements (TE). In the present study, 13 TE (Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, As, Se, Zn, Cr, V, Fe, Ni, Co, and Mn) were analyzed in the muscle tissue of three shark species (Prionace glauca, Carcharhinus falciformis, and Alopias pelagicus) using high-resolution mass spectrometry inductively coupled to a plasma generator (HR-ICP-MS); 30 shark specimens of each specie were obtained during commercial fish landings in the port of Manzanillo, Mexico. The morphometric characteristics and sex of the sharks were recorded. Shark A. pelagicus accumulated higher concentrations of TE, especially for Hg and Cd, than the other species. Significant differences in the TE levels were detected between sexes in P. glauca and A. pelagicus; in all cases, the highest concentrations were found in female muscle tissue. The ability of sharks to bioaccumulate ETs depends of the metals (essentials higher than non-essential) but is explained mainly by feeding habits associated to sexes (population segregation) and size (ontogeny). The association between TE in shark specimens was related to the essentiality, their antagonistic action, and origin. The Se/Hg ratio was significantly higher than 1, evidence of the protective role of dietary Se against Hg uptake and toxicity in all specimens of the three shark species. Also, the elevate inverse correlation of As and Cd versus Se could indicate a protective action of Se against these toxic metals, but the mechanism must be investigated.

In vitro assessment of major and trace element bioaccessibility in tea samples

Bioaccessibility of trace elements (Li, Be, Ti, Ga, Cu, Ag, Hg, Cd, Cs, Pt, Tl, Pb, As, Cr, Co, Ni, V, Se, Sn and Sb) and major elements (Rb, Ba, Al, Fe, Zn, Si, Ca, Mg, Mn, Mo, Sr, P and K) in tea infusions has been assessed using an in vitro dialyzability protocol. Gastric simulation (using pepsin solution) and intestinal simulation (using pancreatin and bile salts) were used to perform the in vitro digestion. ICP-MS, ICP-OES and FAES were used for elements determination in digested tea leaves, their infusions and the dialyzate fractions from tea infusions. Microwaves assisted acid digestion was used for the total element determination in tea leaves, while tea infusions were prepared by brewing tea leaves for 5 min in boiling water. The LODs for elements determined in tea leaves were in the range of 0.11–656 ng g−1 and 0.02–145.6 μg g−1 for trace and major elements, respectively. For elements’ determination in tea infusions, the LODs were ranged between 0.23 and 399.9 ng L−1 for trace elements and 0.2–1248 μg L−1 for major elements. The LODs for the elements in the dialyzable fraction varied from 0.018 to 142 μg L−1. The accuracy of the total element determination was evaluated using certified reference materials (Tea Leaves INCT-TL-1 and Rye Grass). The analytical recoveries were also assessed for analyzed elements in digested tea leaves (95–114%) and their infusions (92–115%), showing good recoveries. Among the studied elements, K was the most abundant element in tea leaves and tea infusions in almost all samples, followed by Ca, Mg, and P. Zn, Cs, and K showed the highest dialyzability percentages up to 84%, 76%, and 54%, respectively, followed by Si and Ca and K that show moderate to high dialyzability percentages. The accuracy of the dialysis process was evaluated using a mass-balance study.