Distribution of cadmium and lead in liver and kidney of some wild animals in Slovakia

Cadmium in Selected Organs of Game Animals from Areas with Different Degrees of Industrialisation and Its Intake by Human Consumers

The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of cadmium (Cd) in the organs of game animals from areas with different degrees of industrialisation and to assess its intake following the consumption of the livers of these animals. The material for this study consisted of liver and kidney samples taken from roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus), and wild boar (Sus scrofa) from five regions differing in land use and industrialisation. Compared to the kidneys, the liver was an indicator of the current state of the environment and Cd intake, while the kidney was used to assess the long-term accumulation of Cd in the body. The cadmium concentration in the samples was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The cadmium concentrations of the organs were found to vary according to geographical location, with the highest levels being observed in Southern Poland, i.e., areas characterised by the highest degree of industrialisation and the presence of heavy industry. However, high Cd concentrations were also reported in the northeastern region. Examples of excessive cadmium levels in the kidneys were noted in all tested regions. Cd intake by humans was evaluated by calculating the estimated daily cadmium intake, and this was compared with the tolerable weekly intake (TWI). The TWI was only exceeded by children frequently consuming wild boar liver from the southwest region.

The European Hare (Lepus europaeus) as a Biomonitor of Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) Occurrence in the Agro Biotope of Vojvodina, Serbia

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of two heavy metals, lead and cadmium, in European hare liver samples, collected in agro biotope of northern Serbian province Vojvodina. Heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) do not have any biological function in the animal body; however, they can be found due to the pollution in the environment. For the purpose of this study, in 196 samples from 17 different locations hare livers were analyzed for the occurrence of lead and cadmium. All samples were taken from hares harvested during the regular hunting season. The average value for lead in all analyzed samples was 884 µg/kg fresh weight (fw), with the range 59–3700 µg/kg fw. Only samples from two locations had the average concentration of lead which was within the permitted limit by the Serbian regulation. The average cadmium level in all samples was 243 µg/kg fw. The range of all samples was from 0 to 1414 µg/kg fw. Our research indicates that out of two investigated heavy metals, the occurrence of lead is more common and at a higher concentration in the agricultural development region of Vojvodina.

Lead content in soil, plants, rodents, and amphibians in the vicinity of a heating plant's ash waste

This study supplements previous research focused on environmental condition in the vicinity of waste ash material. The main aim of our study was the comparative analysis of lead levels in soil, plant, and animal organisms in the area of the tailings pond and surroundings, using x-ray. Findings confirm that the level of Pb in the top layer of soil is in the range of 20-135 ppm. Lead content in Calamagrostis plant tissues was confirmed only at the tailings pond area, with the highest lead concentrations measured in above-ground components; stems with blooms followed by roots and ground floor sheats. The livers, kidneys, and hearts of Apodemus flavicollis were examined, with findings of higher values in the tailings pond area than in the reference site, and average values of 14.5 ppm for livers, 16.0 ppm for kidneys, and 16.6 ppm for hearts. No significant differences were discovered based on sex and body length/body weight of A. flavicollis individuals. Values for Bombina variegata liver tissue reached an average of 12.3 ppm for individuals caught in a water reservoir without ash sediments, versus 15.7 ppm in those trapped by the edge of then tailings pond area. Females had lower concentrations of lead than males, but with no statistically significant differences found. Despite lower lead levels in soil and ash than expected, concentrations in mammalian and amphibian organs suggest a possible transition of this element into the food chain, and therefore further research in this area is recommended.

Effects of Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury on the Structure and Function of Reproductive Organs

Reproductive organs are essential not only for the life of an individual but also for the survival and development of the species. The response of reproductive organs to toxic substances differs from that of other target organs, and they may serve as an ideal “barometer” for the deleterious effects of environmental pollution on animal and human health. The incidence of infertility, cancers, and associated maladies has increased in the last fifty years or more, while various anthropogenic activities have released into the environment numerous toxic substances, including cadmium, lead, and mercury. Data from epidemiological studies suggested that environmental exposure to cadmium, lead, and mercury may have produced reproductive and developmental toxicity. The present review focused on experimental studies using rats, mice, avian, and rabbits to demonstrate unambiguously effects of cadmium, lead, or mercury on the structure and function of reproductive organs. In addition, relevant human studies are discussed. The experimental studies reviewed have indicated that the testis and ovary are particularly sensitive to cadmium, lead, and mercury because these organs are distinguished by an intense cellular activity, where vital processes of spermatogenesis, oogenesis, and folliculogenesis occur. In ovaries, manifestation of toxicity induced by cadmium, lead, or mercury included decreased follicular growth, occurrence of follicular atresia, degeneration of the corpus luteum, and alterations in cycle. In testes, toxic effects following exposure to cadmium, lead, or mercury included alterations of seminiferous tubules, testicular stroma, and decrease of spermatozoa count, motility and viability, and aberrant spermatozoa morphology.

