Volume 24, No. 1/2007(1st Quarter)
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 Trace Elements and Electrolytes
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Originals
Alteration of protein synthesis and cell death in mouse organs under long-lasting exposure to cadmium
L. Ivanoviene, L. Ivanov, V. Lesauskaite, I. Staneviciene and I. Sadauskiene
Abstract
L. Ivanoviene1, L. Ivanov1,2, V. Lesauskaite3, I. Staneviciene2 and I. Sadauskiene1,2
1Department of Biochemistry, Kaunas University of Medicine, 2Institute for Biomedical Research, 3Institute of Cardiology, Kaunas University of Medicine, Kaunas, Lithuania
Objective: The present study was conducted to investigate tissue damage under prolonged oral administration of mice with cadmium chloride (CdCl2) with emphasis being placed on cadmium(Cd)-induced cell death in mice liver. Material and Methods: Juvenile (4- to 6-week-old) outbred mice were used in the experiments. Mice of the experimental group (n = 24) received drinking water supplemented with CdCl2 (250 mg elemental Cd/l) as the only drinking fluid for 8 weeks. Mice of the control group (n = 22) had free access to drinking water. All mice were terminated after 8 weeks. Protein synthesis was evaluated by incorporation of [14C]-labelled leucine into newly synthesized peptides and proteins. Apoptosis of liver cells was histochemically detected by the TUNEL assay using in situ cell death detection kit, AP (Roche, Mannheim, Germany). Results: General toxic effect of Cd was assessed according to mice body weight gain and the relative weight index of organs. In respect to the control group, the body weight gain of experimental mice was 40 – 60% lower throughout the period of Cd-administration. Small but significant increment of the relative weight index of the kidney was also revealed in Cd-affected mice. In this group, intensities of protein synthesis in liver, kidney and the heart were significantly higher than in controls. In the sections of liver specimens from Cd-affected mice, the number of TUNEL+ cells containing fragmented nuclei was significantly higher than in control (p < 0.0001); median score was 1. Conclusion: Long-term oral administration by CdCl2 activates the synthesis of proteins and induces apoptotic cell death in the liver.Correspondence to:
Prof. L. Ivanoviene
Deptartment of Biochemistry
Kaunas University of Medicine
Eiveniu 4, 50009 Kaunas, Lithuania
Email: ivanoviene@med.kmu.lt
Originals
Clinical laboratory requirements for lithium assays and future of lithium assays
D. Gruson, K. Lallali, M. Conti, A. Legrand, A. Gruson and P.E. Wallemacq
Abstract
D. Gruson1, K. Lallali2, M. Conti2, A. Legrand2, A. Gruson3 and P.E. Wallemacq4
1Division of Clinical Biology, University Clinics St-Luc, Brussels, Belgium, 2Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Hospital of Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, 3Department of Clinical Biochemistry, C.H. Arras, Arras, France, and 4Division of Toxicology, Uni
Lithium stays a standard in first line treatment of bipolar disorder, a disease which includes depression accompanied by manic episodes. Considering the low therapeutic index of lithium and the risk of severe toxicity, lithium blood levels have to be monitored continuously during treatment. Serum and plasma are actually the main specimens used in laboratories for determination of lithium levels. Methods for Li determination are Flame Emission Photometry (FEP), Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) and colorimetry (CY). ISE and colorimetry methods are suitable to the ubiquitous clinical analyzers used in laboratories. In addition to serum and plasma, lithium levels determination in erythrocytes, its ratio with plasma levels and determination represent other interesting tools for evaluation of therapeutic response and toxicity. Accurate monitoring of lithium blood concentrations and complete evaluation of the method used for it required consideration of preanalytical factors such as specimens type and aspect, intra and inter-individual variations. Analytical factors such as specificity, selectivity, linearity and total imprecision have also to be considered. The same as laboratories and laboratory techniques, lithium monitoring is in evolution. Indeed it could be integrated in laboratory solutions for analytical consolidation and could be realized by point of care testing, non-invasive assays like iontophoresis or 7Li MR method.Correspondence to:
Damien Gruson
Division of Endocrine Biology
Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc
Avenue Hippocrate
1200 Bruxelles, Belgium
Email: gruson_Damien@yahoo.fr
Originals
Comparison of content of mineral elements in selected organs in carnivorous fur animals
E. Hanusová, D. Mertin, K. Süvegová and O. Szeleszczuk
Abstract
E. Hanusová1, D. Mertin1, K. Süvegová1 and O. Szeleszczuk2
1Slovak Agricultural Research Authority, Nitra, Slovak Republic and 2Agricultural University of Cracow, Poland
