Levels of "toxic" and "essential" metals in samples of bovine milk from various dairy farms in Calabria, Italy

The aim of this research was to evaluate the possible contamination by heavy metals of milk from cows bred on various farms in Calabria. The concentrations of heavy metals were determined in 40 samples of bovine milk from the various dairy farms. Each sample, homogenized and powdered, was mineralized in a microwave oven. Quantitative analyses of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Se were performed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer with graphite furnace; As was analyzed by hot vapor generation technique and Zn with the flame method. As regards toxic heavy metals, highest values are those of As (g.m. 37.90 microg/kg w.w.) and Pb (g.m. 1.32 microg/kg w.w.), while lowest concentrations are those of Cd (g.m. 0.02 microg/kg w.w). With regard to essential metals, Zn (g.m. 2016 microg/kg w.w) and Se (g.m. 13.24 microg/kg w.w.) showed the highest concentrations, followed by Cr (g.m. 2.03 microg/kg w.w.) and Cu (g.m. 1.98 microg/kg w.w.). Further investigations of the levels of heavy metals (As) in a greater number of milk samples from various zones of Calabria are necessary, both to examine this problem from the clinical epidemiological point of view and to identify the possible causes of milk contamination.

Heavy metals in liver and muscle of bluefin tunA (Thunnus thynnus) caught in the Straits of Messina (Sicily, Italy)

The present investigation was carried out on the bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) collected during the month of April 2003 from the Straits of Messina. The aim of this study is to determine heavy metal levels (Cd, Cu, Hg, Mn, Pb and Zn) in liver and muscle tissues of 14 Thunnus thynnus of different age and sex and to investigate the relationships between fish sex and size (length and weight) and metal concentrations in the tissues. The concentrations of the various metals were determined by a Varian atomic absorption spectroscopy instrument. The results show significant variations (p < 0.01) for Hg and Zn concentrations in muscle than in liver samples. Concentrations of Cd and Pb are below the instrumental detection limits in almost all muscle samples. Levels of Hg (3.03 +/- 0.55 microg/g) are above the MRLs only in muscle (1 microg/g) establishing toxicological risks for the consumer. Regression analysis shows a negative correlation between mercury level and weight and length in samples from both female and male. No significant difference between mean heavy metals concentrations and male or female tuna is seen. For greater food safety, it would be advisable to reduce the mercury intake by selecting safer fish, species and size and by the avoidance of tuna fish consumption by pregnant women, young children and old people, who are more sensitive to mercury exposure.

Levels and congener pattern of polychlorinated biphenyl and organochlorine pesticide residues in bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) from the Straits of Messina (Sicily, Italy)

The aim of this study is to assess the accumulation of OCs and PCBs in Thunnus thynnus and to elucidate the suitability of this species as a bioindicator for monitoring contaminations of these compounds in the marine ecosystems of the Straits of Messina. This investigation was conducted on fat, liver and muscle samples of 14 T. thynnus collected during April 2004. Quantitative determination of OCs and PCBs in the various samples examined has been carried out using GC-ECD and GC-MS. The results obtained show the presence of low concentrations of p,p'-DDE and PCB congeners (138, 153 and 180) in all fat, liver and muscle samples caught in the Straits of Messina. Concentrations of p,p'-DDE and PCB congeners (138, 153 and 180) in all the samples examined were below MRLs (CE n. 97/41, 1999/65 and 1999/71).

Organochlorine compounds and heavy metals in the soft tissue of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis collected from Lake Faro (Sicily, Italy)

Three hundred samples of Mytilus galloprovincialis were collected from five stations (north, south, east, west and centre) of Lake Faro to evaluate the concentrations of organochlorine compounds and heavy metals. Quantitative determinations of organochlorine pesticides and PCBs were made by GC-ECD and confirmed with GC-MS. Concentrations of "essential" (Cu, Se and Zn) and "toxic" (As, Cd, Hg and Pb) metals were determined by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results obtained show the low residue levels of p,p'-DDE in six samples of M. galloprovincialis from southern (7.00-11.00 ng/g w.w. and 148.3-275 ng/g l.w.) and western (7.60-15.37 ng/g w.w. and 126.7-256.2 ng/g l.w.) areas of Lake Faro. No appreciable residues of PCBs were found in any of the samples examined. Zn concentrations (range 11.0-18.5 microg/g w.w.) were higher than Cu (range 188.3-396.0 ng/g w.w.) and Se (range 93.5-288.9 ng/g w.w.) in all areas of origin. Cd (range 41.9-63.8 ng/g w.w.), Pb (range 64.8-93.0 ng/g w.w.) and Hg levels (range 5.7-13.1 ng/g w.w.) showed lower concentrations than permitted MRLs. The As levels were below detection limits for the all mussel samples. In conclusion, the absence of PCBs, the low levels of p,p'-DDE, the concentrations of Cd, Hg and Pb below permitted MRLs in M. galloprovincialis, used as a "biological indicator", show that Lake Faro is not at contamination risk from these contaminants and moreover is free from health problems for the consumer of mussel products.