Early ecotoxic effects of ZnO nanoparticle chronic exposure in Mytilus galloprovincialis revealed by transcription of apoptosis and antioxidant-related genes

Recently, China became one of the largest nanomaterial markets in the world. The wide use of ZnO nanoparticles in a number of products implies an increasing release in marine environment and consequently the evaluation of the potential effects upon marine organisms largely cultured in China for commercial purposes, such as invertebrate bivalves is a current need. To this aim, survival, bioaccumulation, and transcription pattern of key genes, p53, PDRP, SOD, CAT, and GST, involved in DNA damage/repair and antioxidation, in Mytilus galloprovincialis digestive gland, exposed to ZnO NPs (<100 nm) and ZnO bulk (150-200 nm) for 4 weeks, were evaluated. ZnSO₄ was also assessed to appraise the role of zinc ions. Starting from 72 h, increasing mortality values along the exposure time were observed for all ZnO compounds. The highest difference was evident after 28 d when NPs resulted three times more toxic than bulk, (LC₅₀) = 0.78 mg Zn/L (confidence limits: 0.64, 1.00) and 2.62 mg Zn/L (confidence limits: 1.00, 4.00), respectively. For ZnSO₄ the (LC₅₀) was always the lowest reaching the minimum value at 28 d 0.25 mg Zn/L (confidence limits: 0.10-0.40). Digestive gland showed higher uptake rate of ionic Zn respect to ZnO NPs and bulk during the first three days of exposure. In particular at the end of the exposure time (28 d) at 1 mg Zn/L the rank of Zn uptake rate was Zinc ion > ZnO NPs > ZnO bulk. The relative expression of investigated genes evidenced that distinct actions of apoptosis and antioxidation occurred in M. galloprovincialis exposed to ZnO NPs with a peculiar pattern dependent on exposure time and concentration. Application of the qRT-PCR technique revealed evidence of sensitivity to the nanomaterial since the first time of exposure.

Levels of Metals in Kidney, Liver, and Muscle Tissue and their Influence on the Fitness for the Consumption of Wild Boar from Western Slovakia

Due to environmental pollution, wild animals are exposed to various pollutants. Some game animals, such as wild boars are used by people for food, but their meat is not evaluated regarding pollution transfer, since they are unavailable on the official market. The aim of this paper is to present the concentrations of chosen metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn) in the kidneys, liver, and muscles of wild boars (n = 40) hunted in eastern Slovakia, as derivatives of physiological distribution and anthropogenic pollution. We found that sex was not a statistically significant factor for metal concentrations. Tissue differences were observed for all the metals studied except for Co. Cd, Cu, and Hg showed the highest median concentrations in kidney tissue with the lowest in muscle tissue (2.73, 3.78, and 0.061 μg/g w.w., respectively). The highest Zn median concentration was noted in the liver tissue with the lowest in muscle tissue. Co and Cu concentrations varied according to the age groups. Correlations between metal concentrations in muscle and kidney tissue were not especially strong; such relationships were not found in liver tissue. Among all the potential relationships of the given metal concentrations between tissues, the only significant relationship, albeit weak, was noted for Pb in muscle and liver tissue. The concentrations found seem not to be extremely high, but according to EU maximum permitted residue levels for Cd and Pb concentrations in meat, none of the samples studied was fully fit for human consumption. TWI and risk was also excessive for both metals.

Lead relative bioavailability in soils based on different endpoints of a mouse model

Mouse is an acceptable animal model to measure lead (Pb) relative bioavailability (RBA) in contaminated soils; however, there is a lack of comparisons among Pb-RBA measurements based on different endpoints and dosing approaches. In this study, 12 soils (47.8-8123mg Pbkg^-1) were assessed for Pb-RBA using Pb accumulation in mouse liver, kidneys, and/or femur following a 10-d steady state soil dose via diet, with 6 soils being measured using mouse bioassays with area under the mouse blood Pb concentration time curve (AUC) following a single gavaged dose as the endpoint. Based on individual endpoints of the steady state method, Pb-RBA in soils was 2.1-83.4%, being generally consistent among liver, kidneys, and femur with strong linear correlations between them (r²=0.74-0.89). To compensate variation in Pb distribution among different tissues, Pb-RBA was further calculated using a combined endpoint (e.g., sum of Pb accumulation in liver, kidneys, and femur). Compared to Pb-RBA based on individual tissue showing relative standard deviation (RSD) of 11.9-15.8%, Pb-RBA using the combined endpoint showed lower RSD (10.8%), thereby being more robust. For the 6 soils with Pb-RBA based on both mouse single gavaged and steady state dosing approach, no significant difference was observed; however, steady state approach was more repeatable among animals with lower RSD (11.4% vs. 34.5%). To ensure robustness of in vivo data, the steady state dosing approach with Pb accumulation in combined tissues is recommended.

