Search Results (119)

The production and reproduction of small ruminants, such as sheep and goats, living under extensive range-grazing conditions may be influenced by the availability of nutrients and the mineral content of forage. This study evaluated the biodistribution of calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na) and zinc (Zn) in whole blood, serum, blood clots, plasma, plasma sediments and hair in sheep and goats. Forty clinically healthy, nonpregnant female sheep and goats were enrolled in the study. Hair and blood samples were performed in duplicate to assess mineral concentration in biological substrates using a Thermo Scientific iCAP- Q ICP-MS spectrometer (Omaha, Ne, USA). Higher levels of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, and Na were observed in blood and blood clots than in serum, plasma, plasma sediments and hair in sheep and goats. A significant effect of species was observed for all the bioactive element concentrations in the investigated substrates (p < 0.05). The results revealed positive correlations between serum and plasma for all investigated elements in sheep (p < 0.0001) and for Mn and Na in goats (p < 0.001), as well as between serum and blood for Ca, Fe, Mg and Mn in sheep (p < 0.0001) and for Ca and Mn in goats (p < 0.001). Plasma and blood showed a positive correlation for Ca, Fe, and Mn (p < 0.001) in sheep, and for Fe, Mn, Na, and Zn (p < 0.0001) in goats. These findings elucidate differences in biodistribution between sheep and goats, offering valuable insights for livestock production. Full article

Metal complexes of endogenous metals, such as iron, copper, and zinc, offer a biocompatible, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative to heavy metals for drug design. This study presents the synthesis, structural characterization, and evaluation of the biological activity of eight novel iron(III) complexes with substituted salicylaldehydes as ligands. The characterization of the complexes involved spectroscopic and physicochemical methods. The structures of two complexes were determined using single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The biological studies of the complexes focused on the interaction of calf-thymus DNA, the (photo)cleavage of pBR322 plasmid DNA (pDNA), the affinity for bovine and human serum albumins, and the antioxidant activity. The complexes interacted with calf-thymus DNA via intercalation with high DNA-binding constants. The complexes exhibited high pDNA-cleavage ability, which is significantly enhanced upon exposure to UVA or UVB irradiation. The complexes can bind tightly and reversibly to both serum albumins, and their binding locations were identified. Finally, the complexes showed moderate ability to scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radicals with a high ability to reduce hydrogen peroxide. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral candidiasis is a prevalent fungal infection in young children, often associated with underlying factors such as immunosuppression, poor oral hygiene, or nutritional deficiency. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between nutritional biochemical markers and the presence and severity of oral candidiasis in children aged 6 months to six years. Methods: A total of 60 participants were enrolled in a cross-sectional observational study, equally divided into a case group with clinically diagnosed oral candidiasis and a control group without fungal infection. Serum levels of vitamin D, iron, zinc, albumin, and vitamin A were measured in all participants. The severity of candidiasis was assessed using a standardized clinical scoring system. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that children with candidiasis exhibited significantly lower levels of all measured biochemical markers than healthy controls. However, no significant correlations were found between the severity of candidiasis and individual nutritional parameters. Conclusions: These findings suggest that even moderate deficiencies in essential nutrients may increase susceptibility to oral fungal infections, although they may not directly influence disease severity. Full article

