Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology最新文献

{"title":"Lead exposure disrupts cytoskeletal arrangement and perturbs glucose metabolism in nerve cells through activation of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway","authors":"Lingli Chen ,&nbsp;Siyuan An ,&nbsp;Yuye Liu ,&nbsp;Qian Jiang ,&nbsp;Yaming Ge ,&nbsp;Guoying Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127663","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127663","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal environmental pollutant with strong biological toxicity. Our previous study suggested that Pb may impair learning and memory by disrupting cytoskeletal structure and inhibiting the expression of synaptic plasticity-related proteins in mice. However, the exact mechanism of Pb-induced cytoskeletal damage remains unclear. In this study, Neuro-2a cells and Kunming mice were used to explore the neurotoxic mechanism of Pb. The actin dynamics were observed via laser confocal microscopy. The ATP levels and ATPase activity in Neuro-2a cells was measured. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of RhoA/ROCK/Cofilin signaling pathway in brain tissues and Neuro-2a cells was measured, and the mRNA expression levels of glucose metabolism rate-limiting enzymes were detected. Our results showed that Pb induces nerve cell damage and cytoskeletal abnormalities. Western blot and qRT-PCR analyses revealed that Pb activated the RhoA/ROCK/Cofilin signaling pathway. Additionally, ATPase activity significantly decreased following Pb treatment, whereas ATP levels markedly increased in the 50 μM Pb group. In addition, Pb disrupts brain glucose metabolism through affect the transcription of rate-limiting enzymes of glucose metabolism. Overall, these findings suggest that Pb activates the RhoA/ROCK/Cofilin signaling pathway, leading to cytoskeletal damage. Moreover, Pb exposure alters glucose metabolism enzyme activity and ATP production, disrupting the balance between F-actin and G-actin and ultimately affecting neuronal structure and function. These results may provide a better understanding of lead-induced nerve damage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127663"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143891356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Heat stress demands high dietary zinc to combat oxidative stress, and improve cytokine and immune response in rats","authors":"Eranna Lokesha ,&nbsp;Sunil Ekanath Jadhav ,&nbsp;Ganesh Narayanrao Aderao ,&nbsp;Pramod Chaudhary ,&nbsp;Kumari Priyanka ,&nbsp;Narayan Dutta ,&nbsp;Gyanendra Singh","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127662","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127662","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Heat stress (HS) adversely impacts livestock production, immune response, and antioxidant status. Zinc (Zn), a key component of metalloenzymes, plays a vital role in maintaining these functions, with increased Zn requirements likely under HS. This study determined the dietary Zn requirement of rats under HS. Seventy-two weaned Wistar rats were allocated into six groups in a 3 × 2 factorial design (3 Zn levels: 14.6 ppm (CON), 32.7 ppm (Zn1), and 48.9 ppm (Zn2); 2 environmental conditions: thermoneutral (TN) and HS. All groups received the same basal purified diet with varying dietary Zn supplied as zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄.7H₂O). Initially for 28 days all groups were maintained under TN condition, later three groups from each dietary Zn levels were exposed to HS (5 hr/d) for 14 days in a psychrometric chamber. Blood, serum, and organ samples were analyzed for biochemical, hormonal, immune, and mineral profiles. HS elevated stress markers (cortisol, malondialdehyde, cytokines, haptoglobin, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase), while higher dietary Zn (48.9 ppm) significantly reduced these markers under HS. Antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and humoral immune response were lower in control groups but improved with increased dietary Zn in both environments. The mineral concentrations of Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe in serum were increased with higher dietary Zn levels in HS compared to TN groups. In conclusion, higher dietary Zn level at 48.9 ppm in a purified diet is effective in alleviating HS by lowering stress markers and bolstering antioxidant enzymes and humoral immune responses.