Fluoride Alters Serum Elemental (Calcium,Magnesium, Copper,and Zinc) Homeostasis Along with Erythrocyte Carbonic Anhydrase Activity in Fluorosis Endemic Villages and Restores on Supply of Safe Drinking Water in School-Going Children of Nalgonda District,India

The present study aimed to determine the serum trace elements (copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg)) along with erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity and effect of intervention with safe drinking water for 5 years in the school children of fluorosis endemic area. For this purpose, three categories of villages were selected based on drinking water fluoride (F): Category I (control, F?=?1.68 mg/L), category II (affected F?=?3.77 mg/L), and category III (intervention village) where initial drinking water F was 4.51 mg/L, and since the last 5 years, they were drinking water containing <?1.0 mg/L F. The results revealed that urinary F was significantly (P?<?0.05) higher in category II compared to categories I and III. A significant (P?<?0.05) increase in serum Cu and Mg was observed in category II compared to category I. Serum Zn and Ca was significantly (P?<?0.05) decreased in categories II and III compared to category I. The erythrocyte CA activity was decreased in the category II compared to category I. However, in the category III, erythrocyte CA activity was comparable to the control group. In conclusion, F exposure altered elemental homeostasis which has restored to some extent on intervention by safe drinking water for 5 years in school-going children.     

Short- and long-term effects of postpartum oral bolus v. subcutaneous Ca supplements on blood metabolites and productivity of Holstein cows fed a prepartum anionic diet

Little information is available regarding the calcium (Ca) dynamics and how its concentration is influenced following the Ca treatment (injection or bolus) after calving in dairy cows. To evaluate the short- and long-term effects of different sources of Ca supplement to animals fed anionic diets during the pre-partum period, 36 multiparous Holstein cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: (1) control group without Ca supplement (CON); (2) subcutaneous injection of 500 ml of 40% w/v Ca borogluconate immediately post-calving (SUB) and (3) oral supplement of Ca bolus containing 45 g Ca immediately and 24 h post-calving (BOL). Serum concentrations of Ca, P and Mg were measured. Serum concentration of Ca was affected by treatments at 48 h of post-calving (P < 0.01). The mean Ca at 6 h was greater in SUB compared to CON group (2.34 v. 2.01 mmol/l; P < 0.002). The lowest Ca concentration at 12 h was related to CON cows compared with BOL and SUB cows (1.90, 2.16 and 2.14 mmol/l, respectively; P < 0.02); a similar trend was observed 24 h post-calving (P < 0.02). Serum concentrations of P and Mg were not influenced by treatments. Yield of milk, milk protein and fat-corrected milk were lowest (P < 0.05) in SUB cows within 3 weeks of lactation in comparison with CON and BOL cows. However, milk yield and milk composition did not show any difference among treatments throughout the first 3 months post-calving. In general, under conditions of this experiment, Ca supplements to fresh cows as an oral bolus are recommended in comparison with subcutaneous injection.     

Zinc Metabolism and Metallothioneins

Variation of serum trace elements was previously reported in schizophrenia (SZ) patients; however, whether such variation is resulted from the antipsychotic treatment remains obscure. A case control study consist of 165 SZ inpatients and 614 healthy controls measured serum magnesium (Mg), Copper (Cu), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (Phos), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) to investigate the relationship of trace elements and SZ. The SZ patients were further followed up (average 3.8 weeks) to evaluate the effects of antipsychotic treatment on the trace element concentrations using repeated measures ANOVA analysis. The results showed that higher concentrations of Mg and Phos and lower concentrations of Ca, Fe, and Zn were significant in SZ patients than that of controls (P < 0.01). The age was positively correlated with Fe and Cu, and negatively correlated with Ca, Phos, and Zn in controls (P < 0.05). Fe in male SZ patients was significantly higher than in female (P < 0.001), as well as in paranoid SZ and acute SZ (P < 0.05). Phos significantly increased after risperidone, clozapine, and aripiprazole treatment (P < 0.05), while Cu was decreased after clozapine and aripiprazole treatment. Zn significantly decreased particularly in mixed type SZ, acute SZ, and schizotypal SZ after antipsychotic treatment. These results suggested that higher concentration of Phos and lower concentration of Fe and Zn have important implications for the risk of SZ and the antipsychotic treatment is likely to result in the decreased Fe and increased Phos in the clinical subtypes of SZ.     

