Evaluation of urinary metal concentrations and sperm DNA damage in infertile men from an infertility clinic

This study aimed to examine associations between urinary metal concentrations and sperm DNA damage. Thirteen metals [arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn)] were detected in urine samples of 207 infertile men from an infertility clinic using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and also, sperm DNA damage (tail length, percent DNA tail, and tail distributed moment) were assessed using neutral comet assay. We found that urinary Hg and Ni were associated with increasing trends for tail length (both p for trend < 0.05), and that urinary Mn was associated with increasing trend for tail distributed moment (p for trend = 0.02). These associations did persist even when considering multiple metals. Our results suggest that environmental exposure to Hg, Mn, and Ni may be associated with increased sperm DNA damage.     

Essential trace and toxic element concentrations in organic and conventional milk in NW Spain

Dietary composition and husbandry practices largely determine essential trace element status and toxic element exposure of livestock, and consequently their concentrations in animal products. This study evaluates the main essential trace (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, I, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se and Zn) and toxic (As, Cd, Hg and Pb) element concentrations in milk from organic and conventional farms in NW Spain (n = 50). Milk samples were acid digested and analyzed by ICP-MS. Essential trace element concentrations in organic milk were significantly lower compared to conventional milk, this was especially evident for elements that are routinely supplemented at high concentrations in the conventional concentrate feed: Cu (41.0 and 68.9 μg/L in organic and conventional milk, respectively), Zn (3326 and 3933 μg/L), I (78 and 265 μg/L) and Se (9.4 and 19.2 μg/L). Toxic metal concentrations in milk were in general very low and no statistically significant differences were observed between organic and conventional milk. In addition, the mineral content of organic milk showed a seasonal pattern, the significantly higher As (65%) and Fe (13%) concentrations found in the winter sampling possibly being related to a higher consumption of concentration feed and soil ingestion when grazing.     

Heavy metals in agricultural soils and crops and their health risks in Swat District,northern Pakistan

This study assessed the concentrations of heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) in agricultural soils and crops (fruits, grains and vegetable) and their possible human health risk in Swat District, northern Pakistan. Cd concentration was found higher than the limit (0.05 mg/kg) set by world health organization in 95% fruit and 100% vegetable samples. Moreover, the concentrations of Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn in the soils were shown significant correlations with those in the crops. The metal transfer factor (MTF) was found highest for Cd followed by Cr > Ni > Zn > Cu > Mn, while the health risk assessment revealed that there was no health risk for most of the heavy metals except Cd, which showed a high level of health risk index (HRI ⩾ 10E-1) that would pose a potential health risk to the consumers.     

In vitro absorption of metal powders through intact and damaged human skin

The bioavailability of metals, which are known as important contact allergens, is decisive for the development and the maintenance of contact dermatitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the percutaneous penetration of metal powders of cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) and the effect of skin lesions on skin absorption. In vitro permeation experiments were performed using the Franz diffusion cells with intact and damaged human skin. Physiological solution was used as receiving phase and metal powders (Co, Ni and Cr) dispersed in synthetic sweat at pH 4.5 were applied as donor phase to the outer surface of the skin for 24 h. The amount of each metal permeating the skin was analysed by electro-thermal atomic absorption spectroscopy (ETAAS). Donor solution analysis demonstrated that metals were present as ions. Measurements of metals skin content were also exploited. Median Co and Ni concentrations found in the receiving phase were significantly higher when Co and Ni powders were applied on the abraded skin than after application on the intact skin (3566 and 2631 ngcm^?2 vs. 8.4 and 31 ngcm^?2, respectively). No significant difference was found in Cr permeation through intact and damaged skin. The measurement of metals skin content showed that Co, Ni and Cr concentrations were significantly higher in the damaged skin than in the intact skin. Co and Ni ions concentrations increased significantly when the donor solutions were applied on the damaged skin, while Cr ions concentrations did not increase. This study demonstrated that Co and Ni powders can permeate through damaged skin more easily than Cr powder, which has probably a stronger skin proteins binding capacity. Therefore, our results suggest that is necessary to prevent skin contamination when using toxic substances because a small injury to the skin barrier can significantly increase skin absorption.     

