Liver Zinc Concentrations Research Articles

Effects of dietary substitution of zinc-methionine for inorganic zinc sources on growth performance, tissue zinc accumulation and some blood parameters in broiler chicks.

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of zinc-methionine (ZnMet) as a replacement for conventional inorganic zinc sources on performance, tissue zinc accumulation and some plasma indices in broiler chicks. A total of 450-day-old Ross male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five pen replicates of nine experimental diets. Dietary treatments consisted of two basal diets supplemented with 40 mg/kg added Zn as feed-grade Zn sulphate or Zn oxide in which, Zn was replaced with that supplied from ZnMet complex by 25, 50, 75 or 100%. At 42 days of age, three randomly selected birds from each pen were bled to measure plasma metabolites; then, the chicks were slaughtered to evaluate carcass characteristics. Results showed that dietary treatments affected (p < 0.05) feed intake during the starter period, and chicks on Zn oxide diets consumed more feed than sulphate counterparts. Furthermore, dietary substitution of inorganic Zn sources by ZnMet caused improvements (p < 0.01) in body weight gain during all experimental periods. Dietary supplementation of ZnMet improved feed conversion efficiency during 1-21 and 1-42, but not in 21-42 days of age. Complete replacement of inorganic Zn by that supplied from ZnMet caused an increase (p < 0.05) in relative liver weight. Similarly, dietary inclusion of ZnMet increased breast meat and carcass yields and reduced abdominal fat percentage (p < 0.05). Incremental levels of ZnMet increased (p < 0.05) zinc concentrations in liver and thymus, and the highest zinc accumulations were seen in 100% ZnMet-supplemented birds. Interestingly, introduction of ZnMet into the diets partially in place of inorganic sources resulted in decreases (p < 0.01) in plasma uric acid and triglycerides concentrations. The present findings indicated that dietary ZnMet inclusion in replacement of inorganic sources in addition to improving growth performance, reduced plasma uric acid and triglycerides concentrations, consequently decreased abdominal fat pad and increased carcass meat yield.

Milling method affects zinc content of maize and health status of Mongolian gerbils (646.5)

Micronutrient deficiencies, especially vitamin A (VA), zinc, and iron, are of global health concern. Biofortified (orange) maize has provitamin A carotenoids and can support vitamin A status. Different maize milling methods, e.g. whole grain (‘roller’) and degermed (‘breakfast’), are commonly used and affect mineral content. Zinc plays a role in vitamin A metabolism and therefore it is pertinent to evaluate their interaction. Orange and white maize was milled using two methods and analyzed for mineral content. Gerbil diets were formulated to have maize as the sole vitamin A and zinc source. A 3x2 factorial study was carried out with three VA levels (i.e., white maize ‐VA, orange maize ‐VA, and white maize +VA) and two milling methods (i.e., roller and breakfast). Gerbils were depleted on white maize for 4 wk, and then put on treatments for 4 wk. Gerbil weights and food consumption were measured. Gerbils were killed; serum, liver, and fur were collected for analysis. Diets varied significantly in zinc content between roller and breakfast (11.0 ± 0.6 vs 2.8 ± 0.8 µg Zn/g diet; P &lt; 0.0001), which was reflected in liver zinc (28.6 ± 2.4 vs 26.9 ± 3.6 µg/g; P = 0.038). Gerbils on roller diet grew significantly more than those on breakfast (76.1 ± 7.0 vs 69.4 ± 9.0 g; P = 0.0025), while VA level had no effect (P = 0.70). Serum retinol had no significant treatment or interaction effects (P &gt; 0.074), with dietary VA trending towards a significant effect and VA‐ gerbils having a higher serum retinol than VA+ gerbils. A simple choice of processing method showed a difference in growth and liver zinc content. Although breakfast meal is preferred for consistency, roller meal shows great potential as a nutritionally superior option for better population health.Grant Funding Source: Supported by NIH‐5T32DK007665 (BG) and Hatch WIS01528

The Role of Copper and Vitamin A Deficiencies Leading to Neurological Signs in Captive Cheetahs (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Acinonyx jubatus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) and Lions (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Panthera leo&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) in the United Arab Emirates

