Aluminum alters NMDA receptor 1A and 2A/B expression on neonatal hippocampal neurons in rats

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>High aluminum (Al) content in certain infant formula raises the concern of possible Al toxicity on brain development of neonates during their vulnerable period of growing. Results of in vivo study showed that Al content of brain tissues reached to 74 μM when oral intake up to 1110 μM, 10 times of that in the hi-Al infant formula.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Utilizing a cultured neuron cells in vitro model, we have assessed Al influence on neuronal specific gene expression alteration by immunoblot and immunohistochemistry and neural proliferation rate changes by MTT assay.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Microscopic images showed that the neurite outgrowth of hippocampal neurons increased along with the Al dosages (37, 74 μM Al (AlCl₃)). MTT results also indicated that Al increased neural cell viability. On the other hand, the immunocytochemistry staining suggested that the protein expressions of NMDAR 1A and NMDAR 2A/B decreased with the Al dosages (p < 0.05).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Treated hippocampal neurons with 37 and 74 μM of Al for 14 days increased neural cell viability, but hampered NMDAR 1A and NMDAR 2A/B expressions. It was suggested that Al exposure might alter the development of hippocampal neurons in neonatal rats.</p

Alterations of trace elements and oxidative stress in uremic patients with dementia,”

Abstract The present study was conducted to compare the trace elements and oxidative status between uremic patients with and without dementia. Chronic hemodialysis patients with dementia (n=20) and without dementia (n=25), and age-matched healthy volunteers (n=20) were enrolled. The nutritional status, blood levels of trace elements aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe), malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl production, antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities were measured. No significant difference in nutritional status or clinical characteristics was observed between nondementia and dementia patients. However, uremic patients with dementia have significantly higher Al, Cu, and Mg and lower Zn concentrations, as well as increased Cu/Zn ratio in comparison to nondementia patients. There were statistically significant increased MDA and carbonyl production and decreased GPx and GR activities in dementia patients. Furthermore, the significant associations of Al, Mg, and Cu/Zn ratio with oxidative status in patients with dementia were noted. The dementia may initially worsen with abnormal metabolism of trace elements and oxidative stress occurrence. Our results suggest that abnormalities in trace element levels are associated with oxidative stress and may be a major risk factor in the dementia development of uremic patients

MINERAL STATUS AND CALCIUM METABOLISM OF RENAL DISEASE PATIENTS UNDERGOING CONTINUOUS AMBULATORY PERITONEAL DIALYSIS (ABSORPTION, DIET, PHOSPHATE-BINDERS, FLUID)

Serum, peritoneal dialysate, and urine contents of phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, and copper were determined over a 6-month period in 10 renal disease patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Results indicated that serum phosphorus levels were on the high end of the normal range in CAPD patients who consumed aluminum-containing phosphate-binders. Compared to other studies, serum aluminum contents tended to be high in the CAPD patients. Serum calcium concentrations were normal to low. Serum levels of magnesium, zinc, and copper were all in the normal ranges. The dietary intakes of calcium, based on 24-hr recall, were low in the CAPD patients. However, the patients apparently absorbed significant amounts of calcium from the dialysis fluid. Little calcium was excreted in the urine by these patients. Daily excretion of phosphorus, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, and copper, calculated from the sum of urinary and dialysate values were lower than the daily urinary excretion of these minerals by normal persons. The rate of calcium-44 absorption was measured in three CAPD patients given two levels of calcium carbonate (CaCO(,3)) supplementation. In addition, the effects of calcium supplementation on status of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and copper was also investigated by examining the blood, peritoneal dialysate, urinary, and fecal contents of these minerals. The total amount of calcium absorbed tended to be higher when the higher-dose (HD) of CaCO(,3) was administered. Fecal and urinary calcium contents as well as estimated calcium balance increased with increased calcium intake. Plasma phosphorus levels were not changed by the calcium supplements. The higher fecal excretion of phosphorus in HD period indicated that CaCO(,3) acted as a phosphate-binder. Plasma levels of magnesium, zinc, and copper were all in the normal range. However, daily magnesium intake tended to be low, and fecal excretion of magnesium was enhanced by the high calcium intake

Effects of electrode gap and electric current on chlorine generation of electrolyzed deep ocean water

Electrolyzed water is a sustainable disinfectant, which can comply with food safety regulations and is environmental friendly. A two-factor central composite design was adopted for studying the effects of electrode gap and electric current on chlorine generation efficiency of electrolyzed deep ocean water. Deep ocean water was electrolyzed in a glass electrolyzing cell equipped with platinum-plated titanium anode and cathode in a constant-current operation mode. Results showed that current density, chlorine concentration, and electrolyte temperature increased with electric current, while electric efficiency decreased with electric current and electrode gap. An electrode gap of less than 11.7 mm, and a low electric current appeared to be a more energy efficient design and operation condition for the electrolysis system. Keywords: Chlorine, Deep ocean water, Electric efficiency, Electrolyzed seawater, Optimizatio

Effects of electrode gap and electric potential on chlorine generation of electrolyzed deep ocean water