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127662"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143891407","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Green-fabricated MnO₂ nanoparticles function as dual nanofertilizers and chromium remediators, enhancing antioxidant pathways, ionomic networks, and physiological resilience in wheat","authors":"Muhammad Anas ,&nbsp;Umar Masood Quraishi","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127661","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127661","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigates the potential of green-fabricated manganese dioxide (MnO₂) nanoparticles (NPs) to mitigate chromium (Cr) toxicity in wheat, presenting a novel approach to enhancing ion homeostasis and physiological resilience under Cr stress. Chromium contamination in agricultural soils is a significant concern, severely impacting crop productivity and disrupting the physiological homeostasis of wheat. Chromium exposure compromises nutrient uptake, induces oxidative stress, and impairs plant growth and yield. This study explored the use of green-fabricated MnO₂ NPs to mitigate Cr-induced oxidative stress in two bread wheat cultivars, Borlaug-16 and SKD-1. Seed nano-priming with MnO₂ NPs (100, 250, and 500 mg kg⁻¹) was applied, followed by Cr (100 mg kg⁻¹) exposure, and key physiological, biochemical, and ionomic responses were evaluated. Manganese dioxide nanoparticles significantly reduced Cr uptake and improved ion transport. In Borlaug-16, NP250 enhanced seedling height by 74 %, while NP100 reduced H₂O₂ and TBARS by 60.28 % and 50.17 %, respectively, indicating improved oxidative stress tolerance. SKD-1 exhibited greater Cr stress tolerance, with NP250 improving root length by 31.03 % and relative water content by 56.66 %, supporting better water retention. Additionally, MnO₂ NP treatments boosted antioxidant enzyme activities, increasing APX and GPX by up to 12.47 %, and restored root and leaf anatomy, reversing Cr-induced structural damage. Furthermore, MnO₂ NPs enhanced the uptake of essential nutrients such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium, while restricting Cr translocation, improving overall nutrient efficiency. These findings emphasize the potential of MnO₂ NPs as an eco-friendly strategy for enhancing crop resilience and promoting sustainable agriculture in Cr-contaminated soils.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127661"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143886589","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of minimal arsenic, lead, and cadmium exposure on biological pathways in Brazilian informal workers welding fashion jewelry","authors":"Fernanda Junqueira Salles ,&nbsp;Glory Atilola ,&nbsp;Ilias Frydas ,&nbsp;Dayna R. Schultz ,&nbsp;Nafsika Papaioannou ,&nbsp;Marcelo Macedo Rogero ,&nbsp;Dimosthenis Sarigiannis ,&nbsp;Paolo Vineis ,&nbsp;Kelly Polido Kaneshiro Olympio","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127660","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127660","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>This study complements previous research about informal workers occupational exposure by investigating the whole blood transcriptome of women engaged in informal home-based jewelry production in the city of Limeira, Sao Paulo, Brazil, focusing on associations between gene expression and arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) concentrations in blood, as well as on identifying transcriptome profiles linked to self-reported health outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Participants were divided into two groups: an exposed group comprising informal workers engaged in domestic jewelry welding activities (n = 22) and a control group composed of neighbors without occupational exposures (n = 19). Linear regression modeling assessed the association between the blood concentration of toxic elements, gene expression, and reported health outcomes. Pathway analysis was performed using ConsensusPathDB.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>269 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with As exposure and 43 with Cd exposure were found in this study, revealing significant health impacts on these workers. DEGs were also significantly associated with respiratory illness (bronchitis and asthma), neurological manifestations (sleep problems, migraines, or frequent headaches), shortness of breath, blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Pathway analysis indicates genes related to inflammatory processes, alterations in intestinal permeability, and neurological outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The results shed light on the transcriptomic changes in this occupational context and contribute to a better understanding of the challenges faced by informal workers. Even with low doses of toxic elements in the blood, it was possible to observe differences in gene expression linked to self-reported outcomes. Additional studies should clarify the biological processes associated with toxic elements exposure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127660"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143878569","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Elevated trace element concentrations in Arabian scallops, Natal rock oysters, and Intermediate clams in the Persian Gulf","authors":"Donia Akhavanfard ,&nbsp;Gholam Reza Sabzghabaei ,&nbsp;Mahdi Banaee ,&nbsp;Pastorino Paolo ,&nbsp;Giuseppe Esposito ,&nbsp;Caterina Faggio","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127659","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127659","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Backgrounds</h3><div>This study aimed to quantify trace element concentrations in Arabian scallops (<em>Mimachlamys sanguinea</em>), Natal rock oysters (<em>Saccostrea cucullata</em>), and Intermediate clams (<em>Tivela damaoides</em>). These elements accumulate over time from water, food, and sediment, potentially leading to toxicity.