Neurological signs like ataxia and hind limb paresis have often been reported in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), lions (Panthera leo) and snow leopards (Panthera unica). As a cause, copper and Vitamin A deficiencies have been discussed. Many cases were seen in cheetahs and lions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) within the last years. The aim of this study was to find correlations between nutrition, serum, and tissue levels, focusing on copper and Vitamin A. Blood and tissue samples of affected and unaffected animals were analyzed at the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory in Dubai, UAE. Animals were split into three different groups (A, B and C) according to their diets. Minerals were determined in serum, tissue, food and water samples, and serum was additionally analyzed for Vitamin A and E. Liver, kidney and spinal cord samples were taken for histopathological investigations. Mean serum copper and liver copper levels of animals fed pure chicken muscle meat without supplements were significantly lower (0.41 ± 0.71 μM/L; 2.16 ± 0.95 ppm wet weight) than in animals fed a whole carcass prey diet (12.16 ± 3.42 μM/L; 16.01 ± 17.51 ppm wet weight) (p < 0.05). Serum Vitamin A and E levels were highest in animals fed whole carcass prey diets (1.85 ± 0.68; 27.31 ± 5.69 μM/L). Liver zinc concentrations were highest in animals fed pure chicken meat only (43.75 ± 16.48 ppm wet weight). In histopathology, demyelination of the spinal cord was found in all of the affected animals and most commonly when fed a diet based on poultry without supplements.

Bioaccumulation of trace elements in fin and shell fishes of Uppanar and Vellar Estuaries at Southeast coast of India

The study was performed to investigate the concentration of cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, nickel, lead, zinc, aluminium, chromium and boron in muscle, gill and liver of fin and shell fishes collected from two estuaries (Uppanar and Vellar) of Southeast coast of India. Tissue samples of fin and shell fishes have different level of accumulation viz, Cd = 0.10-0.72, Co = 0-0.18, Cu = 0.05-0.62, Fe = 1.42-9.85, Mg = 9.74-31.55, Mn = 0.09-11.12, Ni = 0.02-0.30, Pb = 0.14-0.50, Zn = 0.31-2.31, Al = 1.26-3.95, Cr = 0.25-2.91 and B = 0.17-0.51 µg g -1 dry wt respectively. Concentration of toxic metals such as Cd, Mn, Pb and Cr were above the permissible limits, in Uppanar estuary, proposed by the World Health Organization.

Interaction between nanoparticles generated by zinc chloride treatment and oxidative responses in rat liver

The aim of the present study was to investigate the interaction of zinc chloride (3 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [ip]) in rat liver in terms of the biosynthesis of nanoparticles. Zinc treatment increased zinc content in rat liver. Analysis of fluorescence revealed the presence of red fluorescence in the liver following zinc treatment. Interestingly, the co-exposure to zinc (3 mg/kg, ip) and selenium (0.20 mg/L, per os [by mouth]) led to a higher intensity of red fluorescence compared to zinc-treated rats. In addition, X-ray diffraction measurements carried out on liver fractions of zinc-treated rats point to the biosynthesis of zinc sulfide and/or selenide nanocomplexes at nearly 51.60 nm in size. Moreover, co-exposure led to nanocomplexes of about 72.60 nm in size. The interaction of zinc with other mineral elements (S, Se) generates several nanocomplexes, such as ZnS and/or ZnSe. The nanocomplex ZnX could interact directly with enzyme activity or indirectly by the disruption of mineral elements’ bioavailability in cells. Subacute zinc or selenium treatment decreased malondialdehyde levels, indicating a drop in lipid peroxidation. In addition, antioxidant enzyme assays showed that treatment with zinc or co-treatment with zinc and selenium increased the activities of glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. Consequently, zinc complexation with sulfur and/or selenium at nanoscale level could enhance antioxidative responses, which is correlated to the ratio of number of ZnX nanoparticles (X=sulfur or X=selenium) to malondialdehyde level in rat liver.

