Liver Zn Research Articles

Effect of dietary garlic and onion on liver and tibial mineral concentrations in omega-3 fatty acids rich oil fed rats

This study was designed to compare the effect of garlic or onion (2%) on mineral concentrations in liver and tibia of rats fed with diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Experiments were carried out on Male Sprague-Dawley rats fed AIN93 semi-purified diets containing either 8 % flaxseed or olive oils replacing corn oil with or without garlic or onion (2%) for 28 days. The analysis of minerals calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) of liver and tibia were conducted by the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results showed significantly increased Zn, Mg and P concentrations in liver and K, Na and P in tibia of rats fed on flaxseed oil diet, compared to rats fed on olive oil diet. While the liver Fe and K as well as tibial Ca and Mg were significantly decreased. The addition of garlic powder (2%) to the olive oil diet produced a marked increase in liver Ca, Zn, K, Mg and P levels .However, there was noticeable reduction in liver Fe and tibial Ca and Na levels. No change in tibial Zn level was found by the addition of either garlic or onion powders (2%) to the olive oil diet. Liver of rats fed on olive oil diet with onion powder (2%) have noticeable elevation in Zn, Mg and P and reduction in Fe and K levels. There was a significant decrease in tibial Ca and Na levels, compared to rats fed on olive oil control diet. Flaxseed oil diet with garlic powders (2%) led to a significant increase in liver P and tibial Mg concentrations. Although a marked reduce was observed in liver Na and tibial Ca, Zn, Na and P levels. The same addition to the same diet caused a non significant decrease in liver Zn and Na as well as tibial Ca, Fe and Zn concentrations. The addition of onion powder (2%) to flaxseed oil diet produced a noticeable increase in liver Fe, k and P levels as well as tibial Mg level. Meanwhile, no marked increase was found in liver Ca, Zn and Na levels and decrease in liver Mg and tibial Fe. A significant decrease was found in tibial Ca, Zn, Na and P concentrations. In conclusion: the present study concluded that adding garlic or onion to diet rich in mono or poly unsaturated fatty acids elevate the levels of some minerals in liver and tibia of rats, Which contributes to the maintenance of the health status of the liver and bone.

Teores séricos e hepáticos de cobre, ferro, molibdênio e zinco em ovinos e caprinos no estado de Pernambuco

O trabalho objetivou conhecer os teores de Cu, Mo, Fe e Zn em soro e fígado de ovinos e caprinos criados na região semiárida do estado de Pernambuco e abatidos nas épocas da chuva e seca, e estabelecer se a carência de Cu é causada por deficiência primária de Cu ou secundária à ingestão de quantidades excessivas de Fe ou Mo. Amostras de soro e fígado de 141 ovinos e 141 caprinos foram submetidas à digestão úmida em ácido nítrico-perclórico e, posteriormente, analisados em espectrofotômetro de absorção atômica indutivamente acoplado (ICPOES). A concentração sérica de Cu em caprinos teve uma média de 9,85±2,71µmol/L e em caprinos de 11,37±2,57µmol/L, enquanto que a concentração hepática média foi de 158,45±83,05mg/kg para ovinos e 152,46±79,58mg/kg para caprinos. Os teores séricos de Fe foram de 35,58± 14,89µmol/L em ovinos e de 25,06±8,10µmol/L em caprinos e as concentrações no fígado foram de 156,10±55,99mg/ kg em ovinos e 210,53±121,99mg/kg em caprinos. As concentrações médias séricas de Mo foram de 0,28±0,11µmol/ L em caprinos e 0,31±0,16µmol/L em ovinos, enquanto que no fígado sua concentração foi de 6,53±4,13mg/kg e 8,10± 4,01mg/kg, respectivamente. A concentração sérica de Zn foi de 11,9±6,07µmol/L em ovinos e 11,79±7,42µmol/ L em caprinos e a concentração no fígado foi de 126,43 ±51,50mg/kg e 132,91±55,28mg/kg em ovinos e caprinos, respectivamente. Verificou-se variação na concentração destes minerais considerando os fatores de variação, como o período sazonal, espécie e sexo. Baseado nos valores observados, considerados marginais, e na ocorrência de surtos de ataxia enzoótica em caprinos e ovinos na região, recomenda-se a suplementação com Cu em animais a campo, tanto na seca quanto na chuva. Considerando as concentrações séricas e hepáticas de Fe e Mo, sugerese que as concentrações marginais de Cu não estejam diretamente relacionadas com o excesso destes minerais. Não foram encontradas diferenças significantes nas concentrações séricas e hepáticas de Cu e Mo e nas concentrações séricas de Fe entre as amostras coletadas na época da chuva a as coletadas na época seca. As concentrações hepáticas de Fe e as concentrações séricas e hepáticas de Zn foram significativamente maiores na época da chuva. Considerando que os teores de Zn sérico encontram-se abaixo dos valores considerados como marginais e os hepáticos dentro do limite de normalidade, embora próximos ao limite inferior da referência, recomenda-se a suplementação com Zn, principalmente durante o período da seca.

