Element analysis in clinical or biological samples is important due to the essential role in clinical diagnostics, drug development, and drug-effect monitoring. Particularly, the specific forms of element binding, actual redox state, or... more
Element analysis in clinical or biological samples is important due to the essential role in clinical diagnostics, drug development, and drug-effect monitoring. Particularly, the specific forms of element binding, actual redox state, or their spatial distribution in tissue or in single cells are of interest in medical research. This review summarized exciting combinations of sophisticated sample delivery systems hyphenated to inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), enabling a broadening of information beyond the well-established outstanding detection capability. Deeper insights into pathological disease processes or intracellular distribution of active substances were provided, enabling a better understanding of biological processes and their dynamics. Examples were presented from spatial elemental mapping in tissue, cells, or spheroids, also considering elemental tagging. The use of natural or artificial tags for drug monitoring was shown. In the context of oxidative...
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Background: Transition metals play a crucial role in brain metabolism: since they exist in different oxidation states they are involved in ROS generation, but they are also co-factors of enzymes in cellular energy metabolism or oxidative... more
Background: Transition metals play a crucial role in brain metabolism: since they exist in different oxidation states they are involved in ROS generation, but they are also co-factors of enzymes in cellular energy metabolism or oxidative defense. Methods: Paired serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were analyzed for iron, zinc, copper and manganese as well as for speciation using SEC-ICP-DRC-MS. Brain extracts from Mn-exposed rats were additionally analyzed with SEC-ICP-DRC-MS. Results: The concentration patterns of transition metal size fractions were correlated between serum and CSF: Total element concentrations were significantly lower in CSF. Fe-ferritin was decreased in CSF whereas a LMW Fe fraction was relatively increased. The 400–600 kDa Zn fraction and the Cu-ceruloplasmin fraction were decreased in CSF, by contrast the 40–80 kDa fraction, containing Cu- and Zn-albumin, relatively increased. For manganese, the α-2-macroglobulin fraction showed significantly lower con...
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Parkinson´s disease progression is linked to iron redox status homeostasis via reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and lipids are the primary targets of ROS. The determination of iron redox status in vivo is challenging and requires... more
Parkinson´s disease progression is linked to iron redox status homeostasis via reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and lipids are the primary targets of ROS. The determination of iron redox status in vivo is challenging and requires specific extraction methods, which are so far tedious and very time-consuming. We demonstrated a novel, faster, and less laborious extraction method using the chelator ethylene glycol l-bis(β-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N′,N′-tetra acetic acid (EGTA) as a stabilizing agent and synthetic quartz beads for homogenization under an argon atmosphere. Additionally, we combined the metal extraction with a well-established lipid extraction protocol using methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) to avoid the problems of lipid precipitation in frozen samples and to determine lipid profiles and metal species from the same batch. The nonextractable matrix, such as the debris, is removed by centrifugation and digested to determine the total metal content of the sample as well. L...
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For humans Mn is an essential trace element, but at higher doses a neurotoxic metal. Chronic Mn exposure is affecting the central nervous system. Occupational Mn overexposure leads to an accumulation in the brain and has been shown to... more
For humans Mn is an essential trace element, but at higher doses a neurotoxic metal. Chronic Mn exposure is affecting the central nervous system. Occupational Mn overexposure leads to an accumulation in the brain and has been shown to cause progressive, permanent, neurodegenerative damage with syndromes similar to idiopathic Parkinsonism. Mn is transported by an active mechanism across neural barriers (NB) finally into the brain, but to date modes of Mn neurotoxic action are poorly understood. This paper investigates the relevant Mn-carrier species which are responsible for a widely uncontrolled transport across NB. Mn speciation in paired serum/cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples was performed by size exclusion chromatography – inductively coupled plasma – dynamic reaction cell – mass spectrometry (SEC-ICP-DRC-MS) and capillary zone Mn-speciation for Mn-biomonitoring 118 electrophoresis (CZE) coupled to ICP-DRC-MS in an 2D approach for clear identification. The Mn-species from the di...