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>Specimens were collected from coastal waters around Larak Island, processed, and analyzed for trace elements including copper (Cu), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), zinc (Zn), vanadium (V), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), nickel (Ni), and cobalt (Co). The samples were ashed, digested, and then analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The findings revealed that Fe levels were highest in <em>T. damaoides</em>, significantly exceeding those in <em>M. sanguinea</em> (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). Cd concentrations were significantly higher in <em>M. sanguinea</em> compared to <em>S. cucullata</em> and <em>T. damaoides</em> (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). Zn, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, Co, Hg, Cu, As, and Se showed no significant interspecies differences (<em>p</em> &gt; 0.05). However, significant variations were noted for Mg with <em>T. damaoides</em> showing the highest levels markedly more significant than those observed in <em>M. sanguinea</em> (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). Comparison with WHO/FAO standards showed that Pb levels in the soft tissues of all three bivalve species exceeded permissible limits, though other metals were within safe consumption levels.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study revealed that lead concentrations in the soft tissues of bivalves exceeded WHO/FAO safety limits, indicating a potential health risk. These findings emphasize the necessity of monitoring trace element contamination in bivalves to ensure seafood safety and protect public health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127659"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143869083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reduced AKT activation accompanied with high TP53 expression is implicated in the impaired hematogenesis in Ziegler-Huang syndrome and the Znt7 null mice partially recapitulates the human disease linked to pancytopenia","authors":"Liping Huang ,&nbsp;Steven T. Nguyen ,&nbsp;Zhongyue Yang ,&nbsp;Catherine P. Kirschke ,&nbsp;Clément Prouteau ,&nbsp;Marie-Christine Copin ,&nbsp;Dominique Bonneau ,&nbsp;Odile Blanchet ,&nbsp;Coralie Mallebranche ,&nbsp;Isabelle Pellier ,&nbsp;Régis Coutant ,&nbsp;Charline Miot ,&nbsp;Alban Ziegler","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127658","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127658","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Inherited bone marrow failure (IBMF) is a life-threatening condition. Excessive expression of TP53 induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of hematopoietic cells in individuals with IBMF. We recently discovered two pathogenic variants, NM_001144884:c.21dup;p.(Asp8ArgfsTer3) and NM_001144884:c.842 + 15 T &gt; C, in <em>ZNT7</em> associated with IBMF (Ziegler-Huang Syndrome; BMF8). However, the pathophysiologic mechanism of IBMF caused by <em>ZNT7</em> mutations remained unknown.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>We investigated TP53 expression and the activation of its upstream regulator, AKT, in cell lines from affected individuals. We rescued the wild-type phenotype of AKT activation via transduction of wild-type <em>ZNT7</em> into patient’s fibroblasts. We performed fluorescence microscopy to assess co-expression patterns of ZNT7 with hematopoietic cell markers in different human and mouse bone marrow cell types. Finally, we evaluated the hematological features of <em>Znt7</em> deficient mice.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The growth of patient’s EBV-transformed B (B-EBV) lymphoblasts was impaired. We observed excessive expression of TP53 in the patient’s B-EBV lymphoblasts accompanied by a significant decrease in AKT activation. Importantly, overexpression of wild-type ZNT7 in patient’s fibroblasts rescued the activation of the AKT pathway by insulin. Additionally, human ZNT7 was expressed in myeloid and lymphoid lineage cells, whereas mouse ZnT7 was mainly expressed in the nucleated hematopoietic cells in the respective bone marrow. Despite these differences, we observed progressive cytopenia in <em>Znt7</em>KO mice, partially recapitulating BMF8 in humans.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Excessive expression of TP53 and down-regulation of AKT activation induced by ZNT7 deficiency might impair cell survival, which may contribute to the pathophysiology of bone marrow failure in affected individuals with BMF8.