Organochlorine pesticides, PCBs and heavy metals in tissues of the mullet Liza aurata in lake Ganzirri and Straits of Messina (Sicily, Italy)

The aim of this research was to investigate the presence of organochlorine pesticides, PCBs and heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in fish living in lake Ganzirri and the Straits of Messina, using the mullet Liza aurata as a "biological indicator". Different tissues of Liza aurata, which include the muscle, gill and vertebral column, were taken for analyses. Quantitative determination of the organochlorine compounds was performed by GC-ECD and confirmed with GC-MS. The concentrations of "essential" and "toxic" heavy metals were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. For the mullets of lake Ganzirri, the study showed DDE in three samples of gills and one of muscle, at concentrations below the MRL; no appreciable residues of PCBs (Aroclor 1232 series) were found. The concentrations of Zn and Cu were much higher than those of the "toxic" metals. No traces of organochlorine pesticides and PCBs were found in the individuals from the Straits of Messina. Therefore, these results indicate that these two environments are not at toxicological risk.

Effectiveness and kinetic behaviour of tilmicosin in the treatment of respiratory infections in sheep

Nineteen sheep which were anorexic, pyrexic, coughing, dyspnoeic and had a nasal discharge and symptomatic thoracic sounds on auscultation, received a single subcutaneous dose of 10 mg/kg bodyweight of tilmicosin. The clinical signs were eliminated within four to six days. The kinetic profiles of the drug after a single subcutaneous injection were compared in five healthy sheep and five infected sheep. More of the drug was absorbed by the infected animals and its concentration remained higher for significantly longer. The drug was well tolerated and no local or systemic side effects were observed.

Effect of Cannabidiol (CBD) on Canine Inflammatory Response: An Ex Vivo Study on LPS Stimulated Whole Blood

The use of cannabidiol (CBD) for animal species is an area of growing interest, for example for its anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulating properties, even though all of its biological effects are still not fully understood, especially in veterinary medicine. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulating properties of CBD for the first time directly in canine inflammatory response. We used an ex vivo model of LPS-stimulated whole dog blood. We stimulated the whole blood from healthy dogs with LPS 100 ng/mL for 24 h in the presence or not of CBD 50 and 100 μg/mL. We observed a reduction in IL-6 and TNF-α production from the group treated with CBD, but non-altered IL-10 levels. Moreover, we also observed from the CBD-treated group a reduction in Nf-κB and COX-2 expression. In conclusion, we demonstrated for the first time the anti-inflammatory and immuno-modulating properties of CBD directly in dogs' immune cells, using a canine ex vivo inflammatory model. The results obtained from these studies encourage further studies to better understand the possible therapeutic role of CBD in veterinary medicine.

Statistical analysis of heavy metals in Cerastoderma edule glaucum and Venerupis aurea laeta from Ganzirri Lake, Messina (Italy)

Our study was carried out on two species of clams, Venerupis aurea laeta and Cerastoderma edule glaucum, from Ganzirri Lake considered as "environmental biomarkers" for their changes in physiology, morphology or distribution under the influence of substances in the environment. The aim of the present study was to conduct a statistical analysis on Venerupis and Cerastoderma to investigate the difference between the two autochthonous clams according to the presence of metals, and to link metal concentrations to the reproductive cycle of clam during 2009-2010. Metal analysis was carried out with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Accuracy and precision were assessed by analyzing the certified standard matrix: mussel tissue NIST SRM 2976. The multivariate analysis was made using the SPSS 13.0 software package for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). In this study, the concentrations of some metals found in clam tissues showed seasonal cycles with higher values in summer than in winter. The significances of metal concentrations differences between Venerupis and Cerastoderma samples were estimated with Mann-Whitney U-test. The concentrations of Ag, As, Cd, Mn, Se and Zn show a significant p-level that suggests a difference between the two group samples. Statistical analysis showed that the link of metal concentrations to the reproductive cycles of Venerupis and Cerastoderma was not evident.