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High-Z gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) conjugated to a targeting antibody can help to improve tumor control in radiotherapy while simultaneously minimizing radiotoxicity to adjacent healthy tissue. This paper summarizes the main findings of a... more
High-Z gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) conjugated to a targeting antibody can help to improve tumor control in radiotherapy while simultaneously minimizing radiotoxicity to adjacent healthy tissue. This paper summarizes the main findings of a joint research program which applied AuNP-conjugates in preclinical modeling of radiotherapy at the Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Zentrum München. A pharmacokinetic model of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles was developed in preparation for a model simulating the uptake and distribution of AuNPs in mice. Multi-scale Monte Carlo simulations were performed on a single AuNP and multiple AuNPs in tumor cells at cellular and molecular levels to determine enhancements in the radiation dose and generation of chemical radicals in close proximity to AuNPs. A biologically based mathematical model was developed to predict the biological response of AuNPs in radiation enhancement. Although simulations of a singl...
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The role of alveolar macrophages in the fate of ultrafine particles in the lung was investigated. Male Wistar-Kyoto rats were exposed to ultrafine gold particles, generated by a spark generator, for 6 h at a concentration of 88 microg/m3... more
The role of alveolar macrophages in the fate of ultrafine particles in the lung was investigated. Male Wistar-Kyoto rats were exposed to ultrafine gold particles, generated by a spark generator, for 6 h at a concentration of 88 microg/m3 (4 x 10(6)/cm3, 16 nm modal mobility diameter). Up to 7 days, the animals were serially sacrificed, and lavaged cells and lung tissues were examined by transmission electron microscopy. The gold concentration/content in the lung, lavage fluid, and blood was estimated by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Gold particles used were spherical and electron dense with diameters of 5-8 nm. The particles were individual or slightly agglomerated. By inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry analysis of the lung, 1945 +/- 57 ng (mean +/- SD) and 1512 +/- 184 ng of gold were detected on day 0 and on day 7, respectively, indicating that a large portion of the deposited gold particles was retained in the lung tissue. In the lavage fluid, 573 +/- 67 ng and 96 +/- 29 ng were found on day 0 and day 7, respectively, which means that 29% and 6% of the retained gold particles were lavageable on these days. A low but significant increase of gold (0.03 to 0.06% of lung concentration) was found in the blood. Small vesicles containing gold particles were found in the cytoplasm of alveolar macrophages. In the alveolar septum, the gold particles were enclosed in vesicles observed in the cytoplasm of alveolar type I epithelial cells. These results indicate that inhaled ultrafine gold particles in alveolar macrophages and type I epithelial cells are processed by endocytotic pathways, though the uptake of the gold particles by alveolar macrophages is limited. To a low degree, systemic particle translocation took place.
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ABSTRACT Due to current and upcoming regulations to address the adverse impacts of particulate matter (PM) from shipping emissions, the maritime sector is required to find energy-efficient ways to comply mainly by using low fuel sulfur... more
ABSTRACT Due to current and upcoming regulations to address the adverse impacts of particulate matter (PM) from shipping emissions, the maritime sector is required to find energy-efficient ways to comply mainly by using low fuel sulfur content (FSC) in regulated seas. We studied the PM emission from a research ship diesel engine with fuel switching capability, optimized for HFO used at cruising, operated at representative engine loads resulting to varying excess O2 emission which was an indirect measurement of air–fuel mixture (λ), using heavy fuel oil (HFO, 1.6 S (%m)) and diesel fuel (DF, <0.001 S (%m)). We determined the characteristics and temporal evolution of the PM by using the High Resolution Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometry (HR-ToF-AMS) in combination with aethalometer, particle sizers, online gas phase, and filter measurements. The average emission factors were higher for HFO than for DF with relative percent differences of ∼200, ∼180, ∼150, and ∼145 for SO42−, inorganic elements, organic matter (OM), and PM2.5, respectively, while that for black carbon (BC) was similar for both fuels. The difference between HFO and DF in terms of carbonaceous emissions was higher at 100% and 25% than at 75% and 50% engine loads. The exhaust temperature (T) decreased with increasing λ leading to the enhanced emission of OM in HFO and reduced OM and BC emission in DF. Contributions of hydrocarbons and oxygenated hydrocarbons increased with λ for HFO and decreased with DF. Gas phase total hydrocarbon (THC) was well correlated with BC only for HFO and OM and BC for DF. Overall, using a lower FSC reduced average PM emissions, however, engine load, and λ were strongly linked to the characteristics and temporal evolution of major PM emissions. The information in this study may help the marine sector and policy-making process in evaluating and designing future solutions for shipping emission regulations and diagnostics.