Modelling and optimizing of calcium and non-phytate phosphorus requirements of male broiler chickens from 1 to 21 days of age using response surface methodology

The skeleton is the main site of P and Ca deposition; therefore, accurate estimation of Ca and P requirements is necessary to maintaining health and optimum performance of broiler chickens. A response surface methodology (RSM) using a central composite design (CCD) was used for evaluating and optimizing of Ca and non-phytate P (NPP) requirements of broiler chickens for optimal performance, ileal nutrient digestibility and bone mineralization from 1 to 21 days of age. A total of 750 one-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were randomly distributed into 50 cages including 9 treatments, each replicated 5 times (except central treatment with 10 replicates) and 15 birds in each cage by CCD. The dietary Ca levels of 4.3, 5.6, 8.6, 11.7 and 13.0 g/kg and NPP of 2.5, 2.9, 4.0, 5.0 and 5.4 g/kg were used for nine treatments of CCD. The results indicated that the linear and quadratic effects of NPP, quadratic effects of Ca and Ca × NPP were significant for average weight gain (AWG, P < 0.05), average feed intake (AFI, P < 0.05), feed conversion ratio (FCR, P < 0.05) and Ca and P apparent ileal digestibility (AID, P < 0.05); however, the linear effect of Ca was significant only for FCR (P < 0.05). On the other hand, tibia and toe ash were affected by NPP (linear and quadratic, P < 0.01) and Ca (quadratic, P < 0.01). The second-order polynomial regression model was significant for AWG (R² = 0.93, P < 0.001), AFI (R² = 0.88, P < 0.001), FCR (R² = 0.78, P < 0.001), AID of Ca (R² = 0.78, P < 0.001) and P (R² = 0.88, P < 0.001), tibia ash (R² = 0.86, P < 0.001) and toe ash (R² = 0.85, P < 0.001). The multi-objective optimization indicated that broiler chickens from 1 to 21 days of age need 7.03 and 4.47 g/kg of Ca and NPP, respectively, to achieve optimal AWG, FCR, tibia and toe ash. However, the dietary Ca and NPP levels can be reduced to 6.57 and 3.95 g/kg with a slight negative impact on performance and bone mineralization, respectively. In conclusion, the findings indicate that using multi-objective optimization model such as RSM provides more information regarding optimum Ca and NPP requirements of broiler chickens, considering the complex interaction between these two minerals. While the NPP levels are in line with current recommended requirements, Ca levels are considerably lower and suggest that current recommended Ca requirements may be in excess of the needs of the broiler.     

Essential Elements as Biomarkers of Acute Kidney Injury and Spontaneous Reversion

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an important health problem and can be caused by number of factors. The use of aminoglycosides, such as gentamicin, is one of these factors. Recently, an effort has been made to find biomarkers to guide treatment protocols. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used to estimate the contents of Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, and Zn in serum and urine of the healthy, AKI, and spontaneous recovery (SR) groups of animals. The animal model of AKI and SR was validated by measuring serum and urinary urea and creatinine. The quantitative determination of the elements showed a decrease in serum levels of Ca, and Fe in the AKI group (P<0.01 vs. healthy), with a return to normal levels in the SR group, without a significant difference between the healthy and SR groups. In the urine samples, there was a decrease in P and Na levels in the AKI group (P<0.001 and P<0.01 vs. healthy), but Ca levels were increased in this group compared with the healthy and SR groups (P<0.01). These findings indicate that mineral elements might be useful as biomarkers for AKI.     

