Search Results (250)

Background: Dromedary camel in Saudi Arabia thrive across diverse desert ecosystems where trace minerals are vital for key physiological functions, yet data on how regional and seasonal factors affect these minerals in dams and neonates are limited. Aim: This study investigated the effects of regional and seasonal variability on trace mineral status in dam serum (DS), dam milk (DM), and neonatal serum (NS) across major camel-rearing regions of Saudi Arabia. We hypothesized that environmental factors—particularly heat stress and local feed resources—drive regional and seasonal differences in mineral profiles and maternal–neonatal transfer. Methods: Samples of serum, milk, feed, water, and soil were collected from five major regions during three seasons. Concentrations of selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and iodine (I) were quantified, and correlations among biological compartments were analyzed. Meteorological data were used to compute the temperature-humidity index (THI). Results: The THI ranged from thermoneutral levels in the Northern winter (17.4) to severe heat stress in Eastern summer (33.8). Milk minerals exhibited strong seasonal and regional effects, with selenium peaking in summer and zinc in spring. Western dams showed elevated iron and iodine, whereas northern dams had higher zinc. Serum minerals in dams varied moderately with season but differed regionally for zinc, selenium, and iron. Neonatal serum reflected maternal and regional influences, showing significant season-by-region interactions for selenium and iodine. Positive correlations indicated coordinated maternal–neonatal mineral transfer, particularly for selenium, iodine, and zinc. Feed represented the main environmental source of Cu and Se. In conclusion, camel trace mineral status is mainly driven by environmental factors but regulated through maternal transfer, with selenium and iodine emerging as key heat-stress markers supporting targeted, region- and season-specific supplementation to improve health and productivity in arid regions. Full article

Micronutrient deficiencies are not always present in individuals independently and may occur in association with other deficiency processes. Objective: Verify the association between the nutritional status of iodine and that of iron, selenium, and zinc in population studies. Methods: A bibliographic search was carried out in Medline, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases, without date and language restrictions, using English search terms and their synonyms. The search terms were joined by the Boolean operator AND while the respective synonyms were connected by OR following the PRISMA guidelines. Results: A total of 40 articles were included. The studies were published between 1993 and 2025, mostly involving both sexes and the main age groups were children and adolescents. Among the micronutrients analyzed, selenium stood out, being evaluated in 55.0% (n = 22) of the studies, followed by iron in 37.5% (n = 15) and zinc in 27.5% (n = 11). The most commonly used methods for assessing nutritional status were serum selenium, followed by urinary selenium. For iron, hemoglobin, ferritin, and serum iron were used in 73.3% (n = 11), 60.0% (n = 9), and 46.7% (n = 7) of the studies, respectively. For zinc, serum concentration was the most frequently used method; however, in one study, urinary zinc was evaluated. Overall, the nutritional status of iodine was associated with that of selenium, iron, and zinc, although this trend was not observed in some studies. Conclusions: The coexistence of deficiency processes in an individual still needs to be further elucidated. Combined strategies that effectively combat, prevent, and treat these micronutrient deficiencies must consider the possible interactions between them. Full article

Background: A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens that obscures the passage of light, effectively reducing clarity and sharpness of vision. Although this disease can affect both children and adults, the most common type is the age-related cataract (ARC). The literature describes many potential agents associated with cataract development. However, this study focuses on modifiable factors, especially nutritional ones and those that may induce oxidative stress. The objective of the present study was to assess serum selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) concentrations, as well as the copper/zinc molar ratio (Cu/Zn molar ratio), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI), of patients with ARC in relation to their dietary habits. Methods: A total of 68 patients with ARC and 64 healthy volunteers, with ages ranging from 48 to 92 years, were included in this study. The experimental material collected from the participants consisted of blood samples, which were tested for Se, Cu, and Zn concentrations using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Oxidative stress (OS) parameters, such as TAS and TOS, were estimated spectrophotometrically. In addition, a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to collect information on the dietary habits of ARC patients. Results: Statistical analysis of the data revealed that the concentrations of Se, Cu, and Zn in serum were significantly lower in ARC patients compared to the controls. In the ARC group, some elements of dietary behavior had a significant effect on the levels of the examined elements and OS parameters. Conclusions: Thus, eventual alterations to one’s diet appear to be worth considering in the context of maintaining homeostasis and adequate mineral levels in ARC patients. Full article

