Estimating risk from copper excess in human populations

A 10-year (2014-2023) review of complementary food development in sub-Saharan Africa and the impact on child health

Complementary foods (CFs) commonly consumed by infants and young children (IYC) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are processed using either single or multi-grain ingredients through simple technologies such as fermentation, malting and roasting. Interestingly, CFs (e.g., ogi, kunu, and dabo) are prepared and fed to infants alongside breastmilk until they are completely weaned up to the infant's second birthday. The grains used for preparing CFs can be contaminated with bacterial and chemical contaminants as a result of poor harvesting, handling or storage practices. The stage at which IYC are introduced to CFs is of utmost importance as it aids in addressing malnutrition and improving their overall health and well-being. Complementary feeding practices across SSA are influenced by socio-economic, cultural and geographical factors such that improper introduction can result in dire health consequences including immune suppression, severe foodborne diseases, poor child growth and development, and sometimes death from malnutrition. Malnutrition often occurs from inadequacies of nutrient intakes and assimilation which affect the ability to maintain normal body functions such as growth, learning abilities, resistance to and recovery from diseases. In SSA, IYC malnutrition still poses an enormous concern, therefore indicating the need for intervention strategies such as the promotion of indigenous crops and elevating traditional knowledge and technologies for formulating CFs. This paper clearly highlights the diversity of CFs in SSA, ingredients utilized, processing techniques, contamination by bacteria and chemicals, and demonstrates the consequences of consuming contaminated CFs, and their influence on IYC health as well as approaches to ensuring safety and scaling up indigenous CFs.

Copper-associated chronic hepatitis in Cavalier King Charles spaniels

BACKGROUND

Copper-associated chronic hepatitis (CuCH) is poorly characterised in Cavalier King Charles spaniels (CKCS).

METHODS

Hepatic copper accumulation was qualitatively and quantitatively assessed, and blood samples were used for genetic testing to screen for known CuCH-associated genetic variants.

RESULTS

The study included 13 CKCS with CuCH and eight unaffected controls. Increased transaminase activities, elevated biliary enzyme concentrations and portal hypertension were documented in 100%, 73% and 38% of dogs with CuCH, respectively. Five dogs had three or more abnormalities in measures of liver function. All 11 dogs with CuCh that underwent genetic testing were homozygous negative for the COMMD1 deletion and ATP7A variant but homozygous positive (n = 7) or heterozygous (n = 4) for the ATP7B variant. Liver histology often demonstrated marked architectural distortion by severe, bridging fibrosis and regenerative nodules with lymphoplasmacytic inflammation. Centrilobular copper accumulation characterised early cases with minimal fibrosis. When fibrosis was significant, copper was often differentially concentrated within regenerative nodules. Chelation therapy resolved laboratory derangements and portal hypertension in five of seven dogs. Of the 7 non-surviving dogs with CuCH, 6 had not received chelation therapy.

LIMITATIONS

Limitations include a small cohort size and the lack of pedigree analyses to corroborate heritability.

CONCLUSIONS

CuCH should be considered in CKCS with suspected liver disease. Long-term prognosis seems favourable in dogs receiving chelation therapy, notwithstanding the presence of previously reported negative prognostic markers.

3D-printed colorimetric copper ion detection kit and portable fluorescent sensing device using smartphone based on ratiometric fluorescent probes

Copper ion (Cu2+) is not only a transition metal ion but also a significant environmental pollutant. The imbalance of Cu2+ content will threaten the safety of the environment and even life. The portable detection devices based on ratiometric fluorescent probes have garnered increasing attention and acclaim because of their reliable analysis parameters. Therefore, two Cu2+ ratiometric fluorescent probes (RH-1 and RH-2) were developed, which exhibit pronounced fluorescence changes, high sensitivity, excellent selectivity, and large Stokes shift. Both probes are capable of detecting Cu2+ in water and milk samples. It is worth noting that a 3D-printed fluorescence sensing device was constructed using RH-1, and a new 3D-printed copper ion detection kit was developed based on RH-2, enabling on-the-spot estimation of Cu2+ concentration. These devices significantly facilitate Cu2+ detection in daily life. RH-2 has been successfully employed for imaging Cu2+ in living cells and zebrafish. In conclusion, this work provides, for the first time, the 3D-printed ideal tools for detecting Cu2+. It also provides valuable insights for the establishment of on-site portable detection methods for other important substances.

