The effect of humic acid substances on the thyroid function and structure in lead poisoning

Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal, which adversely affects thyroid gland function and structure. Due to its high molecular weight and abundant functional groups, humic acid substances (HAS) can form chelates with heavy metals. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the prophylactic effect of HAS on thyroid hormone levels and histopathological lesions of laying hens exposed to lead (Pb) poisoning. After a week of adaptation, 192 Lohmann White laying hens (25 weeks of age) were fed one of four diets: a basal diet (BD) or the BD with HAS (0.15%), with Pb (0.3 g/kg), or with both. Experimental groups were replicated in 12 cages, with four hens each. Pb poisoning did not alter triiodothyronine (FT3; 3.22 ± 0.20 ng/dL) or thyroxine (FT4; 0.71 ± 0.08 ng/dL) concentrations, but caused a 167% increase in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration. HAS supplementation returned the high TSH levels of hens exposed to Pb poisoning to normal values. Degenerative changes in the epithelial cells of the thyroid gland of the hens exposed to Pb poisoning were evidenced. Connective tissue cells in the interfollicular area and total amount of colloids with partially atrophic follicles were observed. These histopathological findings were less severe when HAS was added to the diet. In conclusion, HAS alleviates the effects of Pb poisoning on thyroid gland function and structure, possibly preventing its internalization by the tissue by forming chelates and exerting anti-inflammatory effects.

The effect of humic acid substances on the thyroid function and structure in lead poisoning

Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal, which adversely affects thyroid gland function and structure. Due to its high molecular weight and abundant functional groups, humic acid substances (HAS) can form chelates with heavy metals. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the prophylactic effect of HAS on thyroid hormone levels and histopathological lesions of laying hens exposed to lead (Pb) poisoning. After a week of adaptation, 192 Lohmann White laying hens (25 weeks of age) were fed one of four diets: a basal diet (BD) or the BD with HAS (0.15%), with Pb (0.3 g/kg), or with both. Experimental groups were replicated in 12 cages, with four hens each. Pb poisoning did not alter triiodothyronine (FT3; 3.22 ± 0.20 ng/dL) or thyroxine (FT4; 0.71 ± 0.08 ng/dL) concentrations, but caused a 167% increase in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration. HAS supplementation returned the high TSH levels of hens exposed to Pb poisoning to normal values. Degenerative changes in the epithelial cells of the thyroid gland of the hens exposed to Pb poisoning were evidenced. Connective tissue cells in the interfollicular area and total amount of colloids with partially atrophic follicles were observed. These histopathological findings were less severe when HAS was added to the diet. In conclusion, HAS alleviates the effects of Pb poisoning on thyroid gland function and structure, possibly preventing its internalization by the tissue by forming chelates and exerting anti-inflammatory effects.(AU)

Lead poisoning in cattle and chickens in the state of Pará, Brazil / Intoxicação por chumbo em bovinos e galinhas no estado do Pará

The present study describes the occurrence of lead poisoning in cattle and chickens in Pará, Brazil. In a lot composed of 80 calves from a dairy herd, 10 animals became sick and nine died, but one animal recovered after being removed from the paddock. Upon inspection of this paddock, the presence of truck batteries used to store energy captured by solar panels was found. The clinical signs observed in calves included difficult breathing, nasal discharge, excessive salivation, corneal opacity, pushing of the head against objects and recumbency. The chickens had decreased oviposition and produced eggs with thin or malformed shells. The necropsy findings of the cattle, as well as the histopathological changes observed, were of little significance except for one animal that showed mild astrocytosis histopathology in the cerebral cortex. In one of the chickens, renal histopathology showed mild multifocal acute tubular necrosis. The mean lead concentrations in the livers and kidneys of the cattle were 93.91mg/kg and 209.76mg/kg, respectively, and the mean concentration detected in chicken livers was 105.02mg/kg. It was concluded that the source of lead poisoning in these calves and chickens were the truck battery plates, which were within reach of the animals.(AU)

O presente estudo descreve a ocorrência de intoxicação por chumbo em bovinos e galinhas no Pará, Brasil. Em um lote composto de 80 bezerros de um rebanho leiteiro, 10 animais ficaram doentes e nove morreram, e um animal se recuperou após ser removido do piquete. Após a inspeção deste piquete, foi observada a presença de baterias de caminhões usados para armazenar a energia captada por painéis solares. Os sinais clínicos observados nos bezerros incluíam dificuldade respiratória, corrimento nasal, salivação excessiva, opacidade da córnea, pressão da cabeça contra objetos e decúbito. As galinhas tinham diminuída oviposição e os ovos produzidos eram com cascas malformadas ou tinham a casca mais fina. Os achados de necropsia e as alterações histopatológicas observadas nos bovinos eram de pouco significado, com exceção de um animal que mostrou leve astrocitose no córtex cerebral. Em uma das galinhas, na histopatologia renal observou-se leve necrose tubular aguda multifocal. As concentrações de chumbo médios nos fígados e rins dos bovinos eram 93,91mg/kg e 209,76mg/kg, respectivamente, e a concentração média no fígado de galinhas foi 105,02mg/ kg. Concluiu-se que a fonte de contaminação por chumbo nesses bezerros e galinhas eram placas de bateria de caminhão, aos quais os animais tiveram acesso na pastagem.(AU)

