Distribution of nickel,zinc, and copper in rat organs after oral administration of nickel(II) chloride

The distribution of Ni administered as NiCl₂ · 6H₂O in the drinking water (300 and 1200 ppm Ni for 90 d) was studied using male Wistar rats. Next, the effect of Ni on the concentration of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in selected organs and serum was measured. The metals were analyzed in the liver, kidney, lung, spleen, brain, and serum by electrothermal (Ni) or flame (Zn, Cu) atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results indicate that exposed rats drank less nickel solutions than the volume of water drunk by controls, but there was no mortality of animals. In comparison to control animals, a very high increase in Ni levels was found in the kidney and then lung and serum of all exposed rats. In the liver, spleen, and brain, the metal accumulation was lower. A directly proportional relation between the nickel intake and its deposition was observed in the collected organs and in the serum. The metal level did not change significantly in the course of exposure (the first analysis was after 30 d). The administration of 300 ppm Ni did not affect the zinc and copper concentration in studied organs, except the serum, where zinc content was significantly reduced. At a dose of 1200 ppm Ni, these metals were found to be depressed in the liver, kidney, serum (zinc), and copper in the kidney.     

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

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

Effect of magnesium deficiency on enterocyte Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and Se content

In previous studies based on indirect procedures, we reported that Mg deficit increased the bioavailability of a number of elements such as calcium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese and decreased selenium absorption. The present study was designed to verify these findings by direct methods. We investigated the effect of dietary magnesium deficiency on enterocyte Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and Se concentrations. Male Wistar rats were fed a Mg-deficient diet (129 mg Mg/kg food) for 70 days. Whole enterocytes from the upper jejunum were isolated and Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and Se were determined. The results were compared with findings in a control group that was pair-fed with an identical diet except that it covered this species's nutritional requirements for Mg (480 mg Mg/kg food). The Mg-deficient diet significantly increased enterocyte content of Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn; however, we found no significant changes in the Se content of these cells. These data support the results obtained by indirect methods.     

The effect of various dietary zinc concentrations on the biological interactions of zinc,copper, and iron in rats

Three groups (14 rats each) were fed one of the following diets for 8 wks: a control purified basal diet containing 12 ppm zinc, 5 ppm copper, and 35 ppm iron; the basal diet with less than 2 ppm zinc; or the basal diet supplemented with 1000 ppm zinc. Rats fed the zinc-deficient diet had decreased weight gain, moderate polydipsia, and intermittent mild diarrhea. The zinc-supplemented rats had a cyclical pattern of food intake and weight loss from weeks 5 to 8. Tissue concentrations suggest that zinc and copper were not mutually antagonistic with chronic dietary imbalances. If tissue element concentrations reflected intestinal uptake, then competition and/or inhibition of intestinal uptake occurred between zinc and iron. The fluctuations in tissue element concentrations that occurred with increased duration of the study were at variance with previous studies of shorter time periods. The dietary proportions of zinc, copper, and iron appear to influence zinc, copper, and iron metabolism at the intestinal and cellular transport levels over a given period of time.     

Alterations of serum selenium, zinc, copper, and iron concentrations and some related antioxidant enzyme activities in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis

The aim of this study was to measure the alterations in serum selenium (Se), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) concentrations and their carrier proteins, ceruloplasmin (Cp), transferrin (Tf) albumin, and related antioxidant enzyme activities, erythrocyte Cu-Zn Superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) activities in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Erythrocyte Cu-Zn SOD activities, serum Cu concentrations, and Cp levels were found to be significantly higher in the patients group than those of controls. However, GSH-Px and CAT activities and Se, Zn, Fe, and Tf levels were lower in patients than in the control subjects. There were positive important correlation’s between Cu-Zn SOD and Cp, Cu-Zn SOD and Cu, Cp and Cu, GSH-Px and Se, and Fe and CAT in the patients group. Our results showed that serum essential trace elements Se, Zn, Cu, and Fe concentrations and their related enzymes Cu-Zn SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT activities change in CL patients. The changes may be a part of defense strategies of organism and are induced by the hormonelike substances.     

Effects of Aluminum Exposure on Bone Mineral Density,Mineral, and Trace Elements in Rats

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of aluminum (Al) exposure on bone mineral elements, trace elements, and bone mineral density (BMD) in rats. One hundred Wistar rats were divided randomly into two groups. Experimental rats were given drinking water containing aluminum chloride (AlCl₃, 430 mg Al³⁺/L), whereas control rats were given distilled water for up to 150 days. Ten rats were sacrificed in each group every 30 days. The levels of Al, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), boron (B), and strontium (Sr) in bone and the BMD of femur were measured. Al-treated rats showed lower deposition of Ca, P, and Mg compared with control rats. Levels of trace elements (Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Se, B, and Sr) were significantly lower in the Al-treated group than in the control group from day 60, and the BMD of the femur metaphysis in the Al-treated group was significantly lower than in the control group on days 120 and 150. These findings indicate that long-term Al exposure reduces the levels of mineral and trace elements in bone. As a result, bone loss was induced (particularly in cancellous bone).     