알코올성 간독성 흰쥐의 혈청 지질 및 조직 과산화지질 농도에 미치는 발효당귀의 영향

Monascus purpureus 균주에 의해 발효된 당귀분말을 식이 중에 5% 수준으로 첨가하여 30% 알코올과 함께 4주간 흰쥐에 급여한 후 혈중 지질 농도 및 조직 내 산화 스트레스에 미치는 영향에 대하여 검토하였다. 혈중 중성지질 농도 및 유리 지방산 농도는 알코올 대조군(Alc)에서의 증가가 알코올 실험군에서 모두 감소하였고, 특히 발효당귀군(AFAG)에서 낮은 감소수치를 보였다. 혈중 총 콜레스테롤 농도는 전반적으로 유의적인 차이는 없었으나, HDL-cholesterol 농도에서 발효당귀군(AFAG)이 증가수치를 나타내었다. 간장, 심장, 비장,신장, 고환 및 혈청에서 생체막 과산화지질 생성 정도는 정상군(N)에 비해 알코올 대조군(Alc)에서 유의적으로 증가하였고, 이러한 증가는 발효당귀군(AFAG)과 양성 대조군(ASM)에서 정상 수준으로 회복되었다. 간 조직 내 내인성 항산화 물질인 glutathione 농도는 알코올 대조군(Alc)에서 유의적으로 감소하였고, 발효당귀군(AFAG)에서 유의적으로 증가하여, 과산화 지질 생성정도와 glutathione 농도는 유의적인 차이가 인정되었다. 이상의 실험결과 발효당귀는 알코올 투여 동물실험에서 혈중 지질 개선효과는 물론 조직 내 항산화 활성증가로 산화스트레스를 경감시키는 효능이 있는 것으로 사료되며, 향후 간 독성 개선에 효능을 가지는 건강식품 개발 가능성이 높은 소재로 판단되어진다. The effect of Monascus-fermented Angelica gigas Nakai (AFAG) on the contents of serum lipids and tissue lipid peroxidation was investigated in alcohol feeding rats (Alc group). The serum contents of total lipid and free fatty acid in the alcohol feeding rats were significantly increased, but these increases tended to decrease in the AFAG group. The content of serum triglyceride was also significantly decreased in the AFAG group compared to the other groups. The serum content of total-cholesterol was not significantly different between the normal group and the AFAG group. The content of HDL-cholesterol in serum was slightly increased in the AFAG group compared to the Alc group. The content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the liver, heart, spleen, and testis were significantly increased in the Alc group compared to the normal group, but these increases were significantly decreased in the AFAG group. The content of liver zinc was decreased in the Alc group and it was significantly increased in the AFAG group, which suggested that the lipid peroxidation contents are inversely correlated with the liver zinc content. The hepatic glutathione concentration was significantly decreased in the Alc group, but this content was significantly increased in the AFAG group, and it showed the antioxidant ability of glutathione. These activities were also compared to the standard silymarin drug treatment. Thus, the findings of the present study indicated the significant antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activity of Monascus-fermented Angelica gigas Nakai against ethanol-induced toxicity.

A double-blind block randomized clinical trial on the effect of zinc as a treatment for diarrhea in neonatal Holstein calves under natural challenge conditions

Diarrhea is the leading cause of death in neonatal calves and contributes to major economic losses. The objective of this double-blind randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of oral inorganic or organic zinc supplementation as a treatment for neonatal diarrhea in calves. Seventy nine 1 to 8 day old male Holstein calves on a California calf ranch were block randomized to one of 3 treatments within 24h from their first onset of diarrhea. Calves received a daily dose of either a placebo composed of 80mg of zinc-free powder, 381.54mg of zinc methionine (Met) (equivalent to 80mg of zinc), or 99.69mg of zinc oxide (ZO) (equivalent to 80mg of zinc) in 2L of a zinc-free oral rehydration solution (ORS). Calves were treated once daily until normal fecal consistency or for a maximum of 14 days. Upon enrollment and exit, calves were weighed, and blood, feces, and liver biopsies were collected for trace mineral analysis. Fecal samples at enrollment and exit were tested for E. coli K99, Cryptosporidium spp., rotavirus and coronavirus. Pre-treatment liver zinc concentrations for the 71 calves in the placebo, zinc Met, and ZO treatment groups were 710.6 (SEM=147.7), 852.3 (SEM=129.6), and 750.7 (SEM=202.9)mg/kg dry weight (DW), respectively. Exit liver zinc concentrations for the calves in the placebo, zinc Met, and ZO treatment groups were 728.9 (SEM=182.9), 1141.0 (SEM=423.8), and 636.8 (SEM=81.5)mg/kg dry weight, respectively. Although statistically non-significant, there were clinically important findings identified for each of zinc Met and ZO treatments. Calves treated with zinc Met gained on average 40g/day during a diarrhea episode compared to a weight loss of 67g/day on average in the placebo-treated calves (Power 19.9%). Calves treated with ZO had 1.4 times higher hazard of clinical cure compared to calves in the placebo group (Power 5.3%). Calves that were fecal positive to cryptosporidium spp. at enrollment and treated with zinc Met had higher odds of testing negative at exit compared to placebo calves (Odds Ratio (OR)=16.0). In contrast, calves treated with ZO tended to recover (fecal score=1) one day earlier compared to calves treated with a placebo (8.5 d vs. 9.7 d). The current trial identified clinically important findings that warrant further research to investigate zinc's therapeutic effect for calf diarrhea.

