Novel feed additive delivers antimicrobial copper and influences fecal microbiota in pigs.

Dehydrated alginate beads formulated with copper were synthesized and tested as a feed additive to influence the microbiota in finishing pigs and potentially use them as a preharvest intervention to reduce fecal pathogen shedding. The efficacy of the copper beads was tested in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, Salmonella was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced when in contact with the copper beads solution for up to 6 h, with a 5.4 log CFU/mL reduction over the first hour. Chemical analysis of the soak solutions demonstrated the beads delivered their copper payload gradually over the same period the bactericidal effect was observed. For the in vivo experiments, pigs (n = 48) supplemented with the copper beads experienced significant shifts in their microbiota. Enterobacteriaceae (EB) increased by 1.07 log CFU/g (P < 0.05), while lactic acid bacteria (LAB) decreased by 1.22 log CFU/g (P < 0.05) during the treatment period. When beads were removed from the feed, EB and LAB concentrations returned to baseline, indicating copper beads led to measurable and significant changes in microbial loads. Fecal microbiome analysis conducted to explore additional changes by copper bead supplementation demonstrated that, at the phylum level, there was an increase in Firmicutes, Euryarchaeota, and Acidobacteriota, while at the genus level, an increase in Methanosphaera and Pseudomonas was observed. Measures of copper in swine feces showed values ~20 times higher in the treatment group than in the control group during the treatment period, suggesting that dehydrated alginate copper beads were effective in delivering antimicrobial copper to the animal hindgut.IMPORTANCECopper has long been known to have antimicrobial properties. However, when water-soluble salts are fed to livestock, the copper may rapidly dissolve in gastric contents and fail to reach the gut. Here, specially formulated copper beads are seamlessly incorporated into feed and allow copper to remain longer in the gastrointestinal tract of animals, reach deep into both the foregut and hindgut, and shift microbial populations. The technology delivers antimicrobial copper to the animal hindgut and potentially reduces pathogenic microorganisms before animal slaughter.

[Effects of Biochar on Growth and Pollutant Accumulation of Lettuce in Soil Co-contaminated with Tetracycline and Copper].

Through lettuce potting experiments, the effects of different types of biochar (apple branch, corn straw, and modified sorghum straw biochar with phosphoric acid modification) on lettuce growth under tetracycline (TC) and copper (Cu) co-pollution were investigated. The results showed that compared with those under CK, the addition of biochar treatment significantly increased the plant height, root length, shoot fresh weight, and root fresh weight of lettuce (P < 0.05). The addition of different biochars significantly increased the nitrate nitrogen, chlorophyll, and soluble protein content in lettuce physiological indicators to varying degrees, while also significantly decreasing the levels of malondialdehyde, proline content, and catalase activity. The effects of biochar on lettuce physiological indicators were consistent during both the seedling and mature stages. Compared with those in CK, the addition of biochar resulted in varying degrees of reduction in the TC and Cu contents of both the aboveground and underground parts of lettuce. The aboveground TC and Cu levels decreased by 2.49%-92.32% and 12.79%-36.47%, respectively. The underground TC and Cu levels decreased by 12.53%-55.64% and 22.41%-42.29%, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that nitrate nitrogen, chlorophyll, and soluble protein content of lettuce were negatively correlated with TC content, whereas malondialdehyde, proline content, and catalase activity were positively correlated with TC content. The resistance genes of lettuce were positively correlated with TC content (P < 0.05). In general, modified biochar was found to be more effective in improving lettuce growth quality and reducing pollutant accumulation compared to unmodified biochar, with modified sorghum straw biochar showing the best remediation effect.

A novel network-based method identifies a cuproplasia-related pan-cancer gene signature to predict patient outcome.

Copper is a vital micronutrient involved in many biological processes and is an essential component of tumour cell growth and migration. Copper influences tumour growth through a process called cuproplasia, defined as abnormal copper-dependent cell-growth and proliferation. Copper-chelation therapy targeting this process has demonstrated efficacy in several clinical trials against cancer. While the molecular pathways associated with cuproplasia are partially known, genetic heterogeneity across different cancer types has limited the understanding of how cuproplasia impacts patient survival. Utilising RNA-sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) datasets, we generated gene regulatory networks to identify the critical cuproplasia-related genes across 23 different cancer types. From this, we identified a novel 8-gene cuproplasia-related gene signature associated with pan-cancer survival, and a 6-gene prognostic risk score model in low grade glioma. These findings highlight the use of gene regulatory networks to identify cuproplasia-related gene signatures that could be used to generate risk score models. This can potentially identify patients who could benefit from copper-chelation therapy and identifies novel targeted therapeutic strategies.