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The trace element selenium is of considerable interest due to its toxic and nutritional properties, which markedly differ according to the dose and the chemical form. It has been shown that excess selenium intake increases the risk of... more
The trace element selenium is of considerable interest due to its toxic and nutritional properties, which markedly differ according to the dose and the chemical form. It has been shown that excess selenium intake increases the risk of type 2 diabetes and, possibly, other metabolic diseases like hyperlipidemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). For the latter, however, epidemiologic evidence is still limited. We carried out a cross-sectional study recruiting 137 healthy blood donors living in Northern Italy and assessed their exposure to selenium through different methods and measuring serum selenium species. We performed linear and spline regression analyses to assess the relation of selenium and its forms with serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, a marker of NAFLD. Urinary selenium levels were positively and somewhat linearly correlated with ALT (beta regression coefficient (β) 0.11). Conversely, the association of dietary selenium intake with ALT was positive u...
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Cadmium is a metal that is toxic to humans, and the major source of cadmium exposure in the non-smoking general population is diet. To identify major food sources and lower exposure from diet, an accurate estimate of dietary cadmium... more
Cadmium is a metal that is toxic to humans, and the major source of cadmium exposure in the non-smoking general population is diet. To identify major food sources and lower exposure from diet, an accurate estimate of dietary cadmium intake is needed. Hence, the objectives of this study are to develop a method to assess dietary cadmium intake using a biomarker measurement and to improve the estimation of dietary cadmium intake when using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). In a random sample of an Italian population, we collected dietary habits by FFQ and measured cadmium in foods and beverages. These data were used to compute the estimated weekly dietary intake (WDI) of cadmium (µg) by kilogram (kg) of body weight (bw) (WDIFFQ). We also measured fasting serum cadmium levels by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We used these data to develop a model for the estimation of the biomarker-derived dietary cadmium intake (WDIbio). In the 51 subjects recruited, the median level...
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Intensive rice-wheat cultivation cycle in Northern belt of India in general and in the State of Punjab in particular results in large volumes of straw and other post-harvest residue annually. The agricultural area, bordering the districts... more
Intensive rice-wheat cultivation cycle in Northern belt of India in general and in the State of Punjab in particular results in large volumes of straw and other post-harvest residue annually. The agricultural area, bordering the districts of Nawanshahr and Hoshiarpur, is popularly known as the seleniferous belt of India. The agri-residues, generated in seleniferous region of this state, are observed to contain significantly high concentration of selenium (Se). The present study was aimed to evaluate the Se uptake by different mushroom species: Pleurotus sajor-caju, Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus citrinopileatus, Agaricus bisporus, and Volvariella volvacea, cultivated on Se-rich wheat and paddy straw from the seleniferous region. Wheat (Pleurotus species and A. bisporus) and paddy straw (V. volvacea) was inoculated with the mycelium spawn and left for 7-20 days, depending on the species, to grow. Control mushrooms were grown analogously using the agricultural residues from non-seleni...
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For more than 150 years it is known that occupational overexposure of manganese (Mn) causes movement disorders resembling Parkinson's disease (PD) and PD-like syndromes. However, the mechanisms of Mn toxicity are still poorly... more
For more than 150 years it is known that occupational overexposure of manganese (Mn) causes movement disorders resembling Parkinson's disease (PD) and PD-like syndromes. However, the mechanisms of Mn toxicity are still poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that Mn dose- and time-dependently blocks the protein translation of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and heavy-chain Ferritin (H-Ferritin), both iron homeostatic proteins with neuroprotective features. APP and H-Ferritin are post-transcriptionally regulated by iron responsive proteins (IRPs), which bind to homologous iron responsive elements (IREs) located in the 5'-untranslated regions (5'-UTRs) within their mRNA transcripts. Using reporter assays, we demonstrate that Mn exposure repressed the 5'-UTR-activity of APP and H-Ferritin, presumably via increased IRP-IRE binding, ultimately blocking their protein translation. Using two specific Fe -specific probes (RhoNox-1 and IP-1) and ion chromatography inductively ...
