Essential trace elements in milk and blood serum of lactating donkeys as affected by lactation stage and dietary supplementation with trace elements

The aim of this trial was to study the concentration of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), cobalt (Co) and iodine (I) in milk and blood serum of lactating donkeys, taking into account the effects of lactation stage and dietary supplementation with trace elements. During a 3-month period, 16 clinically healthy lactating donkeys (Martina-Franca-derived population), randomly divided into two homogeneous groups (control (CTL) and trace elements (TE)), were used to provide milk and blood samples at 2-week intervals. Donkeys in both groups had continuous access to meadow hay and were fed 2.5 kg of mixed feed daily, divided into two meals. The mixed feed for the TE group had the same ingredients as the CTL, but was supplemented with a commercial premix providing 163 mg Zn, 185 mg Fe, 36 mg Cu, 216 mg Mn, 0.67 mg Se, 2.78 mg Co and 3.20 mg I/kg mixed feed. The concentrations of Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Se, Co and I were measured in feeds, milk and blood serum by inductively coupled plasma-MS. Data were processed by ANOVA for repeated measures. The milk concentrations of all the investigated elements were not significantly affected by the dietary supplementation with TE. Serum concentrations of Zn, Fe, Cu Mn and Se were not affected by dietary treatment, but TE-supplemented donkeys showed significantly higher concentrations of serum Co (1.34 v. 0.69 μg/l) and I (24.42 v. 21.43 μg/l) than unsupplemented donkeys. The effect of lactation stage was significant for all the investigated elements in milk and blood serum, except for serum manganese. A clear negative trend during lactation was observed for milk Cu and Se concentrations (−38%), whereas that of Mn tended to increase. The serum Cu concentration was generally constant and that of Co tended to increase. If compared with data reported in the literature for human milk, donkey milk showed similarities for Zn, Mn, Co and I. Furthermore, this study indicated that, in the current experimental conditions, the mineral profile of donkey milk was not dependent on dietary TE supply.     

Alterations of trace elements (Zn, Se, Cu, Fe) and related metalloenzymes in rabbit blood after severe trauma

To investigate the status of the trace elements (TEs) and related metalloenzymes activities in the injury and repair process after severe trauma, we established a rabbit model of severe trauma whose Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 22. Concentrations of blood selenium (Se) and serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and ferritin were measured on D0 (before injury), and day (D) 1, D2, D3, D6, D9, D14, D21, D28 after trauma, respectively. The activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO), the contents of lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum biochemical profile were detected synchronously. In addition, the morphologic changes of major organs were observed at different time intervals. Results showed that blood Se and serum Zn, Fe contents decreased significantly within 2 weeks after injury. Serum Cu concentration was significantly reduced on D1 but normalized quickly. Serum ferritin level increased during the first week while following an obvious decrease thereafter. The blood GPx activity dropped markedly from D1 to D6, the serum Cu/Zn-SOD activity decreased on D1 and then increased significantly within 2 weeks, and the blood MPO-positive stained cells increased within a week after trauma and followed by a decrease from D14 to D21. The serum MDA increased significantly on D6. Seven of 34 rabbits died in 4-6 days after injury. Biochemistry values and pathological features revealed these rabbits died of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Our experiment suggested that the circulating TEs status is dramatically modified in response to trauma, which might be a factor in MODS.     

Effects of trace element supplementation on the inflammatory response in a rabbit model of major trauma