The effect of high fluoride intake on tissue trace elements and histology of testicular tubules in the rat

1. Male Wistar rats were exposed to fluoride (F) at concentrations of 100- and 200 ppm in their drinking water for 6- and 16 weeks.2. The high F intake caused several-fold increase in the F concentrations in the testes and bone as compared with control rats, both after the 6- and 16wk exposure; the bone F, but not testicular F, appeared to increase with dose and time.3. F exposure (100- and 200 ppm) decreased significantly the concentrations of zinc (Zn) in the testes, plasma, liver and kidneys particularly in the 16 wk groups; in the bone Zn tended to increase, however.4. The iron concentrations of the testes and plasma were not affected by F, whereas those of the liver, kidneys and bone appeared to increase under the influence of F.5. The concentrations of copper and manganese in the testes, liver and kidneys were not changed by F exposure.6. Fifty percent of the 100- and 200 ppm F rats after 16 weeks exhibited histopathologic changes in the germinal epithelium of the testes, which resembled those in Zn-deficient rats.7. The data suggest that a deprivation of testicular Zn due to a high F intake may be directly responsible for the injury of testicular tubules.     

Changes in plasma zinc,copper, iron,and hepatic metallothionein in adjuvant-induced arthritis treated with cyclosporin

The early changes in hepatic metallothionein (MT) and plasma zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) were investigated during the induction of adjuvant (AJ) arthritis in rats in conjunction with cyclosporin (CSA) treatment. Plasma Zn decreased after AJ injection (60% of control values at 8 h), and this was associated with a 4.5-fold increase in hepatic MT at 8 h. Plasma Zn was lowest at 16 h (40% of control), whereas hepatic MT concentrations increased to a maximum of 20-fold at 16 h. Changes in plasma Fe paralleled those of Zn, whereas plasma Cu levels were increased. Plasma metal and hepatic MT concentrations returned toward normal from d 1–7. At d 14, when marked paw swelling was apparent, hepatic MT and plasma Cu were again increased and plasma Zn decreased. Administration of CsA decreased MT induction in rats injected with AJ and also caused a marked recovery in plasma Zn and Fe levels. These changes were small but significant even in the early stages (up to 24 h) after AJ injection and were followed by a sustained improvement in all parameters, corresponding to the nonappearance of clinical arthropathy in CsA-treated rats. TNF-α and IL-6 production by peritoneal macrophages isolated from AJ-injected rats was significantly decreased by CsA treatment at d 7 and 14. The inhibition of hepatic MT induction during acute and chronic inflammation by cyclosporin emphasizes the role of the immune system in altered metal homeostasis in inflammation.     

Brain Trace Element Concentration of Rats Treated with the Plant Alkaloid, Vincamine

Trace elements are essential for normal brain functions. Tiny amounts of these elements help in the formation of neurotransmitters and involved in the antioxidant defense and intracellular redox regulation and modulation of neural cells. Vincamine is a plant alkaloid used clinically as a peripheral vasodilator that increases cerebral blood flow and oxygen and glucose utilization by neural tissue to combat the effect of aging. Neurodegenerative diseases associated with aging characterized by a disturbance in trace element levels in the brain. The objective of this study was to determine the level of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), Selenium (Se), and chromium (Cr) in the brain of rats treated with vincamine. Vincamine was injected i.m. to rats at a dose of 15 mg/Kg bodyweight daily for 14 days. Twenty-four hours after the last injection, rats were killed, and brains were ashed and digested by concentrated acids and analyzed for trace elements concentrations by flame emission atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results showed that Zn was the highest trace element in the brain of control rats (3.134?±?0.072 ppm) and Cr was the lowest (0.386?±?0.027 ppm). Vincamine administration significantly (p?<?0.01) reduced the brain Fe concentration (1.393?±?0.165 ppm) compared to control (2.807?±?0.165 ppm). It was concluded that Zn was the highest trace element in the brain of rats. Vincamine administration resulted in approximately 50% reduction in brain Fe concentration which suggests its beneficial effect to prevent the oxidative stress of Fe in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s diseases.     