慢性前列腺炎患者前列腺液白细胞浓度与前列腺液尿酸 及锌含量的相关性研究

目的:探讨慢性前列腺炎患者前列腺液中白细胞(WBC)数量与前列腺液尿酸(UA)、锌(Zn)含量的关系。方法:选取慢性前列腺炎患者128例,健康对照组52例。分别进行EPS中白细胞(WBC)数量、尿酸(UA)和锌(Zn)含量测定。结果:慢性前列腺炎患者前列腺液UA含量显著高于健康对照组,Zn含量显著低于健康对照组,前列腺液中WBC数量与UA含量呈显著正相关,与Zn含量呈显著负相关(P<0.01)。2慢性前列腺炎患者治疗前后EPS中的UA和Zn对比有显著性差异。结论:EPS中的尿酸(U A)、锌(Zn)含量对慢性前列腺炎的诊断与评估疗效有一定价值。     

Effects and interaction of dietary calcium and non-phytate phosphorus for slow-growing yellow-feathered broilers during the starter phase

Calcium (Ca) and non-phytate phosphorus (NPP) are fundamental minerals for bone formation and growth, and optimizing their level is required in broiler production. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect and interaction of dietary Ca and NPP on growth performance, tibial characteristics and biochemical variables for slow-growing yellow-feathered broilers during 1–28 d (the starter phase). Seven hundred and twenty hatchling female broilers were randomly divided into nine groups, which received three levels of Ca (0.80%, 0.90%, 1.00%) each with three levels of NPP (0.40%, 0.45%, 0.50%). The results showed: (1) Dietary Ca level influenced (P < 0.05) the feed to gain ratio (F:G) and average daily feed intake (ADFI). Compared with broilers provided 1.00% Ca, ADFI of birds provided with 0.80% or 0.90% Ca and F:G of those with 0.90% Ca were decreased (P < 0.05). Dietary NPP level did not affect (P > 0.05) growth performance of broilers. (2) Dietary Ca affected (P < 0.05) tibial length. Compared with birds provided with 0.80% Ca, the length of tibia was decreased (P < 0.05) in birds received 1.00% Ca. Interactions between dietary Ca and NPP were observed (P < 0.05) on ash content, breaking strength and bone density of tibia. These three characteristics were better when birds received 0.90% Ca and 0.40% NPP or 1.00% Ca and 0.45% NPP. (3) Dietary Ca significantly affected (P < 0.05) the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in serum with decreased activity in birds fed 0.80% or 0.90% Ca. The dietary NPP influenced (P < 0.05) the contents of Ca in serum. Serum Ca was increased when birds were provided 0.40% NPP compared with other levels (P < 0.05). Again, there was interaction between Ca and NPP in diet on the contents of phosphorus (P) in serum (P < 0.05). In conclusion, interactions occurred between dietary Ca and NPP level on tibial breaking strength, density, ash content, and the content of P in the serum of young yellow-feathered broilers. Furthermore, dietary Ca affected ADFI, F:G and serum ALP activity, and dietary NPP also affected the P content in serum. Considering all indicators, 0.90% Ca and 0.40% NPP are optimal for slow-growing yellow-feathered broilers during 1–28 d of age.     

Effects of zinc source and dietary concentration on serum zinc concentrations,growth performance,wool and reproductive characteristics in developing rams

Dietary Zn has significant impacts on the growth and development of breeding rams. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of dietary Zn source and concentration on serum Zn concentration, growth performance, wool traits and reproductive performance in rams. Forty-four Targhee rams (14 months; 68 ± 18 kg BW) were used in an 84-day completely randomized design and were fed one of three pelleted dietary treatments: (1) a control without fortified Zn (CON; n = 15; ~1 × NRC); (2) a diet fortified with a Zn amino acid complex (ZnAA; n = 14; ~2 × NRC) and (3) a diet fortified with ZnSO₄ (ZnSO₄; n = 15; ~2 × NRC). Growth and wool characteristics measured throughout the course of the study were BW, average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), feed efficiency (G : F), longissimus dorsi muscle depth (LMD), back fat (BF), wool staple length (SL) and average fibre diameter (AFD). Blood was collected from each ram at four time periods to quantify serum Zn and testosterone concentrations. Semen was collected 1 to 2 days after the trial was completed. There were no differences in BW (P = 0.45), DMI (P = 0.18), LMD (P = 0.48), BF (P = 0.47) and AFD (P = 0.9) among treatment groups. ZnSO₄ had greater (P ≤ 0.03) serum Zn concentrations compared with ZnAA and CON treatments. Rams consuming ZnAA had greater (P ≤ 0.03) ADG than ZnSO₄ and CON. There tended to be differences among groups for G : F (P = 0.06), with ZnAA being numerically greater than ZnSO₄ and CON. Wool staple length regrowth was greater (P < 0.001) in ZnSO₄ and tended to be longer (P = 0.06) in ZnAA treatment group compared with CON. No differences were observed among treatments in scrotal circumference, testosterone, spermatozoa concentration within ram semen, % motility, % live sperm and % sperm abnormalities (P ≥ 0.23). Results indicated beneficial effects of feeding increased Zn concentrations to developing Targhee rams, although Zn source elicited differential responses in performance characteristics measured.     