Injectable Self-Harden Antibiofilm Bioceramic Cement for Minimally Invasive Surgery

There is an urgent demand for antibacterial bone grafts in clinics. Worryingly, the misuse and overuse of antibiotics accelerate the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria. Therefore, this study prepared a novel injectable bioceramic cement without antibiotics (FS-BCS), which showed good antibacterial properties by loading iron and strontium onto a matrix composed of brushite and calcium sulfate. The setting time, injectability, microstructure, antibacterial properties, anti-biofilm properties, and cytocompatibility of the novel bioceramic cement were evaluated thoroughly. The results showed that the material was highly injectable and antiwashout. The antibacterial tests revealed that FS-BCS inhibited the growth of 99.9% E. coli and S. aureus separately in the broth due to the synergistic effect of strontium and iron. Simultaneously, crystal violet and fluorescent staining tests revealed that the material could significantly inhibit the formation of E. coli and S. aureus biofilms. In addition, the co-incorporation of iron and strontium promoted the proliferation and migration of osteoblasts. Therefore, FS-BCS has good application potential in antibiotic-free anti-infection bone grafting using minimally invasive surgery.

Inhibition of lung adenocarcinoma by combinations of sulfasalazine (SAS) and disulfiram-copper (DSF-Cu) in cell line models and mice

Sulfasalazine (SAS) is a repurposed antitumor drug which inhibits the proliferation and survival of cancer cells by inhibiting the xCT cellular antioxidant system. Recent clinical studies have shown that, due to poor bioavailability, the antitumor effects of SAS monotherapy are minimal. Therefore, we hypothesized that DSF, another repurposed drug that has demonstrated anticancer effects, or its complex with copper (DSF-copper, DSF-Cu) could potentiate the antilung cancer effects of SAS. Exposure of non-small cell lung cancer cells to therapeutically achievable concentrations of SAS-induced low-to-moderate cytotoxic effects (20-40% reduction in cell viability) and, unexpectedly, induced the antioxidant protein NRF2 and its downstream effectors xCT and ALDH1A1. However, combinations of SAS and DSF-Cu, but not SAS and DSF, induced a significantly higher cytotoxic effect (64-88% reduction in cell viability), apoptosis and generation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species as compared with SAS or DSF-Cu alone. Moreover, DSF-Cu abrogated SAS-induced NRF2, xCT and ALDH1A1 expression. In a mouse model of lung tumor, SAS + DSF-Cu showed a higher efficacy than the individual drugs in reducing the number and size of tumors as well as the incidence and multiplicity of lung adenocarcinoma. Taken together, our findings indicate that the observed antilung cancer effects of SAS plus DSF-Cu are mediated, at least in part, via impairment of reactive oxygen species defense and -enhancement of oxidative stress and provide evidence for the preventive/therapeutic potential of this combinatorial approach against lung cancer.

Copper Accumulation Efficiency in Different Recombinant Microorganism Strains Available for Bioremediation of Heavy Metal-Polluted Waters

The aim of this research was to investigate the bioremediation conditions of copper in synthetic water. In the present study, copper ions accumulation efficiency was determined using various genetically modified strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (EBY100, INVSc1, BJ5465, and GRF18), Pichia pastoris (X-33, KM71H), Escherichia coli (XL10 Gold, DH5α, and six types of BL21 (DE3)), and Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) OverExpress expressing two different peroxidases. Viability tests of yeast and bacterial strains showed that bacteria are viable at copper concentrations up to 2.5 mM and yeasts up to 10 mM. Optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma analysis showed that the tolerance of bacterial strains on media containing 1 mM copper was lower than the tolerance of yeast strains at the same copper concentration. The E. coli BL21 RIL strain had the best copper accumulation efficiency (4.79 mg/L of culture normalized at an optical density of 1.00), which was 1250 times more efficient than the control strain. The yeast strain S. cerevisiae BJ5465 was the most efficient in copper accumulation out of a total of six yeast strains used, accumulating over 400 times more than the negative control strain. In addition, E. coli cells that internally expressed recombinant peroxidase from Thermobifida fusca were able to accumulate 400-fold more copper than cells that produced periplasmic recombinant peroxidases.

