scholarly journals Ultrastructural, Confocal and Viscoelastic Characteristics of Whole Blood and Plasma After Exposure to Cadmium and Chromium Alone and in Combination: An Ex Vivo Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 1288-1300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chantelle Venter ◽  
Hester Magdalena Oberholzer ◽  
Janette Bester ◽  
Mia-Jeanne van Rooy ◽  
Megan Jean Bester
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Blood Coagulation ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
The Body ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Ultrastructural Changes ◽  
Target System ◽  
Metal Exposure ◽  
Confocal Laser

Background/Aims: Heavy metal pollution is increasing in the environment, contaminating water, food and air supplies. This can be linked to many anthropogenic activities. Heavy metals are absorbed through the skin, inhalation and/or orally. Irrespective of the manner of heavy metal entry in the body, the blood circulatory system is potentially the first to be affected following exposure and adverse effects on blood coagulation can lead to associated thrombotic disease. Although the plasma levels and the effects of cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr) on erythrocytes and lymphocytes have been described, the environmental exposure to heavy metals are not limited to a single metal and often involves metal mixtures, with each metal having different rates of absorption, different cellular, tissue, and organ targets. Therefore the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the heavy metals Cd and Cr alone and whether Cr synergistically increases the effect of Cd on physiological important processes such as blood coagulation. Methods: Human blood was exposed to the heavy metals ex vivo, and thereafter morphological analysis was performed with scanning electron- and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) in conjunction with thromboelastography®. Results: The erythrocytes, platelets and fibrin networks presented with ultrastructural changes, including varied erythrocytes morphologies, activated platelets and significantly thicker fibrin fibres in the metal-exposed groups. CLSM analysis revealed the presence of phosphatidylserine on the outer surface of the membranes of the spherocytic erythrocytes exposed to Cd and Cr alone and in combination. The viscoelastic analysis revealed only a trend that indicates that clots that will form after heavy metal exposure, will likely be fragile and unstable especially for Cd and Cr in combination. Conclusion: This study identified the blood as an important target system of Cd and Cr toxicity.

Whole blood ultrastructural alterations by mercury, nickel and manganese alone and in combination: An ex vivo investigation

2020 ◽  
pp. 074823372098311
Author(s):  
PB Maseko ◽  
M van Rooy ◽  
H Taute ◽  
C Venter ◽  
JC Serem ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser Scanning ◽  
Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Coagulation System ◽  
Ultrastructural Changes ◽  
Confocal Laser

The distribution of metals across the environment is increasingly becoming a major concern as they not only pollute the environment but also pose a danger to humans and animals. Human exposure to heavy metals often occurs as a combination of metals the synergistic effects of which can be more toxic than a single metal. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects that the metals mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni) and manganese (Mn) alone and in combination have on erythrocyte morphology and other components of the coagulation system using the haemolysis assay, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Human blood was exposed to the heavy metals ex vivo, and percentage haemolysis was determined. Ultrastructural analysis of erythrocytes, platelets and fibrin networks was performed using SEM. Analysis of phosphatidylserine (PS) flip-flop was determined using confocal laser scanning microscopy. At the highest concentration of 10,000× the World Health Organization safety limit, all the metals caused haemolysis. The results showed that the exposure of erythrocytes to Hg alone and in combination with other metals displayed more haemolysis compared to Ni and Mn alone and in combination. Components of the coagulation system showed ultrastructural changes, including the formation of echinocytes and the activation of platelets with all single metals as well as the combinations. Confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis showed the presence of PS on the outer surface of the echinocytes that were exposed to metals alone and in combination. It can, therefore, be concluded that these heavy metals have a negative impact on erythrocytes and the coagulation system.

scholarly journals Metallothionein expression on oysters (Crassostrea cuculata and Crassostrea glomerata) from the southern coastal region of East Java

F1000Research ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asus Maizar Suryanto Hertika ◽  
Kusriani Kusriani ◽  
Erlinda Indrayani ◽  
Defri Yona ◽  
Renanda Baghaz Dzulhamdhani Surya Putra
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Coastal Region ◽  
Gill Tissue ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Metal Levels

