Maternal transfer of trace elements in the Atlantic horseshoe crab (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Limulus polyphemus</Emphasis>)

The maternal transfer of trace elements is a process by which offspring may accumulate trace elements from their maternal parent. Although maternal transfer has been assessed in many vertebrates, there is little understanding of this process in invertebrate species. This study investigated the maternal transfer of 13 trace elements (Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) in Atlantic horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) eggs and compared concentrations to those in adult leg and gill tissue. For the majority of individuals, all trace elements were transferred, with the exception of Cr, from the female to the eggs. The greatest concentrations on average transferred to egg tissue were Zn (140?µg/g), Cu (47.8?µg/g), and Fe (38.6?µg/g) for essential elements and As (10.9?µg/g) and Ag (1.23?µg/g) for nonessential elements. For elements that were maternally transferred, correlation analyses were run to assess if the concentration in the eggs were similar to that of adult tissue that is completely internalized (leg) or a boundary to the external environment (gill). Positive correlations between egg and leg tissue were found for As, Hg, Se, Mn, Pb, and Ni. Mercury, Mn, Ni, and Se were the only elements correlated between egg and gill tissue. Although, many trace elements were in low concentration in the eggs, we speculate that the higher transfer of essential elements is related to their potential benefit during early development versus nonessential trace elements, which are known to be toxic. We conclude that maternal transfer as a source of trace elements to horseshoe crabs should not be overlooked and warrants further investigation.     

Relationships between trace element concentrations in human blood and serum

Trace element interactions can affect the absorption, metabolism, or effects of elements. Also, different elements may derive from the same source. Associations in biological media between element concentrations may indicate such phenomena. A large number of correlations were found between 13 trace elements (Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb, Rh, Pd, Cd, W, Pt, Hg, Tl, and Pb) in human blood and/or serum, as investigated in 372 Swedish adolescents. Notably, serum Se correlated with blood Pb and blood Hg and Cu and Zn were correlated to each other in both blood and serum. The elements Pt, Pd and Rh, spread in the environment through use of catalytic converters in cars, were closely correlated in both blood and serum. Apart from the correlations with a probable biological or exposure-related explanation, several other correlations, of yet unknown importance and origin, were found.     

Evaluation of trace metal and polychlorinated biphenyl levels in tea brands of different origin commercialized in Italy

The objectives of this study were to investigate the trace element (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Fe, Cr and Se) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) content of several commercially available brands of green and black tea marketed in Italy. The concentrations these chemicals were found to be variable and largely dependent upon the type and brand of analysed tea. The most abundant element among the essential elements was Fe, followed by Zn, Cu, Se, Ni and Cr, whereas Pb was the predominant among the tested nonessential elements followed by Hg and Cd. Assessment based on several available guidelines showed that element content were low, except for Hg and Ni. The PCBs concentrations were generally low, with a homologue profile dominated by low-chlorinated congeners, namely three- and tetra-PCBs accounting for more than 60% of the total residue. Apart from trace elements, this is the first study documenting in detail the concentrations and congener distribution of PCBs in tea samples of different origin.     

电感耦合等离子体质谱法测定不同批次良附丸中17种无机元素的含量

目的：测定不同批次良附丸中17种无机元素的含量。方法：采用微波消解法对样品进行处理,电感耦合等离子体质谱法（ICP-MS）测定中药成方制剂良附丸中无机元素含量。结果：不同批次良附丸中Na、Mg、K、Ca、Mn、Cr、Fe、Ni、Cu、Zn、As、Se、Sr、Mo、Cd、Pb、Hg平均含量（mg·kg^-1）分别为741.57,1214.16,12157.06,99.83,185.46,2.85,678.00,3.00,4.49,27.93,0.47,0.09,6.56,0.10,0.11,1.32,0.02。结论：良附丸中富含Fe、Mn、Zn、Cu等人体必需的微量元素,含有少量Ni、Se等人体必需的微量元素,Pb、Cd、Hg、As等有害元素的含量在限度范围内,不同批次的无机元素含量差异较小,为进一步研究无机元素与其药效间的内在关联奠定了基础。     

Metal bioaccumulation and its genotoxic effects on eggs and hatchlings of giant Amazon river turtle (Podocnemis expansa)