Synergistic optical sensing: Selective colorimetric analysis of copper in environmental and biological samples.

A groundbreaking optical sensing membrane has been engineered for the accurate assessment of copper ions. The pliable poly(vinyl chloride) membrane is formulated through the integration of sodium tetraphenylborate (Na-TPB), 4-(2-hydroxy-4-nitro azobenzene)-2-methyl-quinoline (HNAMQ), and tri-n-octyl phosphine oxide (TOPO), in conjunction with o-nitrophenyl octyl ether (o-NPOE). The sensor membrane undergoes a thorough investigation of its composition to optimize performance, revealing that HNAMQ serves a dual role as both an ionophore and a chromoionophore. Simultaneously, TOPO contributes to enhancing the complexation of HNAMQ with copper ions. Demonstrating a linear range for Cu2+ ions spanning from 5.0 × 10-9 to 7.5 × 10-6 M, the proposed sensor membrane showcases detection and quantification limits of 1.5 × 10-9 and 5.0 × 10-9 M, respectively. Rigorous assessments of potential interferences from other cations and anions revealed no observable disruptions in the detection of Cu2+. With no discernible HNAMQ leaching, the membrane demonstrates rapid response times and excellent durability. The sensor exhibits remarkable selectivity for Cu2+ ions and can be regenerated through exposure to 0.05 M EDTA. Successful application of the sensor in determining the presence of Cu2+ in biological (blood, liver and meat), soil, food (coffee, black tea, sour cherry juice, black currant, and milk powder) and environmental water samples underscores its efficacy.

Zinc and manganese homeostasis closely interact in mammalian cells.

Understanding the homeostatic interactions among essential trace metals is important for explaining their roles in cellular systems. Recent studies in vertebrates suggest that cellular Mn metabolism is related to Zn metabolism in multifarious cellular processes. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we examined the changes in the expression of proteins involved in cellular Zn and/or Mn homeostatic control and measured the Mn as well as Zn contents and Zn enzyme activities to elucidate the effects of Mn and Zn homeostasis on each other. Mn treatment decreased the expression of the Zn homeostatic proteins metallothionein (MT) and ZNT1 and reduced Zn enzyme activities, which were attributed to the decreased Zn content. Moreover, loss of Mn efflux transport protein decreased MT and ZNT1 expression and Zn enzyme activity without changing extracellular Mn content. This reduction was not observed when supplementing with the same Cu concentrations and in cells lacking Cu efflux proteins. Furthermore, cellular Zn homeostasis was oppositely regulated in cells expressing Zn and Mn importer ZIP8, depending on whether Zn or Mn concentration was elevated in the extracellular milieu. Our results provide novel insights into the intricate interactions between Mn and Zn homeostasis in mammalian cells and facilitate our understanding of the physiopathology of Mn, which may lead to the development of treatment strategies for Mn-related diseases in the future.

Zinc, Copper, and Iron in Selected Skin Diseases.

Trace elements are essential for maintaining the body's homeostasis, and their special role has been demonstrated in skin physiology. Among the most important trace elements are zinc, copper, and iron. A deficiency or excess of trace elements can be associated with an increased risk of skin diseases, so increasing their supplementation or limiting intake can be helpful in dermatological treatment. In addition, determinations of their levels in various types of biological material can be useful as additional tests in dermatological treatment. This paper describes the role of these elements in skin physiology and summarizes data on zinc, copper, and iron in the course of selected, following skin diseases: psoriasis, pemphigus vulgaris, atopic dermatitis, acne vulgaris and seborrheic dermatitis. In addition, this work identifies the potential of trace elements as auxiliary tests in dermatology. According to preliminary studies, abnormal levels of zinc, copper, and iron are observed in many skin diseases and their determinations in serum or hair can be used as auxiliary and prognostic tests in the course of various dermatoses. However, since data for some conditions are conflicting, clearly defining the potential of trace elements as auxiliary tests or elements requiring restriction/supplement requires further research.

Silicon supplementation stabilizes the effect of copper stress, the use of copper chaperones and genes involved: a review.

