Aluminum contamination of food during culinary preparation: Case study with aluminum foil and consumers' preferences

Co-exposure to Aluminium and Cadmium Mediates Postpartum Maternal Variation in Brain Architecture and Behaviour of Mice; Involvement of Oxido-nitrergic and Cholinergic Mechanisms : Postpartum effects of Aluminium and Cadmium co-exposure in pregnancy

Most research has not been done on the possible relationship between pregnant women's cross-metal exposures and postpartum neuroendocrine functions. The purpose of this study was to look into how co-exposure to aluminium chloride (AlCl3) and cadmium chloride (CdCl2) affected the neuroendocrine and neurometabolic changes in postpartum mice. A total of 24 adult pregnant female mice were used for the study. Group 1 served as control and received neither AlCl3 nor CdCl2 (n=6), group 2 comprised pregnant mice treated with AlCl3 (10mg/kg), group 3 with CdCl2 (1.5mg/kg), group 4 with a combination of AlCl3 (10 mg/kg) and CdCl2 (1.5 mg/kg).Oral treatment of animals was done daily from gestation day 7 to gestation day 20. Upon delivery and weaning on postnatal day 21 (PND 21), behavioural assessment was done on the postpartum mice and immediately followed by sacrifice for assessment of histological and neuroendocrine markers. Our findings revealed that the brain-to-body weight ratio was affected and brain oxidative stress was elevated in mice exposed to AlCl3 and CdCl2 during pregnancy. Given the strong association between postpartum hyperactivity, social interaction index, brain catalase and acetylcholinesterase activity, and the brain/body weight ratio, it is plausible that these effects have played a role in the adverse behavioural abnormalities observed in the postpartum maternal mice. Moreover, it was noted that in certain situations, co-exposures to the metals tended to have opposite effects to single metal exposures.

Prenatal double-hit with aluminium and cadmium mediate testicular atrophy and hypothalamic hypoplasia: the role of oxido-nitrergic stress and endocrine perturbations

There is limited experimental evidence on the biochemical consequences of aluminium (Al) and cadmium (Cd) co-exposures during pregnancy and postnatal life.This study investigated the impacts of perinatal Al chloride (AlCl3) and Cd chloride (CdCl2) co-exposures on neuroendocrine functions in mice offspring during postnatal life. The study comprised of four pregnant experimental groups. Group 1 received AlCl3 (10 mg/kg), group 2 were administered CdCl2 (1.5 mg/kg), while group 3 received both AlCl3 (10 mg/kg) and CdCl2 (1.5 mg/kg) (AlCl3+CdCl2), and group 4 received saline (10 mL/kg) only and served as control group. All experimental animals were chemically exposed once daily from gestation days 7-20. Upon delivery, male pups were regrouped based on maternal chemical exposure on postnatal day 21 (PND 21) and allowed to grow to adulthood until PND 78, after which they were sacrificed for assessment of neuroendocrine markers and histological investigations. There was no statistical significance (p > 0.05) on follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone, estrogen and progesterone, thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroxine (T4) in all treatment groups relative to controls|. However, AlCl3 and AlCl3-CdCl2 significantly (p < 0.05) reduced triiodothyronine (T3) levels, with a profound increase in T3:T4 ratio by AlCl3, and AlCl3+CdCl2 compared to control. Furthermore, pups from pregnant mice treated with CdCl2 and AlCl3+CdCl2 demonstrated increased testicular malondialdehyde concentration with increased catalase activity relative to controls, suggesting oxidative imbalance. In addition, AlCl3, CdCl2, and AlCl3+CdCl2 exposures induced testicular and hypothalamic architectural disruption compared to controls, with marked architectural derangement in the AlCl3+CdCl2 group. Our findings suggest that prenatal co-exposures to Alcl3 and CdCl2 induce testicular and hypothalamic alterations in offspring via a testicular oxidative stress and thyrotoxicosis-dependent mechanisms.