Room temperature solvent extraction for simple and fast determination of total concentration of Ca,Cu, Fe,Mg, Mn,and Zn in bee pollen by FAAS along with assessment of the bioaccessible fraction of these elements using in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

Background and aimBee pollen is recognized to be a source of different nutrients, including minerals. As a food supplement, its quality and safety due to concentrations of essential macro- and microelements, and harmful trace elements has to be verified. Fast and simple element analysis of bee-collected pollen can be regarded as an important part of its quality assurance and control. The present study aimed at developping a new method for determination of selected elements (Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Zn) of bee pollen based on solvent extraction and completely avoiding a high temperature treatment with concentrated reagents. In addition, in vitro gastrointestinal digestion was used to assess bioavailability of elements from this food supplement.MethodsBee pollen samples were dried and pulverized. Total concentrations of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Zn were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) in sample solutions obtained by wet digestion (WD) in concentrated HNO₃ or alternatively by solvent extraction (SE) with diluted solutions of HNO₃. Gastrointestinal digestion was mimicked using simulated solutions of gastric and intestinal juices followed by determination of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn and Zn concentrations in the bioaccessible fraction by FAAS.ResultsA new simple and fast method for determination of total concentrations of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Zn in bee pollen was developed and validated. The method combined room temperature, two-hour SE with 0.5 mol L⁻¹ HNO₃ with FAAS measurements versus simple standard solutions. It provided precision within 1–5 % and trueness better than 8%, and was shown to be suitable for fast analysis of different polyfloral bee pollens. In vitro gastrointestinal digestion revealed that elements were well (70–85 % for Ca, Mg) and fairly (27–43 % for Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) bioaccessible from bee pollen. By pouring with water and swelling overnight, bioaccessibility of studied elements from such prepared bee pollen was increased on average by less than 15 % (Mn), 20 % (Ca, Cu, Fe, Zn) or 30 % (Mn).ConclusionsAvoiding long-lasting, high-temperature wet digestion with concentrated reagents, the proposed sample treatment along with FAAS provided precise and true results of total concentrations of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Zn in bee pollen. The method was simple and fast, and enabled to analyze a higher number of samples. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion of bee pollen have shown for the first time that Ca and Mg are the most bioaccessible from this bee product. Bioaccessibility of Cu, Fe, Mg, and Zn from bee pollen are close to or lower than 40 %.     

Can the American Thyroid Association,K-Tirads,and Acr-Tirads Ultrasound Classification Systems Be Used to Predict Malignancy in Bethesda Category IV Nodules?