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127658"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143874556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of maternal serum selenium concentration on postpartal serum concentrations of selenium and immunoglobulins in dairy calves – A field study","authors":"Diana Bellmann ,&nbsp;Karsten Donat ,&nbsp;Esther Humann-Ziehank ,&nbsp;Tanja Gärtner ,&nbsp;Axel Wehrend ,&nbsp;Anne Klassen","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127656","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127656","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Selenium (Se) status is suspected to affect the passive transfer of immunoglobulins (Ig) via colostrum to newborn calves. The objective of this study was to investigate associations between maternal Se serum concentration with those of their newborn calves including colostrum quality. A total of 915 prepartum cows from 113 large dairy herds, were examined 3–1 weeks prepartum, including blood sampling. Colostrum samples collected 1–4 h postpartum were analysed using BRIX refractometry. Blood samples from their calves were taken 1–4 days postpartum. Data on herd-specific management of close-up cows, newborn calves and colostrum supply were collected additionally. A generalised linear mixed effects regression models with hierarchically structured random effects (cow or calve within herd) were fitted to the data. BRIX value was positively associated with the maternal prepartum Se serum concentration as well as with parity and vitamin D administration. Se serum concentration of calves were related to Se serum concentration of their dams and the amount of colostrum administered at first feeding. Ig serum concentration of calves was related to BRIX (p &lt; 0.01) and calves Se serum concentration (p &lt; 0.01) in the same multivariable model. The association identified under field conditions confirmed an adequate Se status of prepartum cows being vital for the passive transfer of Ig both by a higher colostral Ig concentration and a higher serum Se concentration of calves at which both mechanisms acting synergistically. Se status of prepartum cows was proven to be a key factor of passive transfer of Ig to newborn calves.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127656"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143855425","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dynamic ion-releasing biomaterials actively shape the microenvironment to enhance healing","authors":"Willian Fernando Zambuzzi ,&nbsp;Marcel Rodrigues Ferreira","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127657","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127657","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dynamic ion-releasing biomaterials have redefined the role of implantable bone devices, transitioning them from passive mechanical support to active players in tissue regeneration. These materials actively modulate the surrounding biological microenvironment by releasing bioactive ions (e.g.: calcium, phosphate, and cobalt) which dynamically interact with cells and tissues surrounding them. This interaction becomes the microenvironment highly active and accelerates bone healing, promoting osteogenesis, and enhancing osseointegration. The ions modulate key biological processes in this regard, including osteoblast adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, and immune responses, as well as coupled physiological mechanisms, ensuring that the implanted biomaterials foster an optimal environment for bone regeneration. More advanced surface modifications onto materials (e.g.: nanostructuring hydroxyapatites coatings) have been shown to further boost ion release, amplifying the ability of the material to influence surrounding tissues. As a result, ion-releasing biomaterials not only improve implant integration but also accelerate the overall healing process. Looking forward, the development of smart biomaterials capable of adjusting ion release in response to environmental changes offers exciting possibilities for personalized regenerative therapies and this review provides a comprehensive understanding of how dynamic ion-releasing biomaterials actively shape the microenvironment to enhance healing, focusing on their ability to modulate biological processes such as osteogenesis and angiogenesis. By examining the latest advances in surface modifications and ion-release mechanisms, this review also aims to revise the potential of these materials to revolutionize regenerative medicine, offering knowledge to guide the development of next-generation biomaterials for improved clinical outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127657"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143838401","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The importance of blood trace elements in the biomonitoring of agrochemicals exposure and effects on DNA and epigenetic alterations","authors":"Ingrid M. Flesch ,&nbsp;Shanda A. Cattani ,&nbsp;Daiane Domingues ,&nbsp;Caroline P. Peruzzi ,&nbsp;Paula Rohr ,&nbsp;Ana Letícia H. Garcia ,&nbsp;Rafael Moreira ,&nbsp;Mariele F. Charão ,&nbsp;Juliana Da Silva ,&nbsp;Gabriela Göethel ,&nbsp;Marcelo Arbo ,&nbsp;Adriana Gioda ,&nbsp;Tatiana Saint-Pierre ,&nbsp;Natália Brucker ,&nbsp;Solange C. Garcia","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127647","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127647","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Pesticides and trace element exposure can cause serious health outcomes. Brazil is a leading agrochemical user(kg/ha). This study aimed to assess DNA damage and epigenetic alterations due to agrochemical exposure in farmers from southern Brazil.