New aspects on the distribution and metabolism of essential trace elements after dietary exposure to toxic metals

Under present environmental conditions, an increase in pollution owing to metals such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and methylmercury (MeHg) must be expected. The resulting effects would be seen particularly in the food chain. The daily intake of toxic metals in various parts of the world is different and depends on both the dietary habits and the concentration in foodstuffs. Oral ingestion of these toxic metals perturbs the metabolism of essential elements, especially zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and selenium (Se). The elemental composition of body tissues and fluids is an indicator of the nutritional and pathological status of humans. This review will describe the dietary intake and gut absorption of essential and toxic elements. Furthermore, it will discuss threshold values, toxic effects in relation to body burden of toxic metals, the biological indices of exposure, and the interaction between toxic and essential elements. The overall ratio of Cu, Zn, Fe, and Se concentration to Cd in the human kidney is the lowest in comparison to Hg and Pb. Increased kidney copper and urinary losses may be common denominators in the manifestation of renal toxicity induced by heavy metals. Factors affecting availability and loss of copper should be identified and measured. The critical kidney concentration for Cd, Pb, and MeHg should be revised in relation to essential elements.     

Silicon metabolism

The influence of silicon treatment on the levels of trace elements zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) in serum and tissues was studied in rats. The concentrations of silicon, iron, and zinc were estimated in samples of sera and tissues of rats receivingper os a soluble, inorganic silicon compound—sodium metasilicate nonahydrate (Na₂SiO₃·9H₂O), dissolved in the drinking water. An increase of copper concentrations in liver and aortic walls in the experimental group was observed, with simultaneous reduction of zinc amounts in serum and all the tissue samples in the course of the experiment. The iron concentrations in the analyzed samples did not show any significant changes between both groups. The silicon levels in serum and in all the examined tissues were significantly higher in the tested group. The results provide evidence for the silicon interaction with copper and zinc, which could result in a number of metabolic process modifications, antiatheromatous activity among them.     

Iron and zinc status in rats with diet-induced marginal deficiency of vitamin A and/or copper

The hypothesis was tested that there are interactions of marginal copper and vitamin A deficiency regarding iron and zinc status. Copper restriction (1 vs 5 mg Cu/kg diet) significantly lowered copper concentrations in plasma and tissues of rats and reduced blood hemoglobin, hematocrit, and iron concentrations in tibia and femur, but raised iron concentrations in liver. Vitamin A restriction (0 vs 4000 IU vitamin A/kg diet) reduced plasma retinol concentrations and induced a fall of blood hemoglobin and hematocrit. Neither copper nor vitamin A restriction for up to 42 d affected feed intake and body wt gain. There were no interrelated effects of vitamin A and copper deficiency on iron status. Copper deficiency slightly depressed liver, spleen, and kidney zinc concentrations. Vitamin A deficiency lowered zinc concentrations in heart, but only when the diets were deficient in copper.     

Protective Effects of Selenium,Zinc, or Their Combination on Cadmium-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Kidney

The present study was conducted to investigate whether the combined treatment with Se and Zn offers more beneficial effects than that provided by either of them alone in reversing Cd-induced oxidative stress in the kidney of rat. For this purpose, 30 adult male Wistar albino rats, equally divided into control and four treated groups, received either 200 ppm Cd (as CdCl₂), 200 ppm Cd + 500 ppm Zn (as ZnCl₂), 200 ppm Cd + 0.1 ppm Se (as Na₂SeO₃), or 200 ppm Cd + 500 ppm Zn + 0.1 ppm Se in their drinking water for 35 days. The results showed that Cd treatment decreased significantly the catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, whereas the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the renal levels of lipid peroxidation (as malondialdehyde, MDA) were increased compared to control rats. The treatment of Cd-exposed rats with Se alone had no significant effect on the Cd-induced increase in the MDA concentrations but increased significantly the CAT activities and reversed Cd-induced increase in SOD activity. It also partially prevented Cd-induced decrease in GSH-Px activity. The treatment of Cd-exposed animals with Zn alone increased significantly the CAT activity and partially protected against Cd-induced increase in the MDA concentrations, whereas it had no significant effect on the Cd-induced increase in SOD activity and decrease in GSH-Px activity. The combined treatment of Cd-exposed animals with Se and Zn was more effective than that with either of them alone in reversing Cd-induced decrease in CAT and GSH-Px activities and Cd-induced increase in MDA concentrations. Results demonstrated beneficial effects of combined Se and Zn treatment in Cd-induced oxidative stress in kidney and suggest that Se and Zn can have a synergistic role against Cd toxicity. I. Messaoudi and J. El Heni have equally contributed to this work.     