The Localized Ionic Microenvironment in Bone Modelling/Remodelling: A Potential Guide for the Design of Biomaterials for Bone Tissue Engineering

Bone is capable of adjusting size, shape, and quality to maintain its strength, toughness, and stiffness and to meet different needs of the body through continuous remodeling. The balance of bone homeostasis is orchestrated by interactions among different types of cells (mainly osteoblasts and osteoclasts), extracellular matrix, the surrounding biological milieus, and waste products from cell metabolisms. Inorganic ions liberated into the localized microenvironment during bone matrix degradation not only form apatite crystals as components or enter blood circulation to meet other bodily needs but also alter cellular activities as molecular modulators. The osteoinductive potential of inorganic motifs of bone has been gradually understood since the last century. Still, few have considered the naturally generated ionic microenvironment's biological roles in bone remodeling. It is believed that a better understanding of the naturally balanced ionic microenvironment during bone remodeling can facilitate future biomaterial design for bone tissue engineering in terms of the modulatory roles of the ionic environment in the regenerative process.

ESPEN micronutrient guideline

BACKGROUND

Trace elements and vitamins, named together micronutrients (MNs), are essential for human metabolism. Recent research has shown the importance of MNs in common pathologies, with significant deficiencies impacting the outcome.

OBJECTIVE

This guideline aims to provide information for daily clinical nutrition practice regarding assessment of MN status, monitoring, and prescription. It proposes a consensus terminology, since many words are used imprecisely, resulting in confusion. This is particularly true for the words "deficiency", "repletion", "complement", and "supplement".

METHODS

The expert group attempted to apply the 2015 standard operating procedures (SOP) for ESPEN which focuses on disease. However, this approach could not be applied due to the multiple diseases requiring clinical nutrition resulting in one text for each MN, rather than for diseases. An extensive search of the literature was conducted in the databases Medline, PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and CINAHL. The search focused on physiological data, historical evidence (published before PubMed release in 1996), and observational and/or randomized trials. For each MN, the main functions, optimal analytical methods, impact of inflammation, potential toxicity, and provision during enteral or parenteral nutrition were addressed. The SOP wording was applied for strength of recommendations.

RESULTS

There was a limited number of interventional trials, preventing meta-analysis and leading to a low level of evidence. The recommendations underwent a consensus process, which resulted in a percentage of agreement (%): strong consensus required of >90% of votes. Altogether the guideline proposes sets of recommendations for 26 MNs, resulting in 170 single recommendations. Critical MNs were identified with deficiencies being present in numerous acute and chronic diseases. Monitoring and management strategies are proposed.

CONCLUSION

This guideline should enable addressing suboptimal and deficient status of a bundle of MNs in at-risk diseases. In particular, it offers practical advice on MN provision and monitoring during nutritional support.

Six fruit and vegetable peel beads for the simultaneous removal of heavy metals by biosorption

In this study, a comparison between the biosorption performance of six fruit and vegetable peels, namely kiwifruit (KP), apple, banana, cucumber, orange and potato immobilized on sodium alginate beads has been made. Inductively coupled plasma coupled with mass spectroscopy was used for measuring the concentration of metal ions in solution before and after biosorption. A range of kinetic models were also applied to the biosorption batch data. The results showed that biosorption percentage of the ions were different on the various beads. For example, the decreasing order of biosorption by one KP bead at equilibrium was Cd > Cu > Hg > Ni > Pb > Cr > As, with approximately 92%, 84%, 80%, 75%, 67%, 34%, and 17% simultaneous removal of ions, respectively. The fastest biosorption was seen with Cd and Pb, as both reached equilibrium by 24 h. Equilibrium time of all other ions occurred by 48 h. While all beads in their unmodified form were suitable for the removal of divalent cations, KP bead showed significantly higher removal of the anion hexavalent Cr. Biosorption of Cd, Hg and Ni was limited by both pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order reaction rates. For Cr and Cu, the reaction was controlled by film diffusion and pseudo-first order rates. At a higher solution concentration, the preference of ions biosorbed as well as their percentage removed changed. Overall, the results indicated that KP beads show promise as a cost-effective method for removing toxic ions by biosorption, especially hexavalent chromium from drinking water.