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Research Interests: Speciation, Mass Spectrometry, Capillary electrophoresis, Sample Preparation, Soils, and 11 moreChemical Analysis, Sol, Contamination, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, High Performance Liquid Chromatography, EXTRACTION, High Resolution, Electrophoresis, Liquid Chromatography, Aqueous Extract, and Mass Spectrometer
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Exposure to neurotoxic chemicals such as pesticides, selenium, and heavy metals have been suggested to play a role in the etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We assessed exposure to lead, cadmium, and mercury in 38 ALS... more
Exposure to neurotoxic chemicals such as pesticides, selenium, and heavy metals have been suggested to play a role in the etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We assessed exposure to lead, cadmium, and mercury in 38 ALS patients (16 men and 22 females) and 38 hospital-admitted controls by using their cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) content as biomarker. We determined CSF heavy metal levels with inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry, according to a methodology specifically developed for this biological matrix. ALS patients had higher median values for Pb (155 vs. 132ng/L) but lower levels for Cd (36 vs. 72ng/L) and Hg (196 vs. 217ng/L). In the highest tertile of exposure, ALS odds ratio was 1.39 (95% CI 0.48-4.25) for Pb, 0.29 (0.08-1.04) for Cd and 3.03 (0.52-17.55) for Hg; however, no dose-response relation emerged. Results were substantially confirmed after conducting various sensitivity analyses, and after stratification for age and sex. Though interpret...
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A new method of simultaneous redox speciation of iron (II/III), manganese (II/III), and copper (I/II) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been designed. For the separation of redox species strong cation exchange chromatography (SCX) with... more
A new method of simultaneous redox speciation of iron (II/III), manganese (II/III), and copper (I/II) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been designed. For the separation of redox species strong cation exchange chromatography (SCX) with isocratic elution was employed. Species were detected using inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry (ICP-sf-MS), operating at medium resolution. The following parameters were optimized: analytical column, eluent composition and pH, CSF injection volume and dilution factor. Analytical column Dionex IonPac CS5A RFIC 4*250 mm was found to retain and separate species of interest the most effectively under the isocratic elution with a buffer, containing 50 mM ammonium citrate, 7.0 mM pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid at pH = 4.2 and flow rate of 0.8 L min(-1). Injection volume of 50 μL with CSF sample dilution of 1/3 (v/v) with the eluent was shown to result in minimal matrix suppression. For species identification, retention time matching wi...
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The current paradigm regarding sodium handling in animals and humans postulates that total body sodium is regulated predominately via regulation of extracellular volume. Active sodium storage independent of volume retention is thought to... more
The current paradigm regarding sodium handling in animals and humans postulates that total body sodium is regulated predominately via regulation of extracellular volume. Active sodium storage independent of volume retention is thought to be negligible. However, studies in animals, hypertensive patients and healthy humans suggest non-osmotic storage of sodium in skin. We hypothesized that tissue sodium concentrations ([Na]T) found in humans vary and reflect regulation due to variable glycosaminoglycan content due to variable expression of XYLT-1. 27 patients on dialysis and 21 living kidney transplant donors free of clinically detectable edema were studied. During surgery, abdominal skin, muscle and arteries were biopsied. [Na]T was determined by inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry, semiquantitative glycosaminoglycan content with Alcian stain, XYLT-1 expression by real-time PCR. [Na]T of arteries were ranging between 0.86 and 9.83 g/kg wet weight and were signi...