Psychological Stress-Induced Lower Serum Zinc and Zinc Redistribution in Rats

In humans, long-term exposure to uncontrollable and unpredictable life stressors is a major precipitant in the development of depressive disorders. There are strong evidences that depression is accompanied by lower serum zinc. The aim of present study is to assess the effects of repeated psychological stress (PS) on the zinc metabolism in rat. The rats were divided into control group and PS group which were subdivided into three subgroups: 7-day group, 14-day group, and recovery group (ten rats in each subgroup). PS model was created by a communication box which contains room A and room B. Rats in room A were only exposed to the responses of rats which were randomly given electrical shock for 30 min in room B. PS was given to rats for 30 min every morning for 14 days. The serum corticosterone (CORT), zinc in serum and tissues, and zinc apparent absorption after PS exposure were investigated. The results showed that the serum CORT increased and serum zinc decreased after 7 and 14 days of PS treatment. The zinc concentration in the liver was increased by 14 days PS exposure, whereas its concentration in the hippocampus was decreased by 7 and 14 days of PS exposure. There were no significant changes in zinc concentration in the heart, spleen, kidney, duodenum, cortex, and cerebellum. A decrease in the zinc apparent absorption was observed in the 7- and 14-day PS groups. The increased serum CORT and liver zinc concentrations and decreased serum zinc and apparent absorption of zinc recovered to normal concentrations 7 days away from PS exposure. The results suggest that PS could induce lower serum zinc, which might be correlated with decreased zinc absorption in the small intestine and increased liver zinc accumulation after PS exposure. The consequent effects of decreased hippocampal and serum zinc and increased CORT concentration after PS exposure on stress-related diseases await further research.

Levels of heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd, Ni) in tissues of Sarpa salpa from Honaine bay in the Western part of the Algerian Coast

This study aims to determine the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in various organs (gonads, muscle, liver and gill) of Saupe Sarpa salpa (SS) from Honaine bay in the western part of the Algerian coast. Elements such as Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd and Ni were assayed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Accumulation of heavy metals gradually increases in liver. Mean concentrations in gonads, livers and gills of SS followed the sequence Cu ##xgt; Ni ##xgt; Zn ##xgt; Cd ##xgt; Pb and in muscles Cu ##xgt; Zn ##xgt; Ni ##xgt; Cd ##xgt; Pb, respectively. Ni and Cu concentrations were above the prescribed levels (IAEA-407). The results of a linear regression analysis showed that, except in some few cases, significant negative relationships between metal concentrations and fish size exist. Highly significant (p < 0.001) negative relationships were found between fish length, and concentrations of zinc, lead and copper in liver and gill, and cadmium in liver of SS principal component analysis was applied, with the metal concentrations and fish sizes as variables. It totaled 54.6% of the total information (40.3% for factor 1 and 14.3% for factor 2) of the metal concentration.

Environmental cadmium and zinc concentrations in liver and kidney of European hare from different Serbian regions

The hares assayed (n=84) were divided into five age groups: 3-6; 12; 12-24; 24-36 and 36 + months. Between all sampling regions (11) significant differences of Cd levels were found in kidney and liver (p value, p=0.001 and 0.007, respectively) . Significant statistical differences (p=0.001) are registered between Cd content in kidney and liver of hares among all represented age groups. Looking at all investigated hare samples, moderately higher concentrations of Zn were found in liver (median value: 25.4 mg/kg w.w) compared to those in kidney (21.4 mg/kg). These differences were statistically significant (p=0.001). Zinc concentrations in liver, between all age groups, did not differ significantly (p=0.512) but in kidney these differences were statistically significant (p=0,001). Significant differences between Zn concentrations in liver in comparison to kidney (pairwise differences) were found within every single age group with exception of the oldest (36+ ) . Strong statistically significant correlations (Ps- Pearson's correlation ) between Cd concentrations in kidney and liver were registered in three groups older than 12 months (Ps=0.81, p=0.001; 0.78, p=0.001; and 0.79, p=0.001, respectively). Negative correlation between Zn and Cd concentrations were found in liver samples within the age group of 12 months (Ps= -0,67, p=0.004). &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;font color="red"&gt;&lt;b&gt; This article has been retracted. Link to the retraction &lt;u&gt;&lt;a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.2298/HEMIND151030061E"&gt;10.2298/HEMIND151030061E&lt;/a&gt;&lt;u&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/font&gt;

