Heavy metal toxicity in poultry: a comprehensive review

Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles of Pirata subpiraticus in response to copper exposure

Copper (Cu) contamination represents a persistent and significant form of heavy metal pollution in agricultural ecosystems, posing serious threats to organisms in current society. Spiders serve as crucial biological indicators for assessing the impact of heavy metals-induced toxicity. However, the specific molecular responses of spiders to Cu exposure and the mechanisms involved are not well understood. In our study, the wolf pond spiders, Pirata subpiraticus, were exposed to Cu for 21 d, resulting in a notable decline in survival rates compared with the control (n = 50, p < 0.05). We observed an increased expression of enzymes like glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (p < 0.05), signaling a strong oxidative stress response crucial for counteracting the harmful effects of reactive oxygen species. This response was corroborated by a rise in malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.05), a marker of lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed 2004 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 220 metabolites (DEMs). A significant number of these DEGs were involved in the glutathione biosynthetic process and antioxidant activity. A conjoint analysis revealed that under the Cu stress, several important enzymes and metabolites were altered (e.g., cathepsin A, legumain, and lysosomal acid lipase), affecting the activities of key biological processes and components, such as lysosome and insect hormone biosynthesis. Additionally, the protein interaction network analysis showed an up-regulation of processes like the apoptotic process, glutamate synthase activity, and peroxisome, suggesting that spiders activate cellular protective strategies to cope with stress and maintain homeostasis. This study not only deepens our understanding of spider biology in the context of environmental stress but also makes a significant contribution to the field of environmental stress biology.

Guardians of the Gut: Harnessing the Power of Probiotic Microbiota and Their Exopolysaccharides to Mitigate Heavy Metal Toxicity in Human for Better Health

Heavy metal pollution is a significant global health concern, posing risks to both the environment and human health. Exposure to heavy metals happens through various channels like contaminated water, food, air, and workplaces, resulting in severe health implications. Heavy metals also disrupt the gut's microbial balance, leading to dysbiosis characterized by a decrease in beneficial microorganisms and proliferation in harmful ones, ultimately exacerbating health problems. Probiotic microorganisms have demonstrated their ability to adsorb and sequester heavy metals, while their exopolysaccharides (EPS) exhibit chelating properties, aiding in mitigating heavy metal toxicity. These beneficial microorganisms aid in restoring gut integrity through processes like biosorption, bioaccumulation, and biotransformation of heavy metals. Incorporating probiotic strains with high affinity for heavy metals into functional foods and supplements presents a practical approach to mitigating heavy metal toxicity while enhancing gut health. Utilizing probiotic microbiota and their exopolysaccharides to address heavy metal toxicity offers a novel method for improving human health through modulation of the gut microbiome. By combining probiotics and exopolysaccharides, a distinctive strategy emerges for mitigating heavy metal toxicity, highlighting promising avenues for therapeutic interventions and health improvements. Further exploration in this domain could lead to groundbreaking therapies and preventive measures, underscoring probiotic microbiota and exopolysaccharides as natural and environmentally friendly solutions to heavy metal toxicity. This, in turn, could enhance public health by safeguarding the gut from environmental contaminants.

Enhancing trimethoprim pollutant removal from wastewater using magnetic metal-organic framework encapsulated with poly (itaconic acid)-grafted crosslinked chitosan composite sponge: Optimization through Box-Behnken design and thermodynamics of adsorption parameters