Seasonal variations in the blood concentration of selected heavy metals in sheep and their effects on the biochemical and hematological parameters

The main objective of this study was to assess the concentration of various heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Hg) in the blood of sheep, followed by biochemical and hematological analysis in order to reveal possible associations. Blood was collected in two different seasons: winter (fed by fodder) and spring (grazing animals). The higher concentrations of Pb (p < 0.01), Cu (p < 0.05) and Hg, but lower of Cd and Zn were found in spring. Evaluation of the biochemical and hematological parameters during different seasons showed a possible environmental effect on the health of animals. A statistically significant increase of Ca (p < 0.001), Mg (p < 0.05), urea (p < 0.001), TP (p < 0.05), glucose (p < 0.01), AST (p < 0.001), ALT (p < 0.001), ALP (p < 0.01), cholesterol (p < 0.001), bilirubin (p < 0.05), triglycerides (p < 0.001) and a decrease of P (p < 0.05), HGB (p < 0.05), MCHC (p < 0.05) and RDWc (p < 0.05) in spring was detected. The results of this study showed statistically significant correlations between Pb and ALP (r = 0.53) level in winter and between Pb and Ca (r = -0.73) in the spring. The hematological analysis revealed a significant correlation between Zn and RBC (r = 0.61), MCV (r = -0.74), MCH (r = -0.71) and between Pb and MCH (r = -0.55), PCT (r = -0.66), PDWC (r = -0.55) in the winter. A high positive significant correlations were found between Cd and RDWC (r = 0.77) and Cu and RDWC (r = 0.75). The significance of this work is the use the data in the preventive diagnosis of metabolic and production diseases. The collected data may serve as a control indicator to detect toxic hazards related to the heavy metal occurrence on animal health status.

The bioaccumulation of lead in the organs of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.), red deer (Cervus elaphus L.), and wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) from Poland

The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of lead (Pb) in the livers and kidneys of free-living animals from Poland, with regard to the differences in tissue Pb content between the species. The research material consisted of liver and kidney samples collected from roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus), and wild boar (Sus scrofa) that had been hunted in 16 voivodeships of Poland. The concentration of lead had been measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) method. The results show that differences in lead concentration in the organs depended on the geographic location. In roe deer and red deer, the highest mean lead concentrations in the livers and kidneys, observed in the central region of Poland, were twice as high as the lowest concentration of Pb in these animals from the northeastern region of the country. In wild boar, the highest mean concentration of Pb was noted in the livers of animals from the central region of Poland and in the kidneys of animals from the northwestern region, while the lowest lead concentrations in both organs were typical for wild boar from the southeast part of the country. Our results show that areas located in the center and in the north of Poland carry most of the burden of lead bioaccumulation.

Transfer of heavy metals through terrestrial food webs: a review

Heavy metals are released into the environment by both anthropogenic and natural sources. Highly reactive and often toxic at low concentrations, they may enter soils and groundwater, bioaccumulate in food webs, and adversely affect biota. Heavy metals also may remain in the environment for years, posing long-term risks to life well after point sources of heavy metal pollution have been removed. In this review, we compile studies of the community-level effects of heavy metal pollution, including heavy metal transfer from soils to plants, microbes, invertebrates, and to both small and large mammals (including humans). Many factors contribute to heavy metal accumulation in animals including behavior, physiology, and diet. Biotic effects of heavy metals are often quite different for essential and non-essential heavy metals, and vary depending on the specific metal involved. They also differ for adapted organisms, including metallophyte plants and heavy metal-tolerant insects, which occur in naturally high-metal habitats (such as serpentine soils) and have adaptations that allow them to tolerate exposure to relatively high concentrations of some heavy metals. Some metallophyte plants are hyperaccumulators of certain heavy metals and new technologies using them to clean metal-contaminated soil (phytoextraction) may offer economically attractive solutions to some metal pollution challenges. These new technologies provide incentive to catalog and protect the unique biodiversity of habitats that have naturally high levels of heavy metals.