Two experiments evaluated the effects of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) injection on body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), pregnancy rate, ovarian traits, and antioxidant and inflammatory responses of beef heifers. In Exp. 1, 29 heifers were assigned to having saline or CuZn (a solution containing 15 and 50 mg/mL of Cu and Zn) subcutaneously injected (5 mL/heifer) 9 days before artificial insemination. Exp. 2 was conducted to increase the statistical power to evaluate pregnancy rate, and 283 heifers were assigned to either the saline or CuZn group. In Exp. 1, CuZn heifers tended (p ≤ 0.10) to gain more BW and to have greater corpus luteum size and plasma concentration of glutathione peroxidase. No effects of treatment were detected (p ≥ 0.18) for BCS; estrus score; serum concentration of Cu, Zn, and cortisol; and plasma concentration of haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, and superoxide dismutase. In Exp. 2, CuZn heifers had greater (p < 0.01) BW and serum Cu. The CuZn heifers with low BCS had greater (p ≤ 0.05) estrus scores and tended (p = 0.10) to have greater pregnancy rates. Thus, injecting CuZn may be an effective strategy to enhance growth, reproductive performance, and antioxidant responses in heifers, especially when their BCS is below 5. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary nano-selenium (Se-NP), nano-zinc (Zn-NP), and their combination, on the performance of Ossimi ewes and their offspring. Twenty-eight pregnant Ossimi ewes were randomly allotted to one of four equal experimental groups. The ewes were fed a basal diet with the addition of 0.3 mg selenium nanoparticles (Se-NP), 30 mg zinc (Zn-NP), or 0.3 mg Se-NP plus 30 mg Zn-NP (SZ-NP)/kg DM. The results showed that nutrient digestibility, nutritive values, milk yield, and fat corrected milk, as well as milk constituents yields, were improved (p < 0.05) for ewes fed Se-NP, Zn-NP, or SZ-NP vs. the control one. As well, lambs’ birth weight, final body weight, and average daily gain were increased (p < 0.05). Serum immunoglobulin G, total protein, albumin, globulin, and glucose values were higher (p < 0.05); however, serum cholesterol level tended to be decreased. Ewes and their respective lambs in the Se-NP, Zn-NP, or SZ-NP groups had lower (p < 0.05) urea concentrations and liver enzyme activity than the control. Thyroid hormones, total antioxidant capacity, and glutathione peroxidase activity were higher (p < 0.05) in the Se-NP-, Zn-NP-, or SZ-NP-fed groups. This improvement was accompanied by favored growth performance, immune function, and overall health in their suckling lambs, with selenium being more effective than zinc. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of selenium, zinc nanoparticles, or their combination can be an effective strategy to enhance productivity and health in ewes and their offspring. Full article

Background and Objective: Thyroid cancer (TC) represents the most common group of endocrine tumors, and its incidence has increased over the last four decades. The imbalance of trace elements, such as zinc (Zn), has been investigated due to the thyroid’s sensitivity to these elements. Zn is essential for thyroid hormone action and may be involved in the pathogenesis of TC. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to contribute to the discussion on the association between low serum Zn concentrations and the occurrence of TC. Materials and Methods: The search was carried out in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, LILACS and Web of Science databases, including observational studies published until December 2024. The primary outcome was low serum Zn concentration and the occurrence of TC. Three independent reviewers selected the studies and extracted the data from the original publications. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Data analysis was performed using R software (V.4.3.1), and heterogeneity was calculated using the I² statistic, with results based on random effects models. Results: A total of 10 studies (n = 7 case–control and n = 3 cross-sectional) with sample sizes ranging from 44 to 294 individuals were included. The results indicated that serum Zn levels were not significantly lower in patients with TC compared with healthy controls (mean difference: −251.77; 95% confidence interval: −699.09, 195.54; I² = 100%, very low certainty). Conclusions: Further investigations, including rigorously designed observational studies with representative samples and improved control of potential confounding variables are indispensable. Full article