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Tracer kinetics in healthy human volunteers was studied applying stable isotopes of cerium citrate to obtain biokinetic human data for the urinary excretion of cerium. These data were then used to compare and validate the biokinetic model... more
Tracer kinetics in healthy human volunteers was studied applying stable isotopes of cerium citrate to obtain biokinetic human data for the urinary excretion of cerium. These data were then used to compare and validate the biokinetic model for lanthanides (cerium) proposed by Taylor and Leggett (Radiat Prot Dosim 105:193-198, 2003), which is substantially improved and more realistic than the biokinetic model currently recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP Publication 67, 1993); both models are primarily based on animal data. In the present study, 16 adults were investigated and two cerium tracers were simultaneously administered, both intravenously and/or orally. The cerium concentrations in urine were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Ingested cerium citrate was poorly absorbed, and its low excretion was similar to the prediction of the biokinetic model of Taylor and Leggett. In contrast, after injection of cerium citr...
Research Interests: Kinetics, Biological Sciences, Humans, Female, Male, and 4 moreYoung Adult, Middle Aged, Adult, and Cerium
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Nitric oxide is an important signalling molecule which is involved in many different physiological processes in plants. Here we report about a NO-fixing mechanism in Arabidopsis, which allows the fixation of atmospheric NO into nitrogen... more
Nitric oxide is an important signalling molecule which is involved in many different physiological processes in plants. Here we report about a NO-fixing mechanism in Arabidopsis, which allows the fixation of atmospheric NO into nitrogen metabolism. We fumigated Arabidopsis plants cultivated in soil or as hydroponic cultures during the whole growing period with up to 3 ppmv of NO gas. Transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic analyses were used to identify non-symbiotic hemoglobin proteins as key components of the NO-fixing process. Overexpressing non-symbiotic hemoglobin 1 or 2 genes resulted in four-fold higher nitrate levels in these plants compared to NO-treated wild-type. Correspondingly, rosettes size and weight, vegetative shoot thickness and seed yield were 25%, 40%, 30%, and 50% higher, respectively, than in wild-type plants. Fumigation with 250 ppbv (15) NO confirmed the importance of non-symbiotic hemoglobin 1 and 2 for the NO-fixation pathway and we calculated a daily upt...
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Seleno amino acids have been identified in SEC fractions of human milk and quantified by capillary electrophoresis. For this purpose different CE-methods have been developed to separate these seleno amino acids (Se-R-NH3) from other... more
Seleno amino acids have been identified in SEC fractions of human milk and quantified by capillary electrophoresis. For this purpose different CE-methods have been developed to separate these seleno amino acids (Se-R-NH3) from other molecules with similar molecular weights. Besides, methods have been introduced for the exact identification of the analytes: These methods allow the identification of Se-R-NH3 in presence
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Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal and a serious environmental hazard to humans. Some uncertainties still exist about major sources of Cd exposure in non-occupationally exposed subjects in addition to cigarette smoking, such as diet and... more
Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal and a serious environmental hazard to humans. Some uncertainties still exist about major sources of Cd exposure in non-occupationally exposed subjects in addition to cigarette smoking, such as diet and outdoor air pollution. We sought to determine the influence of these sources on a biomarker of exposure, serum Cd concentration. We recruited 51 randomly selected residents from an Italian urban community, from whom we obtained detailed information about dietary habits and smoking habits, and a blood sample for serum Cd determination. We also assessed outdoor air Cd exposure, by modeling outdoor air levels of particulate matter ≤10µm (PM10) from motorized traffic at geocoded subjects' residence. In crude analysis, regression beta coefficients for dietary Cd, smoking and PM10 on serum Cd levels were 0.03 (95% CI -0.83 to 0.88), 6.96 (95% CI -0.02 to 13.95) and 0.62 (95% CI -0.19 to 1.43), respectively. In the adjusted analysis, regression beta coefficients were -0.34 (95% CI -1-40 to 0.71), 5.81 (95% CI -1.43 to 13.04) and 0.47 (95% CI -0.35 to 1.29), respectively. Cigarette smoking was the most important factor influencing serum Cd in our non-occupationally exposed population, as expected, while dietary Cd was not associated with this biomarker. Outdoor air pollution, as assessed through exposure to particulate matter generated by motorized traffic, was an additional source of Cd exposure.