Blood concentration of copper, cadmium, zinc and lead in horses and its relation to hematological and biochemical parameters

Environmental pollution results in serious health hazards to animals and blood analysis serves as a good alternative for health status assessment. The target of this study was to analyze the concentration of selected metals in equine blood, to analyze the blood parameters and to find possible correlations. Blood samples were collected from the vena jugularis of healthy adult horses. The highest concentration of all elements was found in whole blood (Cu 3.84 ± 0.90 mg L(-1); Cd = 0.81 ± 0.90 mg L(-1); Zn 26.67 ± 14.12 mg L(-1); Pb 9.33 ± 5.76 mg L(-1)). Higher concentrations of copper, cadmium, zinc and lead were detected in blood clots compared to blood sera (44.04%). A similar tendency was found for cadmium (50%), zinc (13.08%) and lead (46.02%), which showed generally higher concentrations in blood clots (cells). Correlation analysis proved some relations between analyzed elements. In blood clots there is a strong positive correlation between Cd - Pb (r = 0.93) and Zn - Pb (r = 0.71) was detected. For biochemical and hematological parameters mainly medium correlations were detected. Obtained results prove different correlations of analyzed elements in blood components as well as the effect on parameters of blood biochemical and hematological profiles.

Metal exposure and accumulation patterns in free-range cows (Bos taurus) in a contaminated natural area: Influence of spatial and social behavior

Possible effects of spatial metal distribution, seasonal-, ecological- and ethological parameters, on the metal exposure of cows were investigated. Therefore the habitat use, vegetation selection and foraging behavior of two free ranging Galloway herds in a metal polluted nature reserve were observed. Metal concentrations in soil, vegetation, hair, blood and feces were measured. Although both herds lived in the same reserve, their metal exposure differed significantly. A high consumption of soft rush by herd 1 during winter for instance was responsible for a large increase in daily Cd intake. The results of this study suggest that the exposure and health risks of large grazers can probably not only be predicted by a general monitoring of soil and vegetation pollution. Also detailed information about the occurring vegetation types, spatial habitat use together with the social- and foraging behavior and diet selection of the species need to be studied.

The impact of lead and cadmium on selected motility, prooxidant and antioxidant parameters of bovine seminal plasma and spermatozoa

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) content on basic motility characteristics (motility-MOT, progressive motility-PROG) as well as selected markers of the prooxidant-antioxidant balance (catalase-CAT, glutathione-GSH, malondialdehyde-MDA) in bovine seminal plasma and spermatozoa. Twenty five semen samples were collected from breeding bulls and used in the study. Motility analysis was carried out using the Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) system. The samples were centrifuged, fractions of seminal plasma and spermatozoa were separated, lysates were prepared from the sperm cell fractions. Pb and Cd concentrations were determined by the voltametric method (ASV), antioxidants and MDA were analyzed by UV/Vis spectrophotometry. The analysis showed that the average concentration of Pb in the seminal plasma was 0.23 ± 0.02 μg/mL, while its amount in the sperm cells was significantly higher (0.41 ± 0.07 μg/mL; P < 0.05). The average Cd content in bovine seminal fractions was similar and non-significant: 0.09 ± 0.01 μg/mL in the seminal plasma and 0.11 ± 0.01 μg/mL in spermatozoa (P > 0.05). The correlation analysis revealed that both heavy metals were significantly negatively correlated with MOT and PROG (P < 0.05; P < 0.01; P < 0.001), CAT (P < 0.05; P < 0.01) as well as GSH (P < 0.05; P < 0.01) but significantly positively associated with MDA as the marker of lipid peroxidation (P < 0.05; P < 0.01). Moreover the samples were categorized in three quality groups (Excellent, Good, Moderate) according to their motility values. The lowest Pb, Cd and MDA concentrations but the best antioxidant characteristics were found in samples of the best quality, moderate quality samples exhibited the highest Pb, Cd and MDA content together with the worst antioxidant capacity. This study demonstrates that Pb and Cd are serious toxic elements, which are able to increase the risk of seminal oxidative stress development and a subsequent decrease of male fertility.

Concentration of cadmium, mercury, zinc, copper and cobalt in the tissues of wild boar (Sus scrofa) hunted in the western Slovakia

The aim of this study was to monitor accumulation of cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and cobalt (Co) in the muscle, liver and kidney of wild boar (Sus scrofa scrofa) from hunting place of western Slovakia and the correlations among the observed elements. A total of 120 samples were involved for analyses by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The significantly highest accumulation of Cd in the kidney followed by the liver and muscles was found. Zn accumulated mainly in the liver. Significantly lower values were found in the kidney followed by the muscle. The concentration of Cu was significantly lowest in the muscle when compared to the liver and kidney. Hg and Co accumulated mainly in the kidney, followed by the liver and muscle of wild boars, but without significant differences. In the muscle of wild boar moderately positive correlation between Zn and Cu (r = 0.59), Cd and Co (r = 0.51), Cu and Co (r = 0.33), and Zn and Hg (r = 0.36) were found. In the liver moderately positive correlation between Cd and Hg (r = 0.39) was detected. Moderately positive correlation between Zn and Cu (r = 0.40) was noted for the kidney.

