Search Results (75)

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of breed and sex (3 × 2) on the basic chemical composition, concentration of some minerals, and physicochemical properties of edible giblets of farm geese. The study material consisted of edible giblets (livers, gizzards, hearts) obtained from 42 geese from three Polish native breeds (Rypin, Suwałki, Kartuzy) at 220 weeks of age. Edible giblets were obtained during goose evisceration from seven males and seven females of each breed. Each bird was an experimental unit. Goose breed and sex had a significant effect on the chemical composition and physicochemical properties of the edible giblets. Rypin geese had higher (p < 0.05) intramuscular fat content in the gizzard and heart, as well as higher protein content in the heart and lower water content in the gizzard, compared to Kartuzy and Suwałki geese. Kartuzy geese, in turn, had higher content of water in the heart, and higher concentrations of phosphorus, calcium, iron, manganese, sodium, and chromium in the liver, compared to Rypin and Suwałki geese. In turn, Suwałki geese had higher concentrations of phosphorus in the gizzard, and potassium, phosphorus, copper, and iron in the heart compared to the hearts of Rypin and Suwałki geese, while Kartuzy and Suwałki geese higher concentrations of sodium, magnesium, zinc, and manganese in hearts than the hearts of Rypin geese. In these studies, the highest lightness (L*) was observed in the liver and heart of Rypin geese, the lowest yellowness (b*) was observed in the gizzard of Suwałki geese, and the highest pH₂₄ and EC₂₄ were observed in the heart of Kartuzy geese. Regardless of breed, males had higher protein, collagen, and intramuscular fat contents in the heart, a higher water content in the gizzard, higher concentrations of potassium, and sodium in the liver and gizzard, copper in the heart and liver, and phosphorus in the gizzard, and less water in the heart and zinc in the liver, as well as higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of iron in the liver and heart compared with females. The breed by sex interaction was significant for intramuscular fat and water content in the gizzard and heart, and protein content in the heart. Significant differences were also noted for EC₂₄ in the liver and heart, yellowness of the gizzard, and concentrations of most labeled minerals in edible giblets. The obtained results indicate that the nutritional value and suitability of edible goose giblets for the poultry industry vary depending on breed and sex. Due to the limited research on the chemical composition and physicochemical properties of goose giblets, further research in this area is necessary in the future. Full article

Trace elements are widely distributed in the environment and are considered essential when their deficiency leads to impaired biological function. This study aimed to quantify concentrations of two essential trace elements—copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn)—in the tissues of three toothed whale (Odontoceti) species: bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus), striped (Stenella coeruleoalba), and Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus) found deceased along the Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea between 1995 and 2013. A total of 190 individuals were analyzed, comprising 159 bottlenose, 25 striped, and 6 Risso’s dolphins. Concentrations of Cu and Zn were determined in liver, muscle, kidney, skin, lung, spleen, and fat tissues using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The highest Cu concentrations were observed in the liver and kidneys of bottlenose dolphins, followed by striped and Risso’s dolphins. Zn concentrations were the highest in the skin of bottlenose and striped dolphins, whereas the liver exhibited the highest levels in Risso’s dolphins. In 14 bottlenose and 2 striped dolphins, Cu and Zn concentrations in liver tissue exceeded critical thresholds typically regulated by homeostatic mechanisms. Regression analysis indicated significant relationships between element concentrations, and both body length and body mass. In addition, trace element concentrations were positively correlated across individuals within the same tissue type, as well as among different tissues within the same individual. Overall, Cu and Zn concentrations exhibited a declining trend over the studied period across all tissue types. These findings provide important baseline data for future ecotoxicological investigations and contribute to conservation strategies for cetacean populations inhabiting the Adriatic Sea. Full article

This study investigated the effects of high dietary organic copper supplementation on growth performance, mineral metabolism and organ histology in male Awassi lambs. Fifteen lambs with similar body weight (16 ± 1.53 kg) were assigned to three groups: a control group (T1) receiving a basal diet, and two treatment groups (T2 and T3) supplemented with 0.5 g and 1 g of organic copper per kg DM, respectively. The total dietary copper concentrations were 6.18, 81.68 and 156.75 ppm in T1, T2, and T3 groups, respectively. The basal diet, composed of soybeans, wheat, and barley, provided 2.4 Mcal/kg metabolizable energy and 14% crude protein. High dietary copper supplementation had no significant impact on growth performance and body biometric measurements. Testicular length was increased in T3 lambs. Mineral analysis showed increased hepatic copper concentrations in T2 and T3 lambs. Kidney copper levels remained within normal ranges, while renal zinc concentrations declined in T2 and T3 lambs. Gene expression analysis demonstrated upregulation of ATP7A and ATP7B genes in T3 lambs, indicating a cellular adaptation to elevated copper levels, while IGF1 expression remained unchanged. Histological assessments, however, revealed hepatic and renal changes in T3 lambs. Overall, high dietary organic copper supplementation, particularly at 1 g Cu/kg DM, increases copper retention and may support reproductive health in Awassi lambs. However, excessive intake poses risks of liver and kidney damage, highlighting the need for careful dietary management. Full article