Background: This study aimed to analyse levels of heavy metals (Pb, Hg and Cd) in the aquatic body, gills and stomach of the oysters Crassostrea cuculata and Crassostrea glomerata, the metallothionein (MT) level in the gills and stomach of both oysters, and relationships between heavy metals level (Pb, Hg and Cd) in the gills and stomach to MT level in both types of oysters. Methods: The research method utilized was a descriptive method. The oyster samples were taken from three stations: Sendang Biru, Popoh and Prigi beaches. MT values were assessed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The heavy metal levels were assessed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry method. Results: Both oyster heavy metal content obtained in the southern coastal waters exceeded the safe limit set by the State Minister of Environment No. 51 of 2004. In general, the expression of MT was found to be higher in gastric tissue compared to gill tissue. Conclusions: The relationship between levels of the heavy metals Pb, Hg, and Cd in oyster gills and stomach has a strong relationship with MT levels in the gills and stomach in both types of oysters.

scholarly journals Metallothionein expression on oysters (Crassostrea cuculata and Crassostrea glomerata) from the southern coastal region of East Java

F1000Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
Asus Maizar Suryanto Hertika ◽  
Kusriani Kusriani ◽  
Erlinda Indrayani ◽  
Defri Yona ◽  
Renanda Baghaz Dzulhamdhani Surya Putra
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Coastal Region ◽  
Gill Tissue ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Metal Levels

Background: This study aimed to analyse levels of heavy metals (Pb, Hg and Cd) in the aquatic body, gills and stomach of the oysters Crassostrea cuculata and Crassostrea glomerata, the metallothionein (MT) level in the gills and stomach of both oysters, and relationships between heavy metals level (Pb, Hg and Cd) in the gills and stomach to MT level in both species of oysters. Methods: The research method utilized was a descriptive method. The oyster samples were taken from three stations: Sendang Biru, Popoh and Prigi beaches. MT values were assessed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The heavy metal levels were assessed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry method. Results: Both oyster heavy metal content obtained in the southern coastal waters exceeded the safe limit set by the State Minister of Environment No. 51 of 2004. In general, the expression of MT was found to be higher in stomach tissue compared to gill tissue. Conclusions: The levels of the heavy metals Pb, Hg, and has a strong relationship with MT levels in the gills and stomach in both types of oysters.

scholarly journals Relationship between heavy metal exposure and type 2 diabetes: a large-scale retrospective cohort study using occupational health examinations

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e039541
Author(s):  
Jun Ho Ji ◽  
Mi Hyeon Jin ◽  
Jung-Hun Kang ◽  
Soon Il Lee ◽  
Suee Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Metal Exposure ◽  
Heavy Metal Exposure ◽  
Lead And Cadmium

ObjectivesTo investigate the associations between heavy metal exposure and serum ferritin levels, physical measurements and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).DesignA retrospective cohort study.SettingChangwon, the location of this study, is a Korean representative industrial city. Data were obtained from medical check-ups between 2002 and 2018.ParticipantsA total of 34 814 male subjects were included. Of them, 1035 subjects with lead exposure, 200 subjects with cadmium exposure and the 33 579 remaining were assigned to cohort A, cohort B and the control cohort, respectively. Data including personal history of alcohol and smoking, age, height, weight, the follow-up duration, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), ferritin levels, and lead and cadmium levels within 1 year after exposure were collected.Primary outcome measureIn subjects without diabetes, changes in FBS and HbA1c were analysed through repeated tests at intervals of 1 year or longer after the occupational exposure to heavy metals.ResultsIn Cohort A, DM was diagnosed in 33 subjects. There was a significant difference in lead concentrations between the subjects diagnosed with DM and those without DM during the follow-up period (3.94±2.92 mg/dL vs 2.81±2.03 mg/dL, p=0.002). Simple exposure to heavy metals (lead and cadmium) was not associated with DM in Cox regression models (lead exposure (HR) 1.01, 95% CI: 0.58 to 1.77, p 0.971; cadmium exposure HR 1.48, 95% CI: 0.61 to 3.55, p=0.385). Annual changes in FBS according to lead concentration at the beginning of exposure showed a positive correlation (r=0.072, p=0.032).ConclusionOur findings demonstrated that simple occupational exposure to heavy metals lead and cadmium was not associated with the incidence of DM. However, lead concentrations at the beginning of the exposure might be an indicator of DM and glucose elevations.