The effects of long-term cadmium exposure in turkeys: accumulation and zinc prevention

Experiments with turkeys were conducted to determine the effects of long-term ingestion of Cd (2.0 mg Cd/day/turkey) on its accumulation in the tissues and organs. The cadmium was found especially in the muscles, livers and kidneys. The highest average content of cadmium was found in the kidneys (1.09 mg/kg). The contents of Cd in the kidneys and livers were 19 times and 14 times (respectively) higher compared to the muscles. The administration of Zn (72 mg / day / turkey) along with high doses of Cd, significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the concentrations of Cd in the organs of the experimental animals. The average concentrations of cadmium in the kidneys and livers of turkeys from the CdZn group were 43 % and 48 % (respectively) lower than the average concentrations in the same organs in the turkeys from the group which received only Cd.

Distribution of lead in selected organs and its effect on reproduction parameters of pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) after an experimental per oral administration

Lead poisoning has been reported in almost every country on earth. In this study the effect of experimental lead pellet intake (2-6 pellets per week [groups B2, B4, B6] and ad libitum [BAD] accessibility for 10 weeks) on its distribution in liver, kidney, pectoral muscle, ovary, eggs and the effect of selected reproductive parameters (egg weight, fertilization, hatchability) was analyzed in breeding pheasants. Lead pellets were force fed to the digestive tract (struma, ingluvies) and the ingestion was controlled. Concentration of lead was detected using the atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Analysis of the lead concentration in liver showed a significantly higher concentration in all group after the lead pellets intake. The increase of the lead concentration was dose-dependent and the concentration detected in group BAD was similar as in group B2. Very similar tendencies were detected for the lead concentration in kidney. The accumulation of lead in pectoral muscle was lower, in comparison with liver and kidney. Compared to lead concentration detected in ovary of the control group a significant increase was detected in all experimental groups, reaching the maximum in the group B6. Similar significant increase of lead concentration was detected in eggs. The average weight of eggs was 32.01 ± 2.71 g in the control group and lower in all experimental groups, but this decrease was significant only in the group B6. The fertilization rate was the highest in the control group and a dose-dependent decrease was detected with the lowest value in the group B6. For egg hatching ratio a significant decrease was detected in groups B4 and B6. Results of this study clearly describe accumulation of lead in the body and a its negative effect on the reproductive parameters. In the ad libitum experimental group the most similar results were found as in group B2, suggesting a rate of "natural" lead pellet intake.

Selected heavy metals versus antioxidant parameters in bull seminal plasma - a comparative study

To investigate the effects of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) content on basic motility characteristics (motility, progressive motility) and selected antioxidant parameters (total antioxidant status - TAS, superoxide dismutase - SOD, albumin - ALB) in the bovine seminal plasma semen samples were collected from breeding bulls and used in the study. Motility analysis was carried out using the Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) system. Subsequently, the samples were centrifuged and fractions of seminal plasma were collected. Pb and Cd concentrations were determined by the voltametric method (ASV), antioxidant parameters were analyzed by UV/VIS spectrophotometry using commercial kits. The analysis showed that the average concentrations of the trace elements were 0.57 ± 0.01 μg/mL for Pb and 0.11 ± 0.01 μg/mL for Cd. The correlation analysis revealed that both heavy metals were negatively correlated with motility (r = -0.777; P < 0.001 for Pb and r = -0.786; P < 0.001 for Cd), progressive motility (r = -0.763; P < 0.001 for Pb and r = -0.792; P < 0.001 for Cd), TAS (r = -0.375; p > 0.05 and r = -0.334; P > 0.05, respectively), SOD (r = -0.746; P < 0.001 and r = -0.537; P < 0.05, respectively) as well as with ALB (r = -0.609; P < 0.01 and r = -0.699; P < 0.001, respectively). Moreover the samples were categorized in three quality groups (Excellent, Good, Medium) according to their motility values. The lowest Pb and Cd concentrations but the best antioxidant characteristics were found in samples of excellent quality, medium quality samples were described by the highest Pb and Cd concentration and the worst antioxidant power. This study demonstrates that Pb and Cd are serious toxic elements, which are able to increase the risk of oxidative stress development and a subsequent decrease of semen quality.