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>One hundred and twelve farmers (male and female) with different exposure to agrochemicals were studied: group 1, farmers who handled agrochemicals extensively during the month of sample collection (<em>n</em>=44), and group 2 (<em>n</em>=68), who did not. Lifestyle and occupational information questionnaires were applied. Biomonitoring was performed by evaluating cholinesterase activity, trace element levels in blood, buccal micronucleus cytome assay (BMCyt) in buccal cells, telomere lenght and epigenetic alterations.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Cholinesterase activity showed no significant difference between groups. Blood trace elements such as As, Cr, Ni and V were above reference values, indicating excessive exposure. Strong correlations between trace elements suggested a common source of exposure. Group 1 had higher frequencies of micronuclei, nuclear buds, binucleated, and cell alterations, biomerkers for DNA damage and cytotoxicity. Global DNA methylation was higher in group 1 and correlated with Cr, Ni and Be. Telomere length was negatively correlated with age, Cr and Ni.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Farmers exhibited mutagenicity, telomere lenght and epigenetic alteration associeated with exposure to toxic trace elements, including important carcinogens. Moreover, the results demonstrated the importance of quantified trace elements as exposure biomarkers and the BMCyt assay, as a biomonitoring tool to evaluate agrochemical exposure. Limitations included the characterization of groups obtained through self-reporting and the absence of a non-exposed group.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127647"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143874557","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Minimizing neonatal hypothyroidism induced by lithium exposure through breast milk","authors":"Irfan Ahmed ,&nbsp;Muhammad Shehzad Khan ,&nbsp;Pikting Cheung ,&nbsp;Hina Magsi ,&nbsp;Zulfiqar Ali ,&nbsp;Yanpeng Zhang ,&nbsp;Martin Alda ,&nbsp;Veerle Bergink ,&nbsp;Condon Lau","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127653","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2025.127653","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Lithium-induced hypothyroidism in the neonate is a growing concern for lactating mothers. Maternal hypothyroidism in the postpartum period could lead to hypothyroidism in the infant via maternal compromised thyroid hormones (likely T4) in breast milk, and lithium in breast milk could have a direct effect on the neonatal thyroid axis over lithium carbonate direct administration.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We have studied the effects of lithium exposure on neonatal pups through two different modes of exposure: direct oral administration of lithium carbonate and indirect exposure of lithium from breast milk from dams. Furthermore, dams were supplemented with two different iodine dosages in both control and lithium-treated groups. We employed Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, inductively coupled plasma mass and atomic absorption spectrometry to assess hormone profiles and intrathyroidal elemental content.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Interestingly, lithium administered directly to pups from control mothers (average dose 900 mg/50 kg per day), did not affect their weight, thyroid hormones, blood urea, and intrathyroidal iodine content despite traces of lithium found in their blood and thyroid. The iodine pathway in the presence of lithium content in both thyroid follicular cells and lactocyte has been hypothesized. The results also demonstrate that lithium administration in lactating dams alters thyroid hormones (T4) and blood urea in both dams and pups, which could be reversed by iodine supplement. The mechanism for supplemented iodine uptake in the presence of lithium is hypothesized.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In future, supplementing iodine may be potentially useful in clinical practices to address the neonate concerns of lactating mothers and their infants either caused by prolonged lithium medication or maternal iodine deficiency.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"89 ","pages":"Article 127653"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143838402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}