The Protective Effect of Snail Secretion Filtrate in an Experimental Model of Excisional Wounds in Mice

Wound healing is a physiological process comprising several coordinated phases, such as inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. For centuries, Helix aspersa Muller mucus has been known to have biological properties that are useful for treating skin disorders. In this study, we used a full-thickness excisional wound model in mice to test the hypothesis that Snail Secretion Filtrate (SSF) can improve the wound healing process. The mucus from Helix aspersa Muller was obtained mechanically by manually stimulating snails with a sterile cotton swab tip, and then the mucus was subjected to a series of filtrations to obtain SSF. After wounding, the mice were treated topically with SSF for 14 days. Our macroscopic results show that the SSF treatment significantly improved the speed and percentage of wound area closure. Furthermore, SSF improved several markers of proper wound healing, such as collagen deposition (Masson, COL3A1, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)) and the tissue remodeling process (α-sma, vascular-endothelial growth factor (VEGF)). SSF was also able to counteract the inflammatory process in injured wound tissue (myeloperoxidase (MPO) IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α). In conclusion, our results show that SSF is able to enhance the speed and efficiency of wound healing and positively regulate several aspects of the wound healing process, such as the proliferative and remodeling phases.

Immunohistochemical localization of nNOS in the skin and nerve fibers of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris L. (Annelida Oligochaeta)

The epidermis of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris is a multifunctional tissue. It is composed of supporting, mucous, neuroendocrine-like, sensory and basal cells. NO is considered to be a molecule that regulates numerous functional activities (also in non-neuronal cells) in vertebrates. In the earthworm epidermis, we found neuronal NO synthase immunopositivity in orthochromatic and metachromatic mucous cells, neuroendocrine-like cells and in epidermal and subepidermal nerve fibers and striated muscle fibers. It is suggested that NO has a multitude of biological actions, affecting functional activities of the epidermis such as tissue homeostasis, control of secretion, proliferation, respiration, defense, water-salt balance, as well as regulation of tonus in vascular and striated muscles.

Mineral content and physico-chemical parameters of honey from North regions of Algeria

Honey is accepted as food and medicine by all generations both ancient and modern. In this study the concentrations of K, Mg, Na, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Se, As, Pb, Cd, Sb, Ti, V, Co, Hg and the determination of some physico-chemical parameters in 29 multifloral honeys collected from different North regions of Algeria: Algiers, Bouria, Ghardaïa, Laghouat, M'sila, Naâma, Tlemcen and El Bayadth during year 2018 were carried out. All minerals were determined by ICP-OES/MS and Hg by DMA-80. The most abundant minerals decreased in the following order: K, Na, Mg, Fe, Zn. Lead content exceeded the Codex Alimentarius and the European Union in all honey samples analysed, Cd and As levels were lower than the limits fixed by the European legislation and the regulations of the Codex Alimentarius. The Recommended Dietary Allowance values and benchmark levels were employed to assess the honey quality and safety.

Monitoring of Environmental Hg Occurrence in Tunisian Coastal Areas

Total mercury (Hg) was determined in 450 environmental samples (seawater, sediment plant and fish) from five Mahdia coastal areas (Tunisia). Tolerable Weekly Intake% (TWI) values, according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), were calculated based on the average metal concentration in fish and the average weekly fish consumption rate. Hg was accumulated mainly in fish and in Posidonia oceanica leaves. Hg in sediment ranged from 1.88 μg/kg dry weight (d.w.) to 7.48 μg/kg d.w., while it was between 0.32 μg/kg and 0.19 μg/kg in seawaters. Our study showed high concentration in Posidonia oceanica in S3 (plant = 16.76 ± 4.48 μg/kg d.w.) as compared to those in S4 sites (plant = 5.33 ± 0.05 μg/kg d.w.). Concentrations for S. aurata and S. salpa in the Rejiche area exceeded the EC 1881/2006 legislation with values of 1.9 mg/kg and 2.5 mg/kg, respectively, and consumers may be exposed to high concentrations of Hg that exceeds the EFSA. The results showed that the fish species should be constantly monitored due to their TWI% of 154.5% for S. aurata and 209.8% S. salpa respectively.

Effects of monensin on Na+/K(+)-ATPase and Ca(++)-AtPase activities in chick skeletal muscle and myocardium after subacute treatment

Chicks were treated at 2 weeks of age with 4,15, 40, 100 and 150 mg/kg of monensin, an ionophore used for its anticoccidial and growth-promoting properties. In the present immunohistochemical study, the expressions and distribution of Na+/K(+)-ATPase and Ca(++)-ATPase were studied in myocardium and skeletal muscles (pectoral and quadriceps femoris). We detected an increase of Na+/K(+)-ATPase immunostaining with prominent staining of the sarcolemma and a slight increase of Ca(+)-ATPase with prominent staining of the sarcoplasma.