Bioavailability and Immunity Response in Broiler Breeders on Organically Complexed Zinc Supplementation

Two hundred and sixty four broiler breeder hens of 32 weeks of age were distributed randomly in four dietary treatments. The dietary treatments were T0: Broiler breeder ration containing 40 ppm zinc (basal 29.8 ppm + 10.2 ppm inorganic zinc), T1: T0 + organic zinc (zinc methionine) @ 20 ppm, T2: T0 + organic zinc @ 40 ppm and T3: T0 + organic zinc @ 60 ppm. The experiment was continued from 32 to 48 weeks of age. At 48 weeks, the weight of lymphoid organs, zinc levels in organs and immunity response were determined. The faecal zinc level was determined at monthly interval. The weight lymphoid organs of different treatment groups (both organic and inorganic zinc fed groups) of the broiler breeders did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). The cellular immune response of breeder birds to PHA-P was significantly (P 0.05) higher in group T3 than the rest of treated groups. The antibody titre to SRBC differed among the treated groups. The zinc content of serum of broiler breeders of all the groups did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) in all the periods of study. Zinc content in liver and tibia of broiler breeders in different dietary treatments of zinc differed significantly (P 0.05) with higher levels were obtained on increasing zinc concentration in the diet. The zinc level in the spleen and kidney of the broiler breeders in different dietary treatments did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). The average zinc content in the faeces of broiler breeder during 35 to 43 week of age did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) among the treated groups. At 48 weeks of age, zinc content of the faeces of T3 was found to be significantly (P 0.05) higher than the rest of treated groups. Similarly, during the overall experimental period analysis, it was found that zinc levels in the faeces of T2 and T3 were significantly (P 0.05) higher than T1 and T0.

Effects of added zinc in diets with ractopamine HCl on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and zinc concentrations in plasma, loin, and liver of finishing pigs (2013)

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of added Zn from zinc oxide (ZnO) or Availa-Zn (AZ; Zinpro, Eden Prairie, MN) on growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs fed ractopamine HCl (RAC; Paylean; Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN). In Exp. 1, a total of 320 pigs (PIC 327 × 1050, initially 215.9 lb) were used in a 35-d study. Pens of pigs were randomly allotted to 1 of 8 dietary treatments, with either 2 barrows or 2 gilts per pen and 20 pens per treatment. Dietary treatments included: a corn-soybean meal–based negative control (0.66% standardized ileal digestible [SID] lysine); a positive control diet (0.92% SID lysine) containing 10 ppm of RAC; and the RAC diet plus 75, 150, or 225 ppm added Zn from ZnO or AZ. The trace mineral premix provided a basal level of 55 ppm Zn from Zn Sulfate (ZnSO4) in all diets. In Exp. 1, overall (d 0 to 35), pigs fed RAC had improved (P < 0.04) ADG, F/G, d-35 BW, caloric efficiency on an ME and NE basis, HCW, carcass ADG and F/G, loin depth, percentage lean, and carcass caloric efficiency on an ME and NE basis, and reduced (P < 0.01) ADFI and backfat thickness compared with pigs fed the control diet. No evidence of a Zn effect or an interaction between Zn source and level was observed. Performance and IOFC did not differ in pigs fed diets with added Zn from either source. In Exp. 2, a total of 1,234 pigs (PIC 337 × 1050; initially 228.6 lb) were used in a 28-d study. Pens contained 23 to 28 pigs with either all barrow, all gilt, or mixed-sex allotments. Pens of pigs were blocked by BW, feeder type, and gender and were randomly assigned to diets. The 4 dietary treatments consisted of (1) a corn-soybean meal–based negative control diet (0.70% SID lysine); (2) a positive control diet (0.92% SID lysine) containing 10 ppm RAC; or the RAC diet plus 50 ppm added Zn from ZnO (3) or AZ (4). All diets contained 80 ppm Zn from ZnO provided by the trace mineral premix. On d 14, the 6 heaviest pigs from each pen (determined visually) were individually tattooed by pen and harvested to allow for carcass data collection, and on d 28, the remaining pigs were individually tattooed by pen and harvested to allow for carcass data collection. Overall (d 0 to 28), pigs fed RAC had improved (P < 0.001) ADG, F/G, final BW, and caloric efficiency on an ME and NE basis. Added Zn or Zn source did not affect (P > 0.20) growth performance. For pigs harvested on d 14, pigs fed RAC had improved (P < 0.001) carcass ADG, F/G, income over feed cost (IOFC), and carcass caloric efficiency on an ME and NE basis and a tendency for increased HCW, loin depth, and percentage lean compared with those fed the negative control diet. No differences were observed in carcass characteristics (P > 0.11) between pigs fed RAC diets and diets containing added Zn; however, pigs fed diets with added Zn from ZnO had increased (P < 0.05) carcass F/G, carcass yield, carcass IOFC, and carcass caloric efficiency on an ME and NE basis compared with those fed Zn from AZ. For pigs harvested on d 28, pigs fed RAC had improved (P < 0.01) HCW, carcass ADG and F/G, backfat thickness, loin depth, percentage lean, carcass IOFC, and carcass caloric efficiency on an ME and NE basis. No differences were observed in carcass characteristics between pigs fed RAC, and no additional Zn and diets containing added Zn from either source. Carcass characteristics did not differ in pigs fed diets with added Zn from ZnO vs. AZ. In conclusion, we observed improvements in growth and carcass performance from adding RAC similar to previous studies. In contrast with our previous research, these data indicate that adding Zn to finishing pig diets containing RAC did not improve overall performance. Consistent with the earlier research, income over feed cost (IOFC) was numerically increased with the addition of Zn.; Swine Day, Manhattan, KS, November 21, 2013

