BXD recombinant inbred mice as a model to study neurotoxicity

BXD recombinant inbred (RI) lines represent a genetic reference population derived from a cross between C57BL/6J mice (B6) and DBA/2J mice (D2), which through meiotic recombination events possesses recombinant chromosomes containing B6 or D2 haplotype segments. The quantitative trait loci (QTLs) are the locations of segregating genetic polymorphisms and are fundamental to understanding genetic diversity in human disease susceptibility and severity. QTL mapping represents the typical approach for identifying naturally occurring polymorphisms that influence complex phenotypes. In this process, genotypic values at markers of known genomic locations are associated with phenotypic values measured in a segregating population. Indeed, BXD RI strains provide a powerful tool to study neurotoxicity induced by different substances. In this review, we describe the use of BXD RI lines to understand the underlying mechanisms of neurotoxicity in response to ethanol and cocaine, as well as metals and pesticide exposures. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland

Arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead levels in hair and urine in first-year RUDN University students of different geographic origins

The objective of the present study was to assess the markers of arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead exposure in first-year RUDN University students of different geographic origins. A total of 274 first-year students of the RUDN University originating from Russia (n = 65), Asia (n = 57), Middle East (n = 84), Africa (n = 40), and Latin America (n = 28) were enrolled in the present study. Evaluation of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb levels in urine and hair was performed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The obtained data demonstrate that hair As levels in foreign students exceed that in Russian examinees. The highest Cd and Pb levels were detected in subjects from Africa and Latin America, whereas hair Hg content was significantly higher in Latin America students. Urinary Cd levels in foreign students exceeded those in Russian counterparts. In turn, the highest Hg concentration in urine was revealed in students originating from Middle East and especially Latin America. Urinary Pb levels were found to be the highest in students from Africa. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that Asian, African, and Latin American origins were considered as a significant predictor of hair Hg content. Higher urinary Hg levels were associated with Asia, Middle East, and Latin American origins. Prior habitation in Africa and Asia was considered as predictor of higher hair Pb and urinary Cd levels. The observed difference may be indicative of geographic difference in toxic metal exposure patterns. © 2020, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature

Relationship between anthropometric data, element status, and nutrition in Tajik schoolchildren

The aim of the study was to investigate the association between anthropometric data. clement and nutritional status of Tajik schoolchildren within the national school feeding program. A total of 283 schoolchildren aged 7 - 10 years old (141 boys and 142 girls) attending grades 1 - 4 in schools on the territory of the Republic of Tajikistan (Ayni district) were examined. The study included physical examination, interview, and the collection of anthropometric data. Analysis of hair trace element and mineral (Al, As, B, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, I, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Se, Si, Sn, V, Zn) content was performed using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The obtained data showed the significant positive correlation between the anthropometric parameters. nutritional and element status of the examined schoolchildren. The higher risk of Cu deficiency is a particular problem of child nutrition in the studied region. Micronutrient-fortified nutrition (WFP program) significantly improved anthropometric data and element status of Tajik schoolchildren within the WFP program

Relationship between anthropometric data, element status, and nutrition in Tajik schoolchildren

The aim of the study was to investigate the association between anthropometric data. clement and nutritional status of Tajik schoolchildren within the national school feeding program. A total of 283 schoolchildren aged 7 - 10 years old (141 boys and 142 girls) attending grades 1 - 4 in schools on the territory of the Republic of Tajikistan (Ayni district) were examined. The study included physical examination, interview, and the collection of anthropometric data. Analysis of hair trace element and mineral (Al, As, B, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, I, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Se, Si, Sn, V, Zn) content was performed using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The obtained data showed the significant positive correlation between the anthropometric parameters. nutritional and element status of the examined schoolchildren. The higher risk of Cu deficiency is a particular problem of child nutrition in the studied region. Micronutrient-fortified nutrition (WFP program) significantly improved anthropometric data and element status of Tajik schoolchildren within the WFP program

ИЗУЧЕНИЕ КОНЦЕНТРАЦИИ ХИМИЧЕСКИХ ЭЛЕМЕНТОВ В ВОЛОСАХ У ПАЦИЕНТОВ С ПСОРИАЗОМ

Correlation between the change of level of zinc, iron, copper, mercury and cobalt and with psoriatic lesions of the skin. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of primarily zinc on the skin. The obtained data are unique and require further research and analysis.Установлена взаимосвязь между изменением уровня цинка, железа, меди, ртути и кобальта и псориатическим поражением кожи. Целью данного исследования явилось изучение влияния, в первую очередь, цинка на кожные покровы. Полученные данные уникальны и требуют дальнейших исследований и анализа

The influence of fortified food products on dietary iron, iodine, and zinc content in Tajik schoolchildren [Влияние обогащённых продуктов на содержание железа, йода и цинка в рационах учащихся школ Республики Таджикистан]