Objective: Management of thyroid nodules with Bethesda category III and IV cytology on fine needle aspiration (FNA) is challenging as they cannot be adequately classified as benign or malignant. Ultrasound (US) patterns have demonstrated the utility in evaluating the risk of malignancy (ROM) of Bethesda category III nodules. This study aims to evaluate the value of 3 well-established US grading systems (American Thyroid Association &lsqb;ATA], Korean Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System &lsqb;Korean-TIRADS], and The American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System &lsqb;ACR-TIRADS]) in determining ROM in Bethesda category IV nodules.Methods: Ninety-two patients with 92 surgically resected thyroid nodules who had Bethesda category IV cytology on FNA were identified. Nodule images were retrospectively graded using the 3 systems in a blinded manner. Associations between US risk category and malignant pathology for each system were analyzed.Results: Of the 92 nodules, 56 (61%) were benign and 36 (39%) were malignant. Forty-seven per cent of ATA high risk nodules, 53% of K-TIRADS category 5 nodules, and 50% of ACR-TIRADS category 5 nodules were malignant. The ATA high-risk category had 25% sensitivity, 82% specificity, 47% positive predictive value (PPV) for malignancy. K-TIRADS category 5 had 25% sensitivity, 85% specificity, 53% PPV for malignancy. ACR-TIRADS category 5 had 25% sensitivity, 84% specificity, 50% PPV for malignancy. None of the 3 grading systems yielded a statistically significant correlation between US risk category and the ROM (P = .30, .72, .28).Conclusion: The ATA, Korean-TIRADS, and ACR-TIRADS classification systems are not helpful in stratifying ROM in patients with Bethesda category IV nodules. Clinicians should be cautious of using ultra-sound alone when deciding between therapeutic options for patients with Bethesda category IV thyroid nodules.     

The association of prepartum urine pH,plasma total calcium concentration at calving and postpartum diseases in Holstein dairy cattle

The use of anionic salts to prevent milk fever in dairy cattle has been an effective nutritional strategy; however, the degree of acidification that determines the most acceptable productive responses and well-being of the cow is still a controversial topic. The objective of this study was to assess urine pH in prepartum Holstein cows fed anionic diets and determine its association with plasma total Ca, Mg, P, β-hydroxyl-butyrate (BHB) concentrations at parturition and the occurrence of peripartum disorders. This investigation consisted of 2 studies. Study 1 was conducted on a grazing dairy. Between February and May 2019, 60 prepartum multiparous cows were tested for urine pH and plasma metabolite concentration at parturition. Total Ca, P, Mg and BHB at day 1 in milk (DIM) were assessed and statistically analyzed by ANOVA (models for polynomial regression). Study 2 was conducted on a drylot dairy farm. Between July 2018 and January 2019, 203 cows were evaluated for urine pH and followed-up for 30 DIM to obtain the incidence of dystocia, stillbirths, milk fever, retained fetal membranes, metritis, clinical mastitis and ketosis. Cows were categorized based on their last urine pH as group 1: pH > 7.0 (n = 135); group 2: pH between 6.0 and 7.0 (n = 46) and group 3: pH < 6.0 (n = 22). A logistic regression model for each health event was conducted considering urine pH group as the main effect. Urine sample was collected at 2.71 ± 2.84 days before parturition. In study 1, there was a quadratic effect of urine pH on total Ca. Total Ca concentration was higher between urine pH 6.0 and 7.0, while decreasing below pH 6.0 and above pH 7.0. There was a trend (P = 0.11) for a quadratic effect of urine pH on the concentration of plasma BHB at parturition. β-Hydroxyl-butyrate was lower approximately between urine pH 6.5 and 7.5. In study 2, the odds for a stillborn in cows with urine pH < 6.0 was 2.39 (95% CI = 1.06–5.40) times the odds for a stillborn in cows with urine pH ≥ 7.0. There was no association between urine pH and the other diseases. In conclusion, cows with prepartum urine pH < 6.0 and > 7.0 had lower concentration of plasma total Ca and tended to have a higher concentration of BHB. Cows with urine pH < 6.0 had a higher incidence of stillbirths than cows with urine pH > 7.0.     