Determination of Metal (Cu, Zn, Se, Cr and Cd) Levels in Tissues of the Cyprinid Fish, Capoeta trutta (Heckel, 1843) from Different Regions of Keban Dam Lake (Euphrates-Turkey)

The aim of this study was to evaluate Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Selenium (Se), Chromium (Cr) and Cadmium (Cd) concentrations in liver, muscle, gills and kidney tissues of Capoeta trutta collected from four sites of Keban Dam Lake, Turkey. The highest heavy metal level in all tissues was for Zn, while Cd was the lowest. The lowest heavy metal levels were generally found at Station 4 (Agin) for all tissues (p<0.05). There were statistically significant differences among stations for Cu, Zn, Cr and Se in gills; for Cu, Zn, Se and Cr in liver and kidney; and Cu, Zn and Cr in muscle (p<0.05). Cadmium concentrations did not differ between sites for any of the tissues. Turkish Food Codex sets the maximum limits of Zn, Cu and Cd as, 50, 20 and 0.05mgkg(-1) dry weight, respectively, in the muscle of fish used for human consumption. In our study, the level of Zn was higher than Turkish permissible limits only at Station 3 (Guluskur). Cadmium levels were much higher than permissible limits at three stations [S1 (Pertek), S2 (Kockale) and S3], whereas Cu levels were within permissible limits in all stations.

The trace element and humoral immune response of lambs administered a zinc, cobalt and selenium soluble glass bolus

Zinc, cobalt and selenium are essential trace elements for ruminants and all have roles in immune function. The delivery of these elements to grazing livestock can be problematical.The aim of this trial is to determine the effect of the administration of an intraruminal soluble glass bolus to supply zinc, cobalt and selenium to growing lambs at pasture and to determine the effect on humoral immune response via the administration of a novel keyhole limpet haemacyanin (KLH) antigen.On days 0, 17 lambs each had a zinc (15.1% w/w), cobalt (0.52% w/w) and selenium (0.15% w/w) soluble glass bolus (∼33g) administered (bolused), whilst the 17 lambs received no bolus (control). All of the lambs were grazed together throughout the trial. Trace element status (selenium—erythrocyte glutathione peroxidise activity; cobalt—serum vitamin B12 concentration; zinc—plasma zinc concentration) and live weights were assessed on days 0, 20, 42 and 63, with immunisation with KLH on day 34 and assessment of IgG response by direct ELISA on days 20, 42, 49, 63. Lambs were slaughtered when commercially fit on either day 86 or 121 and livers analysed for copper and zinc concentrations and boluses recovered from the bolus group to assess dissolution rates.The bolused lambs had significantly increased serum vitamin B12 concentrations (p<0.001) and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activities (p<0.001) on all post-bolusing samplings. The bolused lambs had higher plasma zinc concentrations on day 42 (p<0.05) and day 63 (p<0.01). The humoral immune response was enhanced with the bolused lambs having significantly greater anti-KLH IgG levels on day 42 (p<0.05) and day 63 (p<0.01), although the two groups had a similar maximal value at day 49. There was no significant effect of the bolus on live-weight or liver zinc concentrations. The average bolus dissolution rate of the recovered boluses was 326mgglass/d (s.d.±30mg/d) giving a mean daily release of 49.3mg zinc, 1.7mg cobalt and 0.5mg selenium. The pasture mineral status was not assessed, but the bolus alone was able to fulfil recommended intake requirements for the elements.In conclusion, administration of a zinc, cobalt and selenium soluble glass bolus resulted in an increased antibody response and fulfilled the daily requirements for cobalt, selenium and zinc with an elevated status of these elements compared to unsupplemented controls grazing the same pasture.