Concentration of lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic in leg skeletal muscles of three species of wild birds

The aim of this study was to monitor accumulation of lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic in leg skeletal muscle of some wild birds from selected areas of Slovakia and the correlations among the heavy metals. A total of 160 wild birds representing 3 species-Eurasian coot (Fulica atra) (n = 24), mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) (n = 68) and pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) (n = 68) were involved for analyses. Concentrations of heavy metals from samples were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Metal concentrations are expressed as mg/kg wet weight. The order of lead and arsenic concentrations in muscles of wild birds were as follows: mallard > pheasant > Eurasian coot; in the case of arsenic the differences were significant (P < 0.05). Muscle of Eurasian coot accumulated the highest concentration of cadmium and mercury followed by pheasant and the lowest in mallard, but differences were not significant (P > 0.05). Moderately negative correlations were noted in pheasant between cadmium and mercury (r = -0.39), and between mercury and arsenic (r = -0.45). Moderately negative correlation between cadmium and arsenic (r = -0.31) was found for Eurasian coot.

In vitro study on the effects of lead and mercury on porcine ovarian granulosa cells

The heavy metals lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) pose potential risks to sustainability of environment and thus to our future generations. General objective of this in vitro study was to examine the secretory activity of porcine ovarian granulosa cells after Pb and Hg administration and to outline the potential intracellular mediators of its effects. For this purpose, release of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and steroid hormone progesterone (P(4)), expression of proliferation- related (cyclin B1) and apoptosis-related (caspase-3) peptides was examined in porcine ovarian granulosa cells after heavy metals administration. Obtained data indicate Pb-induced inhibition of IGF-I release at lower doses (0.063 mg/mL and 0.046 mg/mL) by ovarian granulosa cells. However, P(4) release was not influenced by Pb addition, while the expression of cyclin B1 and caspase-3 was induced by Pb addition. These results indicate that Pb can affect the pathway of proliferation and apoptosis of porcine ovarian granulosa cells through intracellular substances such as cyclin B1 and caspase-3. On the other hand, the P(4) release by ovarian granulosa cells of pregnant gilts was stimulated by experimental Pb administration at doses of 0.25 mg/mL and 0.063 mg/mL and experimental Hg administration at doses 0.25 mg/mL and 0.083 mg/mL. P(4) release by ovarian cells of pregnant gilts was not influenced by a combinatory dose of FSH (1.0 ng/mL) + Pb (0.083 mg/mL) + Hg (0.083 mg/mL) but it was inhibited by experimental administration of FSH (10 ng/mL) + Pb (0.25 ng/mL) + Hg (0.25 ng/mL). Possible involvement of heavy metals - Pb and Hg and pituitary hormone FSH, in the regulation of P(4) release by porcine ovarian granulosa cells of pregnant gilts was noted. Data obtained from in vitro studies suggest the dose dependent association of heavy metals administration with the hormonal release by porcine ovarian granulosa cells. This association also depended on pregnancy of the gilts.

Antioxidant status and selected biochemical parameters of porcine ovarian granulosa cells exposed to lead in vitro

The objective of this study was to determine the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant status (TAS) and release of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, total lipids, totals proteins, glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides by porcine ovarian granulosa cells cultured in vitro after lead acetate administration. The parameters were analyzed using semi-automated clinical chemistry analyzer Microlab 300, microprocessor-controlled analyzer EasyLite and spectrophotometer Genesys 10. Cells were cultured with lead acetate trihydrate [Pb(CH(3)COO)(2).3H(2)O] as follows: group Max (5 mg Pb(CH(3)COO)(2).3H(2)O/10 mL), group A (2.5 mg/10 mL), group B (0.83 mg/10 mL), group C (0.625 mg/10 mL), group D (0.455 mg/10 mL) and the control group without lead exposure for 18 hrs. The highest TAS was estimated in the control group without lead treatment in comparison with other groups (MAX, A, B, C, D). Statistical analyses showed significantly lower value (P < 0.05) in group B. The activity of SOD was the lowest in the control group in comparison to those exposed to in vitro lead culture. A significant decrease (P < 0.05) of calcium content in group MAX in comparison with control group was determined. Release of phosphorus by ovarian granulosa cells was significantly lower (P < 0.05; 0.01; 0.001) in all the treated groups in comparison with control group. Lead was found to stimulate the release of magnesium and potassium by granulosa cells, but the increase remained statistically insignificant. The highest concentration of glucose was noted in control group, but the differences were not significant either. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were detected in concentration of other studied parameters among observed groups, too.

Biotransfer of heavy metals along a soil-plant-insect-chicken food chain: field study

The accumulation and transfer of Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cd along a soil-plant-insect-chicken food chain at contaminated sites were investigated. The study site nearing the Pb/Zn mine had been contaminated by heavy metals severely. Cadmium and Pb concentrations steadily declined with increasing trophic level (p < 0.01), but concentrations of Zn and Cu slightly increased from plant to insect larva (p > 0.05). The concentrations of heavy metals were the highest in chicken muscle, with lower values in liver and blood. The bioaccumulation of Pb was observed in chicken livers. The eliminations of Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cd via insect and chicken feces avoid metal bioaccumulation in insect and chicken body. These results suggest that the accumulation of heavy metals in specific animal organ of tissues could not be neglected, although transfer of metals to chicken from plant and insect was limited.

Induction of micronuclei in rat bone marrow after chronic exposure to lead acetate trihydrate

Lead increasingly contributes to pollution of the environment and may play a role in the development of adverse effects in the human and animal body. Data concerning its mutagenic, clastogenic, and carcinogenic properties have been conflicting. In this study, we evaluated the frequency of micronuclei in bone marrow erythrocytes of rats treated with lead acetate trihydrate. Outbred Wistar rats were exposed to a daily dose of 100 mg/L drinking water for 125 days. The mean value of the total number of micronuclei observed in polychromatic erythrocytes of female rats was significantly higher than that found in the control group (13.375 ± 2.722 against 9.625 ± 3.204 micronuclei/1000 cells; P = 0.024 in ANOVA). In exposed female animals, no significant reduction of the ratio of polychromatic to normochromatic erythrocytes was observed (0.990 ± 0.228 against 1.208 ± 0.195; P = 0.060 in ANOVA). The effects of lead acetate trihydrate in male rats are both cytotoxic and genotoxic because of a decrease in ratio of polychromatic to normochromatic erythrocytes (0.715 ± 0.431 against 1.343 ± 0.306; P = 0.023, ANOVA followed by Tukey test) and an increase in frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (24.167 ± 7.859 against 4.0 ± 4.528 micronuclei/1000 cells; P ≤ 0.001, ANOVA followed by Tukey test), respectively.

Combined effects of cadmium and ultraviolet radiation on mortality and mineral content in common frog (Rana temporaria) larvae

The combined effects of UV with Cd(2 +) exposure on the mortality and mineral content of common frog larvae was investigated. Tadpoles were raised in increasing concentrations of Cd(2 +) (0-2000 microg x L(-1)). Additionally the larvae were exposed to biologically effective doses of UV-A (0.24 kJ x m(- 2)) and UV-B (2.71 kJ x m(- 2)). Parallel groups were grown in the same ionic concentrations in the absence of UV. In the second experiment larvae were exposed to sublethal doses of Cd(2 +) (1000 microg x L(-1)) for 3 days. Then the larvae were submitted to 4 weeks of recovery in clean water. Cd, Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg, Fe, Na, K contents and Na/K ratio were measured. In tadpoles exposed exclusively to Cd(2 +) the 96 h LC50 = 3155 microg x L(-1). By contrast in tadpoles exposed to Cd(2 +) and UV for 96 hours the LC50 = 710 microg x L(-1). More cadmium was accumulated in UV-exposed tadpoles. On the other hand tadpoles exposed to UV radiation removed cadmium more efficiently than non-irradiated larvae. Cu, Na, and K were positively correlated with Cd content while Mg was negatively correlated with Cd. Animals exposed to combined stressors had lower Mg, Fe, Ca, Na, Zn contents, lower Na/K ratio and higher Cu and K contents than animals exposed exclusively to cadmium. Our studies indicate that cadmium ions combined with UV significantly increase mortality of common frog tadpoles. This may be related to higher cadmium uptake, disturbances in the content of essential metals and ionic imbalance.

Concentration of heavy metals in various children's herbal tea types and their correlations

This investigation was undertaken to determine the concentrations of cadmium, lead, mercury, zinc, copper and magnesium in six tea types used as children's tea. Six types of tea of different herbal composition used for children's consumption (T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6) were analyzed in three subsequent collections. The analysis of cadmium showed that the concentration was very similar in all types of children's tea, ranging from 0.233 to 0.369 mg/kg. Lead concentrations were in the range of 0.340-1.564 mg/kg without any significant differences. The analysis of mercury detected very low concentration of this metal in all samples (0.002-0.004 mg/kg). In zinc, the values ranged from 36.633 to 71.711 mg/kg, with significant differences (p < 0.001) according to tea type. Copper concentration was 10.089-30.178 mg/kg with the highest value in T4. The concentration of magnesium was significantly higher in tea T1 and T2 (102.311 and 129.422 mg/kg) in comparison with other tea types where the level was 19.811-37.411 mg/kg. The maximum tolerable limit determined by Codex Alimentarius was not exceeded in any sample. In general, correlation analysis detected high positive correlation between cadmium and lead (r = 0.89), cadmium and mercury (r = 0.92) and between lead and mercury (r = 0.77).