Dromedary camels raised under semi-extensive management can act as One Health sentinels for environmental exposures and food chain surveillance, yet serum reference information remains scarce. Our objective was to provide the most comprehensive assessment to date of physiological and toxicological serum profiles in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) from the Canary Islands. We included 114 clinically healthy animals of different sex, age, and reproductive status. Serum samples were analyzed for essential, toxic, and potentially toxic elements using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In addition, a high-throughput multi-residue method based on QuEChERS extraction followed by UHPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS was used to screen for 360 organic compounds, including pesticides, veterinary drugs, human pharmaceuticals, and persistent organic pollutants. Essential elements showed biologically consistent variations according to sex, age group, and pregnancy status. Males had higher levels of selenium and copper, while calves showed elevated concentrations of manganese and zinc. Pregnant females exhibited lower iron, zinc, and selenium levels, consistent with increased fetal demand. These results provide preliminary reference values for healthy camels, stratified by physiological status. In contrast, classical toxic elements such as arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium were found at very low or undetectable concentrations. Several potentially toxic elements, including barium, strontium, and rare earth elements, were detected sporadically but without toxicological concern. Only 13 organic compounds (3.6%) were detected in any sample, and concentrations were consistently low. The most prevalent was the PAH acenaphthene (55.3%), followed by the fungicide procymidone and the PAH fluorene. Notably, no residues of the usually detected 4,4′-DDE or PCB congeners were found in any sample. These findings confirm the low environmental and dietary exposure of camels under low-intensity farming systems and highlight their value as sentinel species for food safety and environmental monitoring. Full article

Microminerals such as cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iodine (I), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) play key roles in cattle health. However, trace element imbalances are often underdiagnosed. This study retrospectively analyzed serum samples from 1273 cows across 117 herds in Spain, encompassing conventional dairy (n = 46), pasture-based dairy (n = 11), organic dairy (n = 25), and semi-extensive beef (n = 35) systems. Trace elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). All herds were investigated for clinical or productive issues where mineral deficiencies were suspected. Significant differences were found in serum trace mineral concentrations between production systems. Adequacy rates were highest in conventional dairy herds receiving routine mineral supplementation, while deficiencies in Se, I, and Cu were frequently detected in pasture-based, organic, and beef herds. Zinc deficiencies were rare and typically involved complex, combined deficiencies. At the farm level, multielement deficiencies (≥3 elements) were detected in 39–45% of organic, pasture-based, and beef herds, but in only 5% of conventional dairy herds (p < 0.001). Principal component and cluster analyses produced consistent groupings of minerals according to dietary supplementation and soil-driven exposure. These findings highlight the increased vulnerability of low-input systems to complex micromineral imbalances and underline the importance of system-adapted mineral-monitoring and supplementation strategies in herd health management. However, as the study is based on diagnostic submissions rather than a randomized herd survey, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to potential selection bias. Full article

Background/Objectives: Canine intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) is an important musculoskeletal pathology. Unlike in humans, IVDH mechanisms in dogs are underinvestigated from a system-level integrative omics point of view. The aim of this study was to identify key serum molecular players in canine IVDH. Methods: An integrative multi-omics approach combining high-resolution LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics and tandem mass tag (TMT)-based proteomics was applied. Additionally, serum zinc concentration was determined by spectrophotometry. Results: Nineteen serum metabolites were differentially abundant in IVDH dogs. Metabolite analysis highlighted dysregulation in lipoic acid and branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism, with elevated levels of valine, leucine, and isoleucine in IVDH. These findings suggest disrupted energy, nitrogen, and neurotransmitter metabolism, potentially contributing to the IVDH pathophysiology. Additionally, lower serum uridine, possibly influenced by BCAA accumulation, was observed, indicating altered neuroinflammatory responses. ELISA validation confirmed elevated serum levels of zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG), alpha-1-microglobulin/bikunin precursor (AMBP), and vitronectin (VTN) in IVDH, supporting immune modulation and neuroprotective mechanisms. Serum prekallikrein (KLKB1) and Protein C inhibitor (SERPINA5), involved in fibrin cloth formation, were found to be lowered in IVDH patients. Pathway enrichment revealed disturbances in aromatic amino acid biosynthesis, with elevated phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan influencing neurotransmission and inflammation. In addition, elevated serum Zn concentration emphasized its antioxidant importance in immune response, wound healing, and neuropathic pain signaling. Conclusions: Integration with our prior CSF multi-omics data reinforced the relevance of identified molecules in IVDH-associated neurodegeneration, inflammation, and repair processes. This study offers insight into potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for canine IVDH through serum-based molecular profiling. Full article