Folic Acid and Protein Content in Maternal Diet and Postnatal High-Fat Feeding Affect the Tissue Levels of Iron, Zinc, and Copper in the Rat

Although maternal, fetal, and placental mechanisms compensate for disturbances in the fetal environment, any nutritional inadequacies present during pregnancy may affect fetal metabolism, and their consequences may appear in later life. The aim of the present study is to investigate the influence of maternal diet during gestation on Fe, Zn, and Cu levels in the livers and kidneys of adult rats. The study was carried out on the offspring (n = 48) of mothers fed either a protein-balanced or a protein-restricted diet (18% vs. 9% casein) during pregnancy, with or without folic acid supplementation (0.005- vs. 0.002-g folic acid/kg diet). At 10 weeks of age, the offspring of each maternal group were randomly assigned to groups fed either the AIN-93G diet or a high-fat diet for 6 weeks, until the end of the experiment. The levels of Fe, Zn, and Cu in the livers and kidneys were determined by the F-AAS method. It was found that postnatal exposure to the high-fat diet was associated with increased hepatic Fe levels (p < 0.001), and with decreased liver Zn and Cu contents (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively), as well as with decreased renal Cu contents (p < 0.001). Moreover, the offspring’s tissue mineral levels were also affected by protein and folic acid content in the maternal diet. Both prenatal protein restriction and folic acid supplementation increased the liver Zn content (p < 0.05) and the kidney Zn content (p < 0.001; p < 0.05, respectively), while folic acid supplementation resulted in a reduction in renal Cu level (p < 0.05). Summarizing, the results of this study show that maternal dietary folic acid and protein intake during pregnancy, as well as the type of postweaning diet, affect Fe, Zn, and Cu levels in the offspring of the rat. However, the mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon are unclear, and warrant further investigation.

Moderate Zinc Deficiency Reduces Testicular Zip6 and Zip10 Abundance and Impairs Spermatogenesis in Mice1–3

Male infertility accounts for ~40% of cases of failure to conceive. Testes have a strict zinc (Zn) requirement and severe Zn deficiency compromises spermatogenesis, sperm viability, and motility, compromising fertility in men. Despite the high prevalence of marginal Zn deficiency in humans, less emphasis has been placed on understanding the consequences on male reproduction. Swiss Webster mice were used to visualize Zip protein expression during spermatogenesis using immunohistochemistry. Data suggest Zip5 imports Zn into Sertoli cells and spermatocytes, augmented by Zip10 (primary spermatocytes) and Zip8 (secondary spermatocytes). Zip6, 8, and 10 expression was retained in round spermatids, although Zip8 and Zip10 expression disappears during spermatid maturation. Zip1 and Zip6 expression was detected in mature, elongated spermatids. Zip14 was detected in undifferentiated spermatogonia and Leydig cells. Mice fed diets (n = 10/group) reduced in Zn concentration [marginal-Zn diet (MZD), 10 mg Zn/kg; low-Zn diet (ZD), 7 mg Zn/kg] for 30 d had >35% lower liver Zn concentrations than mice fed the control diet (C; 30 mg Zn/kg) (P < 0.05). Plasma Zn and testosterone concentrations and the testes Zn concentration and weight were not significantly lower than in controls. Plasma Zn was greater in the ZD group than in the C and MZD groups. Mice fed ZD had a reduced number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling-positive cells (~50%; P < 0.05), compromised seminiferous tubule structure, and reduced Zip10 and Zip6 abundance (>50%; P < 0.5) compared with mice fed C. Our data provide compelling evidence that reduced Zn intake may be associated with infertility in men, perhaps independent of decreased levels of circulating Zn or testosterone, which warrants further investigation in human populations.

