Hair Mineral and Trace Element Content in Children with Down's Syndrome.

The objective of the present study was to assess the level of minerals and trace elements in 40 children with Down's syndrome and 40 controls aged 1-2 years old. Hair mineral and trace element analysis was performed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The obtained data demonstrate that hair levels of Mg, P, I, Cr, Si, Zn, and Pb in Down's syndrome patients exceeded the respective control values by 36, 36, 93, 57, 45, 28, and 54%, whereas hair mercury was more than twofold lower in children with Down's syndrome.

Astrocytic Coverage of Dendritic Spines, Dendritic Shafts, and Axonal Boutons in Hippocampal Neuropil.

Distal astrocytic processes have a complex morphology, reminiscent of branchlets and leaflets. Astrocytic branchlets are rod-like processes containing mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, capable of generating inositol-3-phosphate (IP)-dependent Ca signals. Leaflets are small and flat processes that protrude from branchlets and fill the space between synapses.

Oxidative Stress in Methylmercury-Induced Cell Toxicity.

Methylmercury (MeHg) is a hazardous environmental pollutant, which elicits significant toxicity in humans. The accumulation of MeHg through the daily consumption of large predatory fish poses potential health risks, and the central nervous system (CNS) is the primary target of toxicity. Despite well-described neurobehavioral effects (i.

Astrocytic Atrophy Following Parallels Reduced Ca Activity and Impaired Synaptic Plasticity in the Rat Hippocampus.

Epilepsy is a group of neurological disorders commonly associated with the neuronal malfunction leading to generation of seizures. Recent reports point to a possible contribution of astrocytes into this pathology. We used the lithium-pilocarpine model of (SE) in rats to monitor changes in astrocytes.

Assessment of hair metal levels in aluminium plant workers using scalp hair ICP-DRC-MS analysis.

The objective of the present study was to assess the level of aluminium and toxic metals in hair of workers occupationally exposed to aluminium. 124 employees of the aluminium plant working in the hydrometallurgical (n = 43) and sintering units (n = 41), as well as 40 occupationally nonexposed controls were examined. Hair aluminium (Al), arsenic (As), beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and tin (Sn) content was assessed using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Toxic metal(loid)-based pollutants and their possible role in autism spectrum disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and stereotypic behaviors. Many studies support a significant relationship between many different environmental factors in ASD etiology. These factors include increased daily exposure to various toxic metal-based environmental pollutants, which represent a cause for concern in public health.

Copper and zinc levels in soil, water, wheat, and hair of inhabitants of three areas of the Orenburg region, Russia.

The objective of the present study was to assess the level of zinc and copper in soil, water, wheat and hair of inhabitants of the western, central, and eastern areas of the Orenburg region. A total of 525 water, soil, and wheat samples, as well as 420 hair samples were assessed using atomic absorption spectrometry (water, soil, wheat) and inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (hair). The highest levels of Zn and Cu in water (4.

In search of decoding the syntax of the bioelements in human hair - A critical overview.

The principles and practice of assessing the human body nutritional status or its environmental exposure through hair bioelement analysis are presented; herein the term "bioelements" is used as a common denominator for the major elements, trace elements and ultra-trace elements that are found in the human body. The accumulation of bioelements in the hair followed the statistical Power Law and the resulting sigmoid curve can be zoned into five regions in the ascending order of abundance (Low, Marginal, Adequate, High, and Excessive). The Adequate linear region of the bioassay sigmoid curve may be further subdivided into Low adequate, Recommended, and Ample adequate sub regions in a 60:30:10 ratio.

The impact of lifestyle factors on age-related differences in hair trace element content in pregnant women in the third trimester.

Background: Trace elements play a significant role in the regulation of human reproduction, while advanced age may have a significant impact on trace element metabolism. The objective of the present study was to assess the impact of lifestyle factors on age-related differences in hair trace element content in pregnant women in the third trimester.

Methods: A total of 124 pregnant women aged 20–29 (n = 72) and 30–39 (n = 52) were ex- amined.

Imbalance of dietary nutrients and the associated differentially expressed genes and pathways may play important roles in juvenile Kashin-Beck disease.

Background: Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is a childhood-onset endemic osteoarthropathy in China. Nutrients including trace elements may play active roles in the development of KBD.

Objective: This study aimed to estimate the nutrient intakes of children in endemic areas and to identify the imbalanced nutrients associated differentially expressed genes in the juvenile patients with KBD.

Assessing the boron nutritional status by analyzing its cummulative frequency distribution in the hair and whole blood.

Boron is a non-essential ubiquitous trace element in the human body. The aim of this study was to assess boron nutritional status by analyzing boron frequency distribution in the long-term biological indicator tissue of hair and the short-term biological indicator of whole blood. Hair samples were analyzed in 727 apparently healthy subjects (263 ♂ and 464 ♀) and the whole blood boron was analyzed in the random subsample of them (80 ♂ and 152 ♀).

Zinc status is associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, lipid, and glucose metabolism.

A number of studies have reported that zinc plays a substantial role in the development of metabolic syndrome, taking part in the regulation of cytokine expression, suppressing inflammation, and is also required to activate antioxidant enzymes that scavenge reactive oxygen species, reducing oxidative stress. Zinc also plays a role in the correct functioning of lipid and glucose metabolism, regulating and forming the expression of insulin. In numerous studies, zinc supplementation has been found to improve blood pressure, glucose, and LDL cholesterol serum level.

Phytotherapy as an alternative to conventional antimicrobials: combating microbial resistance.