The objective of the experiment was to compare the concentration of some elements (Cu, Mn, Zn, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe) in chosen organs (liver, stomach, muscle, heart, lungs, kidneys, brain) in tree species of carnivorous fur animals (Polar foxes, Silver foxes, Raccoon dog). Elements were determined by the method of atomic absorption spectral photometry. Concentration of elements was assessed in milligram per kilogram dry matter (mg.kg–1). Obtained results were processed mathematically and statistically (SAS/STAT 1999 – 2001). We compare concentration of each element between sexes within species. The most number of significant differences in all chosen organs were in Cu concentration. The lowest were in Mn and Fe concentration. The concentration of certain elements is higher in female or male in the definite organ and certain species in comparison with other species of the same family (e.g. liver, Cu concentration in female polar foxes was significant higher 23.77 mg.kg–1 than in the male ones 15.17 mg.kg–1 of the same species. On the other hand, liver, Cu silver foxes is higher in male 37.73 mg.kg–1 than in female ones 16.17 mg.kg–1. In raccoon dog more Cu is found in male liver 25.50 mg.kg–1 than in female one 25.05 mg.kg–1. The difference is not significant. The significant differences in concentration of certain elements in all three species only were in Cu concentration in muscle, when higher concentration was in female of foxes species (polar fox female –9.73 mg.kg–1, polar fox male – 7.90 mg.kg–1, silver fox female –8.97 mg.kg–1, silver fox male – 7.63 mg.kg–1) and opposite situation was in raccoon dog – higher Cu concentration was in male (7.64 mg.kg–1) than in female one (7.44 mg.kg–1).Correspondence to:
D. Mertin, PhD
Research Institute of Animal Production
Hlohovska 2
949 92 Nitra, Slovak Republic
Email: mertin@vuzv.sk
Originals
Comparison of hydride generation atomic absorption and electrothermal atomic absorption techniques for determination of lead in blood
F.N. Dincer Kaya, O. Atakol and S.L. Dincer
Abstract
F.N. Dincer Kaya1, O. Atakol2 and S.L. Dincer3
1Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mersin University, Mersin, 2Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ankara University, and 3Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, Ankara Numune Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
In this study, hydride generation atomic absorption and Zeeman background corrected electrothermal atomic absorption techniques was compared for determination of lead in blood. Blood samples were digested by microwave acid digestion and then Pb(IV) formation was realized by using (NH4)2Cr2O7 in 0.72 mol/l HNO3. To increase the stability of Pb(IV) different chelating agents were added. Malic acid was a more suitable chelating agent than lactic, tartaric and salicylic acids. After PbH4 was formed, NaBH4 was swept with argon into the heated quartz tube for atomization. (NH4)2Cr2O7 + HNO3 + malic acid medium was chosen as the most suitable medium. After these conditions were fulfilled, Pb levels of the samples were measured first by hydride generation atomic absorption and then by Zeeman background corrected electrothermal atomic absorption techniques. Statistical factors of the Pb levels from 78 persons were evaluated and consequently it was decided that HGAAS could well be an alternative to the ETAAS method which is known as the most reliable.Correspondence to:
Dr. F.N. Dincer Kaya, PhD
Assist. Prof.Mersin University
Faculty of Pharmacy
Department of Analytical Chemistry
Yenisehir Kampusu 33169, Mersin, Turkey
Email: fdincer@mersin.edu.tr
Originals
The disturbances of magnesium metabolism in patients with anti-social disturbance occurring in the process of rehabilitation after extensive surgical interventions
Z. Kopanski, W. Osikowska, M. Schlegel-Zawadzka, J. Zyznawska and R. Pieta
Abstract
Z. Kopanski1, W. Osikowska2, M. Schlegel-Zawadzka3, J. Zyznawska4 and R. Pieta1
1Department of Oncological Surgery, Military Clinical Hospital, Kraków 2Faculty of Management and Social Communication, Jagiellonian University 3Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Health Care, Jagiellonian University 4Institute of Physiotherapy, F
The study group included 85 patients (50 men and 35 women) aged 32 – 75 years, in whom the presence of antisocial disturbance in the course of rehabilitation, conducted after radical oncological operations, was confirmed. In all these patients, the determinations were carried out of the magnesium concentration in serum and in erythrocytes with flame atomic absorption spectrometric method. It was confirmed in the results of the studies which conducted the antisocial disturbances development in persons with statistically lower magnesium concentrations in serum and in erythrocytes in comparison with the reference values. It was shown that a statistically really high risk of the developing antisocial trains occurs with a drop of the Mg level in serum below 11.11 mg/l, and in the erythrocytes below 25.15 mg/l. It was also confirmed that the generation of antisocial disturbances of the personality is more strongly correlated with intracellular (Spearman’s index of rank correlation = –0,6) magnesium deficiencies than with extracellular (Spearmans index of rank correlation = –0.31).Correspondence to:
Prof. Dr. Z. Kopanski, MD
Military Clinical Hospital
1-3 Wroclawska Str.
30-901 Kraków, Poland
Email: mfzawadz@kinga.cyf-kr.edu.pl
Originals
Iron bioavailability in 4- to 6-year-old children of rural region in China
X. Cui, J. Sun, X.Y. Ling, C.F. Zhao, Z.J. Liu and G.F. Xu
Abstract
X. Cui1, J. Sun1, X.Y. Ling2, C.F. Zhao2, Z.J. Liu1 and G.F. Xu2
1Institute of Chemistry and Bacteria Detection, 2Institute of Food and Nutrition, College of Public Health, West Campus of Shandong University, Jinan, PR China
Objective: The objective was to predict the bioavailability of iron in children aged 4- to 6- years from Chinese traditional diets consumed commonly in Shandong rural region on the basis of the contents of nutritional factors known to promote or inhibit food iron absorption. Materials and methods: Iron absorption measurement from Chinese traditional diets was made in 10 subjects by using iron-stable isotope 57Fe, as tracer to label FeSO4. 57Fe and Dy were added to a biscuit, and administered orally 3 times a day for 2 days. The diet and feces samples were collected for 10 consecutive days after the intake of 57Fe. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) and thermal ionization mass spectrometers (TIMS) were used for the determination of iron, calcium and stable iron isotope. The daily intake of ascorbic acid, fat, phytic acid and fiber was determined by biochemical analysis. Results: The absorption of iron was 6.06 ± 2.24%, much lower than the 10% reported in the West, which was adopted by Chinese authority to revise Chinese Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDAs) in 1988. The daily intake of iron was 10.29 mg, which was 85.8% of Chinese “Reference Nutrient Intakes (RNIs)” in 1998. The intakes of protein and ascorbic acid were only 56.70 and 19.00% of RNIs, respectively. Conclusion: Under the actual dietary pattern of Shandong rural region, the iron uptake of children is low, due to poor iron absorption and the insufficient daily iron intake.Correspondence to:
Prof. X. Cui
Institute of Chemistry and Bacteria Detection
College of Public Health
West Campus of Shandong University
Jinan 250012, PR China
Email: cuixi@sdu.edu.cn
Originals
Copper chaperoning in prion diseases
A.V. Kudrin
Abstract
A.V. Kudrin
Rheumatology Department, Addenbrookes Hospital, Hills Road, UK
Copper provides a challenge to biological systems. It is essential and plays an immensely important role in balance or redox events in variety of cellular compartments and broad range of normal and disease activities. Therefore cells regulate the traffic of copper, maintaining the amount necessary for biological function while avoiding excess levels that are toxic. The review highlights various aspects of copper interactions with human proteome and its role in prion diseases.Correspondence to:
Dr. A.V. Kudrin
Rheumatology Department
Addenbrookes Hospital
Hills Road, CB2 2QQ, UK
Email: alex.kudrin@addenbrookes.nhs.uk
Originals
Urine zinc level in the affected kidney and the unaffected kidney in patients with unilateral stone disease
F. Abul, T.C. Mathew, N. Arun, H. Abul and H.M. Dashti
Abstract
F. Abul1, T.C. Mathew3, N. Arun2, H. Abul4 and H.M. Dashti1
1Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, 2Department of Surgery, Urology Unit, Al-Amiri Hospital, 3Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, and 4Departments of Surgery and Pharmacology, Kuwait University, Kuwait