The present study aimed to identify a safe and novel approach using zinc oxide/copper oxide nanocomposites (AZ) to enhance growth parameters, immunity, and fight Sarcoptic mange in vitro and in vivo in rabbits. In vitro: the acaricidal activity of AZ was assessed at concentrations of AZ-25: 2.5% w/w AZ/molasses, AZ-125: 12.5% w/w AZ/molasses, and controls (normal saline, molasses, and Ivermectin) every hour for seven hours under a stereoscopic microscope. In vivo: involved 40 rabbits (10 replicates/group). G1 served as the control negative group (normal un-infected rabbits), G2 served as the control negative group (infected rabbits), the animals in the G3 group were given a combination of AZ (40 mg/kg body weight (BW)) and molasses (5 mg/mL), and G4 served as the control to the vehicle; receiving molasses 8 mL/kg BW twice weekly for 6 weeks. Blood, serum, and tissue samples were collected at the middle and the end of the trial. AZ was made using the sonication sol–gel method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were performed to confirm the crystal structure, purity, particle size, and oxidation states. AZ showed immunostimulant, acaricidal, and antioxidant effects with normal tissue histological structure and low tissue residual levels. Additionally, there were improvements in blood interferon-gamma, immunoglobulin (Ig) M, IgG, phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, globulin, and total protein in the AZ group. The XRD patterns of AZ were coordinated by XRD reference codes Crystallography Open Database (COD): 9016326 for Tenorite (CuO) and by XRD reference COD: 9004179 for Zincite (ZnO). The CuO and ZnO crystal sizes were 21.87 Å and 24.89 Å, respectively. The XPS spectra indicated the presence of Cu as Cu (II) and Zn as ZnO.OH and ZnO. In conclusion, AZ exhibited antioxidant, acaricidal, and immunostimulant effects, with mild residues in the brain, liver, and kidney tissues, while maintaining a normal histological structure of tissues. Full article

Antimony and copper can contaminate vegetables and enter the human body through the digestive tract, inducing severe and extensive biotoxicity. However, the role of bile acids (BAs) in the pathogenesis of liver inflammation by antimony or copper has not been elucidated. Our results indicated that antimony and/or copper induced liver inflammation, causing the disruption of gut microbiota, with the down-regulation of probiotics and up-regulation of harmful bacteria closely correlated to liver inflammation. Targeted metabolomics of BAs showed that antimony and/or copper significantly up-regulated the levels of taurine-β-muricholic acid (T-β-MCA) in serum and liver, which was due to the reduction of Lactobacillus spp. A farnesoid X receptor (FXR) antagonist, T-β-MCA inhibited the FXR-SHP pathway in liver and FXR-FGF15 pathway in ileum, thereby promoting the transcription of cholesterol 7-alpha hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and increasing total bile acid concentrations, ultimately leading to liver inflammation. These findings provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms of antimony- and/or copper-induced liver inflammation. Full article