The aim of this study was to assess whether possible metal contamination in the sediment of the nests of giant Amazon river turtle, Podocnemis expansa, could contaminate eggs and hatchlings, triggering genotoxic damage. Therefore, sediments of P. expansa nests from two sites in the Brazilian Amazon were evaluated, with the first being collected at Araguaia River and the second at Crixás-Açu River. Newly hatched offspring, eggs, and sediments were collected from the beaches of these two rivers and the quantification of metals (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) was carried out by atomic absorption spectroscopy. All targeted metals were found in both sediment and P. expansa biological samples collected on the beaches presenting higher concentrations in the sediment of Crixás-Açu River. Metals found in the eggshells before nesting and in the egg contents were maternally transferred. Moreover, augmented concentration of metals led by metal transfer from the nests sediments were detected in the eggshells after nesting (ENH) and in the newly hatched offspring (H). Probably this metal relocation to the newly hatchlings augmented the frequency of micronuclei in their blood, presenting 15.25‰ in hatchling found in Crixás-Açu River beaches and 10‰ in newly hatched animals from Araguaia River beaches. These results indicate the occurrence of maternal transfer of metals (essential or not) to the eggs in testudines as well as a transference from the sediments to the nesting eggs, triggering genotoxic effects on the hatchlings.

     

Concentration and reference interval of trace elements in human hair from students living in Palermo, Sicily (Italy)

Trace element contents in specimens of hair collected from 137 children aged 11-13 years old, living in Palermo (Sicily, Italy) were determined by ICP-MS. This work reports analytical data for the following 19 elements: Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sr, U, V and Zn. The most abundant chemical elements were zinc and copper (Zn > Cu), with concentrations exceeding 10 μg/g (Zn = 189.2 μg/g; Cu = 22.9 μg/g). Other elements with concentrations greater than 1 μg/g were, in order of abundance, Al>Sr>Ba>Pb. The remaining elements were all below 1 μg/g. The average elemental concentrations in hair were statistically compared by Kolmogorov-Smirnov's test taking children's gender into account. Al, Ba, Cr, Li, Rb, Sb, Sr, V and Zn were statistically different according to gender, with significance p < 0.001. This study thus confirms the need for hair analysis to differentiate female data from those of males. IUPAC coverage intervals and coverage uncertainties for trace elements in the analysed hair samples are also reported.     

Evidence of species-specific detoxification processes for trace elements in shorebirds

This study investigated sub-lethal effects and detoxification processes activated in free-ranging Red Knots (RKs) (Calidris canutus) from the Pertuis Charentais on the Atlantic coast of France, and compared the results with previous data obtained on another shorebird species, the Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa). The concentrations of 13 trace elements (Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn) were assessed in the liver, kidneys, muscle and feathers. Stable isotope analyses of carbon and nitrogen were carried out to determine whether differences in diet explained variations in elemental uptake. The mRNA expression of relevant genes (cytochrome c oxidase 1, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, Cu/Zn and Mn superoxide dismutase, catalase, metallothionein, malic enzyme), antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase), and metallothionein (MT) levels were investigated to shed light on trace element detoxification and toxic effects. Although Red Knots were characterized by elevated As and Se concentrations which were potentially toxic, most elements were usually below toxicity threshold levels. The results strongly suggested a dietary specialization of Red Knots, with individuals feeding on higher trophic status prey experiencing higher As, Hg and Se burdens. Red Knots and Godwits also showed discrepancies in elemental accumulation and detoxification processes. Higher As and Se concentrations in Red Knots enhanced catalase gene expression and enzyme activity, while Godwits had higher Ag, Cu, Fe and Zn levels and showed higher MT production and GPx activity. The results strongly suggest that detoxification pathways are essentially trace element- and species-specific.     

