The effect of aging on the mineral status of female SAMP1 and SAMR1

The effect of aging on the status of macrominerals and trace elements in tissues was studied using two strains (SAMP1 and SAMR1) of senescence accelerated mouse. Two-month-old, 6-mo-old, and 10-mo-old female SAMP1 and SAMR1 mice were fed a commercial diet. Iron, zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, sodium, and potassium concentrations in blood, liver, kidney, brain, and tibia of the mice were determined. The copper concentration in the brain was significantly increased with age in SAMP1 and SAMR1. In addition, the brain copper levels in SAMP1 were significantly higher than that in SAMR1 at respective ages. The calcium concentration in the kidney was significantly increased with age, but the copper and phosphorus concentrations significantly decreased with age in SAMP1 and SAMR1. In the liver of SAMR1, all minerals measured in this study except for sodium and potassium were significantly decreased with age. In addition, all mineral concentrations in the liver of 2-mo-old mice in SAMR1 except for copper and sodium were markedly higher than those in SAMP1 of the same age. These results suggest that the genetic factor is related to the age-associated mineral changes in tissues.     

Changes in leaf mineral composition and chloroplast proteins induced by K-deficiency and increased UV-B radiation

Solar UV-B radiation increased to 20 % over ambient level at Madurai was given to cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. cv. Pusa-152) seedlings sufficiently supplied by potassium (0.88 mM K₂SO₄) and K-deficient (0.05 mM K₂SO₄). Leaf mineral composition was significantly changed due to both increased UV-B radiation and K-deficiency imposed independently or jointly for 12 d. A severe reduction in 23 kDa chloroplast protein was seen only in seedlings encountered combined stress. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Magnesium supplementation and iron status among female students: The intervention study

BackgroundLiterature data indicate the benefit of magnesium (Mg) supplementation. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of short-term Mg supplementation on iron status in healthy female participants.MethodsOne hundred healthy female students of the University of Belgrade - Faculty of Pharmacy participated the study during eleven intervention days. Students ingested Mg preparations with the same dose of the active substance. The analysis included the measurement of serum iron, unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), total Mg (tMg), ionized Mg (iMg), complete blood count, met-, carboxyand oxy-haemoglobin (metHgb, COHgb, O2Hgb). Transferrin concentrations and percentage of transferrin saturation (SAT) were calculated manually. The association among the analyzed biochemical parameters was examined using polynomial regression. A principal component analysis (PCA) was used for the evaluation of interdependence between the analyzed parameters.ResultsA statistically significant trend for change in O2Hgb (%) by tertiles of iMg concentrations was found (P = 0.029). Serum tMg reached significant positive correlation with the SAT at concentration levels greater than 0.9 mmol/L, after 11 days of intervention (R2=0.116). Ionized Mg in a concentration higher than 0.6 mmol/L is positively correlated with SAT and serum Fe (R2=0.214; 0.199, respectively). PCA revealed variability of 64.7% for two axes after 11 days.ConclusionsMg supplementation leads to an improvement in the certain iron status parameters even in individuals with optimal levels of these indices. However, caution should be exercised when supplementing Mg, and laboratory monitoring of the interaction is required.     

Disturbances of the mineral incorporation in various species of mice and shrews in the emission area of a phosphate plant

The Cd emission of a phosphate plant was clearly reflected by the Cd status of herbivorous European wood mice and common field voles as well as of European shrews taking in mostly animal food. The antagonistic effect of the emitted Cd and Mo better available for plants with high ground pH most probably caused the deterioration in the Cu status of the animals of both phases in the nutritional chain. The lower Ca, P, and Mg incorporation with European wood mouse and common field vole within the contaminated habitat might as well be owing to emission, whereas the lower Mn content in all three species rather has to be attributed to the lower Mn offer caused by the ground pH.     