Hepatocellular degeneration in mice co-exposed to in-utero aluminium and cadmium: Implication of a disordered antioxidant and energy homeostatic response in the liver

The current study comprised four groups of pregnant animals viz; Control (CTR) received 10 ml/kg of normal saline, Al:10 mg/kg of AlCl3, Cd: 1.5 mg/Kg of CdCl2 Al+Cd; 10 mg/kg of AlCl3 and 1.5 mg/Kg of CdCl2. Treatment was done from pregnancy days (PNT) 7-20. After delivery, male animals were weaned on PSD 21 and sacrificed on PSD 78. From the study significant increases on serum liver enzymes in the group exposed to Cd and that exposed to Al+Cd were observed. The study further showed altered serum and hepatic antioxidant balance for the Cd, Al and Al+Cd groups compared to control. Similarly, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activities in the liver were elevated in Cd and Al+Cd groups while an altered liver histological feature in treated groups were also observed. it was concluded that in utero co-exposure to Al and Cd had the ability to alter hepatic functional indices.

Naringenin suppresses aluminum-induced experimental hepato-nephrotoxicity in mice through modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation

Aluminum is a widely used metal substance in daily life activities that has been shown to cause severe hepato-nephrotoxicity with long-term exposure. Natural dietary flavonoids are being utilized as a newer pharmaceutical approach against various acute and chronic diseases. Naringenin (NAR) has shown efficient therapeutic properties, including effects against metal toxicities. However, the protective efficacy of NAR on aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced hepato-renal toxicity needs investigation as aluminum has shown serious environmental toxicity and bioaccumulation behavior. In this study, mice were treated with AlCl3 (10 mg/kg b.w./day) to assess toxicities, and a group of mice were co-treated with NAR (10 mg/kg b.w./day) to assess the protective effects of NAR against hepato-nephrotoxicity. The levels of blood serum enzymes, oxidative stress biomarkers, inflammatory cytokines, and the apoptosis marker caspase-3 were measured using histological examinations. NAR treatment in AlCl3-treated mice resulted in maintained levels of liver and kidney function enzymes and lipid profiles. NAR treatment attenuated oxidative stress by regulating the levels of nitric oxide, advance oxidation of protein products, protein carbonylation, and lipid peroxidation. NAR also replenished reduced antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and reduced the levels of glutathione and oxidized glutathione. NAR regulated the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and elevated the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ). The histological study further confirmed the protective effects of NAR against AlCl3-induced hepato-renal alterations. NAR decreased the expression of caspase-3 as a mechanism of protective effects against apoptotic damage in the liver and kidney of AlCl3-treated mice. In summary, this study demonstrated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of NAR, leading to the suppression of AlCl3-triggered hepato-renal apoptosis and histological alterations. The results suggest that aluminum toxicity needs to be monitored in daily life usage, and supplementation of the natural dietary flavonoid naringenin may help maintain liver and kidney health.

Recycled, Contaminated, Crumpled Aluminum Foil-Driven Triboelectric Nanogenerator

With rapid urbanization and global population growth, the amount of wasted aluminum foil is significantly increasing. Most deformed and contaminated foil is difficult to recycle; hence, it is landfilled or incinerated, causing environmental pollution. Therefore, using aluminum foil waste for electricity may be conducive to addressing environmental problems. In this regard, various literatures have explored the concept of energy generation using foil, while a crumple ball design for this purpose has not been studied. Thus, a recycled foil-based crumpled ball triboelectric nanogenerator (RFCB-TENG) is proposed. The crumpled ball design can minimize the effects of contamination on foil, ensuring efficient power output. Moreover, owing to novel crumpled design, the RFCB-TENG has some outstanding characteristics to become a sustainable power source, such as ultralight weight, low noise, and high durability. By introducing the air-breakdown model, the RFCB-TENG achieved an output peak voltage of 648 V, a current of 8.1 mA cm3 , and an optimum power of 162.7 mW cm3 . The structure of the RFCB-TENG is systemically optimized depending on the design parameters to realize the optimum output performance. Finally, the RFCB-TENG operated 500 LEDs and 30-W commercial lamps. This work paves the guideline for effectively fabricating the TENG using waste-materials while exhibiting outstanding characteristics.