Heavy metal stress is a major problem in present scenario and the consequences are well known. The agroecosystems are heavily affected by the heavy metal stress and the question arises on the sustainability of the agricultural products. Heavy metals inhibit the process to influence the reactive oxygen species production. When abundantly present copper metal ion has toxic effects which is mitigated by the exogenous application of Si. The role of silicon is to enhance physical parameters as well as gas exchange parameters. Si is likely to increase antioxidant enzymes in response to copper stress which can relocate toxic metals at subcellular level and remove heavy metals from the cell. Silicon regulates phytohormones when excess copper is present. Rate of photosynthesis and mineral absorption is increased in response to metal stress. Silicon manages enzymatic and non-enzymatic activities to balance metal stress condition. Cu transport by the plasma membrane is controlled by a family of proteins called copper transporter present at cell surface. Plants maintain balance in absorption, use and storage for proper copper ion homeostasis. Copper chaperones play vital role in copper ion movement within cells. Prior to that metallochaperones control Cu levels. The genes responsible in copper stress mitigation are discovered in various plant species and their function are decoded. However, detailed molecular mechanism is yet to be studied. This review discusses about the crucial mechanisms of Si-mediated alleviation of copper stress, the role of copper binding proteins in copper homeostasis. Moreover, it also provides a brief information on the genes, their function and regulation of their expression in relevance to Cu abundance in different plant species which will be beneficial for further understanding of the role of silicon in stabilization of copper stress.

Comparative Bioactivity Analysis of Green-Synthesized Metal (Cobalt, Copper, and Selenium) Nanoparticles.

Aim This study involves synthesizing metal nanoparticles (NPs) via the green synthesis method using Millettia pinnata leaf, Acacia auriculiformis bark, and Citrus sinensis peel and comparatively evaluating their antibacterial activity in vitro through the analysis of cobalt oxide NPs (CoNPs), copper NPs (CuNPs), and selenium NPs (SeNPs). This research contributes to eco-friendly approaches for producing functional nanomaterials with potential applications in medicine and environmental remediation. Materials and methods The metal NPs were synthesized using M. pinnata leaf, A. auriculiformis bark, and C. sinensis peel. These leaf extracts act as self-reducing and stabilizing agents. The antibacterial activity was assessed by the well diffusion method. Cultures of pathogenic bacteria species such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were prepared. NPs were applied to the culture, and zones of inhibition (ZOIs) were measured. The data were statistically analyzed to compare the antibacterial efficacy of the different NPs. Results The successfully synthesized CoNPs, CuNPs, and SeNPs showed distinctive phytochemical properties. CoNPs exhibited the highest ZOI against most bacterial strains, with CuNPs and SeNPs following. CoNPs consistently showed superior performance compared to CuNPs and SeNPs. Conclusion Our study analyzed the bioactivity of metal NPs produced using green synthesis with plant extracts. CoNPs have shown superior antibacterial effectiveness against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria when compared to CuNPs and SeNPs. This may be due to their larger surface area, smaller size, unique electrical, magnetic, and catalytic properties, as well as their improved contact with the bacterial cell wall and membrane.

Magnetic aptamer copper nanoclusters fluorescent biosensor for the visual detection of zearalenone based on docking-aided rational tailoring.

To address the food safety issues caused by toxins, we established a fluorescent copper nanocluster biosensor based on magnetic aptamer for the visual and quantitative detection of ZEN. Specifically, we utilized the docking-aided rational tailoring (DART) strategy to analyze intermolecular force and interaction sites between zearalenone (ZEN) and the aptamer, and optimize the long-chain aptamer step by step to enhance the binding affinity by 3.4 times. The magnetic bead-modified aptamer underwent conformational changes when competing with complementary sequences to bind with ZEN. Then, the released complementary sequences will be amplified in template-free mode with the presence of the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT), and generating T-rich sequences as the core sequences for the luminescence of copper nanoclusters. The luminescence could be visualized and quantitatively detected through ultraviolet irradiation. The proposed label-free aptasensor exhibited high sensitivity and specificity, with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.1 ng/mL.

Determination of copper status by five biomarkers in serum of healthy women.

