Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology最新文献

{"title":"Circulating bio-elements and their association with cognitive impairment","authors":"Masroor Anwar ,&nbsp;Javed A Qadri ,&nbsp;Mohd Suhail Ashar ,&nbsp;Rashmita Pradhan ,&nbsp;A.B. Dey ,&nbsp;Sharmistha Dey","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127835","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127835","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and objective</h3><div>Rapid industrialization and urbanization have caused a significant increase in environmental pollution of bio-elements in India. Changes in bio-element concentrations, particularly an imbalance in the normal homeostasis in the blood leads to severe neurodegenerative effect. There has been very limited data on the association of bio-elements and cognitive decline. Present study performed the quantitative profiling of circulatory bio-element in cognitively impaired (CI) patients.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Elemental quantification of 19 elements were performed inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (Agilent Technologies, USA). A total of 65 participants were recruited for the study. All the participants underwent comprehensive clinical and functional assessments for cognitive abilities.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Quantitative profiling revealed a significant increase in eight elements (Li, Al, V, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, and Ag) in CI patients compared to control. MMSE score analysis was found to be 13.77 ± 0.9921 in CI compared to control 27.78 ± 0.3575. The concentrations of Li (Control; 25.84 ± 3.051 µg /L; CI; 41.52 ± 5.312 µg /L), Al (Control; 2.582 ± 0.739 µg /L; CI; 21.17 ± 6.092 µg /L), V (Control; 2.583 ± 0.739 µg /L; CI; 13.59 ± 2.757 µg /L), Mn (Control; 20.56 ± 1.919 µg /L; CI; 36.06 ± 3.086 µg /L), Co (Control; 2.52 ± 0.220 µg /L; CI; 4.143 ± 0.287 µg /L), Ni (Control; 2.723 ± 0.752 µg /L; CI; 22.83 ± 4.456 µg /L) Zn (Control; 8040 ± 1199 µg /L; CI; 11121 ± 838.6 µg /L) and Ag (Control; 0.7454 ± 0.127 µg /L; CI; 3.302 ± 0.699 µg /L).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Present study suggest that bio-elements (Li, Al, V, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, and Ag) may contribute to generate a distinctive signature in CI patients, and its detection in elderly might help in early management of element induced neurotoxicity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 127835"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146133726","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 metallic trinity: Understanding the roles and interplay of copper, zinc, and iron in pulmonary fibrosis – A comprehensive review","authors":"Chloe Shah ,&nbsp;Zhe Lv ,&nbsp;Ye Cui","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127850","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127850","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a group of debilitating chronic lung diseases characterized by progressive scarring of the lung parenchyma. Despite advances in understanding its multifactorial pathogenesis, these insights have yet to translate into broadly effective treatment options. Emerging evidence underscores the critical roles of essential trace metals in driving fibrotic progression. In this review, we introduce the Metallic Trinity framework, which conceptualizes copper, zinc, and iron as an interdependent network within the pulmonary metallome. Notably, perturbations in any single metallic component disrupt the homeostasis of the others, initiating a cascade of molecular and cellular events that promote fibrogenesis. Drawing on data from both preclinical models and clinical studies, we delineate the individual roles and dynamic crosstalk among these metals in shaping the fibrotic lung microenvironment. This integrated perspective provides novel insights into the mechanisms by which trace metal imbalances contribute to aberrant tissue remodeling, inflammation, and cellular dysfunction. Furthermore, we explore therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring metal equilibrium and highlight the potential of these elements as biomarkers. By reframing PF through the lens of trace metal interdependence, the Metallic Trinity paradigm provides a rationale for exploring new strategies for precision diagnostics and targeted interventions, with the potential to improve therapeutic approaches for this devastating condition.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 127850"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146777074","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":"Comprehensive bioinformatic analysis and experimental validation identify MT1M and MT1X as key metallothioneins in BC pathogenesis","authors":"Liqian Su ,&nbsp;Shichao Wen ,&nbsp;Yuhua Wang ,&nbsp;Yiqiu Ma ,&nbsp;Hongxue Meng ,&nbsp;Jingxuan Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127832","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127832","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Metallothioneins (MTs) are crucial metal-binding proteins involved in cellular zinc homeostasis and oxidative stress response. However, the role of metallothionein-related genes (MRGs) in breast cancer (BC) pathogenesis and their potential as therapeutic targets remains poorly understood.