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The aim of this study was to measure titanium (Ti) content in human jawbones and to show that Ti was released from dental implants inserted into these jawbones. Seven samples from four human subjects with dental implants were analysed as... more
The aim of this study was to measure titanium (Ti) content in human jawbones and to show that Ti was released from dental implants inserted into these jawbones. Seven samples from four human subjects with dental implants were analysed as test group and six bone samples of similar topographical regions from six human subjects without implants served as control. The contents of various elements in human jawbones were detected by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The distributions of various isotopes in human mandibular bone were measured with laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Histological analyses of undecalcified, Giemsa-Eosin stained mandible sections were performed by light microscopy and particles were identified in human bone marrow by scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray analysis. In test group only Ti content was significantly higher compared to control group. The mean contents of Ti were 1940μg/kg i...
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Genetic predisposition and environmental factors act in concert in the pathogenesis of multi-factorial diseases. Selenoproteins represent fundamental antioxidative systems for the maintenance of cellular redox homeostasis, which is... more
Genetic predisposition and environmental factors act in concert in the pathogenesis of multi-factorial diseases. Selenoproteins represent fundamental antioxidative systems for the maintenance of cellular redox homeostasis, which is altered in various disease processes. Optimal function of selenoproteins requires availability of sufficient amounts of the essential trace element selenium, but in many countries the nutritive selenium supply is regarded insufficient. Supplemental selenium has been shown to have cancer-protective effects in a variety of experimental settings and clinical studies. Pancreatic carcinoma has so far not been tested as an end-point in such studies. We thus investigated the influence of supplemental nutritive selenium on pancreatic carcinogenesis in selenium-deficient animals by use of a genetically defined disease model. Over a period of 800 days, all animals (n = 131) in the study developed tumours. Within this time, the mean total tumour latency was not influenced by the selenium status (471 versus 472 days). Also, the mean latency of pancreatic carcinomas (n = 83) was not influenced (464 versus 466 days). In contrast, the percentage of pancreatic tumors within all tumours was lower in the selenium-deficient group (55 versus 70%). A highly significant difference in the differentiation grade of the pancreatic tumours was evident between the two groups: selenium-deficient mice (n = 33) developed predominantly undifferentiated anaplastic carcinomas (26 anaplastic versus 7 differentiated), whereas in the selenium-supplemented group (n = 50) mainly well-differentiated carcinomas were detected (20 anaplastic versus 30 differentiated). These data point at a new role of the trace element selenium in carcinogenesis.
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Mercury (Hg) exposure from artisanal gold mining has adverse effects on the neuromotor function in adults. However, few studies have examined this relationship in children. To investigate the impact of Hg exposure on... more
Mercury (Hg) exposure from artisanal gold mining has adverse effects on the neuromotor function in adults. However, few studies have examined this relationship in children. To investigate the impact of Hg exposure on children's neuromotor function. Cross-sectional data on Hg risk factors and demographics were collected from n = 288 children (response = 68.9%). Based on complete cases (CCs) (n = 130) and multiple imputations (n = 288), associations between fingernail Hg and four different neuromotor function components were calculated using multiple logistic regression adjusted for confounders. Of the children, 11.1, 14.9, 63.9, and 10.4% had pathologic pure motor skills, adaptive fine motor skills, adaptive gross motor skills, and static balance, respectively. No significant association between fingernail Hg and any neuromotor component was found. However, Hg burning in the household was significantly associated with children's pathologic pure motor skills (OR 3.07 95% CI 1.03-9.18). Elemental Hg exposure in the household might have adverse long-term effects on children's pure motor skills.
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Iron deficiency is a common complication in patients with IBD and oral iron therapy is suggested to exacerbate IBD symptoms. We performed an open-labelled clinical trial to compare the effects of per oral (PO) versus intravenous (IV) iron... more
Iron deficiency is a common complication in patients with IBD and oral iron therapy is suggested to exacerbate IBD symptoms. We performed an open-labelled clinical trial to compare the effects of per oral (PO) versus intravenous (IV) iron replacement therapy (IRT). The study population included patients with Crohn's disease (CD; N=31), UC (N=22) and control subjects with iron deficiency (non-inflamed, NI=19). After randomisation, participants received iron sulfate (PO) or iron sucrose (IV) over 3 months. Clinical parameters, faecal bacterial communities and metabolomes were assessed before and after intervention. Both PO and IV treatments ameliorated iron deficiency, but higher ferritin levels were observed with IV. Changes in disease activity were independent of iron treatment types. Faecal samples in IBD were characterised by marked interindividual differences, lower phylotype richness and proportions of Clostridiales. Metabolite analysis also showed separation of both UC and ...