The production and reproduction of small ruminants, such as sheep and goats, living under extensive range-grazing conditions may be influenced by the availability of nutrients and the mineral content of forage. This study evaluated the biodistribution of calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na) and zinc (Zn) in whole blood, serum, blood clots, plasma, plasma sediments and hair in sheep and goats. Forty clinically healthy, nonpregnant female sheep and goats were enrolled in the study. Hair and blood samples were performed in duplicate to assess mineral concentration in biological substrates using a Thermo Scientific iCAP- Q ICP-MS spectrometer (Omaha, Ne, USA). Higher levels of Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, and Na were observed in blood and blood clots than in serum, plasma, plasma sediments and hair in sheep and goats. A significant effect of species was observed for all the bioactive element concentrations in the investigated substrates (p < 0.05). The results revealed positive correlations between serum and plasma for all investigated elements in sheep (p < 0.0001) and for Mn and Na in goats (p < 0.001), as well as between serum and blood for Ca, Fe, Mg and Mn in sheep (p < 0.0001) and for Ca and Mn in goats (p < 0.001). Plasma and blood showed a positive correlation for Ca, Fe, and Mn (p < 0.001) in sheep, and for Fe, Mn, Na, and Zn (p < 0.0001) in goats. These findings elucidate differences in biodistribution between sheep and goats, offering valuable insights for livestock production. Full article

Clostridium perfringens is a major cause of necrotizing enteritis in chickens. This study aimed to investigate the effects of zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnO-QDs) on growth performance, redox status, and gut microbiota in broilers challenged with C. perfringens. A total of 320 1-day-old chicks were divided into five groups: negative control (NC) without treatment; positive control (PC) infected with C. perfringens; and the other three groups (40, 80, and 120 Zn) were given ZnO-QDs at doses of 40, 80, and 120 mg/kg, respectively, under C. perfringens infection, respectively. The results show that, compared to the NC group, the PC group exhibited negative effects on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and antioxidant status in broilers. However, compared to the PC group, 120 mg Zn increased (p < 0.05) the body weight of broilers at 21 days, while 40 mg Zn reduced (p < 0.05) serum diamine oxidase activity. The intestinal macroscopic evaluation showed that the PC group had the highest lesion scores, whereas the 120 mg Zn group exhibited the lowest lesion score. Meanwhile, compared to the PC group, the 40 mg Zn group had higher (p < 0.05) CAT and GPX activities and a lower (p < 0.05) MDA concentration. Moreover, the 40 mg Zn group up-regulated (p < 0.05) the gene expression of Cathelicidin-1, IL-10, Claudin-1, and MLCK in the jejunum. Furthermore, the 120 mg Zn group increased (p < 0.05) the abundance of Blautia, Parasutterella, and Lachnospiraceae FCS020 in the cecum. In conclusion, ZnO-QDs exerted a beneficial effect on improving growth performance and overall health in broilers under C. perfringens infection, potentially by regulating redox balance and gut microbiota. Full article