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We integrated two BC datasets, GSE42568 and GSE29044, to identify differentially expressed MRGs. Consensus clustering was applied to classify BC subtypes based on MRGs expression patterns. GSVA evaluated pathway activities between subtypes. LASSO regression, Random Forest, and Logistic Regression were employed to identify core MRGs. A predictive nomogram was constructed and validated using ROC curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis. Single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomic analyses were performed to characterize core MRGs expression patterns. Finally, in vitro experiments, including PCR, western blot, CCK-8, migration, and invasion assays, were conducted for validation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 62 MRGs analyzed, 30 showed differential expression in BC. Consensus clustering revealed two MTs subtypes with distinct molecular signatures. Functional enrichment analysis indicated significant pathways, including Wnt signaling and zinc ion homeostasis. GSVA highlighted variations in metal ion homeostasis and immune responses between subtypes. Two core MRGs, MT1M and MT1X, were identified through machine learning approaches, both significantly downregulated in BC tissues. The constructed nomogram demonstrated excellent predictive performance. Single-cell analysis revealed cell-type-specific expression patterns, while pathway analysis showed differential activation of oncogenic signaling cascades. Experimental validation confirmed the downregulation of MT1M and MT1X in BC tissues at mRNA and protein levels. Functional assays demonstrated that overexpression of MT1M or MT1X suppressed BC cell viability, migration, and invasion.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our study establishes MRGs, particularly the core genes MT1M and MT1X, as crucial players in BC heterogeneity and pathogenesis. They serve as promising diagnostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets, with their tumor-suppressive roles likely mediated through the modulation of key oncogenic signaling pathways.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 127832"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146159859","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":"Exposure to copper induces oxidative stress and apoptosis in human MEG-01 cells","authors":"Zhanqin Huang ,&nbsp;Yuxuan Huang ,&nbsp;Hongxing Chen ,&nbsp;Meidie Yu ,&nbsp;Zihao Zhao ,&nbsp;Dongqing Zhang ,&nbsp;Qiaoxin Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127854","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127854","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Wilson disease (WD), caused by <em>ATP7B</em> mutations, leads to pathological copper accumulation. Although thrombocytopenia is often reported in patients with WD, the underlying mechanisms are complex and remain unelucidated. This study used the human megakaryoblast cell line MEG-01 to investigate how excess copper affects cellular oxidative stress and apoptosis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>After exposing MEG-01 cells to CuCl_₂ for 24 h, viability was determined using a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and intracellular ultrastructural changes were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Apoptosis was quantified using annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining combined with flow cytometry analysis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were analyzed by 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate staining and flow cytometry. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected using thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and water-soluble tetrazolium 8 (WST-8) assays, respectively. The expression levels of p62 and caspase-3 proteins were evaluated using western blotting.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Compared with the control group, CuCl₂ treatment of MEG-01 cells significantly inhibited the viability of cells. TEM revealed mitochondrial swelling, cristae fragmentation, and endoplasmic reticulum dilatation, indicating organelle damage. The apoptotic rate exhibited a dose-dependent increase in response to CuCl₂, which was paralleled by a significant upregulation in the protein levels of caspase-3 and p62. Finally, treatment of MEG-01 cells with CuCl₂ significantly elevated the levels of ROS and MDA. While SOD activity remained unchanged in the 10 and 20 μM CuCl₂ groups compared to the control, it was markedly reduced following exposure to 40 μM CuCl₂.