Zinc Supplementation against Eimeria acervulina-Induced Oxidative Damage in Broiler Chickens.

This study was undertaken to determine the dietary supplements of Zn containing diet on the antioxidant status in chickens experimentally infected with Eimeria acervulina. The antioxidant status was monitored via determination of MDA concentrations and erythrocyte SOD and CAT activities, as well as vitamin E, vitamin C, Cu, and Zn in liver, muscle, and serum. The results showed increased MDA (P < .05), CAT (P < .001), and decreased SOD (P < .001) in the infected birds. Significant changes in Cu and Zn concentrations and dramatically reduction of vitamin C and E concentrations in the infected chickens were found. The observed deviations in the studied enzymes and nonenzymatic parameters evidence the occurrence of oxidative stress following the infection and impaired antioxidant status of chickens, infected with Eimeria acervulina. Our results proved the ameliorating role of CuZn(OH)3Cl (0.170 g per kg food) against Eimeria acervulina-induced oxidative damage in infected chickens.

Sex- and age-dependent accumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Pb and Zn) in liver, kidney and muscle of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from NW Spain

In the present study, bioaccumulation of lead, cadmium and zinc in liver, kidney and muscle of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) from Galicia (NW Spain) was quantified. Metal analysis was performed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). In general the quantified concentrations were associated with background environmental levels, except for Pb, where some markedly elevated concentrations were obtained, but with no toxicological relevance. The effect of sex on Cd, Pb and Zn levels was considered, females showing a general trend to accumulate higher concentrations of these metals, with the exception of the hepatic content of Cd (which was significantly higher in males, P < 0.05) and Pb levels, which did not differ according to sex. The effect of age was analysed only in male animals and was clearly observed for Pb levels, with concentrations significantly higher in adult animals (liver: P < 0.01, kidney: P < 0.05 and muscle: P < 0.001) and for Cd levels in kidney samples (P < 0.001). This study provides the first data on heavy metal content in roe deer from the area of study and suggests that this species could be a good bioindicator of metal pollution, even though both factors, sex and age, could represent an important source of variation in the bioaccumulation of these metals in wild populations.

Effects of Ellagic Acid on Copper, Zinc, and Biochemical Values in Serum and Liver of Experimental Cholestatic Rats

Ellagic acid (EA) is a natural polyphenolic compound. Although, modulator effects of EA on copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) levels in some liver diseases have been reported in experimental animals, its effects in obstructive jaundice (OJ) has not been clarified. We aimed to evaluate potential effects of EA on Cu and Zn levels in liver and serum of cholestatic rats. Forty Wistar albino rats were equally divided into four groups. First group was used as controls. Second group received EA (60 mg(-1) kg(-1) day(-1)) for 8 days. Third was OJ group, and fourth group was OJ plus EA group. After 8 days, blood and liver samples were obtained. Higher serum and liver Cu and lower serum and liver Zn levels were found in OJ group (p < 0.05) compared with other groups. However, these differences reached to significant levels for Cu in serum and for Zn in lever. Higher serum copper levels were decreased, and lower liver Zn levels were increased by EA treatment in cholestatic rats (p < 0.05). Also, higher Cu/Zn ratio in OJ group was decreased by EA treatment both in liver (p < 0.05) and in serum (p < 0.05). Significantly higher serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase values were found in OJ and OJ + EA groups compared with the control and EA groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, result of the current study indicated that ellagic acid has modulator effects on Cu and Zn levels in liver and serum of cholestatic rats.