Introduction. The objective of the study is an assessment of dietary iron, iodine, and zinc content in school dinners in Tajik schoolchildren, as well as the influence of the use of fortified products supplied by the UN World Food Programme. Material and methods. The investigation is performed in two types of schools located in Penjikent and Ayni regions of the Tajikistan Republic. Type 1 schools were not involved in the program of school nutrition improvement, whereas type 2 schools took part in the WFP UN program on the supply of fortified products, as well as the governmental program on improvement of infrastructure and provision of hot meals. Results and discussion. Iron, iodine, and zinc content in fortified wheat flour supplied by WFP UN exceeded the respective values of the local product by a factor of 2.3, 14, and 4.7. Iodized salt (WFP UN) was characterized by an 11-fold increase in iodine content as compared to the locally used salt. The use of fortified wheat flour and iodized salt in type 2 schools for the preparation of school dinners should provide an increased dietary intake of iron, iodine, and zinc by a factor of 2.5, 12, and 4, when compared to type 1 schools, respectively. Conclusion. Therefore, WFP UN along with governmental efforts aimed at improvement of school meals provided from 50% to 100% of the recommended dietary allowance for iron and zinc, whereas in the case of iodine even exceeded recommended values, being indicative of the efficiency of the efforts. At the same time, such programs should be supported by trace element monitoring in the organism for assessment of both efficiency and safety. © 2020 Izdatel'stvo Meditsina. All rights reserved

Особенности сывороточной концентрации аминокислот у детей дошкольного возраста с расстройством аутистического спектра

The aim of this study was to investigate the serum concentration of amino acids, as well as their derivatives, in children with an autism spectrum disorder of preschool age. Material and methods. There are 35 boys with ASD (ICD-10: F84.0) of preschool age (3-6 years) and 35 healthy peers were examined. Determination of serum concentration of amino acids and their derivatives was carried out by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on a PerkinElmer S200 chromatograph (PerkinElmer, USA). Results. It was found that the concentration of leucine, lysine, threonine, tryptophan, arginine, glutamine, serine, 1-methylhistidine, α-aminobutyric acid and taurine was characterized by a significant decrease relative to the control values by 11%, 22%, 19%, 22%, 34%, 17%, 13%, 29%, 20% and 14%, respectively. It is also worth noting a 16% decrease in serum phenylalanine, approaching significant in significance. At the same time, the hydroxyproline serum concentration in children with autism exceeded the corresponding parameters in the control group by more than 3 times. In accordance with the results of a group comparison, a tight relationship with ASD was found for the concentration of hydroxyproline (β = 0.447; p = 0.001) and arginine (β = -0.238; p = 0.068). A model including the level of amino acids characterized by any significant group differences (1mh, Aab, Arg, Gln, Hypro, Leu, Lys, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tau) was associated with 26% of the variability of the presence of ASD (p = 0.001). Conclusions. Thus, the data obtained indicate a pronounced trend towards amino acid deficiency in children with ASD amid an increase in the concentration of hydroxyproline, which may be the link between autism and joint hypermobility. In turn, a deficiency of a number of amino acids, which are precursors of neurotransmitters, can lead to aggravation of neuropsychiatric disorders. In this regard, the correction of the amino acids metabolism may be one of the potential directions in the treatment of ASD.Цель исследования - изучение сывороточной концентрации аминокислот и ряда их производных у детей с расстройством аутистического спектра (РАС) дошкольного возраста. Материал и методы. Обследовано 35 мальчиков с РАС (МКБ-10: F84.0) дошкольного возраста (3-6 лет) и 35 здоровых сверстников. Определение сывороточной концентрации аминокислот и их производных проводилось методом высокоэффективной жидкостной хроматографии (ВЭЖХ) на хроматографе PerkinElmer S200 («PerkinElmer», США). Результаты. Установлено, что концентрации лейцина, лизина, треонина, триптофана, аргинина, глутамина, серина, 1-метилгистидина, α-аминомасляной кислоты и таурина характеризовались достоверным снижением относительно контрольных значений на 11, 22, 19, 22, 34, 17, 13, 29, 20 и 14% соответственно. Отмечено 16%-ное снижение уровня фенилаланина в сыворотке крови, приближающееся по значимости к достоверному. Концентрация гидроксипролина в сыворотке детей с аутизмом превышала соответствующие показатели в контрольной группе более чем в 3 раза. В соответствии с результатами группового сравнения тесная взаимосвязь с РАС была выявлена для концентраций гидроксипролина (β=0,447; р=0,001) и аргинина (β=-0,238; р=0,068). Модель, включающая уровень аминокислот, характеризующихся сколько-нибудь значимыми групповыми отличиями (1mh, Aab, Arg, Gln, Hypro, Leu, Lys, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tau), была связана с 26% вариабельности наличия РАС (р=0,001). Выводы. Полученные данные свидетельствуют о выраженной тенденции к дефициту аминокислот у детей с РАС на фоне повышения концентрации гидроксипролина, что может являться связующим звеном между аутизмом и гипермобильностью суставов. В свою очередь, дефицит ряда аминокислот, являющихся прекурсорами нейромедиаторов, может приводить к усугублению нервно-психических нарушений. В этой связи коррекция метаболизма аминокислот может являться одним из потенциальных направлений в терапии РАС