Fungi such as Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans are opportunistic pathogens in humans. They usually infect individuals whose immune system is compromised due to either a primary infection, e.g., HIV/AIDS, or as part of treatment for another condition, e.g., stem cell or solid organ transplant. In hosts with a weakened immune system, these fungi can cause life-threatening infections. Unlike true pathogens, opportunistic pathogens do not have specific mechanisms to overcome a healthy host, requiring a different approach to understand how they cause infection. The ability of fungi to adapt to various environmental conditions, including the human host, is critical for virulence. In humans, micronutrient metals, such as iron, are sequestered to reduce serum concentrations, which helps to inhibit microbial growth. Other human tissues may increase metal concentrations to toxic levels to prevent infection by pathogens. The ability of fungi to acquire or detoxify nutrients, such as iron or copper, from the host is essential for the establishment of infection. In this review, the role of fungal nutrition will be discussed in relation to opportunistic fungal pathogens. It will focus on the acquisition of micronutrients, e.g., iron, copper, and zinc, and how this enables these fungi to circumvent host nutritional immunity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Modern societal stressors have been linked to declining testosterone levels among young men, contributing to somatic, psychological, and sexual health problems. Despite growing evidence suggesting a link between trace elements and testosterone-related symptoms, there are only a few comprehensive analyses on younger populations. This study’s aim was to examine how serum trace elements modulate the relationship between testosterone levels and symptom severity. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 225 young men seeking infertility consultation in Japan. Serum total and free testosterone levels were measured, along with self-reported symptoms using the Aging Males’ Symptoms scale (somatic, psychological, sexual) and the Erection Hardness Score. The serum concentrations of 20 trace elements were measured. We used unsupervised clustering to classify participants based on testosterone levels and symptom severity and then compared the distribution of trace elements among the resulting clusters. Results: Three distinct clusters emerged: (1) lowest testosterone with highest symptom severity, (2) intermediate, and (3) highest testosterone with minimal symptoms. Interestingly, the intermediate cluster displayed low testosterone levels but minimal symptoms. Eleven trace elements (phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, arsenic, rubidium, strontium, molybdenum, and cesium) were identified as potential contributors to testosterone dynamics. Weighted quantile sum regression indicated that phosphorus, strontium, and molybdenum negatively influenced testosterone outcomes, whereas iron, sulfur, and zinc were beneficial. Conclusions: Serum trace element profiles are significantly associated with testosterone levels and symptom severity in young men. Targeted interventions may address testosterone decline and its implications. These findings may help develop tailored strategies for optimizing male health. Full article

(1) Background: Hair growth can function as an indicator of an animal’s health and nutritional status, furnishing a valuable means for early diagnosis and timely modifications to management practices, and is influenced by hormones, the immune system, and the levels of minerals within the animal’s body. (2) Methods: In this study, a total of 81 yaks were selected and divided into three groups according to their ages (1–2 years, 3–4 years, 5–6 years), and the concentrations of melatonin, dihydrotestosterone, IgA, IgG, and IgM in their blood serum and the levels of Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, and P in both their blood serum and hair were detected. (3) Results: The levels of melatonin and dihydrotestosterone in yaks aged 1–2 years were significantly higher than those of other age groups (p < 0.001). In addition, the concentration of melatonin in male yaks was markedly greater than that in female yaks (p < 0.05). When it came to immunoglobulins, the IgA level in 1–2-year-old yaks was strikingly higher than those in yaks aged 3–4 years and 5–6 years (p < 0.05). In terms of mineral elements, the concentrations of calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron in the blood serum of 1–2-year-old and 5–6-year-old yaks were significantly elevated compared to those in 3–4-year-old yaks. However, there was no notable difference between the 1–2-year-old and 5–6-year-old groups. The correlation analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between DHT and the levels of melatonin and IgA in yaks. Additionally, a significant correlation was observed between IgA and IgG, as well as between IgA and the levels of Fe, Mg, and Ca. It is likely that they jointly regulate the hair growth and immune processes of yaks. (4) Conclusions: There are positive correlations among melatonin, dihydrotestosterone, and IgA in the blood serum and the content of Fe and Mg in the hair to varying degrees, implying these indicators may jointly regulate yak hair growth and immune status. These research findings provide data support for applied research into evaluating the overall health status of yaks through the growth status of hair or by measuring the mineral content in hair in a non-invasive way. Full article

Adipose tissue, in addition to serving as energy storage, can store lipophilic substances, some of which may pose a health risk if massively mobilized during rapid weight loss. This study aimed to biomonitor inorganic elements in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery and analyze the role of sociodemographic factors. ICP-MS was employed to quantify 55 elements, including elements identified from the ATSDR’s Substance Priority List and rare-earth elements, in serum samples of 58 obese patients before and after bariatric surgery. A total of 39 out of 55 elements were detected, either before or after surgery, in at least one patient. Serum concentrations of gold, copper, mercury, platinum, and selenium significantly decreased after surgery. Serum concentrations of iron and zinc were significantly lower before surgery. Age, sex, diabetes status, arterial hypertension, and family history of obesity were demographic factors associated with the concentration of elements. Correlation analyses showed significant associations between elements and total lipid concentration or body mass index. Our findings indicate a complex interplay between inorganic elements and body fat and provide relevant information regarding the biomonitoring of these chemical elements in a specific and understudied population. Full article

