Concentrations of Selected Heavy Metals in Bones and Femoral Bone Structure of Bank (Myodes glareolus) and Common (Microtus arvalis) Voles from Different Polluted Biotopes in Slovakia

Concentrations of selected heavy metals in the femora and femoral bone structure of bank (Myodes glareolus) and common (Microtus arvalis) voles from different polluted biotopes in Slovakia (Kolíňany and Nováky sites) were investigated. Length, weight, and histological structure of vole bones were also analyzed. We observed higher concentrations of lead (Pb), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in the bones of both species from the Kolíňany site. Significant differences were observed in the concentration of Fe in bank and common voles (p < 0.05) and in the concentration of Zn (p < 0.05) in common voles. The animals from Nováky had higher concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) in their bones; however, the differences were not significant. The measured values for bone length and weight were higher in both species from Nováky (p < 0.05). We did not identify differences in qualitative histological characteristics of the femora between the voles (M. glareolus and M. arvalis separately) between the two biotopes. In addition, no statistically significant differences for any the measured variables of primary osteons’ vascular canals were observed. Correlation analysis in M. glareolus showed a strong positive relation between Cd and Ni (r = 0.52), Pb and bone weight (r = 0.53), Fe and bone weight (r = 0.52), and Fe and perimeter size of primary osteons’ vascular canals (r = 0.55). In common voles, a strong positive relation was found between Fe and Cu (r = 0.60) and between Fe and perimeter size of vascular canals of primary osteons (r = 0.55). Our results indicate that accumulation of some heavy metals is slightly increased in the femora of both species at Kolíňany

Lippia citriodora (verbascoside) extract supplementation: Effect on rabbit semen quality in vivo and in vitro

Verbascoside, the main component of Lippia citriodora extract, is one of the most powerful free radical scavengers exhibiting a wide biological activity. In in vivo study 20 adult New Zealand white rabbit bucks were divided into two homogeneous groups, one control (CON) and one verbascoside-supplemented (0.1%) in feed mixture (EXP) and later in vitro effects of verbascoside on the motility aspects of rabbit spermatozoa were analysed. The spermatozoa concentration, ejaculate volume, spermatozoa motility, progressive motility, distance parameters, velocity parameters and type of spermatozoa movement were negatively affected by Lippia citriodora leaves extract after the first 4 weeks of dietary treatment, till the end of experiment (8 weeks). Four weeks after the suspension of feed additive supplementation, all spermatozoa traits values returned to the normality, and in line with CON group. For in vitro findings, ejaculates from 10 male New Zealand white bucks were collected using an artificial vagina. Then it was diluted in physiological saline solution containing different concentrations of verbascoside at the concentration of 0, 0.0024, 0.0219, 0.157, 120.0 mg/ml (Ctrl, VB1, VB2, VB3, VB4 groups, respectively), using a dilution ratio of 1: 4. The obtained data proved that verbascoside at the concentration of 0.0024 and 0.0219 mg/ml had no adverse effect on spermatozoa. Additionally, we found that verbascoside at higher concentrations (0.157 and 120.0 mg/ml) significantly altered all the motility parameters analysed in the experiment. In conclusion a possible negative effect of verbascoside supplementation into feed mixture (0.1%) on semen quality parameters in rabbit bucks as well as in vitro can be stated, obviously considering that target organs of antioxidant activities of phenylpropanoid glycosides are various. In addition it has to be emphasized that the extract showed a reversible action, since the semen traits of treated animals returned to the normality after the dietary administration period

Crude glycerol negatively affects rabbit spermatozoa motility in vitro

ΔΕΝ ΥΠΑΡΧΕΙ ΠΕΡΙΛΗΨΗ ΣΤΑ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑIn recent years the conventional diet for farmed animals has been increasingly substituted by alternative energy sources such as crude glycerol. There is an urgent need for investigation of the impact of crude glycerol on the male reproductive tract. Rabbit semen was cultured in a TRIS/NaCl-based medium containing 0% (control), 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% crude glycerol. Sperm kinetic characteristics were assessed immediately and 30 min, 60 min, 120 min and 180 min upon treatment by computer assisted analyzer. In general, a decrease in motility was recorded for the spermatozoa treated with 5% glycerol (P&lt;0.001). A substantial reduction in spermatozoa motility was observed in the samples containing 10% and 15% crude glycerol (P&lt;0.05). The lowest motility was observed for spermatozoa incubated with 20% crude glycerol. Presented data suggest toxic effects of crude glycerol on the rabbit spermatozoa kinetics in vitro

The effect of brown seaweed and polyphenol supplementation in male rabbits on the blood profile and antioxidant markers