Renal stone formation is a complex event that involves genetic, environmental and dietary factors. Factors that govern stone formation and its subsequent growth are not well understood. As kidney plays a major role in trace element homeostasis, their handling in the renal tubules is crucial. Trace element alteration may induce or enhance renal stone formation. In this study, using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, the renal handling of zinc in patients with unilateral stone disease is studied by analyzing the level of zinc in urine collected from the affected kidney as compared to the unaffected kidney. An increased urinary zinc excretion observed in the affected kidney in comparison to the unaffected kidney (p = 0.0136) which could be an indication decreased renal reabsorption of zinc. The consequent decrease in the level of zinc may be contributing to the enhanced renal pathology and stone formation in the affected kidney. Therefore, therapeutic use of zinc may have beneficial effects in kidney stone disease.Correspondence to:
Dr. F. Abul
Department of Surgery
Faculty of Medicine
Kuwait University
P.O. Box 24923
13110 Safat, Kuwait
Email: fawziabul@hotmail.com
Originals
Alteration in the level of trace elements in a-interferon and vitamin E mediated reversal of liver cirrhosis
T.C. Mathew, H. Dashti, S. Abdeen, S.S. Jacob and A. Al-Bader
Abstract
T.C. Mathew1, H. Dashti2,3, S. Abdeen4, S.S. Jacob2 and A. Al-Bader4
1Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, 2Departments of Anatomy, 3Surgery, 4Pathology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health Science Center, Kuwait University, Kuwait
Introduction: Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that a-interferon and vitamin E are quite effective in the reversal process of fibrosis and cirrhosis in experimental animals. However, the biochemical mechanisms of a-interferon and vitamin E actions in the cirrhotic liver are not well-understood. This study, therefore, concentrated on the role of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), selenium (Se) and manganese (Mn) in a-interferon and vitamin E-mediated reversal of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. Materials and methods: 50 male Wistar rats were used in this study. Animals were divided into 5 groups, consisting of 10 animals per group. Group I animals were used as control. The remaining animals were provided with 0.5 g/l of thioacetamide (Sigma) in water in order to induce liver cirrhosis. The cirrhotic animals were divided into 4 groups (Groups II – V). Animals in group II were used as cirrhotic control. Group III animals received 100,000 units of a-interferon/day/rat subcutaneously in 0.5 ml distilled water and Group IV animals were injected with 100 mg of vitamin E, intraperitoneally. Group V animals received both ainterferon and vitamin E as mentioned above. After 30 days, the animals were sacrificed under anesthesia and the hepatic tissues were used for histological and trace element analysis, and the serum was used for trace element analysis and liver function tests. Results: Histological analysis and liver function tests showed the effectiveness of a-interferon and vitamin E in reversing fibrosis. There was a significant alteration in the level of serum Zn, Cu and Mn and hepatic level of Cu and Mn following a-interferon, vitamin E or a-interferon plus vitamin E treatment. Serum level of Se showed a significant increase in the a-interferon-treated group. Similarly, hepatic Se showed significant increase in the a-interferon plus vitamin E-treated group. Treatment with both a-interferon and vitamin E, however, did not have any cumulative effect on the reversal of fibrosis and cirrhosis in these animals. Conclusion: These findings suggest that trace elements such as Cu, Zn, Se and Mn may be involved in a-interferon and vitamin E-mediated reversal of liver cirrhosis.