Electrolyzed water is a sustainable disinfectant, which can comply with food safety regulations and is environmentally friendly. A two-factor central composite design was adopted for studying the effects of electrode gap and electric potential on chlorine generation efficiency of electrolyzed deep ocean water. Deep ocean water was electrolyzed in a glass electrolyzing cell equipped with platinum-plated titanium anode and cathode. Results showed high electric efficiency at a low cell potential, and a high current density and high chlorine concentration at a high cell potential and low electrode gap. Current efficiency of the system was not significantly affected by electrode gap and electric potential. A small electrode gap reduced the required cell potential and resulted in high energy efficiency. The optimal choice of electrode gap and cell potential depends on the chlorine level of the electrolyzed deep ocean water to be produced, and a small electrode gap is preferred

Effects of electrode settings on chlorine generation efficiency of electrolyzing seawater

Electrolyzed water has significant disinfection effects, can comply with food safety regulations, and is environmental friendly. We investigated the effects of immersion depth of electrodes, stirring, electrode size, and electrode gap on the properties and chlorine generation efficiency of electrolyzing seawater and its storage stability. Results indicated that temperature and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of the seawater increased gradually, whereas electrical conductivity decreased steadily in electrolysis. During the electrolysis process, pH values and electric currents also decreased slightly within small ranges. Additional stirring or immersing the electrodes deep under the seawater significantly increased current density without affecting its electric efficiency and current efficiency. Decreasing electrode size or increasing electrode gap decreased chlorine production and electric current of the process without affecting its electric efficiency and current efficiency. Less than 35% of chlorine in the electrolyzed seawater was lost in a 3-week storage period. The decrement trend leveled off after the 1st week of storage. The electrolyzing system is a convenient and economical method for producing high-chlorine seawater, which will have high potential applications in agriculture, aquaculture, or food processing

Effects of process conditions on chlorine generation and storage stability of electrolyzed deep ocean water

Electrolyzed water is a sustainable disinfectant, which can comply with food safety regulations and is environmentally friendly. We investigated the effects of platinum plating of electrode, electrode size, cell potential, and additional stirring on electrolysis properties of deep ocean water (DOW) and DOW concentration products. We also studied the relationships between quality properties of electrolyzed DOW and their storage stability. Results indicated that concentrating DOW to 1.7 times increased chlorine level in the electrolyzed DOW without affecting electric and current efficiencies of the electrolysis process. Increasing magnesium and potassium levels in DOW decreased chlorine level in the electrolyzed DOW as well as electric and current efficiencies of the electrolysis process. Additional stirring could not increase electrolysis efficiency of small electrolyzer. Large electrode, high electric potential and/or small electrolyzing cell increased chlorine production rate but decreased electric and current efficiencies. High electrolysis intensity decreased storage stability of the electrolyzed seawater and the effects of electrolysis on DOW gradually subsided in storage. DOW has similar electrolysis properties to surface seawater, but its purity and stability are better. Therefore, electrolyzed DOW should have better potential for applications on postharvest cleaning and disinfection of ready-to-eat fresh produce

Effects of electrolysis time and electric potential on chlorine generation of electrolyzed deep ocean water

Electrolyzed water is a sustainable disinfectant, which can comply with food safety regulations and is environmentally friendly. A two-factor central composite design was adopted for studying the effects of electrolysis time and electric potential on the chlorine generation efficiency of electrolyzed deep ocean water (DOW). DOW was electrolyzed in a glass electrolyzing cell equipped with platinum–plated titanium anode and cathode. The results showed that chlorine concentration reached maximal level in the batch process. Prolonged electrolysis reduced chlorine concentration in the electrolyte and was detrimental to electrolysis efficiency, especially under high electric potential conditions. Therefore, the optimal choice of electrolysis time depends on the electrolyzable chloride in DOW and cell potential adopted for electrolysis. The higher the electric potential, the faster the chlorine level reaches its maximum, but the lower the electric efficiency will be

Zinc Supplementation Alters Plasma Aluminum and Selenium Status of Patients Undergoing Dialysis: A Pilot Study

End stage renal disease patients undergoing long-term dialysis are at risk for abnormal concentrations of certain essential and non-essential trace metals and high oxidative stress. We evaluated the effects of zinc (Zn) supplementation on plasma aluminum (Al) and selenium (Se) concentrations and oxidative stress in chronic dialysis patients. Zn-deficient patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis were divided into two groups according to plasma Al concentrations (HA group, Al > 50 μg/L; and MA group, Al > 30 to ≤ 50 μg/L). All patients received daily oral Zn supplements for two months. Age- and gender-matched healthy individuals did not receive Zn supplement. Clinical variables were assessed before, at one month, and after the supplementation period. Compared with healthy subjects, patients had significantly lower baseline plasma Se concentrations and higher oxidative stress status. After two-month Zn treatment, these patients had higher plasma Zn and Se concentrations, reduced plasma Al concentrations and oxidative stress. Furthermore, increased plasma Zn concentrations were related to the concentrations of Al, Se, oxidative product malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase activities. In conclusion, Zn supplementation ameliorates abnormally high plasma Al concentrations and oxidative stress and improves Se status in long-term dialysis patients