School and childcare center drinking water: Copper chemistry, health effects, occurrence, and remediation

The study goal was to better understand the risks of elevated copper levels at US schools and childcare centers. Copper health effects, chemistry, occurrence, and remediation actions were reviewed. Of the more than 98,000 schools and 500,000 childcare centers, only 0.2% had copper water testing data in the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System database. Of the facilities designated public water systems, about 13% had reported an exceedance. Schools that were not designated a public water system (PWS) also had exceedances. Few studies document levels in schools and childcare centers. Widely different sampling and remedial actions were reported. Flushing contaminated water was the most evaluated remedial action but was unreliable because copper quickly rebounded when flushing stopped. Building water treatment systems have been used, but some were not capable of making the water safe. The health risk was difficult to determine due to the limited occurrence data and lack of best management practice studies. A national drinking water testing campaign and field studies are recommended.

Mechanisms of Cd and Cu induced toxicity in human gastric epithelial cells: Oxidative stress, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis

Cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) are widely present in foods. However, their adverse effects on human gastric epithelium are not fully understood. Here, human gastric epithelial cells (SGC-7901) were employed to study the toxicity and associated mechanisms of Cd + Cu co-exposure. Their effects on cell viability, morphology, oxidative damage, cell cycle, apoptosis, and the mRNA levels of antioxidases and cell cycle regulatory genes were investigated. Co-exposure to Cd (5 μM)/Cu (10 μM) induced >40% cell viability loss, whereas little effect on cell viability at <10 μM Cd or 40 μM Cu. Compared to individual exposure, co-exposure induced greater oxidative damage by elevating ROS (3.5 folds), malondialdehyde (2.3 folds) and expression of SOD1 and HO-1 besides inhibiting CAT, GPX1 and Nrf2. A marked S cell-cycle arrest was observed in co-exposure, evidenced by more cells staying in the S phase (36%), up-regulation of cyclins-dependent kinase (CDK4) and CDKs inhibitor (p21) and down-regulation of CDK2, CDK6 and p27. Furthermore, higher apoptosis (22%) with floated and round cells occurred in co-exposure group. Our data implicate the cytotoxicity of Cd + Cu co-exposure was higher than individual exposure, and individual assessment would underestimate their potential health risk. Oxidative stress and cell cycle arrest possibly played a role in Cd + Cu induced toxicity and apoptosis in SGC-7901 cells. Our data suggest the importance to reduce Cd in foods to decrease its adverse impacts on human digestive system.

Effects of nano-copper on maize yield and inflammatory response in mice

Objective(s):

Copper (Cu) is an essential dietary supplement in animal feeds, which plays an important role in maintaining the balance of all living organisms. Copper nanoparticles (nCu) participate in catalysing activities of multiple antioxidant/defensive enzymes and exerts pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic effects on systemic organs and tissues. The present study explored whether nCu affects maize growth and yield and grain mineral nutrients as well as physiological functions in mice.

Materials and Methods:

Maize seeds were treated with nCu (20 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg dry weight (DW)) and their grain productions were used for mouse feed. For testing of autoimmune response, mice were treated with nCu at concentration of 2 mg/l and 1000 mg/l and ultimately serum biochemical indicators, numbers and activation of immune cells infiltrated in mouse spleens were examined.

