Levels of Essential and Trace Elements in Mozzarella Available on the Slovak Market with the Estimation of Consumer Exposure

The aim of this study was to determinate the content of some elements in a specific dairy product, mozzarella, in a particular area of western Slovakia and to evaluate the estimation of the risk to the consumers based on the contribution to the provisional tolerable weekly intake. The consumption of mozzarella can contribute to the intake of important elements in the diet, such as calcium and magnesium, along with others. The contents of some toxic and trace elements were low and have not exceeded the permitted limit. In addition, the contribution to PTWI was found to be very low, which means that the consumption of mozzarella possesses no risk to humans. It is concluded that the data obtained in this study can help as a valuable addition to methodological and scientific material in the field of food safety of dairy products and their positive impact on human health.

The Effect of Resorcinol on Bovine Spermatozoa Parameters in Vitro

The goal of this study was to observe the effect of resorcinol on motility, viability and morphology of bovine spermatozoa. The semen was used from six randomly chosen breeding bulls. Ejaculate was diluted by different solutions of resorcinol in 1:40 ratio. Samples were divided into 7 groups with different concentrations of resorcinol (Control, RES1 - 4 mg/ml, RES2 - 2 mg/ml, RES3 - 1 mg/ml, RES4 - 0.5 mg/ml, RES5 - 0.25 mg/ml and RES6 - 0.125 mg/ml). Motility of spermatozoa was detected using CASA method at temperature of 37 °C in time periods 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 hours from the start of the experiment. Significant motility differences between all groups except control and RES6 with difference of 5.58 %, as well as between RES1 and RES2 groups with difference of 2.17 % were found. Progressive motility had the same significant differences. Spermatozoa viability (MTT test) decreased compared to control in all experimental groups during the entire duration of experiment. Observing morphologically changed spermatozoa, no significant changes were observed and a higher percentage of spermatozoa with separated flagellum in all experimental resorcinol groups compared to control were detected. Also, increased number of spermatozoa with broken flagellum, acrosomal changes and other morphological forms in the group with the highest concentration of resorcinol (RES1) were found. Results of our study clearly show negative effects on motility parameters of spermatozoa which depend on concentration, cultivation temperature and time period.

Subacute exposure to amygdalin influences compact bone remodeling of rabbits

Amygdalin is most commonly occurring cyanogenic glycoside. It is found in seeds of many plant species. Our study was aimed to reveal whether pure intramuscularly injected amygdalin or apricot seeds peroral exposure cause changes in bone microstructure of rabbits. Twenty clinically healthy 5 months-old male rabbits were segregated into five groups. Animals from groups A1 and A2 were intramuscularly injected with amygdalin at doses of 0.6 and 3 mg/kg b.w. daily for 28 days. The groups S1 and S2 received commercial feed for rabbits mixed with crushed bitter apricot seeds at doses of 60 and 300 mg/kg b.w. during 28 days. The control (C) group did not receive any amygdalin. Intramuscular and peroral amygdalin administration did not affect total body weight, femoral length and femoral weight of rabbits. Similarly, microcomputed tomography (3D analysis) has shown that amygdalin had insignificant effect on relative bone volume, bone mineral density, cortical bone thickness, bone surface, trabecular thickness, trabecular number, trabecular separation. However, histological (2D analysis) revealed evident changes in compact bone microstructure of amygdalin-exposed rabbits consistent with a different vascularization and changed biomechanical properties. We can conclude that subacute exposure to amygdalin (both intramuscular and peroral) at the doses used in our study influenced compact bone remodeling.

