Protective Effect of Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa L.) Extract against Cadmium Impact on the Biomechanical Properties of the Femur: A Study in a Rat Model of Low and Moderate Lifetime Women Exposure to This Heavy Metal

The Body Status of Manganese and Activity of This Element-Dependent Mitochondrial Superoxide Dismutase in a Rat Model of Human Exposure to Cadmium and Co-Administration of Aronia melanocarpa L. Extract

The impact of a polyphenol-rich 0.1% aqueous extract from Aronia melanocarpa L. berries (AE) on the body status of manganese (Mn) and the activity of this essential element-dependent mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) during treatment with cadmium (Cd) was investigated in a rat model of low-level and moderate environmental human exposure to this xenobiotic (1 and 5 mg Cd/kg diet, respectively, for 3-24 months). The exposure to Cd, dose- and duration-dependently, affected the body status of Mn (apparent absorption, body retention, serum and tissue concentrations, content in some organs and total Mn body burden, and urinary and faecal excretion) and the activity of MnSOD in the mitochondria of the liver, kidney, and brain. The administration of AE during the exposure to Cd prevented or at least partially protected the animals from the perturbation of the metabolism of Mn, as well as ameliorated changes in the activity of MnSOD and the concentration of Mn and protected from Cd accumulation in the mitochondria. In conclusion, AE may protect from disorders in the body status of Mn and influence the antioxidative capacity of cells under chronic exposure to Cd. The findings confirm the protective impact of aronia berries products against Cd toxicity.

Intermittent parathyroid hormone treatment affects the bone structural parameters and mechanical strength of the femoral neck after ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats

Background

Menopause-induced decline in estrogen levels in women is a main factor leading to osteoporosis. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH) on bone structural parameters of the femoral neck in ovariectomized rats, in addition to correlations of maximum fracture force.

Methods

Fifteen female Wister rats were divided into three groups: (1) control group; (2) ovariectomized (OVX) group; and (3) OVX  +  PTH group. All rats were then killed and the femurs extracted for microcomputed tomography scanning to measure volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and bone structural parameters of the femoral neck. Furthermore, the fracture forces of femoral neck were measured using a material testing system.

Results

Compared with the control and OVX  +  PTH groups, the OVX group had significantly lower aBMD, bone parameter, and mechanical strength values. A comparison between OVX and OVX  +  PTH groups indicated that PTH treatment increased several bone parameters. However, the OVX  +  PTH groups did not significantly differ with the control group with respect to the bone structural parameters, except for trabecular bone thickness of cancellous bone, which was greater. In addition, among the bone structural parameters, the CSA and BSI of cortical bone were significantly correlated with the maximum fracture force of the femoral neck, with correlations of, respectively, 0.682 (p  = 0.005) and 0.700 (p  = 0.004).

Conclusion

Intermittent PTH helped treat ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis of cancellous bone and cortical bone in the femoral necks of rats. The ability of the femoral neck to resist fracture was highly correlated with the two parameters, namely cross-sectional area (CSA) and bone strength index (=  vBMD  ×  CSA), of cortical bone in the femoral neck and was less correlated with aBMD or other bone structural parameters.

Functional Food for Elderly High in Antioxidant and Chicken Eggshell Calcium to Reduce the Risk of Osteoporosis-A Narrative Review

The elderly population is increasing globally and is predicted to reach 1.5 billion in 2050. The quality of life of the elderly must be concerned, for example, with developing functional food for the elderly. In this article, the development of functional food to reduce the risk of osteoporosis in the elderly is reviewed. Oxidative stress is one of the factors which accelerates osteoporosis. Various antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, polyphenols, or lycopene, have been proven by former studies to have antioxidant activity, therefore, could reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Additionally, the application of eggshell powder in various food products has been reported to improve calcium intake, and its usage is environmentally sustainable as this could contribute to reducing food waste. The application of both antioxidants and calcium could be a good combination, but the amount of some antioxidants must be concerned so it would not interfere with the bioavailability of calcium. Therefore, this review aims to explore the functional food for the elderly to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, particularly with antioxidants and calcium from chicken eggshells. The eating preference and dietary pattern of the elderly are also considered to determine the suitable form of functional food for the elderly. The results presented in the study may be the basis for the development of new calcium-enriched food products for the elderly.

The Impact of a Polyphenol-Rich Extract from the Berries of Aronia melanocarpa L. on Collagen Metabolism in the Liver: A Study in an In Vivo Model of Human Environmental Exposure to Cadmium

This study examined whether a polyphenol-rich extract from the berries of Aronia melanocarpa L. (AE; chokeberries) may protect from the impact of cadmium (Cd) on the metabolism of collagen in the liver. The study was conducted in an experimental model (rats that were fed a diet containing 1 or 5 mg Cd/kg for 3-24 months) of human exposure to this xenobiotic during a lifetime. The concentration of total collagen and the expression of collagen types I and III at the mRNA and protein levels, as well as the concentrations of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1 and MMP-2) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2), were assayed. The administration of Cd and/or AE had only a slight and temporary impact on the concentration of total collagen in the liver. The supplementation with AE significantly prevented Cd-mediated changes in the expression of collagen types I and III at the mRNA and protein levels and their ratio (collagen III/collagen I), as well as a rise in the concentrations of MMPs and TIMPs in this organ. The results allow the conclusion that the intake of chokeberry products in the case of Cd intoxication may be effective in prevention from this xenobiotic-induced disturbance in collagen homeostasis in the liver.

