Grzegorz Formicki

Concentration of trace elements in human semen and relation to spermatozoa quality.

In this study the concentrations of trace elements such as lead, cadmium, iron, nickel, copper and zinc in the human semen (n = 47), occurrence of pathological spermatozoa, and correlations of these elements to pathological forms were investigated. For each sample of human spermatozoa at least 500 spermatozoa were evaluated. Metal contents were determined by the voltametric method and flame absorption spectrophotometry method. The concentrations of trace elements in human semen were: lead 1.49 ± 0.40 mg.kg− 1, cadmium 0.13 ± 0.15 mg.kg− 1, iron 2.59 ± 0.21 mg.kg− 1, nickel 0.40 ± 0.07 mg.kg− 1, copper 0.28 ± 0.06 mg.kg− 1, and zinc 153.93 ± 67.08 mg.kg− 1, respectively. The total percentage of pathological spermatozoa was 41.61 ± 9.80% with predominancy of broken flagellum, flagellum torso and separated flagellum. In relation to trace elements the analysis showed correlation between copper and lead (r = −0.47), nickel and iron (r = 0.36), lead and flagellum ball (r = −0.39), cadmium and large heads (r = 0.37) and between iron and other forms of pathological spermatozoa (r = −0.32). Results of this study describe possible effects of trace elements on the spermatozoa quality in normal human sperm.

Mercury-induced alterations in rat kidneys and testes in vivo

In this study effects of mercury administration on the kidney and testicular structure of adult rats were evaluated. Rats received mercury (HgCl2) in single intraperitoneal dose 20 mg HgCl2 (group A), 10 mg HgCl2 (group B) and 5 mg HgCl2 (group C) per kilogram of body weight and were killed after 48 hours following mercury administration. After the preparation of histological samples the results were compared with control group (K). In kidney decreased diameters of glomeruli and renal corpuscles, damaged tubules with affected quality of tubular cells and infiltration of interstitium were detected. Quantitative analysis demonstrated increased relative volume of tubules and renal corpuscles. Also the number of nuclei and glomeruli was increased in all experimental groups. The diameter of glomeruli and renal corpuscles was decreased. In testis undulation of basal membrane, dilatation of blood vessels in interstitium and occurrence of empty spaces in germinal epithelium were observed. Decreased relative volume of germinal epithelium, increased relative volume of interstitium and increased apoptosis occurrence suggest damaged interstitium and revealed occurrence of edemas. The relative volume of seminiferous tubules showed higher luminization. The number of nuclei was decreased in all experimental groups what is in positive relation with occurrence of empty spaces. Also other evaluated criteria demonstrated significant differences between control group and experimental groups. This study reports a negative effect of mercury on the structure and function of kidney and testes.

Daily fluctuations and distribution of xenobiotics, nutritional and biogenic elements in human milk in Southern Poland

Cadmium, lead, zinc, copper, calcium and magnesium levels were determined (with voltametric and AAS methods) in mature breast milk (obtained 12 weeks after birth) from women living in the Malopolska District, near Krakow, Poland. Milk was sampled from lactating women during a 14-day period three times a day: at 9:00 am, 3:00 pm, and 9:00 pm. A total of 210 milk samples was collected. In general we noticed the presence of differences both in the levels of Cd and Pb between milk samples taken from diferent women and statistically significant daily changes of Cd level in two cases and Pb level in three cases. We found daily fluctuations of trace elements levels in milk samples taken from two women in case of Zn, and from one woman in case of Cu. Among the nutritional elements magnesium and cadmium daily fluctuations were detected in isolated cases, respectively. The diferences in their levels among samples taken from different women were statistically significant. We found significant correlations between xenobiotics and two major nutritional elements and between xenobiotics and biogenic elements in breast milk samples. We found strong positive correlations between Cd and Ca (R = 0.220), Cd and Mg (R = 0.201), Cd and Zn (R = 0.279), Cu and Ca (R = 0.347), Cu and Mg (R = 0.084), Zn and Mg (R = -0.089) and negative correlation between Pb and Ca (R = -0.295). Our results suggest that xenobiotics such as Cd and Pb are transported to womens milk during lactation, and their presence has an important influence on trace and nutritional elements in breast milk. Breastfeeding mothers should avoid situations in which they run the risk of xenobiotics interactions.

Nickel induced alteration of hen body weight, egg production and egg quality after an experimental peroral administration.