Time and Dose-Dependent Effects of Viscum Album Quercus on Rabbit Spermatozoa Motility and Viability in Vitro

The target of this study was to evaluate the effect of extract of the European mistletoe - Viscum album quercus L. on spermatozoa motility and viability in vitro. The CASA system was used to determine the spermatozoa motility parameters at different time intervals (0, 1, 2 and 3 h) and spermatozoa viability was determined in five different doses of Viscum album quercus L [10 (QA), 6.6 (QB), 3.3 (QC), 2.5 (QD) and 2 (QE) mg/ml]. Results in experimental groups detected a significant deterioration on rabbit spermatozoa after 1, 2 and 3 hours, compared to the control. The initial total spermatozoa motility showed increased value for all doses of Viscum album quercus in comparison to control. After in vitro culture a dose-dependent decrease (QA: reduction of 69.7 %, QB: reduction of 40.9 %) was found. For the progressive spermatozoa most significant decrease (86.8 % for QA vs. 48.5 % for QB) was detected compared to the control after 3 hours of culture. Spermatozoa viability (MTT test) was decreased in all experiment groups at the end of experiment, but the differences were not significant. Significant alterations of membrane integrity were found in groups with the highest Viscum album quercus concentration (QA, QB), but acrosome integrity showed no significant changes. Results suggest negative dose- and time-dependent effect of Viscum album quercus at higher doses on spermatozoa motility and viability parameters in vitro.

Bone microstructure of mice after prolonged taurine treatment

Taurine, a sulphur - containing amino acid, has been termed a functional nutrient. Its synthetic form is a common ingredient in supplements and energy drinks. There is no information concerning taurine impact on bone microstructure after prolonged supplemental use. Also, differences in bone parameters of mice following taurine exposure are unknown. In this study, a detailed microstructure of compact and trabecular bone tissues of mice subchronically exposed to taurine was determined. Animals (n=12) were segregated into three groups: E1 group - mice received 20 mg/kg b.w. of taurine per day during 8 weeks; E2 group - mice were fed by taurine at a dose of 40 mg/kg b.w. for 8 weeks and a control (C) group. Decreased density of secondary osteons, increased sizes of primary osteon's vascular canals (P<0.05) were observed in taurine - treated animals. Cortical bone thickness, trabecular thickness were decreased (P<0.05) in E1 group, and relative volume of trabecular bone was lower (P<0.05) in E2 group as compared to C group. According to our results, prolonged taurine exposure at the doses used in this study can negatively affect both compact and trabecular bone tissues microstructure.

Acrylamide toxicity and cholinergic nervous system

Acrylamide (ACR) is a chemical compound, that forms in starchy food products during cooking at high-temperatures, including frying, baking, and roasting. ACR is a known lethal neurotoxin. The presented review suggests that the mechanism of ACR's neurotoxicity may be related to an impaired cholinergic transmission in the central and peripheral nervous system and redox imbalance. These may not only affect ongoing brain functions but also participate in etiology of neurodegeneration.

Coenzyme Q10 ameliorates cadmium induced reproductive toxicity in male rats

This study aimed at investigating the protective role of CoQ10 against cadmium (Cd)-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. Adult male Wistar rats were exposed to an acute dose of Cd (25 mg/kg bwt; Cd group), Cd+CoQ10 (25 mg/kg bwt Cd+10 mg CoQ10; Cd-Q10 group) and distilled water (control) in vivo for 15 consecutive days and semen quality was assessed. A significant reduction was noted in sperm concentration, progressive motility, morphology and DNA integrity in both Cd- and Cd-Q10 groups in comparison to control indicating Cd-induced testicular lipid per oxidation (LPO) and decline in indigenous antioxidant defense system as measured by total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (p<0.05). However, simultaneous co-administration of CoQ10 along with Cd (Cd-Q10 group) was able to improve sperm concentration, motility, progressive motility, morphology, DNA integrity, and testicular TAC as well as lower LPO compared to Cd group (p<0.05). Results indicate that used dose of CoQ10 is capable of moderately ameliorating reproductive toxicity of Cd by improving semen quality and reducing testicular oxidative stress.