Evaluation of trace element and mineral status and related to levels of amino acid in children with phenylketonuria

The aim of the present study was to examine trace elements (Zn, Cu, Mn, Se, Fe, Co, Cr, Ni, Cd, Pb), minerals (Ca, Mg, K), amino acids status in children with phenylketonuria and also whether they were correlated with each other in phenylketonuric patients.It has been found out that the HPA group was significantly lower than the control group with regards to Zn, Se, K, Ca, Mg and Zn/Cr levels (p < 0.001, p < 0.01, p < 0.001, p < 0.01, p < 0.01 and p < 0.001 respectively). In the patients with HPA, significantly strong positive correlations were observed between magnesium and calcium (r = 0.791; p = 0.001), also, indicates negative significant correlation between the concentrations of magnesium and phenylalanine (r = −0.591; p = 0.026).The results of this study showed that, in the HPA group, phenylalanine-Mg relationship found, the presence of disease will in the evaluation of phenylalanine and other amino acids, together with the value of magnesium is required to consider.     

Evaluation of heavy metals in cosmetic products and their health risk assessment

Heavy metals’ contamination in cosmetic products is a serious threat. Present study was conducted to evaluate the concentrations of heavy metals (HMs) in various brands of cosmetic products with special emphasis on their health risk assessment. Five heavy metals including Cd, Cr, Fe, Ni and Pb were quantified in different brands of lotions, foundations, whitening creams, lipsticks, hair dyes and sunblock creams using atomic absorption spectrometry. Risk to the consumer’s health was determined using systemic exposure dosage (SED), margin of safety (MoS), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI) and lifetime cancer risk (LCR).On comparative basis, different brands of sunblock creams depicted highest concentration of Ni, Pb and Cr (7.99 ± 0.36, 6.37 ± 0.05 and 0.43 ± 0.01 mg/kg, respectively), whereas lipsticks had elevated levels of Fe at 12.0 ± 1.8 mg/kg, and Cd was maximum in lotions (0.26 ± 0.02 mg/kg). Multivariate analysis revealed strong associations among Cr, Ni and Pb, while Cd and Fe showed disparity in distribution and sources of contamination. MoS, HQ and HI values were within the permissible limit apart from for lotions and sunblock creams, while LCR value was higher than the permissible limit in all cosmetic products except lipsticks. Regular use of these products can cause serious threat to human health, particularly skin cancer on long time exposure. Therefore, continuous monitoring of cosmetic products, particularly with reference to HMs adulteration should be adopted to ensure the human safety and security.     

Heavy metal burdens of public primary school children related to playground soils and classroom dusts in Ibadan North-West local government area,Nigeria

Information about heavy metal burden of children in Nigeria related to playground soils and classroom dusts is lacking. Playground soil, classroom dust, blood and spot urine samples (n = 253) were collected from 6 urban and 2 semi-rural public schools in Ibadan North-West, Nigeria. Samples were analysed for Pb, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn. Mean blood Pb levels in urban area (male, 41.66 ± 8.78 μg/dl vs. female, 40.64 ± 5.46 μg/dl) were twice as high as those in semi-rural area (male, 19.71 ± 3.73 μg/dl vs. female, 20.65 ± 2.26 μg/dl). Concentrations of Pb, Cu, Zn, and Fe in soil and dust samples in the urban schools were between 2- to 4-fold greater than that of semi-rural schools. No correlation was observed between blood and dust metals. A positive correlation (r = 0.168, p = 0.008) was observed between blood Pb and playground soil Pb. Pb burden in the children might be from their schools’ playgrounds and other yet unidentified sources.     