In this study the effects of nickel (NiCl2) administered in drinking water (0.02; 0.2 and 2.0 mg NiCl2/L for 28 days) on laying hen body weight, egg production and egg quality is reported. Growth parameters during the experiment were significantly decreased mainly in the group with the highest nickel concentration. In total egg production dose–dependent decrease in all experimental groups was found. Egg weight was mainly affected in the group with the highest nickel concentration. Specific egg weight was not altered. Albumen weight and albumen content was significantly decreased in groups with the highest nickel concentration in comparison with the control group. Egg yolk analysis detected significantly decreased yolk weight in the group with the highest nickel experimental level. In yolk color a significant difference was detected between the group receiving 0.02 and 0.2 mg NiCl2/mL. Eggshell compactness was increased in all experimental groups what could be induced by altered mineralization of eggshell. Results of this study clearly report a negative effect of nickel as an environmental pollutant on laying hen body weight, egg production as well as egg quality.

Heavy metal content in the femora of yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) and wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) from different types of polluted environment in Slovakia

Heavy metal content in the femora of yellow-necked mouse (Apodemus flavicollis) and wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) caught in different polluted biotopes of a low hill level in Slovakia (Nováky and Kolín̆any) was investigated in the present study. Length, weight and histological structure of mouse bones have also been analysed. According to our results, higher concentrations of Cd, Ni, Fe, Cu and Zn were detected in the femora of A. flavicollis from Kolín̆any area. Similarly, we observed higher concentrations of Ni, Fe, Cu and Zn in the bones of A. sylvaticus trapped at the same biotope. Significant differences were observed for concentrations of Ni and Zn in both species (P < 0.05). The measured values for bone length and bone weight were higher in yellow-necked mice and wood mice from Nováky locality (P < 0.01). Histological observation of thin sections from femora of A. flavicollis and A. sylvaticus revealed an outer and inner non-vascular lamellar layer around a poorly developed reticular layer. We did not identify demonstrable changes in qualitative histological characteristics of the femora between the mice (A. flavicollis and A. sylvaticus separately) from different types of polluted environment. Also, no statistically significant differences for all the measured variables of primary osteons’ vascular canals were observed. Correlation analysis in yellow-necked mouse showed high positive relation between bone weight and bone length (r = 0.66), area and perimeter (r = 0.87) and perimeter and maximum diameter (r = 0.87). In wood mouse, high positive correlation between bone weight and bone length (r = 0.80), area and perimeter (r = 0.72), area and maximum diameter (r = 0.66) and perimeter and maximum diameter (r = 0.74) was found. Our results demonstrate slightly elevated accumulation of some heavy metals in the femora of yellow-necked mouse and wood mouse from Kolín̆any biotope and thus give an evidence of a contamination of the environment.

Effects of UV‐A and UV‐B on oxygen consumption in common toad (Bufo bufo) tadpoles

The effects of UV-A and UV-B (Cracow District, Poland, 50°04′N, 19°57′E; 220 m a.s.l.) on oxygen consumption were studied in common toad Bufo bufo (L.) tadpoles (Gosner stage 27). Ecologically relevant chronic doses of UV were simulated in the laboratory. Larvae separated for experiment were derived from UV-exposed or not exposed embryos. After hatching, tadpoles in stages 24–27 were treated with UV-A or UV-B. UV-A caused significant increases in oxygen consumption in larvae grown from untreated embryos, whereas no changes occurred in tadpoles irradiated with UV-A during embryonic and larval development. UV-B caused significant decreases in oxygen consumption in all exposed tadpoles. The changes were larger in larvae derived from eggs not exposed to UV-B than in tadpoles grown from UV-B-treated embryos. Our results suggest that ambient levels of UV-A and especially UV-B may affect the metabolic rate of common toad larvae living in shallow habitats. Affected respiration may retard development as well as increase the susceptibility of tadpoles to ecologically relevant pathogens. On the other hand, it seems that UV-irradiation induces some adaptive processes during embryonic development, which increase the resistance of the larval respiratory system to solar UV radiation.

Combined effects of cadmium and ultraviolet radiation on mortality and mineral content in common frog (Rana temporaria) larvae