Diallyl disulfide attenuation effect on transcriptome in rat liver cells against cadmium chloride toxicity

In this report, liver cells were treated with cadmium chloride (CdCl₂ ) and diallyl disulfide (DADS), a major compound from garlic to attenuate the toxic effect of Cd on transcriptome. The viability of Cd treated cells was reduced to 19.9% ± 2.4% in comparison to the untreated cells, whereas the viability of DADS pretreated cells was increased to 48.6% ± 2%. The attenuation effect of DADS was studied at shorter period (6 hours). Transcriptome analysis of CdCl₂ alone treated cells resulted in 2119 and 982 (up and down) regulated genes (≥ 2 or ≤ 2-fold), whereas pretreated cells with DADS resulted in 2597 and 1784 genes. These genes were known to function in many important biological processes. Affymetrix array analysis was validated by the pathway specific PCR array that exhibited the same trend of expression. The current study clearly shows the DADS attenuation effect on transcriptome in CdCl₂ -treated rat liver cells.

Protective Effects of Moderate Ca Supplementation against Cd-Induced Bone Damage under Different Population-Relevant Doses in Young Female Rats

Estimation of the skeleton-protective effects of Ca in Cd-induced bone damage is helpful in the assessment of Cd health risk. The aim of this study was to identify whether Ca supplementation during exposure to different population-relevant doses of Cd can prevent Cd-induced bone damage under the tolerable upper intake level of Ca supplementation. Young female Sprague-Dawley rats were given different population-relevant doses of Cd (1, 5, and 50 mg Cd/kg diet) and Ca supplementation (0.4% Ca supplementation) intervention. Ca supplementation significantly decreased Cd-induced bone microstructure damage, increased bone biomechanics (p < 0.05), serum bone formation marker level (p < 0.05) and expression of osteogenic gene markers exposure to the 5 and 50 mg Cd/kg diets. However, it had no impact on these indicators under the 1 mg Cd/kg diets, with the exception of expression of osteogenic marker genes. Ca supplementation significantly decreased serum Klotho level (p < 0.05), and fibroblast growth factor 23/Klotho-associated gene expression in the kidney and bone showed significant changes. In conclusion, Ca supplementation has a positive effect on bone formation and bone quality against the damaging impact of Cd, especially with exposure to the 5 mg and 50 mg Cd/kg diet, which may be related to its impact on the fibroblast growth factor 23/Klotho axis.

The effect of cadmium exposition on the structure and mechanical properties of rat incisors

Alterations in the structure and mechanical properties of teeth in adult Wistar rats exposed to cadmium were investigated. Analyses were conducted on two sets of incisors from female and male specimens, that were intoxicated with cadmium (n = 12) or belonged to the control (n = 12). The cadmium group was administered with CdCl2 dissolved in drinking water with a dose of 4mg/kgbw for 10 weeks. The oral intake of cadmium by adult rats led to the range of structural changes in enamel morphology and its mechanical features. A significant increase of cadmium levels in the teeth in comparison to the control, a slight shift in the colour and reduction of pigmented enamel length, higher surface irregularity, a decrease of hydroxyapatite crystals size in the c-axis and simultaneous increase in pigmented enamel hardness were observed. The extent of these changes was sex-dependent and was more pronounced in males.

Extract from Aronia melanocarpa L. Berries Protects Against Cadmium-induced Lipid Peroxidation and Oxidative Damage to Proteins and DNA in the Liver: A Study using a Rat Model of Environmental Human Exposure to this Xenobiotic

It was investigated, using a female rat model of low and moderate exposure of human to cadmium (Cd, 1 and 5 mg Cd/kg diet for 3⁻24 months), whether a polyphenol-rich 0.1% aqueous extract from Aronia melanocarpa L. berries (AE) may prevent Cd-induced lipid peroxidation and oxidative modifications of proteins and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in the liver. For this purpose, markers of lipid peroxidation (lipid peroxides and 8-isoprostane) and oxidative injury of proteins (protein carbonyl groups and 3-nitrotyrosine) and DNA (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine) were measured in this organ. The expression of metallothionein 1 (MT1) and metallothionein 2 (MT2) genes was estimated for a better explanation of the possible mechanisms of protective action of AE against Cd hepatotoxicity. The low and moderate treatment with Cd induced lipid peroxidation and oxidatively modified proteins and DNA, as well as enhanced the expression of MT1 and MT2 in the liver, whereas the co-administration of AE completely prevented almost all of these effects. The results allow us to conclude that the consumption of aronia products under exposure to Cd may offer protection against oxidative injury of the main cellular macromolecules in the liver, including especially lipid peroxidation, and in this way prevent damage to this organ.