前列腺癌患者组织中RPL6的表达及临床意义

目的:探讨前列腺癌患者组织中核糖体蛋白L6(RPL6)表达,分析其对肿瘤恶性程度的评估作用。方法:收集2013年12月-2015年12月在本院接受治疗的前列腺疾病患者117例,根据病理结果分为前列腺炎组63例、前列腺癌组54例;另取同期进行健康体检的健康者80例作为正常对照组。采用Western-blot法检测三组研究对象的前列腺组织RPL6表达,采用酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)测定血清肿瘤标志物含量,采用RT-PCR法检测前列腺组织增殖基因、侵袭基因mRNA表达,采用Pearson检验分析RPL6表达量与肿瘤恶性程度的相关关系。结果:前列腺癌组患者的前列腺组织RPL6表达量高于前列腺炎组及正常对照组(P0.05);前列腺癌组患者的血清前列腺特异性抗原(PSA)、前列腺特异性酸性磷酶(PSAP)、尿激酶型纤溶酶原激活剂(u PA)、硫氧还蛋白(TRX)含量高于前列腺炎组及正常对照组(P0.05);前列腺癌组患者的前列腺组织增殖基因URG11、PTEN mRNA表达量高于前列腺炎组及正常对照组,PRDM5 mRNA表达量低于前列腺炎组及正常对照组,侵袭基因IgGHG1、TMPRSS2-ER、PIK3C2B mRNA表达量高于前列腺炎组及正常对照组(P0.05)。前列腺癌患者的组织RPL6表达量与肿瘤标志物含量、增殖及侵袭基因活性均呈直接相关关系(P0.05)。结论:高表达的RPL6是前列腺癌早期诊断的可靠指标,且与肿瘤恶性程度直接相关,有望成为前列腺癌辅助诊断及预后评估的重要手段。     

Relationship Between Aortic Mineral Elements and Osteodystrophy in Mice with Chronic Kidney Disease

In chronic kidney disease (CKD), osteodystrophy and arterial calcification often coexist. However, arterial alterations have not been addressed in CKD unaccompanied by evidence of calcification. We investigated the association of phosphate (P) and calcium (Ca) accumulation in calcification-free aortas with CKD-induced osteodystrophy. Aortic accumulation of magnesium (Mg), an inhibitor of calcification, was also examined. Male mice aged 26?weeks with CKD characterized by hyperparathyroidism and hyperphosphatemia (Nx, n?=?8) and age-matched healthy male mice (shams, n?=?8) were sampled for blood, and thoracic vertebrae and aortas were harvested. Bone structure and chemicals were analyzed by microcomputed tomography and infrared microspectroscopy, respectively, and aortic accumulation of P, Ca, and Mg was evaluated by plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. Volume fractions of cortical and trabecular bones were smaller in Nx than in sham animals (P?<?0.05), attributed to cortical thinning and reduction in trabecular number, respectively. Bone chemicals were not different between the groups. No calcification was found in either group, but P, Ca, and Mg contents were higher in Nx than in shams (P?<?0.05). The mass ratio of Ca/P was lower in Nx than in shams (P?<?0.05), but that of Mg/Ca and Mg/P was not different between the groups. Aortic P and Ca contents were inversely correlated with the volume fraction of cortical bone (P?<?0.05). In conclusion, the relationship of osteodystrophy with aortic P and Ca accumulation suggests the existence of a bone-vascular axis, even in calcification-free arteries in CKD. The preservation of ratios of Mg/Ca and Mg/P despite CKD development might contribute to calcification resistance.     

Associations between blood metal/ metalloid concentration and human semen quality and sperm function: A cross-sectional study in Hong Kong

BackgroundThe association between metal/metalloid exposure on human sperm quality is still inconclusive. There is a lack of data on the effect of metal/metalloid on sperm function.MethodsThe aim of this study was to clarify the association between blood metal/metalloid concentration and traditional and functional sperm parameters, the blood concentration of Pb, Hg, Cd, As, Ni, Mo, Zn, Cu, Se, Fe, Mg, Cr and Ca of 288 men in Hong Kong were assessed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, and sperm parameters including sperm concentration, motility, morphology, vitality, total sperm count, total motile sperm count, sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm acrosome reaction were measured. Demographic and lifestyle questionnaires were also provided for all participants. Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to test the association between blood metal/ metalloid concentration and semen parameters after adjusting for relevant confounding variables.ResultsThe results showed that moderate to high level of blood Pb concentration (>27.19 μg/L) appeared to be negatively associated with sperm morphology (P < 0.05); high level of blood Cd concentration (>1.44 μg/L) was negatively associated with sperm acrosome reaction (P < 0.05); Mo was positively associated with semen volume (P < 0.05), however, high level of blood Mo concentration (>13.52 μg/L) was negatively associated with sperm vitality (P < 0.05); high level of blood Zn concentration (>6.20 mg/L) was positively associated with sperm vitality (P < 0.05); moderate level of blood Fe concentration (526.89−566.63 mg/L) was positively associated with sperm acrosome reaction (P < 0.05); moderate level of blood Ca concentration (55.92−66.10 mg/L) was positively associated with semen volume (P < 0.05); however, lower level of blood Ca concentration (45.90−55.92 mg/L) was negatively associated with sperm morphology (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOur results suggested that the sperm function could be affected by blood Cd and Fe concentration and traditional sperm parameters could be affected by blood concentration of Mo, Zn, Pb and Ca.     