Research on the effects of organic and inorganic Cu sources on metabolic processes and mechanisms in pigs is lacking. This study investigated the effects of different copper (Cu) sources and levels on hepatic Cu metabolism and transporter factors in growing pigs. Sixty healthy piglets (initial body weight 14.00 ± 0.30 kg) were randomly divided into four groups with five replicates of three pigs each. Four diets (AM, AH, BM, and BH) had different Cu sources [Cu sulphate (CuSO₄): A and Cu amino acids (Cu-AA): B] and levels [supplemented (120 mg/kg DM): M, supplemented (240 mg/kg DM): H]. The pre-feeding period was 7 days, followed by a 45-day feeding period. Slaughter and sample collection were carried out on the 46th day of the formal feeding period. Significant differences were considered at p < 0.05. The final weight and average daily gain (ADG) of growing pigs in the Cu-AA groups were significantly higher than those in the CuSO₄ groups. Serum Cu increased with increasing Cu supplementation on days 20 and 40. Cu concentrations in muscle, liver, and liver subcellular organelles were higher in Cu-AA groups. In the CuSO₄ groups, Cu concentrations were higher in kidneys and faeces. In Cu-AA groups, both the Cu concentrations in lysosomes and cytosol were higher, and the activities of cathepsin D (CTSD), β-glucosidase (BGL), and acid phosphatase (ACP) in lysosomes and cytoplasm were higher. Comparisons between groups showed that liver mRNA of copper transporter protein 1 (CTR1), ATPase copper-transporting beta (ATP7B), ceruloplasmin (CP), antioxidant protein 1 (ATOX1), and metallothionein (MT) was lower in the CuSO₄ group than in the Cu-AA group, with the best performance at 120 mg/kg Cu. mRNAs for ATPase copper-transporting alpha (ATP7A), cytochrome c oxidase copper chaperone 17 (COX17), and copper chaperone for superoxide dismutase (CCS) showed a decreasing trend in the Cu-AA groups. Cu-AA is better for Cu deposition, enhances the utilisation of Cu, reduces Cu excretion, and promotes the expression of relevant enzymes and transporters in the liver. Full article

Objectives: There are still limited or lacking data on the association of trace elements (TEs) with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This case–control study aimed to determine levels of essential TEs (manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo)) and non-essential TEs (arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb)) in urine, whole blood, and serum to investigate a possible association with kidney and liver function, endocrine and metabolic parameters, and environmental and lifestyle sources of potential exposure and provide possible recommendations. Methods: In our case–control study, women with PCOS (n = 35) and healthy controls (n = 35) underwent clinical and ultrasonographic examination, filled in questionnaires targeting general, lifestyle, and environmental information, and provided fasting venous blood samples and first morning urine for biochemical, hormonal, and TE analysis. Multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between TE levels and data obtained through questionnaires. Results: In women with PCOS, lower Mo levels in whole blood (p = 0.024) and serum (p = 0.011) and higher serum Cu levels (p = 0.026) were detected when compared to healthy controls. Results of this study show that amendments in Cu and Mo levels might be related to altered kidney and liver function and disrupted hormonal balance in PCOS women. Cu levels positively correlated with leukocyte count. There was a negative correlation of Mo levels with proteinuria and luteinizing hormone levels. Regarding liver function, Mo negatively correlated with urinary bilirubin levels, and there was a positive association with alanine and aspartate aminotransferase, respectively. Dietary supplement consumption and certain diet habits appeared to be important predictors of exposure to Cu (beef consumption) or Mo (cereal and boiled vegetable consumption) and modify Mo and Cu levels in women. Conclusions: Concentrations of the chemical elements Mo and Cu in biological samples of women appear to be related to PCOS and nutrition. To our knowledge, this is a novel finding for Mo. Additional research is needed to provide more insights into the causality of the PCOS relationship with Mo and Cu in humans. Full article

This study evaluated the trace mineral availability of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and selenium (Se) in major feed ingredients, including corn, wheat, soybean meal (SBM), and fish meal (FM). Additionally, we assessed the bioavailability of these minerals in pigs supplemented with inorganic, organic, and nano-sized forms prepared via hot-melt extrusion (HME). A total of 64 barrows (Yorkshire × Landrace × Duroc crossbreds) with an average initial body weight of 26.61 ± 4.12 kg were housed individually in metabolic cages. Pigs were allocated to eight experimental diets in a completely randomized design, with eight replicates per diet group. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of Zn and Cu was significantly higher in SBM and FM than in the other ingredients (p < 0.05). SBM exhibited higher ATTD and standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) for Fe and Mn than corn, wheat, and FM (p < 0.05). Corn and wheat demonstrated significantly greater digestibility of Se than SBM and FM (p < 0.05). Supplementation with nano-sized minerals prepared by HME increased the digestibility of Zn and Cu, as well as their concentrations in pigs’ serum and liver, while reducing the fecal excretion of these minerals (p < 0.05). Organic mineral forms significantly enhanced Se bioavailability, improving its digestibility and concentrations in the liver and pancreas compared to the inorganic form (p < 0.05). In growth performance, organic and nano-sized mineral sources significantly improved growth rate without the increase in feed intake (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Zn and Cu from high-protein ingredients such as SBM and FM were more digestible than those from grains. Furthermore, plant-based ingredients, such as corn, wheat, and SBM, exhibited greater digestibility of Fe and Se. Among the trace mineral sources, the organic and HME-nano forms improved the bioavailability of Zn, Cu, and Se, while reducing their fecal excretion, thereby enhancing the efficiency of mineral utilization. Full article