Subacute exposure to alcohol in relation to bone microstructure of mice

Our study aimed to investigate subacute exposure to alcohol in relation to bone microstructure of mice. Animals from experimental (E) group drank a solution composed of 15 % ethanol and water for 14 days (one remodeling cycle), while those from control (C) group drank only water. In the compact bone of E group, decreased bone formation and increased porosity were observed which corresponds with lower levels of serum alkaline phosphatase and glutathione. Alcohol significantly increased sizes of primary osteon's vascular canals and decreased those of secondary osteons, Haversian canals. Relative bone volume, bone mineral density (BMD), relative bone volume without marrow cavity were also lower in E group. On the contrary, trabecular bone microstructure did not differ significantly between E and C groups. Liver function test showed higher levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase in alcohol-fed mice. Serum calcium, phosphate were significantly lower in E group. According to our study, only changes in compact bone microstructure of mice following one remodeling cycle were observed due to both direct and indirect effects of alcohol.

Antioxidant defence in the brain of 1-d-old chickens exposed in ovo to acrylamide

1. Acrylamide (ACR) is a potent neurotoxicant, although information on its toxic influence on the developing neural system is still limited. The effects of in-ovo-injected ACR on the antioxidant system activity in the brain of newly hatched chickens was examined. This model eliminated the mother's contribution to embryonic development. It was also recognised as an adequate model for animal embryonic development. 2. ACR was injected on d 4 of embryogenesis - in doses of 1.25 and 2.50 mg/egg (n = 40 eggs/group/120 eggs). The doses corresponded well with ACR doses used in other animal studies and their concentrations in certain animal feeds. 3. Mortality and incidences of malformations were not found to increase significantly. Significant depletion of glutathione was detected in the cerebellum, cerebrum and medulla oblongata of specimens exposed to the highest doses of ACR. Enzymatic activity was affected by the highest ACR doses. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity increased significantly in the cerebrum, medulla oblongata and the hypothalamus. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased significantly in hypothalamus and decreased in cerebellum and cerebrum. A significant depletion of catalase (CAT) activity was detected in cerebellum. In the hypothalamus, the increased SOD/GPx and SOD/CAT ratios suggest the risk of H₂O₂. 4. It was concluded that ACR significantly influences the antioxidative defence in the chicken brain at doses of 1.25 and 2.50 mg/egg.

Acrylamide-induced changes in femoral bone microstructure of mice

Acrylamide (AA) is one of the most common toxins in foods. Its effect on bone microstructure has not been investigated. The aim of our study was to analyze the impact of acute exposure to AA on femoral bone microstructure in mice. Adult animals were treated perorally with 2 doses of AA (E1 group, 1 mg/kg b.w.) in a 24-h period and with 3 doses of AA (E2 group, 1 mg/kg b.w.) in a 48-h period. Mice exposed to AA had smaller sizes of primary osteon's vascular canals. Secondary osteons were significantly smaller in mice from E2 group; however their increased number (from 38 % to 77 %) was identified in both E1 and E2 groups. In these groups, a higher number of resorption lacunae (from 100 % to 122 %) was also found. The values for bone volume, trabecular number were increased and that for trabecular separation was decreased in mice administered AA. Significantly higher value of bone surface was observed in mice from E1 group whereas trabecular thickness was increased in E2 group. The effect of AA on microstructure of compact and trabecular bone tissues is different. In our study, one dose of AA was used and acute effects of AA were investigated. Therefore, further studies are needed to study mechanisms by which AA acts on bone.

Effect of the different doses of acrylamide on acetylocholinoesterase activity, thiol groups, malondialdehyde concentrations in hypothalamus and selected muscles of mice