Patients with a severe trauma exhibit a strong oxidative stress, an intense inflammatory response, and long-lasting hypermetabolism, all of which are proportional to the severity of injury. In this study, we investigated the impact of trace element (TE) supplementation on the inflammatory response in an animal model of major trauma. New Zealand White rabbits were randomly assigned as a control group (n=5) and an experimental group (n=70) that, after receiving a major trauma, was subdivided into Trauma-Control (n=35) and Trauma-TE (n=35) groups. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) was observed in 40 out of 70 rabbits with a trauma, with a higher incidence in the Trauma-Control group (88.6%; 31/35) than the Trauma-TE group (28.6%; 10/35) (p<0.01). The mortality rate was significantly different between the Trauma-Control and the Trauma-TE groups; (34% vs. 8%; p<0.01).There were significant post-trauma alterations in the levels of (1) serum and spleen zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and manganese (Mn), (2) serum AST and ALT, (3) serum interleukin-6/10, and (4) nuclear factor kappa binding (NF-κB) activity and the expression. TE supplementation: (1) improved blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr) levels, (2) stabilized IL-6/10 production, (3) decreased NF-κB p⁶⁵ production. Appropriate TE supplementation can improve the TE status, mitigate SIRS, and reduce the mortality due to multiple organ dysfunction syndromes (MODS)/multiple organ failure (MOF) after major trauma.     

Prophylactic iron supplementation in pregnant women in Norway

In the present study 67 non-anaemic women were randomly allocated to either 100 mg or 15 mg iron daily at about the 10. week of pregnancy. At about week 18, 30 and 36 of pregnancy, as well as 6 weeks after delivery, hemoglobin and the serum concentrations of ferritin, vitamin B12, folates, Zn, Cu and Se were monitored. Dietary allowances of other minerals and vitamins are also increased in pregnancy, and the 15 mg iron tablet was enriched with Zn (10 mg), Cu (2 mg), Se (50 microg), vitamin B12 (3 microg), and folate (0.1 mg). Neither ferritin, nor Cu, Zn or Se concentrations differed statistically significantly between the treatment groups during pregnancy. Ferritin and Zn appeared to decrease approximately parallel to the hemodilution, whereas Cu concentrations increased from a non-pregnant reference mean of 18 micromol Cu/L to a maximum mean of nearly 33 micromol Cu/L during pregnancy. Se decreased concomitantly to about 1.0 micromol Se/L. Serum folate (around 15 micromol/L) was essentially unaffected by pregnancy in the group given multivitamin/mineral supplementation, whereas the mean concentration fell below 10 micromol/L in the group supplemented with 100 mg iron daily. Our results indicate that supplementation of 15 mg Fe daily during pregnancy results in a small reduction of hemoglobin. It is suggested that additional supplementation with folate might be of importance to maintain the serum folate concentration during pregnancy.     

Relevance, essentiality and toxicity of trace elements in human health

The metals Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn, and the non-metal Se are considered "trace elements" (TE) because of their essentiality and very limited quantity in humans. The biological activities of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Se are strongly associated with the presence of unpaired electrons that allow their participation in redox reactions. In biological systems these metals are mostly bound to proteins, forming metalloproteins. Many of the metals in metalloproteins are part of enzymatic systems, have structural and storage functions, or use the protein to be transported to their target site in the organism. In humans Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Se accomplish decisive functions to maintain human health. Deficiency in any of these TE leads to undesirable pathological conditions that can be prevented or reversed by adequate supplementation. In sufficiently nourished persons, supplementation should be carefully controlled, given the toxic effects ascribed to TE when present in quantities exceeding those required for accomplishing their biological functions. The dietary reference intakes provided by national regulatory agencies are guides to define intake, supplementation and toxicity of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Se, as well other elements considered micronutrients for humans.     

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.     

The effects of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and/or selenium on trace element levels in different organs of rats

Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), a widely used plasticizer for synthetic polymers, is known to have endocrine disruptive potential, reproductive toxicity, and induces hepatic carcinogenesis in rodents. Selenium (Se) is a component of several selenoenzymes which are essential for cellular antioxidant defense and for the functions of mammalian reproductive system. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of DEHP exposure on trace element distribution in liver, testis, and kidney tissues and plasma of Se-deficient and Se-supplemented rats. Se deficiency was produced by feeding 3-week old Sprague-Dawley rats with ≤0.05 mg Se/kg diet for 5 weeks, and supplementation group were on 1 mg Se/kg diet. DEHP treated groups received 1000 mg/kg dose by gavage during the last 10 days of feeding period. Se, zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) levels were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Se supplementation caused significant increases in hepatic, renal, and testicular Se levels. With DEHP exposure, plasma Se and Zn, kidney Se, Cu and Mn levels were significantly decreased. Besides, liver Fe decreased markedly in all the DEHP-treated groups. Liver and kidney Mn levels decreased significantly in DEHP/SeD group compared to both DEHP and SeD groups. These results showed the potential of DEHP exposure and/or different Se status to modify the distribution pattern of essential trace elements in various tissues, the importance of which needs to be further evaluated.     