Selected metals status in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

In order to investigate the relationships between metals zinc [Zn], copper [Cu], magnesium [Mg], or Calcium [Ca] and noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, 65 patients of newly diagnosed noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and 54 nondiabetic healthy controls were studied. The concentrations of selected metals in fasting blood samples and 24-h urine collections were determined. Hyperzincuria and hypermagnesuria were detected in diabetic patients (p<0.01). The diabetics also had lower Zn and Mg, and higher Cu, and Ca levels in their plasma than those of the controls, but the statistical differences in Ca and Mg were not significant.Significantly lower Zn and higher Ca levels in erythrocytes were found in diabetic patients (p<0.01). There is evidence of a significant difference in metals status between diabetic patients with or without the specific complications. This study further indicates that patients with NIDDM on Taiwan also have distinct changes in their metals status, and these perturbations are associated with some diabetic complications.     

Effects of iron,copper, zinc,calcium, and magnesium on human lymphocytes in culture

The effects of simultaneous changes of calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc concentrations were evaluated in normal human T and B lymphocytes, cultured in cation-depleted media. Optimal concentrations for thymidine incorporation (TI) in both cell populations were Fe and Zn 15 μM and Cu 5 μM; for t cells Ca 2 mM and Mg 4 mM; for B cells Ca 4 mM and Mg 6 mM. TI decreased with increasing molarity of cations and the decrease was particularly apparent with Cu. Minimal amounts of Ca and Mg (0.5 mM) were necessary for growth, even in presence of optimal concentrations of Fe, Cu, and Zn. Fe and Cu showed synergistic stimulatory effects at low concentrations and synergistic inhibitory effects at high concentrations. Antagonism between Fe and Zn, Cu and Zn, and Ca and Zn was also demonstrated. CD4/CD8 increased with PHA stimulation in presence of Zn, and decreased with ConA stimulation in presence of Zn or Fe. The results demonstrate: (1) the relationship and interdependence of Fe, Cu, and Zn concentrations in modulating the growth of normal lymphocytes; (2) the stimulatory effects of Fe on B cells and Zn on CD8 positive cells; (3) the inhibitory effect of Cu at concentrations lower than those of Fe and Zn; (4) the requirement of Ca and Mg in certain concentration and ratio for the action of the other cations; and (5) the Ca and Mg requirement for the growth of B cells higher than T cells.     

Changes in iron, calcium, magnesium, copper, and zinc levels in different tissues of riboflavin-deficient rats

To clarify the changes of mineral levels in different tissues of riboflavin-deficient rats, Wistar rats were separated into three groups. One group was fed a diet ad libitum that was deficient in riboflavin. The other two were fed either the complete diet that was weight-matched to the riboflavin-deficient group or fed a complete diet ad libitum. In riboflavin-deficient rats, the hemoglobin concentration and riboflavin contents of blood, liver, and kidney were significantly decreased, compared with weight-matched and ad libitum-fed controls. The mineral concentrations of tissues are summarized as follows: The iron (Fe) concentration in the heart, liver, and spleen was decreased in the riboflavin-deficient group compared with the other groups. Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in tibia were decreased in the riboflavin-deficient group compared with the other two groups. Copper (Cu) concentration was increased in the heart and liver when the riboflavin-deficient group was compared with the other groups. Zinc (Zn) concentration was increased in tibia when the riboflavin-deficient group was compared with the other groups.     

Improving the mineral reserves and protein quality of maize (Zea mays L.) kernels using unique genes

The effects of the maize genes, o ₂ and Mal, on the concentrations of mineral nutrient cations and amino acid levels in mature maize (Zea mays L) kernels of various inbred lines were studied. Previously, the o ₂ gene has been used to improve the protein quality and increase the mineral nutrient content of kernels from some inbred lines. Genotypes possessing the Mal (multiple aleurone layer) gene, contain more than one row of aleurone cells in their kernels and this gene enhances the effect of the o ₂gene on improving kernel protein quality. Incorporating these genes into the maize genome increased accumulation of several mineral nutrients (including Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) in some of the experimental lines studied. The physiological basis for this increase of mineral nutrients in the kernels is discussed. The effect of the Mal gene on the kernel amino acid composition and protein quality was also examined. Possibly, these genes could be used in combination in breeding programs to improve kernel quality and nutritional value of maize.     