Lead poisoning in cattle and chickens in the state of Pará, Brazil / Intoxicação por chumbo em bovinos e galinhas no estado do Pará

The present study describes the occurrence of lead poisoning in cattle and chickens in Pará, Brazil. In a lot composed of 80 calves from a dairy herd, 10 animals became sick and nine died, but one animal recovered after being removed from the paddock. Upon inspection of this paddock, the presence of truck batteries used to store energy captured by solar panels was found. The clinical signs observed in calves included difficult breathing, nasal discharge, excessive salivation, corneal opacity, pushing of the head against objects and recumbency. The chickens had decreased oviposition and produced eggs with thin or malformed shells. The necropsy findings of the cattle, as well as the histopathological changes observed, were of little significance except for one animal that showed mild astrocytosis histopathology in the cerebral cortex. In one of the chickens, renal histopathology showed mild multifocal acute tubular necrosis. The mean lead concentrations in the livers and kidneys of the cattle were 93.91mg/kg and 209.76mg/kg, respectively, and the mean concentration detected in chicken livers was 105.02mg/kg. It was concluded that the source of lead poisoning in these calves and chickens were the truck battery plates, which were within reach of the animals.(AU)

O presente estudo descreve a ocorrência de intoxicação por chumbo em bovinos e galinhas no Pará, Brasil. Em um lote composto de 80 bezerros de um rebanho leiteiro, 10 animais ficaram doentes e nove morreram, e um animal se recuperou após ser removido do piquete. Após a inspeção deste piquete, foi observada a presença de baterias de caminhões usados para armazenar a energia captada por painéis solares. Os sinais clínicos observados nos bezerros incluíam dificuldade respiratória, corrimento nasal, salivação excessiva, opacidade da córnea, pressão da cabeça contra objetos e decúbito. As galinhas tinham diminuída oviposição e os ovos produzidos eram com cascas malformadas ou tinham a casca mais fina. Os achados de necropsia e as alterações histopatológicas observadas nos bovinos eram de pouco significado, com exceção de um animal que mostrou leve astrocitose no córtex cerebral. Em uma das galinhas, na histopatologia renal observou-se leve necrose tubular aguda multifocal. As concentrações de chumbo médios nos fígados e rins dos bovinos eram 93,91mg/kg e 209,76mg/kg, respectivamente, e a concentração média no fígado de galinhas foi 105,02mg/ kg. Concluiu-se que a fonte de contaminação por chumbo nesses bezerros e galinhas eram placas de bateria de caminhão, aos quais os animais tiveram acesso na pastagem.(AU)

Lead poisoning in cattle in southern Brazil / Envenenamento por chumbo em bovinos no sul do Brasil

Em setembro de 2000, três novilhas, provenientes de um pequeno rebanho de bovinos de corte, apresentaram severa depressão, tremores musculares, ato de pressionar a cabeça contra objetos e de ranger de dentes, intensa salivação, cegueira e morte. Envenenamento por chumbo foi diagnosticado com base nos sinais clínicos e em função da presença de grandes concentrações de chumbo nos rins e no fígado de um dos animais afetados. Latas de tinta velhas, presentes no potreiro onde estavam os animais e cujo conteúdo extravasava através de fendas provocadas pela ferrugem, foram identificadas como a fonte de chumbo que causou a toxicose nos animais.(AU)

Identificación y cuantificación de metal pesado en formulaciones minerales comercializadas en el Estado de São Paulo, Brasil / Identification and quantification of heavy metal in mineral salt commercialized in São Paulo State, Brazil / Identificação e quantificação de metal pesado em formulações minerais comercializadas no Estado de São Paulo

Objetivo: Cuantificar el plomo en diferentes formulaciones minerales comercializadas en el Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Material y Método: Las muestras de sal mineral fueran obtenidas directamente del stock de los establecimientos comerciales, durante los años de 2001 y 2002. Las muestras, de aproximadamente 200 gramos, se analizaron por medio de la técnica de espectrofotometría de absorción atómica, en el Laboratorio de Poços de Caldas, MG, de la Comisión Nacional de Energía Nuclear (CNEN). Resultados: De las 24 muestras analizadas, 16 presentaron valores superiores a 10 ppm considerado como máximo valor recomendado. Los números variaron de 3,0 a 156 mg kg-". El resultado más alto fue observado en una muestra de sal mineral obtenida en la ciudad de Santo Anastácio, SP Conclusiones: Esos resultados demuestran la necesidad de un control cuidadoso junto a los fabricantes, una vez que algunas mezclas minerales pueden ser peligrosas, permitiendo efectos tóxicos cumulativos del plomo inorgánico en el ganado.