The combined effects of UV with Cd2 + exposure on the mortality and mineral content of common frog larvae was investigated. Tadpoles were raised in increasing concentrations of Cd2 + (0–2000 μ g×L−1). Additionally the larvae were exposed to biologically effective doses of UV–A (0.24 kJ×m− 2) and UV–B (2.71 kJ×m− 2). Parallel groups were grown in the same ionic concentrations in the absence of UV. In the second experiment larvae were exposed to sublethal doses of Cd2 + (1000 μ g× L−1) for 3 days. Then the larvae were submitted to 4 weeks of recovery in clean water. Cd, Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg, Fe, Na, K contents and Na/K ratio were measured. In tadpoles exposed exclusively to Cd2 + the 96 h LC50 = 3155 μ g× L−1. By contrast in tadpoles exposed to Cd2 + and UV for 96 hours the LC50 = 710 μ g× L−1. More cadmium was accumulated in UV–exposed tadpoles. On the other hand tadpoles exposed to UV radiation removed cadmium more efficiently than non–irradiated larvae. Cu, Na, and K were positively correlated with Cd content while Mg was negatively correlated with Cd. Animals exposed to combined stressors had lower Mg, Fe, Ca, Na, Zn contents, lower Na/K ratio and higher Cu and K contents than animals exposed exclusively to cadmium. Our studies indicate that cadmium ions combined with UV significantly increase mortality of common frog tadpoles. This may be related to higher cadmium uptake, disturbances in the content of essential metals and ionic imbalance.

Acrylamide Influence on Activity of Acetylcholinesterase, Thiol Groups, and Malondialdehyde Content in the Brain of Swiss Mice

Acrylamide is a neurotoxin inhibiting neurotransmission in peripheral nerves. Less is known about acrylamide influence on the central nervous system. Here we measured acrylamide influence on the acetylcholinesterase activity in brain stem, hemispheres, and cerebellum of mice (males, Swiss strain) in relation to the thiol groups and malondialdehyde concentration. Acrylamide was injected intraperitoneally (20 and 40 mg/kg, i.e. 0.52 and 1.04 mg per animal). The brain structures were taken 24, 48, and 192 h after the injection. Acetylcholinesterase activity was significantly lower (p < 0.001 to p < 0.05) in all the structures. It was accompanied by the statistically significant (p < 0.001 to p < 0.05) increase in malondialdehyde concentrations in most of the studied structures time periods and ACR doses. –SH groups concentrations were significantly depleted in the right hemisphere (p < 0.01) after 24 h and in brain stem (p < 0.05) after 48 h. We suggest that neurotoxicity of acrylamide in brain is related to acetylcholinesterase inhibition and redox imbalance.

Accumulation of risk elements in kidney, liver, testis, uterus and bone of free-living wild rodents from a polluted area in Slovakia

Free-living wild rodents are usually used as indicators of pollution, with elements being determined in either whole body or in specific organs. In the present study, the accumulation of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) in kidney, liver, testis, uterus and bone of yellow-necked mice (Apodemus flavicollis) and bank voles (Myodes glareolus) trapped in a polluted area of Nováky, Slovakia was investigated. Yellow-necked mice and bank voles were collected using standard theriological methods for wood ecosystems. All animals were adults in good physical condition. Concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, and Zn in all analyzed organs were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The highest concentrations of Cd and Zn were found in the bone of both species while Cu and Fe accumulated most in the uterus. Significantly higher concentrations of Cd and Cu were detected in the liver of the bank vole in comparison with the yellow-necked mouse (P<0.05). Similar significantly higher levels of Cd and Zn were found in the bone of the bank vole (P<0.05) than in the yellow-necked mouse, while these rodents had significantly higher Cu and Fe concentrations (P<0.05) in the kidney. Significantly higher levels of Fe and Zn were detected in the testis and uterus of bank voles, respectively. On the other hand, significantly higher concentration of Cu was found in the testis of yellow-necked mice. Results of this study suggest that bank voles are more sensitive heavy metal loaded bioindicators than yellow-necked mice.

Blood concentration of copper, cadmium, zinc and lead in horses and its relation to hematological and biochemical parameters

Environmental pollution results in serious health hazards to animals and blood analysis serves as a good alternative for health status assessment. The target of this study was to analyze the concentration of selected metals in equine blood, to analyze the blood parameters and to find possible correlations. Blood samples were collected from the vena jugularis of healthy adult horses. The highest concentration of all elements was found in whole blood (Cu 3.84 ± 0.90 mg L−1; Cd = 0.81 ± 0.90 mg L−1; Zn 26.67 ± 14.12 mg L−1; Pb 9.33 ± 5.76 mg L−1). Higher concentrations of copper, cadmium, zinc and lead were detected in blood clots compared to blood sera (44.04%). A similar tendency was found for cadmium (50%), zinc (13.08%) and lead (46.02%), which showed generally higher concentrations in blood clots (cells). Correlation analysis proved some relations between analyzed elements. In blood clots there is a strong positive correlation between Cd – Pb (r = 0.93) and Zn – Pb (r = 0.71) was detected. For biochemical and hematological parameters mainly medium correlations were detected. Obtained results prove different correlations of analyzed elements in blood components as well as the effect on parameters of blood biochemical and hematological profiles.