The Effects of Chromium Histidinate on Mineral Status of Serum and Tissue in Fat-Fed and Streptozotocin-Treated Type II Diabetic Rats

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of chromium histidinate (CrHis) against experimentally induced type II diabetes and on chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) in serum, liver, and kidney of diabetic rats. The male Wistar rats (n = 60, 8 weeks old) were divided into four groups. Group I received a standard diet (12% of calories as fat); group II were fed standard diet and received CrHis (110 mcg CrHis/kg body weight per day); group III received a high-fat diet (HFD; 40% of calories as fat) for 2 weeks and then were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) on day 14 (STZ, 40 mg/kg i.p.; HFD/STZ); group IV were treated as group III (HFD/STZ) but supplemented with 110 mcg CrHis/kg body weight per day. The mineral concentrations in the serum and tissue were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Compared to the HFD/STZ group, CrHis significantly increased body weight and reduced blood glucose in diabetic rats (p < 0.001). Concentrations of Cr, Zn, Se, and Mn in serum, liver, and kidney of the diabetic rats were significantly lower than in the control rats (p < 0.0001). In contrast, higher Fe and Cu levels were found in serum and tissues from diabetic versus the non-diabetic rats (p < 0.001). Chromium histidinate supplementation increased serum, liver, and kidney concentrations of Cr and Zn both in diabetic and non-diabetic rats (p < 0.001). Chromium supplementation increased Mn and Se levels in diabetic rats (p < 0.001); however, it decreased Cu levels in STZ-treated group (p < 0.001). Chromium histidinate supplementation did not affect Fe levels in both groups (p > 0.05). The results of the present study conclude that supplementing Cr to the diet of diabetic rats influences serum and tissue Cr, Zn, Se, Mn, and Cu concentrations.     

Effects of Dietary Selenium, Vitamin E, and Their Combination on Growth, Serum Metabolites, and Antioxidant Defense System in Skeletal Muscle of Broilers Under Heat Stress

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary vitamin E, selenium (Se), and a combination of the two, on the performance, serum metabolites and oxidative stability of skeletal muscle of broilers during heat stress. The broilers raised in either a thermoneutral (23.9°C constant) or heat stress (23.9°C to 37°C cycling) environment were assigned to 6 dietary treatments (0, 0.5, or 1 mg/kg Se; 125 and 250 mg/kg vitamin E; or 0.5 mg/kg Se plus 125 mg/kg vitamin E) from 1 to 49 days of age. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected from chicks, the chicks sacrificed, and pectoralis superficialis muscle was used for measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and enzyme activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The heat-stressed chicks consumed less feed, gained less weight, and had higher feed conversion ratio when compared to thermoneutral chicks (P<0.05). Serum concentrations of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) were decreased by heat stress (P<0.05), whereas the serum concentrations of copper (Cu), glucose, and uric acid were significantly increased under heat stress (P<0.05). The chicks that received supplemental of vitamin E exhibited significantly higher serum concentrations of Zn (P<0.05) and significantly lower concentrations of Cu, glucose, and uric acid (P<0.05) when exposed to heat stress. Dietary Se also caused a significant decrease in serum glucose, uric acid, and Cu concentrations of heat-stressed broilers (P<0.05), but had no significant effect on Zn concentration (P>0.05). The GPx activity remained relatively constant (P>0.05), though SOD activity and MDA levels in skeletal muscle were enhanced on exposure to heat stress (P<0.05). The heat-stressed chicks that received the combined supplementary level of vitamin E and Se had the lowest concentration of MDA and the highest activity of SOD in the skeletal muscle (P<0.05). Dietary Se also caused a significant increase in enzyme activity of GPx in the skeletal muscle (P<0.05). These results indicate that the derangement of blood parameters and oxidative stability in broilers under heat stress are improved by supplemental vitamin E and Se.     