Vitamin D Supplementation Modulates Blood and Tissue Zinc, Liver Glutathione and Blood Biochemical Parameters in Diabetic Rats on a Zinc-Deficient Diet

Previous studies suggest a protective effect of vitamin D3 on zinc deficiency-induced insulin secretion and on pancreas β-cell function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin D on blood biochemical parameters, tissue zinc and liver glutathione in diabetic rats fed a zinc-deficient diet. For that purpose, Alloxan-induced diabetic rats were divided into four groups. The first group was fed a zinc-sufficient diet while the second group was fed a zinc-deficient diet. The third and fourth groups received zinc-sufficient or zinc-deficient diets plus oral vitamin D3 for 27 days. At the end of the experiment, blood, femur, pancreas, kidney and liver samples were taken from all rats. The serum, femur, pancreas, kidney and liver zinc concentrations, liver glutathione, serum alkaline phosphatase activity, daily body weight gain and food intake were lower in the zinc-deficient rats in comparison with those receiving adequate amounts of zinc. These values were increased in the zinc-deficient group that was supplemented with vitamin D3. The serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, urea, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase and blood glucose values were higher in rats fed a zinc adequate diet, but their concentrations were decreased by vitamin D3 supplementation. The serum total protein levels were not changed by zinc deficiency and vitamin D3 supplementation. These results suggest that vitamin D3 modulates tissue zinc, liver glutathione and blood biochemical values in diabetic rats fed a zinc-deficient diet.

Interaction of Dietary Zinc and Vitamin A Influences the Zinc Deposition and some Enzymes` Activity in Broilers

576 broilers are experimented on with 6 × 2 (Zn × vitamin A) repetitive experiment in attempt to study the influence of different dietary zinc levels (40,80 ,120 ,160 ,200 and 320 mg/ kg) and dietary vitamin A levels (2700 and 8800 IU/ kg) on vitamin A metabolism, zinc concentration in liver and tibia, zinc apparent deposition rate, serum ALK activity, CuZn-SOD activity in liver and serum, and serum insulin concentration. Results showed that vitamin A concentration in serum increased with the increasing of zinc level in the diet, and that in livers decreased accordingly, which means that zinc can mobilize vitamin A of liver into serum. When dietary zinc level was 320 mg/kg, vitamin A concentration in serum, liver and kidney increased at the same time, perhaps higher dietary zinc level promoted vitamin A absorption except for mobilizing it into serum. Higher dietary vitamin A level (8800 IU/kg) increased zinc concentration in liver and tibia slightly. Zinc apparent deposition rate increased with the increasing of dietary zinc level within certain range and then decreased.；dietary Zinc level has a prominent influence on CuZn – SOD in serum when P &lt; 0. 01; and the result also shows that dietary zinc level, vitamin A level and their interaction has a respectively prominent influence on ALK, serum insulin concentration is also apparently affected.

Cadmium toxicokinetics and bioaccumulation in turtles: trophic exposure of Trachemys scripta elegans