Trimethoprim (TMP), an antibiotic contaminant, can be effectively removed from water by using the innovative magnetic metal-organic framework (MOF) composite sponge Fe3O4@Rh-MOF@PIC, which is shown in this study. The composite is made up of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles and a rhodium MOF embedded in a poly(itaconic acid) grafted chitosan matrix. The structure and characteristics of the synthesized material were confirmed by thorough characterization employing SEM, FTIR, XPS, XRD, and BET techniques. Notably, the composite shows a high magnetic saturation of 64 emu g-1, which makes magnetic separation easier, according to vibrating sample magnetometry. Moreover, BET analysis revealed that the Fe3O4@Rh-MOF@PIC sponge had an incredibly high surface area of 1236.48 m2/g. Its outstanding efficacy was confirmed by batch adsorption tests, which produced a maximum adsorption capacity of 391.9 mg/g for the elimination of TMP. Due to its high porosity, magnetic characteristics, and superior trimethoprim uptake, this magnetic MOF composite sponge is a promising adsorbent for effective removal of antibiotics from contaminated water sources. An adsorption energy of 24.5 kJ/mol was found by batch investigations on the Fe3O4@Rh-MOF@PIC composite sponge for trimethoprim (TMP) adsorption. The fact that this value was up 8 kJ/mol suggests that the main mechanism controlling TMP absorption onto the sponge adsorbent is chemisorption. Chemisorption requires creating strong chemical interactions between adsorbate and adsorbent surface groups, unlike weaker physisorption. The magnetic composite sponge exhibited strong removal capabilities and high adsorption capacities for the antibiotic pollutant. The Fe3O4@Rh-MOF@PIC composite sponge also showed magnetism, which allowed for easy magnetic separation after adsorption. Over the course of 6 cycles, it showed outstanding reusability, and XRD confirmed that its composition was stable. The high surface area MOF's pore filling, hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, and electrostatic interactions were the main trimethoprim adsorption mechanisms. This magnetic composite is feasible and effective for removing antibiotics from water because of its separability, reusability, and synergistic adsorption mechanisms via electrostatics, H-bonding, and π-interactions. The adsorption results were optimized using Box Behnken-design (BBD).

Species Differences and Tissue Distribution of Heavy Metal Residues in Wild Birds

Birds are useful as bioindicators of metal pollution, but the variety of species and tissue distribution may influence the study of heavy metal burdens in birds. The objective of this study was to determine the levels of heavy metals in wild birds' carcasses to acquire information on species differences and the tissue distribution of metals in wild birds in Thailand. Species differences in metal buildup were observed in the livers and kidneys, but not in the feathers. A significantly higher accumulation of Cd was found in the livers and kidneys of the granivorous birds compared to those in the water birds. In all the groups of birds, the Pb level in the livers (>15 ppm) and feathers (>4 ppm) exceeded the threshold limits, causing potential lead poisoning and disturbing the reproductive success. The Cd accumulation in the kidneys was above 2-8 ppm, indicating increased environmental exposure to Cd in these birds. The Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn, and Fe concentrations in the livers could be estimated using the kidneys, while the Pb level in the liver may be predicted using feathers. Furthermore, water birds' feathers may be potentially appropriate bioindicators for long-term exposure. Research on the origin of metal contamination is needed to reduce the threat of heavy metals to the health of both birds and other wildlife species.

Spirulina supplementation to alleviate negative effects of lead in layer chicken

Objectives

Lead (Pb), a toxic heavy metal, is a serious concern for poultry that negatively affects their productivity and health. To combat those issues efficiently, it is necessary to include feed supplements that have rich antioxidant properties for satisfactory health and productivity. Spirulina platensis (Sp), a microalgae, is a compound that provides several health benefits for humans and animals. This study explores that supplementation of Sp in diet as well as in water reduces the burden of Pb in different tissues, improves hematology, and improves the productive performance of advanced-age laying hens.

Materials and methods

Forty birds were separated into four groups: the control (C), Spirulina (Sp), Pb, and (Pb + Sp) groups. The Pb group was given Pb acetate at a dose of 2 gm/l in water ad libitum for 4 weeks. Sp group was fed Sp at a dose of 4 gm/kg feed. The Pb + Sp group was given Pb and Sp as in the previous groups.

Results

Productive performance and hematology such as hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume, red blood cell, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular Hb (MCH) concentration, and MCH were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in Pb-treated groups compared to controls. The distribution of Pb concentration was highest in the bones and lowest in the gizzard. However, Sp treatment significantly (p < 0.05) increased the productive performance and the hematological parameters. Moreover, Pb concentration in different organs significantly decreased in the group treated with Sp.

Conclusion

This study indicates that Sp can possibly be used as a natural and powerful dietary additive to mitigate heavy metal intoxication in chickens, thereby being efficient and effective for production.