Cumulative rate and distribution of Cd and Pb in the organs of adult male Wistar rats during oral exposure

The degree of accumulation of Cd and Pb in the brains, spleens, lungs, hearts, livers and kidneys of adult Wistar rats was compared both for separate (Cd or Pb) and combined (Cd + Pb) oral exposure. In addition, the metals were administered either with liquids or with solid feed. Rats were exposed to low doses of metals (7 mg Cd and 50 mg Pb/kg feed or L of distilled water) over 6 or 12 weeks. In total the organs of rats accumulated about 0.3–0.5% Cd and 0.4–0.6% Pb supplied with food or drink. The presented studies demonstrated that the distribution of Cd and Pb in the organs is affected by: the type of exposure (separate or combined), the source of metals (feed or drinks) and the duration of exposure. It was found that simultaneous exposure to low doses of Cd and Pb supplied with food is much more hazardous than exposure to such metals supplied with water.     

Toxic trace metals and human oocytes during in vitro fertilization (IVF)

Trace exposures to the toxic metals mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) may threaten human reproductive health. The aim of this study is to generate biologically-plausible hypotheses concerning associations between Hg, Cd, and Pb and in vitro fertilization (IVF) endpoints. For 15 female IVF patients, a multivariable log-binomial model suggests a 75% reduction in the probability for a retrieved oocyte to be in metaphase-II arrest for each μg/dL increase in blood Pb concentration (relative risk (RR) = 0.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03–2.50, P = 0.240). For 15 male IVF partners, each μg/L increase in urine Cd concentration is associated with an 81% decrease in the probability for oocyte fertilization (RR = 0.19, 95% CI 0.03–1.35, P = 0.097). Because of the magnitude of the effects, these results warrant a comprehensive study with sufficient statistical power to further evaluate these hypotheses.     

Study of the migration phenomena of specific metals in canned tomato paste before and after opening. Validation of a new quality indicator for opened cans

A method for the simultaneous determination of Cd–Pb, As–Cu, Cr–Ni and Fe–Mn in canned tomato paste samples by Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry was developed and validated. The validation procedure was conducted according to the terms of the European regulation for the official control of contaminants in foods. The validated method was applied for the determination of these metals and metalloids in 13 different tomato paste samples and the results showed that Cd content was higher than the maximum permissible value of 0.050 mg kg⁻¹ as proposed in European Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 concerning fresh fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, a new quality indicator was evaluated in order to provide information about tomato paste quality and the appropriate storage time of an opened canned tomato paste. Finally, a migration test was accomplished based on the calculation of mass balance and the comparison of the elemental content in canned tomato paste samples and in aseptic paper pack and it was proved that Fe and Pb were the main metals migrating in tomato paste samples.     

Levels of nickel and other potentially allergenic metals in Ni-tested commercial body creams

It is extensively well-known that Ni and other metals occurring as impurities in cosmetic products might give rise to contact dermatitis in subjects with pre-existing allergy. The present study on the content of 13 metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ir, Mn, Ni, Pb, Pd, Pt, Rh, and V) in moisturizing creams, labelled as “Ni-tested” (i.e., Ni content <100 ng g⁻¹) and available on the Italian market, provides a basis for assessing their safety for consumers. Quantification of metals was performed by sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after microwave-assisted acid digestion of products. The developed method had limits of quantification less than 0.8 ng g⁻¹ for all the elements; recovery was in the interval 88% (Cd, Co) to 110% (Hg), and precision was always under 7%. Nickel was present in all the products with levels between 17.5 and 153 ng g⁻¹; three skin creams were slightly above the concentration reported on the label. The other elements were at levels below 1 μg g⁻¹. The highest concentrations, in ng g⁻¹, of Co, Cr, Cu, and Mn were 222, 303, 51.2, and 59.9, respectively. Mean Cd, Pb, and V were below 5 ng g⁻¹, while Hg was absent in all the samples. Among the new emergent allergens, Ir and Rh were in traces or even undetectable, while Pt had levels of 2.65 and 6.28 ng g⁻¹ in two creams and Pd was equal to 1.07 ng g⁻¹ in one product. The overall results are below the sensitizing limit proposed for consumer products and, thus, probably have no significant toxicological effects. Nevertheless, some creams presented amounts of Co and Cr comparable to those of Ni and therefore they have to be monitored in consideration of their cross-reactivity as well.     