Extract from Aronia melanocarpa L. Berries Prevents Cadmium-Induced Oxidative Stress in the Liver: A Study in A Rat Model of Low-Level and Moderate Lifetime Human Exposure to this Toxic Metal

The study investigated, in a rat model of low-level and moderate environmental exposure to cadmium (Cd; 1 or 5 mg Cd/kg diet, respectively, for 3 to 24 months), whether the co-administration of 0.1% extract from Aronia melanocarpa L. berries (AE) may protect against oxidative stress in the liver and in this way mediate this organ status. The intoxication with Cd, dose- and duration-dependently, weakened the enzymatic antioxidative barrier, decreased the concentrations of reduced glutathione and total thiol groups, and increased the concentrations of oxidized glutathione, hydrogen peroxide, xanthine oxidase, and myeloperoxidase in this organ. These resulted in a decrease in the total antioxidative status, increase in the total oxidative status and development of oxidative stress (increased oxidative stress index and malondialdehyde concentration) and histopathological changes in the liver. The administration of AE at both levels of Cd treatment significantly improved the enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidative barrier, decreased pro-oxidant concentration, and protected from the development of oxidative stress in the liver and changes in its morphology, as well as normalized the serum activities of liver enzymes markers. In conclusion, consumption of aronia products may prevent Cd-induced destroying the oxidative/antioxidative balance and development of oxidative stress in the liver protecting against this organ damage.

Review of polyphenol-rich products as potential protective and therapeutic factors against cadmium hepatotoxicity

Recently, the growing attention of the scientific community has been focused on the threat to health created by environmental pollutants, including toxic metals such as cadmium (Cd), and on the need of finding effective ways to prevent and treat the unfavorable health effects of exposure to them. Particularly promising for Cd, and thus arousing the greatest interest, is the possibility of using various ingredients present in plants, including mainly polyphenolic compounds. As the liver is one of the target organs for this toxic metal and disturbances in the proper functioning of this organ have serious consequences for health, the aim of the present review was to discuss the possibility of using polyphenol-rich food products (e.g., chokeberry, black and green tea, blueberry, olive oil, rosemary and ginger) as the strategy in protection from this xenobiotic hepatotoxicity and treatment of this heavy metal-induced liver damage. Owing to the ability of polyphenols to bind ions of Cd and the strong antioxidative potential of these compounds, as well as their abundance in dietary products, it seems to be of high importance to consider the possibility of using polyphenols as potential preventive and therapeutic agents against Cd hepatotoxicity, determined by its strong pro-oxidative properties. Although most of the data on the effectiveness of polyphenols comes from studies in animals, the fact that some of them are derived from experimental models that reflect human exposure to this metal allows us to assume that some polyphenol-rich food products may be promising protective agents against Cd hepatotoxicity in humans.

Environmental exposure to cadmium-a risk for health of the general population in industrialized countries and preventive strategies

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal belonging to the group of the main chemical pollutants of the natural and occupational environment in economically developed countries. The forecasts indicate that contamination of the environment with this toxic metal, and thus the exposure of the general population, will increase. Food (particularly plant products) is the main source of the general population exposure to this element. Moreover, an important, and often the main, source of intoxication with Cd is habitual tobacco smoking. Recent epidemiological studies have provided numerous evidence that even low-level environmental exposure to this toxic metal, nowadays occurring in numerous economically developed countries, creates a risk for health of the general population. The low-level lifetime exposure to this metal may lead to the damage to the kidneys, liver, skeletal system, and cardiovascular system, as well as to the deterioration of the sight and hearing. Moreover, it has been suggested that environmental exposure to this xenobiotic may contribute to the development of cancer of the lung, breast, prostate, pancreas, urinary bladder, and nasopharynx. Taking the above into account, the aim of this review article is to draw more attention to Cd as an environmental risk factor for the health of the general population and the need to undertake preventive actions allowing to reduce the risk of health damage due to a lifetime exposure to this toxic metal.

Effect of an Extract from Aronia melanocarpa L. Berries on the Body Status of Zinc and Copper under Chronic Exposure to Cadmium: An In Vivo Experimental Study

In an experimental model of low-level and moderate environmental human exposure to cadmium (Cd), it was investigated whether the consumption of a polyphenol-rich Aronia melanocarpa L. berries (chokeberries) extract (AE) may influence the body status of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu). The bioelements' apparent absorption, body retention, serum and tissue concentrations, total pool in internal organs, excretion, and the degree of binding to metallothionein were evaluated in female rats administered 0.1% aqueous AE or/and Cd in their diet (1 and 5 mg/kg) for 3-24 months. The consumption of AE alone had no influence on the body status of Zn and Cu. The extract administration at both levels of Cd treatment significantly (completely or partially) protected against most of the changes in the metabolism of Zn and Cu caused by this xenobiotic; however, it increased or decreased some of the Cd-unchanged indices of their body status. Based on the findings, it seems that rational amounts of chokeberry products may be included in the daily diet without the risk of destroying Zn and Cu metabolisms; however, their potential prophylactic use under exposure to Cd needs further study to exclude any unfavourable impact of these essential elements on the metabolism.