Results:

Treatment of maize seeds with nCu at dose of 20 mg/kg DW, but not 1000 mg/kg DW enhanced germination rate, plant growth and grain yield as well as grain mineral nutrients as compared to control group. Importantly, administration of mice with 1000 mg/l nCu resulted in their morphological change due to excessive accumulation of nCu in liver and blood, leading to inflammatory responses involved in upregulated expression of serum biochemical indicators of liver and kidney as well as increased infiltration and activation of splenic immune cells.

Conclusion:

nCu concentration at 20 mg/kg DW facilitated the morphological and functional development of maize plants, whose production was safe to feed mice.

Critical Review of Exposure and Effects: Implications for Setting Regulatory Health Criteria for Ingested Copper

Decades of study indicate that copper oral exposures are typically not a human health concern. Ingesting high levels of soluble copper salts can cause acute gastrointestinal symptoms and, in uncommon cases, liver toxicity in susceptible individuals with repeated exposure. This focused toxicological review evaluated the current literature since the last comprehensive reviews (2007-2010). Our review identified limitations in the existing United States and international guidance for determining an oral reference dose (RfD) for essential metals like copper. Instead, an alternative method using categorical regression analysis to develop an optimal dose that considers deficiency, toxicity, and integrates information from human and animal studies was reviewed for interpreting an oral RfD for copper. We also considered subchronic or chronic toxicity from genetic susceptibility to copper dysregulation leading to rare occurrences of liver and other organ toxicity with elevated copper exposure. Based on this approach, an oral RfD of 0.04 mg Cu/kg/day would be protective of acute or chronic toxicity in adults and children. This RfD is also protective for possible genetic susceptibility to elevated copper exposure and allows for background dietary exposures. This dose is not intended to be protective of patients with rare genetic disorders for copper sensitivity within typical nutritional intake ranges, nor is it protective for those with excessive supplement intake. Less soluble mineral forms of copper in soil have reduced bioavailability as compared with more soluble copper in water and diet, which should be considered in using this RfD for risk assessments of copper.

Changes in Arsenic and Copper Bioavailability and Oxytetracycline Degradation during the Composting Process

This research focuses on the effects of the composting process on oxytetracycline antibiotic degradation and the bioavailability of arsenic and copper. A compost experiment was conducted using cow and pig manure contaminated with oxytetracycline, and copper and arsenic salts. The changes in physicochemical properties, oxytetracycline concentration, and the germination index were measured. Copper and arsenic were estimated by sequential chemical extraction. We also detected the effects of compost properties, oxytetracycline concentration, and heavy metal (loid)s on the germination index through simple regression analysis. The results showed that the composting process positively and significantly affected heavy metal(loid)s bioavailability, oxytetracycline degradation, and the germination index. Oxytetracycline concentration declined in all treatments, and the decline was more evident in cows' manure. The copper and arsenic bioavailable fraction decreased significantly, while the low bioavailability fraction increased. The germination index increased above 50%, which showed that the compost was free of toxic substances. This result also showed that the compost properties had the most significant impact on the germination index, and their regression had the highest R2 values (0.84 and 0.99) in the cow and pig manure treatments, respectively. In conclusion, the composting process provides an economical method for oxytetracycline degradation and heavy metal(loid)s bioavailability reduction.

Copper Nanoparticles Show Obvious in vitro and in vivo Reproductive Toxicity via ERK Mediated Signaling Pathway in Female Mice

Copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) and other inorganic nanomaterials have caused increasing concern owing to be widely used. Early studies have reported that they can result in injuries to the kidney, liver and spleen of mice; cause embryonic damage; and inhibit the reproductive capacity of red worms. However, few studies have reported the toxicity of Cu-NPs on the reproductive systems of mammals. In the present work, we explored the cytotoxicity of Cu-NPs in human extravillous trophoblast cells and in the reproductive organs of mice. Cu-NPs induced ovarian and placental pathophysiology and dysfunction in mice. These nanoparticles also induced apoptosis and suppressed the proliferation of human extravillous trophoblast cells and caused cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase in a time-and dose-dependent manner. Cu-NPs can significantly damage the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), which suggests that Cu-NPs can activate the mitochondria-mediated apoptosis signaling pathway. We also observed that Cu-NPs significantly inhibit the expression of BRAF, ERK, and MITF expression, all of which are important genes in the ERK signaling pathway. Our research demonstrated that Cu-NPs exert obvious reproductive toxicity in mice by disrupting the balance of sex hormones and exert cytotoxicity on human extravillous trophoblast cells, and ERK signaling and the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway made great contribution to the toxicity of Cu-NPs on female mice.