Simultaneous assessment of zinc,cadmium, lead and copper in poultry feeds by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry

In the present work four metals (Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu) were determined simultaneously in 28 commercial broiler poultry feeds by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) using hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). The digestion of poultry feeds was carried out with concentrated nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide (2:1) with the help of microwave heating. Acetate buffer of pH 5 was used as a supporting electrolyte. The limit of detection for Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu was 0.69, 0.35, 0.68 and 0.24 μg/kg, respectively. The amount of Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu in the analyzed poultry feeds was ranged between 54.3–482.2, 3.8–33.6, 23.2–32.6 and 12.3–65.8 mg/kg, respectively. In most of analyzed poultry feed samples, the amount of Cd and Pb was found to be greater than the maximum tolerable level (MTL) which could be harmful for the poultry.     

Evaluated the adverse effects of cadmium and aluminum via drinking water to kidney disease patients: Application of a novel solid phase microextraction method

In present study aluminum (Al) and cadmium (Cd) were determined in ground water samples and assesses human health risks associated with elevated concentrations of toxic metals in dissolved form, using a novel solid phase microextraction (SPμE). Ground water sample (n = 200) and biological sample (blood) of patients having chronic kidney disorders (CKD) along with healthy control subjects of same area (southern part of Pakistan) were collected. A simple system, including the micropipette tip packed with modified ionic liquid-activated carbon cloth (IL-ACC) coated with 8-hydroxyqunilone (8-HQ) attached to syringe. The analytes in water and acid digested blood samples were manually drawn for 2–10 cycles (drawing/discharging) at different pH range. The analytes sorbed on coated ACC were then desorbed with 2.0 mol L⁻¹ HNO₃ in ethanol by drawing/discharging cycles for 1–5 times. The concentration of extracted analytes was determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer. The influence of different variables on the extraction efficiency of Cd and Al, were optimized. The Al and Cd concentrations in groundwater were found to be elevated than recommended limits by the World Health Organization. The urinary N-acetyl-h-glucosaminidase values were significantly higher in CKD patients as compared to refrent subjects (p < 0.001). The significant variation in levels of Cd and Al were observed in blood samples of CKD patients than referents subjects (p < 0.01). The strong positive correlation among Al and Cd levels in groundwater versus blood samples of CKD patients (r = 0.82–0.85) p < 0.01) was observed than those values calculated for referent subjects (r = 0.425–0.536).     

Prenatal exposure to lead in relation to risk of preterm low birth weight: A matched case–control study in China

We investigated the association between prenatal exposure to lead (Pb) and the risk of preterm low birth weight (PLBW). Pb concentrations in maternal urine collected at birth from 408 subjects (102 cases and 306 matched controls) were analyzed and adjusted by creatinine. The median Pb concentration in the PLBW cases (10.60 μg Pb/g creatinine) was higher than that of the controls (7.28 μg Pb/g creatinine). An adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.96 (95% CI = 1.49–5.87) for PLBW was observed when the highest tertile was compared to the lowest tertile of Pb levels. The association was more pronounced among female infants (adjusted OR = 3.67 for the highest tertile; 95% CI = 1.35–9.93) than male infants (adjusted OR = 1.91 for the highest tertile; 95% CI = 0.74–4.95). Our study suggests that prenatal exposure to levels of Pb encountered today in China is associated with an elevated risk of PLBW.     