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Human milk was collected between the 2nd and 7th day after delivery from different women, pooled and separated into fat, proteins and low molecular weight (LMW) substances by centrifugation. The fatty share was rejected, the remaining two... more
Human milk was collected between the 2nd and 7th day after delivery from different women, pooled and separated into fat, proteins and low molecular weight (LMW) substances by centrifugation. The fatty share was rejected, the remaining two fractions were further separated by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) as described in (1), and analyzed for zinc (Zn). The HPLC-method was checked for stability of organo-metal complexes. Only bi-distilled water served as mobile phase during HPLC in order to maintain the Zn/organic molecule-complex intact and to avoid unnecessary contamination sources. Among milk proteins, zinc was associated with casein, albumin, lactoferrin, and metallothionein, whereas among LMW substances a zinc peak could be observed exclusively with citrate. The identity of citrate and proteins was verified with comparable HPLC runs of standard solutions, by citrate-specific examination of HPLC fractions and by isoelectric focusing (IEF) of collected HPLC fractions. Furthermore, native human milk, as well as fractions of proteins and LMW substances (with and without HPLC separation), were quantified with regard to total content of zinc, protein and citrate. No loss of substances was found. In human milk, zinc is primarily bound to citrate (approximately 3200 micrograms/L of Zn in pooled human milk = 95%), and only about 5% of the total amount of zinc is attached to proteins (approximately 150 micrograms/L of Zn in pooled human milk). Determination of citrate content in human milk used in this study yielded values approximately twice as high as data cited in the literature (325-655 mg/L compared with 95-270 mg/L, (2,3)).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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A method for preparative separation of proteins from human breast milk was developed, which preserved the intactness of metal-protein complexes as well as keeping the sample injection and fraction harvesting free of Cd-contamination.... more
A method for preparative separation of proteins from human breast milk was developed, which preserved the intactness of metal-protein complexes as well as keeping the sample injection and fraction harvesting free of Cd-contamination. Preliminary, incomplete separation was performed on a TSK 60 x 4 mm ID column, in order to check the retention time of the Cd-protein complex in relation to the elution times of protein standards. The Cd-profiles were determined by DPASV (differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry) and showed concentrations below 100 ng/L (detection limit) except in the fraction 55-59 min, where about 1 microgram/L of Cd in human milk was determined. This Cd-elution time was in accordance with the retention of the metallothionein (Mt) standard (57 min) of the above mentioned column. Further attempts to identify the protein nature of the Cd-species were carried out by isoelectric focusing. The "Mt-fraction" of breast milk was focused and the resulting distribution profile compared to the profile of the Mt-standard. Good correspondence was achieved. Further investigation will be based on the use of a more efficient column (TSK 1000 x 8 mm ID) for separation and further identification of the Cd-species.
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The trace element selenium has an essential role for human health. It is involved in redox center functions, and it is related to the immune system response. Legumes are among the main suppliers of selenium into the human food chain. Not... more
The trace element selenium has an essential role for human health. It is involved in redox center functions, and it is related to the immune system response. Legumes are among the main suppliers of selenium into the human food chain. Not only Se concentration as such but also more the chemical species of Se is of higher importance for successful Se supply to the human diet and its bioavailability. The current study was focused on the investigation of the Se species present in chickpea plants exposed to 0, 10, 25, 50, and 100 μM selenite in short- and long-term treatment studies. The linear increase of total Se concentration could be linked to the increased concentrations of Se exposure. The selenium species (SeMet, SeCys, selenite, selenate, GPx) detected in varying concentrations in shoots and roots depend on the exposure's concentration and duration. The investigation showed that chickpea can accumulate Se in favorable concentrations and its transformation to bioavailable Se s...