Protective Effect of Silibinin on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses in Equine Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells, an In Vitro Study

Simple Summary

Natural compounds are often an important source of biologically active molecules, which can find important applications in the treatment or pharmacological prevention of several pathologies. Silibinin is a natural polyphenolic flavonoid that is extracted from plant milk thistle, Silybum marianum. Silibinin has been reported to have antioxidant and immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. In horses, in particular, inflammation secondary to bacterial infection or translocation is one of the most frequent causes of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to test the effect of silibinin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Taken together, our results showed an interesting prospective in therapeutic use of silibinin in equine inflammatory disease. Furthermore, the results from this study support the evidence of use equine PBMCs as an in vitro model to study inflammatory and immune response and for drug screening into the target specie.

Abstract

Although inflammation is an important physiological response, it plays a prominent role in several diseases across the mammalian species. In horses, in particular, inflammation secondary to bacterial infection or translocation is one of the most frequent causes of morbidity and mortality. Research in new molecules with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory proprieties and safe use profile is constantly an active field; natural compounds are an important source of molecules with peculiar properties such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and immune modulating. Silibinin, a natural polyphenolic flavonoid, extracted from plant milk thistle, Silybum marianum, has been reported to have actions such as antioxidant immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory. The aim of this study was to test the effect of silibinin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response in equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Our results showed the protective effect of silibinin 10 μM and 50 μM in equine PBMCs stimulated with LPS. Silibilinin was able to prevent the LPS induced increased levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8. The results from this study on LPS-stimulated equine PBMCs showed that silibinin could be a useful pharmacological approach in treatment or prevention of several inflammatory conditions in horse.

Immunohistochemical localization of nNOS and VIP in the mantle integument of the mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis

The phylogeny and functional roles of many bioactive compounds in the invertebrate integument are still unclear. In order to deal with this issue, we performed an immunohistochemical investigation of the integument of the mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis, to demonstrate the presence of nNOS- and VIP-positive nerve fibers in subepidermal connective tissue of the mantle. Positive nerve cell bodies were detected in this tissue as well as in cortex of sperm follicles, and adjacent to maturating oocytes and spermatocytes located in the thickness of the mantle. These results indicate involvement of a local inhibitory non-adrenergic-non-cholinergic (NANC) regulatory mechanism of epidermal functions, such as mucous secretion and ciliary beating. At the gonadic level, this mechanism probably regulates the cycle of maturation and release of the gametes in both sexes.

Improved quality of life and pain relief in mature horses with osteoarthritis after oral transmucosal cannabidiol oil administration as part of an analgesic regimen

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral cannabidiol (CBD) administration in addition to a conventional analgesic protocol on the clinical signs of 20 horses with mild joint osteoarthritis. The horses were randomly assigned to either the control group (C group) or the cannabidiol group (CBD group). Both groups were treated with phenylbutazone for 5 days. The CBD group received 0.03 mg/kg cannabidiol in hemp oil orally once daily for 14 days in addition to phenylbutazone treatment. All subjects were monitored for clinical parameters, oxidative status and blood counts. Pain and quality of life were also assessed using the Horse Chronic Pain Scale (HCPS). The CBD group showed a significant reduction in heart rate, respiratory rate, white blood cell count and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde lipid peroxidation). A significant reduction in HCPS scores was seen in both groups. Lower scores were recorded in the CBD group (3 med; range: 2/4) than in the C group (7 med; range: 4/10). The addition of a cannabidiol-based product to an analgesic protocol was well tolerated and showed positive effects on the treated subjects, improving their quality of life and pain relief.

Snail Mucus Filtrate Reduces Inflammation in Canine Progenitor Epidermal Keratinocytes (CPEK)

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory and allergic disease, whose multifactorial etiopathogenesis is the consequence of the link between the genetic, immunological and environmental components. The complexity and difficulty in understanding the causes that trigger or exacerbate this pathology makes it difficult, once diagnosed, to proceed with a targeted and effective therapeutic process. Today, the new frontiers of research look to natural and innovative treatments to counteract the different manifestations of dermatitis. From this point of view, the mucus secreted by Helix aspersa Muller has proven, since ancient times, to be able to neutralize skin diseases. To study canine atopic dermatitis (cAD), we used cell lines of canine epidermal keratinocytes (CPEK) that are optimal to understand the biological reactivity of keratinocytes in vitro. The data obtained from our study demonstrate the anti-inflammatory capacity of snail secretion filtrate (SSF) in counteracting the production of proinflammatory cytokines produced during cAD, highlighting the opportunities for further studies to be able to identify new, natural and safe treatments for cAD and to open new frontiers for veterinarians and owners.