Serum superoxide dismutase 3 (extracellular superoxide dismutase) activity is a sensitive indicator of Cu status in rats

Sensitivity of the assay for Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3), the predominant form of SOD in serum, can be increased, and interferences caused by low-molecular-weight substances in the serum can be reduced by conducting the assay at pH 10 with xanthine/xanthine oxidase and acetylated cytochrome c (cyt c) as superoxide generator and detector, respectively. Serum SOD3 activity was assayed under these conditions in an experiment where weanling, male rats were fed diets for 6 weeks containing 3, 5 and 15 mg Zn/kg with dietary Cu set at 0.3, 1.5 and 5 mg Cu/kg at each level of dietary Zn. Serum SOD3 responded to changes in dietary Cu but not to changes in dietary Zn. A second experiment compared serum SOD3 activity to traditional indices of Cu status in weanling, male and female rats after they were fed diets containing, nominally, 0, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 6 mg Cu/kg for 6 weeks. Serum SOD3 activity was significantly lower (P < .05) in male rats fed diets containing 0 and 1 mg Cu/kg and female rats fed diet containing 0 mg Cu/kg compared with rats fed diet containing 6 mg Cu/kg. These changes were similar to changes in liver Cu concentrations, liver cyt c oxidase (CCO) activity and plasma ceruloplasmin in males and females. Serum SOD3 activity was also strongly, positively correlated with liver Cu concentrations over the entire range of dietary Cu concentrations (R(2) = .942 in males, R(2) = .884 in females, P < .0001). Plots of serum SOD3 activity, liver Cu concentration, liver CCO activity and ceruloplasmin as functions of kidney Cu concentration all had two linear segments that intersected at similar kidney Cu concentrations (18-22 microg/g dry kidney in males, 15-17 microg/g dry kidney in females). These findings indicate that serum SOD3 activity is a sensitive index of Cu status.     

The association of trace elements with arthritis in US adults: NHANES 2013–2016

BackgroundArthritis is a common chronic disease, and is a major cause of disability and chronic pain in adults. Considering inflammatory responses is closely related with trace elements (TEs), the role of TEs in arthritis has attracted much attention. This study aimed to assess the association between TEs and arthritis.MethodsConcentrations of TEs in whole blood [cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), selenium (Se), and manganese (Mn)] and serum [copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn)] were measured in adults who participated in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Logistic regression model and Bayesian kernel machine regression model were used to explore the association between TEs and arthritis.ResultsThe levels of five TEs (Pb, Hg, Cd, Se, and Cu) in the arthritis group changed significantly. Three TEs were found to be associated with an increased risk of arthritis: Pb [OR (95% CI): 2.96 (2.18, 4.03), p-value for trend (P-t) < 0.001], Cd [OR (95% CI): 2.28 (1.68, 3.11), P-t < 0.001], Cu [OR (95% CI): 2.05 (1.53, 2.76), P-t < 0.001]. The Relative Excess Risk of Interaction was 0.35 (95% CI: 0.06–0.65) and 0.38 (95% CI: 0.11–0.64), respectively, suggesting that Hg ions and Se ions have positive additional interactions with alcohol consumption, which reduced the risk of arthritis. Subgroup analysis showed that Pb ions and Cd ions were significantly correlated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.ConclusionElevated concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Cu were associated with increased risk of arthritis. Drinking with high levels of Hg or Se may be a protective factor for arthritis. Future studies are warranted to validate these findings in prospective studies.     