不同生长环境灰毡毛忍冬中微量元素的含量比较

目的:比较4个不同生长环境的灰毡毛忍冬中9种微量元素的含量,为GAP基地建设及饮片质量控制提供依据。方法:采用湿法消解法处理灰毡毛忍冬样品,利用火焰原子吸收光谱法测定样品中Cu、Zn、Fe、Mn、Pb、Cr、Ni、Cd的含量,用原子发射光谱法测定Se的含量。结果:Cu、Zn、Fe、Mn、Pb、Cr、Ni、Cd的回收率在96%～105%之间(n=9),Se的回收率在97%～102%之间(n=9),9种微量元素的RSD分别是1.19%、1.89%、3.49%、6.12%、6.08%、6.58%、3.53%、2.48%、3.41%(n=6)。A、B、C、D4个产地的灰毡毛忍冬中有益元素Fe含量较高,而重金属元素Pb、Cr、Ni、Cd的含量较低;B地区灰毡毛忍冬中有益元素Zn、Mn的含量较其他3个地区高。结论:本方法简便、准确,适合分析测定灰毡毛忍冬的微量元素;B地区所产灰毡毛忍冬药材质量更优。     

石斛中微量元素的含量测定及其安全性评价

目的：建立测定石斛中微量元素含量的方法,从微量元素层面分析铁皮石斛、金钗石斛、流苏石斛、鼓槌石斛、球花石斛、迭鞘石斛的安全性,并探讨微量元素与石斛抗白内障、降血糖作用的关系。方法：采用电感耦合等离子体质谱（ICP-MS）法测定各石斛样品中6种必需微量元素镁、铁、锌、锰、铬、硒和5种重金属元素铜、砷、铅、汞、镉的含量,并对微量元素进行安全性评价和药效关系探讨。结果：所测样品中6种必需微量元素含量丰富,5种重金属元素中铅、镉、汞均有不同程度的超标现象。结论：《中国药典》中规定的12g·d-1石斛服用量所包含的微量元素符合美国食品和药物管理局每日微量元素推荐摄入量,不会引起必需微量元素中毒症。石斛中有害重金属含量不容乐观,建议加强中药的无公害种植。石斛中丰富的镁、锌、铁、锰、硒、铬微量元素可能与其抗白内障、降血糖作用有关。     

Mineral profile of serum in experimental copper intoxication of sheep from industrial emissions.

We studied the dynamics of Cu, Fe, Zn, Mo, As, Cd, Pb and Se in the serum of sheep during experimental copper (Cu) intoxication from emissions from a Cu factory. From the food and the dosed emission, the daily intake was 466.8 mg Cu, 1253.93 mg Fe, 11.67 mg Zn, 0.74 mg Mo, 34.75 mg As, 0.091 mg Cd, 2.13 mg Pb, and 2.57 mg Se/experimental ewe. After the onset of Cu intoxication the first ewe died on the 65th d and the last one on the 84th d of the experiment. Hypercupremia was observed from the 50th d after the beginning of emission administration. Significant changes were observed in serum Cu on the 50th, 70th and 77th d (P less than 0.01). Changes in the dynamics of the other elements were recorded at the end of the cumulative phase and during the hemolytic crisis by also determining Fe, Zn, Mo, As, Cd, Pb and Se in serum of the Cu-poisoned sheep.     

Arsenic-copper interaction in the kidney of the rat.

1. The interaction between As and three toxic metals (Cd, Ni and Pb) and Cu (an essential trace metal) in the kidney was investigated in the rat by feeding diets containing various concentrations of As whilst maintaining constant concentrations of the other elements. After 1, 3, 7 and 15 weeks of feeding, metal contents in the renal cortex and medulla, red blood cells and plasma were determined by atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). 2. As accumulated in the whole kidney, whereas Cu accumulated only in the cortex. Accumulation of Cu was found to depend on the feeding period and dietary As concentration. 3. As was also accumulated in red blood cells, where saturation was found at 550 micrograms As g-1 cells. 4. Although Cd was also accumulated in the cortex, its accumulation was independent of the dietary As concentration. Ni and Pb were not detected by ICP-AES. 5. Chromatography of the supernatants from cortical homogenates of control and As-treated rat kidney suggested that Cu accumulated in renal metallothionein (MT). Its accumulation in this fraction was independent of that of Cd, indicating that the As-Cu interaction was not a result of MT induction, but rather that it might result from altered renal handling of Cu with subsequent incorporation into MT.     

