BACKGROUND: The pollution of environment with heavy metals following the increase in the industrial production has created problems in the lives of living organisms. Lead can penetrate the soft organs of body, and by depositing in them can cause disorders their function. Lead can cross the blood-placental barrier and transfer to the fetus. It is also possible to pass lead through milk to the newborn.OBJECTIVES: The stereology approach was used in rats as animal models to examine the impact of low dosage lead contamination in the mother on the average volume of follicular oocytes and the average volume of mature follicles.METHODS: Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups, which included a control group and four experimental groups of pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, lactation and pre-pregnancy-pregnancy-lactation. The control group had access to drinking water with 0.5 ml of glacial acetic acid. Experimental groups administered lead acetate at a rate of 0.2 percentage + 0.5 ml of glacial acetic acid through drinking water in different periods (pre-pregnancy group 30 days before mating, pregnancy group 21 days of pregnancy, lactation group. They received 21 days of lactation and the pre-pregnancy-pregnancy-lactation group 30 days before mating until the end of lactation). On the 65th day after birth, all infants were killed in the laboratory and left ovary specimens were collected for stereological studies.RESULTS: The results showed that the average volume of oocytes in the primordial, monolayer primary, multilayer primary, and antral follicles increased in the lactation group compared to the control group and other experimental groups (P<0.05). Furthermore, the mean volume of primordial and monolayer primary follicles in lactation group increased compared to the control and experimental groups (P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: This study's results showed that maternal exposure to low doses of lead during lactation increases the average volume of oocytes and increases the average volume of growing follicles.

BACKGROUND: Many of the negative effects of heavy metals can be reduced by diets containing anti-oxidant compounds such as vitamins and herbs. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is evaluation of the effect of Clove essential oil and Ascorbic acid on growth performance and intestinal villi morphology in Japanese quail following oral administration of Lead. METHODS: A total of 120 one-day old quails were divided into 4 groups with 30 quails in each group (3 replicates). The group 1 was fed with basal diet, the groups 2 and 3 were fed with basal diet + 150 and 450 mg/kg diet clove essential oil respectively, the group 4 was fed with basal diet + 500 ppm ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in diet. All groups received 100 ppm lead acetate in drinking water during the experimental period (7-35 days). At day 35, 3 segments of intestine (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) were isolated. RESULTS: The group clove 450 ppm and ascorbic acid had significantly more body weight than control (P<0.05). Also, the group clove 150, 450 ppm and ascorbic acid had significantly less Feed Conversion Rate (FCR) than control (P<0.05). The group clove 450 ppm and ascorbic acid had significantly greater villi dimensions and absorptive surface in the different segments of the intestine in comparison to control (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that adding ascorbic acid and clove essential oil to Japanese quail diet, reduced the negative effects of lead on body weight, feed conversion ratio and intestinal villi absorptive surface.

BACKGROUND: Wheat sprout contains a high amount of antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin E), minerals and phytoestrogen compounds. Use of medicinal herbs in reducing heavy metal toxicities has increased worldwide. In recent years, negative effects of lead on the male reproductive system and sperm fertility parameters have been shown broadly. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effects of wheat sprout extract (WSE) and vitamin E on sperm parameters and testicular oxidative stress in rats exposed to lead acetate. METHODS: Thirty-five rats were divided randomly into seven groups: G1 (control group) received 1 ml/kg/day of normal saline, G2 received 20 mg/kg/day of lead acetate, G3 and G4 received 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day of WSE respectively, G5 and G6 received 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day of WSE respectively with 20 mg/kg/day of lead acetate, and G7 received 100 mg/kg/day of vitamin E with 20 mg/kg/day of lead acetate. After 35 days, rats were sacrificed and blood, sperm, liver and testicle tissue samples were collected for histomorphological and histochemical studies. RESULTS: Results showed that count, motility and viability of sperms increased following the administration of 200 mg/kg/day of WSE (p<0.01). Histomorphological studies showed a significant increase in tubular differentiation index (TDI), Repopulation index (RI), number of Sertoli cells, and epithelium of seminiferous tubules in groups receiving 200 mg/kg/day of WSE (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Results of the current study show that dose dependent WSE significantly prevents testicular toxicity and oxidative stress effects of lead acetate.