Ecotoxicological data in reptiles are mainly represented by field studies reporting the tissue burden of wild-captured individuals but much less is known regarding the processes of uptake, depuration, accumulation and the effects of inorganic contaminants in these species. In the present study, the accumulation, the path and the effects of exposure to cadmium (Cd) through diet intake were investigated in female red eared slider turtles, Trachemys scripta elegans. In the first phase of the experiment, turtles underwent an acclimatization period during which they were fed a control diet. In the second phase, the turtles were exposed to cadmium through a CdCl(2) supplemented-diet with increased environmentally relevant concentrations for a period of 13weeks. Following this, the turtles went through a third phase, a recovery phase of 3weeks, during which they were fed uncontaminated food. Blood and feces were collected during the three phases of the experiment. The turtles were euthanized at the end of the experiment and organ samples collected. The Cd-concentrations in blood remained stable over the course of the experiment while Cd-concentrations in feces increased with time and with the amount of Cd ingested. The proportional accumulation in liver and kidney together was comprised between 0.7 and 6.1% and they represented the main organs of accumulation. Cd accumulated in the organs in the following order of concentration: kidney>liver>pancreas>muscle. In terms of burden in organs, the Cd-burden was the highest in liver followed by kidney and pancreas. The proportional accumulation decreased as Cd ingestion increased, suggesting that at a higher dose of Cd, assimilation decreased. Mineral content of the liver and pancreas became modified according to Cd level; increasing dietary Cd exposure increased concentrations of zinc and iron in liver and copper in pancreas in a dose-dependent manner. Accumulation of Cd had no effect on survival, food consumption, growth, weight or length suggesting no effect of the treatment on female turtle body condition.

Heavy Metal in Edible Portions (Muscle and Skin) and Other Organs (Gill, Liver and Intestine) of Selected Freshwater Fish Species

In this study, the concentrations of copper, zinc, manganese, iron, cobalt, calcium, magnesium, nickel, lead, chrome and boron elements in muscle, gill, skin, intestine and liver of selected fish species (Rutilus rutilus, Carassius carassius, and Cyprinus carpio) from Porsuk Dam Lake/Turkey were determined. The element analyses were performed with inductive coupled plasma-optic emission spectroscopy following microwave digestion techniques. Metal accumulation levels of tissues and species were remarkably different. Concentrations of Ni, Pb, Cr and B in all tissues of the species were found to be below the detection limit (BDL) with ICP-OES. Irrespective of the fish species and tissues, the concentrations (mg kg−1 wet weight) of the other matals varied in the following ranges: Cu, below detection limit (BDL)-17.15; Zn, 9.08–699.60; Mn, BDL-8.23; Fe, 4.42–137.17; Co, BDL-1.49; Ca, 144.40–14376.60 and Mg, 95.81–903.23. The metal levels in muscle of the species were found below the limits proposed by FAO, WHO, and Turkish Food Codes, and these are safe for human consumption. However, heavy metal accumulation in skin and liver of some species was as high as non-permitted limits.

Determination of P, Ca, Zn, Cd and Pb concentrations in muscle, gills, liver, gonads and skeletons of two natural populations of Atherina lagunae in North Tunis Lake, Tunisia

In this study, zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) concentrations in mus-cles, gills, liver, gonads and skeletons of two natural populations of sand smelt Atherina lagunae (Teleostean, Atherinidae) normal and deformed, as well as bioaccumulation of these elements from the water and the sediment in the North Tunis Lake were investigated. The analysis of Ca was performed with flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The average concentrations of Ca in the different tissues analyzed show higher val-ues in healthy atherines except in gonads where the average concentration of Ca in deformed atherines sig-nificantly exceeds that in normal atherines (p < 0.05) and the spine Ca concentrations were similar in the two populations. Zinc, cadmium, lead and phosphorus were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The Zn concentrations of Atherina lagunae in North Tunis Lake were very high compared to other studies in other lagoons. The highest concentrations were found in deformed atherines. The differences are significant for all tissues studied (p < 0.05). The average concentration of P in different tissues analyzed shows that the highest values were detected in the normal population of Atherina lagunae. The potential rate of Cd was below the detection limit in the different organs analyzed, in water and sediment.

Effects of Formaldehyde Inhalation on Zinc, Copper and Iron Concentrations in Liver and Kidney of Male Rats

In the present study, adult Wistar albino male rats were exposed to formaldehyde at different periods (subacute and subchronic) and concentrations (5.0 and 10.0 ppm) in order to figure out the changes in the concentration of Zn, Cu and Fe. It was observed that the formaldehyde inhalation caused gradual decline of body weights in the experimental groups when compared with control groups. It was found that subacute (4-week) or subchronic (13-week) exposure to formaldehyde for rats may cause growth retardation. After inhalation procedure, concentration of copper, zinc and iron were determined in liver and kidney tissues of rats using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In addition, concentrations of Cu, Zn and Fe changed by the effect of formaldehyde in subacute and subchronic groups.