Background: Acne vulgaris, a prevalent inflammatory skin disorder, stems from factors like Cutibacterium acnes overgrowth, inflammation dysregulation, and immune dysfunction. Clinically, acne severity inversely correlates with serum zinc (Zn) levels, and oral Zn supplementation shows efficacy. Lactic acid bacteria are capable of converting inorganic Zn into organic forms via biological transformation, potentially generating Zn-enriched bacteria as superior Zn delivery vehicles. Methods: In this study, a Zn-deficient acne mouse model was established through dietary Zn restriction combined with intradermal C. acnes injection. The therapeutic effects of orally administered Zn-containing supplements, including Zn-enriched Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum CCFM1195 (Zn-CCFM1195), were systematically evaluated through multiple parameters: histopathological evaluation of skin lesions, cutaneous inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, serum Zn concentration, and gene expression levels of pathway-associated proteins. Results: Induction of C. acnes led to decreased serum Zn levels (14.98 μmol/L in Control vs. 9.71 μmol/L in Model) and skin metallothionein content, causing Zn imbalance. Zn deficiency caused increased levels of lesion elevation (9.23 in Model vs. 10.53 in Zn-deficient Model), IL-17A, TNF-α, and MMP9 in skin, thereby exacerbating the inflammatory response in C. acnes-induced mice. Zn supplementation alleviated inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in Zn-deficient acne-like mice. Notably, inactivated Zn-CCFM1195 exhibited superior efficacy to ZnSO₄, significantly reducing lesion diameter and decreasing cutaneous levels of IL-1β, IL-17A, and MDA while enhancing GSH-Px activity. Similarly, viable Zn-CCFM1195 treatment significantly decreased IL-17A and enhanced GSH-Px activity compared with ZnSO₄ treatment. Furthermore, Zn supplementation downregulated the expression of TLR2, IκBα, and IKKβ, which may exert its anti-acne effect by regulating related pathways. Conclusions: Zn deficiency exacerbates skin inflammation, whereas Zn supplementation, particularly with Zn-CCFM1195, alleviates acne vulgaris through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Full article

In animal production, nanoparticulate zinc oxide exhibits synergistic antibacterial efficacy coupled with growth-promoting effects, positioning itself as a novel antibiotic alternative with enhanced biosafety profiles. However, its dose-dependent toxicity poses challenges. Objective: The experimental design sought to quantify the protective effects of dietary rutin against zinc-overload-induced damage. Methods: A zinc-overload murine model was established by giving high-dose ZnO nanoparticles (HZn, 5000 mg/kg/day) for 21 days. Mice were then fed rutin at doses of 300, 600, or 1200 mg/kg. Body weight, relative organ indexes, zinc concentrations, serum enzyme activities, and tissue-level indicators of apoptosis, autophagy, mitochondrial function, and antioxidant capacity were measured. Results: The results showed that rutin could not reverse HZn-induced body weight decline but improved relative organ indexes in liver and kidney. It alleviated HZn-induced cell damage and enhanced antioxidant capacity in jejunum and serum through Nrf2 activation, without inhibiting HZn-induced zinc elevation. Conclusions: Rutin, especially at 600 mg/kg, can partially restore hepatic function and organ index and mitigate HZn-induced hepatic and jejunal injuries. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of global mortality. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs)—such as acute myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure—are critical endpoints in the clinical research. The existing research has shown metal ions are important regulators of cardiovascular functioning, and defective metal handling may be associated with an increased risk of CVD. This study examines the association of the plasma/serum levels of magnesium, copper, and zinc with MACE incidence and the prevalence of circulatory system diseases, by using electronic health records from a subset of the Scottish population. Methods: We categorised individuals by high, low, or normal plasma/serum metal levels, and calculated the percentage of those who subsequently developed a MACE, identified using related International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes from hospital admission records. Logistic regression was employed to analyse the association between pre-event metal ion levels and the development of specific circulatory system disease subgroups. Results: This study found abnormal magnesium, high copper, and low zinc were associated with a higher risk of developing MACEs. Low magnesium, high copper, or low zinc were associated with increased risks of various circulatory diseases, with specific variations, like low copper increasing venous and lymphatic disease risk. Conclusions: Our findings suggest abnormal plasma metal profiles are associated with the development of MACEs and circulatory disease events, underscoring the importance of monitoring plasma metal levels for cardiovascular risk management and prevention. Full article

Aronia is a fruit that has become increasingly popular in recent years. Numerous health-promoting effects resulting from consumption have been indicated, including the possibility of using aronia as a functional food in the prevention and support of therapy for various ailments. For the first time, we assessed the effects of the impact of a 90-day nutritional intervention on the level of selected minerals in the serum of women (n = 67) and men (n = 35). The consumption of 100 mL of juice for 60 days resulted in a significant increase in the levels of copper, manganese, and selenium. The addition of 10 g of aronia fiber resulted in a further increase in the concentration of these elements with antioxidant properties. An interesting observation is that the concentration of zinc decreased, which may indicate the operation of compensatory mechanisms. The above results indicate that regular consumption of aronia bio-products may have a beneficial effect on the concentration of microelements in the serum. Full article