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Copper exposure damages MEG-01 cells. This is likely mainly due to oxidative stress and apoptosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 127854"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147370943","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":"Prenatal and adolescent exposure to metals/metalloids and telomere dynamics at 14 years: Evidence from the Chitwan birth cohort","authors":"Kyi Mar Wai ,&nbsp;Rajendra Prasad Parajuli ,&nbsp;Masahiro Umezaki","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127856","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127856","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Telomeres are repetitive non-coding DNA sequences at chromosome ends that progressively shorten with each cell division, serving as markers of cellular aging. Recent studies have suggested that prenatal and postnatal exposure to metals/metalloids may influence telomere length (TL) attrition; however, longitudinal studies spanning the prenatal period to adolescence remain limited. We investigated whether prenatal and adolescent exposure to metals/metalloids (arsenic, lead, selenium, zinc, copper) predicts TL at 14 years of age. In 2008, pregnant mothers (n = 100) were recruited from Bharatpur General Hospital, Chitwan, Nepal, where questionnaire surveys and cord blood samples were collected. After 14 years, in 2022, their children (n = 74) were followed up. Cord blood and urine samples were analyzed for metals/metalloids concentrations using inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). TL was assessed by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using the dried blood spots and expressed as the T/S ratio. Cord blood concentration of arsenic, lead, selenium, zinc, or copper did not predict TL at 14 years of age. TL was positively associated with urinary selenium (β = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.01–0.58) and perceived neighborhood quality (β = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.10–0.60) in adolescents. Although the small sample size may have limited the power to detect modest associations, our study showed that cumulative or mixture exposure exhibited no significant associations with TL over 14 years of follow-up. <em>In utero</em> exposure to metals/metalloids did not predict TL in adolescence. Growth environment and selenium status emerged as important determinants of biological aging during this developmental stage.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 127856"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147385618","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":"Boric acid attenuates sepsis-induced cardiac injury through TLR4/mTOR modulation","authors":"Salwa Qasim Saeb ,&nbsp;Gulsah Yildiz Deniz ,&nbsp;Merve Arslan ,&nbsp;Hasan Turkez ,&nbsp;Fatime Geyikoglu","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127846","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127846","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Boric acid (BA) has been reported to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in various experimental settings; however, its role in sepsis-associated myocardial injury and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Polymicrobial infections cause severe organ damage and are associated with increased mortality in both neonatal and adult patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the cardioprotective effects of BA and to explore its potential molecular mechanisms against myocardial injury in a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis model.<em>Sprague–Dawley</em> male rats were randomly assigned to Control, CLP, boric acid-treated (50 and 120 mg/kg), and boric acid + CLP groups, and BA was administered by oral gavage 1 h prior to CLP induction.Twenty-four hours after CLP, heart samples were collected. We investigated heart injury in terms of oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and also analyzed the activity of mTOR and vascular damage, which regulate cell metabolism and immunity. Furthermore, we evaluated caspase-3 gene expression in myocardial tissue by qRT-PCR. In vivo, BA treatment dose-dependently decreased myocardial oxidative stress markers (↓TOS), inflammatory mediators (↓TNF-α, ↓IL-1β), vascular adhesion molecules (↓VCAM-1, ↓ICAM-1), and myocardial TLR4 and mTOR expression, while increasing antioxidant capacity (↑TAC) and preserving cardiac tissue architecture. In addition, BA upregulated the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and suppressed caspase-3 gene expression in the heart tissues of CLP rats. The protective effects were more pronounced at the higher dose (120 mg/kg) compared with the lower dose (50 mg/kg). Overall, these findings suggest that BA attenuates sepsis-induced myocardial injury by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and vascular responses, potentially through regulation of the TLR4/mTOR signaling pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 127846"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146174497","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":"Mercury (Hg) in biological samples in association with cancer risk and associated mortality: A systematic literature review","authors":"Enrica Castellana ,&nbsp;Simone Iadevaia ,&nbsp;Maddalena Carretti ,&nbsp;Alice Graziani ,&nbsp;Alessandra Picelli ,&nbsp;Giovanna Berti ,&nbsp;Guglielmo Bonaccorsi ,&nbsp;Chiara Doccioli ,&nbsp;Calogero Saieva ,&nbsp;Saverio Caini","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127825","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127825","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mercury (Hg) is a heavy metal widely present in the environment as a result of its use in several industrial activities. While multiple adverse health effects of exposure to Hg are established, its