2,4-D mediated moderation of aluminum tolerance in Salvinia molesta D. Mitch. with regards to bioexclusion and related physiological and metabolic changes

We examined the efficacy of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D; 500 µM) in enhancing the potential of Salvinia species for tolerance to aluminum (Al) toxicity (240 and 480 µM, seven days). Salvinia showed better efficacy in removal of toxicity of Al by sorption mechanism with changes of bond energy shifting on cell wall residues and surface structure. Plants recorded tolerance to Al concentration (480 µM) when pretreated with 2,4-D through adjustment of relative water content, proline content, osmotic potential, and improved the pigment fluorescence for energy utilization under Al stress. Photosynthetic activities with regards to NADP-malic enzyme and malic dehydrogenase and sugar metabolism with wall and cytosolic invertase activities were strongly correlated with compatible solutes. A less membrane peroxidation and protein carbonylation had reduced ionic loss over the membrane that was studied with reduced electrolyte leakage with 2,4-D pretreated plants. Membrane stabilization was also recorded with higher ratio of K+ to Na+, thereby suggesting roles of 2,4-D in ionic balance. Better sustenance of enzymatic antioxidation with peroxidase and glutathione metabolism reduced reactive oxygen species accumulation and save the plant for oxidative damages. Moreover, gene polymorphism for antioxidant, induced by 2,4-D varied through Al concentrations would suggest an improved biomarker for tolerance. Collectively, analysis and discussion of plant's responses assumed that auxin herbicide could be a potential phytoprotectant for Salvinia as well as improving the stability to Al toxicity and its bioremediation efficacy.

Isoimperatorin therapeutic effect against aluminum induced neurotoxicity in albino mice

Background: Although aluminum (Al) is not biologically crucial to the human body, classical studies have demonstrated that excessive human exposure to Al can induce oxidative damage, neuroinflammatory conditions and neurotoxic manifestations implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Exposure to Al was reported to be associated with oxidative damage, neuroinflammation, and to enhance progressive multiregional neurodegeneration in animal models. Several plant-derived natural biomolecules have been recently used to reduce the toxic effects of Al through decreasing the oxidative stress and the associated diseases. A good candidate still to be tested is an active natural furanocoumarin, the isoimperatorin (IMP) that can be extracted from Lemon and lime oils and other plants. Here, we examined the neuroprotective effects of IMP on aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced neurotoxicity in albino mice. Methods: Twenty-four male albino mice were used in this study. Mice were randomly devided into 5 groups. The first group was given distilled water as a control, the second group was given AlCl3 orally (10 mg/wt/day) starting from the 2nd week to the end of the 6th week, the third group received AlCl3 orally and IMP interperitoneally, i. p. (30 mg/wt/day) starting from week 2 till week 6 where IMP was supplement 1st and then 4 h later AlCl3 was given to mice. The fourth group received the control (IMP 30 mg/wt, i. p.) from the 2nd week till the end of the experiment. Rodent models of central nervous system (CNS) disorders were assessed using object location memory and Y-maze tests in 6th week began. Essential anti-inflammatory and oxidative stress indicators were evaluated, including interleukin-1 β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and catalase activity (CAT). In addition, serum levels of brain neurotransmitters such as corticosterone, acetylcholine (ACh), dopamine and serotonin in brain homogenates were measured calorimetrically. Results: The study results revealed that the daily treatment of AlCl3 upregulated the TNF-α and IL-1β levels, increased MDA accumulation, and decreased TAC and CAT activity. In addition, aluminum induced a reduction in concentrations of ACh, serotonin and dopamine in the brain. However, IMP significantly ameliorates the effect of AlCl3 through modulating the antioxidant and regulating the inflammatory response through targeting Nrf2 (NF-E2-related factor 2) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Conclusion: Thus, IMP might be a promising treatment option for neurotoxicity and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, which are associated with neuro-inflammation and oxidative stress.

Hepatoprotective potential of Tamarindus indica following prenatal aluminum exposure in Wistar rat pups

Over time, the use of plant-derived agents in the management of various human health conditions has gained a lot of attention. The study assessed the hepatoprotective potential of ethyl acetate fraction Tamarindus indica leaves (EFTI) during prenatal aluminum chloride exposure. Pregnant rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 4); Group I rats were administered 2 ml kg^-1 of distilled water (negative control), Group II rats received only 200 mg kg^-1 aluminum chloride (positive control), Group III rats were administered 200 mg kg^-1 aluminum chloride and 400 mg kg^-1 EFTI, Group IV rats were administered 200 mg kg^-1 aluminum chloride and 800 mg kg^-1 EFTI, Group V rats were administered 200 mg kg^-1 aluminum chloride and 300 mg kg^-1 Vit E (comparative control). On postnatal day 1, the pups were euthanized, and liver tissues were harvested for the biochemical study (tissue levels of malondialdehyde, caspase-3, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine aminotransferases) and the liver histological examination. The administration of EFTI was marked with significant improvement in the tissue levels of malondialdehyde, caspase-3, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine aminotransferases. There was a marked improvement in histopathological changes associated with prenatal aluminum chloride exposure. In conclusion, the administration of EFTI was protective during prenatal aluminum chloride exposure of the liver in Wistar rats, and is mediated by the anti-lipid peroxidative, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activity of EFTI.