scholarly journals TINGKAT BIOKONSENTRASI LOGAM BERAT DAN GAMBARAN HISTOPATOLOGI IKAN MUJAIR (Oreochromis Mossambicus) YANG HIDUP DI PERAIRAN TUKAD BADUNG KOTA DENPASAR

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 25
Author(s):  
Made Rahayu Kusumadewi ◽  
I Wayan Budiarsa Suyasa ◽  
I Ketut Berata
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Hexavalent Chromium ◽  
Metal Contamination ◽  
Heavy Metal Contamination ◽  
Quality Standards ◽  
Oreochromis Mossambicus ◽  
Metal Exposure ◽  
Histopathological Changes ◽  
Food Ingredient

Tukad Badung River is one of the potential contamination of heavy metal sare very highin the city of Denpasar. Tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) isa commonspecies of fish found in the river and became the object of fishing by the public. The fish is usually consume das a food ingredient forever yangler. Fish can be used as bio-indicators of chemical contamination in the aquatic environment. Determination of heavy metal bioconcentration and analysis of liver histopathology gills organs and muscles is performed to determine the content of heavy metals Pb, Cd, and Cr+6, and the influence of heavy metal exposure to changes in organ histopathology Tilapia that live in Tukad Badung. In this observational study examined the levels of heavy metal contamination include Pb, Cd and Cr+6 in Tilapia meat with AAS method (Atomic Absorption Spectrofotometric), and observe the histopathological changes in organ preparations gills, liver, and muscle were stained with HE staining (hematoxylin eosin). Low Pb content of the fish that live in Tukad Badung 0.8385 mg/kg and high of 20.2600 mg/kg. The content of heavy metals Pb is above the quality standards specified in ISO 7378 : 2009 in the amount of 0.3 mg / kg. The content of Cr+6 low of 1.1402 mg / kg and the highest Cr+6 is 6.2214 mg / kg. The content of Cr+6 is above the quality standards established in the FAO Fish Circular 764 is equal to 1.0 mg / kg. In fish with Pb bioconcentration of 0.8385 mg / kg and Cr+6 of 1.1402 mg / kg was found that histopathological changes gill hyperplasia and fusion, the liver was found degeneration, necrosis, and fibrosis, and in muscle atrophy found. Histopathologicalchangessuch asedema and necrosis ofthe liveris foundin fishwith Pb bioconcentration of 4.5225mg/kg and Cr+6 amounted to2.5163mg/kg. Bio concentration of heavy metal contamination of lead (Pb) and hexavalent chromium (Cr+6) on Tilapia ( Oreochromis mossambicus ) who lives in Tukad Badung river waters exceed the applicable standard. Histopathological changes occur in organs gills, liver, and muscle as a result of exposure to heavy metals lead and hexavalent chromium. Advised the people not to eat Tilapia that live in Tukad Badung

scholarly journals Protein-Protein Interactions between Hepatitis C Virus Nonstructural Proteins

2003 ◽  
Vol 77 (9) ◽  
pp. 5401-5414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Dimitrova ◽  
Isabelle Imbert ◽  
Marie Paule Kieny ◽  
Catherine Schuster
Keyword(s):  
Endoplasmic Reticulum ◽  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Laser Scanning Microscopy ◽  
Confocal Laser ◽  
Nonstructural Proteins