Role of thiocyanate ion in metallothionein induction and in endogenous distribution of essential elements in the rat liver

Thiocyanate is the major toxic metabolite of hydrogen cyanide, a toxic substance the organism may be exposed to as a result of cigarette smoking or industrial pollution. The complex interactions existing between metals and metallothionein induction are well known. However, the possible role of thiocyanate, which is also an anion, has not been established yet. Considering the interactions between metals and the metallothioneins, in this study the relationship between thiocyanate and the in vivo distribution of hepatic metallothionein and zinc, copper, iron, calcium, magnesium, and manganese are investigated in rats. This study implies that thiocyanate has, to some extent, an effect on the in vivo expression of metallothionein and endogenous distribution of essential elements in rat liver. Elevated levels of metallothionein and changes in hepatic concentrations of essential elements have suggested a role for thiocyanate in cellular metabolism and it might reflect a direct role of thiocyanate on alteration of cellular functional activities.     

Effect of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on the Hepatic Distribution of Iron,Copper, Zinc,and Magnesium in Rats

The distribution of iron, copper, zinc, and magnesium in hepatic subcellular fractions of male and female rats treated with 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) was determined. Animals received 40 μg TCDD per kilogram per day for three days by mouth (PO) or the vehicle and were killed seven or nine days posttreatment. Iron, copper, zinc, and magnesium were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The iron content of liver from female animals was twofold higher than male animals. The administration of TCDD increased the iron content of mitochondria in female and male rats and decreased iron content of microsomes of both sexes. Significant increases occurred in the copper content of whole liver, mitochondria, and cytosol of male rats and in whole liver and cytosol of female rats. Decreases in the copper content of the microsomes of male rats were observed following TCDD treatment; however, TCDD produced no changes in the zinc content of hepatic subcellular fractions of either sex. The magnesium content of female TCDD-treated rats increased in whole liver, mitochondria, and cytosol, while the magnesium content of microsomes was not altered. With respect to the subcellular distribution of iron, copper, zinc, and magnesium, TCDD produces differential effects. The altered distribution of some cations may contribute to the broad range of effects of TCDD.     

Developmental aluminum toxicity in mice can be modulated by low concentrations of minerals (Fe,Zn, P,Ca, Mg) in the diet

Female Swiss Webster mice were fed diets containing 7 (control) or 1000 μg Al/g diet from conception to weaning. Pregnancy weight gain, brith weight, litter size, postnatal mortality, and weaning weight were measured. In different groups, diets low in Fe, Zn, P, or Ca and Mg (CaMg) were used as basal diets, to which Al was added. Relative to controls, who received NRC recommended levels of these nutrients, all diets with marginal essential trace elements impacted development, as demonstrated by effects on birth weight (CaMg, Fe) or weaning weight (Fe, Zn, P). Compared to diets low in Al, the 1000-mg Al/g diet led to reduced weaning weight regardless of the essential element content of the diet. Other end points were influenced by Al only within the basaldiet group; pregnancy weight gain with the low-P diet, litter size with the low-Fe diet, pregnancy completion with the low-Zn diet, and postnatal mortality with the low-CaMg or low-Zn diet. Thus, diets marginal in selected minerals can differentially alter the toxicological profile of developmental Al exposures. A basal diet was also used in which the NRC diet was supplemented with ascorbic acid, which promotes Al absorption. No modification of Al toxicity was seen with ascorbic acid supplementation.     

Effect of olive oil- and corn oil-enriched diets on the tissue mineral content in mice

The mineral content (zinc, iron, magnesium, and calcium) in the liver, spleen, and thymus of male Balb/C mice was analyzed. Animals were fed, over 21 d, diets enriched with corn oil (FCO diet) or olive oil (FOO diet) (5% addition to standard pellet, w/w). Olive oil with predominant oleic acid (C18:1, n-9) had a quite different composition than corn oil, in which linoleic acid (C18:2, n-6) prevails. The zinc and magnesium tissue concentrations were not changed in either group. The calcium concentration in liver as well as the calcium concentration in spleen increased in mice fed both the FCO and FOO diets. Furthermore, mice fed both the FOO and FCO diets had increased spleen iron concentration. Mice fed the FCO diet had increased thymus calcium concentration compared to controls. The results show the effect of diets with unsaturated, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids, on the calcium and iron concentration in some organs.     