link to cancer is still controversial. This systematic review aims to summarize the most updated evidence on the association between Hg levels quantified in biological specimens and cancer incidence and mortality, whether overall or site-specific. We reviewed articles published in PubMed and EMBASE until 10th December, 2025 which examined Hg concentration in biological samples (e.g., blood, urine, and finger/toe-nails) in relation to cancer incidence or mortality. Study quality was assessed using the NOS (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale) tool. We included 31 articles published between 2012–2025, including 11 non-nested case-control studies, 4 nested case-control studies, 6 cohort studies, and 10 cross-sectional studies. The association between Hg levels and cancer risk varied according to cancer site and biological matrix. No consistent correlation was found for gastrointestinal, colorectal, pancreatic, breast, cervical, and uterine cancers. Likewise, studies on prostate, bladder, urinary tract, brain, and nervous system cancers mostly reported null results. Suggestive evidence emerged for a link between Hg biological levels and the risk of cancer of the skin and thyroid gland. The findings were predominantly null also for cumulative cancer mortality. The existing studies focusing on the association between Hg in biological samples and cancer risk are still limited in number and do not reveal a clear pattern for any cancer type.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 127825"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146115376","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":"Synthesis, structural characterization, computational studies, and anticancer evaluation of novel rufloxacin Schiff base metal complexes with involvement of Mcl-1 modulation in breast cancer cells","authors":"Sherif M. Abd El-Hamid ,&nbsp;Mohammed S. El-Gedamy ,&nbsp;Abdelazim M.A. Abdelgawwad ,&nbsp;Antonio Francés-Monerris ,&nbsp;Sadeek A. Sadeek","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127851","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127851","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and Objective</h3><div>Breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide, emphasizing the urgent need for the development of novel and effective metal-based chemotherapeutics. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize a new Schiff base ligand derived from rufloxacin and to evaluate the anticancer potential of its metal complexes against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells, focusing on Mcl-1 protein suppression as a mechanistic target.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A novel Schiff base ligand, <em>N,N-phenylene(bis(9-fluoro-2,3-dihydro-10-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-7-oxo-7H-pyrido[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzothiazine-6-carboxylic acid)) dihydrochloride</em> (H₂Ruf-o-phdn·2HCl), was synthesized via the condensation of rufloxacin hydrochloride with <em>o</em>-phenylenediamine in ethanol. The ligand was complexed with zinc(II), yttrium(III), zirconium(IV), and lanthanum(III) salts in an alkaline medium at a 1:2:1 molar ratio to yield the corresponding coordination complexes. The products were characterized using elemental analysis, molar conductivity, magnetic susceptibility, FT-IR, ¹H NMR, UV–vis. spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The cytotoxic activity of the ligand and its complexes was assessed against the MDA-MB-231 (TNBC) cell line. Western blotting was employed to determine Mcl-1 expression, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with MM-PBSA calculations were conducted to elucidate binding stability and energetics.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Spectroscopic data confirmed that the ligand coordinates in a tetradentate fashion through nitrogen and oxygen donor atoms, forming octahedral complexes around the metal centers. XRD patterns indicated crystalline nature, while TGA revealed stepwise decomposition involving coordinated water, anions, and organic moieties. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that metal complexation enhanced the antiproliferative activity relative to the free ligand. The ZrO(IV)-complex exhibited the highest potency (IC₅₀ ≈ 9 μM), accompanied by significant downregulation of the antiapoptotic Mcl-1 protein and clear evidence of apoptosis induction. MD simulations and MM-PBSA free-energy analyses confirmed a stable and energetically favorable ZrO(IV)-Mcl-1 interaction (ΔG_bind ≈ –12.9 kcal·mol⁻¹), primarily stabilized by a persistent hydrogen-bond network involving Arg263.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings suggest that the ZrO(IV)-rufloxacin Schiff base complex exhibits strong antiproliferative activity against TNBC cells through Mcl-1 inhibition and apoptosis induction. This complex represents a promising therapeutic candidate targeting Mcl-1–mediated chemoresistance in aggressive breast cancer subtypes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 127851"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147319304","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":"Effect of selenium on the cellular structure and oxidative response of the yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Rhodotorula glutinis","authors":"Wioletta Sęk ,&nbsp;Urszula Lisiecka ,&nbsp;Agnieszka Ostrowska ,&nbsp;Marek Kieliszek","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127843","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127843","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Selenium is an element with diverse biological effects that, at higher concentrations, can cause oxidative stress and cell damage. Therefore, it is essential to understand its impact on yeast cells, which can serve as a model for studying selenium toxicity.