Interactions between Environmental Factors and Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) Genes with Respect to Detectable Blood Aluminum Concentrations in Jamaican Children

Aluminum (Al) is a metallic toxicant at high concentrations following natural or unnatural exposures. Dietary intake is considered as the main source of aluminum exposure in children. We used data from 366 typically developing (TD) children (ages 2−8 years) who participated as controls in an age- and sex-matched case−control study in Jamaica. We investigated additive and interactive associations among environmental factors and children’s genotypes for glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes (GSTT1, GSTM1, GSTP1), in relation to having a detectable blood aluminum concentration (BAlC) of >5.0 μg/L, using multivariable logistic regression models. Findings from interactive models revealed that the odds of having a detectable BAlC was significantly higher among children who ate string beans (p ≤ 0.01), whereas about 40% lower odds of having a detectable BAlC was observed in children with higher parental education level, (p = 0.02). A significant interaction between consumption of saltwater fish and GSTP1 in relation to having a detectable BAlC using either co-dominant or dominant genetic models (overall interaction p = 0.02 for both models) indicated that consumption of saltwater fish was associated with higher odds of having a detectable BAlC only among children with the GSTP1 Ile105Val Ile/Ile genotype using either co-dominant or dominant models [OR (95% CI) = 2.73 (1.07, 6.96), p = 0.04; and OR (95% CI) = 2.74 (1.08, 6.99), p = 0.03]. Since this is the first study from Jamaica that reports such findings, replication in other populations is warranted.

Boron Compounds Exhibit Protective Effects against Aluminum-Induced Neurotoxicity and Genotoxicity: In Vitro and In Vivo Study

Genetic, neuropathological and biochemical investigations have revealed meaningful relationships between aluminum (Al) exposure and neurotoxic and hematotoxic damage. Hence, intensive efforts are being made to minimize the harmful effects of Al. Moreover, boron compounds are used in a broad mix of industries, from cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to agriculture. They affect critical biological functions in cellular events and enzymatic reactions, as well as endocrinal and mineral metabolisms. There are limited dose-related data about boric acid (BA) and other boron compounds, including colemanite (Col), ulexite (UX) and borax (BX), which have commercial prominence. In this study, we evaluate boron compounds’ genetic, cytological, biochemical and pathological effects against aluminum chloride (AlCl₃)-induced hematotoxicity and neurotoxicity on different cell and animal model systems. First, we perform genotoxicity studies on in vivo rat bone marrow cells and peripheric human blood cultures. To analyze DNA and chromosome damage, we use single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE or comet assay) and micronucleus (MN) and chromosome aberration (CA) assays. The nuclear division index (NDI) is used to monitor cytostasis. Second, we examine the biochemical parameters (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidative status (TOS)) to determine oxidative changes in blood and brain. Next, we assess the histopathological alterations by using light and electron microscopes. Our results show that Al increases oxidative stress and genetic damage in blood and brain in vivo and in vitro studies. Al also led to severe histopathological and ultrastructural alterations in the brain. However, the boron compounds alone did not cause adverse changes based on the above-studied parameters. Moreover, these compounds exhibit different levels of beneficial effects by removing the harmful impact of Al. The antioxidant, antigenotoxic and cytoprotective effects of boron compounds against Al-induced damage indicate that boron may have a high potential for use in medical purposes in humans. In conclusion, our analysis suggests that boron compounds (especially BA, BX and UX) can be administered to subjects to prevent neurodegenerative and hematological disorders at determined doses.