Correspondence to:
Prof. A. Al-Bader
Department of Pathology
Faculty of Medicine
PO Box 24923
13110, Safat, Kuwait
Email: tcmkw@hotmail.com
Originals
Transfer of sodium from soil and forage to sheep and goats grazing in a semi-arid region of Pakistan: Influence of the seasons
Z.I. Khan, M. Ashraf, I. Javed and S. Ermidou-Pollet
Abstract
Z.I. Khan1, M. Ashraf1, I. Javed2 and S. Ermidou-Pollet3
1Department of Botany, 2Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, 3Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Athens, Greece
This study has been conducted in 2 farms – 1 for sheep, 1 for goats – of the “Livestock Experimental Station” located in the Southwestern Punjab. The purpose of this research was to investigate, as a function of the seasons, the transfer of Na+ from soil and forages to goats and sheep grazing in this semiarid region, in order to evaluate if the Na+ requirement of the grazing livestock is met or if Na+ deficiency occurs. The final goal is to maximize the production of animal by adopting, if necessary, an adequate and balanced Na+ supplementation. Soil and forage samples as well as blood plasma from lactating/non-lactating and male grazing animals were taken fortnightly, 4 times during summer and 4 times during winter. Na+ concentrations of the samples were determined by flame photometer. During both seasons, Na+ concentrations of soils and forages from the sheep farm are higher than those from the goat farm and are above the required level. In the goat farm, soil Na+ level, both in summer and winter, and forage Na+ level in summer are below the required level. Plasma Na+ concentrations in sheep and goats are higher in winter than in summer. Male animals have higher plasma Na+ than non-lactating, and non-lactating than lactating animals during both seasons. In all animals, independently of the seasons, plasma Na+ concentration is lower than the required range. Relationships between the soils, forage and plasma Na+ levels and the seasons are discussed. From these results it is concluded that goats and sheep grazing in this specific region need Na+ supplementation.Correspondence to:
Z.I. Khan
Department of Botany
University of Agriculture
Faisalabad, 38040, Pakistan
Email: drzafar10@hotmail.com
Originals
Evaluation of manganese status of grazing sheep in a semi-arid region of Pakistan
Z.I. Khan, M. Ashraf and A. Hussain
Abstract
Z.I. Khan, M. Ashraf and A. Hussain
Department of Botany, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
The study was conducted to evaluate and compare the manganese status of different classes of grazing sheep in South Western Punjab-Pakistan during the year 2004. Soil, forage and animal samples (blood plasma) were collected in two different seasons. Soil Mn affected by both seasons and sampling periods, and forage only by sampling periods. Plasma Mn in lactating sheep affected both by the seasons and sampling periods, in non-lactating and male sheep by seasonal changes only. There was a significant seasonal variation in soil manganese levels, but these were adequate for normal growth of plants during both seasons and were higher in summer than those in winter. Forage Mn levels were above the critical level and sufficient for the requirements of ruminants. The Mn levels in the dietary source were higher in winter than those in summer. Plasma Mn levels in the lactating and non-lactating sheep were higher than those of male animals in summer. Low Mn levels found in the lactating sheep may have been due to secretion in milk and feces. Plasma Mn level was not much higher than the normal range. It may have been due to the effects of various factors involved in its consumption and utilization in complex system of animals.Correspondence to:
Z.I. Khan
Department of Botany
University of Agriculture
Faisalabad (38040), Pakistan
Email: drzafar10@hotmail.com
Originals
Modulation of liver antioxidant ability under chronic fascioliasis and (ZnxCu1-x)2(OH)3Cl supplementation
M. Gabrashanska, Y. Manga Gonzalez, Y. Misinska, S. Ermidou-Pollet and S. Pollet
Abstract
M. Gabrashanska1, Y. Manga Gonzalez2, Y. Misinska1, S. Ermidou-Pollet3 and S. Pollet3
1Institute of Experimental Pathology and Parasitology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria, 2Estacion Agricola Experimental, CSIC, Leon, Spain, and 3Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
Aim: This aim of this study was to assess the antioxidant status (vitamin C, E, A, zinc, copper, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and malondialdehyde) of rat liver in chronic stage of fasciolosis after treatment with Zn-Cu mixed basic salt. Methods: White Wistar rats were infected per os with 25 metacercariae of fasciola hepatica. Application of (ZnxCu1-x)2(OH)3Cl salt started 6 weeks after the infection and was performed during 10 consecutive days. Results: During the chronic stage of fasciolosis in the liver, a decrease of concentrations of vitamins C, E, A and of the trace elements Zn and Cu were observed together with a reduction of the Cu,Zn-superoxid dismutase (SOD) activity and an increase of catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Malondialdehyde concentration was elevated. Application of (ZnxCu1-x)2(OH)3Cl salt increased the concentrations mainly of vitamin E, but also of vitamin C and of the trace element Zn. On the other hand, only the activity of SOD was enhanced after salt treatment. Conclusions: It seems that antioxidant imbalance was developed in the fasciola hepatica infected liver rats during the chronic fasciolosis and that Zn-Cu salt improved the antioxidant defense abilities.Correspondence to:
Prof. S. Ermidou-Pollet
Attalou 26
19005 Neo-Voutza, Nea-Makri, Greece
Email: sermid@med.uoa.gr