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate the effect of selenium on the physiology, cellular structure, and oxidative response of the yeasts <em>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</em> ATCC 7090 and <em>Rhodotorula glutinis</em> CCY 20–2–26. Changes in cellular structure, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and ultrastructural alterations were examined under the influence of varying selenium concentrations.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Yeast cells were cultured in various selenium concentrations. The analysis included spectroscopic methods, flow cytometry, electron microscopy (TEM, SEM), and analysis of the surface chemical composition of yeast biomass (XPS). ROS and peroxide levels, as well as changes in cell structure, were also assessed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The yeast <em>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</em> demonstrated the ability to adapt its cellular structure to the presence of selenium, resulting in an increase in the proportion of C-C and C-H bonds to 53.5 % (at a concentration of 10 mg Se⁴⁺/L). Superoxide production increased by 26.14 % at a concentration of 10 mg Se⁴⁺/L, while ROS levels remained low (0.21 %). In <em>Rhodotorula glutinis</em>, however, over 50.71 % of cells were in a state of early apoptosis at a concentration of 20 mg Se⁴⁺/L, and the integrity of cellular structures was severely compromised. XPS analysis revealed the presence of Se-S bonds, suggesting the involvement of detoxification mechanisms involving selenium binding to the thiol groups of proteins and peptides, forming less toxic selenium-sulfur complexes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study demonstrated that the yeast <em>S. cerevisiae</em> exhibits a greater ability to adapt to selenium stress than <em>R. glutinis</em>. Selenium detoxification mechanisms, exemplified by the formation of selenium-sulfur complexes, play a crucial role in the response to oxidative stress. These results could serve as a starting point for further research on the effects of selenium on yeast cells.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 127843"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146159912","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":"Dose and food matrix effects on selenium retention in mouse tissues from selenium-rich vegetables and rice: Implications for selenium bioavailability","authors":"Jin-Feng Xi ,&nbsp;Xin-Ying Lin ,&nbsp;Ning Wang ,&nbsp;Jin-Lei Yang ,&nbsp;Dongmei Zhou ,&nbsp;Hong-Bo Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127829","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127829","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Selenium (Se) deficiency is a widespread health issue. Investigating the differences in Se bioavailability in agricultural products can provide valuable insights into prioritizing food choices for Se biofortification strategies. This study investigated the effects of food matrix (rice and vegetables) and Se dose on Se retention in tissue by administering SeMet, SeCys₂, MeSeCys, and Se-rich rice and vegetables to mice at varying doses. Results showed that following ingestion of vegetables and rice, Se accumulation in mouse liver and kidneys exhibited non-linear increases with Se doses. Additionally, by giving mice celery, rice, SeMet, SeCys₂, and MeSeCys with different Se doses, Se concentration in liver and kidneys of both male and female mice increased non-linearly with dose, plateauing at higher dose levels, suggesting relative lower retention when doses were higher. This was not due to lower Se absorption in the intestine at higher Se doses, as Se fecal elimination factors (FEFs) in both female and male mice were stable across SeMet doses. However, higher Se doses caused increased urinary excretion, as evidenced by urinary Se excretion factors (UEFs) rising with escalating SeMet doses, leading to lower increases in Se tissue retention under higher Se doses. Further comparing Se tissue retention from rice and celery with same concentrations and species, celery consumption resulted in significantly lower Se accumulation and higher FEFs, suggesting lower Se bioavailability for celery than rice. Our findings demonstrate that Se dose and food matrix collectively shape Se bioavailability, offering a framework to address global deficiencies while balancing efficacy and safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49970,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology","volume":"94 ","pages":"Article 127829"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146081678","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}