Currently, in animal nutrition, the replacement of synthetic substances with natural ones was expected to improve animal health. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a dietary brown seaweed and plant polyphenol mixture in adult male rabbits on the haematological profile and antioxidant markers. Twentyfour adult male rabbits were divided into three experimental groups receiving a control diet (C) or diets supplemented with 0.3% (T1) and 0.6% (T2) of a feed additive containing brown seaweed (Laminaria spp.) and plant extracts of seaweed origin. The trial lasted for 90 days. A lower potassium concentration was observed at 30 days in the T2 group, compared with the T1 and C groups. An increase in the antioxidant status was observed (P &lt; 0.05) from day 60 of the trial in the rabbits fed diets with an algae-polyphenolic supplement (T1 and T2 groups). Concluding, the diet supplementation of brown seaweed and polyphenol stimulates the antioxidant status of the blood, however, it does not affect the haematological profile

Content of heavy metals in soils in different seasons

Badano zawartość Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu i Ni w glebach łąkowych w powiecie bocheńskim w sezonie jesiennym i zimowym 2010/2011. Łąki usytuowane były w różnej odległości od drogi: 2, 100 i 200 m. Gleby na badanych stanowiskach wykazywały odczyn od średnio kwaśnego do prawie obojętnego i wilgotność jesienią 17,17÷29,53%, natomiast w zimie 24,68÷37,59%. Wykazano statystycznie istotne różnice w zawartości Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb na poszczególnych stanowiskach w badanych sezonach. W stosunku do kadmu nie wykazano takich zależności. Pierwiastek ten w podobnym stężeniu (0,6÷0,88 ppm) występował na wszystkich stanowiskach bez względu na porę roku. Analizowano również liczebność i różnorodność pedofauny, która była większa w sezonie zimowym w glebach badanych łąk. Stwierdzono jednak, że znaczne różnice w zawartości metali nie miały wpływu na liczebność fauny glebowej na poszczególnych stanowiskach w badanych porach roku.The content of heavy metals like cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) was investigated in the meadow soils in the district of Bochnia in autumn and winter season 2010/2011. The meadows were located at different distances from the road 2 m, 100 m and 200 m. The soils tested showed an average pH of acidic to nearly neutral and humidity in autumn 17.17÷29.53% and in winter season within 24.68÷37.59%. Statistically significant showed differences in the content of Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb between stations in the autumn and winter seasons. In relation to cadmium did not show such dependence. The content of this element (0.6÷0.88 ppm) is similar occurred at all stations, regardless of the season. The number and diversity of pedofauna were also analyzed, which was higher in the winter season in the studied meadow soils. It has been found, however, that significant differences in metal content did not affect the abundance of soil fauna at different stations in the studied seasons

Zawartość metali ciężkich w glebach łąkowych w różnych porach roku

The content of heavy metals like cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) was investigated in the meadow soils in the district of Bochnia in autumn and winter season 2010/2011. The meadows were located at different distances from the road 2 m, 100 m and 200 m. The soils tested showed an average pH of acidic to nearly neutral and humidity in autumn 17.17–29.53 % and in winter season within 24.68–37.59 %. Statistically significant showed differences in the content of Zn, Cu, Ni and Pb between stations in the autumn and winter seasons. In relation to cadmium did not show such dependence. The content of this element (0.6–0.88 ppm) is similar occurred at all stations, regardless of the season. The number and diversity of pedofauna were also analyzed, which was higher in the winter season in the studied meadow soils. It has been found, however, that significant differences in metal content did not affect the abundance of soil fauna at different stations in the studied seasons.Badano zawartość Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu i Ni w glebach łąkowych w powiecie bocheńskim w sezonie jesiennym i zimowym 2010/2011. Łąki usytuowane były w różnej odległości od drogi: 2, 100 i 200 m. Gleby na badanych stanowiskach wykazywały odczyn od średnio kwaśnego do prawie obojętnego i wilgotność jesienią 17.17-29.53 %, natomiast w zimie 24.68-37.59 %. Wykazano istotne statystycznie różnice w zawartości Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb na poszczególnych stanowiskach w badanych sezonach. W stosunku do kadmu nie wykazano takich zależności. Pierwiastek ten w podobnym stężeniu (0.6; 0.88 ppm) występował na wszystkich stanowiskach bez względu na porę roku. Analizowano również liczebność i różnorodność pedofauny, która była większa w sezonie zimowym w glebach badanych łąk. Stwierdzono jednak, że znaczne różnice w zawartości metali nie miały wpływu na liczebność fauny glebowej na poszczególnych stanowiskach w badanych porach roku

Acrylamide: a Common Food Toxin Related to Physiological Functions and Health

Acrylamide (AA) is a highly reactive organic compound capable of polymerization to form polyacrylamide, which is commonly used throughout a variety of industries. Given its toxic effect on humans and animals, the last 20 years have seen an increased interest in research devoted to the AA. One of the main sources of AA is food. AA appears in heated food following the reaction between amino acids and reduced sugars. Large concentrations of AA can be found in popular staples such as coffee, bread or potato products. An average daily consumption of AA is between 0.3-2.0 µg/kg b.w. Inhalation of acrylamide is related with occupational exposure. AA delivered with food is metabolized in the liver by cytochrome P450. AA biotransformation and elimination result in formation of toxic glycidamide (GA). Both, AA and GA can be involved in the coupling reaction with the reduced glutathione (GSH) forming glutathione conjugates which are excreted with urine. Biotransformation of AA leads to the disturbance in the redox balance. Numerous research proved that AA and GA have significant influence on physiological functions including signal propagation in peripheral nerves, enzymatic and hormonal regulation, functions of muscles, reproduction etc. In addition AA and GA show neurotoxic, genotoxic and cancerogenic properties. In 1994, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified acrylamide as a potentially carcinogenic substance to human.</jats:p