Acrylamide is a chemical compound that typically forms in starchy food products during high-temperature cooking, including frying, baking and roasting. Acrylamide is a known lethal neurotoxin. Its discovery in some cooked starchy foods in 2002 prompted concerns about the carcinogenicity of those foods. Little is known about acrylamide's influence on the peripheral nerves. In our research we measured acrylamide's influence on the acetylcholinesterase activity in hypothalamus, heart muscle, skeletal muscles of the thigh and smooth muscle of the small intestine (males, Swiss strain) in relation to the thiol groups and malondialdehyde concentration. Acrylamide was injected intraperitoneally (20 and 40 mg/kg, i.e. 0.52 and 1.04 mg per animal). The hypothalamus and muscles were taken 24, 48, and 192 h after the injection. Acetylcholinesterase activity was significantly lower (P < 0.001 to P < 0.05) in all structures. It was accompanied by the statistically significant (P < 0.001 to P < 0.05) increase in malondialdehyde concentrations in most of the studied structures time periods and ACR doses. -SH groups concentrations were significantly depleted in selected structures (P < 0.001 to P < 0.05). The AChE activity evaluation in mice muscles and hypothalamus was very important because there are many evidences that acrylamide affects directly on the peripheral nerves. Thus, it causes structural damages and physiological changes. The results obtained in the present study provide evidence for the occurrence of oxidative stress after intraperitoneal injection of acrylamide to hypothalamus, heart muscle, skeletal muscles of the thigh and smooth muscle of the small intestine.

Acrylamide: a common food toxin related to physiological functions and health

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

Concentrations of selected heavy metals in bones and femoral bone structure of bank (Myodes glareolus) and common (Microtus arvalis) voles from different polluted biotopes in Slovakia

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

In vitro copper toxicity on rabbit spermatozoa motility, morphology and cell membrane integrity

In this in vitro study the effects of copper sulphate on the motility, morphology and structural integrity of rabbit spermatozoa were investigated. The spermatozoa motility was evaluated by CASA method and Annexin analysis was used for detection of structural changes. For analysis of morphology samples of rabbit semen were fixed with Hancock's solution and stained with Giemsa, and for each sample at least 500 spermatozoa were evaluated. The concentration of copper in the medium varied from 3.57 to 4.85 microg CuSO4/mL. At Time 0 the highest motility was detected in the control group (57.78 +/- 3.90%). Motility in groups with copper administration was lower in comparison to control. Significant differences were detected in groups with 3.70-4.85 microg CuSO4/mL (P<0.05) at Time 0. After 1 h of incubation with copper sulphate the motility significantly decreased almost in all experimental groups. However, at Time 2 h significant increase of total motility was observed in groups with lower concentrations of copper (3.57 and 3.63 microg CuSO4/mL). After 24 and 48 h of incubation almost all the spermatozoa were dead recording no motility at all concentrations. The concentration- dependent decrease of spermatozoa motility up to 50% of control was detected for the group receiving highest copper administration (4.85 microg CuSO4/mL) at Times 1 and 2 h. Progressive motility had an identical trend to that of motility in all experimental groups, at all culture times and for all concentrations. Evaluation of distance and velocity parameters indicated that a sort of stress tolerance developed in lower concentrations (3.57 and 3.63 microg CuSO4/mL). At lower concentrations, an increase was noted for distance parameter DCL and velocity parameter VCL, indirectly confirming the significant motility and progressive motility increase. Other motility parameters (straightness index, linearity index, wobble and amplitude of lateral head displacement) revealed decrease in the group with the highest copper concentration (4.85 microg CuSO4/mL) in comparison to the control group after 2 h of incubation, only. No significant alteration was noted for these parameters in comparison to control at Times 0 and 1 h. The total percentage of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the group with the highest copper concentration (46.20+/-5.54%) in comparison to control (30.60+/-2.91). Predominant morphological abnormalities were acrosomal changes, knob-twisted flagellum and small heads. Detection of spermatozoa with disordered membrane was carried out for groups with higher copper concentrations and control, using Annexin analysis. Analysis showed higher occurrence of positive spermatozoa in the copper-exposed groups. Some Annexin positive reactions from all spermatozoa were detected in the control group. In copper-exposed groups positive reaction proved alteration in anterior part of head (acrosome) and in connection segment (mid-piece) of spermatozoa. Detected data evidently confirm adverse effects of high copper sulphate concentrations in rabbit semen on parameters of spermatozoa motility, morphology and membrane integrity. This paper also indicates the lowest possible toxic concentration of copper (3.70 microg CuSO4/mL) to rabbit spermatozoa in relation to motility.