Effect of rice based six multiple cropping sequences under two cycles of crop rotations on yield and fertility status of soil

A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of various crop rotations, of high yielding varieties of cereals, pulses, fodders, tubers and oilseeds, on the performance of the crops and the fertility status of the soil over two crop-rotation cycles. The yields of rice (Oryza saliva L.), potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and onion (Allium cepa) crops were found to be decreasing. The yields of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and mustard (Brassica juncea coss), were not affected, while the yield of moong (Phaseolus aureus Roxb.) showed a tendency to increase. Rotations which included berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) increased the organic carbon content of the soil and there was a slight lowering of the pH with the highest application of phosphatic fertilizer. The accumulation of available potassium was greater in the treatments where the highest amount of fertilizer was applied. The available nitrogen content of the soil increased with application of nitrogen and the balance sheet of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium showed a positive trend. The continuous cropping of high yielding varieties showed a reduction in the available zinc and iron status of the soil, whereas available manganese and copper increased. The available micronutrients, except manganese, did not correlate significantly with soil pH.     

The effect of mineral elements on the maturity of peanut seed

A greenhouse study was conducted to determine the effect, of certain nutrient elements, on the maturing peanut. Peanut fruits were grown in fruiting zones, which contained a complete nutrient medium, for 15 days. Individual plants were then cultured to maturity whilst allowing the fruit to develop in a nutrient medium which contained the complete nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg and B) from which one element had been excluded. Except in the ‘minus B’ treatment, the basal seed weighed more than 500 mg. In the head seed the “minus Ca” treatment produced the lowest number of seeds which weighed 500 mg or more and P, K and B deficiencies produced not quite such low numbers of seeds above 500 mg. When basal and head seeds were grouped into 3 grades of fresh weights, those from Ca and K deficiencies produced smaller dry weights in seeds harvested on the 80th day. Seeds from a Ca deficient medium had a smaller lipid content and an increased sugar content. The starch content of the seed was decreased by K deficiency.     

The use of whole-body sodium, potassium and calcium content to identify the nutrient status of first year salmon fry

Samples of fed and unfed hatchery reared Atlantic salmon fry and parr were analysed for body water and whole body Na, K and Ca content. From these body parameters it is possible to estimate the relative proportions of the skeletal mass, and intra- and extracellular spaces. These data can be applied to estimating the nutritional status of parr sampled at random from hatchery, and possibly from wild populations. When fish with a dry weight of about 25 and 70 mg were deprived of artificial food for 27 and 21 days, respectively, the Na/K ratio rose to 0.59 and 0.80 compared with 0.37 in the controls. With fish of about 475 mg in weight, percentage water content was a better indicator of undernourishment. The use of the K⁺: Ca²⁺ ratio to compare the amount of cellular material with the skeletal mass was a good indicator of nutritional depletion, especially in smaller fish.     

Developmental patterns of aluminum and five essential mineral elements in the central nervous system of the fetal and infant guinea pig

Al is found in the developing conceptus, but little information is available concerning its tissue distribution and its changes in concentration with age. Because Al has affinity for many of the same biological ligands as the essential mineral cations Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, and Mn, we hypothesized that Al might show a pattern of developmental concentrations that was similar to one or more of these elements in the brain, a major target of Al toxicity. Concentrations of Al, Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, and Mn were measured in spinal cord, brainstem, cerebellum, and forebrain of guinea pig fetuses on gestation day (GD) 30 and 45, at birth, and on postnatal day (PND) 3, 6, and 12. Dams were fed commercial guinea pig chow, which contained 47 μg Al/g. Tissue Al and Mn were measured with electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry (ETAAS), and the other elements with inductively coupled axial plasma spectroscopy (ICAP-AES). Al concentrations in the brain regions were highest in spinal cord, brainstem, and cerebellum, and decreased during late gestation and lactation. Al did not show marked increases in regional brain concentrations during the final third of gestation as did Fe, Mg, and Zn. In contrast to Fe and Ca, Al did not accumulate in placenta. Al was the only element to show higher concentrations in spinal cord than in any other tissue at birth. In summary, the tissue distribution of Al did not follow that of essential cations as examined in this study.     