BACKGROUND: Lead (Pb) induced oxidative stress is known to suppress growth performance in broiler chickens. The current study was carried out in an attempt to describe the specific underlying mechanisms of such phenomenon. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Pb-induced oxidative stress on performance, antioxidant status and behavioral responses of broiler chicken. METHODS: Eighty day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 2 dietary treatment groups of 4 pen replicates, namely i) basal diet containing no lead supplement (control) and ii) basal diet containing 200 mg Pb/kg of diet. RESULTS: The results showed that addition of lead decreased body weight gain (p<0.01) and feed conversion ratio (p<0.01). Also, consumption of contaminated diet significantly increased MDA and H/L Ratio and significantly decreased SOD and GPx activity (p<0.01). Moreover, addition of 200 mg/kg diet significantly increased sitting pasture and aggression behavior and decreased feeding behavior (p<0.01).               CONCLUSIONS: Our data conclude that Pb-induced oxidative stress adversely suppressed feed conversion ratio and growth performance. The proposed underlying mechanism for such phenomenon is Pb-induced oxidative stress by impaired antioxidant status and feeding behavior decreased the growth performance.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin C (vit C) and magnesium L-threonate (MgT) on the learning ability and memory of mice intoxicated with lead acetate.

Differing conditions in captive breeding and in the wild have impact on the mineral profile of the pheasant carcass and its heavy metal contents. This may be an indicator of environmental contamination. The study evaluated the nutritional composition and selected macro- and trace element contents (heavy metals in particular) in usable sections of pheasant breast and thigh muscles originating from captive breeding and wild birds. The tests were performed on the breast and thigh muscles of 20 wild and 20 farm bred birds from around Lublin, Poland, with equal sex representation. The nutrient and lead, cadmium, chromium, and nickel contents were determined using inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The farmed pheasants had a higher proportion of breast muscle. The thigh muscles of all birds had a higher fat content than the breast muscles (5.1 g vs. 3.4 g per kg of natural weight). The macroelement level depended on the muscle type and bird origin. The trace element content also did and gender dependence was also evident. The wild birds contained more cadmium in the breast muscles and lead in both muscles than the farm-raised ones. The high quality and usefulness of wild and farmed pheasant meat is confirmed. It has advantageous macro- and trace element contents and permissible heavy metal contents except for lead in wild birds. The heavy metal level can be a bioindicator of their environmental occurrence. In wild birds, the lead level may also reflect birdshot remnants.

Introduction: Foot quality is essential to the horse’s movement. The barefoot approach favours the animal’s welfare. Environment and selection determine hoof characteristics. Material and Methods: Hoof characteristics of eight Anglo-Arabian (AA) and nine Haflinger (HA) horses were studied. After a preliminary visual analysis of feet, nail samples were collected after trimming for physico-chemical analysis. The parameters were submitted to analysis of variance. A principal component analysis and a Pearson correlation were used to compare mineral contents. Results: The hooves of both breeds were healthy and solid. The hooves of HA horses were longer than those of AA horses (14.90 ±0.30 cm vs 13.10 ±0.60 cm), while the AA hoof was harder than the HA hoof both in the wall (74.55 ±2.95 H vs 60.18 ±2.67 H) and sole (67.00 ±5.87 H vs 43.0 ±4.76 H). In comparison with the sole, the AA hoof wall also had a lower moisture percentage (12.56 ±0.67% vs 20.64 ±0.76%), while crude protein and ash contents were similar in both regions. The AA hoof showed a higher Se content, while the HA hoof had a higher level of macroelements. The negative correlations of K with Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the AA hoof may indicate osmoregulation activity. Conclusion: The hoof morphology of AA and HA horses met the literature parameters for mesomorphic horses. Both breeds had healthy and well-conformed hooves, useful for sport and recreation activities.