Facile synthesis of triphenylamine and phenothiazine-based Schiff bases for aggregation-induced enhanced emission, white light generation, and highly selective and sensitive copper(ii) sensing

Facile synthesis of triphenylamine and phenothiazine based Schiff bases for multiple applicability, viz., in AIEE, WLE and Cu²⁺ sensing.

Bone grafts and biomaterials substitutes for bone defect repair: A review

Bone grafts have been predominated used to treat bone defects, delayed union or non-union, and spinal fusion in orthopaedic clinically for a period of time, despite the emergency of synthetic bone graft substitutes. Nevertheless, the integration of allogeneic grafts and synthetic substitutes with host bone was found jeopardized in long-term follow-up studies. Hence, the enhancement of osteointegration of these grafts and substitutes with host bone is considerably important. To address this problem, addition of various growth factors, such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and platelet rich plasma (PRP), into structural allografts and synthetic substitutes have been considered. Although clinical applications of these factors have exhibited good bone formation, their further application was limited due to high cost and potential adverse side effects. Alternatively, bioinorganic ions such as magnesium, strontium and zinc are considered as alternative of osteogenic biological factors. Hence, this paper aims to review the currently available bone grafts and bone substitutes as well as the biological and bio-inorganic factors for the treatments of bone defect.

Facile Synthesis of Fluorescent Conjugated Polyelectrolytes Using Polydentate Sulfonate as Highly Selective and Sensitive Copper(II) Sensors

Fluorescent conjugated polyelectrolytes represent an exciting area of research into new chemosensors. By virtue of their rapid electron and energy transfer paths, these highly correlated, one-dimensional systems have been depicted as "molecular wires" and show "million-fold" sensitivity compared to monomolecular sensor analogs. In this paper, a novel polyelectrolyte sensor, the ttp-PPESO₃, has been designed by incorporating terpyridine and sulfonate functional groups into the polyelectrolyte. This specifically tailored sensor has displayed remarkable quenching response toward copper(II) with a detection limit of 14.7 nM (0.93 ppb). It is capable of selectively screening copper without interference from 12 common cations. Molecular modeling suggests that binding occurs through a coordination interaction of the terpyridine and sulfonate. The additional multidentate nature from the sulfonate offers extraordinary chelating ability to the analyte. We anticipate that this unique binding mode will provide insight for the design of future more sensitive and selective systems.

Pulmonary Functions, Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage in Workers of a Copper Processing Industry

Background:

Occupational exposure to excessive level of copper results in many adverse health effects.

Objective:

To measure pulmonary function, oxidative stress, and extent of DNA damage in workers of a copper processing industry.

Methods:

30 men working in a copper processing industry and 30 men matched for age and socioeconomic status (comparison group) were included in this study. Pulmonary function test parameters were measured for all participants. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), glutathione (GSH) content in RBCs and 8-OHdG were assayed by ELISA. Extent of DNA damage in leucocytes was assayed by comet assay.

Results:

Pulmonary function parameters, FVC, FEV₁, PEFR, and MVV measured in workers were significantly (p<0.05) lower than those observed in the comparison group. Compared to the comparison group, MDA was significantly (p=0.002) increased in studied workers; TAOC (p=0.017), and GSH (p=0.020) were significantly lower in workers than the comparison group. There was significant DNA damage in leucocytes in workers compared to the comparison group (difference in olive tail moment p<0.001). PEFR, FEF_25-75%, and MEF_50% were negatively correlated with MDA.

Conclusion:

The observed DNA damage would be due to increased oxidative stress resulting from excessive exposure to copper.