This study determined whether organic zinc and selenium supplementation of late lactation dairy cows positively affects immunity, oxidative status, milk quality (especially mineral levels), biochemical and hematologic parameters, and production efficiency. Twenty Jersey cows were divided into three groups: Control (n = 6)—without organic supplementation; Zinc (n = 7)—zinc supplementation (zinc amino acid chelate) and Selenium (n = 7)—selenium supplementation (selenium amino acid complex). The basal diet contained inorganic minerals. Blood and milk samples were collected on days 1, 14 and 28. Serum selenium concentration was higher in the Selenium group, and zinc level in milk was higher in the Zinc group. On day 28, supplementations resulted in higher lymphocyte counts, and lower serum creatine kinase, myeloperoxidase activity, levels of reactive oxygen species, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, and iron. In milk, lower somatic cell count was also observed when cows were zinc or selenium supplemented compared to the control. Lower serum cholinesterase activity and higher heavy chain immunoglobulin concentration were observed on days 14 and 28. Selenium supplementation resulted in a higher immunoglobulin A concentration on days 14 and 28, and lower ceruloplasmin concentration on day 28 compared to Control, as well as a lower haptoglobin concentration on day 28. The Selenium group also had lower milk fat content compared to the Control. Supplementations changed the milk fatty acid profile, producing a higher unsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid ratio. There was no effect on lactation persistence. It is concluded that mineral supplementation with selenium and zinc benefits immune, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory responses. Conversely, milk quality was affected both positively and negatively. 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

Background: A limited number of studies have investigated the role of environmental chemicals in the etiology of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We performed a cross-sectional study of the association between exposure to selected trace elements and the biomarkers of cognitive decline. Methods: During 2019–2021, we recruited 128 newly diagnosed patients with MCI from two Neurology Clinics in Northern Italy, i.e., Modena and Reggio Emilia. At baseline, we measured serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of cadmium, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. With immuno-enzymatic assays, we estimated concentrations of β-amyloid 1-40, β-amyloid 1-42, Total Tau and phosphorylated Tau181 proteins, neurofilament light chain (NfL), and the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) to assess cognitive status. We used spline regression to explore the shape of the association between exposure and each endpoint, adjusted for age at diagnosis, educational attainment, MMSE, and sex. Results: In analyses between the serum and CSF concentrations of trace metals, we found monotonic positive correlations between copper and zinc, while an inverse association was observed for cadmium. Serum cadmium concentrations were inversely associated with amyloid ratio and positively associated with Tau proteins. Serum iron concentrations showed the opposite trend, while copper, manganese, and zinc displayed heterogeneous non-linear associations with amyloid ratio and Tau biomarkers. Regarding CSF exposure biomarkers, only cadmium consistently showed an inverse association with amyloid ratio, while iron was positively associated with Tau. Cadmium concentrations in CSF were not appreciably associated with serum NfL levels, while we observed an inverted U-shaped association with CSF NfL, similar to that observed for copper. In CSF, zinc was the only trace element positively associated with NfL at high concentrations. Conclusions: In this cross-sectional study, high serum cadmium concentrations were associated with selected biomarkers of cognitive impairment. Findings for the other trace elements were difficult to interpret, showing complex and inconsistent associations with the neurodegenerative endpoints examined. Full article

Background: Trace elements (TEs) are essential nutrients for the human body and have a significant impact on fertility and hormone levels in women of reproductive age, underscoring the importance of understanding sociodemographic variations in their concentrations within this population. Objective: To investigate the socio-demographic factors influencing blood concentrations of four essential TEs, including iron, zinc, copper, and selenium among women of reproductive age. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of women aged 20–44 years was performed using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2018. Serum iron data were analyzed for 9211 women across 10 cycles, while serum copper, zinc, and selenium data were available for 1027 women across 3 cycles. Generalized linear and logistic regressions examined the individual associations of socio-demographic factors, including age, race and ethnicity, education, and poverty index ratio, with iron, zinc, copper, and selenium concentrations treated as continuous and categorical outcomes, respectively. A qualitative heatmap explored the joint associations between the socio-demographic factors and the four essential TEs. Results: Reduced iron concentrations and increased risks of insufficiency occurred in older, Black, low-education, or low-income women. Black women were more likely to have lower zinc and selenium concentrations and an increased risk of zinc insufficiency but higher copper concentrations. The qualitative heatmap found that older, Black, low-education, and low-income women generally had lower concentrations of the four TEs, particularly iron (β = −0.10; p < 0.01). Conclusions: Socially disadvantaged women are more likely to present with lower TE concentrations, and these specific population groups should be targeted by replenishment planning by public health initiatives. Full article