The distribution patterns of trace elements in the blood and organs in a rabbit experimental model of copper pollution and study of haematology and biochemistry parameters

In a rabbit model of five copper overfeeding, we investigated the distribution pattern of trace elements of copper [Cu], zinc [Zn], chromium [Cr], manganese [Mn], and selenium [Se] in blood serum, red cell, and whole blood and in the organs: brain, gallbladder, liver, intestines, heart, kidney, lung, and spleen. Furthermore, their haematology and biochemistry parameters as well as feed consumption and weight development were also performed in this study. Changes in trace element concentrations were determined by contrast and control group. Observably, the increased concentrations of Cr were observed in the heart; that of Cu, Zn, Cr, Mn in the liver; that of Cu, Cr, Mn in the intestines; that of Cu in the spleen; that of Cu in the blood serum; and that of Cu in the whole blood. But remarkably, the decreased concentrations of Mn were observed in heart; that of Zn and Se in the encephalon; that of Cr, Mn and Se in the spleen and that of Zn in the blood serum. In the gallbladder, the concentrations of Zn, Cr, Mn, and Se were also reduced. Excessive Cu was accumulated mainly in liver, intestines, and blood serum. In contrast group, only a few changes were detected in excretion of Mn, Zn, and Cr, but increased concentrations of Cu and Se compared with the control group. For the different biochemistry parameters measured, the contrast group showed changes, mainly owing to the altered activity of enzymes induced by trace element excess and imbalance. Increased concentrations of LDL were measured in contrast group, while a substantial decrease was seen in TG and VLDL as a result of excessive Cu. Regarding haematological parameters, increased concentrations of NEUT% and EO% were found in contrast group, but considerably decreased concentrations were detected in PLT, MONO%, BASO%, MONO#, BASO#, and P-LCR, but a minor decrease was also seen in EO#. The present paper shows the effect of copper pollution in the animals and analyzes the interplay among trace elements in their bodies at length. It is significant for environment protection and toxicology study.     

微波消解ICP-AES检测6种清热解毒类中草药中14种常微量元素

目的:建立同时检测清热解毒类中草药样品中Cu、Fe、Zn、Mn、Na、K、Ca、Mg、Cr、Ni、Pb、Se、As、Cd等14种元素的含量的分析方法。方法:用微波消解法对清热解毒类中草药样品进行消化,以电感耦合等离子体发射光谱仪(ICP-AES)检测样品中14种元素的含量,并优化微波处理条件。结果:清热解毒类中草药中含有丰富的对人体有益的常微量元素。结论:采用微波消解技术和ICP-AES相结合检测常微量元素具有省时、省力、环境污染小,测定结果快速、准确等优点。     

Influence of Cu supplementation on toxic and essential trace element status in intensive reared beef cattle

The aim of this study is to evaluate if dietary Cu supplementation that leads to a hepatic Cu accumulation over the normal range has an influence on trace element status that could contribute to the pathogenesis of other mineral related disorders. Samples (liver, kidney, spleen, diaphragm and brain) of beef calves receiving typical commercial diets Cu supplemented and non-supplemented were tested for differences in non-essential and essential trace elements determined by ICP-MS. As (kidney and diaphragm), Hg (liver and kidney), and Pb (liver, kidney and spleen) were significantly lower, while Cd residues (liver and kidney) were significantly higher in the Cu supplemented group. Mn and Ni significantly decreased and Mo increased in the brain, and Se (diaphragm) decreased in the Cu supplemented group. These interactions are unknown, and possibly with more than two metals involved as suggested in the case of the ratio Se:Cu in the animals of this study. The possible role of Cu supplementation on the status of certain metals associated to neurological diseases (Mn–Ni) in the brain deserves further investigation. Finally new research on Cu–Se supplementation is necessary to better understand the risk of the animals to suffer from Se deficiency.     

Chemometrics based on the mineral content as a tool for the assessment of the pollution of top soils

This is the first research of this type which includes the wider area of Kosovo taking into account the mineral wealth. The concentrations of 20 elements: Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Se, Si, V, and Zn were determined using ICP-OES. The ranges of concentrations of toxic elements are lead (Pb) 0.044–14.98?g/kg, arsenic (As) 0.007–0.33?g/kg, cadmium (Cd) 0.004–0.044?g/kg, and chromium (Cr) 0.053–0.245?g/kg. The spatial distribution of toxic elements was described using distribution maps. Principal component and cluster analyses were performed to reveal grouping of samples.     