BACKGROUND: The essential trace element copper is relevant for many important physiological processes. Changes in copper homeostasis can result from disease and affect human health. A reliable assessment of copper status by suitable biomarkers may enable fast detection of subtle changes in copper metabolism. To this end, additional biomarkers besides serum copper and ceruloplasmin (CP) concentrations are required. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the emerging copper biomarkers CP oxidase (CPO) activity, exchangeable copper (CuEXC) and labile copper in serum of healthy women and compare them with the conventional biomarkers total serum copper and CP. METHOD AND MAIN FINDINGS: This observational study determined CPO activity, the non CP-bound copper species CuEXC and labile copper, total serum copper and CP in sera of 110 healthy women. Samples were collected at four time points over a period of 24 weeks. The concentrations of total serum copper and CP were within the reference ranges. The comparison of all five biomarkers provided insight into their relationship, the intra- and inter-individual variability as well as the age dependence. The correlation and Principal Component Analyses (PCA) indicated that CP, CPO activity and total copper correlated well, followed by CuEXC, while the labile copper pool was unrelated to the other parameters. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the non-CP-bound copper species represent copper pools that are differently regulated from total copper or CP-bound copper, making them interesting complementary biomarkers to enable a more complete assessment of body copper status with potential relevance for clinical application.

Trace mineral source and chromium propionate supplementation affect performance and carcass characteristics in feedlot steers.

Angus-crossbred steers (n = 400; 369.7 ±â€…7.6 kg) were used to determine the influence of trace mineral (TM) source and chromium propionate (Cr Prop) supplementation on performance, carcass characteristics, and ruminal and plasma variables in finishing steers. Steers were blocked by body weight (BW) and randomly assigned within block to treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with factors being: 1) TM source (STM or HTM) and 2) Cr supplementation (0 or 0.25 mg Cr/kg DM, -Cr or + Cr, respectively). Treatments consisted of the addition of: 1) sulfate TM (STM; 90, 40, and 18 mg/kg DM of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively), 2) STM and 0.25 mg Cr/kg DM from Cr Prop, 3) hydroxychloride TM (HTM; 90, 40, and 18 mg/kg DM of Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively), and 4) HTM and 0.25 mg Cr/kg DM from Cr Prop. Each treatment consisted of 10 replicate pens with 10 steers per pen. Body weights were obtained on consecutive days at the initiation and termination of the 154-d study. Steers were fed a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet. Ractopamine hydrochloride was fed for the last 31 d of the study. Ruminal fluid and blood samples were obtained from one steer per pen on days 28 and 84 for ruminal volatile fatty acids (VFA) and plasma TM and glucose analysis. Steers were slaughtered at the end of the study and individual carcass data were collected. No Cr × TM source interactions (P = 0.48) were detected. Steers supplemented with HTM had greater (P = 0.04) hot carcass weight (HCW), dressing percentage (DP), longissimus muscle (LM) area, and USDA yield grade (YG), and tended (P = 0.12) to have greater average daily gain (ADG) than those receiving STM. Average daily gain, gain:feed, dressing percentage, and longissimus muscle area were greater (P = 0.04) for + Cr steers compared to-Cr steers. Hot carcass weight tended (P = 0.06) to be greater for + Cr steers. Ruminal acetate concentrations at 28 d were lesser (P = 0.01) for HTM vs. STM steers, and greater (P = 0.04) for + Cr steers compared to-Cr steers. Plasma concentrations of Zn, Cu, and Mn were not affected by TM source or Cr supplementation. Steers supplemented with Cr had greater (P = 0.05) plasma glucose concentrations than-Cr steers at 28 but not at 84 d. Results of this study indicate replacing STM with HTM improved carcass characteristics in finishing steers, and Cr Prop supplementation improved steer performance and carcass characteristics.

Trace minerals (TM) are supplemented to finishing cattle diets to prevent TM deficiencies. Sources of TM differ in their bioavailability and effect on rumen fermentation. Chromium is a TM required in low concentrations to enhance insulin activity. We tested the effect of TM source (hydroxychloride; HTM vs. sulfate; STM) and supplemental Cr propionate (Cr Prop) on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing steers. Providing 0.25 mg of supplemental Cr/kg DM, from Cr Prop, improved gain, feed efficiency, and carcass characteristics in steers. Steers supplemented with HTM tended to gain faster and had improved carcass characteristics of economic importance compared to those supplemented with STM.