The prognostic and diagnostic role of some trace elements in heart diseases has been demonstrated. In this study, the effects of min. 30-day and min. 120-day treatment with pimobendan, enalapril, and furosemide, as monotherapy and in combination, on serum trace element levels in dogs with heart failure were evaluated. A total of 107 dogs were treated with pimobendan or enalapril as monotherapy and pimobendan + enalapril (PE), enalapril + furosemide (EF), or pimobendan + enalapril + furosemide (PEF) as combination therapy for a min. of 30 and 120 days. Serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), and chromium (Cr) were measured by an inductive coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy device. Mean serum Mg in dogs treated with pimobendan for a min. of 120 days was significantly lower than that for a min. of 30 days (p < 0.05). In dogs using the PEF combination, mean serum Fe was significantly higher in the min. 120-day treatment group than in the min. 30-day treatment group (p < 0.01). No significant difference was observed in mean serum Cu, Zn, Co, Mn, Se, or Cr between the treatment groups and the time periods (p > 0.05). The short- and long-term use of pimobendan, enalapril, furosemide, and their combinations may cause changes in mean serum Mg and Fe in dogs with heart failure. Full article

The aim of the present study was the evaluation of the bioaccumulation of cadmium (Cd), Zinc (Zn), Chrome (Cr), Lead (Pb), Iron (Fe) and Copper (Cu), in the blood, serum, tail and mane of horses from the industrialized area of Milazzo (Messina, Sicily), to understand the relationships between haematological parameters: Red Blood Cells (RBCs), White Blood Cells (WBCs), Haemoglobin (Hb), Haematocrit (Hct), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCH), Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC), Platelets (PLTs) and the concentrations of trace elements. Blood and hair samples from 20 healthy Italian Saddle horses and water, hay and concentrates samples were obtained to determine the haemogram and mineral concentration using a Thermo Scientific iCAP-Q ICP-MS spectrometer. Descriptive analysis showed a higher concentration of Zn, Cr, Pb, Fe, and Cu in the blood and a higher concentration of Cd in the tail than other substrates. A positive correlation was found for Cr (p < 0.0001) and Zn (p < 0.01) between blood and serum substrates, for Zn (p < 0.001) between mane and tail and for Pb (p < 0.01) between blood and mane, while a negative correlation was observed for Cr (p < 0.01) between blood and tail. Results showed a close relationship between the bioaccumulation of certain trace elements in biological substrates and haematological parameters, which represent useful biomarkers suggesting further studies, given the role of haematological parameters in athletic horses. Full article

Background/Objectives: Optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are crucial to addressing the double burden of malnutrition (DBM), encompassing undernutrition (including micronutrient deficiencies) and overnutrition. This study examined the demographic and socioeconomic determinants of IYCF practices, and their impacts on the DBM among 2039 Vietnamese children aged 6–23 months from the General Nutrition Survey 2020. Methods: Thirteen IYCF indicators recommended by the WHO/UNICEF were evaluated. Associations between IYCF indicators and outcome variables were assessed using logistic regressions. Results: The prevalence of stunting, underweight, and overweight subjects was 10.9%, 5.6%, and 3.1%, respectively. Low serum zinc affected 56.7% of children, while 14.3% had low serum retinol, 31.2% had anemia, and 34.6% had iron deficiency (ID). Only 36.7% of children achieved minimum dietary diversity (MDD), and 29.0% achieved the minimum acceptable diet (MAD). Children from the younger age group (6–11 months), ethnic minorities, those living in rural/mountainous regions, and poorer wealth quintiles had reduced odds of meeting IYCF criteria, including MDD and MAD. Infants meeting MDD had reduced odds of stunting [adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence intervals): 0.61 (0.41, 0.92)], and ID [0.69 (0.54, 0.88)]. Children meeting MAD had reduced odds of anemia [0.72 (0.57, 0.91)], ID [0.66 (0.52, 0.84)], and low serum retinol [0.63 (0.41, 0.99)]. Continued breastfeeding (12–23 months) reduced the odds of being underweight [0.50 (0.27, 0.92)] and of having low serum zinc [0.70 (0.52, 0.96)]. Adequate minimum milk feeding frequency had increased odds of being overweight [3.33 (1.01, 11.09)]. Conclusions: Suboptimal IYCF practices were significant predictors of the DBM among Vietnamese children, with evident age-specific, geographical, and socioeconomic disparities. Full article