Hair levels of heavy metals and essential elements in Chinese children with autism spectrum disorder

BackgroundDisproportional heavy metals and essential elements were reported in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that is obscure in etiology. Inevitably, the association is biased by diet and environmental factors.MethodsFifty pairs, one with ASD and the other living together from the same special school with cerebral palsy (CP), were recruited in Hangzhou (China), aged from 2 to 11 years old (74.0 % male). All samples were divided into two subgroups: preschool-aged (2–5 years old) and school-aged (6–10 years old). Heavy metals (As, Hg, Pb) and essential elements (Al, Ca, Cu, Mg, Mn, Zn) in hair were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis and flame atomic absorption spectroscopy.ResultsThe children with ASD generally had lower hair levels of Mn (ASD 0.124 μg/g, CP 0.332 μg/g, P = 0.001) compared to the children with CP. After stratification for age, there were no significant differences detected in preschool-aged group. In school-aged group, the results exhibited the children with ASD had higher hair Pb (1.485 μg/g, 0.690 μg/g, P = 0.007) and Cu/Zn ratio (0.092, 0.060, P = 0.003), while hair Hg (0.254 μg/g, 0.353 μg/g, P = 0.016)、Mn (0.089 μg/g, 0.385 μg/g, P = 0.002)、Mg (17.81 μg/g, 24.53 μg/g, P = 0.014) and Zn (100.15 μg/g, 135.83 μg/g, P = 0.007) showed an opposite pattern.ConclusionsThese results suggest an imbalance of Mn in Chinese children with ASD.     

Assessment of essential and toxic elemental concentrations in tumor and non-tumor tissues with risk of colorectal carcinoma in Pakistan

BackgroundColorectal tumor is a major cause of cancer morbidity and mortality both in USA and around the globe. Exposure to environmental toxicants such as toxic trace elements has been implicated in colorectal malignancy. However, data linking them to this cancer are generally lacking.MethodsAccordingly, the current study was to investigate the distribution, correlation and chemometric evaluation of 20 elements (Ca, Na, Mg, K, Zn, Fe, Ag, Co, Pb, Sn, Ni, Cr, Sr, Mn, Li, Se, Cd, Cu, Hg and As) in the tumor tissues (n = 147) and adjacent non tumor tissues (n = 147) of same colorectal patients which were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrophometry employing nitric acid-perchloric acid based wet digestion method.ResultsOn the average, Zn (p < 0.05), Ag (p < 0.001), Pb (p < 0.001), Ni (p < 0.01), Cr (p < 0.005) and Cd (p < 0.001) showed significantly higher levels in the tumor tissues compared with the non tumor tissues of patients, whereas mean levels of Ca (p < 0.01), Na (p < 0.05), Mg (p < 0.001), Fe (p < 0.001), Sn (p < 0.05) and Se (p < 0.01), were significantly elevated in the non tumor tissues than the tissues of tumor patients. Most of the elements revealed markedly disparities in their elemental levels based on food (vegetarian/nonvegetarian) habits and smoking (smoker/nonsmoker) habits of donor groups. The correlation study and multivariate statistical analyses demonstrated some significantly divergent associations and apportionment of the elements in the tumor tissues and non tumor tissues of donors. Noticeably, variations in the elemental levels were also noted for colorectal tumor types (lymphoma, carcinoids tumor and adenocarcinoma) and stages (I, II, III, & IV) in patients.ConclusionOverall, the study revealed that disproportions in essential and toxic elemental concentrations in the tissues are involved in pathogenesis of the malignancy. These findings provide the data base that helps to oncologist for diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal malignant patients.     