Imbalanced and Unchecked: The Role of Metal Dyshomeostasis in Driving COPD Progression.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by persistent inflammation and oxidative stress, which ultimately leads to progressive restriction of airflow. Extensive research findings have cogently suggested that the dysregulation of essential transition metal ions, notably iron, copper, and zinc, stands as a critical nexus in the perpetuation of inflammatory processes and oxidative damage within the lungs of COPD patients. Unraveling the intricate interplay between metal homeostasis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory signaling is of paramount importance in unraveling the intricacies of COPD pathogenesis. This comprehensive review aims to examine the current literature on the sources, regulation, and mechanisms by which metal dyshomeostasis contributes to COPD progression. We specifically focus on iron, copper, and zinc, given their well-characterized roles in orchestrating cytokine production, immune cell function, antioxidant depletion, and matrix remodeling. Despite the limited number of clinical trials investigating metal modulation in COPD, the advent of emerging methodologies tailored to monitor metal fluxes and gauge responses to chelation and supplementation hold great promise in unlocking the potential of metal-based interventions. We conclude that targeted restoration of metal homeostasis represents a promising frontier for ameliorating pathological processes driving COPD progression.

Unveiling the promising anticancer effect of copper-based compounds: a comprehensive review.

Copper is a necessary micronutrient for maintaining the well-being of the human body. The biological activity of organic ligands, especially their anticancer activity, is often enhanced when they coordinate with copper(I) and (II) ions. Copper and its compounds are capable of inducing tumor cell death through various mechanisms of action, including activation of apoptosis signaling pathways by reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibition of angiogenesis, induction of cuproptosis, and paraptosis. Some of the copper complexes are currently being evaluated in clinical trials for their ability to map tumor hypoxia in various cancers, including locally advanced rectal cancer and bulky tumors. Several studies have shown that copper nanoparticles can be used as effective agents in chemodynamic therapy, phototherapy, hyperthermia, and immunotherapy. Despite the promising anticancer activity of copper-based compounds, their use in clinical trials is subject to certain limitations. Elevated copper concentrations may promote tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis by affecting cellular processes.

Copper Sulfate Combined with Photodynamic Therapy Enhances Antifungal Effect by Downregulating AIF1.

Candida albicans is a clinically significant opportunistic fungus that is generally treated with antifungal drugs such as itraconazole and fluconazole. However, the recent emergence of fungal resistance has made treatment increasingly difficult. Therefore, novel antifungal treatment methods are urgently required. Hexanol ethosome photodynamic therapy (HE-PDT) is a method that uses photosensitizers (PS), such as hexanol ethosome, to exert antifungal effects, and can be used to treat resistant fungal strains. However, due to the high dose of PS required for antifungal treatment, excess photosensitizers may remain. Furthermore, once exposed to light, normal tissues or cells are damaged after photodynamic therapy, which limits the clinical application of HE-PDT. Therefore, improving the efficacy without increasing the dose is the key to this treatment. In this study, the antifungal effect of copper sulfate combined with HE-PDT was investigated, and its mechanism was explored. The results suggested that exogenous copper sulfate significantly increased the antifungal effect of HE-PDT by enhancing the rate of C. albicans inhibition, increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, increasing the rate of apoptosis, and altering the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and ATP concentration, which is related to the downregulation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF1) expression. In conclusion, copper sulfate combined with photodynamic therapy significantly inhibited the activity of C. albicans by inducing apoptosis. The combined approach reported herein provides new insights for future antifungal therapy.

Biosynthesis of copper nanoparticles using Alstonia scholaris leaves and its antimicrobial studies.

The utilization of plants for the production of metallic nanoparticles is gaining significant attention in research. In this study, we conducted phytochemical screening of Alstonia scholaris (A. scholaris) leaves extracts using various solvents, including chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-hexane, methanol, and water. Our findings revealed higher proportions of flavonoids and alkaloids in both solvents compared to other phytochemical species. In the methanol, extract proteins, anthraquinone and reducing sugar were not detected. On the other hand, the aqueous extract demonstrated the presence of amino acids, reducing sugar, phenolic compounds, anthraquinone, and saponins. Notably, ethyl acetate and chloroform extracts displayed the highest levels of bioactive compounds among all solvents. Intrigued by these results, we proceeded to investigate the antibacterial properties of the leaf extracts against two major bacterial strains, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). All extracts exhibited significant zones of inhibition against both bacterial isolates, with S. aureus showing higher susceptibility compared to E. coli. Notably, the methanol extract displayed the most potent I hibitory effect against all organisms. Inspired by the bioactivity of the methanol extract, we employed it as a plant-based material for the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs). The synthesized Cu-NPs were characterized using Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-visible spectroscopic analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The observed color changes confirmed the successful formation of Cu-NPs, while the FTIR analysis matched previously reported peaks, further verifying the synthesis. The SEM micrographs indicated the irregular shapes of the surface particles. From the result obtained by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic analysis, Cu has the highest relative abundance of 67.41 wt%. Confirming the purity of the Cu-NPs colloid. These findings contribute to the growing field of eco-friendly nanotechnology and emphasize the significance of plant-mediated approaches in nanomaterial synthesis and biomedical applications.