Lead is one of the most important pollutants in the environment and food chain. This heavy metal causes serious health risks, especially cancer, in humans and animals. Taurine is an amino acid that can be synthesized mainly from methionine and cysteine and is used especially in the food industry. This study investigated the possible protective role of taurine on reproductive performance and DNA damage in Drosophila melanogaster exposed to lead. Lead and taurine were added to the broth of D. melanogaster at 100 µM and 3 mM, respectively, for 15 days. The Comet method was used for the determination of DNA damage. It was found that there was raise in DNA damage in the lead-administered groups, whereas taurine reduced the DNA damage induced by lead. In addition, it was determined that lead caused a decrease, whereas taurine had a positive effect on reproductive performance. As a result, it was determined that taurine prevented the negative effects of lead on D. melanogaster and showed protective properties.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate with CT the characteristics of brain tissue disruption and skull damage in cadaveric heads of adult horses caused by each of 6 firearm-ammunition combinations applied at a novel anatomic aiming point. SAMPLE 53 equine cadaveric heads. PROCEDURES Heads placed to simulate that of a standing horse were shot with 1 of 6 firearm-ammunition combinations applied at an aiming point along the external sagittal crest of the head where the 2 temporalis muscles form an inverted V. Firearm-ammunition combinations investigated included a .22-caliber long rifle pistol firing a 40-grain, plated lead, solid-core or hollow-point bullet (HPB); a semiautomatic 9-mm pistol firing a 115-grain, jacketed HPB; a semiautomatic .223-caliber carbine firing a 55-grain, jacketed HPB; a semiautomatic .45-caliber automatic Colt pistol firing a 230-grain, jacketed HPB; and a 12-gauge shotgun firing a 1-oz rifled slug. Additional heads placed in a simulated laterally recumbent position were shot with the semiautomatic 9-mm pistol–HPB combination. All heads underwent CT before and after being shot, and images were evaluated for projectile fragmentation, skull fracture, and cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem disruption. RESULTS Computed tomography revealed that all firearm-ammunition combinations caused disruption of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem that appeared sufficient to result in instantaneous death of a live horse. Hollow-point ammunition was as effective as solid-core ammunition with regard to brain tissue disruption. Brain tissue disruption was not affected by head positioning. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that the examined firearm-ammunition combinations, when applied at a novel aiming point, appear to be reasonable options for euthanasia of horses.

The analytical method of trace toxic metals in livestock products was confirmed and validated through certified reference material (CRM) and the international proficiency tests. There are some difficulties to determine low levels of toxic metals in livestock products because of interferences due to the matrix. The recoveries of CRM (NIST 1577c) ranged from 73.9 to 119% for lead and from 86.4 to 111% for cadmium in bovine liver. The international proficiency tests were carried out with the milk powder and cocoa powder samples including metals provided by Food Analysis Performance Assessment Scheme (FAPAS∨®, UK). The test samples were prepared by microwave digestion using solution of HNO₃: H₂O₂ : H₂O (v/v/v = 5 : 2 : 4) and analyzed by ICP/MS. The analytical result of cadmium in milk powder was 121 ㎍/kg with .0.3 of the z-score compared to the assigned value of 131 ㎍/kg by FAPAS∨®. The analytical results of lead and cadmium in cocoa powder were 29.2 ㎍/kg and 97.6 ㎍/kg, respectively, which satisfied the assigned values of 34.2 ㎍/kg for lead and 126 ㎍/kg for cadmium by FAPAS∨®. It is verified that the analytical method is accurate and reliable to determine trace lead and cadmium in livestock products by microwave digestion and ICP/MS.