Antioxidant Status in Blood of Obese Children: The Relation between Trace Elements,Paraoxonase, and Arylesterase Values

Obesity is known to lead to complications involving several systems. The basic mechanism in obesity-related complications is chronic inflammation and increased oxidative stress. Trace element levels in obese children may vary due to poor nutritional habits. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between serum paraoxonase (PON1) and arylesterase (ARE) levels, markers of the oxidant–antioxidant balance in the body, and serum zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se) concentrations in obese children. Fifty-seven overweight patients aged 6–17 and 48 age- and sex-matched healthy children were included in the study. Serum PON1 and ARE activity levels were measured, together with Cu, Zn, Mn, Se, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, glucose, aspartate amino transferase, and alanine amino transferase levels. PON1 and ARE activity levels were significantly lower in obese patients compared to those in healthy individuals (P?<?0.05). Various changes were determined in Cu, Zn, Mn, and Se levels between the study and control groups (P?<?0.05). In terms of the relation between trace elements and PON1 and ARE levels, a significant positive correlation was determined between serum Se and PON1 levels in the study group (P?<?0.05, r?=?0.31). No significant correlation was determined between other trace element levels and PON1 and ARE levels (P?>?0.05). In conclusion, the detection in our study of a positive correlation between Se and PON1 levels in obese children may be significant in terms of showing a relation between Se and antioxidant systems in obese children.     

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.     

A study of inter- and intrasubject variability in seven-day weighed dietary intakes with particular emphasis on trace elements

In this study of inter- and intrasubject variance of trace element (TE) dietary intake data, 14 female university students recorded weighed, self-selected food intakes for seven consecutive days, starting on a randomly selected day of the week. Daily intakes of energy, dietary fiber, macronutrients, 7 vitamins, and Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Se were calculated using food composition tables and literature values. Analysis of variance showed a significant weekend effect for energy and TE intakes that was reduced when data were expressed on the basis of nutrient densities. No day of the working week or training effect was noted for energy or any nutrient. The ratios of the inter- to intrasubject coefficient of variation for all the nutrients were surprisingly constant. However, the overall coefficients of variation—Fe, 36.5%; Zn, 45.7%; Cu, 43.7%; Mn, 58.2%, and Se, 52.7%—were markedly lower than for vitamin A (109.0%), Vitamin D (117.1%), and linoleic acid (82.2%), but slightly higher than those for energy (27.2%) and carbohydrate (30.1%). The widespread distribution of TE in the diets results in comparable reliability for dietary studies of TE and macronutrients. The 95% confidence intervals for mean individual TE intakes ranged from 25% (Zn) to 40% (Se). These relatively large uncertainties make it essential that any assessment of the significance of correlations between dietary TE intakes and biochemical indices takes into account the intra-individual variation associated with both variables.     

Thyroid Functions and Trace Elements in Pediatric Patients with Exogenous Obesity

Obesity is a multifactorial disease developing following impairment of the energy balance. The endocrine system is known to be affected by the condition. Serum thyroid hormones and trace element levels have been shown to be affected in obese children. Changes in serum thyroid hormones may result from alterations occurring in serum trace element levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether or not changes in serum thyroid hormone levels in children with exogenous obesity are associated with changes in trace element levels. Eighty-five children diagnosed with exogenous obesity constituted the study group, and 24 age- and sex-matched healthy children made up the control group. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), free triiodothyronine (fT3), thyroglobulin (TG), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) levels in the study group were measured before and at the third and sixth months of treatment, and once only in the control group. Pretreatment fT4 levels in the study group rose significantly by the sixth month (p?=?0.006). Zn levels in the patient group were significantly low compared to the control group (p?=?0.009). Mn and Se levels in the obese children before and at the third and sixth months of treatment were significantly higher than those of the control group (p?=?0.001, p?=?0.001). In conclusion, fT4, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Se levels are significantly affected in children diagnosed with exogenous obesity. The change in serum fT4 levels is not associated with changes in trace element concentrations.     