Kumulacja wybranych metali ciężkich w kości udowej drobnych ssaków lądowych

The accumulation of lead, cadmium, iron, nickel, copper and zinc in the femora of yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) and bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) living near the site of coal power station Novaky (Slovakia) was investigated. The content of heavy metals in the bones was assessed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry method. Altogether 20 femora of adult individuals were analysed. Higher concentrations of Cd, Ni, Cu and Zn were detected in the bones of bank vole. Significant differences were observed for the concentrations of Cd, Ni and Zn (p < 0.05). On the contrary, higher concentrations of Pb and Fe were found in the femora of yellow necked mouse. However, the differences were not significant. Our results indicate that Clethrionomys glareolus may be considered as more bone loaded zoomonitor in comparison with Apodemus flavicollis.Zbadano kumulację ołowiu, kadmu, żelaza, niklu, miedzi i cynku w kości udowej myszy leśnej (Apodemus flavicollis) i nomicy rudej (Clethrionomys glareolus) zasiedlających tereny w pobliżu elektrowni Novaky na Słowacji. Zawartość metali ciężkich w kościach zmierzono metodą spektrofotometrii atomowej. Przebadano 20 kości udowych podchodzących od dorosłych osobników. Większe zawartości Cd, Ni, Cu i Zn stwierdzono w kościach nornicy rudej niż w kościach myszy leśnej. Istotne statystycznie różnice między badanymi ssakami dotyczyły zawartości Cd, Ni i Zn (p < 0.05). Z drugiej strony kości myszy leśnej zawierały więcej Pb i Fe niż kości nomicy rudej. Różnice te nie były jednak istotne statystycznie. Uzyskane wyniki wskazują, że kości nornicy rudej kumulują więcej metali ciężkich niż kości myszy leśnej, co może mieć znaczenie dla przyszłych badań monitoringowych

- Status antyoksydacyjny oraz zawartość metali w mleku ludzkim u kobiet w różnym wieku i okresie laktacji

The aim of the study was to investigate the concentration of chosen tracę elements, activity of catalase (CAT) and glutathione content (GSH) in human milk. The study subjects were recruited from among the lactating women from Małopolska province in Poland. Milk was taken from 23 mothers classified inlo three groups of age (20-25, 26-31 and 32-37 years) and two groups of lactation period (colostrums; 1-3 days; and transitional milk, over 4th day). CAT and GSH values were determined by the spectrophotometric method. Cu, Zn, Mg, Fe and Cd concentrations were determined by atomie absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The results indicate no significant differences between activity of catalase taking into account the age of mothers and the day of lactation. Similarly glutathione level showed insignificant differences between sludicd groups. Our results indicate that human milk of women from Małopolska province, Poland, may contain significant amount of cadmium. We found statistically significant correlation between some metals in milk from women in different age and period of lactation. It concerned: Fe vs Cd and Cd vs Cu correlation. The result of our study indicate that the actiyity of antioxidant enzymes did not change during the course of lactation and in relation to mother's age.Celem badań było określenie koncentracji metali ciężkich, a także zawartości enzymów antyoksy-dacyjnych: katalazy (CAT) i zredukowanego glutationu (GSH) w mleku ludzkim. Kobiety biorące udział w eksperymencie były rekrutowane spośród matek w różnych okresach laktacji, pochodzących z terenu województwa małopolskiego. Próbki mleka zostały pobrane od 23 zdrowych kobiet z klas wiekowych: 20-25, 26-31, 32-37 lat. Dodatkowo został dokonany podział na grupy ze względu na okres laktacji, pierwsza: 1-3 dzień laktacji - siara, druga: powyżej 4 dnia - mleko przejściowe. Aktywność katalazy była mierzona spektrofotometrycznie według metody Bartosza (1995), natomiast poziom glutationu oznaczano spektrofotometrycznie przy użyciu metody Ellmana (1965). Koncentrację pierwiastków, takich jak: Zn, Mg, Cu, Fe oraz Cd oznaczano za pomocą spektrofotometrii absorpcyjnej (AAS). Aktywność katalazy, a także poziom glutationu zredukowanego nie wykazały statystycznie istotnych różnic pomiędzy grupami wiekowymi oraz okresem laktacji. Wyniki naszych badań pokazują, że mleko kobiet z regionu Małopolski zawiera pewne ilości kadmu. Dodatkowo zostały wykazane statystycznie istotne korelacje pomiędzy zawartością metali w próbkach mleka od kobiet w różnym wieku i okresie karmienia, dotyczyło to związku pomiędzy: Fe i Cd oraz Cd i Cu. Pomiędzy pozostałymi badanymi pierwiastki nie zaobserwowano statystycznie istotnych korelacji