Protective effects of genistein on cytochrome P-450 and vitellogenin expression in liver of zebrafish after PCB-126 exposure

The objective of the research is to study the action of Vitellogenin and P-4501A1 following coexposure at different times to genistein and PCB-126 using zebrafish as a model system. Polychlorinated biphenyls are ubiquitous substances in environment. The genistein is a phytoestrogen extracted from soybeans and it's contained in food for humans and animals. For this study, 200 adult zebrafish were used. Our findings show a marked immunoreactivity of Vtg at 12h in liver than the control with only PCB-126. Regarding effects of PCB-126 on Vtg after pretreatment with genistein in fishes, the immunohistochemistry results show a minor increase at 12h. After 24h the immunoreactivity is lower than 12h and then slightly increased at 72h with only PCB-126 and PCB-126 and genistein together. CYP1A1 progressively increases from 12h to 72h in all groups with minor immunoreactivity when we treated fish with genistein and PCB-126. We show a reduction in the estrogenic effect when the fishes were treated with genistein and PCB-126 together at 12h than the group treated with only PCB-126. Moreover, low concentrations of genistein decrease the marked P450 expression induced by PCB-126. This shows that genistein decreases the expression of P450 target genes mediated by AhR.

In vivo effects of PCB-126 and genistein on vitellogenin expression in zebrafish

In this study, the vitellogenin (Vtg) modulation by genistein and polychlorinated biphenyl-126 (PCB-126) exposure in zebrafishes has been investigated. Both PCB-126 and genistein have been identified as aquatic pollutants and can further increase estrogenicity of waterways. Vtg is egg yolk precursor protein release by the hepatocytes during vitellogenesis. This process occurs normally in the hepatocytes in response to the activation with the estrogens such as 17-β-estradiol. Our immunohistochemical findings showed a Vtg expression that increases at 12 h and at 72 h in the liver of treated fishes with both PCB-126 and genistein, individually and in combination. Furthermore, for the first time, also hepatic stellate cells (HSC) in the liver parenchyma were strongly positive for vitellogenin.

Seasonal Variations in the Trace Elements and Mineral Profiles of the Bivalve Species, Mytilus galloprovincialis, Chamelea gallina and Donax trunculus, and Human Health Risk Assessment

This study aimed to provide data on selected toxic (Cd, Pb and Ni), essential (Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) and microelement (Na, K, Ca and Mg) concentrations in edible tissues of the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis), striped venus clam (Chamelea gallina) and the wedge clam (Donax trunculus). Samples were collected from the Black Sea (Bulgaria) four times over, a period of one year (2022). In comparison with the maximum permissible levels set by the EU and USFDA, all elemental concentration found in the bivalve species were lower than the prescribed limits. An estimation of the dietary metal intake through calculation of the target hazard quotients (THQ), hazard index (HI) and target risk (TR) was performed. The target hazard quotient (THQ) for individual metal and HI for combined metals were lower than 1, indicating no health risk for consumers due to the intake of either individual element or combined ones. The target risk value for toxic inorganic Pb and Cr was below 10^-6, indicating no carcinogenic risk. According to these results, the consumption of these bivalve species is completely safe for human health.

Mineral Composition in Delactosed Dairy Products: Quality and Safety Status

Mineral elements are ingested through the diet (Li, Be, B, Na, Mg, Al, K, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Ba, Tl, Pb, and Bi). Essential minerals have structural, biochemical, nutritional and catalytic functions; therefore, they are fundamental for human health. In this research, thirty commercial delactosed dairy products from different varieties were supplied by various markets in Sicily (Italy), and their mineral contents were determined by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with the following aims: (1) to highlight the differences among various products; (2) to evaluate if it is possibly related to the analyzed samples of their product group; (3) to evaluate the nutritional quality and safety related to intake of these dairy products. Evident differences were found among the samples depending on the type of product. A good separation between mozzarella-on the one hand-and crescenza and primo sale-on the other-was observed. The mozzarella samples were distinguished by the higher Fe, V and Co contents, and the lower amount of Al. Based on shares of the RDA, the analyzed dairy samples are a good source of Ca (up to 58% of the nutrient reference values), with a relatively high concentration of Na (between 5.5% and 22%). Any safety risk for consumers due to exposures to toxic elements through analyzed samples is excluded. The obtained results give reason to expect further insight concerning the direct comparison between the delactosed and non-delactosed product, in order to evaluate if the manufacturing process can affect the content of some mineral.