ICP-MS法测定双黄连注射液中微量元素的含量

目的:建立双黄连注射液微量元素的测定方法,并对其所含微量元素进行含量测定。方法:样品经微波消解后,利用电感耦合等离子体质谱(ICP-MS)测定双黄连注射液中Be、B、Al、V、Cr、Mn、Fe、Co、Ni、Cu、Zn、As、Cd、Ba、Hg、Ti、Pb等17种微量元素的含量。结果:有毒金属元素Cu、Cd、Hg、Pb、As含量均符合美国药品和功能性食品的标准,微量元素中B、Al、Fe等元素含量相对较高。结论:所建立的测定方法快捷、准确、灵敏度高,可以用于双黄连注射液的微量元素的含量测定,并为其质量控制研究提供了一定的参考依据。     

Trace elements in scalp hair of children living in differing environmental contexts in Sicily (Italy)

We present here data about trace elements in human scalp hair samples to test whether they are valuable to reflect environmental exposure and contamination by trace elements. The study compares contents of trace elements in scalp hair from a total of 336 children, aged 11-13 years old, living in various geographical areas of Sicily (southern Italy) characterized by differing environmental conditions. Nineteen elements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sr, U, V and Zn) were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Coverage intervals (CI) formulated by the elemental composition of hair samples from the Palermo subjects were compared with the median content of hair from children living in the other study areas. Statistical analysis showed that Al, Ba, Sr and Zn concentrations differed significantly between gender, higher concentrations being observed in girls' hair. Children living close to the volcanic area had higher concentrations of As, Cr, Mn, Ni, Rb, Sb, U, V and Zn. Those living in an area with several old quarries had higher levels of Al, As, Pb, Rb and U. The hair of children living near the Pace del Mela industrial area contained higher levels of As, Ba, Mn, Pb, Rb, Sr and U. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) between Palermo and the other sites allowed to better assess which variables contribute towards differentiating the groups. Our observations suggest that human hair can be used to monitor exposure to several metals, provided that sampling and analytical procedures, together with statistical treatment of data, are carried out according to standardized protocols.     

不同产地当归中金属微量元素的比较研究

目的：对不同产地当归中金属微量元素的含量进行初步的比较研究。方法：样品经微波消解后,以铟（In）元素为内标,利用电感耦合等离子体质谱（ICP-MS）测定不同产地的当归中Be、B、A l、V、Cr、Mn、Fe、Co、N i、Cu、Zn、As、Se、Cd、Ba、Hg和Pb等17种微量金属元素的含量。结果：该方法对各元素的检测线为0.003~2.478 ng/g,加样回收率为82.3%~112.2%,标准物质杨树叶的测定值与标示量基本吻合。结论：所建立的方法快捷,准确、灵敏度高,可以用于测定当归中金属的微量元素的含量,不同产地的当归其所含金属微量元素有很大不同,如某地产的当归有些元素含量明显高于其他地方。     

Voltammetric quality control of biologically active additives: determination of Zn,Cd, Pb,Cu, Fe,As, and Se

A new procedure for the voltammetric determination of toxic (As, Cd, Pb) and essential (Se, Cu, Zn, Fe) elements in various biologically active food additives (FAs) based on phytopreparations has been developed. Sample preparation includes the acid (HNO₃ + H₂O₂) or UV destruction of interfering substances followed by the reduction of As(V) and Se(VI) to the corresponding electroactive As(III) and Se (IV) forms. The elements Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cu are simultaneously determined using a mercury film electrode; As and Fe are determined sequentially, and Se is analyzed separately using a gold/graphite electrode and an appropriate supporting electrolyte. The content of elements in various analyzed FAs varied in a broad range of concentrations (mg/kg): Zn, 0.3–10000; Cd, 0.001–0.5; Pb, 0.001–0.5; Cu, 0.1–200; As, 0.01–1.0; Fe, 20–2000; and Se, 0.1–50. Metrological attestation performed with a large number of samples (above 400) showed a repeatability of 9%, a reproducibility of 13%, and an accuracy of 30%. The proposed analytical procedure is included into the Federal Register of Methods issued by the State Standard Pharmacological Committee of the Russian Federation, which includes methods admitted for use in the field of State Metrological Control and Supervision, and is recommended for use in laboratories of FA producing plants, state sanitary-epidemiological supervision offices, etc. __________ Translated from Khimiko-Farmatsevticheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 39, No. 11, pp. 50–53, November, 2005.