Determination of iron, copper, zinc, magnesium and selenium in plasma and erythrocytes in neurosurgical patients.

A direct method for determination of Fe, Cu, Zn, Mg and Se in erythrocytes was developed. The aim of the present study was to establish a method for examining perioperative levels of the above mentioned elements simultaneously in erythrocytes and plasma by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 11 patients undergoing neurosurgery for acute spinal nerve compressions because of intervertebral disk prolapses. Reference values for erythrocytes were 11.49 +/- 3.48 mmol/mmol Hb; 0.82 +/- 0.087 mmol/mmol Hb; 9.01 +/- 2.20 mmol/mmol Hb; 0.104 +/- 0.032 mmol/mmol Hb; 0.07 +/- 0.050 mmol/mmol Hb for iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, and selenium, respectively. Postoperative erythrocyte concentrations did not differ significantly compared to those obtained preoperatively and remained within the reference ranges perioperatively. For plasma the following reference values were used: 19.0 +/- 8.0 mmol/l (Fe); 20.1 +/- 8.2 mmol/l (Cu); 15.4 +/- 4.6 mmol/l (Zn); 0.9 +/- 0.15 mmol/l (Mg); 1.02 +/- 0.3 mmol/l (Se). There was a significant decrease in the concentration of copper in plasma (13.41 +/- 3.46 mmol/l, p < 0.1) and zinc (10.73 +/- 2.73 mmol/l, p < 0.1) immediately postoperative, iron (10.56 +/- 3.91 mmol/l, p < 0.1) and zinc on day 1 (11.28 +/- 1.88 mmol/l, p < 0.10), and a significant postoperative increase of copper on day 5 (18.81 +/- 3.97 mmol/l, p < 0.1), postoperatively. The mean plasma concentrations of iron, copper, zinc magnesium and selenium remained within the reference ranges during the entire period.     

Serum and tissue trace elements in patients with breast cancer in Taiwan

The objective of this study was to compare levels of four elements (zinc, copper, selenium, and iron) in the serum and tissue of 68 breast tumor patients (benign and malignant), from a teaching hospital in central Taiwan. Samples of normal tissue (5 cm away from tumor) were also taken from patients with malignant tumors. Only serum was taken from the 25 healthy persons in the control group. Results showed that Zn, Cu, Se, Fe, Cu/Zn, Cu/Se, and Cu/Fe were present in different amounts in the serum of each of the three groups. Zn and Se levels were lower in the serum of the two tumor groups compared to the control group. In tissue samples, Zn, Cu, Se, and Fe concentrations were different in each of the three groups. The malignant tissue had the highest levels of all four elements. In advanced-stage malignant tumors, levels of Cu and the ratios of Cu/Fe and Cu/Zn (in both serum and tissue) were highest. The ratios of serum Cu/Zn, Cu/Fe, and Cu/Se were also higher in malignant patients. The cutoff value of serum Cu/Zn was 1.2 (sensitivity and specificity were both 100%). The Cu/Zn ratio was highest in the advanced stages of cancer and was a better diagnostic tool for breast cancer than Cu/Se and Cu/Fe. The authors suggest that change of trace elements in serum and tissue might be useful and significant as biomarkers involving the initial plastic process.     

High fructose intake significantly reduces kidney copper concentrations in diabetic, islet transplanted rats

Trace element status is known to be altered in the diabetic state, although the factors affecting trace element homeostasis in this condition are not well understood. The authors examined the effects of a high fructose diet (40% wt:wt) vs a control diet on the copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) concentrations in the kidney, plasma, and red blood cells of islet transplanted (TX) and shamoperated (SHAM) rats. Male, Wistar Furth rats made diabetic by streptozotocin injection (55 mg/kg, iv) were given an intraportal islet transplant (1000 islets); control animals were shaminjected, shamoperated (SHAM). Rats within TX and SHAM groups were assigned to either a high fructose diet (40% fructose, 25% cornstarch, FR) or a purified control diet (33% cornstarch, 33% dextrose, CNTL) containing identical amounts of mineral mixture for a period of 6 wk. Kidney Cu concentration was significantly elevated among hyperglycemie TXCNTL rats (224 ± 25 nmol/g wet wt), but was markedly reduced in hyperglycemic TXFR rats (109 ± 14 nmol/g) relative to normoglycemic controls. This occurred in spite of similar levels of glucose, insulin (fed and fasted), insulin secretory capacity, body weight, and food intake in the TXCNTL and TXFR groups. Among the subgroup of rats with normal glucose levels post-TX, kidney Cu levels normalized and were unaffected by dietary treatment (normoglycemic TXCNTL = 60 ± 5 nmol/g; normoglycemic TXFR = 40 ± 2 nmol/g). Kidney Cu concentrations also were unaffected by fructose feeding in SHAM animals (CNTL, 60 ± 4 nmol/g and FR, 51 ± 5 nmol/g). Kidney Zn and Fe concentrations were similar among the treatment groups. Plasma and red blood cell (RBC) Cu, Zn, and Fe concentrations were also similar among the groups. Since fructose feeding led to a substantial reduction of kidney Cu concentrations in the presence of hyperglycemia, the authors suggest that this model can be useful in examining effects of altered kidney Cu accumulation in the diabetic animal.     