Accumulation of heavy metals in a food fish, &lt;i&gt;Mystus gulio&lt;/i&gt; inhabiting Bolgoda Lake, Sri Lanka

Bioaccumulation potential of selected heavy metals viz. Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Zn in muscle, gills and liver of food fish, Mystus gulio (Anguluwa) inhabiting in Bolgoda Lake were assessed by analyzing metal levels in the fish collected from four main locations: Weras Ganga, North Lake, Bolgoda Ganga and South Lake. In addition, water and sediment samples were taken concurrently from the sampling locations for determination of the metal levels. The metal levels were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry using standard procedures. Dissolved total metal levels in lake water (in µg L-1) varied depending on the sampling location: Pb 23.2-36.3, Cd 6.1-12.6, Cr 3.9-61.4, Cu 5.7-38, and Zn 11.6-35.1. The sediment associated metals in the lake (in µg g-1 dry weight) showed irregular distribution of metal contamination reflecting many individual metal inputs: Pb 6.5-759.4, Cd 0.8-4.2, Cr 22.6- 214.8, Cu 13.2-135.5 and Zn 58.2-227.6. Metal accumulation levels in the edible muscle tissue (in µg g-1 wet weight) of the fish showed a wide range: Pb, 0.01-24.1, Cd, not detected - 0.3, Cr, 0.01-0.4, Cu, 0.1 - 37.7, and Zn, 2.5-18.5. The levels of Pb in edible muscle of the fish collected from Weras Ganga and Bolgoda Ganga and the level of Cd in the fish from Weras Ganga exceeded the food safety limits specified by the international authorities. Accumulation of metal levels in the liver tissues of the fish was significantly higher than that in the muscle tissue. In the gill tissue, no consistent tissue specific pattern was evident in relation to the accumulated metal levels. The results revealed that Pb and Cd are accumulating in the fish tissues at alarming levels. Accumulated Cd, Cu and Zn levels in the fish collected from Weras Ganga are comparatively higher than the respective levels in the fish from South Lake. The results emphasize the importance of monitoring heavy metals in the food fish species in Bolgoda Lake regularly for the safety of fish consumers.DOI: 10.4038/sljas.v12i0.2214Sri Lanka J. Aquat. Sci. 12 (2007): 61-75

In vivo genotoxicity and stress defences in three flatfish species exposed to CuSO4

We have used the comet assay to analyse, after 3h, 24h and 6 days, the genotoxic effect in vivo of applying a single intraperitoneal injection of CuSO4, at a concentration of 2mg/kg, to adult specimens of Solea senegalensis, Dicologlossa cuneata and Scophthalmus rhombus. Metals content (Cu, Zn and Cd) in liver was also measured. The activity of key stress defences was evaluated by analysing antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total glutathione peroxidase (t-GPX), glutathione reductase (GR), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGDH)), metallothionein (MT) and heat shock proteins (HSP70 and HSP60). The results show that CuSO4 intake generates high and cumulative levels of genotoxicity throughout the 6 days in all 3 species. After 6 days, metals content detected in specimens showed significant differences from controls. Inter-species differences were detected in enzyme activity (P<0.05). A clear response to CuSO4 was detected only in S. rhombus, with an increase of MT and a decrease of HSPs. Variations in antioxidant defence levels and their comparative responses to the stress-inducing agent are discussed.

Heavy metals accumulation in the subterranean rodentCtenomys talarum(Rodentia: Ctenomyidae) from areas with different risk of contamination

The objective of this work was to determine the concentrations of four heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Fe and Cu) in muscle and liver from the solitary subterranean rodent Ctenomys talarum from natural dunes, cultivated area and military area with the purpose of assessing their levels and their possible effect on the biology of this small mammal. Only Pb in tissues of C. talarum from the agricultural zone indicates a risk of toxic effects on the organism. Overall concentrations of heavy metals in soils and tissues of C. talarum from all areas are consistent with lightly polluted habitats, although the increments observed in areas under anthropic use suggest for the possibility that carrying out these human activities for long periods of time, or in an intensive way, could exert an evident impact on ecosystems.