Comparative Assessment of Copper, Iron, and Zinc Contents in Selected Indian (Assam) and South African (Thohoyandou) Tea (Camellia sinensis L.) Samples and Their Infusion: A Quest for Health Risks to Consumer

The current study aims to assess the infusion pattern of three important micronutrients namely copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) contents from black tea samples produced in Assam (India) and Thohoyandou (South Africa). Average daily intakes and hazardous quotient were reported for these micronutrients. Total content for Cu, Fe, and Zn varied from 2.25 to 48.82 mg kg^-1, 14.75 to 148.18 mg kg^-1, and 28.48 to 106.68 mg kg^-1, respectively. The average contents of each of the three micronutrients were higher in tea leaves samples collected from South Africa than those from India while the contents in tea infusions in Indian samples were higher than in South African tea samples. Results of this study revealed that the consumption of 600 mL tea infusion produced from 24 g of made tea per day may be beneficial to human in terms of these micronutrients content. Application of nonparametric tests revealed that most of the data sets do not satisfy the normality assumptions. Hence, the use of both parametric and nonparametric statistical analysis that subsequently revealed significant differences in elemental contents among Indian and South African tea.

A highly selective “ON–OFF” probe for colorimetric and fluorometric sensing of Cu2+in water

A new diformyl phenol based probe for selective detection of Cu²⁺in aqueous medium, applicable for cell imaging in Vero cells. Theoretical studies were performed to establish the underlying keto–enol tautomerism and optimization of the Cu²⁺complex.

The Built Environment-A Missing "Cause of the Causes" of Non-Communicable Diseases

The United Nations "25 × 25 Strategy" of decreasing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases, by 25% by 2025 does not appear to take into account all causes of NCDs. Its focus is on a few diseases, which are often linked with life-style factors with "voluntary" "modifiable behavioral risk factors" causes tending towards an over-simplification of the issues. We propose to add some aspects of our built environment related to hazardous building materials, and detailed form of the construction of infrastructure and buildings, which we think are some of the missing causes of NCDs. Some of these could be termed "involuntary causes", as they relate to factors that are beyond the control of the general public.

Copper induced apoptosis in Caco-2 and Hep-G2 cells: Expression of caspases 3, 8 and 9, AIF and p53

Copper (Cu) is an essential trace metal needed to ensure cell function. However, when present at high concentrations it becomes toxic to organisms. Cell death, induced by toxic levels of copper, was previously observed in in vitro studies. However, there is no consensus about the cell death pathway induced by Cu and it is still not known whether this occurs as a result of the direct action of the metal or by indirect effects. In the present work, we intend to identify the influence of different Cu concentrations in the induction of apoptosis and to explore the potential signaling pathways, using two different in vitro cell culture models (Caco-2 and Hep-G2). Cells were exposed, during 6, 12, 24 and 48h, to Cu concentrations corresponding to IC50 and 1/8 of IC50, according to the viability assays. Then, considering the different apoptosis pathways, the expression of caspases 3, 8 and 9, apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) and p53 genes was analyzed by quantitative real time PCR. The results suggested that different Cu concentrations could trigger different apoptotic pathways, at different times of exposure. In both cell lines, apoptosis seems to be initiated by caspase independent pathway and intrinsic pathway, followed by extrinsic pathway. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Cu induces the activation of apoptosis through caspase dependent and independent pathways, also suggesting that apoptosis activation mechanism is dependent on the concentration, time of exposure to Cu and cell type.

Copper-Induced Changes in Reproductive Functions: In Vivo and In Vitro Effects

The goal of this study is to summarize the current knowledge on the effects of one of the essential metals, copper (Cu) on the reproductive system. The development of past four decades addressing effects of Cu on reproductive organs is reviewed. The most relevant data obtained from in vivo and in vitro experiments performed on humans and other mammals, including effects of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) on the reproductive functions are presented. Short term Cu administration has been found to exert deleterious effect on intracellular organelles of rat ovarian cells in vivo. In vitro administration in porcine ovarian granulosa cells releases insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I), steroid hormone progesterone (P4), and induces expression of peptides related to proliferation and apoptosis. Adverse effect of Cu on male reproductive functions has been indicated by the decrease in spermatozoa parameters such as concentration, viability and motility. Copper nanoparticles are capable of generating oxidative stress in vitro thereby leading to reproductive toxicity. Toxic effect of CuNPs has been evident more in male mice than in females. Even though further investigations are necessary to arrive at a definitive conclusion, Cu notably influences the reproductive functions by interfering with both male and female reproductive systems and also hampers embryo development in dose-dependent manner.

Physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of preserved duck egg white

In this paper, the physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of preserved duck egg white were analyzed and compared with fresh egg and hard-cooked egg white (n = 3). The data obtained showed that the preserved egg white was rich in essential amino acids and minerals, such as Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, K, and Na. After fresh duck eggs were processed into preserved eggs, contents of moisture, CP, amino acid, and water-soluble vitamin of egg white significantly decreased (P < 0.05); however, pH, free amino acid content, and most inorganic elemental contents of egg white significantly increased (P < 0.05). The preserved egg white had higher a* (redness/greenness) and b* values (yellowness/blueness; P < 0.05) and lower L* value (lightness; P < 0.05) than hard-cooked egg white. The gel hardness of preserved egg white was approximately 50% of hard-cooked egg white; however, its springiness and cohesiveness were approximately 1.5 times of hard-cooked egg white. The results indicated that pickling with alkaline and other additives can significantly change physical properties and chemical composition of duck egg white, which make preserved egg white with characteristics of rich elements, brown color, and high springiness, but low vitamin.

Copper: toxicological relevance and mechanisms

Copper (Cu) is a vital mineral essential for many biological processes. The vast majority of all Cu in healthy humans is associated with enzyme prosthetic groups or bound to proteins. Cu homeostasis is tightly regulated through a complex system of Cu transporters and chaperone proteins. Excess or toxicity of Cu, which is associated with the pathogenesis of hepatic disorder, neurodegenerative changes and other disease conditions, can occur when Cu homeostasis is disrupted. The capacity to initiate oxidative damage is most commonly attributed to Cu-induced cellular toxicity. Recently, altered cellular events, including lipid metabolism, gene expression, alpha-synuclein aggregation, activation of acidic sphingomyelinase and release of ceramide, and temporal and spatial distribution of Cu in hepatocytes, as well as Cu-protein interaction in the nerve system, have been suggested to play a role in Cu toxicity. However, whether these changes are independent of, or secondary to, an altered cellular redox state of Cu remain to be elucidated.

Administration of high doses of copper to capuchin monkeys does not cause liver damage but induces transcriptional activation of hepatic proliferative responses

Liver cells respond to copper loading upregulating protective mechanisms. However, to date, except for liver content, there are no good indicators that identify individuals with excess liver copper. We hypothesized that administering high doses of copper to young (5.5 mg Cu · kg⁻¹ . d⁻¹) and adult (7.5 mg Cu · kg⁻¹ . d⁻¹) capuchin monkeys would induce detectable liver damage. Study groups included adult monkeys (2 females, 2 males) 3-3.5 y old at enrollment treated with copper for 36 mo (ACu); age-matched controls (1 female, 3 males) that did not receive additional copper (AC); young monkeys (2 female, 2 males) treated from birth with copper for 36 mo (YCu); and young age-matched controls (2 female, 2 males) that did not receive additional copper (YC). We periodically assessed clinical, blood biochemical, and liver histological indicators and at 36 mo the hepatic mRNA abundance of MT2a, APP, DMT1, CTR1, HGF, TGFβ, and NFκΒ only in adult monkeys. After 36 mo, the liver copper concentration was 4-5 times greater in treated monkeys relative to controls. All monkeys remained healthy with normal routine serum biochemical indices and there was no evidence of liver tissue damage. Relative mRNA abundance of HGF, TGFβ and NFκB was significantly greater in ACu than in AC monkeys. In conclusion, capuchin monkeys exposed to copper at doses up to 50 times the current upper level enhanced expression of genes related to inflammation and injury without clinical, blood biochemical, or histological evidence of liver damage.