There is a lack of information on mineral interactions that take place during a heifer’s pregnancy when nutrient demand is high. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the interactions between the macro minerals calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sulphur (S), sodium (Na) and potassium (K) and the trace elements copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn) and cobalt (Co) in pregnant heifers. Twenty-four pregnant heifers (age 18.2 ± 0.14 months; 87.5 ± 4.74 days in gestation; 497 ± 8.5 kg of body weight) were used in a 7 d digestibility trial (indirect method using lignin as a marker) during which they were fed a diet that provided minerals in accordance with NASEM requirements for gestating beef cattle. At the end of the digestibility trial, blood (jugular venipuncture) and liver (biopsy) samples were collected from each heifer. Multiple linear regression models were developed based on the main correlations and by considering collinearity effects between variables. Iron intake positively affected Mo concentration in serum, which was >10 µg/dL for most of the animals. Apparent absorption of Fe was negatively affected by Mo intake and Ca to P ratio in feed, whereas Se absorption was negatively affected by Fe intake and positively by Mo intake. The absorption coefficients of Mo and Fe were inversely related, emphasizing the interactions between these elements. Serum Fe and Cu in the liver were positively correlated, while liver Fe was inversely related to liver Mn. Fewer interactions were observed between the macro minerals. In conclusion, within the interactions observed, those between Fe and Mo deserve special attention, as high dietary Fe is commonly found in typical ruminant diets, and high serum Mo may indicate molybdenosis. Furthermore, high Fe intake appears to impact Se and Mn utilization. Full article

Antimicrobials, widely used in livestock, have induced the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, prompting farmers to explore alternatives like copper. This study aims to determine antimicrobial residues and Cu concentrations in the liver and kidney of piglets and to investigate the correlation between Cu and antimicrobial use and the resistance to Cu and antimicrobials of Escherichia coli isolated from piglets’ faeces. Antimicrobial residues were quantified by UHPLC-ToF-MS; Cu was quantified using FAAS; microbiological methods were used for E. coli isolation, CuSO₄ minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), and antimicrobial susceptibility; and to detect genes, Real-Time PCR was used. Cu concentrations and antimicrobial residues in piglet livers and kidneys revealed no significant differences. Antimicrobial residues were detected in a significant number of livers and kidneys. While Cu concentrations in the liver were within adequate ranges, those in the kidney exceeded the recommended levels. E. coli isolates from piglet faeces exhibited high antimicrobial drug resistance (AMR), with no clear link to Cu exposure. The genes copA, pcoA, and pcoD, associated with Cu tolerance, were predominantly found in isolates with a CuSO₄ MIC of 8 mM. Cu was not used excessively, suggesting that Cu did not replace antimicrobials. E. coli was mostly resistant to antimicrobials and it was not possible to demonstrate that Cu was the trigger for this resistance. There was no relationship between Cu tolerance and AMR in E. coli isolates. This study highlights the need for further research on the complex interplay between metals, antimicrobials, and bacterial resistance in livestock, impacting ‘One Health’. Full article

Background: Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that zinc deficiency and chronic stress contribute to depressive symptoms. Our study explores the intricate relationship between these factors by examining their physiological and biochemical effects across various organs in C57Bl/6J mice. Methods: The mice were divided into four groups: control, chronic restraint stress for 3 weeks, a zinc-restricted diet (<3 mg/kg) for 4 weeks, and a combination of stress and zinc restriction. Mice spleen and thymus weights were measured, and hematoxylin–eosin staining was conducted for liver and intestinal morphometry. Moreover, metallothionein (MT-1, MT-2, and MT-3), zinc transporter (ZnT-1), oxidative stress markers (TBARS, SOD, and GSH-Px), and zinc, iron, and copper concentrations in the liver were evaluated. Immunohistochemical analysis of the jejunum for ZIP1 and ZIP4 was also performed. Conclusions: Our findings reveal that dietary zinc restriction and chronic stress induce structural changes in the intestines and immune organs and impact metallothionein expression, oxidative stress, and liver iron and copper homeostasis. Full article

Copper is an essential trace element but becomes toxic in overexposed animals. Sheep are the domestic species most prone to chronic copper poisoning, as a slight increase in the dietary concentration can lead to liver accumulation and the development of clinical signs in this species. Common sources of copper in the diet are feed additives and mineral supplements, which are commonly used in pigs and poultry. Recently, new copper supplements were registered for animal nutrition, including copper bilysinate. This study describes an episode of presumed chronic copper poisoning in Five Texel sheep, which were exposed to a compound feed containing copper bilysinate. Four weeks after the introduction of the compound feed into the diet, the first animal started to show typical clinical signs of chronic copper poisoning and died, followed by another animal a week later. Despite removing the compound feed from the diet, a third sheep died 3 weeks later. Two animals survived and fully recovered. Necropsy and histology showed characteristic gross and microscopical lesions typical of copper poisoning. The case report highlights the potential toxic effect of copper bilysinate in sheep. Full article

The bioaccumulation of trace elements and heavy metals in aquatic organisms is a critical environmental concern due to its potential impact on ecosystem health and human safety. This study investigated the level of trace elements and heavy metals bioaccumulation in Labeo rohita and Mystus seenghala from the River Jhelum in the district Khushab, Punjab, Pakistan. The concentration of calcium, magnesium, iron, nickel, copper, arsenic, cadmium, zinc, chromium, manganese, cobalt, and lead in the gills, liver, and muscle tissues of these fish was measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Then, the extent of contamination and its possible health risks were assayed. Our findings indicate significant variations in the elemental and metal concentrations among different organs and between species, reflecting their diverse feeding habits and habitats. The health risk assessment based on the estimated daily intake, estimated weekly intake, maximum permissible intake, target hazard quotient, hazard index or total target hazard quotient, health risk index, and target cancer risk revealed potential risks to human consumers of these fish. This study emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring, as new data and insights are crucial for understanding and mitigating these risks. Strict regulatory measures are also necessary to safeguard public health and preserve the ecosystem of Jhelum River. Full article

Caretta caretta (Cheloniidae, Cryptodira) is a species of turtle considered a ‘flagship species’ in the Mediterranean Sea. Unfortunately, the circular marine currents and semi-enclosed configuration of the Mediterranean Sea encourage the accumulation of pollutants (metals, pesticides, etc.) emitted by human activities. Tunisia suffers particularly from coastal urbanisation and industrial development. Metal concentrations (Ag, Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) were measured in distinct tissues (heart, kidney, liver, lung, muscle) of loggerhead turtles stranded in the Gulf of Gabès (Tunisia) to estimate the pollution levels in this emblematic species. High concentrations of arsenic and cadmium were found in marine turtles. Therefore, the differential accumulation of metals was measured in the tissues. For example, the liver appears to be a preferential organ for the accumulation of copper, iron, silver and zinc. In contrast, cobalt and cadmium were more concentrated in the kidneys, while arsenic, chromium and nickel were mainly found in the muscles. Antioxidant enzyme responses (catalase, GPx and SOD) and lipid peroxidation were more expressed in the liver and kidneys than in the muscles. Full article

Background: Previous studies have highlighted that copper supplementation at 200% of the recommended daily dietary allowance modified vascular contraction and relaxation through increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prostaglandin formation, which modified the antioxidant status of middle-aged Wistar rats. Methods: In this study, young (1 month old) male Wistar rats (n/group = 10) received a diet supplemented with 6.45 mg copper/kg (100% of daily recommendation—Group A) for 8 weeks. The experimental group received 12.9 mg copper/kg of diet (200% of the daily recommendation—Group B). Results: Experimental supplementation with 200% copper modified the copper concentration in the blood (1.21-fold, p = 0.04), liver (1.15-fold, p = 0.032), and kidneys (1.23-fold, p = 0.045), potentiated the ROS formation in the aortic rings, and enhanced the sensitivity of the aortic rings to the vasodilator acetylcholine. We observed an increased participation of nitric oxide (NO) derived from inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in vascular contraction and a decreased net effect of vasodilator prostanoids derived from cyclooxygenase-2 in vascular relaxation. In rat kidneys, the concentrations of potassium (1.08-fold, p = 0.001) and iron (1.13-fold, p = 0.046) were higher, while, calcium (0.88-fold, p = 0.001) and chromium (0.77-fold, p = 0.005) concentrations were lower. In the rat liver, magnesium (1.06-fold, p = 0.012) was higher. No differences were observed in the concentrations of sodium, zinc, manganese, selenium, cobalt, molybdenum, and vanadium. The antioxidant activity of water- and lipid-soluble compounds; total antioxidant status in the blood; and superoxide dismutase, catalase, and malondialdehyde levels in the heart did not change. Conclusions: In young rats, prolonged supplementation with 200% copper had a lesser effect than anticipated on oxidative stress and vascular reactivity. Detailed data on the status of trace elements and their interactions in patients of different age groups are strongly required for effective nutritional and therapeutic intervention. Full article