Metal Element Excretion in 24-h Urine in Patients with Wilson Disease under Treatment of <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">d</Emphasis>-Penicillamine

Wilson disease is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder causing copper accumulation and consequent toxicity. d-Penicillamine, a potent metal chelator, is an important therapy for Wilson disease. To investigate the changes of metal elements under the treatment of d-penicillamine, we determined the levels of Cu, Zn, Mg, Ca, Fe, Se, Mn, Pb, Hg, Cd, As, Tl, and Al by ICP-MS in 24-h urine of 115 Wilson disease patients who had received treatment with d-penicillamine for 1 month to 22 years at maintenance doses, as well as 115 age-matched, healthy controls. The levels of Cu, Mg, Ca, Zn, Hg, Pb, Tl, Cd, and Mn in the 24-h urine of the cases were significantly higher than those of the controls (P < 0.05), and the observed increases in the levels of Mg, Ca, and Zn were directly correlated with the treatment duration with Pearson Correlation Coefficient (R) of 0.356 (Mg), 0.329 (Ca), and 0.313 (Zn), respectively (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the levels of Al and As in the 24-h urine were lower than those of the controls (P < 0.05) and were negatively correlated with the treatment time with R of −0.337 (Al) and −0.398 (As), respectively, (P < 0.05). Thus, this study indicates that the levels of metal elements may be altered in patients with Wilson disease under the treatment of d-penicillamine.     

Effects of acute oral lead exposure on the levels of essential elements of mice: a metallomics and dose-dependent study

Background and objectivesLead (Pb) has been reported to disturb the metabolism of essential elements, such as calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in vivo. This study focused on the relationship between various dose of Pb and the essential elements.Methods50 healthy male C57BL/6 mice underwent oral administration of 0.2 mL lead acetate trihydrate solution (0, 20, 100, 500, and 1000 mg Pb/day/kg body weight) for 3 days. The concentrations of Pb and four essential elements (Ca, Zn, Fe and Mg) in the blood, kidney, liver, bone and brain were quantified with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.ResultsVarious doses of Pb led to significant increases in the contents of Ca, Fe and Zn in the liver, and decreased contents of Mg and Fe in the blood in a dose-dependent pattern. The Pb dose of 20 mg/kg reduced the concentration of bone Ca, which did not continue to show an obvious decline with continued increases in the oral Pb dose. Pb also caused alterations in the Mg distribution pattern, and decreased the correlation of Mg, Ca and Zn in the brain, both findings were dose-dependent. In addition to the changes in metallomics, the related oxidative stress was exacerbated, but no significant changes were detected in hepatic and renal histopathological lesions after a short period of Pb exposure.ConclusionsThis study contributes to a thorough analysis of the Pb-poisoning mechanism, and indicates that the concentrations of essential elements could be used as sensitive toxicological indicators of Pb exposure.     

Estimation of Trace Elements in Mace (Myristica fragrans Houtt) and Their Effect on Uterine Cervix Cancer Induced by Methylcholanthrene

In the present work, trace elemental analysis of mace (Myristica fragrans Houtt) was carried out by the atomic absorption spectrometry technique. The concentrations of various elements analyzed in this medicine were ranked in decreasing order: selenium (Se)?>?zinc (Zn)?>?magnesium (Mg)?>?iron (Fe)?>?calcium (Ca)?>?manganese (Mn)?>?lead (Pb). The concentrations of Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ca, and Se were significantly decreased in serum of methylcholanthrene tumor models (P?<?0.001) compared with the control and mace groups. It is consistent with the result of tumor incidence. These trace elements could be directly or indirectly responsible for the antitumor activity of mace. The inorganic elements in this folk remedy can partly account for the antitumor.