Exposure to Toxic Metals and Health Risk Assessment through Ingestion of Canned Sardines Sold in Brazil

The presence of heavy metals in the environment is increasing, which can be a danger to public health. Fish exposed to contaminated environments tend to have higher concentrations of some metals in their tissues. Monitoring these elements remains urgent as it is a matter of global concern. Canned sardines from the Brazilian market were analyzed for elements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) of metals and metalloids, including some toxic, using inductively coupled plasma optical spectrometry (ICP OES) in two types of sardines (preserved in oil and tomato sauce) from five different brands. The results were compared to limit levels for consumption set by FAO/WHO. Moreover, we assessed the associated risk regarding the elemental intake of these elements through the samples, using the hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic risk (CR). All samples had unfavorable HQ and HI, primarily due to arsenic content. In the same manner, CR for arsenic was above the proposed limit of 10⁻⁴, and cadmium and chromium, which were within the acceptable limit (10⁻⁶ to 10⁻⁴), require attention. These results show that chronic consumption of canned sardines sold in Brazil is unsafe, and quality surveillance is needed to ensure there is no risk to the population that ingests these products.

Assessment of Trace Elements Supply in Canned Tuna Fish Commercialized for Human Consumption in Brazil

This study evaluates the elemental content in 4 types of canned tuna fish groups, each with 4 brands that are commercialized for human consumption in Brazil. The results are based on trace elements in canned tuna fish quantified by ICP OES and a comparison to limit levels set by the FAO/WHO. We also checked the carcinogenic risk (CR), non-carcinogenic risk (Hazard Index (HI) and Hazard Quotient (HQ)), and pollution index (PI) for the studied canned tuna samples. As and Se concentrations in all groups are above the intake values set by FAO/WHO considering specific groups. The carcinogenic risk values for arsenic (As) in groups are considerably unacceptable (≥10^-4). Hazard quotients (HQ) were >1 for As in all groups, while no sample was below 1 for HI. The pollution index (PI) results show that the main canned tuna fish contaminant is aluminum, then selenium and arsenic, respectively. Only half of the samples did not present elemental contaminant levels. All studied brands of canned tuna presented elemental concentrations that could pose a health risk to human consumption, that could be from CR, HQ, HI, or PI. The contaminant levels are alarming and should raise a red flag for the intake of these products, especially a long-term one. These results urge the authorities to supervise and enforce better practices for this type of food, protecting their population from health hazards.

Nanographene oxide modified phenyl methanethiol nanomagnetic composite for rapid separation of aluminum in wastewaters, foods, and vegetable samples by microwave dispersive magnetic micro solid-phase extraction

A new method based on graphene oxide modified (4-phenyl) methanethiol nanomagnetic composite (Fe₃O₄@4-PhMT-GO) was used for extraction and separation of aluminum from wastewater, food, and vegetable samples in aluminum cookware by microwave dispersive magnetic micro solid-phase extraction (MDM-μ-SPE). In optimized conditions, the working range (WR), the linear range (LR), the limit of detection (LOD), and enrichment factor (EF) were obtained 5-5200 μg L^-1, 5-1600 μg L^-1, 1.5 µg L^-1, and 48.8, respectively (RSD% = 2.5). By MDM-μ-SPE procedure, the aluminum concentrations in baking rice and spinach with aluminum cookware were obtained 97.43 ± 2.57 mg g^-1 and 131.64 ± 5.18 mg g^-1, respectively which was analyzed by atom trap flame atomic absorption spectrometer (AT-FAAS). The results showed, the aluminum concentrations in cooked foods with Teflon cookware were less than aluminum cookware. The methodology was validated by standard reference materials (SRM) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis (ICP-MS).

Quantification of the Aluminum Content Leached into Foods Baked Using Aluminum Foil

In this study, determinations of the aluminum content in meat and fish performed after having cooked these foods using commercially available aluminum foil have been performed. The release of this chemical element was evaluated by cooking beef, chicken, and fish wrapped with commercial aluminum foil using seasoning or without seasoning in order to evaluate the effect on Al leaching into the food. The characterization of the food samples was carried out using two different analytical methods: inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), for the quantification of aluminum, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersion spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) to evaluate any structural changes occurring inside the aluminum foil after the cooking procedure. It has been demonstrated that the leaching that occurs when the foods are cooked by wrapping them in Al foil is not negligible and that the consumption of these foods, together with the consumption of other foodstuffs, such as, for example, some vegetables that may naturally contain aluminum, can lead to consuming a weekly dose not far from the TWI (tolerable weekly intake).