Trace Mineral Micronutrients and Chronic Periodontitis—a Review

Trace mineral micronutrients are imperative for optimum host response. Populations worldwide are prone to their insufficiency owing to lifestyle changes or poor nutritional intake. Balanced levels of trace minerals like iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se) and copper (Cu) are essential to prevent progression of chronic conditions like periodontitis. Their excess as well as deficiency is detrimental to periodontal health. This is specifically true in relation to Fe. Furthermore, some trace elements, e.g. Se, Zn and Cu are integral components of antioxidant enzymes and prevent reactive oxygen species induced destruction of tissues. Their deficiency can worsen periodontitis associated with systemic conditions like diabetes mellitus. With this background, the present review first focusses on the role of four trace minerals, namely, Fe, Zn, Se and Cu in periodontal health followed by an appraisal of the data from case control studies related to their association with chronic periodontitis.     

The Dietary Acrylamide Intake Adversely Affects the Serum Trace Element Status

Acrylamide is an organic chemical which occurs in foods widespreadly consumed in diets worldwide. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the serum trace element levels (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cr, Se, Co, Ni, V, As, Mg, P, Li, K, Al) in Wistar rats exposed to acrylamide. Acrylamide was administered to the treatment groups at 2 and 5 mg/kg?body weight (bw)/day via drinking water for 90 days. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used for the determination of serum trace element concentrations. Serum Zn, Se, Co, V and Mg concentrations of 5 mg/kg bw/day acrylamide-treated male rats were lower, whereas serum As concentration was higher than the same parameters of the controls rats. Similarly, serum Zn, Se, Co, V and Mg concentrations were decreased in 5 mg/kg?bw/day acrylamide-treated female rats compared with control rats. On the other hand, there were no significant differences between serum Fe, Cu, Mn, Cr, Ni, P, Li, K and Al concentrations of all groups. The results from this study provide evidence that dietary acrylamide intake adversely affects the serum trace elements status.     

Copper,zinc, and selenium in whole blood and thyroid tissue of people with various thyroid diseases

We investigated the possible differences among the concentrations of copper, zinc, and selenium, and their mutual relations in the whole blood and thyroid tissue of patients with various thyroid disorders. Trace elements were determined by total-reflection X-ray fluorescence. The mean levels of these metals in blood as well as the mean Cu/Zn, Cu/Se, and Zn/Se ratios in the patients with thyroid cancer were significantly higher that in other patients and the control groups. However, the mean Zn and Se concentrations in the thyroid cancer tissue were significantly lower than in the thyroid tissue of other patients. In addition, the mean Cu/Zn and Cu/Se ratios in the thyroid cancer tissue were significantly higher than in the patients with other thyroid diseases. We confirm that the highest levels of copper and zinc as well as the Cu/Zn, Cu/Se, and Zn/Se ratios in the whole blood of the patients with thyroid cancer may suggest the progression of the proliferation process in the thyroid gland. We suggest that the low concentrations of zinc and selenium in the thyroid tissue confirm their participation in the carcinogenic process.     

Plasma manganese, selenium, zinc, copper, and iron concentrations in patients with schizophrenia

A number of essential trace elements play a major role in various metabolic pathways. Selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) are essential trace elements that have been studied in many diseases, including autoimmune, neurological, and psychiatric disorders. However, the findings of previous research on the status of trace elements in patients with schizophrenia have been controversial. We studied these elements in patients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia and compared them with sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Plasma Cu concentrations were significantly higher (p<0.01) and Mn and Fe concentrations were lower (p<0.05 and p<0.05, respectively) in schizophrenic patients than in controls. Se and Zn concentrations and protein levels did not differ between patients and healthy controls. These observations suggest that alterations in essential trace elements Mn, Cu, and Fe may play a role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. However, findings from trace element levels in schizophrenia show a variety of results that are difficult to interpret.