Concentrations of copper, zinc, manganese, rubidium, and magnesium in thoracic empyemata and corresponding sera

In this study, a number of selected trace elements and clinically relevant parameters were compared between thoracic empyemata and the corresponding sera for a better understanding of the trace element distribution between these two compartments. Serum-empyema pairs were obtained from 13 patients and quantified for selected and essential trace elements, namely copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), rubidium (Rb), and magnesium (Mg), by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In addition, the concentrations of the following clinical laboratory parameters were analyzed by standard methods: total protein, leukocyte count, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose, pH, and the C-reactive protein. Individual concentrations of the elements determined in the empyemata were frequently higher than in pleural effusions of any other benign or malignant condition except for Cu. Serum Cu exceeded the normal range (600–1400 μg/kg) in 6 out of 13 patients (median 1410 μg/kg). In the empyemata, Zn concentrations (median 2000 μg/kg) were characteristically higher than in the sera (median 450 μg/kg) and exceeded the upper limit for serum (1200 μg/kg) in 8 of the 13 patients. Manganese concentrations in the empyemata (median 2.7 μg/kg) were also higher compared to corresponding sera, although they stayed within the limits considered normal for serum of healthy adults (upper limit 2.9 μg/kg). Rubidium was also moderately higher in most empyemata (median 290 μg/kg) and exceeded the upper limit for serum (560 μg/kg) in two patients. The median concentration of the essential element magnesium was higher in the empyemata (23 mg/kg) than in the sera (21 mg/kg). However, all serum Mg concentrations except three remained within the normal range (17–22 mg/kg). Removal of large amounts of empyematous fluid may deprive the body of trace elements and can cause suboptimal or deficient trace element status and homeostasis. Recuperation will be accelerated by compensatory supplementation of trace elements. Therefore, selective medication with adequate trace element compounds in patients with thoracic empyema can be generally recommended for zinc. The other elements need not necessarily be monitored or substituted, because of their stable concentrations in the serum. Rb may have a biological impact, but deficiency symptoms in man are not clearly defined. Deceased.     

Inorganic Vanadium Supplementation in Crossbred Calves: Effects on Antioxidant Status,Immune Response and Haemato-Biochemical Attributes

This study aims to investigate the contents of trace elements in the brain and serum of male chickens and the effect of selenium–chromium(VI) interaction. A chronic experimental model was established by supplementing 22.14 mg/kg K₂Cr₂O₇ with 0.00, 0.31, 0.63, 1.25, 2.50, and 5.00 mg/kg Na₂SeO₃ mg/kg B.W. to water for chicken daily. After 14, 28, and 42 days of exposure to the solution, the brain and serum of chickens from each group were collected to detect the levels of Ca, Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, and Mg by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). Cr(VI) time-dependently accumulated in the brain and serum. The contents of Cr increased both in the brain and serum with prolonged exposure. Cr contents in the brain and serum decreased in all Se groups compared with those in only Cr-treated groups. Ca contents decreased with prolonged exposure and increasing Se dosage. The contents of Cu and Mn increased on the 28th day but decreased on the 42nd day in the brain and serum. Fe and Zn contents decreased in the serum under prolonged exposure and increased on the 28th day but decreased on the 42nd day in the brain. Cr exposure did not significantly affect Mg contents in the brain but slightly decreased those in the serum. Therefore, appropriate doses of Se affected Cr accumulation, leading to adjustments in the contents and correlations of trace elements.     

Phytoextraction of soil trace elements by willow during a phytoremediation trial in Southern Québec,Canada

The phytoextraction of the trace elements (TEs) As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn by willow cultivars (Fish Creek, SV1 and SX67) was measured during a 3-year field trial in a mildly contaminated soil. Biomass ranged from 2.8 to 4.4 Mg/ha/year at 30,000 plants/ha. Shoots (62%) were the main component followed by leaves (23%) and roots (15%). Biomass was positively linked to soluble soil dissolved organic carbon, K, and Mg, while TEs, not Cd and Zn, had a negative effect. The TE concentration ranking was: Zn > Cu > Cd > Ni, Pb > As, and distribution patterns were: (i) minima in shoots (As, Ni), (ii) maxima in leaves (Cd, Zn), or (iii) maxima in roots (Cu, Pb). Correlations between soil and plant TE were significant for the six TEs in roots. The amounts extracted were at a maximum for Zn, whereas Fish Creek and SV1 extracted more TE than SX67. More than 60% (91–94% for Cd and Zn) of the total TE was in the aboveground parts. Uptake increased with time because of higher biomass. Fertilization, the selection of cultivars, and the use of complementary plants are required to improve productivity and Cd and Zn uptake.     