Assessing metal, protein, and DNA profiles in Labeo rohita from the Indus River in Mianwali, Pakistan

This study assessed metals in water and different tissues of Labeo rohita and the impact of these metals on DNA and proteins as biomarkers of gills and muscles of these fish from three different polluted sites (reference or low = KW, medium = CH and high = SK) of the Indus River, Pakistan. The Mn, Pb, Cu, Zn, Hg, and Cr levels in water, gills, liver, muscles, and skin of these fish were compared with the international permissible levels. All metals except Pb and Hg in water were within the acceptable limits of drinking water. In contrast, the Mn, Hg, and Cr levels in the fish tissues were higher than their permissible limits for fish as a human food. Here, the gills contained higher metals than the other tissues. Different patterns of biomarkers were found in fish from these sites. While the gills did not show four protein bands (55, 30, 18.4, and 16.4 kDa), the muscles showed four new protein bands (100, 85, 45, and 20 kDa) for fish from the medium and high polluted sites as compared to the reference or low polluted site. The fish from the CH and SK sites of the Indus River contained low molecular weight DNA in their gills but high molecular weight DNA in their muscles when compared with the KW site. This study suggests that the proteins and DNA profiles of L. rohita could be used as biomarkers to assess the impact of potential environmental stressors such as metals on the freshwater systems.

Supplementation of diets for lactating sows with zinc amino acid complex and gastric nutriment-intubation of suckling pigs with zinc methionine on mineral status, intestinal morphology and bacterial translocation in lipopolysaccharide-challenged weaned pigs

Sixty-four pigs from 16 sows were used to evaluate addition of zinc amino acid complex (ZnAA) to lactating sows and gastric nutriment-intubation of zinc methionine (ZnMet) to suckling pigs on mineral status, intestinal morphology and bacterial translocation after weaning. Sows were fed a barley-based diet supplying 120 ppm zinc (Zn; control) or the control diet supplemented with 240 ppm Zn from ZnAA. At birth, day-10 and day-21 (weaning) of age, pigs from each litter were nutriment-intubated with 5 ml of an electrolyte solution without or with 40 mg Zn from ZnMet. At weaning, 24 h prior to the collection of small and large intestinal lymph nodes and sections of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum, the pigs received an intramuscular injection of saline without or with 150 microg/kg body weight of Escherichia coli O26:B6 lipopolysaccharide (LPS). With the exception of a tendency (p = 0.09) for lower serum concentration of copper in pigs at weaning from ZnAA-supplemented sows, there were no differences (p > 0.1) than for pigs from control-fed sows for mineral status or intestinal morphology. Nutriment-intubation of ZnMet increased serum (p = 0.001) and liver (p = 0.003) Zn concentrations, number of goblet cells per 250 microm length of jejunal villous epithelium (p = 0.001) and tended (p = 0.06) to enhance jejunum mucosa thickness. Interactive effects (p < 0.05) for higher jejunal villi height and villi:crypt ratio and increased ileal goblet cell counts were apparent for pigs from ZnAA-supplemented sows that also received nutriment-intubation of ZnMet. Challenge with LPS increased (p = 0.05) ileal villous width. Nutriment-intubation of ZnMet decreased (p = 0.05) anaerobic bacteria colony forming unit counts in the large intestinal mesenteric lymph nodes. In conclusion, nutriment-intubation of ZnMet increased serum and liver tissue concentrations of Zn and resulted in limited improvement to intestinal morphology of weaned pigs.

The Effects of FeCl3 and Fe–EDTA on the Development of Psoriasis

The effects of FeCl₃ and Fe-EDTA on the development of psoriasis were studied in the mouse model of vaginal epithelium and tail epidermis. The mitoses of vaginal epithelial cell in female mice of their estrogenic stage and the formation of granular cell layers in male mouse tail scale were observed. Mice were randomly divided into eight groups and treated with normal saline, methotrexate, and different doses of two iron forms, FeCl₃ and Fe-EDTA, respectively, for 10 days. To explore the influence of FeCl₃ and Fe-EDTA on the excretion of Cu, Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Se, the concentration of those elements in liver and kidney was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. The different doses of FeCl₃ or Fe-EDTA could obviously inhibit the mitoses of vaginal epithelial cell (p< 0.05) and promote the formation of granular cell layers in mice tail scale (p < 0.05). No statistically significant results were found between the groups of FeCl₃ and Fe-EDTA, and between experimental groups and methotrexate group acted as the positive control (p>0.05). Compared with the negative group, the concentrations of Cu, Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Se in liver and kidney of experimental groups and positive control group were not significantly changed (p > 0.05). FeCl₃ and Fe-EDTA are as effective as methotrexate on inhibiting hyperplasia of epidermal cells and increasing the formation of granular cell layers, and the concentrations of Cu, Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Se in liver and kidney of experimental groups and positive control group were not significantly changed compared with the negative group, possibly retarding the development of psoriasis.