Calcicole behaviour of Callisthene fasciculata Mart., an Al‐accumulating species from the Brazilian Cerrado

• Most aluminium (Al)‐accumulating species are found on soils with high Al saturation and low Ca availability (Ca poor). Callisthene fasciculata Mart. (Vochysiaceae), however, is an Al‐accumulating tree restricted to Ca‐rich soils with low Al saturation in the Brazilian Cerrado savanna. Here we tested its calcicole behaviour, and the possible role of organic acids in detoxification of Al during the early stages of plant development.
• We assessed growth, dry mass, nutrients, Al and organic acids in seedlings grown for 50 days on two contrasting Cerrado soils; one with high Ca concentrations and low Al saturation and the other with low Ca availability and high Al saturation.
• Relative to plants on Ca‐rich soil, plants on Ca‐poor soil had necrotic spots and bronzing of leaves. Roots and shoots contained reduced concentrations of P and Cu, but higher concentrations of Fe, Al and citrate. Despite lower concentrations in the soil, Ca and Mg increased in shoots. Shoot concentrations of oxalate were also higher.
• We confirmed C. fasciculata as an Al‐accumulating species with calcicole behaviour. The increased concentrations of organic acids in plants with higher Al accumulation suggest that high availability of soluble Al does not prevent occurrence of this species on soils with high Al saturation. Instead, the absence of C. fasciculata from Ca‐poor soils is probably due to imbalances in tissue Fe, Cu and Zn imposed by this soil type.

     

Chemical composition studies on some aquatic macrophytes in three scottish lochs. II. Potassium,sodium, calcium,magnesium and iron

The potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and iron levels in seven species of freshwater macrophytes (Juncus effusus L., Iris pseudacorus L., Carex rostrata Stokes, Glyceria maxima (Hartm.) Holmberg, Nuphar lutea (L.) Sm., Polygonum amphibium L. and Schoenoplectus lacustris (L.) Pallas) in three Scottish lochs of different trophic levels were studied during 1975 and the results obtained were compared with similar studies in other areas.     

Effect of supplemental magnesium on the kidney levels of cadmium, zinc, and copper of mice exposed to toxic levels of cadmium

In this report, we present the results of our investigations on the effect of Mg pretreatment on Cd and bioelements (Cu and Zn) contents in kidney of mice exposed to acute and subacute Cd intoxication. Acute intoxication was performed on male Swiss mice given a single oral dose of 20 mg Cd/kg body weight and mice given the same dose of Cd but pretreated with 40 mg Mg/kg body weight. For subacute intoxication one group of mice was given 10 mg Cd/kg body weight every day, for 2 wk, and the other one received the same dose of Cd after oral Mg intake of 20 mg/kg body weight. Cd, Cu, and Zn content was determined in kidney by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In acute Cd intoxication, Mg pretreatment resulted in significant decrease of Cd in kidney after 4 and 6 h, compared with animals given only Cd. Under the condition of subacute Cd intoxication, Mg supplementation reduced Cd kidney content after 2 wk for about 30%, compared with animals treated with Cd only. The effect of Mg on Cu and Zn kidney content was also beneficial.     

Growth and Nitrate Reductase Activity of Chlorella fusca Cells as Affected by Long Term Salinity

Influence of various saline media on Chlorella fusca growth, contents of photosynthetic pigments, and activity of the nitrate reductase (NRA) was determined. KCl, CaCl₂, and MgCl₂ in concentrations relative to NaCl as 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 promote cell number, dry mass, and contents of photosynthetic pigments. The activity of NR was enhanced by Mg²⁺ and K⁺ and in some cases by Ca²⁺ at all ratios applied. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.