Environmental levels of cadmium, lead and mercury in brown hares and their relation to blood metabolic parameters

The purpose of this study was to examine concentrations of selected heavy metals in the liver and kidney of brown hares (Lepus europaeus). In addition, correlations between heavy metals and biochemical parameters in blood plasma were determined. The average concentrations of heavy metals (mmol/L) +/- SD were as follows: liver: Pb 0.221 +/- 0.189, Cd 0.160 +/- 0.140, Hg 0.021 +/- 0.030, kidney: Pb 0.115 +/- 0.125, Cd 1.570 +/- 1.103, Hg 0.030 +/- 0.053. The average concentrations of biochemical parameters in the blood plasma were as follows: Ca 3.16 mmol/L, P 2.19 mmol/L, Mg 1.40 mmol/L, Na 148.71 mmol/L, K 8.12 mmol/L, glucose 6.56 mmol/L, total proteins 56.49 g/L, urea 5.00 mmol/L, total lipids 1.40 g/L, bilirubin 3.97 micro mol/L, cholesterol 1.53 mmol/L, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 6.06 micro kat/L and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 1.94 micro kat/L. Average levels of hormones (ng/mL) were as follows: testosterone 2.94, androstendiol 0.13, estradiol 501.59, progesterone 6.63, oxytocin 328.60. Tissue analysis showed an accumulation of lead, cadmium and mercury in the liver and kidney of brown hares. There were no significant correlations between levels of heavy metals in liver, kidney, and biochemical parameters.

Female reproductive toxicology of cadmium

The aim of this study was to determine effects of Cd on the structure of ovary, oviduct and uterus after an experimental administration. Animals were divided into three groups. In group A rabbits received cadmium i.p. and were killed after 48 h. In group C Cd was administered p.o. for 5 month. The group K was the control. Decreased relative volume of growing follicles and increased stroma after Cd administration were detected. The number of atretic follicles was significantly higher after administration of Cd. The most frequent ultrastructural alterations observed were undulation of external nuclear membrane, dilatation of perinuclear cistern and endoplasmic reticulum. In all studied types of cells mitochondria with altered structure were found. In the oviduct the highest amount of epithelium in the group with long-term Cd administration was found. Microscopic analysis showed oedematization of the oviduct tissue, caused by disintegration of the capillary wall. An electron microscopic analysis showed dilatation of perinuclear cistern. The intercellular spaces were enlarged and junctions between cells were affected. Mainly after a long-term cadmium administration nuclear chromatin disintegration was present. In the uterus a significant change was determined in the relative volume of glandular epithelium. Increase of stroma was a sign of uterus oedamatization caused by damage in the wall of blood vessels and subsequent diapedesis. After Cd administration alteration in uterus were less expressed, in comparison with ovary and oviduct. Alteration of nuclear chromatin contain following Cd administration suggests degenerative functional changes.

Lead-induced alterations in rat kidneys and testes in vivo

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of lead administration on the kidney and testicular structure of adult rats. Rats received lead (PbNO(3)) in single intraperitoneal dose 50 mg/kg (group A), 25 mg/kg (group B) and 12.5 mg (group C) per kilogram of body weight and were killed 48 h following lead administration. After the preparation of histological samples the results were compared with control. After the lead administration dilated Bowman's capsules and blood vessels in interstitium of kidney with evident hemorrhagic alterations were noted. Quantitative analysis determined increased relative volume of interstitium and tubules. Also, the diameter of renal corpuscules, diameter of glomeruli and diameter of Bowman's capsule were significantly increased, especially in group A, with the highest lead concentration. In testes, dilatation of blood capillaries in interstitium, undulation of basal membrane and occurrence of empty spaces in seminiferous epithelium were detected. An apoptosis assay confirmed increased incidence of apoptosis in the spermatogenetic cells after the lead administration. Also further morphometric analysis showed significant differences in evaluated parameters between control and treated groups. The number of cell nuclei was decreased in lead-treated groups, which is concerned with the occurrence of empty spaces as well as with the higher apoptosis incidence in germinal epithelium. This study reports a negative effect of lead on the structure and function of kidney and testes.