ABSTRACT Replication of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome has been proposed to take place close to the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum in membrane-associated replicase complexes, as is the case with several other plus-strand RNA viruses, such as poliovirus and flaviviruses. The most obvious benefits of this property are the possibility of coupling functions residing in different polypeptidic chains and the sequestration of viral proteins and nucleic acids in a distinct cytoplasmic compartment with high local concentrations of viral components. Indeed, HCV nonstructural (NS) proteins were clearly colocalized in association with membranes derived from the endoplasmic reticulum. This observation, together with the demonstration of the existence of several physical interactions between HCV NS proteins, supports the idea of assembly of a highly ordered multisubunit protein complex(es) probably involved in the replication of the viral genome. The objective of this study, therefore, was to examine all potential interactions between HCV NS proteins which could result in the formation of a replication complex(es). We identified several interacting viral partners by using a glutathione S-transferase pull-down assay, by in vitro and ex vivo coimmunoprecipitation experiments in adenovirus-infected Huh-7 cells allowing the expression of HCV NS proteins, and, finally, by using the yeast two-hybrid system. In addition, by confocal laser scanning microscopy, NS proteins were clearly shown to colocalize when expressed together in Huh-7 cells. We have been able to demonstrate the existence of a complex network of interactions implicating all six NS proteins. Our observations confirm previously described associations and identify several novel homo- and heterodimerizations.

scholarly journals A New Ex Vivo Model to Evaluate the Hair Protective Effect of a Biomimetic Exopolysaccharide against Water Pollution

Cosmetics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 78
Author(s):  
Claire Tubia ◽  
Alfonso Fernández-Botello ◽  
Jan Dupont ◽  
Eni Gómez ◽  
Jérôme Desroches ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Pollution ◽  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Polluted Water ◽  
Ex Vivo Model ◽  
Fiber Damage ◽  
The Impact

As an external appendage, hair is exposed to multiple stresses of different origins such as particles and gases in air, or heavy metals and chemicals in water. So far, little research has addressed the impact of water pollution on hair. The present study describes a new ex vivo model that allowed us to document the adverse effects of water pollutants on the structure of hair proteins, as well as the protective potential of active cosmetic ingredients derived from a biomimetic exopolysaccharide (EPS). The impact of water pollution was evaluated on hair from a Caucasian donor repeatedly immersed in heavy metal-containing water. Heavy metal retention in and on hair was then quantified using Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometry (ICP/MS). The adverse effects of heavy metals on the internal structure of hair and its prevention by the EPS were assessed through measurement of keratin birefringence. Notably, the method allows the monitoring of the organization of keratin fibers and therefore the initial change on it in order to modulate the global damage in the hair. Results revealed an increasing amount of lead, cadmium and copper, following multiple exposures to polluted water. In parallel, the structure of keratin was also altered with exposures. However, heavy metal-induced keratin fiber damage could be prevented in the presence of the tested EPS, avoiding more drastic hair problems, such as lack of shine, or decrease in strength, due to damage accumulation.

scholarly journals Metallothionein and Glutathione Content as Biomarkers of Metal Pollution in Mussels and Local Fishermen in Abu Qir Bay, Egypt

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (12) ◽  
pp. 50-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aziza A. Saad ◽  
Amany El-Sikaily ◽  
Hany Kassem
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Metal Pollution ◽  
The Body ◽  
Metal Exposure ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Blood Levels ◽  
Industrial Workers ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Abu Qir Bay

Background. When heavy metals accumulate in air, soil, and water, the risk of human exposure increases among industrial workers, as well as in people living near polluted areas. Heavy metals adversely affect a variety of bodily systems such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, immune, and reproductive systems. In addition, long-term exposure and accumulation of heavy metals in the body may disturb oxidative stress genes and thus increase the susceptibility to various diseases. Objectives. The aim of this study is to estimate the metallothionein concentration in both mussel samples from Abu Qir Bay, Egypt and the blood of local fishermen as a biomarker of exposure to metal pollution. Methods. Levels of metallothionein and heavy metals were measured in mussels. Blood levels of metallothionein and heavy metals of local fishermen were measured and compared with a control group. The effect of heavy metal exposure on oxidative stress status was investigated through the determination of malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase and glutathione content. Results. The results of this study showed high concentrations of metallothionein in mussels and in fishermen's blood, accompanied by high concentrations of metals such as cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and zinc (Zn). At the same time, a significant decrease in glutathione content and catalase enzyme activity was associated with a significant increase in the malondialdehyde concentrations in sera of fishermen. Conclusions. The present study found that the El Maadiya region is polluted with heavy metals, inducing oxidative stress in fishermen in the vicinity. These results reveal the necessity of further environmental monitoring in the study area in order to evaluate other types of pollutants and their effects on human health.

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