Objective: To quantify the element lead in different mineral formulations traded in the State of São Paulo. Material and Method: Samples of mineral salt were collected directly from the stock of shops throughout the years of2001 and 2003. The samples, with approximately 200 grams, were analyzed using the anatomic absorption spectrophotometry technique, in the Laboratory located in the city of Poços de Caldas, MG, belonging to the Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CNEN) - (National Committee of Nuclear Energy). Results: In 24 samples analyzed, 16 presented values higher than the 10-ppm recommended as the maximum acceptable value. Figures ranged from 3.0 to 156 mg kg- I . Highest result was found in a sample of salt collected in the city of Santo Anastácio, SP Conclusions: Results have shown the need of monitoring procedures before the manufacturers, as some mineral mixtures may be dangerous, with possibility of inorganic lead toxic cumulative effects in cattle.

Objetivo: Quantificar o elemento chumbo em diferentes formulações minerais comercializadas no Estado de São Paulo. Material e Método: As amostras de sal mineral foram coletadas diretamente do estoque de estabelecimentos comerciais, durante os anos de 2001 e 2002. Com aproximadamente 200 gramas, foram analisadas pela técnica de espectrofotometria de absorção atômica, no Laboratório de Poços de Caldas, MG, da Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CNEN). Resultados: Em 24 amostras analisadas, 16 tiveram valores superiores aos 10 ppm recomendados como máximo valor aceitável. Os números oscilaram entre 3,0 e 156 mg kg·". O maior resultado foi encontrado numa amostra de sal mineral colhida no município de Santo Anastácio, SP. Conclusões: Os resultados demonstram a necessidade do monitoramento junto aos fabricantes, pois algumas misturas minerais podem ser perigosas, possibilitando efeitos cumulativos tóxicos de chumbo inorgânico aos bovinos.

Identificación y cuantificación de metal pesado en formulaciones minerales comercializadas en el Estado de São Paulo, Brasil / Identification and quantification of heavy metal in mineral salt commercialized in São Paulo State, Brazil / Identificação e quantificação de metal pesado em formulações minerais comercializadas no Estado de São Paulo

Objetivo: Cuantificar el plomo en diferentes formulaciones minerales comercializadas en el Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Material y Método: Las muestras de sal mineral fueran obtenidas directamente del stock de los establecimientos comerciales, durante los años de 2001 y 2002. Las muestras, de aproximadamente 200 gramos, se analizaron por medio de la técnica de espectrofotometría de absorción atómica, en el Laboratorio de Poços de Caldas, MG, de la Comisión Nacional de Energía Nuclear (CNEN). Resultados: De las 24 muestras analizadas, 16 presentaron valores superiores a 10 ppm considerado como máximo valor recomendado. Los números variaron de 3,0 a 156 mg kg-". El resultado más alto fue observado en una muestra de sal mineral obtenida en la ciudad de Santo Anastácio, SP Conclusiones: Esos resultados demuestran la necesidad de un control cuidadoso junto a los fabricantes, una vez que algunas mezclas minerales pueden ser peligrosas, permitiendo efectos tóxicos cumulativos del plomo inorgánico en el ganado.

Objective: To quantify the element lead in different mineral formulations traded in the State of São Paulo. Material and Method: Samples of mineral salt were collected directly from the stock of shops throughout the years of2001 and 2003. The samples, with approximately 200 grams, were analyzed using the anatomic absorption spectrophotometry technique, in the Laboratory located in the city of Poços de Caldas, MG, belonging to the Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CNEN) - (National Committee of Nuclear Energy). Results: In 24 samples analyzed, 16 presented values higher than the 10-ppm recommended as the maximum acceptable value. Figures ranged from 3.0 to 156 mg kg- I . Highest result was found in a sample of salt collected in the city of Santo Anastácio, SP Conclusions: Results have shown the need of monitoring procedures before the manufacturers, as some mineral mixtures may be dangerous, with possibility of inorganic lead toxic cumulative effects in cattle.

Objetivo: Quantificar o elemento chumbo em diferentes formulações minerais comercializadas no Estado de São Paulo. Material e Método: As amostras de sal mineral foram coletadas diretamente do estoque de estabelecimentos comerciais, durante os anos de 2001 e 2002. Com aproximadamente 200 gramas, foram analisadas pela técnica de espectrofotometria de absorção atômica, no Laboratório de Poços de Caldas, MG, da Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CNEN). Resultados: Em 24 amostras analisadas, 16 tiveram valores superiores aos 10 ppm recomendados como máximo valor aceitável. Os números oscilaram entre 3,0 e 156 mg kg·". O maior resultado foi encontrado numa amostra de sal mineral colhida no município de Santo Anastácio, SP. Conclusões: Os resultados demonstram a necessidade do monitoramento junto aos fabricantes, pois algumas misturas minerais podem ser perigosas, possibilitando efeitos cumulativos tóxicos de chumbo inorgânico aos bovinos.