Effect of Supplemental Inorganic Zn and Mn and their Interactions on the Performance of Broiler Chicken, Mineral Bioavailability, and Immune Response

The purpose of this study was to investigate the interaction and main effects of supplemental Zn and Mn levels on growth, tissue mineral uptake, and immune response in broiler chicken. A basal diet of corn-soybean meal was supplemented with Zn at 40, 80, or 160 ppm and Mn at 60, 120, or 240 ppm in a factorial pattern to constitute nine experimental diets. Each diet was offered to nine replicates of six chicks in stainless steel battery brooders. At 35 days of age, body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, hock joint scores, tibia weight, tibia strength, and percent ash were not influenced by Zn and Mn levels and their interactions. The concentration of Zn (207-238 ppm) and Mn (11.8-16.3 ppm) in tibia increased linearly with progressive raise of mineral inclusion in diets. Mn at 240 ppm level caused higher retention of Zn in tibia, but not vice versa. Manganese either alone or in combination with Zn (Zn160/Mn120 ppm) significantly reduced Cu retention (10.1-7.2 ppm) in tibia. Even in the hepatic tissue, Zn (93.6-98.4 ppm) and Mn (9.3-10.2 ppm) concentration increased linearly with their levels of inclusion in diets. When Zn and Mn levels were maintained at 4:3 ratio (80:60 or 160:120 ppm), the concentration of Zn (100-106 ppm) in liver was higher, while that of Mn was significantly more with low level of Zn (40 ppm) in diet. However, Mn supplementation at 120 ppm level and above significantly decreased Cu accumulation (19.5-17.1 ppm) in liver, but Mn × Zn interaction had no effect on Cu retention. The immune response measured as antibody titers to sheep RBC increased (5.9-7.9 log(2)) significantly with higher Zn (80 ppm) supplementation and cell-mediated immune response to phytohemagglutinin (0.57-0.78) with Mn level at 120 ppm. In summary, Zn (40 ppm) and Mn (60 ppm) as recommended by NRC was sufficient for broiler performance and bone parameters. Mn complimented Zn retention in tibia and antagonized Cu in tibia and liver tissues. Higher levels of Zn (80 ppm) and Mn (120 ppm) than those recommended by NRC were needed for improved immune response in broilers at 35 days of age.

Trace Elements and Metallothionein in Liver and Kidney of Felis catus

Trace metals such as Zn, Cu, and Fe are essential for life; differently, no biochemical function is known for Cd. Changes in dietary metal concentrations can cause deficiency or toxicity. Studies on trace elements in cat are lacking. This paper aimed to analyze Zn, Cu, Fe and Cd concentrations in liver and kidney of pathological domestic cat and to isolate metallothionein (MT) in these tissues. It was not possible to explore a possible correlation between metal concentrations and pathologies because the incidence for each of them was too low. Fe was the most abundant metal; in particular, the liver accumulates average Fe concentrations one order of magnitude higher than Zn and Cu, ranging from 66.75 and 1,444.23 microg/g. Significantly, higher levels of Fe were found in the liver of elder animals. Zn concentrations varied between 26.31 and 84.78 microg/g in the liver whereas in the kidney, ranged between 7.69 and 71.15 microg/g. Cu concentrations were between 2.37 and 112.91 microg/g in liver and between 2.12 and 9.85 microg/g in kidney. Cd was the least abundant metal with the exception of the kidney of the oldest cats where it reached a maximum of 13.71 microg/g. Gel-filtration metal distribution profiles from cytosolic extracts revealed the presence of Cd, Cu, Zn thioneins either in the liver or in the kidney. Because tissue samples were taken from pathological cats from different breed and age, care must be taken to use these data as a baseline profile of trace elements in healthy animals. Our results are indicative that for some specimens the feed levels of Fe and Cu could be higher than the optimal dietary intake and in few cats, there was also an exposure to Cd that was counteracted by MT biosynthesis.

The effects of tricentric chromium(III) propionate complex supplementation on pregnancy outcome and maternal and foetal mineral status in rat

Chromium(III) is an essential element for carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and various chemical forms of this element are widely used as dietary supplements. Of particular interest is [Cr 3O(O 2CCH 2CH 3) 6(H 2O) 3] + cation (CrProp), that has been proposed as an alternative source of Cr. However, its safety has not been studied completely. In this study we investigated the effects of CrProp supplementation on pregnancy outcome and maternal and foetal mineral status in the rat. Female Wistar rats ( n = 20, 14 weeks old) were mated with males and, after successful conception were fed either AIN-93G diet supplemented with CrProp (100 mg Cr/kg diet, equals to 7.2 mg Cr/kg body mass/day) or non-supplemented diet (0.27 mg Cr/kg diet, equals to 0.02 mg Cr/kg body mass/day) for 21 days. Dams were sacrificed on 21 day of gestation, and their foetuses were examined for adverse effects. Maternal and foetal organs were analysed for minerals contents (Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr) using the AAS-method. Supplemental Cr given did not affect pregnancy outcome, litter size, body and inner organ masses, maternal blood biochemical indices. No abnormalities in gross organ morphology of foetuses were detected. Supplemental CrProp increased maternal liver and kidney Cr levels by 177% and 455%, decreased liver Cu and Zn concentrations by 9% and 12%, increased foetal liver Zn by 181%, and decreased kidney Cu level by 34%.

Changes in hepatic gene expression in response to hepatoprotective levels of zinc.

Zinc (Zn) administration at non-toxic doses protects against the hepatotoxicity produced by many agents, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. To examine the basis of Zn-induced generalised hepatoprotective effects. Rats and mice were given Zn at known hepatoprotective levels (100 mumol ZnCl2/kg/day, s.c., for 4 days) and molecular responses were assessed. Zn treatment produced changes in 5% of the genes on custom-designed mouse liver array and Rat Toxicology-II array. Changes in gene expression were further confirmed and extended by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Zn treatment dramatically increased the expression of the metallothionein (Mt), and modestly increased the expression of acute-phase protein genes (ceruloplasmin, Stat3, egr1, Cxc chemokines and heat-shock proteins). For genes encoding for antioxidant enzymes, some were increased (Nrf2 and Nqo1), while others remained unaltered (Cu, Zn SOD and glutathione S-transferases). Expressions of cytokine and pro-inflammatory genes were not affected, while genes related to cell proliferation (cyclin D1) were modestly upregulated. Some metabolic enzyme genes, including cytochrome P450s and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, were modestly suppressed, perhaps to switch cellular metabolic energy to acute-phase responses. Liver Zn content was increased between 1.6- and 2.1-fold, while hepatic MT protein was increased between 50 and 200-fold. Mice typically showed greater responses than rats. Such gene expression changes, particularly the dramatic induction of MT and Nrf2 antioxidant pathway, occur in the absence of overt liver injury, and are probably important in the hepatoprotective effects of Zn against toxic insults.

Distribution of Heavy Metals in Bones, Gills, Livers and Muscles of (Tilapia) Oreochromis niloticus from Henshaw Town Beach Market in Calabar Nigeria

Two sets of samples of commercially important fish species Oreochromis niloticus of size 29 cm and 20 cm respectively were purchased from the Henshaw town beach market in Calabar, Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria in October 2007. The concentrations of five heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cd, As and Hg) in their bones, gills, livers and muscles were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The result showed the heavy metal concentrations in the 29 cm size samples to be Pb (0.069 ppm) Cd (0.019 ppm) and Zn (0.103 ppm) in the bones. Pb (0.173 ppm) Cd (0.049 ppm) and Zn (0.257 ppm) in the livers. Pb (0.053 ppm) Cd (0.015 ppm) Zn (0.079 ppm) in the muscles Pb (0.133 ppm), Cd (0.038 ppm) and Zn (0.198 ppm) in gills. While the 20 cm size samples had Pb (0.067 ppm) Cd (0.019 ppm) and Zn (0.100 ppm) in bones. Pb (0.067 ppm) Cd (0.019 ppm) and Zn (0.099 ppm) in livers. Pb (0.062 ppm) Cd (0.017 ppm) and Zn (0.095 ppm) in muscles and Pb (0.153 ppm) Cd (0.044 ppm) and Zn (0.227 ppm) in gills. Arsenic and mercury were not detected in any of the samples. The result revealed the distribution of the heavy metal in both 29 cm and 20 cm size samples to follow the order Zn> Pb> Cd while the distribution of the heavy metals in the investigated parts (organs) is shown to follow the order livers > gills > bones > muscles for the 29 cm size samples. And Gills > Livers = bones > muscles in the 20 cm size samples. The result also revealed that the 29 cm size samples had higher concentrations of the heavy metals than the 20 cm size samples. The result also showed that the muscle of Tilapia is safer to consumed than the other parts investigated as it has been shown to contain the least concentrations of the heavy metals determined. This reveals the adverse health effect the people in the study area could be exposed to by the consumption of liver, gills and bones of Tilapia which have high levels of these heavy metals.

Heavy metal concentrations in the selected tissues of the Persian sturgeon, Acipencer persicus, from the southern coast of the Caspian Sea

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals including Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn in muscle, gill, liver, kidney and stomach in Acipencer persicus was studied. Fish were collected from the ‘Iranian fishery zone 1’ located between Astara and Kiyahshahr. Samples (n=25) were collected from five stations in the study area during the autumn catch season in 2001. Samples were analyzed by wet digestion with hydrogen peroxide and nitric acid. Analyses were testified using spike method. A sample of bovine liver (CRM 185R) was tested to ascertain reliability of analyses. Digested samples were analyzed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The bioaccumulation pattern for Zn in different tissues studied was stomach>liver> kidney> gills>muscle tissue. The mean concentration of Zn in the stomach was 136.6±10.70mg g-1 dry weight. Cu with the maximum concentration of 39.71±8.85mg g-1 dry weight in liver showed a bioaccumulation pattern of liver>kidney>stomach>gills>muscle tissue. The bioaccumulation pattern for Pb was determined as gills>liver> kidney>stomach>muscle tissue. Maximum mean concentrations of Pb 6.87±2.25mg g-1 dry weight belonged to gills. Bioaccumulation pattern for Cd in the different organs studied in A. persicus was kidney>liver>gills>stomach> muscle tissue. Maximum mean concentration of 5.1±0.97mg g-1 dry weight belonged to kidneys and the minimum mean concentration of 0.05±0.007mg g-1 dry weight belonged to muscle tissue. Concentration of the metals in the muscles samples were below the most guidelines for human consumption. Concentrations for heavy metals were lower than the guidelines in some organs and were higher than that in the other organs studied. The observed concentrations do not pose health problems as these organs are not used for human consumption.

Dietary Zinc Glycine Chelate on Growth Performance, Tissue Mineral Concentrations, and Serum Enzyme Activity in Weanling Piglets

One hundred twenty crossbred piglets (Duroc x Landrace x Yorkshire) were used to determine the effects of dietary zinc glycine chelate on growth performance, tissue mineral concentrations, and serum enzyme activity. All pigs were allotted to four treatments and fed with basal diets supplemented with 0, 50, and 100 mg/kg Zn as zinc glycine chelate or 3,000 mg/kg Zn as zinc oxide (ZnO). After the 35-day feeding trial, results of the study showed that, compared to the control, average daily gain was improved (P < 0.05) for pigs fed 100 mg/kg Zn from zinc glycine chelate or 3,000 mg/kg Zn from ZnO and Zn concentrations in serum and M. longissimus dorsi were significantly enhanced by 100 mg/kg dietary zinc glycine chelate and 3,000 mg/kg ZnO. In addition, supplementation of 100 mg/kg zinc glycine chelate decreased (P < 0.05) the liver Fe level, liver Zn level, spleen Cu level, and kidney Cu level compared to that of the 3,000-mg/kg ZnO group. For feces mineral excretion, 3,000 mg/kg Zn from ZnO greatly increased the concentration of fecal Zn (P < 0.01) and Mn (P < 0.05) compared to that of the control or the 100-mg/kg zinc glycine chelate group. Moreover, alkaline phosphatase and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase activities of pigs in 100 mg/kg zinc glycine chelate and ZnO treatments were greatly higher than that of the control. The results of present study showed that supplementation with zinc glycine chelate could improve growth and serum enzyme activities and could also decrease zinc excretion in feces in weanling pig compared to high dietary ZnO.