Influence of high inorganic selenium and manganese diets for fattening pigs on oxidative stability and pork quality parameters

Data are scarce regarding combined high Se and Mn supplementation in livestock diets, however, as Se and Mn are functionally related as cofactors of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Mn-superoxide dismutase (SOD), respectively, beneficial synergistic effects on oxidative stability of tissues may result. This experiment evaluated the effect of an oversupply of Se and Mn within European legal limits compared with recommendations on performance, oxidative stability of the organism and meat quality in a randomised complete block design. A total of 60 crossbred gilts were fed maize–barley–soya bean meal diets formulated in a 2×2 factorial approach with inorganic Se (0.2 v. 0.5 mg/kg Se dry matter (DM)) or inorganic Mn (20 v. 150 mg/kg Mn DM) from 31 to 116 kg BW. Se supplementation reduced feed intake, whereas high Mn diets impaired average daily gain (P<0.05). Qualitative carcass characteristics were impaired by Se and Mn predominantly in the semimembranosus muscle. Activity of GPx in liver was increased by high Se diets (P<0.05). Mn supplementation increased catalase (CAT) activity in liver, GPx in plasma and total antioxidative capacity (TAC) in muscle, whereas it decreased CAT activity in plasma (P<0.05). Cu/Zn-SOD in muscle showed higher activity in high-Se-low-Mn diets but lower activity when both high Se and Mn were combined (Se×Mn P<0.05). Mn supplementation increased Mn concentration in longissimus thoracis et lumborum, but simultaneously reduced Se concentration (P<0.05). Upon retail display, Mn increased lipid oxidation more pronouncedly (higher thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; P<0.05) than Se (P<0.10). Despite some positive effects (Mn increased TAC, Se increased GPx, Se and Mn increased tenderness), no synergistic effects of high Se and Mn diets or an overall beneficial impact on meat quality, especially during storage, could be observed. Including the negative effects on performance, feeding Se and Mn up to the maximum legal level cannot be recommended.     

The potential for improving physiological, behavioural and immunological responses in the neonatal lamb by trace element and vitamin supplementation of the ewe

Neonatal lamb mortality represents both a welfare issue (due to the considerable suffering and distress) and an important production inefficiency. In lambs, approximately 80% of mortality can be attributed to the starvation-mismothering-exposure complex and occurs in the first 3 days after birth. It was the object of this review to determine the micronutrient(s) most likely to have a positive effect on neonatal lamb survival when included above the requirement for that micronutrient. Micronutrients discussed were Co, Cu, I, Fe, Mn, Se, Zn, vitamins A and E and n-3 fatty acids. For Co, Fe, Mn and Zn, there was no evidence of positive responses to supplementation. Cu and I had toxicity thresholds that were sufficiently close to requirement that supplementing above requirement presented a risk of inducing toxicity. In the case of vitamin A, while serum concentrations indicated that sub-optimal status did exist, long-term buffering from liver stores (from grazing) makes experimentation difficult and practical benefits to supplementation unlikely. Therefore, the most likely candidates for supplementation were Se, vitamin E and fatty acids. Fatty acid supplementation with fish oils or docosahexaenoic acid-containing algal biomass consistently improved lamb vigour but it is unlikely that supplementation will be economic. Positive responses to Se supplementation throughout gestation were recorded. However, in many studies the Se status of control ewes was marginal and there is a need for more studies where control ewes are clearly adequate in Se. Positive responses to vitamin E supplementation above requirement in the last-third of gestation were observed but the optimum dietary inclusion of vitamin E and period of feeding during pregnancy still require clarification.