Copper deficiency anemia due to zinc supplementation in a chronic hemodialysis patient.

Zinc deficiency causes dysgeusia and dermatitis as well as anemia. As approximately half of dialysis patients have zinc deficiency, zinc supplementation should be considered in case of erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA)-hyporesponsive anemia. We report a case of a chronic dialysis patient with copper deficiency anemia caused by standard-dose zinc supplementation. The patient was a 70-year-old woman who had received maintenance hemodialysis for 8 years due to diabetic nephropathy. She had been treated with weekly administration of darbepoetin 30 µg for renal anemia, which resulted in Hb 12 to 14 g/dL. She had no dysgeusia. When zinc deficiency (44 µg/dL) had been identified 4 months earlier, 50 mg daily zinc acetate hydrate (Nobelzin®), which is the standard dose, was started. Unexpectedly, her anemia progressed slowly with macrocytosis together with granulocytopenia. Her platelet count did not decrease at that time. Laboratory tests revealed a marked decrease of serum copper (< 4 µg/dL) and ceruloplasmin (< 2 mg/dL), although serum zinc was within the normal limit (125 µg/dL). We discontinued zinc acetate and started copper supplementation including cocoa for 1 month. Her anemia and granulocytopenia were dramatically restored coincident with the increase in both serum copper and ceruloplasmin. Copper supplementation also improved her iron status as assessed by transferrin saturation and ferritin. Clinicians should monitor both zinc and copper status in anemic dialysis patients during zinc supplementation, as both are important to drive normal hematopoiesis.

Molecular Regulatory Mechanism of Nano-Se Against Copper-Induced Spermatogenesis Disorder.

Selenium nanoparticle (Nano-Se) is a new type of selenium supplement, which can improve the deficiency of traditional selenium supplements and maintain its physiological activity. Due to industrial pollution and irrational use in agriculture, Cu overexposure often occurs in animals and humans. In this study, Nano-Se alleviated CuSO4-induced testicular Cu accumulation, serum testosterone level decrease, testicular structural damage, and decrease in sperm quality. Meanwhile, Nano-Se reduced the ROS content in mice testis and enhanced the activities of T-AOC, GSH, SOD, and CAT compared with CuSO4 group. Furthermore, Nano-Se alleviated CuSO4-induced apoptosis by increasing the protein expression of Cleaved-Caspase-3, Cleaved-Caspase-9, Cleaved-Caspase-12, and Bax/Bcl-2 compared with CuSO4 group. At the same time, Nano-Se reversed CuSO4-induced increase of γ-H2AX protein expression in mice testis. In conclusion, this study confirmed that Nano-Se could alleviate oxidative stress, apoptosis, and DNA damage in the testis of mice with Cu excess, thereby protecting the spermatogenesis disorder induced by Cu.

Biomonitoring for workplace exposure to copper and its compounds is currently not interpretable.

This paper sets out to explore the requirements needed to recommend a useable and reliable biomonitoring system for occupational exposure to copper and its inorganic compounds. Whilst workplace environmental monitoring of copper is used to measure ambient air concentrations for comparison against occupational exposure limits, biological monitoring could provide complementary information about the internal dose of workers, taking into account intra-individual variability and exposure from all routes. For biomonitoring to be of reliable use for copper, a biomarker and the analytical ability to measure it with sufficient sensitivity must be identified and this is discussed in a range of matrices. In addition, there needs to be a clear understanding of the dose-response relationship of the biomarker with any health-effect (clinical or sub-clinical) or, between the level of external exposure (by any route) and the level of the copper biomarker in the biological matrix being sampled, together with a knowledge of the half-life in the body to determine accurate sampling times. For many biologically non-essential metals the requirements for reliable biomarkers can be met, however, for 'essential' metals such as copper that are under homeostatic control, the relationship between exposure (short- or long-term) and the level of any copper biomarker in the blood or urine is complex, which may limit the use and interpretation of measured levels. There are a number of types of biomarker guidance values currently in use which are discussed in this paper, but no values have yet been determined for copper (or its inorganic compounds) due to the complexity of its essential nature; the US The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has however indicated that it is considering the development of a biological exposure index for copper and its compounds. In light of this, we present a review of the reliability of current copper biomarkers and their potential use in the occupational context to evaluate whether there is value in carrying out human biomonitoring for copper exposure. Based on the available evidence we have concluded that the reliable use of biomonitoring of occupational exposure to copper and its application in risk assessment is not possible at the present time.

Interactions between maternal parity and feed additives drive the composition of pig gut microbiomes in the post-weaning period.

BACKGROUND: Nursery pigs undergo stressors in the post-weaning period that result in production and welfare challenges. These challenges disproportionately impact the offspring of primiparous sows compared to those of multiparous counterparts. Little is known regarding potential interactions between parity and feed additives in the post-weaning period and their effects on nursery pig microbiomes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal parity on sow and offspring microbiomes and the influence of sow parity on pig fecal microbiome and performance in response to a prebiotic post-weaning. At weaning, piglets were allotted into three treatment groups: a standard nursery diet including pharmacological doses of Zn and Cu (Con), a group fed a commercial prebiotic only (Preb) based on an Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract, and a group fed the same prebiotic plus Zn and Cu (Preb + ZnCu). RESULTS: Although there were no differences in vaginal microbiome composition between primiparous and multiparous sows, fecal microbiome composition was different (R2 = 0.02, P = 0.03). The fecal microbiomes of primiparous offspring displayed significantly higher bacterial diversity compared to multiparous offspring at d 0 and d 21 postweaning (P < 0.01), with differences in community composition observed at d 21 (R2 = 0.03, P = 0.04). When analyzing the effects of maternal parity within each treatment, only the Preb diet triggered significant microbiome distinctions between primiparous and multiparous offspring (d 21: R2 = 0.13, P = 0.01; d 42: R2 = 0.19, P = 0.001). Compositional differences in pig fecal microbiomes between treatments were observed only at d 21 (R2 = 0.12, P = 0.001). Pigs in the Con group gained significantly more weight throughout the nursery period when compared to those in the Preb + ZnCu group. CONCLUSIONS: Nursery pig gut microbiome composition was influenced by supplementation with an Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract, with varying effects on performance when combined with pharmacological levels of Zn and Cu or for offspring of different maternal parity groups. These results indicate that the development of nursery pig gut microbiomes is shaped by maternal parity and potential interactions with the effects of dietary feed additives.

The effect of micronutrient on thyroid cancer risk: a Mendelian randomization study.

Background: The effect of micronutrients on thyroid cancer has been studied in observational studies, however, the cause of relationships has not yet been determined. Thyroid cancer was the subject of a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis of micronutrients. Aimed to determine whether micronutrient intake has a causal impact on the chance of developing thyroid cancer. Methods: We used a Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis with two samples. Our circulation levels of Cu, Ir, Zn, Ca, VD, and VC were reflected by genetic variations reported from GWAS in individuals of European ancestry. For the GWAS outcome of thyroid cancer. Sensitivity studies that included MR-Egger, weighted median/mode tests, and a more open selection of variations at a genome-wide sub-significant threshold were added to our inverse-variance weighted (IVW) MR study. Results: Using the IVW approach, we did not find evidence that any of the micronutrients to thyroid cancer (Cu: odds ratio [OR = 0.88, p = 0.41]; Zn: odds ratio [OR = 0.87, p = 0.40]; Ir: odds ratio [OR = 1.18, p = 0.39]; Ca: odds ratio [OR = 1.12, p = 0.43]; VC: odds ratio [OR = 0.95, p = 0.22]; VD: odds ratio [OR = 0.89, p = 0.04]). The heterogeneity (p > 0.05) and pleiotropy (p > 0.05) testing provided confirmatory evidence for the validity of our MR estimates. Conclusion: This study does not provide evidence that supplementation with micronutrients including Cu, Ir, Zn, Ca, VD, and VC can prevent thyroid cancer.