Dyslipdemia induced by chronic low dose co-exposure to lead,cadmium and manganese in rats: the role of oxidative stress

Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and manganese (Mn) have many potential adverse health effects in vitro and in animal models of clinical toxicity. The current study investigated the dyslipidaemic and oxidative stress effects of chronic low-dose oral exposure to Pb, Cd and Mn and the combination (Pb + Cd + Mn) in rats for 15 weeks. Chronic exposure to the metals did not significantly (P > 0.05) alter serum lipid profiles. However, the atherogenic index decreased by 32.2% in the Pb + Cd + Mn group, relative to the control. The triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio decreased by 39.4% in the Pb + Cd + Mn group, relative to the control, and elevated by 81.8, 94.8 and 20.8%, relative to the Pb, Cd and Mn groups, respectively. While the serum concentrations of malondialdehyde significantly increased in the Mn and Pb + Cd + Mn groups, that of glutathione peroxidase-1 decreased in the Pb + Cd + Mn group, and metallothionein-1 and zinc concentrations markedly decreased in all the metal treatment groups.The results suggest that long-term exposure of rats to Pb + Cd + Mn may result in hypolipidaemia, mediated via oxidative stress and metal interactions. Individuals who are constantly exposed to environmentally relevant levels of the metals may be at risk of hypolipidaemia.     

Toxic effects and depuration after the dietary lead(II) exposure on the bioaccumulation and hematological parameters in starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus)

Platichthys stellatus (mean length 20 ± 2 cm, mean weight 160.15 ± 15 g) were exposed to the different levels of dietary lead(II) at the concentrations of 0, 30, 60, 120, 240 mg/kg for 4 weeks. Depuration was conducted for 2 weeks after exposure. The lead exposure over 60 mg Pb/kg induced the significant bioaccumulation in tissues of P. stellatus (5–30 μg/g tissue), except for brain and muscle where the exposure to 240 mg Pb/kg caused the bioaccumulation (2–4 μg/g tissue). The hematological parameters such as red blood cell (RBC) counts, hematocrit (Ht) value and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration were substantially decreased over 60 mg Pb/kg, and lasted even after the depuration period. For plasma components, calcium and magnesium levels in plasma were generally decreased over 60 mg Pb/kg, and glucose level was also mainly increased over 60 mg Pb/kg. Total protein was significantly decreased over 120 mg Pb/kg after 4 weeks exposure. Glucose and total protein showed the restoration after the depuration period in groups of fish exposed previously to over 60 and 120 mg Pb/kg, respectively. However, other parameters that changed during the exposure over 60 mg Pb/kg did not recovered. For enzymatic components in plasma, glutamic oxalate transminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvate transminase (GPT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly increased over 120 mg Pb/kg, and there was only restoration observed after the depuration for ALP over 120 mg Pb/kg.     

Regulation of metallothioneins and ZnT-1 transporter expression in human hepatoma cells HepG2 exposed to zinc and cadmium

Essential and non-essential metals can affect vital cellular processes, when over-accumulated within the cells. For this reason, cells have evolved multiple protein sensors, transporters, and other type of proteins to regulate and control free metal homeostasis. Among these, metallothioneins (MT) and ZnT-1 transporter play a key role in the regulation of free Zn concentrations.Herewith, MT expression in Zn (170 μM) and Cd (0.1 and 10 μM) exposed HepG2 cells is analyzed and compared. In addition, the modulation and localization of the membrane transporter ZnT-1 has been investigated. MT-I and MT-II were up-regulated in response to both Zn and Cd exposure and, as expected, Cd represented the most potent inducer. Namely, 0.1 μM Cd was able to up-regulate MT-I, and -II in a way comparable to 170 μM Zn. This is in agreement with MT general function of metal-chelating protein, acting with higher tolerance to essential metals than to non-essential ones. ZnT-1 protein, a plasma membrane specific Zn transporter, was up-regulated as well by both Zn and Cd, although in the same way. Immunofluorescence technique provided evidence that high levels of ZnT-1 measured by biochemical techniques, are related to an increased localization of the transporter at the plasma membrane.     

Alteration in bone geometric and mechanical properties,histomorphometrical parameters of trabecular bone,articular cartilage,and growth plate in adolescent rats after chronic co-exposure to cadmium and lead in the case of supplementation with green,black, red and white tea

Adolescent male Wistar rats were used to check whether regular consumption of black, red, white, or green tea would have a protective effect on femur development during 12-week exposure to Cd and Pb (7 mg Cd and 50 mg Pb in 1 kg of the diet). The animals were randomly divided (n = 12) into a positive control (without Cd, Pb and teas), a negative control group (Cd and Pb), and groups supplemented additionally with green (GT), black (BT), red (RT), and white tea (WT). Heavy metals reduced the geometric and densitometric parameters and the total thickness of articular cartilage irrespective of tea administration and influenced mechanical endurance, growth plate thickness, and trabecular histomorphometry depending on the tea type. It is difficult to indicate which tea has the best protective effects on bone and hyaline cartilage against heavy metal action.     

Trophic transfer of Cd from larval chironomids (Chironomus riparius) exposed via sediment or waterborne routes,to zebrafish (Danio rerio): Tissue-specific and subcellular comparisons

Zebrafish were fed chironomid larvae (8% wet weight daily ration) for 7 days, followed by 3 days of gut clearance in a static-renewal system. Regardless of whether the chironomids had been loaded with Cd via a waterborne exposure or sediment exposure, they had similar subcellular distributions of Cd, with the largest areas of storage being metal rich granules (MRG) > organelles (ORG) > enzymes (ENZ) except that sediment-exposed chironomids had significantly more Cd in the metallothionein-like protein (MTLP) fraction, and significantly less Cd in the cellular debris (CD) fraction. When zebrafish fed sediment-exposed chironomids (153 ± 11 μg Cd/g dry weight) were compared directly to zebrafish fed waterborne exposed chironomids (288 ± 12 μg Cd/g dry weight), identical whole-body Cd levels were observed, despite the difference in the concentration in the food source. Thus trophic transfer efficiency (TTE) of Cd was significantly greater from sediment-exposed chironomids (2.0 ± 0.5%) than from waterborne-exposed chironomids (0.7 ± 0.2%). Subsequent tests with waterborne exposed chironomids loaded to comparable Cd concentrations, as well as with Cd-spiked manufactured pellets, demonstrated that TTEs were concentration-independent. In all treatments, zebrafish exhibited similar subcellular storage of Cd, with the greatest uptake occurring in the ORG fraction followed by the ENZ fraction. However, neither trophically available metal (TAM) nor metabolically available fractions (MAF) were good predictors for the TTEs found in this study. Tissue Cd concentrations were highest in the kidney and gut tissue, then liver, but lower in the gill, and carcass. Overall, the gut and carcass contributed ≥71% to total body burdens on a mass-weighted basis. This study presents evidence that Cd may be acquired by fish from natural diets at levels of environmental relevance for contaminated sites, and that the exposure route of the prey influences the TTE.     

Evaluation of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine and NFkB activation,oxidative stress response,acetylcholinesterase activity,and histopathological changes in rainbow trout brain exposed to linuron

Linuron is a widely used herbicide to control grasses and annual broad leaf weeds. It is known that linuron has toxic effects on different organisms. However, the toxic effects of linuron on aquatic organisms, especially fish, is completely unknown. Thus, we aimed to investigate changes in 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) activity, histopathological changes, antioxidant responses and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in rainbow trout brain after exposure to linuron. Fish were exposed to 30 μg/L, 120 μg/L and 240 μg/L concentrations of linuron for twenty-one days. Brain tissues were taken from fish for 8-OHdG and NFkB activity, histopathological examination and determination of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) enzyme activity, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Our data indicated that high linuron concentrations caused a decrease in GSH levels, SOD and CAT activities in brain tissues (p < 0.05). LPO levels were significantly increased by 240 μg/L linuron. All concentrations caused a significant inhibition in brain AChE enzyme activity (p < 0.05). Immunopositivity was detected for 8-OHdG and NFkB, and linuron exposure caused histopathological damage to the brain tissues. The results of this study can provide useful information for understanding of linuron-induced toxicity.