In the modern antimicrobial era, the rapid spread of resistance to antibiotics and introduction of new and mutating viruses is a global concern. Combating antimicrobial resistant microbes (AMR) requires coordinated international efforts that incorporate new conventional antibiotic development as well as development of alternative drugs with antimicrobial activity, management of existing antimicrobials, and rapid detection of AMR pathogens. Areas covered: This manuscript discusses some conventional strategies to control microbial resistance.

Hair Trace Element and Electrolyte Content in Women with Natural and In Vitro Fertilization-Induced Pregnancy.

The objective of the present study was to perform comparative analysis of hair trace element content in women with natural and in vitro fertilization (IVF)-induced pregnancy. Hair trace element content in 33 women with IVF-induced pregnancy and 99 age- and body mass index-matched control pregnant women (natural pregnancy) was assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results demonstrated that IVF-pregnant women are characterized by significantly lower hair levels of Cu, Fe, Si, Zn, Ca, Mg, and Ba at p < 0.

Interactions of iron with manganese, zinc, chromium, and selenium as related to prophylaxis and treatment of iron deficiency.

Iron (Fe) deficiency is considered as the most common nutritional deficiency. Iron deficiency is usually associated with low Fe intake, blood loss, diseases, poor absorption, gastrointestinal parasites, or increased physiological demands as in pregnancy. Nutritional Fe deficiency is usually treated with Fe tablets, sometimes with Fe-containing multimineral tablets.

Relationship between selenium, lead, and mercury in red blood cells of Saudi autistic children.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. Environmental contribution to ASD is due in large part to the sensitivity of the developing brain to external exposures such as lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) as toxic heavy metals or due to a poor detoxification ability as the phenotype of this disorder. Selenium (Se) as an antioxidant element that counteracts the neurotoxicity of Hg, and Pb, presumably through the formation of nontoxic complexes.

The Reference Intervals of Hair Trace Element Content in Hereford Cows and Heifers (Bos taurus).

The objective of the present study was to assess hair trace element content in Hereford heifers and cows (Bos taurus) living in South Ural region and calculate the site-specific reference intervals. Hair trace element content in 150 cows and heifers farmed in the Southern Urals of Russia was assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry. Dietary trace element content corresponded to the adequate values as estimated by recommendations of USSR State Agriculture Committee and U.

Serum trace elements are associated with hemostasis, lipid spectrum and inflammatory markers in men suffering from acute ischemic stroke.

The primary objective of the study is investigation of the association between trace elements status and hemostasis, lipid spectrum and inflammatory markers in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). A total of 30 men suffering from AIS and 30 healthy controls were involved in the current survey. Blood count, serum lipid spectrum, complement components C4 and C3a, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), S100B protein, NR2 antibodies (NR2Ab), and total antioxidant status (TAS), as well as plasma fibrinogen, and D-dimer levels and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were assessed.

Serum trace elements are interrelated with hormonal imbalance in men with acute ischemic stroke.

Unlabelled: The objective of the present study was to assess hormonal and trace element status in men suffering from acute ischemic stroke.

Methods: 21 acute ischemic stroke patients and 21 age- and body mass index-matched healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Serum trace elements were assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Comparative Analysis on the Effect of Plantago Species Aqueous Extracts on Tissue Trace Element Content in Rats.

The primary objective of this study is to assess the influence of water extracts of Plantago major L., Plantago lanceolata L., and Plantago maxima Juss.

Decreased adipose tissue zinc content is associated with metabolic parameters in high fat fed Wistar rats.

Background: Limited data on adipose tissue zinc content in obesity exist. At the same time, the association between adipose tissue zinc content and metabolic parameters in dietary-induced obesity is poorly studied. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to assess adipose tissue zinc content and its association  with morphometric parameters, adipokine spectrum, proinflammatory cytokines, and apolipoprotein profile in high fat fed Wistar rats.

The effect of alcohol consumption on maternal and cord blood electrolyte and trace element levels.

Background: Earlier studies demonstrated that alcoholism significantly alters electrolyte and trace element homeostasis. However, the existing data on the interplay between maternal alcohol consumption and fetal trace element status are contradictory. Therefore, the primary objective of the present study was to assess the influence of alcohol consumption on maternal and cord blood trace elements.

The level of toxic and essential trace elements in hair of petrochemical workers involved in different technological processes.

The objective of the investigation is comparative analysis of hair trace element content in workers of different departments of petrochemical plant. A total of 75 men working in office (engineers), and departments 1 (D), 3 (D), and 4 (D) of the petrochemical plant, as well as occupationally non-exposed persons, were examined. Hair trace element levels were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Herbal Medicines: challenges in the modern world. Part 5. status and current directions of complementary and alternative herbal medicine worldwide.

Herbal medicine (HM) use is growing worldwide. Single herb preparations, ethnic and modern HM formulations are widely used as adjunct therapies or to improve consumer wellbeing. Areas covered: This final part in the publication series summarizes common tendencies in HM use as adjunct or alternative medicine, education of healthcare professionals and consumers, current and proposed guidelines regulating of production.

Evaluation of tissue metal and trace element content in a rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease using ICP-DRC-MS.

The primary objective of the study was to assess the level of metals and trace elements in liver, serum, and hair of rats with diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using inductively coupled plasma dynamic reaction cell mass spectrometer (ICP-DRC-MS). 56 female 3-months-old Wistar rats divided into two equal groups were fed either standard (10% calories from fat) or high-fat high-carbohydrate diet (60% calories from fat in chow and 10% sucrose solution) for 6 weeks. Serum was examined for insulin resistance markers, lipid profile, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity.